Stretford shooting victim loses fight for life

Detectives investigating Halton McCollin's murder are now appealing directly to people who were in the area when he was shot to come forward.

The 20-year-old promising footballer died around 10.30am this morning.

He had been rushed to hospital after he was shot in the China Gardens takeaway on Chester Road.

Since then Halton had been in intensive care fighting for his life with his family by his side.

Some of the comments left on this message board have been upsetting for Halton's family so a separate tribute page has been set up, please click here to leave your tribute.All tributes previously left below have been moved to this section.

His injuries were too extensive however.

Halton was born and brought up in Trafford and had been living in a flat on Seymour Grove in recent months.

Halton went to Parrs Wood High School where he worked hard and developed his love for football. He dedicated much of his time to training and playing the sport he loved.

He had a job working as a call-taker with Norwich Union in Stretford, and played semi-professional football to a high standard at Flixton FC.

On Saturday he had gone to the takeaway to get some food with his friends when he was shot.

It is believed that two masked men, one holding a gun, ran into the takeaway just after 8.45pm and a number of shots were fired. Halton was found bleeding badly from his wound.

Nobody else was injured in the incident.

Today Halton's family have paid tribute to a "loving" son, and have spoken of their disbelief that this could happen.

Halton's dad made the following statement: "Halton was a loving older half-brother to his younger brother and sister, who are only eight and four.

"I just cannot believe that this has happened to my son. He was such a thoughtful boy with a great sense of humour. He was sport mad. He was always either watching or playing football, and was totally loyal to his team and coach. I am just devastated that he's gone."

Halton's mother also described her shock at her son's murder, and appealed to the community to come forward and assist police.

"Halton was a very sociable person and was totally loyal to his friends and family. I am in complete shock about this.

"I really want to urge you to talk to the police if you know anything about who killed my son, or why he was killed. Halton would have wanted you to come forward and get him some justice. The police need your help. Please think of my son and do what you can."

CCTV footage from outside the takeaway, and the nearby Gorse Hill pub, clearly shows several people who could be potential witnesses to this murder.

Superintendent John Graves, who is working closely with the team investigating Halton's murder, said: "This is the tragic loss of a promising young man who was on track to really make something of his life.

"His footballing career had every chance of flourishing as Flixton was a good springboard for youngsters to get interest from bigger clubs. Now his family will have to live never knowing what he could have achieved.

"My colleagues investigating this appalling crime have viewed CCTV footage from the area and there are clearly several people present who are vital witnesses to this murder.

"You know who you are and I appeal directly to you to come and speak to us. I would challenge you to stay silent if you could see how heartbroken Halton's family are.

"For the sake of them, and for Halton, pick up the phone and tell us what you know. Your call will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone with any information about this shooting is asked to contact the major incident room on 0161 856 4159 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The shooting is the third serious incident in the last month.

A 23-year-old man was shot in the chest in Old Trafford on January 11 at about 8.45am.

The incident occured after the victim and a friend, had been sat in a Vauxhall Astra parked on Coleby Avenue when they were approached by a number of men and one of them fired a hand gun.

In an another incident a 42-year-old man was left in a serious condition after he was shot in the back on Washbrook Drive in Stretford on December 31.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Some of the comments left on this message board have been upsetting for Halton's family so a separate tribute page has been set up, please click here to leave your tribute.All tributes previously left below have been moved to this section.