Police: Zig-zag walk will beat the sniper.

Byline: RICHARD WALLACE

TWO million people living in fear of the Washington sniper have been told to "zig- zag briskly" as they walk.

Yesterday, a set of US police guidelines for dodging the gunman also advised residents to stay in shadows if standing still.

The police add: "Bend your knees when fuelling cars and drop to the ground and roll away if fired upon."

The rules were issued as a new witness claimed to have seen the sniper aim and fire at his ninth victim, FBI worker Linda Franklin, 47.

She was gunned down outside a shopping mall six miles from Washington on Monday.

The witness, who has not been named, said he saw the man hold a Kalashnikov AK-47 to his shoulder, aim, fire then escape in a van.

Meanwhile, military spy planes that can spot a flash of gunfire from thousands of feet up were drafted in to the hunt.

Montgomery County police chief Charles Moose, who is leading a 1000-strong force hunting the sniper, was given special clearance by the US defence department.

SURVIVAL IN LINE OF FIRE

POLICE advice for staying alive includes:

Try to keep moving while outside because a moving target is more difficult to hit.

Walk briskly in a zig-zag pattern.

If you must stand still, keep some protective cover between yourself and any areas where a sniper might be located.

When fuelling your car, stand between your vehicle and the petrol pump and bend your knees to keep a lower profile.

If you are fired at while in an open area, drop to the ground and roll away. Run towards the closest cover in short, zig-zag bursts.