A BOLTON father whose son was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity is backing a campaign to crack down on gun crime and get illegal firearms off the streets.

Greater Manchester Police launched firearms action week to raise awareness of gun crime and encourage people to come forward with information, anonymously.

Police also issued CCTV images in connection with the latest shooting in Bolton, in The Haulgh, on January 11.

The campaign is being supported by the father of 20-year-old Halton McCollin, who was shot in the back of the head outside the China Garden takeaway in Chester Road, Stretford, on January 19 2008.

Halton’s killer has never been caught and a £50,000 reward is still being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman.

Halton McCollin senior, from Astley Bridge, said: “It has been nine years since Halton was taken away from us, but in many ways it feels like only yesterday.

“I support Greater Manchester Police’s campaign because it could save a life. You should be able to walk into a takeaway or restaurant without fear of losing your life and somebody knows who is carrying out these atrocities.

“We’ll never give up trying to find Halton’s killer and I appeal to anybody who knows anything to come forward so that we can live in peace.”

As police released CCTV images connected with shots being fired at a bungalow in a quiet street in The Haulgh, residents said they were “living in fear”.

Two men rode a moped into Ashbourne Avenue, one carrying what is believed to be a sawn-off shotgun. The passenger got off the motorbike and fired a shot towards a house.

The passenger then got back on the motorbike and drove away towards Bromwich Street.

Detective Inspector Danny Brophy said: “We believe this was a targeted attack, though the motive is not clear.

“We have released CCTV images and, although they aren’t of great quality, I’m hoping they may jog someone’s memory who saw the men on the moped.

“If you were in the area at that time you may have key information that could help our investigation, so I would urge you to get in touch.”

At the launch of firearms action week, Det Chief Supt Mary Doyle said: “One call could be all it takes to stop another family going through the pain and heartache that Halton’s loved ones have endured.

“Illegal guns only help gangs and terrorists but with your information, we can prevent them from falling into dangerous hands and causing misery.”

She also took the opportunity to issue a fresh appeal for information about Halton’s murder.

“The smallest detail may well be the last piece of the jigsaw. However small or irrelevant, come and tell us about it,” she said.

“You do get changes of allegiance, people who have not come forward and kept quiet. I know there are people out there who know who did it.”

Supt Doyle spoke about the impact of gun crime on the wider community.

And shortly before Christmas, a shop owner in Little Lever was left “terrified and scared” after a man armed with a handgun held-up his convenience store.

The would-be robber brandished the weapon at the owner of Sunny Convenience Store and Off Licence, demanding he hand over money. He fled empty-handed.

“Halton senior has talked about the devastating affect gun crime has had on his family, it has ripped them apart, but it also devastates communities,” she said.

“If you know something is happening within your community, come and tell us and we can make it safer.”

Supt Doyle said that although the police were seeing a reduction in firearms crime, the stigma of ‘Gunchester’ – Manchester’s nickname, coined in the 90s with the rise in firearms trade – remains.

“Although we have seen it come down, we are not claiming that it is a success story,” she added. “Even one gun activity is one too many. We now that guns are out there and people are still prepared to use them.”

To pass on information about Halton’s murder or gun crime in general, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You will not have to give your name or details.

Anyone with information about the shooting in The Haulgh should call police on 0161 856 5761, 101, quoting incident number 1906 of 11/01/17, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, 0800 555 111.