20 professional hitmen are operating from the south-east of England

The Metropolitan Police has estimated that up to 20 professional hitmen are operating from the south-east of England, charging between £1,000 and £20,000 for each murder. Concern is growing at the growing number of contract killings and the use of hitmen to commit professional murders throughout the country, and at the sophisticated techniques being used by the killers.
growing number of contract killings in Britain, estimated to be up to 30 a year.
A register of convicted and suspected hitmen and the techniques used by contract killers is being compiled to help police catch professional murderers. The initiative follows concern at the growing number of contract killings in Britain, estimated to be up to 30 a year.
Police experts have drawn up four main categories of "hits" - disputes over the payments of debts or financial dealings; disputes over drugs; domestic arguments between former lovers; and fighting between rival organised crime groups.
Investigators are to be urged to concentrate attention on the person who wanted the contract killing carried out, the person who organised the hit, the killer, and who supplied the firearm if one was used.