Gunman open fires at former footballer’s home in Swindon with heavy police presence deployed

A gunman open fires at a former footballer’s home in Swindon with heavy police presence deployed to the scene according to reports.

Armed police rushed to the property of 52 year old Fitzroy Simpson, after shots went off by a gunman who quickly left the scene and is still on the run.

Officers were called to the detached home of the ex-Premier League, EFL and non league player, living in Swindon, Wiltshire, at around 8:15pm Tuesday night.

It followed reports of a gun used at the scene with a police helicopter from Bournemouth based National Police Air Service searching above the house and surrounding areas looking for the suspect by 9pm, while a dog unit were also in attendance, but no suspect was located.

Speaking to Swindon Advertiser, residents, with some of them watching a World Cup semi final at the time, claim to have not heard any kind of gunshot, but saw as many as 10 emergency service vehicles appear on their road around 8.15pm, with police knocking on their door and ask to look around their homes potentially for the suspect hiding out.

Home of ex-Premier League footballer Fitzroy Simpson is targeted by gunman, who OPENED FIRED at the property before fleeing https://t.co/bq58MgDqpw

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) December 14, 2022

Simpson was seen outside his home, which was secured by police tape. Simpson used his mobile, but didn’t comment on the incident.

The other male, in a black Lamborghini, picked him up and drove off the cul-de-sac.

Simpson was a player in the Premier League for Manchester City between 1992 and 1995. He represented Jamaica internationally, and he retired from football in 2008.

He began his career at the Robins before being transferred to Man City’s Premier League side in the 1992-93 season for £500,000. He struggled to stay in the starting 11 for a few seasons, so he was loaned to Bristol City before being transferred to Portsmouth.

Simpson made 43 appearance for Jamaica between 1997 and 2003, scoring three goals. Simpson represented them in three group stage matches of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Simpson was the captain of his last international match.

He had further spells at Hearts, Walsall, and he then continued his career into non league before retiring from the game in 2008.

He is listed as FS Sports Management Ltd’s active director, which he has held since January 2019. Watermead is his correspondence address.

Simpson left his house through the back gate to avoid the police crime scene around his front door. Simpson spent about 20 minutes visiting a neighbour’s house before returning to his house.

His friend arrived at his house in a black Lamborghini on Wednesday afternoon. He greeted the footballer with a hug and then they drove off together.

He was described by his neighbours as a “lovely man” and that the incident is “not what they expected”. This is because he tends to keep ‘himself to himself’, and is ‘loved and respected by nearby residents.

BREAKING: Gunman targets former Premier League footballer’s home in Swindon https://t.co/NMZIUq4cza

— Wiltshire 999s (@Wiltshire999s) December 14, 2022

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called to an address in Stratton shortly after 8.15pm yesterday evening, following reports of what was believed to be a firearm being discharged in the area.

‘Firearms officers attended and extensive area searches and house to house enquiries were conducted.

‘Enquiries remain ongoing. No firearms were located.’

‘Anyone with information is urged to call 101 and quote log number 279 of December 13.’

Wiltshire999s describe the property’s front garden and surrounding green space to be cordoned off until around 1pm on Wednesday as a search dog and detectives examined the crime scene.

Local councillor Russell Holland, with communication from the police, said nobody was injured during the incident and officers don’t believe there is a risk to the wider public.

He added that additional police patrols will be carried out in the area.

SIMPSON’S PLAYING CAREER:

1988–1992 – Swindon Town – 105 games (9 goals)
1992–1995 – Manchester City – 72 games (4 goals)
1994 → Bristol City (loan) – 4 games (0 goals)
1995–1999 – Portsmouth – 148 games (10 goals)
1999–2001 – Heart of Midlothian – 17 games (0 goals)
2001 → Walsall (loan) – 10 games (1 goal)
2001–2003 – Walsall – 53 games (3 goals)
2003–2004 – Telford United – 31 games (0 goals)
2004–2005 – Linfield – 6 games (0 goals)
2005–2007 – Havant & Waterlooville – 31 games (0 goals)
2007–2008 – Eastleigh – 9 games (0 goals)
Total – 486 games (27 goals)

International career
1997–2003 – Jamaica – 43 games (3 goals)

Former #STFC man, Fitzroy Simpson, with a sublime outside of the foot finish. Excellent goal ! #SwindonTown pic.twitter.com/50j2qumrOM

— Footy Throwback (@FootyThrowback) April 8, 2016