A CASH reward of up to £5,000 is being offered to catch those responsible for the death of a 21-year-old man who was fatally shot.

The Comet: Police at the scene of the shooting in Dyes Lane, StevenagePolice at the scene of the shooting in Dyes Lane, Stevenage (Image: Archant)

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers has put up the money in return for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for shooting Thomas Ward at a caravan site in Stevenage.

The Comet: Thomas Ward with his daughter LillyThomas Ward with his daughter Lilly (Image: Archant)

Thomas, who had just become a father to daughter Lilly and had a 17-year-old wife Theresa, was shot in the chest in Dyes Lane, where he was found seriously injured at around 11.25pm on April 23.

He was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage where he died of his injuries.

Three unknown men are being sought by police who believe they were responsible for the shooting.

They are also looking for a white car, which may have been used by the men.

“This innocent father of a new-born baby has now been stripped of seeing his daughter grow up and has torn his family apart,” said Ann Scott, eastern regional manager for Crimestoppers.

“We need to know who committed this crime so that this family can see justice served for the tragic loss of their loved one.

“Violent crimes such as this are unacceptable and as a community we can take a safe stand by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously with information, safe in the knowledge that your identity is completely protected.

“We do not ask for your name and no call is traced or recorded. You won’t have to give a statement, speak to the police or go to court – we only want to know what you know, not who you are. In the 25 years that Crimestoppers has been running, we have never broken our anonymity promise.”

To be eligible for the reward, information must be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.