Siege-death barrister's family hire top lawyer to fight police

The devastated family of the barrister shot dead by police marksmen after a five-hour siege has hired a leading civil rights lawyer to challenge the police version of events.

The widow and parents of Mark Saunders believe officers could have resolved the stand-off in an exclusive London square last month without resorting to lethal force.

And they fear an official investigation, which will take up to six months to reach a conclusion, could become a whitewash.

Mr Saunders, 32, was shot up to seven times as he fired his shotgun out of the window of the £2.2 million home in Markham Square, Chelsea, which he shared with his wife Elizabeth Clarke.

Police say they had no choice but to return fire after he shot at officers, neighbours and other houses in the square.

Now, 40-year-old Ms Clarke, who is also a barrister, has hired high-profile London solicitor Jane Deighton to act for the family during the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) inquiry into his death.

His relatives, who believe Ms Clarke should have been allowed into the couple's home to reason with her husband, are also concerned at the length of time the inquiry is expected to take.

Distraught: Ms Clarke wants to know why her husband Mark was killed

Ms Deighton was chosen by the Saunders family because of her 'formidable' reputation for winning battles against the police.

She represented Duwayne Brooks, the sole witness to the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence, when he complained about his treatment by police. He was awarded £100,000 compensation.

The respected Chambers and Partners guide to the legal profession describes her as 'a force to be reckoned with', who 'pushes the boundaries through perseverance and imagination'.

Ms Deighton confirmed she was acting for the family but added: 'Neither I nor my clients wish to make any comment at all.'

Force: Marksman from CO19 take position on neighbouring roof during the Markham Square siege

Mr Saunders' parents spent several hours on Friday with an IPCC investigator at their detached Victorian house in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

Rosemary Saunders said she and her husband had received an update on the case but added: 'I won't be able to speak for some weeks.'

The IPCC denied that they had gagged the family.

In the days following the May 6 shooting, Rodney Saunders said his son, a former trooper in the Honourable Artillery Company, was not a lethal threat.

He said: 'He didn't endanger anyone at all to my knowledge. We will want answers as to why police shot him.'