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Turf war over drugs 'causing Salford shootings' Turf war over drugs 'causing Salford shootings'
(about 7 hours later)
Salford is being flooded with crack cocaine and heroin following the murder of so-called "Mr Big", Paul Massey, underworld sources have told the BBC.Salford is being flooded with crack cocaine and heroin following the murder of so-called "Mr Big", Paul Massey, underworld sources have told the BBC.
The shooting of a seven-year-old boy and his mother is the latest being linked to a violent turf war over drugs involving some of Massey's associates.The shooting of a seven-year-old boy and his mother is the latest being linked to a violent turf war over drugs involving some of Massey's associates.
Christian Hickey and his mother Jayne were shot at their home on Monday.Christian Hickey and his mother Jayne were shot at their home on Monday.
Police sources say drugs, money laundering and respect issues are behind the recent rise in violence.Police sources say drugs, money laundering and respect issues are behind the recent rise in violence.
They believe the gun used to shoot Christian and his mother has been used in eight shootings in the North West - at least one of which is linked to the current feud.
'Battle for control''Battle for control'
The BBC has been told that following the shooting of Massey in July this year, there is "more crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Salford than ever".The BBC has been told that following the shooting of Massey in July this year, there is "more crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Salford than ever".
"Some of Massey's firm are peddling heroin and he would never have stood for it," the source said. "It looks like there is a battle for control of his firm.""Some of Massey's firm are peddling heroin and he would never have stood for it," the source said. "It looks like there is a battle for control of his firm."
Another source told the BBC: "Most of the so-called gangsters in Salford are just young lads and guns are so available.Another source told the BBC: "Most of the so-called gangsters in Salford are just young lads and guns are so available.
"The lads have no pity or conscience, the streets are flooded with cocaine and it is only going to get worse. The police have lost control.""The lads have no pity or conscience, the streets are flooded with cocaine and it is only going to get worse. The police have lost control."
The source said the shootings were part of a "drugs war" in the area.The source said the shootings were part of a "drugs war" in the area.
Massey, 55, a well-known figure in Greater Manchester, was shot dead outside his home and his killer is still at large.Massey, 55, a well-known figure in Greater Manchester, was shot dead outside his home and his killer is still at large.
Labelled "Mr Big", Massey was jailed in 1999 for 14 years over a stabbing and unsuccessfully stood to be Salford mayor in 2012.Labelled "Mr Big", Massey was jailed in 1999 for 14 years over a stabbing and unsuccessfully stood to be Salford mayor in 2012.
Asked if crack cocaine and heroin are flooding the streets of Greater Manchester, a police source told the BBC: "There is a big problem with serious and organised crime and this (drugs) is included."Asked if crack cocaine and heroin are flooding the streets of Greater Manchester, a police source told the BBC: "There is a big problem with serious and organised crime and this (drugs) is included."
The source added it was also about "respect" and the recent shootings were about the "turf war and money laundering and not just drugs".The source added it was also about "respect" and the recent shootings were about the "turf war and money laundering and not just drugs".
Wall of silenceWall of silence
On Thursday, police released images of Christian in his hospital bed.On Thursday, police released images of Christian in his hospital bed.
Bullet casings have been removed from his leg and are being forensically examined.Bullet casings have been removed from his leg and are being forensically examined.
Talking about the shooting, his 29-year-old mother said: "I saw blood pouring from him, I screamed for his Dad. I knew he had been shot and I couldn't help him."Talking about the shooting, his 29-year-old mother said: "I saw blood pouring from him, I screamed for his Dad. I knew he had been shot and I couldn't help him."
Officers made a direct appeal on Thursday to the "mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters of Salford to search their conscience" following the shooting, after being confronted with a wall of silence.Officers made a direct appeal on Thursday to the "mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters of Salford to search their conscience" following the shooting, after being confronted with a wall of silence.
Detectives have issued descriptions of the two men thought to be responsible for the attack on the Hickeys.Detectives have issued descriptions of the two men thought to be responsible for the attack on the Hickeys.
The first is aged about 19 or 20 years old, of "chunky" build and with a local accent. The second man is only described as white.The first is aged about 19 or 20 years old, of "chunky" build and with a local accent. The second man is only described as white.
Both men are believed to have been wearing baseball caps.Both men are believed to have been wearing baseball caps.
Speaking on Thursday, Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe said the shooting would be "etched on Christian's memory forever".Speaking on Thursday, Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe said the shooting would be "etched on Christian's memory forever".