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There was still no definitive confirmation today from the Independent Police Complaints Commission on our reports of a taser being responsible for the death of barrister Mark Saunders. Initial reports indicated he died as a result of either his own bullet or that of a police marksman's. An inquest has now heard he was shot five times. Suicide was suggested, as was post traumatic stress by his service in the army. Police maintain they had to return fire. There is however speculation from sources within the Metropolitan Police that a taser was responsible for the man's death - delivered either before or after he was shot.
Shoot out Mr. Saunders, 32, was killed after a shoot out with police from his Chelsea home on Tuesday. The IPCC has confirmed three separate exchanges of fire. Police raided the property using four stun grenades - it is still not clear what happened inside the house. Yesterday the dead man's wife and family questioned the use of deadly force. The IPCC will soon deliver a preliminary report.
Taser
Thelondondailynews.com learned on Tuesday that the family lawyer may have died as a result of being tasered - and not from a bullet wound. There were reports of an exchange of fire on the streets and later inside the man’s home when police stormed the barricaded property. Four explosions were later heard believed to be smoke or stun grenades bringing the five hour siege to an end.
Controversial 'non lethal' weapons
The use of police tasers have been criticised after several deaths in America seemingly linked to the devices use. Just last week media access was given to a police pilot scheme to widen their use in England and Wales. The taser is intended to be a non lethal way of dealing with dangerous situations. Previously only a trained officer could use the weapons, but under new laws an officer can carry the shock devices after only two days training. Amnesty International called it the start of a "slippery slope".
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