Gun victim’s family issue tribute praising police

Gavin Clarke, 34, died in hospital on Friday, four days after the shooting. Two men have been charged with his murder.

Yesterday Mr Clarke’s family said: “The events of August 8 have had a lasting and devastating effect on our family.

“Gavin was a loving, family-centred person; his family meant the world to him.

“It is at times like these that some people make you feel humble; the whole community has been very supportive demonstrating that they too have been affected by the event.

“We have nothing but high praise for the police in the way they have supported the family and for all their hard work.”

They thanked Leeds General Infirmary staff for their care and added: “This event has created a great void in our lives. It has denied Gavin of many years with his fiancée, children, mother and family.”

Last night, detectives charged a fifth man with assisting an offender – the seventh person to face charges connected with the shooting. The 23-year-old is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court today.