Clarke was recalling, for the benefit of Coroner Melissa Robertson and a jury, what happened when a joint Police and Army siege was laid to ‘Toucan Suites’ apartment hotel at Eccles, on February 9, 2000, to capture the fugitive who had been wanted for murders and robberies.

The witness said the shots from which London fell were fired despite Captain Wycliffe McAllister, of the GDF, shouting:” Don’t shoot! Hold your fire!”

Testifying at the inquest, also into the death of Rhonda Forde who died from gunshot wounds at the same place, Clarke, of Lot 160 Soesdyke, another part of East Bank Demerara, said, on February 8, 2000, then GDF Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier Michael Atherly named him a liaise between the Army and Police for the apprehension of London at the guesthouse.

He was advised that he would receive further instructions from Assistant Commissioner of Police Henry Greene and Corporal Elliot of the GDF.

That night, about 20:38 hours, Lieutenant Shahoud arrived at Eccles main road with eight members of a 31 Special Forces Squadron and, approximately 10 minutes after, Captain Carmichael and eight more soldiers from Camp Ayanganna joined them.

The witness said he and Shahoud carried out a reconnaissance of the place and another section of 31 Special Forces Squadron was sent about 00:46 hours with concussion grenades.

During the next survey of the building, with Captain Fitzroy Warde, Clarke said he saw the body of a woman some two feet from the western fence of the guest house and now dead Superintendent Leon Fraser informed him that London had shot and thrown her out of the building.

About 02:20 hours on February 9, the first assault was launched on the premises with troops and weapons and Private Lennox Harvey, who was shot in one eye, was evacuated by Warde and his group.

Another squad, comprising Captain Foo and other soldiers from Infantry Battalion came with a 82mm recoilless gun at 04:00 hours.

That weapon was used to dislodge the grill from a window in line of sight of the door to where London occupied and entry was gained, Clarke said.
According to him, around 06:10 hours on February 9, the upper flat on the northern side of the complex was seen on fire and, when more rounds were fired between 06:20 and 06:45 hours, a portion of the inner wall of the edifice and the door hinges to London’s room were destroyed.

The witness said, at 06:47 hours, a further assault by 31 Special Forces Squadron was met with return fire, forcing the troops to withdraw.

Clarke said Lance Corporal Fraser suffered an injury on one arm and there was a half hour dialogue involving Captain Warde, Corporal Cummings and Staff Sergeant McFarlene of the GDF, Superintendent Steve Merai of the Police and London.

The witness said he heard Warde telling London:” I have you in my sight. I can kill you if I want” and, moments later, London ventured out of the building with his hands on his head but was greeted with a hail of gunshots while McAllister was shouting to prevent the shooting from different directions.

Clarke said he was later shown documents verifying that London, who collapsed about 12 feet from him, had been a member of the GDF.

The inquiry continues on May 8.