POLICE hunting alleged killer Raoul Moat have offered a £10,000 reward to speed up his capture.

Speaking today at a news conference at Northumbria Police Headquarters in Ponteland, Newcastle, officers also said they had recovered a second letter from the 37-year-old to his ex-partner, Samantha.

The woman was shot and injured on Saturday in Birtley, Gateshead, and her partner was shot dead. Police said today that Moat was under the mistaken impression that the man was a police officer.

A serving police officer was also shot in the face, allegedly by Moat, although he survived the attack.

Armed officers yesterday surrounded the village of Rothbury, Northumberland, and intensive searches were carried out throughout the day without result.

It was revealed today that search teams did find a tent in a secluded area, however, inside which was the letter to his victim.

Arrests have also been made as part of a suspected kidnap element in the case and two men are still helping with inquiries.

• More to follow.