James Nash shooting: Children's author and councillor dies

Image copyright JAMES NASH/FACEBOOK Image caption James Nash was described as a "kind-hearted individual and a proactive parish councillor"

A children's author and parish councillor shot at his home has died in hospital, local leaders have confirmed.

James Nash, 42, was shot in Upper Enham, near Andover in Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon.

The suspected attacker, a 34-year-old man, died in a police chase after trying to flee on a motorcycle.

Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, wrote on Facebook on Friday that Mr Nash had died of his injuries.

"It has been confirmed this evening that the victim of the Upper Enham shooting on Wednesday, local resident James Nash, has now sadly died," he wrote.

"This is such devastating news, not just for his family and friends who will obviously miss him terribly, but for the whole community of Enham Alamein where he was a public representative.

"He was such a kind-hearted individual and a proactive parish councillor who cared deeply for his community."

Image caption Hampshire Police is investigating the shooting in MacCallum Road in Upper Enham

He added: "As a talented children's author and illustrator, I was extremely touched last year when one of the dedications in his latest book was to my newborn daughter, Eleanor-Ivy Mae.

"We will always treasure our copy."

North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse described the fatal shooting in MacCallum Road as "tragic and profoundly sad news".

"James's family will be devastated and they are in all our thoughts tonight," he said in a post on Facebook.

Hampshire Police has said that while investigations are at an early stage they "do not believe there are any outstanding suspects in this investigation".

A spokeswoman said the force had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police.

According to his website, Mr Nash was resident artist at The Hawk Conservancy Trust, and co-founder of the Society of Natural History Artists.