The execution-style killing of a Bradford man in Holland was thought to be a drugs-related 'hit', detectives revealed today.

When David Royle was gunned down in Amsterdam last year, Dutch police admitted they had no idea as to the motive.

The 37-year-old, who had lived in West Bowling before moving abroad, was shot dead close to docks in the north of the city and his killer has never been caught.

But officers heading the investigation today revealed they now know the suspected murderer's identity but said he fled the country after the shooting in May of last year and had not been traced.

And while they remained tight-lipped over details surrounding Mr Royle's death, they confirmed it was thought to be related to drug trafficking.

A Dutch police spokesman today said: "Inquiries into Mr Royle's murder are still ongoing. They have not ceased since his death in May last year."

Detectives from West Yorkshire have liaised with their Dutch counterparts over Mr Royle's background but have not played an active part in the investigation.

Amsterdam police added: "We are now looking for a specific suspect in connection with this crime and we are aware of his identity and appearance."

He added: "We cannot release any more information about this suspect except the fact that he is no longer thought to be in Holland."

Immediately after the murder police examined a car found close to the scene in a street called Ranonkelkade. They said the Seat Toledo could have been the killer's and that Mr Royle may have been travelling in it moments before his death.

The spokesman refused to comment on developments in inquiries but added: "We can confirm that we believe that drugs form the motive for his murder."