Message From Inspector 1144 Head

Message From Inspector 1144 Head

Good afternoon,

Firstly, a word of warning that this is a lengthy update due to the significant operational demand experienced across the area during the past week.

Unfortunately, since my last update, we have attended a number of tragic incidents in which individuals have sadly lost their lives.

On 27th October, officers attended Bishopgate Road, Glentham, following reports of a road traffic collision. Despite the best efforts of police officers, paramedics and a member of the public who commenced CPR, a 61-year-old male motorcyclist sadly passed away at the scene. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this extremely difficult time. You can read our appeal for information here: Appeal after fatal collision at Glentham | Lincolnshire Police

On 26th October, residents may have noticed a significant police presence on Gipsy Lane, just off the A46. Police officers, supported by Lowland Rescue, were conducting enquiries to locate a missing 54-year-old man. The search operation lasted approximately 40 hours and utilised considerable resources, including drones, before the individual was located safely. I would like to publicly recognise Lowland Rescue for the outstanding work they undertake and the invaluable support they provide to police during these complex and resource-intensive searches.

Also on 26th October, residents of Scothern will have witnessed a significant emergency services response, with multiple fire engines attending a serious house fire while police officers assisted with traffic management and maintaining a cordon. Despite the courageous efforts of neighbours and the first firefighters on scene, the fire had taken hold of the property and, tragically, an 81-year-old man lost his life. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the wider community.

On 23rd October, emergency services attended Brigg Road, Riseholme, following reports that a 68-year-old man been struck by a heavy goods vehicle. Despite the efforts of members of the public who commenced CPR and attending paramedics, the man sadly died at the scene. My thoughts are with his family and all those directly involved in what was undoubtedly a traumatic incident. You can read our appeal for information here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1588129373354144&set=a.487255916774834

Vehicle Crime

We continue to see an increase in vehicle-related crime across the area.

A Volkswagen Golf was stolen from Ingamells Drive overnight between 21st and 22nd October. Colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police subsequently located the vehicle, which was displaying false registration plates, and found two individuals working on it. Two men, aged 18 and 20 and both from Nottingham, have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

On 22nd October 2026, officers were called to Gainsborough Road, Willingham by Stow, following reports that a trailer carrying a Porsche 911 had been stolen. Due to the security measures in place, officers were able to locate both the vehicle and trailer in the Drinksey Nook area. Both were successfully recovered and returned to their owner. Enquiries to identify those responsible remain ongoing.

On 24th October 2026, a Peugeot scooter, registration, was stolen from the Co-op car park on Front Street, Morton. Unfortunately, the scooter remains outstanding, although it has since been sighted in Gainsborough where it failed to stop for police.

On 25th October 2026, police received reports that a Toyota Hilux, registration had been stolen overnight without keys. The vehicle was subsequently recovered by South Yorkshire Police in the Doncaster area. Unfortunately, due to evidential difficulties, no suspects have yet been identified.

Other Significant Incidents

Evans Halshaw Ford on Lea Road, Gainsborough, continues to experience incidents of criminal damage affecting vehicles on its forecourt. Officers are working closely with the business to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.

Antisocial Behaviour

Police continue to receive reports of antisocial behaviour across the district. Current reports are predominantly centred on Market Rasen and Gainsborough.

In Market Rasen, concerns largely relate to two males aged 16 and 17. Police and partner agencies are fully aware of the issues and are progressing interventions through the staged antisocial behaviour process. A Community Protection Warning has been issued to one of the individuals; however, it is recognised that further intervention and support will be required from both police and partner agencies to address the behaviour effectively.

I fully appreciate the frustration this is causing within the community and would encourage residents to continue reporting incidents promptly while allowing the appropriate processes to be followed.

In Gainsborough, reports are more widespread and involve a number of young people engaging in behaviour including intimidation, verbal abuse and actions which are negatively affecting local businesses and residents. Incidents involving gates being kicked and windows being struck have left some vulnerable residents feeling unsafe in their own homes, which is entirely unacceptable.

Police and West Lindsey District Council are aware of many of the individuals involved and are actively working through the antisocial behaviour process. One individual is currently subject to an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement, with further formal action available should breaches occur.

Police will also be escalating concerns regarding the more serious offenders to Children's Services so that appropriate support and intervention can be provided. Once again, I would encourage residents to continue reporting incidents and thank them for their patience while these processes are progressed.

Investigations and Court Outcomes

Unfortunately, due to the current staffing pressures affecting the force, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have recently been required to support colleagues with serious incidents in the east of the county. This has inevitably impacted investigative capacity and workloads across existing enquiries.

Murder of Danny Fowler

On 23rd October, Ryan Townhill, 29, of no fixed address, was found guilty of the murder of Danny Fowler following his death in Market Rasen in March 2026. He was also convicted of possession of a bladed article.

Following the same trial, Shannon Doocey, 31, of Mill Street, Market Rasen, was found guilty of murder, possession of an offensive weapon in connection with Mr Fowler's murder, affray, and possession of an offensive weapon relating to an earlier incident in Waterloo Street, Market Rasen, in September 2025.

Martin Doocey, 55, of Waverley Court, Market Rasen, was convicted of manslaughter and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the September 2025 Waterloo Street incident.

Sentencing is scheduled for 17th November 2026.

My thoughts remain with Danny Fowler's family and with the wider Market Rasen community, recognising the significant impact this case has had locally.

Police Cadets

Finally, following the strong level of interest in the new Police Cadet cohort for Gainsborough, we are now seeking volunteer Cadet Leaders to support officers in delivering the programme.

Further information, including application details, can be found here:

Cadet Leader Volunteer (Ref: 38) | Lincolnshire Police

In light of a number of recent incidents that have affected communities across the county, we would like to remind residents that support and advice are available for anyone who may be experiencing difficulties. There are a range of organisations and community services, such as the crisis team, that can provide guidance, information and assistance, and we encourage anyone who feels they may benefit from support to seek help.

I would also encourage residents to ask family members, friends and neighbours to register for Lincs Alert to receive local policing updates and community safety information directly from Lincolnshire Police.

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay safe, remain vigilant, and please continue to work with us to keep our communities safe.