Botched murder probe cost police £500,000

A botched murder probe that led to five men being acquitted of a gangland killing on the Shropshire border cost police almost £500,000, it was revealed today.

Drug dealer Kevin Nunes, 20, was shot dead in Pattingham, near Bridgnorth, in 2002.

The gang accused of the murder were given jail sentences totalling 135 years but their convictions were quashed this month following the release of a report detailing blunders by Staffordshire Police.

Now it has been revealed the six-year probe into Mr Nunes's killing – which involved 180 officers – cost £496,000.

Figures released by the force following a Freedom of Information request show £254,324 was spent on overtime.

A further £105,991 was spent on forensics, £59,435 on vehicles, £33,910 on hotels and travel and £33,910 on legal services.