Salford man shot dead in ‘targeted’ attack

Paul Massey was found dead at a property in the Clifton area on Sunday evening.

The businessman was a well-known figure in his home city of Salford and previously spent time in prison for stabbing a man. Mr Massey was also a former mayoral candidate for Salford with a mission to tackle drug and gun crime.

The 55-year-old was nicknamed Salford’s “Mr Big” by a councillor in 1992 after a number of civil disturbances in the city.

Mr Massey’s reputation grew throughout the 1990s and in the past he has acted as a mediator between warring gangs.

In 1999, he was jailed for 14 years for stabbing a man in the groin, severing an artery, and leaving the victim for dead outside a club in Manchester. Following the attack he fled to Amsterdam but was later extradited.

After his release from prison Mr Massey was involved in security firms operating in Manchester and beyond. He also invested in property.

In 2012 he lost a campaign to become the elected mayor of Salford, aiming to rid the streets of drugs, with heroin being a particular concern of his.

While he urged voters to dismiss his “Mr Big” reputation, stickers appeared on lamp posts warning smack dealers will be “smacked” if they brought drugs into the city.

In interview with Channel 4 News in 2012 about gun crime following the death of Anuj Bidve, who was killed by Kiaran Stapleton, he said that “young kids” could easily get hold of guns.

Mr Massey was regarded as a target criminal by police and he alleged that a branch of the MI5 security services working with police were monitoring him.

Mr Massey was arrested in December 2011 as part of a police investigation into a Salford-based security firm and he was still under investigations this year for allegations of money laundering.

He claimed police were conducting a “witch hunt” against him and denied any wrongdoing.

Greater Manchester Police have increased patrols in Salford following the murder amid fears gun violence in the city could increase.

‘Sad day in Salford’

Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Paul at this distressing time and we have specially trained officers supporting them. “We know that shots were fired at Paul and do not believe this was a random attack. We are still working to establish a motive, which is not yet known.

“We have extra officers in the area to offer reassurance to the community and if anyone has any concerns, please talk to our officers.”

Local residents and those who knew Mr Massey have paid their tributes online. One woman said: “Rest in peace Mr Paul Massey, sad, sad day in Salford.”

A neighbour wrote: “RIP Paul Massey! Scary to think he was shot like near my house thoughts are with friends and family.”