Former soldier arrested over gun ambush on estranged wife and her lover

Shirley Dixon, 42, was targeted in her car as her new partner drove her home.

She was left with 15 pellets lodged in her side and shoulder after a gunman fired through the driver’s side window.

Shirley Dixon had been renting this house in South Ormesby, Lincolnshire

Her new partner, who has not been named, was hit in the face. Both were treated in hospital.

Mrs Dixon’s husband, Andrew Dixon, 45, a former Grenadier guard, was being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder.

The attack happened on Saturday morning as Mrs Dixon was being driven to her home in the remote village of South Ormsby, Linconlnshire.

Neighbours said Mrs Dixon, who runs a mobile hairdressing business, walked out on her husband of 20 years six weeks ago, leaving him with their three children.

The couple had lived together in nearby Alford for 16 years.

Her father Derek Smith, 77, who visited her in hospital yesterday, said: ‘The doctors say she will make a full recovery, so at least that’s good news.

‘But this has truly been a nasty turn of events for all concerned. It’s a great pity and a real tragedy.’

Yesterday Mrs Dixon’s car, with her hairdressing gear on the back seat, was parked outside her new home, a rented cottage in South Ormsby.

Her father said: ‘It’s fair to say that he and Shirley had their problems. I spoke to Andrew on the phone only the night before, and he seemed all right. I told him I still thought he and Shirley would work it out together.’

Police said the wounded man was in a stable condition. Mrs Dixon escaped with ‘minor’ injuries.

A police spokesman said a 45-year-old man from Alford had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.