The “brutal killing” of a man in Luton last Tuesday was linked to an ongoing criminal feud, police said at a press conference today (April 16).
Paul Foster, 46, who was fatally shot outside a friend’s house in Brunel Road, had close friends and associates who were involved in crime.
Family friend Adowa Ramsay who is a minister at Word of Faith International Christian Centre UK spoke on behalf of the family today and said Paul was a “dedicated husband and father”.
Adowa said: “Paul was a hugely influential member of our community - young people would listen to his words of wisdom and seek his advice.
“He regularly attended our church meetings and his community spirit had no limits.”
She said Paul’s wife Mandy, his son and two daughters are “devastated” by their loss.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and released on bail last week, but Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill said they need evidence.
Det Supt Hill said: “We are not saying that Paul was directly involved in crime. However, it must be accepted that Paul’s lifestyle brought him into close contact with local criminals.
“We believe the motive for this horrendous killing was linked to an ongoing criminal feud...We need people to have the courage and the leadership to do the right thing by speaking with us about what they know and being prepared to make statements where required.”
It is believed that Paul, who moved to Luton from London ten years ago, was the uncle of 19-year-old Delaney Brown who was murdered in Luton last year.
Det Supt Hill said: “This was a brutal killing in a residential area of Luton which has shocked the community. Sadly this is not the first occasion that something like this has happened. Only earlier today there has been another incident where a firearm has been discharged. This situation is entirely unacceptable and those engaged in the use of firearms in this town need to be stopped.”
Officers are delivering posters and leaflets appealing for help in the Brunel Road area this afternoon and speaking to locals about what happened.
If you have any information, call the incident room on 01707 355959.