Police have confirmed a 46-year-old man has died following a shooting in Lewsey Farm last night.
The man was taken to the Luton & Dunstable Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest just before midnight but died shortly after arrival.
A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: “Detectives believe the man was injured during an incident which happened earlier outside a house in Brunel Road..
“A white Transit-style van was seen speeding from the Brunel Road area and officers are keen to trace anyone who saw this van in the area last night.
“A silver BMW and a silver Vauxhall Corsa were also found abandoned in the area of the hospital and both these vehicles have been recovered for further examination as officers believe they may be connected to this inquiry.
“The victim’s family are being supported by specialist officers at this time and the officer in charge of this investigation.”
Detective Supt Jeff Hill, head of the Major Crime Unit, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “We have launched a murder investigation and a team of detectives is now piecing together exactly what happened during the early hours of this morning.
“We will not be drawn in to speculating as to the reasons behind why this man was shot and I would take this opportunity to urge members of the community to come forward and speak with officers to help catch those responsible.
“We will not tolerate gun crime within our communities and officers will not leave any stone unturned in the pursuit of those responsible for this man’s death.
“We believe the key to finding out exactly what happened and why can be found within the community itself. I would remind anyone who may have information relating to this murder, if they saw the shooting itself or if they have information relating to the white Transit-style van seen in the area or the other vehicles that have been recovered, they can speak with the police in complete confidence, or alternatively, they can speak to members of the independent charity Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Anyone with information relating to this investigation is urged to contact officers from the Major Crime Unit, in confidence, on 01707 355959, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information on 07786 200011.