Sign up for our e-newsletter

Belvoir agent killed in Cumbria shooting

Belvoir Lettings negotiator Jamie Clark has been identified as one of the 12 individuals shot dead by cab driver Derrick Bird in Cumbria on Wednesday afternoon.

Clark (pictured), aged just 23, had worked for the lettings franchise's Whitehaven branch for two years, and was driving through Seascale when Bird opened fire on him.

It is as yet unclear whether it was the shot or the subsequent car crash that killed the agent.

Clark relocated to Cumbria with fiancee Leanne Jarman just last year.

He is one of 12 victims to have been killed when Bird went on the rampage, randomly killing 12 people in towns and villages around Whitehaven, before finally turning the gun on himself.

Police continue to seek a motive for the killings.

Mike Goddard, chief executive officer of Belvoir, says: "We are deeply shocked at the tragic loss of this young and outstanding employee.

"James had worked at Belvoir Whitehaven for two years and was at work at the time, returning from a viewing in a branded vehicle when he was fatally wounded.

"This was a senseless killing and tragically it would seem that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time as he went about his daily work.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to James' family and his fiancée and friends, as well as his colleagues in Cumbria who are understandably devastated, but at the same time incredibly resourceful and brave."

Husband and wife team, Colin Belton and Pamela Schure, purchased Belvoir West Cumbria in 2006 after selling their sawmill in South Africa.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the couple said: "We are all utterly devastated by the death of James Clark yesterday in Seascale.

"It is difficult to put into words the profound sense of shock and loss that we are feeling."

They add: "James was one of our letting agents and an asset to our company. He moved up to Cumbria with his fiancée Leanne and had been with us at Belvoir now for nearly two years.

"He was outgoing, cheerful and very friendly and a highly valued member of our team."

It is the second large-scale tragedy for Cumbria in the last six months. Cockermouth was hit by devastating floods in November.

• About Us
• Subscribe to the magazine
• Advertising
• Contact Us
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy Statement