Neighbours’ shock after shooting of ‘gentleman’
DETECTIVES investigating the shooting of a father-of-two in his own home are not treating the attack as a burglary.
The 49-year-old, described by one neighbour as ‘a gentleman,’ was blasted in the chest with a shotgun after three men broke into the detached house in Glebelands Road, Prestwich.
Now police are trying to establish if he was the victim of a planned hit or mistaken identity.
The gang broke into the house at about 8.30pm on Monday, shooting the man on the stairs.
He managed to get to a bedroom and dial 999 for an ambulance. He suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.
The incident has horrified people living on the quiet residential road, just a quarter of a mile from the centre of Prestwich village.
Neighbours say they are at a loss to understand why the man was targeted and describe him as a friendly, family man who had lived in the street for a decade.
Resident Maureen Cain, 86, said she was praying for her neighbour, describing him as a lovely man who always comes to help if she ever needs him.
She said: “I’m stunned, shocked, upset and heartbroken.
“I had a look out before I went to bed and I couldn’t believe what I saw, there were police cars everywhere.
“If I ever wanted anything, he’d be there. He’s a gentleman. He’s one of those men who you’re not embarrassed to ask to help, just last week he carried a big parcel in for me. He’s the nicest man you could ever meet. I’m praying for him.
“I’ve lived here 38 years and we’ve never had anything like this.”
Another resident says he heard banging noises coming from the house and looked outside to discover the street was ‘swarming’ with police.
He said: “There were so many that it looked like a scene from The Bill.”
Meanwhile, another neighbour – who asked not to be named – said she hoped her neighbour was not too badly injured.
She said: “It’s a quiet road, you get the odd burglary, but nothing like armed people breaking in. It’s awful.”
Yesterday forensic officers carried a detailed examination of the property.
Det Insp Matthew Moore of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “Our team have launched a full investigation to understand why these men broke into the victim’s home and shot him.
“Someone will know something about this incident, and we’d urge you to share any information you have with police, even a minor detail could be the key to this investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2038 of 27/11/17. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.