Two arrested after man is shot dead at private pool party in Surrey

A 36-year-old woman was also seriously injured during the incident

Samuel Osborne
Monday 25 July 2016 08:12 BST
The body of the 34-year-old man was discovered at an address in Church Lane, Headley, following a disturbance at a party
The body of the 34-year-old man was discovered at an address in Church Lane, Headley, following a disturbance at a party

A murder investigation as been launched after a 34-year-old man was shot and killed at a private pool party in Surrey.

A 36-year-old woman also suffered a gunshot wound to her leg in the incident at a mansion with a swimming pool in Church Lane, Headley, at around 2.30am on Monday.

Surrey Police said that one person has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a second on suspicion of assisting an offender, but the gun used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.

The force has appealed to anyone who was at the party and may have seen the incident.

Neighbours have described hundreds of people gathering for the party which had been advertised on social media with loud music going on into the early hours of Monday when the shooting happened.

Broken glass and rubbish were left strewn around the property the following morning.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Bex Smith said: “Officers were called to a private property in Church Lane following reports of a disturbance at a party being held at the address.

“Officers attended and found the body of a 34-year-old man who had suffered a gunshot wound. A 36-year-old woman is also receiving medical treatment after being shot in the leg but her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

“This was a shocking turn of events at what had been billed as a private pool party and would have been witnessed by a number of people.”

Local councillor David Preedy had warned police there could be a disturbance due to the size of the gathering and because of previous events held at the property.

Mr Preedy, who lives about a quarter of a mile away, told the Press Association: "There was a noisy party last year that I know was problematic. It started at 11pm and went on until 5am on Monday morning so was decidedly unpopular.

"When it was clear that the repeat was being organised, I notified the police on behalf of the parish council and on behalf of the community. Obviously I didn't realise what was going to happen.

"It [the house] is rented out. I understand it is the second or third of these parties. I was told last year that it was an event people were paying for tickets to attend.

"I became aware a large number of people were gathering.

"I called the police and asked them to patrol and make organisers know they should be considerate neighbours. I am pretty sure it was noisy through the night.

"I haven't spoken to enough people about it but I am sure people will be shocked and very worried."

David Baxter, who has friends in Church Lane, said: "It was a group of African-origin people. There was a smashed car, glass everywhere.

"The house is next to the church and it is rented out for parties."

Another resident said: "I drove past the house last night and there were lots of people, there were cars parked everywhere, in people's driveways. There were lots of women in brightly coloured African dresses.

"I drove past again at 5.30am on my way to work and it was cordoned off, it had all kicked off."

He added: "The house is owned by a developer from Mitcham who rents it out for parties."

Reggae dancehall artist Braintear Spookie, real name Jason White, posted adverts for the party on his Instagram account.

The 21-year-old, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, but who moved to the UK in 2013, is listed on the advert as an organiser of the event along with "The Female Boss".

The advert promotes "The Big Mansion Pool Party Part 3 Called My League A Posh Location in The Hills", with the Headley address at the bottom of the image.

The singer, who has produced songs with titles including Hurt It Up, Nuh Fault Wid Yuh, and Cah Tek Mi Life, also posted pictures of himself posing with a water pistol at what appeared to be the poolside at the venue prior to the party, which cost £20 to attend.

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additoinal reporting by PA

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