THE family of notorious British criminal John Palmer, who was shot dead at his home in South Weald, have said that they have been left “devastated” by his death.

Mr Palmer who was 65, died on Wednesday, June 24. A post mortem examination determined the cause of his death to be gunshot wounds to the chest.

His family have described his murder as a great shock and are finding the media speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death “hurtful and bewildering”

A spokesman for the family said: "We are still in shock and trying to come to terms with the enormity of John’s death. To lose someone you care about and who is a key part of your family so suddenly is traumatic and completely overwhelming.

“If anyone knows anything about John’s death which could help police please get in touch with them so we can find some answers.”

In 2001 Mr Palmer was jailed for timeshare fraud, after building a multimillion-pound business that cheated thousands of Britons who wanted a holiday home in the sun.

Mr Palmer had spent the last eight years on bail following his arrest in Tenerife in 2007, where he was charged with fraud, firearm possession and money laundering.

He was cleared of handling proceeds from the 1983 Brinks Mat bullion raid at Heathrow Airport, but his alleged involvement earned him the nickname "Goldfinger".

Essex Police have come under fire for taking six days to launch a murder investigation.

Former Metropolitan Police chief John O'Connor accused the force of being "utterly incompetent".

DCI Simon Werrett, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation. He said: "I am making a further appeal for anyone who was in the Sandpit Lane area between 4pm and 6pm on the day that Mr Palmer died to come forward.

“The area is rural but is used by dog walkers and people out running. We have contacted local running clubs who train in that area to see if their members can help. Any information people may have about any possible suspicious people or vehicles in the area at that time may help us. Please get in touch with my team on our incident room on 01245 282103.”

People can also contact the team via email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk. Information can also be left anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.