Family's heartache for murder victim Lee Douglas

This is the first picture of gun murder victim Lee Douglas, which was released as his mother today spoke for the first time of the family's anguish at the killing.

The 31-year-old, from Tipton, was shot in the throat and back after a disturbance at a house near a main road in Bilston.

Four men have been charged with the murder of Mr Douglas and remanded in custody by a judge.

Police have said they have recovered a gun believed to have been used in the killing, which happened at a house on the corner of Arthur Road and Wellington Road at around 12.30am on November 11.

Today Mr Douglas' mother Jayne said: "The family are still in shock and a massive part of our lives and hearts has been taken away. "Lee is missed by all family and friends. We are hoping that justice will be done and we are grateful for the help and support received from West Midlands Police at this time."

A mobile police incident support unit was set up after the killing, with forensic work continuing for several days.More than 60 officers were assigned to the case in the hours after the tragedy.

Det Supt Simon Hyde, from West Midlands Police CID, said: "Our thoughts are with the victim's family. "We are pleased that another firearm has been taken off the streets as a result of our inquiries."

Jahmayne Meade, aged 23, and his 20-year-old brother Courtney Meade, both of Maidstone Road, Leicester, have been charged with murdering Mr Douglas.Ricardo Morgan, 20, of Farringdon Street, Leicester, Irfan Patel, 23, of Coleman Road, Leicester.

They are all due to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on February 11.

Judge John Warner told an earlier hearing that any future trial was expected to be heard by a high court judge because of the seriousness of the case.An inquest could open next week.