First picture of man killed in Bircotes shooting

Scenes of crime officers spent most of yesterday at a cordoned-off house in Galway Road, Bircotes, near Doncaster, after the body of a 37-year-old man was found in a bedroom in the early hours.

Police say he died from suspected shotgun injuries.

Forensics officers were seen entering the house and photographing a blue Land Rover parked outside.

A woman, named locally as 33-year-old Shani Cockrell, was also found at the address, also suffering shotgun injuries.

She was taken to hospital where her condition is said to be serious but stable.

Two children in the house - little boys aged four and two - were unharmed, and taken to safety by police after the gruesome discovery shortly before 1am.

The dead man is understood to be Paul White, the partner of Shani, whose parents live in the same street.

Detective Chief Inspector Mel Bowden said: “We are satisfied that the injured female was a victim in this incident.”

“Until a post mortem examination is carried out next week we will not be in a position to formally identify the deceased but we believe he was the offender in this case and will not be looking for any further suspects.”

Locals said Mr White was a clay pigeon enthusiast, who was a licensed firearms holder.

They spoke of their shock over the pair, who were described as a ‘happy couple’ and ‘childhood sweethearts.’

“I can’t believe something like this has happened. They were a lovely family.”

“We’re all in shock. It’s such a quiet community,” said one woman, who did not wish to be named.