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Probe held into armed siege death Probe held into armed siege death
(about 1 hour later)
An inquiry has begun after a gunman was killed following a five-hour armed stand-off in south-west London.An inquiry has begun after a gunman was killed following a five-hour armed stand-off in south-west London.
The 32-year-old, believed to be Mark Saunders, a barrister, died after earlier exchanging shots with police in Markham Square, Chelsea.The 32-year-old, believed to be Mark Saunders, a barrister, died after earlier exchanging shots with police in Markham Square, Chelsea.
Officers were called to King's Road on Tuesday after reports a gun was fired from a house towards another home.Officers were called to King's Road on Tuesday after reports a gun was fired from a house towards another home.
Armed police fired back when they came under attack and the area nearby was sealed off as the siege began.Armed police fired back when they came under attack and the area nearby was sealed off as the siege began.
However, the incident was brought to an end when police stormed the house after four explosions were heard.However, the incident was brought to an end when police stormed the house after four explosions were heard.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is examining the incident.The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is examining the incident.
The BBC has learned Mr Saunders worked at QEB chambers in London and specialised in family law. The IPCC have not confirmed his identity. The BBC has learned Mr Saunders worked at QEB chambers in London and specialised in family law.
The IPCC has not confirmed his identity, but he is expected to officially named after post-mortem examinations.
Neighbour Leslie Hummel describes what happenedNeighbour Leslie Hummel describes what happened
An IPCC spokesman said: "The IPCC is independently investigating the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old man in Markham Square. The deputy chairman of the IPCC, Ian Bynoe, said one firearm was recovered from the address and it was licensed.
"It would appear there were exchanges of fire during the course of the evening. He appealed for witnesses, saying their testimony "would be helpful".
"The Metropolitan Police Service's firearms officers entered a house in Markham Square and found the man. "Our own team of investigators will shortly be starting house-to-house inquiries," he said.
"He was taken outside and given first aid and an ambulance called. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. "There also may be members of the public who can supply us with the images they captured on their cameras or mobile telephones.
"Three IPCC investigators went to the scene which has been preserved." "We've to keep an open mind on how this man came to suffer the wounds from which he died."
The gunman is expected to be identified following a post-mortem examination. Officers will also study footage captured by CCTV cameras and police helicopters.
The area remains cordoned-off and surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated.The area remains cordoned-off and surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated.
No demands
Residents said they were shocked at the shoot-out.Residents said they were shocked at the shoot-out.
Novelist Jenny Haddon, who lives in Bywater Street behind Markham Square, said her front door was knocked in. Novelist Jenny Haddon, who lives in Bywater Street behind Markham Square, said officers broke through her front door while she was out.
"I've got a terrace (house) and I suspect what they (police) did was use the terrace to shoot from. It would have given them a good vantage point." "I've got a terraced [house] and I suspect what they (police) did was use the terrace to shoot from," she said.
"It would have given them a good vantage point."
During the stand-off, the gunman fired three times - first at about 1700 BST, then again at 2100 BST and then at about 2130 BST. Officers returned fire on each occasion.During the stand-off, the gunman fired three times - first at about 1700 BST, then again at 2100 BST and then at about 2130 BST. Officers returned fire on each occasion.
At about 2145 BST, eyewitnesses reported seeing the sky light up with green flashes at the same time as the four explosions, which were thought to be stun grenades.At about 2145 BST, eyewitnesses reported seeing the sky light up with green flashes at the same time as the four explosions, which were thought to be stun grenades.
Metropolitan Police Commander Ali Dizaei said the gunman had made no demands.
Earlier a woman told the BBC she called the police after the gunman fired three shots into her child's bedroom with a shotgun for "no reason".
"I've no idea who he is or why (he was shooting). I'm just grateful my kids weren't in the house," she said.
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Aerial views of the scene of the siegeAerial views of the scene of the siege


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