Bournemouth: Police are studying CCTV and television footage in their hunt for the killer of a Walthamstow man who was shot dead at an MTV Lick Party in Bournemouth.

Soldier Glen Hudson, 35, was shot in the head at point-blank range at 2.30am on Friday as he drank with friends at a televised event at Elements nightclub.

He was taken to Poole Hospital but died from his injuries later that night.

Police believe that, while there was a dispute elsewhere in the club, Mr Hudson was not involved and his killing may have been accidental.

A second, unnamed man, 20, from Richmond, Surrey, was also injured and is being interviewed by police as a witness.

The MTV Lick Party in Bournemouth was attended by up to 3,000 people from across the country, including a large contingent from London.

Top Radio One DJ Trevor Nelson was finishing his set when a man walked up to Mr Hudson near the VIP area of the club, pulled out a black handgun and shot him.

Horrified clubbers screamed while club staff rushed to the Walthamstow man's aid.

Security guards sealed the club doors after the shooting but it is believed that the gunman had already escaped.

Mr Hudson, who was born and raised in Walthamstow, where his family still live, worked as a physical training instructor with the army in Tidworth, Salisbury.

Lieut Col Kevin Abraham said: "Bombardier Hudson was well known as a hugely popular and engaging member of the regiment with a larger than life character.

"He was best known as a physical training instructor in the gym and many will remember his good-natured but testing sessions."

His family have decided not to speak to the press but have issued a statement saying that they are "absolutely devastated".

A police spokesman said: "Glen was a totally innocent victim of this brutal shooting. There was a dispute elsewhere in the club and Glen was simply standing in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

December 20, 2001 16:30