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Barrister died in shoot-out

8/ 5/2008

THE parents of a Cheshire barrister shot dead by police during an armed siege have told how they have been left mystified by the tragedy

Mark Saunders, 32, a former pupil of the prestigious King's School in Macclesfield, died after a five-hour stand-off with police in London.

He opened fire on neighbours from his flat in Chelsea's exclusive Markham Square before getting into a gunfight with armed officers.

His father Rodney, Saunders 64, of Alderley Edge, said the family were baffled by the incident that led to their son's death.

He said the ordeal had left them 'knackered', and that the family still had 'no idea what went on'.

Witnesses have suggested that Mr Saunders Junior argued with his wife Elizabeth on the morning of his disappearance and after spending several hours in a the pub, went on a drunken rampage.

Witnesses described how the siege unfolded after a woman, believed to be Mr Saunder's wife, fled the property in tears.

Neighbour Jane Winkworth was in the backyard early yesterday evening when Saunders first started shooting. It is understood that after dodging three bullets, she ran inside and called police, who sent armed officers to her flat.

Shots went back and forth between the gunman and police before a final confrontation when Mr Saunders was shot dead.

It is believed Mr Saunders had a gun licence and is understood to have used a legally-owned shotgun to fire at police.

Mr Saunders' father has described his son as a 'very talented person', who appeared to have an 'ideal' relationship with his wife.

Mr Saunders Snr, who is understood to have learnt of the ordeal in the early hours of yesterday morning when police visited his £1.5m mansion, is also reported to have said: “There was no indication whatsoever that there was anything wrong. It is an absolute mystery. We are not aware of anything in his work life or private life which might have made him react like this. We are just shocked and stunned.

“He sent my wife Elizabeth an email just yesterday morning at 7.30am. There was no indication whatsoever that there was anything wrong. That is what we have been trying to understand ourselves.

“In some ways it would help if we could find out what went on and why he has done it." “

A graduate of Christ Church College, Oxford, Mark Saunders worked in family law, specialising in the division of property and other assets during divorce. He worked for the QEB chambers in London.

King's School, Macclesfield, paid tribute to him in a statement.

Headteacher Dr Stephen Coyne said: “King's School is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death."

Salford University psychologist Dr Tom Fawcett said: “This type of behaviour can be the result of an unstable personality – a dispositional personality disorder or psychotic tendencies."

An investigation has been launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

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