A 23-year-old Northampton resident has been taken into custody on murder suspicions after a 28-year-old man was allegedly shot in a “gangland hit” near a playground.
The man was shot dead in a children’s play area in slumbering Upton, near Northampton, a short distance from swings and roundabouts. This led to the arrest.
Two further people from Northampton, a 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, have also been taken into custody on suspicion of aiding an offender.
While an investigation is ongoing, the woman has been released, but the other two are still being held.
Terrified residents reportedly locked themselves in their homes, fearing a killer was on the loose, as news of Thursday night’s killing spread.
After multiple gunshots were fired outside a mini-mart, yards from a children’s play area and a picture-perfect country park frequented by families for picnics and play dates, he was discovered laying in a pool of blood.
The inquiry is being led by Detective Superintendent Simon Cure of the Major Crime Team of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.
In relation to the murder, three persons have already been taken into custody, and our investigation is moving quickly.
“We are looking for anyone who may have information about the murder or those involved, and we have officers searching several addresses in Northampton.”
A young man died tragically as a result of this senseless crime.
The victim’s family, who lost a son, brother, lover, and father under tragic circumstances, is receiving support from specialist authorities.
Witnesses claimed they saw one of his killers searching him before the attackers fled in a car.
“The Webb Drive scene-guard has been removed, but local officers will continue to carry out patrols and conduct inquiries in the surrounding area,” stated Detective Superintendent Cure.
The incident has naturally startled the community, and anyone who has any worries is urged to get in touch with the local police, who can offer assistance.
We are determined to bring to justice those responsible for this man’s murder and I would appeal to anyone who may have any information that might assist the inquiry, to contact the incident room as soon as possible.’
Police already said earlier today that the dead man and his suspected killer or killers were from outside the area.
They reassured nervous residents there is unlikely to be a repeat of the brutal slaying in Webb Drive, a normally sleepy back street in Upton.
Police are studying the possibility it was part of a gangland turf war and the man was caught up in criminal activities.
Chief Supt Chris Hillery from Northamptonshire Police said: ‘Upton is usually a very safe place. It is a low crime area and a safe place to live and work.
‘We believe neither the victim or the suspects are linked to this location. It just happened in this location.’
Residents discovered the body outside the Upton Mini Market at around 9 p.m. on Thursday night. Although they raced to his aid, the man was pronounced dead and was not from the neighbourhood where he was killed, according to the police.
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: “I heard loud bangs that sounded a lot like gunshots—it was a really distinct sound.”
It was very startling. There are lots of kids in the area. What motivates someone to act in this manner in this particular setting?
“I’m just thankful that my kids were safely nestled in bed.”
Detectives would not disclose whether any arrests had been made, but they do believe the victim knew the killer and that the event was not a drive-by.
According to authorities, it’s unclear how many other persons were involved and whether they were males, women, or both.
Additionally, the force reported that police were patrolling the area and making inquiries.
“Anyone with concerns in the local area is asked to contact their local neighbourhood officers who will be able to help,” Chief Supt. Chris Hillery continued.
As word of the murder circulated last night, Northampton’s All Saints Church rector, Father Oliver Coss, tweeted, “Praying for the peace of Upton tonight, for its residents, and for @c-hillery and his officers who have a tough night ahead.”
Yesterday, as police looked for more clues, a forensic tent and a cordon were set up along the route.
The green where the guy was shot was planned with assistance from the Prince Charles’ Foundation for the Built Environment, and in 2006 the heir apparent paid a visit to the location.
