Anti-crime campaigner murdered

Anti-gun campaigner Pat Regan has been murdered, police sources said today. The 53-year-old campaigned against gun crime after her son Danny was shot dead in 2002.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after Mrs Regan's body was found in Leeds last night.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to an address at Marlborough Grange, Leeds, at 7pm on Sunday, following the discovery of a 53-year-old woman's body.

"A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being detained pending further inquiries."

It is understood the arrested man is a relative who has been receiving treatment for mental health problems.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place later today to discover the cause of Mrs Regan's death.

Mrs Regan's son Danny was shot dead in St Helens, in Merseyside, on December 12 2002.

After his death, she campaigned to stop gun crime and set up her own organisation, Mothers Against Violence, in Leeds.

Dee Edwards, a co-founder of campaign group Mothers Against Murder and Manslaughter, said Mrs Regan would visit schools and give talks about the dangers and consequences of getting involved in crime and carrying weapons.

Mrs Edwards said: "She's made such a big difference to so many people's lives. This is an absolute tragedy for so many people."

Her voice breaking with emotion, Mrs Edwards said she had known Mrs Regan for about six years and was shocked by the news of her death.

She said: "It's just the most dreadful news for everyone. She's just an amazing woman.

"She was the most incredible woman.

"We just love her to bits, she's just an incredible lady, I just can't take this in."

She continued: "She's open, she's honest, she's got a massive heart, she helped so many people."

Mrs Edwards said she believed Mrs Regan's daughter suffered from mental health problems and had a younger boyfriend with similar problems.

She said: "We were terrified something like this would happen to her."