DETECTIVES investigating the shooting of Salford father-of-five Paul Massey are trying to trace a teenage girl who could be a key witness to his murder.

Mr Massey was gunned down outside his home in Manchester Road, Clifton on Sunday at about 7.30pm. 

Formerly a Salford Mayor candidate, Mr Massey is said to have had links to the area's criminal underworld in the 1990s.

Police are still striving to establish a murder and are keen to speak with are girl, described as between 16 and 17, of Asian appearance, and a slim build, who was standing at a bus stop close to Mr Massey's home and may have witnessed the shooting.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem has concluded that 55-year-old Mr Massey was shot four times, and died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

His killer is described as white and of slim build and was wearing a hat, possibly fisherman style, a face covering, a green or khaki long-sleeved top and combat style trousers tucked into black, lace-up boots. He was carrying a black gun.

Det Ch Insp Howard Millington, senior investigating officer, said: “Officers are working tirelessly to catch the person that did this and we will continue to offer support to Paul’s family at this distressing time.

“We believe this was a targeted attack on Paul and are still working to establish a motive for the murder.

“We are keen to speak to a girl who we believe is a potential witness to the shooting. She was stood at the bus stop on Manchester Road at the time of the shooting. She is described as about 16-17-years-old, Asian in appearance and of slim build. I would ask that she comes forward as she may have key information that can help our investigation.

“We will continue to have officers in and around the area should any residents wish to come and talk to us or pass on any information they may have about this incident.

“I would urge anybody with information about who may be behind this to come forward. I understand that people may be reluctant to but I believe that someone out there knows who killed Paul and I want to stress that any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police on 0161 856 9775,101, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.