Boy shot in Salford gangland feud to have further surgery
A seven-year-old boy shot in the leg in a suspected gangland feud will undergo further surgery today.
Christian Hickey was blasted with his mother, Jayne, in the front doorway of their home on Gillingham Road in Salford on Monday evening.
Two men had knocked reportedly asking for the boy's father, Christian senior, then one opened fire after a brief exchange of words on the doorstep.
Jayne Hickey, 29, was shot twice in the leg and her son once in the attack at around 9.25pm.
Police said the boy had surgery to remove the bullet from his leg on Wednesday and detectives have interviewed him and hope to interview his mother today. She remains in a stable condition in hospital.
Forensic investigation is being undertaken in relation to the bullet casings recovered.
Detectives said the shooting is potentially linked to the murder of security boss Paul Massey, 55, in Salford in July, and a feud between rival gangs in the Swinton and central Salford area of the city which has so far seen at least five shootings.
Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe of Greater Manchester Police, said on Wednesday: "It will be a long road to recovery for the boy and he will be having a further operation tomorrow, but he has been well enough to be interviewed by officers.
"We are making progress in the investigation and we hope the bullets will give us a clue as to the identity of the offender.
"Despite our pleas yesterday for the community to tell us what they know, we are still being met with a wall of silence.
"A seven-year-old boy has been shot and we cannot allow any more children to get caught in the middle of this violent feud, but we cannot do this alone. These sickening attacks are putting children and innocent people at risk and we need the people of Salford to stand with us and tell us what they know.
"I understand that people are reluctant to talk to police, but if you know who is behind these horrific shootings, your information could help to stop further atrocities in your community.
"If you come forward with what you know, we can offer you complete anonymity and I assure you that you will have our full support. Or if you don't feel you can talk to police but you have information, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.
"Be brave, break your silence, and help us to catch the gunmen and stop the shootings."
The first offender is described as white, between 19 and 20-years-old, of "chunky" build and was wearing a baseball cap. He spoke slowly and with a Salford accent.
The second man is described as white and was also wearing a baseball cap.
Police on Wednesday raided 22 properties across Salford, making 18 arrests and seizing a substantial amount of Class A drugs and shutting down a cannabis farm.
A dedicated information hotline has been set up on 0161 856 9775, or people can also pass information on by calling 101, or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
