Armed police found a firearm after stopping a car linked to a shooting in Wiltshire.
A murder investigation was launched after a Jimmy Ward was shot dead on a traveller site in Calcutt, Cricklade, at around 8.15am on Sunday (2 August).
The alleged killer immediately fled the scene, and is believed to have left the county. As officers worked to locate him, they stopped a car in Hungerford.
The vehicle – reportedly a Ford Kuga – was pulled over by armed officers in Eddington Hill some hour later. A gun was found inside, believed to be in the boot.
Wiltshire Police told Wiltshire 999s that they are unable to confirm if the firearm found is the one used to fatally wound Jimmy Ward.
Two people travelling in the car were arrested in connection with the incident.
As previously reported, a man aged in his 70s and a woman aged in her 40s have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and assisting an offender.
Eddington Hill remained closed into the early hours of Monday (3 August) following the weapon find – with forensics combing the vehicle for key evidence.
In a statement yesterday (3 August), the force confirmed that a man – understood to be the suspected murderer – is still outstanding and efforts are ongoing to locate him.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “First and foremost, my thoughts remain with the victim’s friends and family at this sad time.
“Our investigation has been continuing at pace since the incident was first reported and it is a Force priority to locate the outstanding suspect, who is thought to have left the Wiltshire area.
“I understand the concern that this incident will have caused for our local communities.
“Our officers are currently at the scene and the Mobile Police Station is in Cricklade today – if you have any concerns or questions then please don’t hesitate to speak with us.”
