27/08/2004

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.

Joan Stirland, 53, and John Stirland, 55, were shot dead in their home in Radio St Peters, Trusthorpe, between 2pm and 2.30pm on Sunday August 8.

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.

It is understood that the couple were not part of a police protection programme.

(gmcg)

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12 August 2004
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22 February 2008
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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.
11 August 2004
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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.
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.
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