| Wannabe in my gang?
- Articles |
04/10/03 - UK gripped by
gun crime
ITV News
Britain's gun crime toll has continued to soar after
three more people became victims of a drive-by shooting.
In the latest incident three men were blasted with
a shotgun in Reading late last night.
It came as police named the victim of yesterday's drive-by
shooting in Hoddesdon as 32-year-old David King - a
man with a criminal background.
The incident also follows the death of 64-year-old
jeweller Marian Bates, who was shot in the chest after
she jumped in front of her daughter Xanthe when a robber
produced a handgun during a raid on their shop in Nottinghamshire.
Earlier this week, Home Secretary David Blunkett told
the Labour conference that gun crime would be a priority
if the Government won a third term.
The latest shooting happened opposite Battle Hospital
in the west of Reading, close to the Tilehurst area.
Thames Valley Police said the three men were hit by
shots fired from a dark blue or black Volvo-type car.
One of the men suffered serious facial injuries, while
the other two suffered shotgun wounds to their arms
and back.
All three were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital
in Reading, where the man with facial injuries was undergoing
surgery.
A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said: "None
of the injuries is believed to be life threatening."
Meanwhile, a post mortem examination is being carried
out this morning on the victim of the Hoddesdon shooting.
Mr King, a builder from Stevenage, was shot dead in
the quiet market town after two gunmen pulled up in
a van next to him and opened fire in broad daylight.
A police spokeswoman said a second man who was injured
in the shooting had now been discharged from hospital
and was at a secret location.
She said forensic officers were continuing to examine
the scene and a vehicle found abandoned in the Lampits
area of Hoddesdon, thought to be the van used by the gunmen. |
| Contact : bernard.omahoney@bernardomahoney.com |
|
|
|
