Fugitive gunman Raoul Moat tried to justify killing in newly-found letter

An eight-page handwritten note left for Samantha Stobbart explained that 37-year-old Moat believed the victim was a police officer.

It was found by police searching countryside around Rothbury, in Northumbria, where the former bouncer has been living rough.

Karate instructor Chris Brown was gunned down in the Scafell area of Birtley, Gateshead, in the early hours of Saturday.

The fatal shooting, in which Miss Stobbart suffered critical injuries, sparked a huge manhunt for Moat as he declared war on police.

As Moat taunted police in a series of phone calls and a rambling letter, he then shot Pc David Rathband, 42, as he sat in his patrol car on a roundabout in East Denton, Newcastle.

Speaking to the media today, Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Adamson said he had a "gut feeling" that Moat remains on the run near Rothbury armed with one or two weapons and ammunition.

He said a 10,000 reward is on offer for information leading to Moat's arrest as police investigate hundreds of tip-offs from the public.

Mr Adamson said investigators believe others have helped Moat evade police "indirectly or otherwise" as the gunman travelled around Northumbria.

He added that two men arrested yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder – and who may have been with Moat – have helped police.

The senior detective said he now believes Moat was responsible for a robbery at a chip shop in Blyth on Monday night.

He said: "We believe Mr Moat to be a measured individual who appears to carefully plan his actions and is comfortable in an outdoor environment.

"While the search is now focusing on the Rothbury area, I am mindful of the potential for Mr Moat to have fled the area.

"We are therefore continuing a wide variety of intensive operational and investigative activity across the entire force area.

"With this in mind, and given the urgency to locate and detain Mr Moat, we have decided to offer a 10,000 reward for information which leads directly to Mr Moat's detention."

The police manhunt continues to focus on countryside around Rothbury, which one former girlfriend said was Moat's "favourite place in the whole world".

Specialist firearms officers, including snipers armed with high velocity weapons with telescopic sights, have flooded the area.

Police are investigating several potential sightings of Moat and released new details today of his appearance and clothing.

They recovered a tent and other items, including the latest letter, from a "secluded spot" on the outskirts of Rothbury.

Mr Adamson said the content of the letter is "very much personal between the two" but police have not yet given it to Miss Stobbart.

He said: "In it, Mr Moat reasserts his belief that Samantha's partner was a police officer. I repeat this is not the case."

Senior officers are desperate to capture Moat without further injury or loss of life but he has threatened to kill police.

Moat used his first letter, handed to the press, to warn: "The public need not fear me but the police should as I won't stop till I'm dead."

Mr Adamson made another direct appeal to Moat today, saying: "I've said it before and I will say it again.

"We want to apprehend you safely. Please give yourself up."

Although police believe Moat remains in or around Rothbury, plans are in place to intercept him anywhere in Northumbria.

"In a wider sense, the net is closing. In terms of the overall investigation, we are making steady and significant progress," said Mr Adamson.

"I am concerned, as I'm sure everyone in the country is, that we apprehend Mr Moat very soon."

Police gave a new description of Moat and appealed for everyone in and around Rothbury to stay on their guard and contact police about anything suspicious.

Moat, who has blue eyes and is of heavy build, is believed to be wearing a grey or light blue hoodie, a red T-shirt, dark-coloured jeans and white trainers.

Investigators emphasised his imposing size and appearance, saying he is 6ft 3in tall and approximately 17-and-a-half stone with cropped blond hair.

Temporary chief constable Sue Sim said the recovery of the two men yesterday was a "key breakthrough" and police believe Moat was nearby.

She said Moat is a "dangerous individual" but this is directed towards police and the armed response was "proportionate" to the threat.

Anyone with information about Moat is asked to call 03456 043043 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.