US Police Surround Murder Suspect In Bunker

Armed police in America have surrounded a fortified bunker in mountains near Seattle where a survivalist suspected of killing his family is believed to have holed up.

Heavily armed Swat teams pumped tear gas into a hatch in the camouflaged underground structure after hearing movement inside.

But they fear the armed fugitive may have a gas mask and the bunker might be booby-trapped.

Officers believe it may have multiple levels as well as several entrances.

King County Sheriff Steve Strachan said: "It's a very extreme tactical situation. This isn't a hole in the ground, it's an elaborate structure."

A manhunt for 41-year-old Peter Keller had been under way since the bodies of his wife and 18-year-old daughter were discovered at their family home in North Bend, Washington, on Sunday.

They were found with gunshot wounds to the head and the house had been set on fire.

Keller's car was spotted abandoned at a local library, with the keys in the ignition.

The King's County Sheriff tweeted Keller had recently been spotted hiking with a very large backpack.

Police officials said Keller was a self-taught survivalist who was known to stockpile supplies.

Authorities added that Keller took over $6,000 (£3,700) out of his bank account before the deaths of his wife, Lynnettee, and daughter, Kaylene, and was said to be preparing for the "end of the world."

One of Keller's work colleagues said he owned body armour, and the man gave police a list of weapons that he knew the suspect owned, including several handguns and high-powered rifles with scopes and silencers.