APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - MURDER OF DANNY REGAN

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for anyone who may have information about the murder of Danny Regan in Haydock nearly seven years ago to come forward.

The appeal comes prior to a showing of a film about Danny's mum, Pat Regan, who died tragically last year.

Following Danny's murder Pat's loss spurred her on to become involved in anti guncrime campaigns at a national level and she also became involved in education programmes in schools warning children about the consequences of becoming involved in gangs and using guns. On a visit to Downing Street Pat worked with a production company who filmed her on her journey and talked to her about her campaign.

The film, "From the Heart", has now been finished and will be shown for the first time on Tuesday, 29 September, 2009, at All Hallows Church, 24 Regents Terrace, Leeds, between 7pm and 9pm. The film is 15 minutes long and there will be three showings of the film during this time. It is hoped that it will be used in schools to deter young people from becoming involved in gun and violent crime.

Pat's son Danny, 25 years, was found shot dead at his home in Station Road, Haydock, St Helens, on Sunday 15 December, 2002.

Police believe that at about 7pm on Thursday 12 December 2002, a gunman entered Danny's house via the conservatory, armed with either a semi-automatic or pump-action shotgun. A number of shots were fired one of which hit Danny, causing him fatal injuries.

Danny, a father of two, was originally from Leeds but also spent a lot of time in the Sheffield area, where he socialised. He had lived in Haydock for about 12 months before his death.

The extensive police investigation into Danny's murder has so far not led to his killer. Detectives are calling for anyone with information which could help the inquiry to come forward.

Pat's son Shane Fenton, has reiterated his mum's pleas for justice. He said:- "Every year we as a family feel the pain of not knowing who killed our brother Danny. As far as we know the person who killed him could still be out there, but we will forgive this person. it is not for us to judge, but we do need to see justice done for Danny. I would urge anyone who has a heart and can help the police to bring those responsible to justice to do so.

Danny had a heart like our mum, Pat Regan. After Danny was murdered she worked hard with young people to help them understand the dangers of being involved in gangs and selling drugs. She didn't want other families to suffer the way we did and wanted to show young people how easy it is to go down the wrong path. She also worked with Mothers Against Violence fighting or justice for her son. The loss of a child is hard to come to terms with and it was soul destroying for my mum. Sadly, she passed away last year and was not able to see justice done.

From Her Heart is a wonderfully honest and candid explanation of the person who was our mum. I urge anyone who has information about guncrime to do their bit, to carry on her work and help our communities be better places. And hopefully someone will come forward with information which will find the justice my mum sought after Danny's death."

Detective Superintendent Mike Shaw, said:- "Mrs Regan worked tirelessly following her son's death in a bid to stop others from the agonising experience that she and her family had endured. She was recognised nationally for the work she carried out and she should be remembered for her determination in trying to stop others from becoming involved in guncrime.

From Her Heart means that the work Pat carried out will not be in vain and through the film her desire to prevent young people becoming involved in guncrime will live on and hopefully put some young people on to the right track.

Danny's death had a profound effect on Pat and she always said that she would not rest until those who killed her son were brought to justice.

Our commitment to tracing those who murdered Danny remains. I would appeal to anyone who might not have already come forward with information to contact us. We believe that Danny had connections in both Yorkshire, particularly the Leeds area, and Merseyside and I would appeal to anyone who may have information...." ...continued...

...continued... "....in either of these areas, which could help us with our inquiries to contact us.  This was a cold-blooded murder, which has left a family devastated and children without a father. I would urge anyone who has information to help us find those who killed Danny and put them before the courts. If anyone has information, but is worried about coming forward I'd like to take this opportunity to reassure them that there are special measures that can be put in place to protect witnesses in serious cases such as this."

Just six months before she died, Danny's mum, Pat, made this emotional appeal:- "It's still so hard to face the idea that my son is never coming home, and all of our family misses him terribly.

Since Danny's death it has been like a living nightmare and it won't go away until justice is done. I can't move on until the person, or people, responsible for Danny's death is found.

I know that Danny's lifestyle may have led to his death and some of the things he did were wrong. But he wasn't an evil person and didn't deserve to die like this. Danny was a very loving son and father and I will not stop until the person, or people , who did this to Danny are found.

I'd like to thank all those who have supported our family in the last five years. And I would urge anyone who knows anything that could help the investigation to come forward. Please think of our family - of Danny's children - and help us begin to find some sort of peace following his death."

Detectives in Merseyside are still following up a number of lines of inquiry. They are still:-

1. Trying to find the gun used to kill Danny and officers

2. They would like to speak to anyone who has any information about the weapon used.

3. They are trying to trace a man seen near to Danny's home on Thursday, 12 December 2002. An e-fit of a man has also been put together and officers believe this man may hold valuable information about the events leading up to the shooting Police have previously appealed for information about a silver or grey Rover car, registration number J609 MBU which had been stolen from the Manchester area on Thursday 12 December 2002 and was later found burnt out on Station Road, Haydock. Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this car, or anyone acting suspiciously in or around Station Road, Haydock, between the 12 December to 15 December 2002 to come forward.

Anybody with any information should contact Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.