Pub Shooting Not A "Random Attack"

Police investigating the killing of a 23 year old man in a pub in Great Manchester believe the attack was targetted.

The victim, named locally as Mark Short, died when a gunman wearing a balaclava opened fire inside the Cotton Tree Inn on Market Street just before midnight on the 25th May.

Police say they cannot be sure he was the "intended victim" as three men were also injured.

Two of the men aged 25 and 26, suffered wounds to their leg and a 29-year-old man was injured in his lower back.

All three are recovering in hospital and while their injuries are not life-threatening, police described them as "potentially life-changing".

"The premises itself is a small premises, a small pub," said Chief Superintendent Nick Adderley from Greater Manchester Police.

"We believe it was a family do. Twenty or 22 people were there, including the deceased and three injured males.

"It's fair to say the witnesses are being co-operative.

"I just want to reassure the community we don't believe this to be a random attack.

"This is a good community, a solid community, with a good community spirit and this is an isolated incident."

The gunman escaped in a Ford Focus and police believe another two men were waiting in the vehicle.

It was later found abandoned and on fire in Hattersley, around six miles away.

Officers explained the family who were celebrating at the pub were "known to police", but said "it would be unfair to link their criminal history to this incident".

"There's no motive at this stage but a number of theories are being worked on and we're very open minded," Chief Supt Adderley added.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.