Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Mr Big' killing sparks flood of drugs onto streets

An unnamed source says there is more crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Salford than ever before

Samuel Osborne
Friday 16 October 2015 09:07 EDT
Comments
Paul Massey, also known as 'Mr. Big' over his alleged involvement in organised crime, was shot dead in July
Paul Massey, also known as 'Mr. Big' over his alleged involvement in organised crime, was shot dead in July (Rex)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Drugs are flooding the streets of Salford following the murder of so-called "Mr Big", Paul Massey, it has been reported.

An unnamed source told the BBC that following Massey's death in July more crack cocaine and heroin has been sold on the streets of Salford than ever before.

Massey, a security boss and businessman, was shot by a masked gunman in "military-style" clothes, according to police.

The source said there is now a battle for control of Massey's firm.

They also said the recent shooting of a seven-year-old boy and his mother were part of a "feud" between organised crime groups in the area.

Jayne Hickey, 29, and her son Christian were shot in their legs as they answered the door to their home last Monday.

Detectives released a picture of Christian in his hospital bed and urged the women of Salford to step forward with information about those responsible.

Ms Hickey's son Christian, who was shot once in his left thigh, is now recovering in hospital
Ms Hickey's son Christian, who was shot once in his left thigh, is now recovering in hospital (Dean Kirby)

Ms Hickey said: "I just saw blood pouring from Christian. I screamed for his dad to put pressure on him. I knew he had been shot and I couldn't help him. I collapsed."

Officers believe the shooting could be linked to the killing of "Mr Big".

Since the shooting, police have issued 10 threat to life warnings to people who are deemed to be at risk of being murdered, the Manchester Evening News reports.

The source also reportedly told the BBC the recent shootings were about the "turf war and money laundering and not just drugs".

Salford has been the scene of 21 shootings in 18 months and Greater Manchester Police's Deputy Chief Constable has warned that "enough is enough".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in