The wife of a barrister who died following a five-hour armed siege in south-west London has said they were "deeply committed to each other".
Mark Saunders, 32, died after exchanging shots with police in Chelsea in south-west London on Tuesday.
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In a statement released on her behalf his wife, Elizabeth Clarke, said the couple had a "strong union" and she was trying to cope with her "tragic loss".
Mr Saunders' father Rodney told the BBC he was "devastated".
Ms Clarke also said she was at work when the stand-off began and returned to their Markham Square home to find the area cordoned off.
Neighbour Jane Winkworth said Mr Saunders threw a white cardboard box out of a window while he was holed up.
The words, "I love my wife dearly xxx", were written on the box.
An inquest on Mr Saunders, from Alderley Edge, Cheshire, will open at Horseferry Coroner's Court on Friday.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is also investigating his death.
Mr Saunders worked at QEB chambers in London and specialised in family law.
Ms Clarke, a lawyer at QEB, said: "This is a very distressing time for all of Mark's family who loved him dearly, and especially for Elizabeth.
"Mark and Elizabeth had a strong union and were deeply committed to each other.
"Finally, it has been widely reported that Elizabeth was at the family home prior to the terrible events which led to Mark's death.
"She was in fact at work, and arrived home only after the area had been cordoned off."
Stun grenades
Officers were called to King's Road on Tuesday after reports a gun had been fired from a house.
Armed police fired back when they came under attack and the area nearby was sealed off as the siege began.
The siege ended at after four stun grenades were let off.
The deputy chairman of the IPCC, Ian Bynoe, said a legally registered firearm was recovered from the address.
Armed police found Mr Saunders' body after the stand-off and it is not known if he died as a result of a police bullet.
Results of post mortem tests are expected to be announced on Friday.
(BBC)
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