A motorbike-riding ‘hitman’ crashed and died during a police chase after a shooting in an upmarket Hampshire village.
Armed officers swooped on leafy Upper Enham, Hants, yesterday afternoon after the shock shooting, which left a 42-year-old man with serious injuries.
Police gave chase after the suspect, who is believed to have initially left the scene on foot before jumping onto a motorbike, was seen fleeing the area.
But as police went in pursuit of the motorbike, the rider crashed on the A343 in Hurstbourne Tarrant.
The crash site is three miles from the scene of the shooting, in MacCallum Road, Upper Enham. The rider died at the scene of crash, police say.
According to a local council chief, police believe the rider was responsible for the shooting and officers ‘are not looking for anyone else’.
A motorbike riding ‘hitman’ crashed and died during a police chase after a shooting in upmarket Upper Enham, Hants, yesterday. Pictured: Police at the scene of the crash
Armed officers swooped on leafy Upper Enham, Hants, yesterday afternoon, after the shock shooting, which left a 42-year-old man with serious injuries. Pictured: Police at the scene of the crash
The crash site was three miles from the scene of the shooting, in MacCallum Road, Upper Enham. The rider died at the scene of crash, police say
Meanwhile the shooting victim is currently being treated for his injuries at Southampton General Hospital.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: ‘We have launched an investigation after a man was shot on Wednesday, August 5, in Upper Enham near Andover shortly after 3pm.
‘Officers were called to an address in MacCallum Road following a report of an assault on a man.
‘It’s now known the 42-year-old victim was shot and received serious injuries. He is currently receiving treatment at Southampton General Hospital.
‘A motorcycle failed to stop for officers in connection with this incident.
‘A short time later a motorbike crashed on the A343 near Hurstbourne Tarrant and the road has been closed while emergency services attend. The motorcyclist died at the scene.’
Hampshire Police say a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Officer for Police Conduct (IOPC) and that officers have attended a property in nearby Enham Alamein as part of this investigation.
The IOPC has been contacted for a comment.
Local council leader Phil North, who represents the ward in which the incident took place in, described it as an ‘absolutely horrible incident’.
Councillor North, who represents the Bourne Valley Ward and is leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said in a statement on Facebook: ‘(This is) an absolutely horrible incident in my Bourne Valley Ward this afternoon.
According to a local council chief, police believe the rider was responsible for the shooting and ‘are not looking for anyone else’. Pictured: MacCallum Road in Upper Enham, where the shooting took place
Hampshire Police, who last night closed off the road, say a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Officer for Police Conduct (IOPC) and that officers have attended a property in nearby Enham Alamein as part of this investigation
‘My thoughts are with the family of the man who was shot – and the communities of both Enham Alamein and Hurstbourne Tarrant.
‘I’ve been informed of some of the details by local sources this evening but I certainly don’t have a full picture.
‘I will hopefully get further information from the police in the morning and that they will be able to reassure local residents.
‘But tonight, let’s all hope that the victim of the shooting makes a full recovery.’
In another post today, he added: ‘I know this will be a very worrying time for the community and until the police complete their investigations we won’t get a full understanding of the incident.
‘The police have confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else though and that they’re confident that the deceased suspect is responsible, which I hope will reassure residents.’