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Bride's father shoots himself after wedding

The scene of the shooting incident. Picture: LIZ CRUDGINGTON
The scene of the shooting incident. Picture: LIZ CRUDGINGTON

NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after a man shot himself dead on his daughter’s wedding day.

Car salesman Percy Clark died at his house in The Halt, Whitstable, after what police described as a domestic incident involving a firearm. Officers say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the death.

Mr Clark had been married to his wife, Pauline, for more than 25 years and neighbours said that the couple had celebrated their daughter Amy’s marriage earlier in the day at Read’s restaurant at Faversham.

Their grown-up son James was at the house in the quiet cul-de-sac when the tragedy happened, although he and his mother were outside.

Neighbours say that they were disturbed by shouting at 10.30pm on Wednesday, May 31, and armed police and police dogs arrived shortly afterwards. But while they were planning their tactics the police control room received a call to say that Mr Clark had shot himself.

Mr Clark worked as a car salesman at a dealership at Hothfield, near Ashford, and was a member of a shooting club.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “They are a smashing family. No one can believe it."

Police officers entered the house at about 11pm and found Mr Clark’s body. His wife and son were already outside.

An inquest into the death has yet to be opened.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S WHITSTABLE GAZETTE

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