Shot Man Dies
10 April 2013, 12:09 | Updated: 10 April 2013, 12:14
A murder inquiry's been launched after a man driven to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital with a gunshot wound died there.
The man, who was believed to be 46 and from Luton, had been driven to the hospital by friends just after midnight on Wednesday 10 April 2013.
He had a gunshot wound to the chest and died shortly after he arrived.
Detectives believe the man was injured during an incident which happened earlier outside a house in Brunel Road, Luton. They are appealing for further information from the public.
A white transit style van was seen speeding from the Brunel Road area and police want to trace anyone who saw this van in the area on Tuesday night.
A silver BMW and a silver Vauxhall Corsa were also found abandoned in the area of the hospital and both these vehicles have been recovered for further examination as officers believe they may be connected to this inquiry.
The victim’s family are being support by specialist officers at this time and Detective Supt Jeff Hill, Head of the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Major Crime Unit, is keen to trace anyone who has information relating to this inquiry.
Detective Superintendent Hill said: “We have launched a murder investigation and a team of detectives is now piecing together exactly what happened during the early hours of this morning. We will not be drawn in to speculating as to the reasons behind why this man was shot and I would take this opportunity to urge members of the community to come forward and speak with officers to help catch those responsible.”
He continued: “We will not tolerate gun crime within our communities and officers will not leave any stone unturned in the pursuit of those responsible for this man’s death.
"We believe the key to finding out exactly what happened and why can be found within the community itself.
"I would remind anyone who may have information relating to this murder, if they saw the shooting itself or if they have information relating to the white transit style van seen in the area or the other vehicles that have been recovered, they can speak with the police in complete confidence.
"Alternatively, they can speak to members of the independent charity Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Anyone with information relating to this investigation is urged to contact officers from the Major Crime Unit, in confidence on 01707 355959, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information on 07786 200011.
There have been at least two other shootings in Luton so far during 2013. A man in his twenties was found with leg injuries after shots were heard being fired in Arrow Close on the evening of Sunday 3 February.
A woman had to be taken to hospital on Wednesday 30 January 2013 after shrapnel became embedded in her hand following a shooting at the junction of Wellington Road and Russell Street.