Man charged with killing rugby player

A man from Blackpool has been charged with the murder of a former rugby league player and his friend in a Leeds pub.

The 40-year old is due to appear before Leeds magistrates today accused of shooting dead David Nelson, who played for Sheffield, and his friend Joseph Montgomery in the Seacroft area of the city on 22 July.

West Yorkshire Police said they had also charged the man with attempting to murder Mr Nelson's brother, Andrew, 34. The gunman fired at Andrew Nelson but missed.

A masked gunman burst into the Wilson Arms pub during a children's party and shot 38-year-old Mr Nelson at close range. Mr Nelson, who has one child, died instantly from his wounds. His friend, Mr Montgomery, was shot when he tried to intervene. He died in Leeds General Infirmary the following day.

A second man from the Middlesbrough area was still being questioned yesterday in connection with the murders after magistrates gave police permission to hold him for an extra 36 hours.

Three women from West Yorkshire and one man, who were arrested on Saturday in connection with the shootings, were released without charge.