A farmer shot dead in West Lancashire has been identified as Thomas Olverson. The 75-year-old was fatally shot in what appears to be his own field, on Pinfold Lane in the village of Scarisbrick, near Southport, shortly before 5pm on Thursday (July 25).
Police and paramedics, including the air ambulance, rushed to the scene but despite the best efforts of emergency services, Mr Olverson was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. A shotgun was recovered at the scene. Lancashire Police today (Saturday) confirmed Mr Olveron’s identity and that he was from Marsh Hey Farm on Pinfold Lane.
LEARN MORE: New video from Manchester Airport shows scenes of violence before a man was kicked in the head by a GMP officer
The two men knew each other, police said, adding they were treating the incident as an “isolated incident”. Neighbours living near the farm spoke of their shock at the tragedy.
One of them told the Liverpool Echo he saw police “speeding down the road”. “We didn’t see much except eight police cars last night,” he said on Friday.
“They would all stand at the end of the alleys and focus their attention there first before moving on. I never really saw the couple who live there, but I would often see them walking down the street. They would keep to themselves. They are really typical farmers. It’s so sad.”
Chief Inspector Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police’s investigation team, said previously: “A man has sadly lost his life as a result of this, and we have a team of dedicated officers working to establish what led to his death.
“We know this news may be worrying for the Scarisbrick community, but we want to reassure everyone that this is being treated as an isolated incident. Both parties are known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
“I am therefore now asking you, the public, to contact me if you have any information, if you have seen or heard anything suspicious or if you have any dash cam footage from the Pinfold Lane area of Scarisbrick yesterday between 12pm and 5.30pm.”
A public portal has been opened where people can share information, videos and images. Anyone with information can also contact police on 101 quoting incident reference LC-20240726-0501 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
