A Lancashire man who was shot dead – allegedly by a 14-year-old boy – has been identified by locals as 32-year-old Lee Holt.
Holt was hit once in the chest at a house in Accrington on Wednesday night. He was taken to Royal Blackburn hospital, where he died a short time later.
Police have arrested a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, on suspicion of murder.
It is believed Holt, who is thought to have a young daughter, was killed when he visited the address to discuss bullying allegations between children at a local school.
Holt is understood to work for a local firm painting road markings. Neighbours said it was well known that the father of the arrested boy kept guns at the property.
One neighbour said she heard a woman screaming “blood, blood!” after Holt was shot, and another resident attempted to resuscitate him before paramedics and police arrived shortly after 8.25pm.
A friend of Holt, Shane Murray, writing on Facebook, said: “What an absolute shame, totally shocked, how in gods name does a school argument end up with someone loosing [their] life!! Rip my mate Lee Holt thoughts and prayers for the family at this sad time xxx”
Another Facebook post, from Martyn Cavna, said: “When [I heard] there was a shooting in Accrington never in a million years would I av thaught it was an old pal of mine ... rip Lee Holt”
Police are yet to formally name the victim. Launching a murder inquiry on Wednesday night, DI Pete Danby said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation and have a number of officers on with inquiries. We think this was an isolated incident and believe there is no wider threat to local residents, however, we have stepped up patrols in the area to offer some reassurance to the community.
“If you have any information that you think could assist us with our investigation, please contact us immediately.”
