Harlesden man shot dead in Luton as part of ‘a criminal feud’

Paul Foster was shot dead near this house in Luton (pic credit/PA News) (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Detectives investigating the murder of a Harlesden man in Bedfordshire believe he was shot dead as part of a criminal feud.

Paul Foster was gunned down in the Lewsey Farm Estate in Luton, in the early hours of April 9.

The 46-year-old, a married father-of-three who was known as ‘Shinehead’, was a well known figure in Brent who moved to Luton 10 years ago.

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit made an week anniversary appeal for information leading to Mr Foster’s killers.

He said: “We believe that the motive for this horrendous killing was linked to an ongoing criminal feud. Some of his (Mr Foster) associates and in fact some of his close friends were known to be involved in crime.

“There are people out there who can help solve this murder. Some of them may have already made their minds up about Paul as a person and are choosing not to help us.

“If that is the case, we are here to try and change their minds.”

Hours before Mr Foster was killed an incident occurred at another property in which he was injured.

Revealing that Mr Foster was alive for a short time after he was shot in the chest, Det Supt Hill said: “We also know Paul was alive for a period of time after being shot and was taken to hospital by friends or associates. We again believe that during their time with Paul they must have been told exactly what had occurred and been provided with details of who was responsible.

“We retain an open mind as to whether the offender had gone to that location with the intention of killing Paul.

“What we do know is that there were a number of people in and around the address at the time Paul was murdered, who must have seen the incident.

“I want people who saw what happened, heard Paul talk of what had occurred or have heard details of what happened from those responsible to come forward.

“I make no bones about it we need people to stand up and be counted. We need people to have the courage and leadership to do the right thing. “

Mr Foster become a born again Christian after moving to Luton and was a regular worshipper at Word of Faith International Christian Centre UK.

Adowa Ramsay, minister of his church, made an appeal on behalf of his family.

She said: “Paul’s wife and children are now devastated by his loss – no words can bring him back – that is why I am here to speak on their behalf so everyone will have an insight in to the grief that has hit this family - this community.

“I would hope by making this statement people with information will come forward, support the police investigation and speak with officers - tell them what you know – help Paul’s family.”

Two men aged 21 and 24, both from Luton, arrested in connection with Mr Foster’s murder have been bailed to return to a police station at a later date.

Anyone with information are urged to contact the incident room, in confidence on 01707 355959, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.