Colindale: Terrified onlookers watched as an elderly man shot himself outside a police station last week.

Eric Marsh, 79, of Grove Park, Kingsbury, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Mr Marsh is believed to have arrived on foot at 3.10pm on Tuesday last week at the grounds of Colindale Police Station in Grahame Park Way, where he produced a shotgun.

After a shot was heard, officers responded and found him lying motionless.

The investigation into Mr Marsh's death is being led by DI Alun Goode of Colindale CID, who issued an appeal for information. "This is a terrible incident to have happened but especially in such a public place. We are anxious to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident," he said.

A postmortem at Finchley Mortuary on November 7 gave the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. An inquest was opened and adjourned the following day at Hornsey Coroner's Court.

Mr Marsh was white and balding with grey hair. He was wearing a brown three-quarter length raincoat, a brown chequered cap, blue shirt, checked scarf and beige trousers. He was also carrying a green gun case.

Information to CID at Colindale on 8733 4436.

November 15, 2001 11:40