Mum And Boy's Shooting Linked To Gangland Feud

Police investigating the shooting of a seven-year-old boy and his mother in Salford say they are linking it to a gangland feud.

A manhunt is under way after the victims, named as Jayne Hickey, 29, and her son Christian, were shot in the legs in the doorway of their home in Gillingham Road, Salford.

Detectives said they were attacked after Mrs Hickey answered the door on Monday night to two men who were reportedly looking for someone else.

After a "short" exchange, one of the men fired a gun three times at close range, hitting the mother twice in the leg and the boy once.

One of the men was described as "white and chunky" with stubble on his face and "slow" speech.

Police said he was not the one who fired the gun.

Both the boy and his mother are in a serious but stable condition in hospital - the child is expected to remain there for another seven days.

Detectives believe the attack may be linked to the fall-out from the murder of Paul Massey, who was known as "Mr Big", in July.

At a news conference, police said seven people had been arrested in connection with gang violence in the North West.

Specialist officers have been brought in to patrol Salford in the wake of the shooting, although Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said gun crime in the area was not "out of control".

:: Who Was 'Salford's Mr Big Paul Massey?

The mayor of Salford, Ian Stewart, said: "This incident has taken crime to the lowest level we have ever seen before."

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), described Monday night's shooting as "absolutely horrible".

Rival gangs in the city are understood to be involved in drug dealing, loan sharking and extortion although Mr Jackson said the gang war may also be over other issues.

He said: "It is very difficult to understand what the feuds are about. But what I can say is that it's got all the hallmarks of a feud over disrespect.

"These incidents often start not necessarily over drugs but over a degree of disrespect shown to each other."

The attacks come as a £50,000 reward is being offered for information on Mr Massey's murder in July.

After the latest shooting, his niece Donna said: "My uncle has been murdered and now Salford will be a blood bath because he's not here to stop it.

"Proven by all the attacks since his death and now a child has been shot it's heartbreaking."