Thirty crime scenes in Cumbria England gun killing horror

Derrick Bird

Police in Cumbria say they are investigating more than thirty crime scenes after a taxi-driver went on a sickening drive of death armed with guns, killing at least 12 victims.

Derrick Bird, 52, injured another 25 people before taking his own life in remote woodland near Wasdale Water where he committed suicide.

It is understood that the trigger for the horrific and cowardly killings was a dispute that Bird, of Rowrah, near Frizington, had with other cabbies in Whitehaven on Tuesday night.

Bird's four hours of unspeakable and cowardly carnage began at 10.35am on Wednesday when he began by killing three taxi drivers in Whitehaven.

He then continued southwards, killing people- many of them elderly pedestrians - at random but often calling passer-by over to his car before blasting them at close range.

The Lake District and the whole of Cumbria is a region in shock and mourning at the horror in their midst that will leave an indelible scar on quiet rural communities.

Early this eventin Kevin Clarkson, Deputy Chief Executive of West Cumberland Hospital, said three of the injured being treated there are in a critical condition. Five more patients are in a serious condition.

Jane Robinson, 66, was named as one of the victims, who was shot in Drigg Road, Seascale, just yards from the home she shared with her twin sister Barrie.

Home Secretary Theresa May said the events were "very serious and tragic". She said she would make a statement in the House of Commons on Thursday.

Cumbria's Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said two weapons had been used in the shooting spree.

He said: "While this was a terrifying and horrific incident, it is by its nature very unusual, both locally, regionally and nationally. Cumbria prides itself on being a safe place to work, play and to enjoy life."

Local MP Jamie Reed said Whitehaven was "the kind of place where you can leave your door open, so it's the kind of thing that really does shake the very foundations".

Another shooting victim was father-of-two Garry Purdham who was described by David Bowden, chairman of Workington Town Rugby League as: "A gentleman and a pleasure to know".

The dead man's brother is Rob Purdham, captain of London Harlequins Rugby League side and has been capped five times for England.

Taxi driver Darren Rewcastle was among the first of Bird's victims in Whitehaven.

Local resident Patricia Sharkey said: "Our communities are shattered and heartbroken that such tragic happenings have over taken tranquil lives.

"Many local families will now have to face the knowledge that their loved ones ar not coming home again.

"I will remember all that lost their lives and their families in my prayers. May God give them courage at this very sad time."

Comments about Thirty crime scenes in Cumbria England gun killing horror