'Most wanted man' arrested in Spain

James Tomkins, one of Britain's most wanted men who is being held by Spanish police
12 April 2012

One of Britain's most wanted men is being held by Spanish police after a four year manhunt.

James Tomkins, 61, was arrested in the resort of Marbella by officers working on behalf of the Metropolitan Police.

He is wanted over the drive-by shooting murder of 24-year-old Rocky Dawson in Hornchurch, Essex, in 2006.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he will appear in a Madrid court on Friday when extradition proceedings will begin.

Tomkins, who police warned is dangerous, is believed to have been supported by a network of friends since fleeing to Spain.

The suspect disappeared after the murder of electrician Mr Dawson outside his parents' home in May 2006.

The victim was putting his two children into his car when a gunman drove past and opened fire. He died in his mother's arms after staggering indoors.

Tomkins is suspected of driving the stolen Land Rover Freelander used in the shooting and helping to destroy evidence.

Contract killer Christopher Pearman, of Waltham Abbey, was jailed for life in January 2007 after pleading guilty to the murder of Mr Dawson.

Police could not provide a motive for the killing, whether it was a revenge attack or a case of mistaken identity. They offered a reward of £20,000 for information that would lead to Tomkins and said several forces want to speak to him.

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