Murder inquiry as man dies after shooting

The scene on Doncaster Road in Wakefield remained cordoned off on Wednesday

A murder investigation has been launched after a man died following a shooting in Wakefield.

The man, who was in his 50s, was injured after a shot was fired from a vehicle on Doncaster Road, near Falls Ings Road, just after 21:40 BST on Tuesday.

He was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries. West Yorkshire Police said the man was believed to be from the area and his family had been informed.

Officers said the vehicle involved was believed to be a blue grey-coloured Toyota RAV4 with a grey trim, displaying cloned plates FV53 FXT.

The force said the vehicle was described as being distinctive due to having bull lights on the roof above the windshield.

Det Ch Insp James Entwistle said it was an "absolute priority" for the force to understand the circumstances of what had happened and to identify anyone who was involved.

"We understand that the vehicle used in this offence was on false plates and was stolen in a burglary in Castleford on 3 August," he said.

"We are interested in speaking to anyone who believes they have seen this RAV4 following this burglary, around the time of this offence and since. The vehicle may now be displaying different plates."

He asked motorists who were in the Doncaster Road area on Tuesday to check if they captured any footage on dashcams.

"The driver was driving in the direction of Wakefield before they have turned around near the BP petrol station immediately prior to the shooting and then driven off in the direction they came from."

Det Ch Insp Entwistle said he understood the "shock and concern" the incident would cause and that police were "dedicating significant resources" to the investigation.

He added there would be an increased police presence in the area to offer reassurance to the community.

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