British 'hitman' hunted after man shot in head in Amsterdam

A suspected British hitman is being hunted by police over a gangland shooting in Amsterdam.

The National Crime Agency is searching for a Briton, possibly from Manchester or Merseyside, who is believed to have shot a 55-year-old man in Stromarkt on 19 May.

The suspected gunman shot his victim in the head outside a cafe, before fleeing the scene on a bicycle taxi, going toward the Dam square.

He was caught on CCTV and police have released images to help locate him.

Witnesses say he spoke with a north west accent, possibly Manchester or Merseyside. Police believe as the victim was from Manchester, the gunman may have links with the area.

The victim, who survived his injuries, is originally from the Sale area of Manchester but now lives in the Netherlands.

He is in a stable condition in hospital.

Jayne Lloyd, North West Branch Commander, said: "The attack took place in a public area. This man is clearly very dangerous, which is why we need to identify him quickly and make sure he cannot harm anyone else.

"Witnesses say he spoke English with either a Merseyside or Manchester accent, which is what leads our Dutch colleagues to suspect that somebody here in the north west knows his identity.

"Someone knows who this is, and anyone with information about this man or his whereabouts should contact the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please do not approach this man as he is dangerous and call 999 in an emergency."