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Father of three shot in the head
Chris Laker03.09.09
A man gunned down on a residential estate was married with three children.
Richard Long, 22, was chased then shot in the head in Lewsey Farm, Luton, on Tuesday night.
Today Bedfordshire Police said the targeted attack was linked to Mr Long's "lifestyle" but urged anyone with any information about the killing to come forward.
The 22-year-old was found on the pavement in Haymarket Road just before 9pm on Tuesday night. He was rushed to hospital but later pronounced dead.
Today police said a post mortem examination revealed he had been shot in the head.
Yesterday neighbours described hearing a bang,
and finding Mr Long lying in a pool of blood.
A police spokeswoman said today they have already spoken to a number of witnesses.
She said it is thought Mr Long was in the area accompanied by other men in a small hatchback car.
They drove into Thatch Close where he got out of the car before being chased.
The spokeswoman said Mr Long stumbled over the railings that fence the recreational area in front of Haymarket Road and it was while lying on the ground that he was shot.
She said the offenders are described as two black men in their 20s who wore baseball caps with the peak to the rear and baggy dark clothes.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Collin, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "This shooting was a very public event that has understandably left a local community feeling extremely vulnerable, which is why it is vital that people with information about what happened come forward and speak to the police.
"We cannot tolerate the use of guns in our town so I urge anyone who has information about the offenders or the whereabouts of the red hatchback to contact the police.
"We firmly believe that this was a targeted attack and that Richard's death was closely linked to his lifestyle, which of course will be closely examined.
"Regardless of that, Richard was a married man with a young family.
"His loved ones deserve to see those responsible for his death brought to justice.
"If you know who killed Richard please contact the police."
Reader views (4)
i Never knew him personally but this happened in my home town on my estate. I have lived this life (dealing, being robbed, people envy, people want).It dont matter what he was or what he did for a living. He makes money to eat and to provide for his family wether he hustled a bit of weed to do so or not. This is reality and besides its only sociable dealing, it doesnt affect anybody. He wernt some columbian drug lord who did anything seriously wrong. There aint no big time people on this estate, just some irrasponsable, cold people who get there hands on guns and think they are untouchable gangsters. They watch too many movies. Richard didnt diserve to die, I say rott in jail you cold hearted thugs and I hope thier concience haunts them forever. Rest in peace Richard and God bless your children.
- Deeno, luton, lewsey farm
Hi Frank, as usual you are spouting off. Where in the article does it say he was a drug dealer or a criminal of any sort? It doesn't does it, but then veracity has never been allowed to stand in the way of your bigotry!
He well may be what you claim, but he may not.
I'd hate to be in the dock if you are ever a juror. you don't look at evidence, you just wallow in prejudice
- Kerry, Purley
The 'lifestyle' of a drug dealer then?
"Regardless of that, Richard was a married man with a young family."
So he put them in danger because of his 'lifestyle'.
One less prison place needed.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Doing a quick cut and paste:
..the 22-year-old (father of three shot in the head...)was found on the pavement in Haymarket Road just before 9pm on Tuesday night...
..Richard's death was closely linked to his lifestyle...
Says it all really.
Darwin was right.
- Bugs Man, Wolverhampton
