'Mr Big' Shot Dead By Man In Military Clothing

A former gangland figure known as "Mr Big" has been shot dead outside his home by a masked gunman in military style clothing, police have said.

Father-of-five Paul Massey was gunned down outside his home in Clifton, Salford, on Sunday evening in what investigators have described as a "targeted atack".

The 55-year-old victim called emergency services from his driveway to say he needed help because he had been shot.

Security has been stepped up in the area and there have been calls for calm amid fears his murder will spark further gang violence.

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

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle said: "It's absolutely brutal and shocking. He was gunned down in front of his own house where he should feel safe.

"Our thoughts are with the family of Paul at this distressing time and we have specially trained officers supporting them.

"We do not believe this was a random attack. We are still working to establish a motive, which is not yet known. We have extra officers in the area to offer reassurance to the community and if anyone has any concerns, please talk to our officers.

"I would urge anybody with information about what happened last night to come forward. I want to reiterate that any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Mr Massey unsuccessfully stood for mayor in his home city in 2012 and was well-known in the area as a security firm boss.

He had a previous conviction for violence after being jailed for 14 years in 1999 for stabbing a man, and it is claimed that during the 1990s he was under surveillance by a specialist branch of MI5, which was monitoring organised crime.

His underworld connections also led him to be asked to act as a mediator to calm feuds between gangs in other parts of the UK and Greater Manchester.

In 1998, during an interview with a BBC documentary film crew, he acknowledged he could be gunned down at any time.

"I could be shot dead at any time," he said. "I've realised that for years. If it's meant to happen it's meant to happen and that's the end of it. I'm prepared to face that. I know the stakes."

Speaking today Superintendent Russ Jackson said: "People will understandably be alarmed when they hear about this incident, which we believe was a targeted attack.

"I would like to reassure the public that we have a heightened level of police officers in the area... while we establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

"I urge anybody with any information about what's happened tonight to come forward. I want to stress that any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence."

:: Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.