This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/6943213.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Motorcyclist murdered on motorway Motorcyclist murdered on motorway
(about 1 hour later)
A man on a motorcycle has been shot dead on a motorway in Warwickshire - and police are appealing for witnesses as they launch a murder inquiry. A motorcyclist has been shot dead while riding along the M40 in Warwickshire.
The man was travelling south on the M40, between junctions 13 and 12 near Leamington Spa, when the incident happened at 1420 BST. The man died between junctions 13 and 12 on the southbound carriageway near Leamington Spa on Sunday afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance said they found the man with serious injuries, but he died at the scene. The murder victim, aged in his 30s, is thought to have attended a motorcycle rally nearby and biker gangs are a "strong line of inquiry" police said.
It is thought the victim might have attended a biker party earlier. Detectives want to trace the occupants of a green Rover car seen close by when the man was shot. The M40 is expected to remain closed into the late morning.
The incident caused 10-mile tailbacks in both directions - and police and the Red Cross have taken food and water to drivers caught in the crime scene.
"Road rage is not a line of inquiry. We are treating this as murder," said a police spokesperson."Road rage is not a line of inquiry. We are treating this as murder," said a police spokesperson.
It is thought the victim may have been at the Bulldog Bash, billed as Europe's top biker party, held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford. It was very noticeable that the man was very still and was not wearing any shoes Paul Roberts, eyewitness
Fingertip search It is thought the victim had attended the Bulldog Bash, billed as Europe's top biker party, held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford.
Motorbike gang links are a "strong line of inquiry", said a police spokesperson. Det Supt Ken Lawrence, of Warwickshire Police, told the BBC that 20 to 30 police officers were at the scene and potential witnesses were still being interviewed.
The incident caused 10-mile tailbacks in both directions - and police and the Red Cross are believed to be bringing food and water to drivers caught in the crime scene. He said they wanted to speak to people travelling in a Rover 620 saloon who may have been linked to shooting, which took place at about 1420 BST.
BBC reporter Liz Copper, who was at the scene, said it was understood a fingertip search of part of the carriageway would be carried out. "One or two witness accounts have mentioned this car being close to the motorcycles at the time that something clearly happened.
Detective Superintendent Ken Lawrence told the BBC's Five Live that 20 to 30 police officers were at the scene and potential witnesses were still being interviewed. "It is for that reason that I want to trace that car and speak to the occupants and see if they saw anything or know anything."
He said the southbound carriageway would probably remain closed until Monday morning and appealed specifically for the occupants of a dark green Rover, possibly a 620, which had been seen near the scene of the incident, to come forward. He there was large crime scene spreading along the motorway's carriageway and it would take officers a good time to carry out the searches.
He said the southbound carriageway would probably remain closed until late on Monday morning and possibly until lunch time.
Paul Roberts, from Worthing, was driving along the M40 when the incident happened.Paul Roberts, from Worthing, was driving along the M40 when the incident happened.
He said: "Suddenly we had to stop... soon other motorists were out of their cars and on the carriageway.He said: "Suddenly we had to stop... soon other motorists were out of their cars and on the carriageway.
"One lady in a BMW took a first aid kit to the man who was lying on his front just next to the central reservation."One lady in a BMW took a first aid kit to the man who was lying on his front just next to the central reservation.
"It was very noticeable that the man was very still and was not wearing any shoes.""It was very noticeable that the man was very still and was not wearing any shoes."
Police are appealing for any motorists travelling on the M40 who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.Police are appealing for any motorists travelling on the M40 who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.
An incident room has been set up at Warwickshire Police headquarters.An incident room has been set up at Warwickshire Police headquarters.
Have you been caught up in events? Are you in the area? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below.Have you been caught up in events? Are you in the area? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below.
You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124.You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
NameName