Villagers are still in a state of shock following the cold-blooded execution of Leonard Naylor. EMMA COUTTS-WOOD and CHRIS STEEL report on the day death came to Istead Rise.

CHILDREN were playing in a quiet cul-de-sac in Istead Rise at 5pm on a sunny day.

Ten minutes later this sleepy village became the scene of a gangland murder.

Residents in Bracondale Avenue are still in a state of shock after suspected gangster Leonard Naylor was gunned down in his front garden in broad daylight.

In the aftermath of his murder no-one in the road seemed to know anything about mysterious Leonard Naylor even though he had lived there for six years.

But rumour was rife this had been a “professional killing”.

Graham Bluemel, who lived opposite the Naylors' £200,000 bungalow, said: “This murder still seems like a dream I can't believe it happened in our quiet cul-de-sac.”

He explained he was in his house when his son heard gun shots from his bedroom.

He said: “We then rushed outside and we saw him lying in his front garden with blood all over him.

“I didn't know him that well we only said hello to each other in the street.”

Donald Banyard was sitting in his lounge reading a book when he heard what he first thought was a firework.

When he realised it was too loud, he looked out of his front window.

Mr Banyard said: “There were four shots and I saw Mr Naylor lying by the side of his car. Within minutes the ambulance had arrived.”

Ward councillor Ken Jones, who lives opposite the Naylor's bungalow, was indoors when he heard the gun shots last Wednesday.

He says when he looked out of his bay window, he saw a white van reversing and a black-shrouded figure getting into the door.

Mr Jones said: “I then saw Mr Naylor's wife, who was hysterical, rushing down the garden path and residents were shouting “He's been shot”. There was blood all over the driveway.

“I didn't know Mr Naylor, but he seemed a recluse. He was at home sometimes and not at other times.

“I was never sure what he did for a living.”