AN image of a car believed to have been used by a masked gang who shot a Middlesbrough businessman has been released by Cleveland Police.

Detectives investigation the targeted attack in Middlesbrough are attempting to piece together the movements of the vehicle in the hours leading up to the shooting.

The attack happened at around 8.55am on Murdock Road on Tuesday, July 4 when a man aged in his forties was attacked with baseball bats before being shot in the leg. He was taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment and later released.

At around 9.12am the same morning, a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the incident on Murdock Road was spotted in the Marske area.

This vehicle, a navy blue R-line Volkswagen Golf with distinctive silver wing mirrors and blacked out windows, was seen on Redcar Road, Fir Rigg Drive and Wheatlands Drive on an estate behind Marske Railway Station before travelling along Marske Road in the direction of Saltburn. The car was driving erratically and at speed around the area.

Officers are linking the sightings of this vehicle to the investigation and would appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone being dropped off or wandering around these areas at around 9.12am that morning to get in touch.

Later that morning, at around 9.45am, two males were seen running from Quarry Lane across the A174, heading in the direction of Marske Railway Station and Mids Auto Services at Marske Inn Farm.

The Volkswagen Golf was located on fire in woods near to Four Lane Ends near Saltburn at 10.08am.

The males are believed to have Liverpool accents and could have used local restaurants, shops, petrol stations and stayed in local bed and breakfasts or hotels.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young said: “I am appealing particularly with regards to any sightings of the distinctive R-line Volkswagen Golf in the Marske area on the morning of the incident and to anyone who may have seen two men making their way from Quarry Lane, across the A174 towards Marske Railway Station.

“I would also repeat my appeal to local business owners who may have noticed a group of males with Liverpool accents in the area the evening prior to the incident.”

  • Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org