Father is gunned down in his Chasetown home

Police today launched a murder inquiry after a man was shot dead at a house in Staffordshire.

The body of a man, named locally as Richard Deakin, was discovered by officers at a house in Meadway Street, Chasetown, at around 8.30am yesterday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and a post mortem last night revealed he had died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police have yet to formally confirm his identity, but he is believed to be aged 27 and a former Cheslyn Hay High School pupil.

Neighbours have told of two masked men seen vaulting the wall at the property, near the junction with Queen Street, before leaving in a black car.

One near-neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "All we know is that a woman drove around the corner and saw two men in balaclavas and gloves.

"They vaulted the wall and she thought it didn't seem right so she called the police. It was obviously more than just a break-in."

Mr Deakin, who ran local firm On Time Skips, is understood to have moved in to the detached house around 18 months ago with his wife Megan and two daughters.

Residents today spoke of their shock.

One near neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "It was obviously more than just a break-in.

"For two men to do that in broad daylight when the kids are on their way to school — it's shocking."

Local councillor Paul Atkins also said he was shocked by the news.

"This kind of thing is just no what you expect in a small community like Chasetown," he said.

One tribute posted on an internet message board reads: "(A) genuinely nice chap and a great dad.

"RIP, sorry to lose you. All of this is wrong and unfair."

Mr Deakin is understood to have moved to the home where he died with his wife Megan and their two daughters around 18 months ago.

The neighbour continued: "We saw the police take the dead man's wife out and she was in tears.

"The family moved in a did the property up, but it's been up for sale for a few months now."

The scene, near the junction with Queen Street, remained cordoned off today as forensic officers searched for clues.

Extra police patrols have also been laid on to help reassure local residents.

Anyone with information should ring Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.