Man Arrested Over Luton Shooting

16 May 2013, 11:35 | Updated: 17 May 2013, 09:11

Detectives investigating the shooting of a teenager in west Luton have arrested a 19 year old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

He was stopped on the afternoon of Wednesday 16 May 2013 by armed response officers who were patrolling Marsh Farm as part of Operation Boson, the force’s response to the increased threat around firearms.

The man was taken to Greyfriars Police Station in Bedford for questioning, and was later released on bail.

The incident in which a 16-year-old was shot in the back happened during the early hours of Saturday 11 May 2013, in Thricknells Close in Marsh Farm.

The victim remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital but is sitting up and talking with detectives, family and friends. His injuries are still under review but are described as ‘life changing’.

DCI Dave Quarmby from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit is now leading the investigation into the shooting as well co-ordinating the investigations into the other incidents in Luton where firearms have been discharged.

“While this arrest shows significant progress in relation to this incident we still need the people involved to put pen to paper in order that we can detect and bring to an end this increase in violence that the town is currently experiencing.”

“By co-ordinating all the firearm related investigations in this way we continue to build better intelligence and information about who is carrying guns and intensify our resolve to arrest and bring to justice those involved. As you know, we will do this much more quickly if we have the support of our local community.”

“I will remind everyone that we have measures in place to assist those in coming forward if they feel scared or vulnerable. A cash reward also remains in place for anyone who can give information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in gun crime.”

Armed officers, members of the Dog Unit together with members of the local policing team for Marsh Farm and Lewsey Farm are continuing to proactively patrol the area; reassuring the public and ensuring offenders who carry guns or weapons in public are stopped and arrested.