Police quiz suspect in boxer gun murder

A MAN was last night being questioned by detectives after he was arrested on suspicion of murdering a 21-year-old boxer who was shot at a pub.

Tom Bell was shot at the Maple Tree pub in Balby, Doncaster, on Thursday night, and died in hospital.

South Yorkshire Police said a man aged 29 was arrested in the South Cave area of Humberside, along with a woman aged 21 who was held on suspicion of assisting an offender.

But South Yorkshire Police said the woman had last night been released pending further investigation. Police previously said they believed the attack was targeted and the people involved knew each other.

Doncaster Plantworks Amateur Boxing Club, where Mr Bell trained, paid tribute to a “great warrior”. It said in a statement: “We are absolutely devastated to announce the passing of a great warrior who has spent a huge amount of time over the years boxing with our club. We are shocked beyond words to hear the sad news and would like to offer our sincere condolences to Tom’s family and closest friends.”

On Saturday more than 100 people walked from Tom’s former gym to the Maple Tree pub in Plantation Road, Balby, to lay tributes to the tragic boxer.

Among the marchers was Tom’s mother, Tracy Langley, 51, who described the turnout as “amazing”. “He was lovable. Boxing was his life, he could have been a champion,” she said.

South Yorkshire Police previously said officers had discovered a burnt-out white BMW 1 Series in Doncaster and forensic tests were carried out on the vehicle.

The force asked anyone with information about the shooting, or who may have dash-cam footage from the area, to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.