Murder suspect under police guard in hospital after Newport shooting

Police have been carrying out extra patrols in the Newport area since the shotgun incident in Farmers Gate on Friday evening.

The woman, who was in her 50s, could not be saved by paramedics after she was found inside a car on the housing estate with a shotgun wound to her neck.

Emergency services were alerted after neighbours heard loud bangs and the victim's daughter screaming at around 11.10pm.

A post mortem and formal identification are yet to take place, but the woman's next of kin have been informed.

Interactive map of the area:

The suspected killer, a 45-year-old man from Newport who is believed to have known the victim, is receiving medical treatment in hospital where he remains under police guard.

He was arrested three miles away on farmland near Sutton, where a shotgun was also recovered on Friday night.

Neighbour Donna Campbell was among the first to call 999 last night after hearing the victim's daughter's cries for help.

Ms Campbell had been putting her son to bed when she heard bangs outside her window.

"I had gone upstairs to settle my son," she said.

"I was sat on my bed when I heard what I thought was fireworks. Then I heard screaming.

"I looked out the window and saw a vehicle driving off and a girl screaming. She said her mum had been shot.

"When the girl opened the car door, the glass all fell out of the window.

"I rung 999 and then went outside to see if I could help. It was horrible.

"The girl apologised to me. I told her not to be sorry – I gave her a hug."

The victim had only lived in the area for a few weeks, Ms Campbell added.

"She had only lived in the area for three weeks. Nobody really knew her.

"It's completely shocking. I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked out the window.

"To start with I thought it was a hoax – it just couldn't be real."

Superintendent Sue Thomas, from West Mercia Police, said on Saturday evening: "We are in the very early stages of the investigation and a cordon remains in place at the scene and on farmland in Sutton, Staffordshire, whilst enquiries are being carried out.

"At this time we are treating this as an isolated incident.

"I understand that this incident will be concerning for the local community, and I'd like to reassure them that we will have extra officers in the area over the coming days to carry out enquiries and to provide reassurance.

"We would ask anyone with any information which could assist with the investigation or who may have any concerns to please come forward or to speak with a local officer.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of the victim, who is being supported by specially trained officers at this time."

Anyone with information which could help police is asked to call 101 and quote incident 725s of 26 January 2018.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org