A father who was gunned down behind a pizza takeaway in a ‘drive-by shooting’ has been pictured as police continue their manhunt for his killer in a ‘stolen car’.
Dale Stogden, also known as Brett, was shot near a petrol station on Doncaster Road, Wakefield, at 9.43pm on Tuesday, August 12.
Police believe that the vehicle used was on false plates and had been stolen in a burglary in Castleford on August 3.
Following the shooting, Mr Stogden, a 50-year-old from Wakefield, was rushed to hospital where he sadly later died from his injuries.
West Yorkshire Police have arrested three men on suspicion of murder, aged 19, 20, 27, from addresses in the Ossett and Lupset areas of the city. They currently remain in police custody.
Now, his heartbroken daughters have paid tribute to their beloved father, pleading with the gunman responsible for his ‘cruel’ death to come forward.
Adding that they have been left in ‘complete shock’ by the unexpected loss of their father ‘in such horrific, violent circumstances’, their statement continued: ‘We will miss him, and our breakfast get togethers.
‘We will miss his big smile. Dad, we hope you are no longer in pain and that you can rest in peace. We will always love and miss you.’
Dale Stogden (pictured), also known as Brett, was shot near a petrol station on Doncaster Road, Wakefield, at 9.43pm on Tuesday, August 12. Following the shooting, Mr Stogden, a 50-year-old from Wakefield, was rushed to hospital where he sadly later died from his injuries
West Yorkshire Police have arrested three men on suspicion of murder, aged 19, 20, 27, from addresses in the Ossett and Lupset areas of the city. They currently remain in police custody. Pictured: the scene of the fatal shooting on August 12
On Wednesday evening, a Toyota RAV4 car which police believe was used in the offence was recovered after being found abandoned at an address on Dunbar Street. Police believe that the vehicle used was on false plates and had been stolen in a burglary in Castleford on August 3
Mr Stogden’s heartbroken daughters have paid tribute to their beloved father, pleading with the gunman responsible for his ‘cruel’ death to come forward. They added that they have been left in ‘complete shock’ by the unexpected loss of their father. Pictured: police cars at the scene
His daughters also implored the person responsible for their father’s murder to contact the police, adding: ‘We would like to ask the person who took our dad’s life so cruelly, please hand yourself in then we can have some closure and lay him to rest.’
The force said that they are continuing to follow ‘multiple’ lines of enquiry, following a ‘strong response’ to the public appeals for information.
On Wednesday evening, a Toyota RAV4 car which police believe was used in the offence was recovered after being found abandoned at an address on Dunbar Street, Wakefield and is now being recovered for police analysis.
It was described as being distinctive due to having bull lights on the roof above the windshield.
The driver was driving in the direction of Wakefield before turning around near the BP petrol station immediately before the shooting and then driving off in the same direction they came from.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team who is leading the investigation said: ‘We are determined to get answers for Brett’s family and ensure that those involved in this senseless crime are brought to justice.
‘I would like to extend my thanks again to those who have already provided information to assist this investigation.
‘I would like to reassure you that there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes and all available lines of enquiry are being followed up.’
West Yorkshire Police have said that they are continuing to follow ‘multiple’ lines of enquiry, following a ‘strong response’ to the public appeals for information. Pictured: the scene cordoned off by police on August 12
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team who is leading the investigation said: ‘We are determined to get answers for Brett’s family and ensure that those involved in this senseless crime are brought to justice.’ Pictured: officers at the scene on August 12
Any motorists who were in the Doncaster Road area, described as ‘busy on most evenings’, between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on August 3 have been urged to check their dashcam footage. Pictured: police seen investigating in a bush and nearby bin following the shooting on August 12
DCI Entwistle previously said that he understood ‘the shock and concern’ that the incident will have caused for the general publics, ‘particularly given that a firearm has been involved’.
He added that the force were ‘dedicating significant resources to this investigation and our neighbourhood policing colleagues are supporting this with an increased presence in the area to provide reassurance to the community.’
Any motorists who were in the Doncaster Road area, described as ‘busy on most evenings’, between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on August 3 have been urged to check their dashcam footage.
Those with relevant information or who witnessed any part of the incident have been asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via Live Chat online or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Ploughland.
