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Children's author shot in his own home dies

James Nash 
James Nash

Tributes have been paid to a children's author and parish councillor who has died in hospital after being shot during a daytime attack at his Hampshire home.

James Nash was shot in the head at his thatched cottage on Wednesday afternoon, with locals naming mechanic Alex Sartain as the attacker.

Mr Nash, 42, lived at the property in Upper Enham with his wife Sarah, 40, who also suffered injuries.

His family confirmed that Mr Nash had died from his injuries at Southampton General Hospital.

Replying to well-wishers, his mother Gillian wrote: "Thank you very much for your comments. Very sadly I have to tell you that James Nash died of his brutal injuries. His father, his sister and I are in a total state of shock and grief.

"We have lost a beautiful, talented son and brother and I know all who knew him would say he was the kindest, most caring person."

Responding to one woman expressing her condolences, Mrs Nash added: "We will never come to terms with this evil."

Detectives continue to investigate the shooting of the man, whose suspected attacker died in a police chase after trying to flee on a motorcycle.

Phil North, leader of Test Valley borough council, said: "This is such devastating news, not just for his family and friends who will obviously miss him terribly, but for the whole community of Enham Alamein where he was a public representative.

"He was such a kind-hearted individual and a proactive parish councillor who cared deeply for his community."

Kit Malthouse, the Tory MP for North West Hampshire, described the death as "tragic and profoundly sad news".

"James's family will be devastated and they are in all our thoughts tonight," he said on Facebook.

"I know that Hampshire police are working flat out to try and understand what could have sparked this appalling chain of events, and I am grateful for their sensitive and professional handling of this deeply distressing situation.

"James will be deeply missed by his community and the terrible manner of his death will be seared in the memory of everyone in the area. May he rest in peace."

Online council records gave Mr Nash's address as Holly Tree Cottage in MacCallum Road, where the attack took place at about 3pm.

Mr North earlier sought to reassure residents of the area, telling them officers were confident that Sartain, 34, was the attacker involved in the incident.

Police have said, that while investigations are at an early stage, they "do not believe there are any outstanding suspects in this investigation".

Sartain is believed to have initially fled the scene on foot before trying to get away on a motorbike, before fatally crashing on an A-road about three miles away from the shooting site after officers gave chase.

He died at the scene and his next of kin have been notified as formal identification takes place, said the force.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman said the force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.