Raoul Moat was a former nightclub doorman who, after being released from prison in July 2010, shot his ex-partner, killed her new boyfriend, and blinded a police officer. The attacks triggered the largest manhunt in modern British history, ending with Moat’s suicide near Rothbury after a six‑hour standoff. His case remains notorious not only for the violence but for the controversial appearance of footballer Paul Gascoigne at the scene.
Who Was Raoul Moat?
- Raoul Moat’s rampage triggered the largest manhunt in modern UK history at the time.
- The standoff with police lasted six hours and was broadcast live on television.
- PC David Rathband, blinded in the attack, later took his own life in 2012.
- Paul Gascoigne’s appearance at the standoff remains a highly controversial and debated moment.
- The search volume for “Raoul Moat Chris Brown” is likely a confusion with another story or a hoax.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raoul Thomas Moat |
| Born | 1973 (exact date unknown) |
| Died | 10 July 2010, Rothbury, Northumberland |
| Crimes | Shooting of three people (one fatal), assault on police officer |
| Fatalities | 1 (Christopher Brown); 2 others injured |
| Manhunt Duration | 7 days (3–10 July 2010) |
| End of Manhunt | Standoff near Rothbury; Moat shoots himself |
What Happened During the Raoul Moat Manhunt?
BBC News reported that Moat was released from Durham prison on 1 July 2010 after serving a short sentence for assault. Two days later, early on 3 July, he arrived at the home of his ex‑partner Samantha Stobbart in Birtley, Gateshead. He shot and killed her new boyfriend, Christopher Brown, aged 29, and then shot Stobbart twice through a front window. She survived but was critically injured.
On 4 July at about 00:45 BST, Moat shot PC David Rathband, 42, in his patrol car at a roundabout in East Denton, west of Newcastle. Rathband was hit in the face, chest and neck at point‑blank range, resulting in permanent blindness. He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital in critical condition.
Northumbria Police deployed 160 armed officers from multiple forces, sniper teams, helicopters, tracker Ray Mears, a Royal Air Force jet for reconnaissance, armoured anti‑terrorist vehicles from Northern Ireland, and experimental “taser shotguns” that proved ineffective. The manhunt cost an estimated £1.5 million.
How did the police respond?
During 4–10 July, the operation covered vast areas of Northumberland. Several people were arrested for assisting Moat with equipment and information. The search involved armed response vehicles and dogs. Moat evaded capture for nearly a week, despite the intense surveillance.
How Did Raoul Moat Die?
On the evening of 10 July 2010, police located Moat on a riverbank in Rothbury, Northumberland. They were about 20 feet (7 metres) from him when negotiations began. Initially, officers fired an experimental electrified “taser shotgun” and two standard Taser stun guns, but none were effective. According to Radio Times, a six‑hour standoff ensued.
At 01:15 BST on 11 July, Moat shot himself in the head. He was confirmed dead at 02:20 BST. The Newcastle coroner, David Mitford, stated that he died from a gunshot wound to the head. A jury returned a verdict of suicide at the conclusion of a three‑week inquest. No police shots were fired.
Where did the standoff take place?
The standoff occurred near Rothbury, a town in Northumberland. Moat had been hiding in the area, and the final confrontation unfolded on a riverbank. The location became a focus of national media coverage.
There is no verified connection between Raoul Moat and the singer Chris Brown. The confusion likely arises because one of Moat’s victims was named Chris Brown – a 29‑year‑old man, not the American singer. Searches for “Raoul Moat Chris Brown” appear to be a search‑engine mix‑up.
What Was the Connection Between Raoul Moat and Gazza?
Paul Gascoigne, the former England footballer known as Gazza, appeared at the Rothbury standoff on 9 July 2010. He claimed he wanted to help talk Moat down because he had struggled with mental‑health issues himself and felt a connection. Gascoigne was briefly arrested for being drunk and disorderly. According to the Crime + Investigation UK biography, he had no direct contact with Moat, and his intervention remains one of the most bizarre episodes of the case.
