Salford's 'Mr Big' Paul Massey shot dead in 'targeted attack'

A BBC picture of Paul Massey, believed to have been shot dead in Salford. Photograph: BBC/PA

A man has been shot dead in what police have described as a “targeted attack” in Salford. The victim has not been officially identified, but it was reported on Sunday night that he was the former mayoral candidate Paul Massey, who has been described as “Salford’s Mr Big”. Massey has been linked to organised crime in the past – claims denied by him.

Police said they were stepping up security in the wake of the shooting in a bid to reassure people. Officers said that the body of a 55-year-old had been found at a property in Clifton, in Salford.

DCS 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 we have a heightened level of police officers in the area, while we establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

Scene on Manchester Road, Clifton, Salford after the shooting. Photograph: LNP/REX Shutterstock

“We are actively following a number of lines of inquiry. However, I would urge the local community to come forward if they saw or heard anything in the area. I want to stress that any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.”