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12/08/2004
Murder victim talked to police moments before shootings
A couple who are thought to have been killed in a revenge hit on Sunday called police just moments before they were confronted by gunmen, it has emerged today.
Detectives investigating the murder of Joan and John Stirland in Lincolnshire last Sunday have revealed that Mrs Stirland contacted a police officer in Nottinghamshire just before 2pm complaining that a neighbour had seen a man hanging around the house the previous evening.
A police spokesperson said that Joan Stirland chose not to report the incident to Lincolnshire. "She emphasised she did not want the backgrounds of her and her husband revealed so asked for a normal response to a prowler incident," the spokesperson said.
Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, are believed to have been shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Sunday.
The car which police believe was used by the killers was found burning at 2.30pm about two miles away at Crawford Lane, Hannah cum Hagnaby.
Detectives are probing the possibility that the Stirlands were killed in a revenge hit for a murder carried out by Mrs Stirland's son, Michael O'Brien.
O'Brien was convicted and sentenced to life in prison at Nottingham Crown Court last month for murdering Marvyn Bradshaw. In a case of mistaken identity, 22-year-old Bradshaw was shot dead outside the Sporting Chance bar in Nottingham on August 30 2003.
Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after fleeing their from in Nottinghamshire area. The BBC has reported that the couple were not part of a police protection programme.
Detective Superintendent Graham White, who is leading the investigation, said that while it was too early to confirm a link, officers were working closely with Nottinghamshire Police.
Police have appealed to businesses, organisations and individuals who have CCTV footage or videotapes covering the Trusthorpe, Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Alford areas to come forward.
(gmcg)
Detectives investigating the murder of Joan and John Stirland in Lincolnshire last Sunday have revealed that Mrs Stirland contacted a police officer in Nottinghamshire just before 2pm complaining that a neighbour had seen a man hanging around the house the previous evening.
A police spokesperson said that Joan Stirland chose not to report the incident to Lincolnshire. "She emphasised she did not want the backgrounds of her and her husband revealed so asked for a normal response to a prowler incident," the spokesperson said.
Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, are believed to have been shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Sunday.
The car which police believe was used by the killers was found burning at 2.30pm about two miles away at Crawford Lane, Hannah cum Hagnaby.
Detectives are probing the possibility that the Stirlands were killed in a revenge hit for a murder carried out by Mrs Stirland's son, Michael O'Brien.
O'Brien was convicted and sentenced to life in prison at Nottingham Crown Court last month for murdering Marvyn Bradshaw. In a case of mistaken identity, 22-year-old Bradshaw was shot dead outside the Sporting Chance bar in Nottingham on August 30 2003.
Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after fleeing their from in Nottinghamshire area. The BBC has reported that the couple were not part of a police protection programme.
Detective Superintendent Graham White, who is leading the investigation, said that while it was too early to confirm a link, officers were working closely with Nottinghamshire Police.
Police have appealed to businesses, organisations and individuals who have CCTV footage or videotapes covering the Trusthorpe, Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Alford areas to come forward.
(gmcg)
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11 August 2004
Identities of Lincolnshire murder victims released
Lincolnshire police have released the identities of the couple who were murdered in Trusthorpe last Sunday. The two victims have been named as John Stirland, 55, and Joan Stirland, 53. Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after moving on from the Nottinghamshire area.
Identities of Lincolnshire murder victims released
Lincolnshire police have released the identities of the couple who were murdered in Trusthorpe last Sunday. The two victims have been named as John Stirland, 55, and Joan Stirland, 53. Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after moving on from the Nottinghamshire area.
22 February 2008
Police Criticised Over Trusthorpe Murders
The police's protection of a couple murdered in a revenge attack, has been criticised in an investigation by an independent watchdog. John and Joan Stirland were found shot dead at their bungalow in the Lincolnshire village of Trusthorpe in 2004, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found.
Police Criticised Over Trusthorpe Murders
The police's protection of a couple murdered in a revenge attack, has been criticised in an investigation by an independent watchdog. John and Joan Stirland were found shot dead at their bungalow in the Lincolnshire village of Trusthorpe in 2004, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found.
27 August 2004
Extension granted to question double murder suspect
Police holding a teenager in connection with the murders of a couple in Lincolnshire have been given an extension to continue questioning the suspect. Lincolnshire police have been granted leave to hold the 19-year-old for another 36 hours from 10am today.
Extension granted to question double murder suspect
Police holding a teenager in connection with the murders of a couple in Lincolnshire have been given an extension to continue questioning the suspect. Lincolnshire police have been granted leave to hold the 19-year-old for another 36 hours from 10am today.
03 September 2004
Two arrested over Lincolnshire double murder
A further two men have been arrested in connection with the murders of a married couple in Lincolnshire last month. Police have confirmed that the men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested in Nottingham yesterday afternoon. They will be questioned at a police station in Lincolnshire later today.
Two arrested over Lincolnshire double murder
A further two men have been arrested in connection with the murders of a married couple in Lincolnshire last month. Police have confirmed that the men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested in Nottingham yesterday afternoon. They will be questioned at a police station in Lincolnshire later today.
26 August 2004
Teen held over Lincolnshire double murder
A teenager has been arrested in connection with the murders of a couple who were shot dead in Lincolnshire earlier this month. The 19-year-old is expected to be questioned by Lincolnshire police later today. Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, were shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.
Teen held over Lincolnshire double murder
A teenager has been arrested in connection with the murders of a couple who were shot dead in Lincolnshire earlier this month. The 19-year-old is expected to be questioned by Lincolnshire police later today. Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, were shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.
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