Murder victim talked to police moments before shootings

A couple who are thought to have been killed in a revenge hit on Sunday called police just moments before they were confronted by gunmen, it has emerged today.

Detectives investigating the murder of Joan and John Stirland in Lincolnshire last Sunday have revealed that Mrs Stirland contacted a police officer in Nottinghamshire just before 2pm complaining that a neighbour had seen a man hanging around the house the previous evening.

A police spokesperson said that Joan Stirland chose not to report the incident to Lincolnshire. "She emphasised she did not want the backgrounds of her and her husband revealed so asked for a normal response to a prowler incident," the spokesperson said.

Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, are believed to have been shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Sunday.

The car which police believe was used by the killers was found burning at 2.30pm about two miles away at Crawford Lane, Hannah cum Hagnaby.

Detectives are probing the possibility that the Stirlands were killed in a revenge hit for a murder carried out by Mrs Stirland's son, Michael O'Brien.

O'Brien was convicted and sentenced to life in prison at Nottingham Crown Court last month for murdering Marvyn Bradshaw. In a case of mistaken identity, 22-year-old Bradshaw was shot dead outside the Sporting Chance bar in Nottingham on August 30 2003.

Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after fleeing their from in Nottinghamshire area. The BBC has reported that the couple were not part of a police protection programme.

Detective Superintendent Graham White, who is leading the investigation, said that while it was too early to confirm a link, officers were working closely with Nottinghamshire Police.

Police have appealed to businesses, organisations and individuals who have CCTV footage or videotapes covering the Trusthorpe, Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Alford areas to come forward.

(gmcg)