05/03/01 - Who shot Dean?
Evening Echo

Detectives hope distinctive tattoos on the body of Dean Boshell could hold the key to how he spent the final days of his life.

A murder inquiry was launched on Wednesday after the 24-year-old was discovered in allotments on Manchester Drive, Leigh, with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head.

His father, who lives in Basildon, is said to be distraught.

A family member, who asked not to be named, said on Friday: "His father is absolutely devastated.

"I haven't spoken to Dean in more than 20 years. His parents split up when he was young and we lost contact with him. We hadn't got a clue what he was up to these days."

Detailed descriptions of Mr Boshell's tattoos have been released in the hope more people will be able to establish his whereabouts in the days before his death.

The first on his right forearm is a large dagger with England written across the middle.

And in the webbed area between his thumb and first finger on his right hand there is also an unusually designed tattoo.

A police spokeswoman said: "As well as wanting to trace anyone who knew Dean and has seen him recently, we want to trace anybody who might recognise these tattoos. It may be for instance that a local shopkeeper remembers serving Dean recently."

Anyone with information is urged to call the major incident team set up at Rayleigh police station on 01268 775588.