Policeman kills wife and three children

A member of the Mexico City mounted police shot dead his wife and three children before trying to kill himself with a shot to the head.

Emanuel Israel Chavez was in a grave condition after shooting himself in the temple at his home, the Mexican media reported.

Police arrived at the scene yesterday after receiving calls from neighbours who heard the gunshots.

The Televisa national television network reported that Chavez chased his wife, 22-year-old Cecilia Margarita Lopez, down the street before shooting her dead.

Television footage showed her sheet-covered body lying on the sidewalk near their home.

Chavez also killed his three daughters, aged four, five and eight, police said.