British police confirmed today that were warned that a suspected gunman might be planning to harm his ex-partner the day before he allegedly shot her and her new boyfriend.
Raoul Thomas Moat (37) was released from prison on Thursday but two days later he allegedly went on the rampage in Birtley, Gateshead, firing at Samantha Stobbart, shooting dead her boyfriend Chris Brown and leaving a policeman fighting for his life.
The former nightclub bouncer, who mistakenly believed Ms Stobbart was having an affair with an officer, then called police to say they were not taking him seriously.
Northumbria Police temporary Chief Constable Sue Sim said today the warning came from Durham Prison where Moat was held. The case had been referred to the independent police watchdog, she added.
On Friday, Durham Prison passed on the warning. On Saturday, Moat allegedly shot Ms Stobbart and killed her Mr Brown before going on the run.
PC David Rathband was shot the next day.
Ms Stobbart today issued a direct appeal to Moat, through the police, saying: “Please give yourself up. If you still love me and our baby you would not be doing this.”
At a press conference, police said Ms Stobbart was no longer in a critical condition and was now stable and “improving”.
Detectives believe the triple shooting was sparked by a grudge against the couple which developed into a vendetta against the police.
Moat is understood to have fired at Ms Stobbart - with whom he had a six year on-off relationship - through the living room window of a house in the Scafell area.
Moments later Mr Brown (29) is believed to have left the property - only to be struck down around 50 metres from the front door.
Less than 24 hours after the attack, a man identified as Moat was linked to a shooting in East Denton, Newcastle.
PC Rathband (42) was shot in the face and chest while on duty. Detectives said the married father-of-two, with 10 years’ experience on the force, was blasted through the passenger window of his car in an “unprovoked” attack. He had been parked on a roundabout.
Soon after the third shooting, Moat made contact with police.
Appealing to their suspect yesterday, North Tyneside Det Ch Supt Neil Adamson, said: “You contacted the police and it is clear that you believe certain things to be true which I would like to clarify with you now.
“You have told us that the police are not taking you seriously. We are. I want you to know that you have our full attention, innocent people have been hurt. This must stop now.
“You believe that Sam was having an affair with a Northumbria Police officer. Sam has told us this is not true. Our inquiries have verified this.” He said he realised the father of three would be concerned for the well-being of his children.
“For their sake, this has to stop now,” he added. “Enough people have been hurt.”
Neighbours living close to the scene in Birtley reported hearing gunshots in the early hours of Saturday. Some said they saw Mr Brown lying on a grassy area opposite the targeted house. The karate instructor recently moved to the Gateshead area from Slough, in Berkshire.
Northumbria Police deployed all their armed officers on the case while firearms officers were brought in from other forces.
Moat, from the Fenham area of Newcastle, was jailed for 18 weeks for assault, prior to his release.