POLICE launched a massive operation following last night’s double shooting at Fort Hommet car park. Seven cars, a Land Rover and two ambulances responded after being alerted by a member of the public at 7.30pm.
More than 20 uniformed officers, detectives and dog handlers were at the scene, along with paramedics and medical staff.
The car park, in which two vehicles believed to belong to the victims were parked, was immediately sealed off with police incident tape, as was the road leading back down to Rue d’Albecq.
After what witnesses described as a ‘flurry of activity’, both ambulances left for the Princess Elizabeth Hospital at about 7.45pm under a police escort. As the sun began to set, searchlights were erected as forensic officers searched the scene.
‘After receiving a call from a member of the public, all available officers on duty were dispatched to the incident,’ said Detective Chief Inspector Peter Dowding.
‘A thorough search of the area took place, which included the surrounding headland being searched by police dogs.
‘Forensic officers have been working at the scene and I can confirm a firearm has been recovered. Scene of crime officers will continue to search the area, after which it will be made secure and we shall return in the morning.’
Just after 10pm, a vehicle recovery lorry arrived to take one of the two cars to the police station.
‘Both vehicles will be taken to the station, where further, more detailed checks will be carried out,’ said DCI Dowding.
Both the car park and road remained closed overnight and will be shut for most of today.
The flashing blue lights of the emergency vehicles attracted a large crowd of onlookers at the Vazon Bay Cafe car park and on the beach close to the scene. Many of those watching developments unfold could be heard relaying the shocking news via mobile phones, although police officers patrolling nearby prevented anyone getting close to the car park.
One onlooker, who asked not to be named, said: ‘It’s unbelievable. I heard that there had been a shooting and when I got up here there were police everywhere.
‘It’s not the sort of thing you expect to happen anywhere, let alone a quiet island like Guernsey.’
And the shootings were the talk of the pubs and restaurants in the area, with customers at the Vazon Bay Hotel Sports Bar, La Grande Mare Hotel, Crabby Jack’s and the Rockmount all trying to digest the news.
Article posted on 24th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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