Officer Quizzed Over Suspect's Fatal Shooting

A police officer could face a murder charge over the shooting of an unarmed man in Cheshire last month.

Anthony Grainger, 36, died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the chest after the car he was in was stopped in the village of Culcheth, Cheshire, on Saturday March 3.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the Greater Manchester police firearms officer was interviewed on suspicion that he may have committed a criminal offence.

The IPCC added that "a range of potential offences" are being considered, including unlawful act manslaughter and murder.

Mr Grainger died in what police described as a "pre-planned operation".

But the IPCC said no weapons were found in the vehicle, which had been stolen and had false licence plates.

The police watchdog told Mr Grainger's family last week that the shooting was being investigated as a criminal matter.

Mr Grainger, described as an "odd job man", was born in Salford and lived in Bolton, Lancashire.

Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt said: "This officer - who is still on duty, but on restricted duties - is going to have to wait weeks or months to learn his fate."

He said police investigators will have to interview a number of other witnesses.

"This was an initial interview with this officer, he will almost certainly have to be interviewed again before a decision is taken about charges - or no charges."