Man shot dead in Hove street

A 31-year-old man has died after being shot in Hove.

Two other men were also targeted but survived.

The shootings happened in Church Road, by the junction with Selborne Road, at about 11.30pm last night (Saturday 18 May).

The 31-year-old victim, who came from Kent, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton but died just after 1am.

Sussex Police said that the three men who were shot at were walking along the street when the gunman opened fire.

Chief Inspector Helen West said: “This is now being treated as a murder investigation.

“The man, who was found lying in the street, was quickly attended to by police and paramedics and taken to hospital but has tragically died.

“This is a fast-moving, developing inquiry to identify and trace the person or people responsible. From information, we do not believe this to be a random incident.

“We are actively seeking the offender, who we believe has left the area, and a number of police units including CID, neighbourhood policing, road policing and dog units are involved in this inquiry at this time.

“We are in the early stages of the investigation. We are talking with a number of witnesses and have secured the scene for forensic examination.

“Church Road is closed between First Avenue and Selborne Road and diversions are in place.

“This will unfortunately cause some disruption well into Sunday while we investigate the scene but we appreciate everyone’s patience.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, is leading the investigation.

He said: “From the information we have received we don’t believe this was a random attack.

“Two other men, who were with the victim, were also shot at by the man as they were walking in the street. We are therefore treating this as a murder and two attempted murders.

“Officers and staff from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are in the local area to assist the investigation and to speak to residents who may be concerned or worried.

“I recognise that the murder will be of considerable concern to the people of Brighton and Hove but I can assure them that this is an isolated incident.

“I have committed a number of resources to this investigation in an effort to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“A number of witnesses are helping us with our inquiries and I would urge anyone with information who has not come forward to contact police.

“The scene is being forensically examined and unfortunately that means that Church Road will continue to be closed between First Avenue and Selborne Road for a large part of today (Sunday).

“We have spoken to the bus company to inform them that diversions are in place and I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience.”

Superintendent Simon Nelson
said: “I’m confident that this was an isolated incident and not a random attack.

“Witnesses saw a horrific and tragic incident. A group of three men were shot at with what is believed to be a handgun and one of them was tragically killed.

“This is not gang-related and as far as I am aware not linked to any other crime.

“I am confident that there is very low risk to the community although I understand that this has been very upsetting and disturbing for everyone, especially those who were in the area at the time.

“I want to commend the police officers and paramedics who provided emergency first aid to the victim at the scene.

“We have a lot of resources committed to identifying and arresting those involved and already witnesses have given us valuable information as part of our investigation.”

Anyone who saw the incident or has information is urged to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.