Computer clues led to arrest of Stanley police

A computer-generated reconstruction of the shooting of Harry Stanley led to the arrests of two police marksmen on suspicion of his murder.

Mr Stanley, 46, died in Hackney in 1999 after police received a call suggesting he was a terrorist and was carrying a gun in a shopping bag. It turned out to be a table leg.

A reconstruction of the shooting is believed to have shown a version of events that differed from the account given by the firearms officers.

Chief Inspector Neil Sharman, 42, and Pc Kevin Fagan, 38, were arrested by Surrey Police yesterday.

They were held on suspicion of gross negligence, manslaughter and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, before being released on bail.

They insist they shot Mr Stanley from a distance in the hand and head.

Evidence from the computer model is thought to suggest Mr Stanley was hit at a different angle from the one in the officers' version of events.

Their arrest has raised the threat of an unofficial "strike" by firearms officers.

Sources said five have handed in authorisation cards which entitle them to carry guns.