A senior police officer told this newspaper yesterday that Mervin 'Skittle' Archer who was killed on Saturday by a gunman in Haslington was wanted in connection with a number of violent crimes on the East Coast.

Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Archer and two other men on October 18 after he was reported to have been a key figure in the kidnapping of taxi driver Vivekanand Nandalall. Archer however turned himself in to the police three days later accompanied by a lawyer.

But it was said that Archer was well known on the East Coast for his involvement in minibus robberies.

His relatives have since said that he was not involved in any crimes, while admitting he was forced to leave the village because of threats from other men.

Stabroek News had reported earlier, based upon information supplied by sources in Buxton and police contacts, that 'Skittle' was alleged to have connections with countless minibus robberies in Buxton, the murder of a Chinese restaurant owner, and the robbery of Michael Rooplall's grocery in Cove and John.

Archer moved out from Buxton three months ago following threats made against him.

Around 9:30 on Saturday night a gunman came out of a minibus which Archer was about to enter and shot him two times. The gunman fled through Casareep Road, Haslington.

Police have since launched an investigation into the murder of the man who was living in Victoria at the time of his death.