Paul Massey murder: 'Mr Big' shot four times outside home

Paul Massey was a convicted criminal and former mayoral candidate

A security boss and convicted criminal, once nicknamed "Mr Big", died from a gunshot wound to the chest after being shot four times, police have said.

Paul Massey, 55, was found dead outside his Salford home on Sunday evening.

Massey, jailed in 1999 for 14 years over a stabbing, unsuccessfully stood to be Salford mayor in 2012.

Police have appealed for a teenager who was standing at a nearby bus stop and could hold "key information" to contact them.

Detectives also want to speak to the owner of a silver or grey Volvo which turned left out of Church Walk shortly after the incident.

'Targeted attack'

Emergency services were called to the scene by Mr Massey saying he had been shot on his driveway in Manchester Road, Clifton and needed help.

Several eyewitnesses saw the gunman approach him at about 19:30 BST as he got out of his silver BMW.

After opening fire, the assailant left on foot down the side of nearby St Anne's Church, police said.

Police said the offender was white and slim and was wearing a hat, which was possibly fisherman style.

Paul Massey was shot outside his home in Salford

He was wearing a face covering, a green or khaki long-sleeved top and combat style trousers tucked into black, lace-up boots.

Det Ch Insp Howard Millington said: "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."

Police patrols are continuing in the area and officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.