BRISTOL SHOOTING

18 Aug 2002 04:16 PM

(The following statement concerns the shooting incident in the St Werbergh's area of Bristol, which happened on Thursday 15 August.)

The deceased has now been formally identified as Fosta Errol Thompson, aged 20, a Jamaican national who is known to have lived in Bristol for the past year.

A post-mortem examination has taken place. This has revealed that Mr Thompson died as a result of being hit by a single round.

A team of 25 officers from Hampshire Constabulary, led by Assistant Chief Constable Colin Smith, has been appointed by the independent Police Complaints Authority to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Mr Thompson's death. Hampshire Constabulary and the PCA have met and spoken with Mr Thompson's family and are keeping them updated on the on-going inquiry.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened between 11 p.m. in Mary Carpenter Place in St Pauls and 11.30 p.m. in the James Street area of St Werburghs.

Detectives are also trying to trace a second man who may have been involved in the incident.

ACC Smith said: "House-to-house enquiries have taken place as part of this intensive investigation.

"We would very much like to hear from anybody who saw or heard anything on the night in question or who has any information at all which may be of assistance to the inquiry, which is likely to continue for several weeks."

Anybody with any information which can assist the inquiry, being run under the name of Operation Willows, should call 01275 818181.

Note for editors
The family has stressed that they do not wish to speak to the media and we would ask you to respect their wishes and privacy at this distressing time.

Further enquiries: Richard M Offer 020-7273 6483