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Boy 'executed' in city shooting Boy 'executed' in city shooting
(about 1 hour later)
A 15-year-old boy who was shot dead in Manchester may have been killed in a planned execution, according to Greater Manchester Police.A 15-year-old boy who was shot dead in Manchester may have been killed in a planned execution, according to Greater Manchester Police.
The teenager was gunned down in the early hours of Saturday close to a public park in Moss Side.The teenager was gunned down in the early hours of Saturday close to a public park in Moss Side.
Supt John O'Hare said: "It is still early days. We do not know of any motive yet, but we believe this was a planned attack."Supt John O'Hare said: "It is still early days. We do not know of any motive yet, but we believe this was a planned attack."
It is the second fatal shooting in Moss Side in less than three months.It is the second fatal shooting in Moss Side in less than three months.
The boy, who has not yet been named, is believed to have lived locally and to have attended the nearby Manchester Academy High School.The boy, who has not yet been named, is believed to have lived locally and to have attended the nearby Manchester Academy High School.
Detectives are now waiting for the results of forensic tests and the post-mortem examination to establish how many shots were fired and what type of weapon was used.Detectives are now waiting for the results of forensic tests and the post-mortem examination to establish how many shots were fired and what type of weapon was used.
I want the people who pulled the trigger to realise what the family are going through Supt John O'HareI want the people who pulled the trigger to realise what the family are going through Supt John O'Hare
In the meantime, they are appealing for help from the public to find the boy's killers, who struck at around 0230 BST.In the meantime, they are appealing for help from the public to find the boy's killers, who struck at around 0230 BST.
"I appeal for those who were involved in it to look at what's happened," said Supt O'Hare."I appeal for those who were involved in it to look at what's happened," said Supt O'Hare.
"If there are people that can stop this and have the power to stop it, I'm asking them to examine their consciences, think about the family, think about the community, and have the strength to put a stop to it."If there are people that can stop this and have the power to stop it, I'm asking them to examine their consciences, think about the family, think about the community, and have the strength to put a stop to it.
"I want the people who pulled the trigger to realise what the family are going through.""I want the people who pulled the trigger to realise what the family are going through."
Gun culture
Moss Side has had a reputation for gang warfareMoss Side has had a reputation for gang warfare
Police patrols are being stepped up in the area and a murder inquiry has been opened.Police patrols are being stepped up in the area and a murder inquiry has been opened.
The Raby Street area has been sealed off for investigators to carry out a detailed search around the crime scene.The Raby Street area has been sealed off for investigators to carry out a detailed search around the crime scene.
Forensic officers have erected a tent behind a basketball court next to the community centre and police tape has been strung around the area.Forensic officers have erected a tent behind a basketball court next to the community centre and police tape has been strung around the area.
The killing comes less than three months after 45-year-old Ernest Gifford was gunned down at his home on the street while his partner and her children were in the property.The killing comes less than three months after 45-year-old Ernest Gifford was gunned down at his home on the street while his partner and her children were in the property.
Masked gunmen burst in, took Mr Gifford to a second room and shot him dead before fleeing.Masked gunmen burst in, took Mr Gifford to a second room and shot him dead before fleeing.
Last month, three men were shot and wounded in two separate incidents in Moss Side and concern is now mounting among locals the area could once again be a centre of gun violence.Last month, three men were shot and wounded in two separate incidents in Moss Side and concern is now mounting among locals the area could once again be a centre of gun violence.
One local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I only moved here three months ago and I know Moss Side had a reputation, but I thought things were getting better. Answers needed
"The council has done quite a lot on improving the area, but you still have that element involved in guns and drugs." Pastor Michael Simpson from the Manchester Central Seventh Day Adventist Church - where the dead youth's family worship - is concerned for the safety of other youngsters living in the area.
He said: "The youth are getting involved in this culture and it's not good.
"I hope that the police are able to do their job and to come up with some answers, not just for the parents, but for the community as well.
"We need to know in the community what's going on, why this is happening and where the guns are coming from.
"We know guns are not manufactured here in Moss Side and they're coming in from somewhere."