Wolverhampton shooting victim named as detectives continue murder probe

Dwaine Haughton died from his gunshot wound after he was attacked in Park Village at 9.10pm on Friday.

His family and partner have since paid tribute to the 24-year-old, who was shot in what police believe was a targeted attack in Valley Road.

It comes as detectives scouring the city for the killer are yet to make any arrests four days after the gunman opened fire.

The victim's family said: “You have left a big hole in all of our hearts. We will forever miss your beautiful cheeky smile and infectious laugh. Love and miss you son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin.

“You were the most caring loving and thoughtful boyfriend and would have been the most perfect husband and father.

“We love you more than words can show, I think about you more than you could ever know. Until forever this will be true, because there is no one I would ever love the way I love you.

“If tears could build a staircase and memories a lane I’d ride up to heaven and bring you home again."

Detectives launched a murder probe after Mr Haughton died in the early hours of Saturday morning, with armed patrols stepped up across Wolverhampton.

Chief Superintendent of Wolverhampton Police Jayne Meir said the murder investigation was at a 'very early' stage but claimed officers were working 'tirelessly' on the case.

She revealed she was left 'devastated' by the tragedy, adding: "It's a tragic loss of life. It's my responsibility to keep the people of Wolverhampton safe and it was really, really upsetting for me to know that this had taken place.

"I think tensions are running high at the moment. People will know the victim and will be concerned about the level of violence that we are seeing in Wolverhampton at the moment."

Officers will now spend the coming days trawling through CCTV, reviewing forensic evidence from the scene and continuing house-to-house enquiries.

Detectives will also examine the vehicle the victim was in when he was rushed to New Cross Hospital following the shooting.

Chief Supt Meir, of Wolverhampton Police, said she is now calling on the public to help her team track down the gunman and his associates.

She added: "I can understand that the community will be very fearful and we are dong everything we can to understand the motives of this shooting.

"We are following many lines of inquiry. We've had lots of information from the public, but at this stage, it's too early to say what's behind it and if it's linked to and other issues.

"We will get to the bottom of it. We have got a number of detectives working on the investigation."

Call the homicide team on 101, quoting log 2914 of July 20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.