Who Were the Victims of Raoul Moat?
| Victim | Relationship to Moat | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Brown (29) | New boyfriend of ex‑partner Samantha Stobbart | Killed – shot dead outside Stobbart’s parents’ home |
| Samantha Stobbart | Former partner and mother of Moat’s daughter | Shot twice through a window; critically injured but survived |
| PC David Rathband (42) | Northumbria Police officer | Blinded – shot in the face, chest and neck; later died by suicide in 2012 |
PC Rathband’s shooting left him permanently blind. He took his own life in February 2012, two years after the attack. The case raised questions about support for officers injured in the line of duty.
What Was the Timeline of the Raoul Moat Shootings?
- 3 July 2010: Moat shoots his ex‑girlfriend Samantha Stobbart and her new partner Chris Brown (killed).
- 4 July 2010: Moat shoots PC David Rathband in Newcastle, blinding him.
- 5–9 July 2010: Massive manhunt across Northumberland; Moat evades capture.
- 9 July 2010: Paul Gascoigne visits the scene, attempts to talk to Moat.
- 10 July 2010: Standoff in Rothbury; after 6 hours, Moat dies from self‑inflicted gunshot wound.
Sources: BBC News, Wikipedia, BBC YouTube footage.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About the Raoul Moat Case?
| Established Information | Unclear or Unconfirmed |
|---|---|
| Raoul Moat died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound to the head; no police shots fired. | The exact motive for Moat’s rampage – reports cite relationship breakdown and mental health, but no definitive single cause. |
| He killed Christopher Brown and shot two others. | There is no verified connection between Raoul Moat and the singer Chris Brown; this is likely a search confusion. |
| Paul Gascoigne was on the scene but had no direct contact with Moat. | – |
What Impact Did the Raoul Moat Case Have?
The Raoul Moat case raised questions about police tactics during armed standoffs and the media’s role in covering live operations. The involvement of Paul Gascoigne highlighted the intersection of celebrity and crime. Gun laws in the UK were already strict; the case did not lead to significant legislative change. The manhunt cost an estimated £1.5 million and involved armed response units from multiple forces.
What Are the Main Sources for the Raoul Moat Story?
“Moat died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.”
BBC News timeline
“Raoul Moat’s deadly rampage began during the early hours of July 3, 2010, sparking what would become one of the biggest manhunts the UK had ever seen.”
Chronicle Live (Moat microsite)
“The manhunt concluded when Moat died by suicide having shot himself near the town of Rothbury, Northumberland, following a six‑hour standoff with armed police.”
Wikipedia / 2010 Northumbria Police manhunt
Further information can be found in the book Raoul Moat: A Man on the Run by Chronicle Live, and through Getty Images photo archives.
What Is the Summary of the Raoul Moat Case?
Raoul Moat’s seven‑day rampage in July 2010 left one man dead, two people injured, and a police officer blinded. The subsequent manhunt was the largest in modern UK history, ending with Moat’s suicide after a six‑hour standoff in Rothbury. The case continues to attract public interest, partly because of the bizarre appearance of Paul Gascoigne. For a broader look at infamous criminal figures, read about the lives of Reggie Kray – Biography, Death, Wife and Lasting Legacy and Oj Simpson – Cause of Death, Trial, and Lasting Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Raoul Moat book?
Yes, a book titled “Raoul Moat: A Man on the Run” was published by Chronicle Live, based on their extensive coverage. There are also other true crime books covering the case.
Did Raoul Moat know Chris Brown (the singer)?
No. This is a search confusion likely stemming from the fact that one of Moat’s victims was named Chris Brown (a 29‑year‑old man, not the singer).
What happened to Samantha Stobbart?
Samantha Stobbart survived the shooting but was seriously injured. She later gave evidence about Moat’s abusive behaviour.
Was Raoul Moat a police officer?
No, he was a bouncer and had a history of violence, but he was not a former police officer.
Why did Gazza go to the scene?
Paul Gascoigne claimed he wanted to help talk Moat down because he had a history of mental health issues and felt a connection. He was arrested briefly for being drunk and disorderly.
Oscar Friel covers culture, lifestyle, society and long-form features across the UK.