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A murder investigation has been launched after a man was fatally shot in an apparent drive-by shooting near a petrol station in Yorkshire.
West Yorkshire Police said officers received a report at 9.43pm on Tuesday that a man had been seriously injured after a shot was fired from a vehicle on Doncaster Road near the BP petrol station in Wakefield.
The victim was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.
Police said he is understood to be a 50-year-old man who was living in the local area.
The man’s immediate family are aware and are being offered support by specially trained officers.
Police said the vehicle involved is believed to be a blue/grey-coloured Toyota RAV4 with a grey trim, displaying cloned plates FV53FXT, and “distinctive due to having bull lights on the roof above the windshield”.
It added that the vehicle used in the offence is believed to be “on false plates and was stolen in a burglary in Castleford on August 3”.
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Police said the vehicle involved is believed to be a blue/grey-coloured Toyota RAV4 with a grey trim, displaying cloned plates(West Yorkshire Police/PA)
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, of West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major inquiry team, 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.
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“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.”
Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major inquiry team online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Ploughland.
Information, including footage, can be provided through the force’s major incident public portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/13XM020125W60-PO1.