Man shot dead and car set alight in neighbouring Hertfordshire villages
A man has been shot dead and a car set alight in two neighbouring Hertfordshire villages.
Police have launched a murder investigation after the man, in his 30s, was found with gunshot wounds in Kings Langley at around 12.30am on Tuesday. He died shortly afterwards.
Fifteen minutes later, reports were received of a white Volkswagen Golf on fire in Furtherfield, Abbots Langley. Police believe that the incidents are linked, but there is no wider threat to the public.
No arrests have been made, with inquiries ongoing as officers conduct searches in both areas, with a forensics tent visible on Railway Terrace in Kings Langley.
‘So much crime these days’
Paul Regan, 42, who lives in adjacent Lakeside Avenue, spoke of his disbelief at being awoken by gunshots.
He said: “I heard a few bangs, maybe four or five, and I asked my wife: ‘What was that?’ It’s just shocking and upsetting, but there is so much crime these days. It just seems out of place here. It’s exceptionally quiet, normally, in Kings Langley. There is a strong kind of village feel to it.”
Another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Nothing of the sort has happened before, so it’s definitely a shock. Some people said they heard screeching tyres after the gunshots. I hope they catch the person who did this, and I hope this was just a one-off.”
Det Ch Insp Nick Gardner, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: “This is a tragic loss of life, and our thoughts are very much with the victim’s family at this time.
“As part of our investigation, we are appealing for any witnesses, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the Railway Terrace and surrounding areas at the time of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to please contact police as soon as possible.
“Additionally, if you were travelling in the area of Kings Langley and/or Abbots Langley at around 12.30am and witnessed anything suspicious, please do get in touch.”