Gun victim 'spent time in area'

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The victim of a targeted shooting in Leeds had been in the area for about 45 minutes before his killers struck on Friday night, police believe.

Rohan Ricketts, 34, was shot in the Shah Jahan Indian takeaway in Roundhay Road, Harehills, at about 2330 BST.

Police said the gunmen had lain in wait for their victim and they wanted to speak to anyone who saw Mr Ricketts, who was wearing a dark duffel coat.

Officers think the three or four gunmen fled on foot and may live locally.

Although a number of witnesses have come forward, police say they still need information.

Meanwhile, detectives are looking into Mr Ricketts' background, who originally came from Jamaica but had been living in England for seven years.

'Cold-blooded'

Det Supt Steve Payne, of West Yorkshire Police, said Mr Ricketts, who was known locally as Shonn, had collected food from the takeaway on Friday but fled back to the outlet when he realised he was being chased.

He said Mr Ricketts then jumped into the kitchen area to hide from the gunmen, but they broke down a door and forced their way into the room.

Four or five shots were fired. The gunmen are believed to have been carrying two handguns between them.

Police said the gang were all wearing balaclavas

Mr Ricketts was found lying dead on the kitchen floor when officers arrived at the scene on Friday night.

Det Supt Payne said: "This was a cold-blooded killing which has left Rohan's six children without a father and his girlfriend without a partner.

"We are now starting to build up a picture of Rohan and his lifestyle and are looking into his background.

"I have said before that I believe the answer to this killing lies within the local community and it is only a matter of time before we trace those responsible."

He added that extra police officers had been drafted into the Harehills area.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Mr Ricketts, of Harehills, died from a gunshot wound.

The four gunmen were thought to have worn dark sports clothing, with hoods and balaclavas covering their faces.