THESE images show two women escaping from Newport gunman Darren Williams, who shot his estranged wife and injured two other women in a Newport salon before going on the run.

Williams’ body was found in Brynglas Woods at around 8.15pm on Friday after a member of the public spotted his grey Mini Cooper nearby.

A manhunt was launched after Williams, 45, walked into Carol Ann Hair Salon, Malpas Road, at 2.20pm, shooting his wife, named locally as Rachel Williams.

Mrs Williams is in a stable condition at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the knee. Two other women, one aged 92, have now been released from hospital after being injured from rebounds of the shots.

Speaking outside the salon on Saturday, Newport Superintendent Dave Johnson said Williams was known to the police but he could not comment on whether or not he was the subject of a restraining order by Mrs Williams.

He said Williams was estranged from his wife and was finding that difficult.

Supt Johnson added that officers believed he had gone to the salon on Friday to confront his wife about their separation, and they are now studying CCTV images to try to piece together what led to the shooting.

Supt Johnson said Williams used a double-barrelled shotgun and the two other women were injured following a ricochet from the two shots. He said he is confident the gunman’s only target was his wife.

He said Williams had a passion for shooting and outdoor pursuits, but he did not have a shotgun licence and police were keen to talk to anyone who has any information about the shotgun used in the incident.

Supt Johnson paid tribute to armed response officers who searched for Williams for more than five hours, and the member of the public who reported seeing his car.

He added: “I know people will be shocked and upset, I understand these feelings and I share them.

“Neighbourhood officers are working with the community, please be assured that we are devoting substantial resources to the investigation.”

A white tent sealed off the entrance to Carol Ann’s at the weekend and two officers remained outside as forensic officers continued their investigations.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.