Reward Offered For Information On 'Brutal' Murder

Detectives investigating the brutal murder of 24-year-old Rocky Dawson in 2006 have appealed for further information.

Christopher Pearman, 54, of Waltham Abbey was convicted of shooting Mr Dawson last year and was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years in jail.

Officers, however, are still eager to trace a 57-year-old man wanted in connection with the incident. A £20,000 reward has been made available to anyone able to provide information that leads to the arrest of James Walter Tomkins.

Tomkins, who currently appears on the Crimestoppers website, www.Crime-stoppers.org.uk/most-wanted, is thought to be residing in southern Spain.

Officers were first called just before 9pm on 2 May 2006 to reports of shots being fired in Ardleigh Green Road. On arrival a man suffering gunshot wounds was discovered.

Mr Dawson was pronounced dead shortly after.

A post mortem found the cause of death was a gunshot wound.

Detectives believe the victim had been standing close to his silver Fiat Punto, with his two children - a girl and boy, aged six and two - seated inside the vehicle.

Moments later a dark-coloured 4x4 vehicle drove past and shots were fired at Mr Dawson.

There were no other injuries.

A blue Land Rover Freelander was later discovered burnt-out in Mellish Way, junction with Slewins Lane, Hornchurch.

Det Insp Lee Presland from the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command unit, said: "Rocky's life was prematurely cut short just as it had began. He was a devoted father who was well loved and respected by his friends and family. Rocky's two young children witnessed this crime and only narrowly missed being injured.

"I would urge anyone who has information regarding Tomkin's whereabouts or details regarding the incident to contact our incident room on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated with the utmost confidence."

(JM/BMcC)