Boy, 7, Asks Santa To Help Find Men Who Shot Him

A boy who was shot on the doorstep of his home has written a letter to Santa asking him to help police catch the gunmen.

Christian Hickey, aged seven, and his mother Jayne, 30, were shot in what police believe was a targeted attack when they opened the door of their Salford home to two men.

Now Christian has put "help the police catch the people who hurt me" at the top of his Christmas wish list, alongside a remote control helicopter, walkie-talkies and drawings of Santa and his elves.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police Serious Crime Division, said: "It is heart-wrenching to know that a little boy who should be writing a list filled with exciting gifts, has got this at the top of his Christmas list.

"What happened to Christian will stay with him for the rest of his life but what we can do is try to make this up to him by finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.

"These people have absolutely no place in civilised society and we remain as determined as ever to find them.

"We are continuing to appeal for information and I would like to urge anybody who may know something to please get in touch."

Christian and his mother were rushed to hospital after the attack on 12 October.

Both had surgery and are now recovering at home but Christian still needs crutches and a wheelchair to get around.

Police previously released a picture of the boy in hospital in the hope that someone would come forward with information about the shooting after meeting what they said was a "brick wall".

Investigators have revealed that the gun used in the attack has been used eight times previously, including in a year-long gangland feud which has seen 28 incidents, including the murder of Salford's so-called "Mr Big" Paul Massey.

:: Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 9775 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.