Man is charged with murdering PC Dunne

A MAN is to appear in court this morning charged with the murder of Constable Patrick Dunne, who was shot dead in Clapham, south London, last month, writes Terry Kirby.

Scotland Yard announced yesterday that Richard Anthony Watts, 34, unemployed, of Streatham Vale, south London, had been charged with the murders of PC Dunne and William Danso, 31, who was shot dead at the same time. Two other men have also been charged with conspiracy in connection with Mr Danso's murder.

PC Dunne, 44, a local community beat officer, was on a routine call to a domestic incident on 20 October. He was killed when investigating the sound of shots from a neighbouring house; Mr Danso, a doorman and suspected drugs dealer who had been under surveillance by drugs squad officers, was found dead in the house.

Gary Nelson, 23, a freelance security guard, of Earlsfield, south-west London, has been charged with conspiracy to murder Mr Danso and with the attempted murder of Mohammed Massaquoi. Anthony Francis, 28, a carpenter, of Tooting, south London, has also been charged with conspiracy to murder Mr Danso.

All three will appear this morning at London's south-western magistrates' court.