Gun found in 'mafia' shooting

An Italian-made sawn off pump-action shotgun has been recovered by detectives investigating the Mafia-style killing of a wealthy catering company boss.

The body of Italian-born Mario Commatteo, 48, who grew up in Cardiff, was discovered lying in a pool of blood at his home in Whyteleafe, Surrey, on 30 March.

Mr Commatteo had failed to turn up at one of the chain of bakeries and sandwich bars he ran.

We are appealing for anyone with knowledge of such a gun

Police spokesman

Firearms and forensic experts on Tuesday were examining the 12-bore found in a hedgerow at nearby Caterham wrapped in blue tarpaulin secured with red tape.

Police said it was an unusual weapon with the model name Trusty and only a few were believed to have been imported for retail sale in this country.

"It should have a box-fed magazine which sets it apart from other pump-action shotguns but this was missing when it was found," said a spokesman.

Houses raided

"We are appealing for anyone with knowledge of such a gun even if it had been held illegally to come forward and speak to detectives in the strictest of confidence."

Murder squad detectives revealed they had raided eight addresses in the south London and Purley, Kenley and Caterham areas and seized a large number of items.

A woman and two men arrested in connection with the killing were released on police bail to report back within the next 10 days.