MURDER squad detectives are trying to trace the movements of a Bolton criminal in the hours leading up to his killing in a gangland-style execution.

Bill Webb, aged 42, was shot through the chest as he was in bed at his flat in Whitelegg Road, Bryn, three weeks ago.

Detectives believe that Webb, who was born and bred in Bolton and had a long criminal record, was the victim of a drugs feud.

Webb, who was due to appear in court in October to face charges of conspiring to supply drugs, was released from Manchester Prison earlier this year where he had been held on remand awaiting the trial.

He was released by a judge but was forbidden by his bail conditions from entering Bolton.

Webb, whose real name was William Craig, had been living at his first floor flat in Bryn, since his release. He was shot twice by a gunman at 3am on Friday, May 25. A woman who was with him was also shot but she survived.

The BEN revealed this week that his killing has sparked outbreaks of violence throughout Bolton. Detectives believe rival gangs of drug dealers are now fighting for control of the area.

But three weeks after Webb's murder the hunt for his killer continues.

The man leading the hunt, Det Supt Peter Ellis, is trying to trace Webb's final movements.

The police chief said: "We would like to speak to anyone who saw him or spoke to him on Thursday, May 24 between 9am and 7pm. The information could be vital to our inquiry."

Anyone who can help the police team is asked to contact the incident room on the hot-line number 0161 856 7019 or Crimestoppers on the free phone number 0800 555 111.