A parish councillor gunned down outside his home has died in hospital, his family have said.

Cllr James Nash was shot in the head in Upper Enham on Wednesday, just after 3pm.

The gunman, named locally as Alex Sartain, fled the scene on motorbike and crashed a short time later and died. 

Children’s author and artist James has been fighting for his life at Southampton General Hospital.

ALSO: Suspected Andover shooter Alex Sartain had a criminal past

Today, his mother Gillian Nash announced he had sadly died. He leaves behind his wife Sophie and his mother, father and sister. 

Replying to well-wishers, Gillian wrote: “Thank you very much for your comments. Very sadly I have to tell you that James Nash died of his brutal injuries today. 

“His father, his sister and I are in a total state of shock and grief. 

“We have lost a beautiful, talented son and brother and I know all who knew him would say he was the kindest, most caring person."

Responding to one woman expressing her condolences, Gillian added: "We will never come to terms with this evil." 

Tonight leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North, has paid tribute to a man he described as "kind-hearted" and "talented".

The council leader said: "This is such devastating news, not just for his family and friends, who will obviously miss him terribly but for the whole community of Enham Alamein where he was public representative.

"I knew James well and worked with him on a number of projects. He was such a kind-hearted individual and a proactive parish councillor who cared deeply for his community.

"As a talented children's author and illustrated, I was extremely touched last year when one of the dedications in his latest book was to my new born daughter Eleanor-Ivy Mae. We will always treasure our copy.

Cllr North added: "I'm sure there will be many more tributes to James in the coming days and weeks and in time, an opportunity for the community to come together with his family to consider some form of lasting memorial to his life.

"My thoughts tonight though are with James' family and friends and the people of Enham Alamein."

If you wish to pay tribute to James, email andoveradvertiser@newsdesk.co.uk