TRADERS and residents anxious about the shooting murder in Boscombe say police have allayed their fears following a successful public meeting.

Londoner Reece James Menzies was shot in the face in the early hours of July 25 at a flat in Roumelia Lane.

No-one has been charged.

In a bid to reassure concerned locals, a packed meeting was held in the Boscombe’s regeneration office on Thursday attended by Dorset Police ’s assistant chief constable James Vaughan, Inspector Chris Weeks, local police officers and neighbourhood wardens.

Helene Bowman-Brown, of the Friends of Roumelia Lane, said: “The Assistant Chief Constable was very helpful and seems committed to Boscombe and Dorset as a whole.

“He was obviously just as upset at the recent events as the community and said he would be putting more and more resources into addressing these problems.

“Inspector Weeks also did a lot to allay fears and put the story straight that what happened here was an isolated incident”

Helene added: “The meeting was very successful and positive. You can feel the difference in the lane already. It was so nice to see such high ranking police officers taking an interest in Boscombe.”

Cllr Chris Wakefield, of Boscombe West, said he was pleased to hear ACC Vaughan pledge his commitment to Boscombe by allocating resources to the local police when required.

“The fact there have been a number of drug raids which have been intelligence-led have allayed people’s fears but now they need to see bobbies on the beat.”

Section commander Inspector Weeks said the meeting was important to gain a true understanding of the impact the tragic incident had on the community.

“I am confident Dorset Police will continue to work closely with this proud, highly motivated and energetic community to further improve the area whilst reducing crime and disorder.”

Another meeting is scheduled for the beginning of September.