26/08/2004

Teen held over Lincolnshire double murder

A teenager has been arrested in connection with the murders of a couple who were shot dead in Lincolnshire earlier this month.

The 19-year-old is expected to be questioned by Lincolnshire police later today.

Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, were shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Sunday August 8.

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.

(gmcg)

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