INQUESTS have been opened into the death of Cllr James Nash and his suspected killer.

Alex Sartain, 34, was fleeing the scene of the shooting in MacCallum Road, Upper Enham on August 5 when he crashed his motorcycle and died.

Following the crash, Hampshire Constabulary made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The IOPC have been contacted for the latest information on the referral.

His victim, 42-year-old Mr Nash, was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital three days later.

The death is being treated as a murder investigation. Enquiries by Hampshire police to establish the circumstances of what took place are ongoing.

Replying to well-wishers, Mr Nash's mother Gillian wrote: “Thank you very much for your comments. Very sadly I have to tell you that James Nash died of his brutal injuries today. 

“His father, his sister and I are in a total state of shock and grief. 

“We have lost a beautiful, talented son and brother and I know all who knew him would say he was the kindest, most caring person."

Dr Amanda Jeffrey has written post-mortem reports into both of the deaths. She states that Mr Nash died of head and facial injuries, and Mr Sartain died from multiple injuries.

Both of the full inquests will be held in April 2021 at Winchester Coroner’s Court.

Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North, also paid tribute to a man he described as "kind-hearted" and "talented".

The council leader said of Mr Nash: "This is such devastating news, not just for his family and friends, who will obviously miss him terribly but for the whole community of Enham Alamein where he was public representative.

"I knew James well and worked with him on a number of projects. He was such a kind-hearted individual and a proactive parish councillor who cared deeply for his community.

"As a talented children's author and illustrated, I was extremely touched last year when one of the dedications in his latest book was to my new-born daughter Eleanor-Ivy Mae. We will always treasure our copy.

Cllr North added: "I'm sure there will be many more tributes to James in the coming days and weeks and in time, an opportunity for the community to come together with his family to consider some form of lasting memorial to his life.

"My thoughts tonight though are with James' family and friends and the people of Enham Alamein."