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Shooting Of Seven-Year-Old Boy In Manchester May Be Linked To Murder Of Paul Massey

Police in Manchester believe that the shooting of a young boy and his mum may be related to the murder of gangland ‘Mr Big’ Paul Massey.

Both the seven-year-old boy and his 29-year-old mum were shot after two men knocked at the door of their home in Salford.

One of the men opened fire after a “short” exchange on the doorstep, hitting the mother twice in the leg and the boy once.

Both victims are in a serious but stable condition in hospital and now detectives say there may be a link between the shooting and the murder of security boss Massey in July.

Following the 55-year-old’s death, a feud between rival gangs in the Swinton and central Salford area of the city began, which has so far seen at least five shootings.

It is thought that shooting of the boy and his mother was after the two suspects knocked at the door looking for someone else.

A second feud, unconnected to last night’s attack, centred on another area of the city, Little Hulton, has also broken out, with at least six shootings linked with that.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), described last night’s incident as “absolutely horrible”.

Rival gangs are understood to be involved in drug dealing, loan sharking and extortion, but 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.”

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins added: "This is a sickening and cowardly attack on a seven-year-old boy and his mother at their home.

"The level of criminal recklessness is putting innocent people at risk and this has to stop.

"The shootings we have had are part of two distinct feuds between organised crime groups here in Salford.”

The boy is expected to remain in hospital for the next seven days.

The first attacker in last night’s shooting is described as white, aged 19 or 20, chunky build with stubble on his face wearing a baseball cap and with a local accent with slow speech.

The second man, who fired the gun, is described only as also white and wearing a baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5345 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.