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Girlfriend grieves for shot biker | Girlfriend grieves for shot biker |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The girlfriend of a Hells Angel biker shot dead on the M40 in Warwickshire has said his death has left a hole in her life "that can never be filled". | The girlfriend of a Hells Angel biker shot dead on the M40 in Warwickshire has said his death has left a hole in her life "that can never be filled". |
Gerry Tobin, 35, was shot in the back of the head as he rode home from the Bulldog Bash biker festival on Sunday. | Gerry Tobin, 35, was shot in the back of the head as he rode home from the Bulldog Bash biker festival on Sunday. |
Mr Tobin lived with Rebecca Smith near a Harley Davidson dealership where he worked as a mechanic in Mottingham, south-east London. | |
Police described him as hard-working and said he had been a churchgoer. | |
A hole that can never be filled has been left in the lives and hearts of so many... Gerry was my life Rebecca Smith | A hole that can never be filled has been left in the lives and hearts of so many... Gerry was my life Rebecca Smith |
Det Supt Ken Lawrence, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are getting a picture of a hard-working, friendly but private person who would put himself out to help others. | Det Supt Ken Lawrence, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are getting a picture of a hard-working, friendly but private person who would put himself out to help others. |
"When he was younger and still living in Canada, Gerry was an active church member. | "When he was younger and still living in Canada, Gerry was an active church member. |
"I am still of the opinion that Gerry was the intended target of this shooting last Sunday." | |
Police believe at least two shots were fired at Mr Tobin, although only one struck him. | Police believe at least two shots were fired at Mr Tobin, although only one struck him. |
Det Supt Lawrence, who said police had made "some significant progress", believed it did not seem to be a random attack but there is no obvious motive. | |
'Awful time' | |
He said: "It's possible he was targeted either specifically because of something he had done or some disagreement that he had had. | |
"It's not impossible that he was targeted simply because he was a Hells Angel." | |
CCTV images have been located from a number of places and forensic evidence from the motorway is being examined. | CCTV images have been located from a number of places and forensic evidence from the motorway is being examined. |
In a statement, Ms Smith, 25, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and love to all that have supported me and our club at this awful time. | |
"Thank you to all for your kind words, respects, sentiments and tributes. | "Thank you to all for your kind words, respects, sentiments and tributes. |
"A hole that can never be filled has been left in the lives and hearts of so many. Gerry was my life." | "A hole that can never be filled has been left in the lives and hearts of so many. Gerry was my life." |
'Memorial fund' | |
Family and friends said in a statement: "His charming personality and quick-witted humour always kept everyone smiling. | |
"His membership of the Hells Angels motorcycle club was a natural extension of his love and passion for motorcycles. | |
"He was Rebecca's soul mate and she feels truly blessed to have spent five wonderful years of her life - the best five years of her life - with such a wonderful man." | |
The Canadian had been riding alongside two friends on his Harley Davidson FX STV 1500 Night Train after leaving the Bulldog Bash, held at Long Marston Airfield, near Stratford-upon-Avon, when he was shot dead. | The Canadian had been riding alongside two friends on his Harley Davidson FX STV 1500 Night Train after leaving the Bulldog Bash, held at Long Marston Airfield, near Stratford-upon-Avon, when he was shot dead. |
Detectives believe he was murdered in a planned attack and still want to trace a Rover 620. | |
It was seen parked in a lay-by on the A46 close to junction 15 of the M40 and was also seen following him from a motorway junction. | It was seen parked in a lay-by on the A46 close to junction 15 of the M40 and was also seen following him from a motorway junction. |
Warwickshire Police have received more than 300 calls from people in the UK and abroad about the case. | Warwickshire Police have received more than 300 calls from people in the UK and abroad about the case. |
The London Hells Angels have set up a memorial fund for Mr Tobin and their website has been deluged with messages from around the world. | The London Hells Angels have set up a memorial fund for Mr Tobin and their website has been deluged with messages from around the world. |
A biker event planned for next month, the Chop and Rod show at Henfold Lakes, in Surrey, has been postponed as a result of the shooting. | A biker event planned for next month, the Chop and Rod show at Henfold Lakes, in Surrey, has been postponed as a result of the shooting. |