20 years on: New appeal over murder of Danny Regan in Haydock

It involved the gangland-style execution of a drug dealer in Haydock.

Two decades on the murder is unsolved and a new appeal for information has been made.

Fatal shooting in 'sleepy hollow'

Danny Regan, 27, was found shot dead inside a heavily-secured house at the junction of Cooper Lane and Station Road, Haydock, on Sunday, December 15, 2002.

It is believed that three days earlier a gunman entered the house via the conservatory, armed with either a semi-automatic or pump-action shotgun.

The father-of-two was fatally wounded in the chest.

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Mr Regan had been living in Haydock for about a year before his death and he was said to keep a low-key presence in the home, described as a “sleepy hollow” by police because of its location.

He was originally from Leeds but also spent a lot of time in the Sheffield area, where he socialised.

A 20-year long police investigation has so far failed to bring the hitman to justice.

This image of Danny Regan was released during police appeals for information (Image: Merseyside Police)

Pat Regan, Danny’s mother, became a prominent anti-gun crime campaigner and was one of the founder members of Mothers Against Guns.

She died in 2008 after being stabbed to death by her 21-year-old grandson Rakeim Regan, who was later diagnosed with severe paranoid schizophrenia.

E-fit

The e-fit which was released by detectives after Danny Regan's death (Image: Merseyside Police)

Detecives released an e-fit drawn up in the wake of Danny Regan’s in 2002, which could still prove the key to unravelling the puzzle behind his death.

The image is of a man seen near to Danny’s home on the night of the murder, Thursday, December 12 2002.

A silver or grey Rover car, registration number J609 MBU which had been stolen from the Manchester area earlier that day and was later found burnt out on Station Road, Haydock, is believed to have been used by the killer or killers.

'A murder investigation is never closed'

Kevin Clague, head of the serious crime review unit at Merseyside Police, said: “Although it has been 20 years since the death of Danny Regan, we continue to appeal for information so his family can finally find closure and bring those responsible for his murder to justice.

“While 20 years is a long time to pass, a murder investigation is never closed. I would urge people in the community for their help with the investigation and that it is not too late to come forward with any information you may have, no matter how small. 

"Every vital bit of information and evidence can help us make significant progress and find justice for Danny’s family.

“We know that people can be reluctant or fearful in coming forward, but please be rest assured there are special measures that we can put in place to protect witnesses.
 
“Someone out there knows who is responsible for this callous act. It’s never too late for someone to come forward – if you have any information, please DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously via social media, by calling 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.”