Police were warned about gun suspect Raoul Moat

POLICE hunting suspected gunman Raoul Moat were warned by prison staff he might be planning to harm his ex-girlfriend less than a day before he allegedly shot her and killed her new boyfriend.

As the hunt for the fugitive continued last night, Northumbria Police temporary Chief Constable Sue Sim said the warning came from Durham Prison on Friday, adding that the case had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Moat, from Newcastle, was released from prison on Thursday after being jailed for 18 weeks for assault.

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On Saturday the former nightclub bouncer allegedly shot his former partner Samantha Stobbart and killed her boyfriend Chris Brown outside a house in Gateshead. The following day he is believed to have shot and injured Pc David Rathband as he sat in his patrol car at a roundabout in Newcastle.

The 37-year-old, who mistakenly believed Miss Stobbart was having an affair with a police officer, later called police to say they were not taking him seriously.

Speaking about the warnings, Ms Sim said: "Northumbria Police were not informed that Mr Moat intended to shoot or kill Samantha Stobbart." But she admitted they had been told he "might intend to cause serious harm to his partner".

She added: "We acknowledge that it is important that these matters are investigated thoroughly, and I have voluntarily referred this aspect to the Independent Police Complaints Commission."

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Ms Sim added: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those who have been killed and injured at this difficult time. We remain absolutely committed to finding Raoul Thomas Moat and are using every resource available to bring this to a conclusion as quickly as possible."

A photograph of Pc Rathband was released last night at his own request in the hope of catching the gunman.

Ms Sim said Pc Rathband, a married father-of-two, was in "remarkable spirits" and praised his outstanding bravery.

Police also said Miss Stobbart, 22, was "improving" and no longer in a critical condition.

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The trainee hairdresser, who had been shot through a house window, issued a direct appeal to Moat, with whom she had a six year on-off relationship and a child, saying in a statement: "Please give yourself up. If you still love me and our baby you would not be doing this."

Det Chief Supt Neil Adamson revealed police had received a 40 page handwritten letter believed to be from Moat, whose family have raised fears he will kill himself rather than give up.

Last night police gave details of a car connected to Moat which officers are trying to trace.

The vehicle is a black Lexus with the registration number V322 HKX.

It is described as having a full body kit with two regular alloy wheels and two "space saver" thin wheels.

Anyone with information should call 03456 043043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.