Gunman's family demand answers

May 8 2008

The family of a barrister killed in a gun siege have demanded answers over how he met his death.

Mark Saunders, 32, was found dead after armed police ended a five-hour shoot-out by storming his luxury Chelsea flat.

His father Rodney questioned why officers shot his son who he claimed was not a lethal threat.

Speaking at his Cheshire home, Mr Saunders said he did not believe anyone had been put in danger.

He told London's Evening Standard: "Put it this way, he didn't endanger anyone at all to my knowledge and we can only surmise what might have happened before the whole thing started. I just don't know. You would imagine that it will come out in the fullness of time. We will want answers as to why police shot him."

Fresh details of what led to the shooting emerged as Mr Saunders' mother Rosemary insisted his wife Elizabeth Clarke was not at home at the time.

She said Mrs Clarke returned home from QEB Chambers, where the couple worked as barristers, but was not able to pass the police cordon.

Investigators are expected to confirm Mr Saunders was shot by police marksmen following a post-mortem examination.

An inquest into his death will be opened and adjourned on Friday at Westminster Coroner's Court.

Mr Saunders died after blasting at police officers, neighbours and buildings with a shotgun from his £2.2 million Markham Square flat.