Police have launched a major murder investigation after a 50-year-old man was shot dead from a stolen vehicle on a busy Wakefield street last night. The victim died in hospital after being gunned down near a BP petrol station on Doncaster Road at 9.43pm on Tuesday.
Detectives are urgently hunting a distinctive bluey-grey Toyota RAV4 with bull lights fitted above the windscreen, which was stolen in a burglary in Castleford ten days ago. The vehicle was displaying cloned number plates FV53FXT at the time of the shooting but may now have different registration plates.
West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team has flooded the area with officers as they work to track down the killer or killers responsible for the drive-by shooting that has shocked the local community.
Victim Dies from Gunshot Wounds
The victim, who lived locally, was rushed to hospital with serious gunshot injuries but could not be saved by medics. While formal identification procedures have not yet been completed, police have confirmed he was a 50-year-old man from the Wakefield area.
His family have been informed of his death and are being supported by specially trained police officers. The force has not released the victim’s identity pending formal identification.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, leading the investigation, 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.”
The shooting occurred on the A638 Doncaster Road near Fall Ings Road, close to the BP petrol station. The major route remains closed in both directions between Sugar Lane and Agbrigg Road as forensic teams comb the scene for evidence.
Stolen Vehicle Key to Investigation
Police have revealed crucial details about the vehicle used in the fatal shooting, which they believe holds the key to solving the murder. The Toyota RAV4 was stolen during a burglary in nearby Castleford on 3 August, making it a stolen vehicle for ten days before being used in the killing.
“We understand that the vehicle used in this offence was on false plates and was stolen in a burglary in Castleford on 3 August,” DCI Entwistle confirmed. “The vehicle is particularly distinctive because of the bull lights fitted to the vehicle.”
The SUV is described as bluey-grey in colour with a grey trim. Most notably, it has bull lights – additional spotlights – mounted on the roof above the windscreen, making it highly distinctive and easier to identify.
Investigators believe the vehicle may now be displaying different number plates as the killers attempt to evade capture. The original cloned plates read FV53FXT.
Driver’s Chilling Movements Before Shooting
Police have pieced together the gunman’s movements in the moments before the fatal shooting, revealing a chilling sequence of events. The Toyota RAV4 was initially travelling towards Wakefield city centre when the driver suddenly changed course.
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,” DCI Entwistle explained.
This U-turn near the petrol station appears to have been made specifically to target the victim, suggesting this was not a random attack but a deliberate assassination.
Officers are particularly keen to trace the vehicle’s movements both before and after the shooting to establish where it came from and where it fled to.
Community Fears as Firearm Used
The use of a firearm in the residential area has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing fear and concern about gun violence on their streets. Local councillor Nadeem Ahmed told reporters that “people are scared” following the shooting.
“It’s a family area,” Councillor Ahmed said. “The local residents have been there for generations, and most of the community, like me, are shocked. What we used to see in big cities like London is happening in Wakefield.”
He added: “Wakefield is nowhere near the size of Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds. People are scared, and they feel unsafe.”
DCI Entwistle acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating: “We understand the shock and concern that an incident of this nature will cause, particularly given that a firearm has been involved.”
Major Police Response
West Yorkshire Police has dedicated significant resources to the murder investigation, codenamed Operation Ploughland. The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is leading the investigation with support from neighbourhood policing teams providing increased patrols in the area.
Officers were seen searching bins outside Bigfellas Pizza Shop on Doncaster Road as part of their extensive inquiries. Police tape cordoned off a large section of the busy road as forensic teams conducted detailed examinations of the crime scene.
The road closure has caused significant disruption to traffic in and out of Wakefield, with diversions in place via surrounding routes. Traffic monitoring service INRIX reported the closure is “affecting traffic heading in and out of Wakefield from Crofton.”
Local businesses have been affected by the ongoing police operation, with the major thoroughfare expected to remain closed for several more hours as investigations continue.
Urgent Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives are making an urgent appeal for witnesses who may have crucial information about the distinctive Toyota RAV4 or the shooting itself. They are particularly interested in anyone who has seen the vehicle since it was stolen in Castleford on 3 August.
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,” DCI Entwistle said. “The vehicle may now be displaying different plates.”
Police are also appealing to motorists who were in the Doncaster Road area on Tuesday night to check their dashcam footage. Any footage capturing the distinctive Toyota RAV4 before, during or after the shooting could prove vital to the investigation.
Members of the public can submit information and footage through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/13XM020125W60-PO1.
Increased Police Presence
In response to community concerns, West Yorkshire Police has implemented increased neighbourhood patrols in the area to provide reassurance to worried residents. Officers will maintain a visible presence in the coming days as the murder investigation continues.
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,” DCI Entwistle confirmed.
The murder has prompted calls for increased action against gun crime in the area. One social media user commented: “Machetes and guns in West Yorkshire, a lawless nation is upon us.”
How to Help Police
Anyone with information about the murder is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police immediately. Detectives stress that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in identifying those responsible.
Contact methods include:
- Live Chat online at westyorkshire.police.uk
- Calling 101 and quoting Operation Ploughland
- Submitting information via the Major Incident Public Portal
- Calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who:
- Saw the distinctive Toyota RAV4 with bull lights
- Has dashcam footage from Doncaster Road on Tuesday night
- Witnessed the shooting or events leading up to it
- Has information about the vehicle since it was stolen on 3 August
The investigation continues as detectives work around the clock to bring the killer or killers to justice.
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