Biker dies of single gunshot wound

LONDON, Aug 13 (Reuters) A biker murdered on Britain's M40 motorway died of a single gunshot to the back of the head with a hand gun, post-mortem results revealed today.

The man, who has not yet been named but was in his 30s, was killed on the southbound carriageway between junctions 13 and 12 of the motorway near Leamington Spa in Warwickshire yesterday afternoon, police said.

Detective Superintendent Ken Lawrence of Warwickshire police, who is leading the investigation, said the dead man was thought to have gone to the Bulldog Bash, an annual event for bikers held nearby that attracts people from around the world.

He said there were similarities between the murder and a shooting incident six years ago near the same biker event, but said it was too early to confirm any links.

''We are not aware of any incidents at the Bulldog Bash event which could be directly linked to the death,'' he said.

''However, I would appeal to anyone who did attend the event and who may have information to contact the incident room.'' A large section of the road was closed today as detectives carried out a fingertip search for clues. Both carriageways were later reopened.

Police said the victim was from the south of England, while two companions he was with at the time of the shooting were thought to be Polish.

Detectives said they wanted to trace witnesses who saw a green Rover 620 travelling south on the motorway close to the group of motorcyclists at the time of the incident.

Reuters PD RN2329