British PM visits scene of gun massacre

WHITEHAVEN, England — British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Cumbria Friday to meet survivors of a gun rampage which left 12 people dead, as police probed whether financial woes could have sparked the massacre.Cameron also held talks with police working to explain why local taxi driver Derrick Bird, 52, went on a deadly rampage through part of the scenic Lake District region Wednesday before turning the gun on himself.Police confirmed Bird had killed his twin brother David and the family solicitor and said they were investigating speculation that tax problems had pushed an outwardly ordinary man over the edge.Bird also wounded 11 people as he drove through west Cumbria, calling people over to his car before opening fire or taking pot shots from the window. As police closed in, he took his own life in a wood near the village of Boot.Officers recovered a shotgun and a .22 rifle fitted with a telescopic sight. Police confirmed Bird had valid licences for both weapons.More than 100 officers were working to retrace Bird's deadly journey through an area popular with hill walkers to establish why a man described by neighbours as a "normal bloke" caused such mayhem. One of his friends, a fellow taxi driver, said Bird had been worried about an investigation by tax authorities into his finances."He said: 'They have caught me with 60,000 pounds (90,000 dollars, 70,000 euros) in the bank, the tax people'. He just said: 'I'll go to jail'," said Mark Cooper, 45, who had known Bird for 15 years.Reports suggested Bird argued with his twin brother David over the money and their mother's will, but David's three daughters denied any family rift.Rachel, Tracey and Katie paid tribute to their father, a "loving character"."We would like to take this opportunity to say there was absolutely no family feud. Our Dad's only downfall was to try and help his brother," they said, in an apparent hint at discord within the family.Police confirmed they were investigating whether financial troubles could have triggered the massacre.

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