Man wanted over drive-by shooting held in Spain

One of Britain's most wanted men was held by Spanish police tonight after a four-year manhunt.

James Tomkins, 61, was arrested in the resort of Marbella by officers working on behalf of the Metropolitan Police.

He is wanted over the drive-by shooting murder of 24-year-old Rocky Dawson in Hornchurch, Essex, in 2006.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he will appear in a Madrid court on Friday when extradition proceedings will begin.

Tomkins, who police warned is dangerous, is believed to have been supported by a network of friends since fleeing to Spain.

The suspect disappeared after the murder of electrician Mr Dawson outside his parents' home in May 2006.

The victim was putting his two children into his car when a gunman drove past and opened fire. He died in his mother's arms after staggering indoors.

Tomkins is suspected of driving the stolen Land Rover Freelander used in the shooting and helping to destroy evidence.

Contract killer Christopher Pearman, of Waltham Abbey, was jailed for life in January 2007 after pleading guilty to the murder of Mr Dawson.

Police could not provide a motive for the killing, whether it was a revenge attack or a case of mistaken identity. They offered a reward of £20,000 for information that would lead to Tomkins and said several forces want to speak to him.

At one point investigators suspected he was in Puerto Banus, an upmarket yacht marina near Marbella, but the trail went cold.

Tomkins used several aliases, including Raymond John Farmer and the surname O'Flynn, and was also known as "Jimbles".