A WOMAN who was shot when Bolton criminal Billy Webb was murdered in his bed is now under police protection, it has been revealed.

The 22-year-old woman ran screaming from the first floor flat in Whiteledge Road, Bryn, Wigan, dressed only in a G-string and with blood pouring from a gunshot wound to her arm.

The terrified blonde made her dramatic escape after Webb was blasted to death at 3.10am on May 25 at the flat.

She sought safety in an elderly neighbour's house before being taken to hospital where she underwent surgery on her wounds. The woman, who is not being named, has now been released from hospital.

Today detectives confirmed they have interviewed her about the terror attack in which Webb was shot dead as he lay sleeping in bed.

Detective Superintendent Peter Ellis, head of Wigan CID, said: "The woman has been released from hospital and is getting close attention from the police.

"She has been interviewed by detectives but has been unable to assist the investigation."

Yesterday the BEN revealed that murder squad detectives had arrested a local man in his 40s in connection with the fatal shooting. He was interviewed and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

And Det Supt Ellis has confirmed that officers have still not ruled out the possibility that Webb's death was connected to a drugs-related feud.

Black

He added: "I still believe there maybe somebody out there in the drugs community who knows who's responsible for this. That is one line of inquiry we are following, as well as several others at this time."

Detectives have now put out an appeal for three black men, seen in a Ford Mondeo or Orion close to Webb's flat the day before the shooting, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the murder incident room on 0161 856 7019 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.