British police investigate gunman’s motive in deadly rampage that killed 12, injured 25
By APThursday, June 3, 2010
UK police look for motive in deadly shooting spree
LONDON — Police in a tranquil part of rural England are searching for the reasons behind a murderous rampage by a taxi driver, who killed 12 people and wounded another 25 before killing himself.
More than 100 officers are investigating the attacks by Derrick Bird. It was Britain’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
Police in Cumbria say they seized a shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle with a telescopic scope. They said Thursday that 52-year-old Bird was a licensed gun owner.
Some reports say he had argued with fellow cab drivers the night before the killings; others suggest a family dispute.
The first shootings were reported Wednesday morning in the coastal town of Whitehaven, about 350 miles (560 kilometers) northwest of London.
