A MAN has died after being injured in a late-night drive-by shooting close to a petrol station.
Police rushed to the scene in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, shortly before 10pm last night after receiving reports of a man being seriously injured after being shot close to a BP petrol station.
The victim – believed to be a 50-year-old man living in the local area – was quickly taken to hospital but tragically died there from his injuries.
His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.
Cops have now opened a murder investigation and are hunting the car it believes was involved in the shooting.
West Yorkshire Police released fresh CCTV images today of the vehicle, which is understood to have been stolen in a burglary in the nearby town of Castleford on August 3.
The Toyota RAV4 is described by officers as being “bluey grey-coloured with a grey trim”.
Cops added that it was displaying a cloned numberplate (FV53 FXT) in the footage but warned it could now be driving with different plates.
Setting it apart from other vehicles, the motor believed to be used in the shooting has distinctive bull lights on its roof, above the windshield.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “A man has lost his life, and it is an absolute priority for us to understand the circumstances of what has taken place and identify anyone who has had any involvement in this incident.
“We understand that the vehicle used in this offence was on false plates and was stolen in a burglary in Castleford on 3 August.
“The vehicle is particularly distinctive because of the bull lights fitted to the vehicle.”
DCI Entwistle added: “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.
“Motorists who were in the Doncaster Road area last night who have dashcams fitted are also asked to check whether they have captured any footage of this vehicle.
“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.
“We understand the shock and concern that an incident of this nature will cause, particularly given that a firearm has been involved.
“We are dedicating significant resources to this investigation and our neighbourhood policing colleagues are supporting this with an increased presence in the area to provide reassurance to the community.”
If you have seen this vehicle, witnessed the attack, or have any information which could help police, contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting Operation Ploughland.
Information, including footage, can be provided through the Major Incident Public Portal here.
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Police are searching for this vehicle in connection with the drive by shooting Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
