Van may hold key to businessman's murder

Dale "Ken" Harvey, 44, was rushed to the Conquest Hospital last week after he was shot three times by the passenger of a motorcycle at Cripps Corner. He died in the hospital three days later.

Detectives working on the investigation, which has been called Operation Avalanche, believe they may have a significant new lead. They have released a picture of a Bedford mini van, registration F935 DFD, which was used in the theft of the killers' bike.

Detective Sergeant Paul Sellings, of Hastings CID, said: "The picture was captured on a speed camera, and we believe this is a very good lead.

"The bike was stolen from Islington (north London) in June. It was picked up by four people and lifted into the van. We are asking anyone who may have seen the van in this area to contact us immediately.

"This is only one of many lines of enquiry, but it's certainly one we're very hopeful about.

"We've had a lot of really good information from the public, a lot of witnesses have come forward who saw the bike, but because the bikers were wearing full facial crash helmets, we believe the van is key."

DS Sellings added: "We've got 25 detectives working directly on this investigation, and we've got support from uniform and forensics.

"This is a real team effort and is the most important thing happening in Sussex Police at the moment."

Forensics have been processing the bike, a green Kawasaki Ninja, which was abandoned in a lay-by outside Sedlescombe shortly after the shooting.

However, test results are not expected back for a number of weeks.

At the time of the murder, Mr Harvey, of Broad Oak, was on bail charged alongside two other men in connection with importing 10kg of cocaine through Dover. He was due to stand trial in December but police say they are keeping an open mind as to whether that case is connected.