Anger over 'song titles' police marksman

The Scotland Yard marksman, known only as Alpha Zulu 8 (AZ8), was disciplined over his verbal testimony during the inquest into the death of barrister Mark Saunders during a stand-off in Markham Square, Chelsea, west London.

But a fresh inquiry was launched after the force's top officers learned of his actions and brought in officials from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Sources close to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said he was "furious" that anyone could show such "insensitivity and lack of judgment" during the high-profile hearing.

It is understood that officials are now examining the testimony of other police officers who appeared at the two-week hearing, although there is no evidence that others acted improperly.

The inquest heard that AZ8 was one of four officers who may have fired the shots which fatally wounded Mr Saunders as he drunkenly levelled a shotgun at them from the kitchen window of his home.

The alarm was raised when officials examining transcripts of his verbal evidence at Westminster Coroner's Court discovered the names of several song titles during his hour-long testimony.

It was not clear what the songs are, but he used the phrases "first time", a hit by Robin Beck, "enough is enough", the subtitle of hit single No More Tears by Barbra Streisand, "point of no return", a Duran Duran hit, and "line of fire", recorded by rock band Journey.

AZ8, who fired at Mr Saunders while placing a battery-powered spotlight in a conservatory of a neighbouring property, told the inquest he regretted not shooting the barrister earlier.

The Met said the officer was reprimanded by a senior officer in his firearms unit but IPCC officials were alerted when the matter came to the attention of more senior staff.