Gunman's post-mortem results due

May 8 2008

Results of a post-mortem examination on the body of a barrister shot dead following a stand-off with armed police are due to be released by investigators.

Mark Saunders, 32, was found dead on Tuesday evening after exchanging fire with officers during a five-hour siege at his £2.2 million Chelsea flat.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which is investigating the shooting, is expected to reveal the details of the post-mortem examination.

On Wednesday, it emerged that Mr Saunders wrote a tender message to his wife while besieged in his home.

Neighbour Jane Winkworth said he threw a white cardboard box from a window as he held off police with a shotgun.

She said the box carried a message written in black pen. It read: "I love my wife dearly xxx."

Witnesses described how a woman, believed to be Mr Saunders' wife Elizabeth, fled the Markham Square flat in tears shortly before shots rang out.

Mrs Winkworth ran for her life after Mr Saunders shot at her as she stood in the back garden of the three-storey Georgian terrace.

The businesswoman was then trapped in her basement flat with armed police as they attempted to negotiate the gunman's surrender.

She said the gunman appeared calm and composed, only shouting "I can't hear you" at officers as they attempted to give him instructions.