‘Best dad’ gunned down in street
● TRIBUTES TO 31-YEAR-OLD ● SECOND MAN SHOT IN LEG ● POLICE IN MULTIPLE SWOOPS
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular young dad who was gunned down in the street as children played nearby.
Luke Graham, 31, known as ‘Tank,’ was shot in Ashton-under-Lyne on Wednesday evening.
It is understood he was sat in a van on Birch Street when masked gunmen opened fire.
Passersby desperately tried to save Mr Graham before paramedics rushed him to hospital, where he sadly died.
Flowers and candles were left at the scene yesterday as friends and family gathered to pay their respects to the much-loved father.
Mr Graham’s devastated partner, who asked not be named, said he was ‘the best father to his children.’
Close friend Gavin Broome said: “It’s such a loss.
“We knew each other well and used to go out before we all had children. We went our own way, but were still really close.
“It’s just such a shock. He lived life to the full and he loved his kids. He was a great father to his kids.
“He was just a lovely lad.”
One resident, who has lived on the street for 24 years, said it is a close-knit community.
“I’ve got kids who were playing on the grass verge at the time,” she added.
“If those shots had gone the other way they would have been directed at my children.
“It’s a close neighbourhood. Everyone looks out for each other.
“I’m too scared to bring up my young children around here any more.”
A Facebook group entitled ‘RIP Luke Graham aka Tank’ was set up yesterday.
Friends have flooded the group with tributes.
Paul Michael, who set up the group, said: “Woke up this morning hoping yesterday was all a dream.
“Still can’t believe this sad news. You didn’t deserve this.
“You were a family man, top friend and would do anything for anyone.
“Everyone who knew Tank would remember his cheeky smile and that laugh of his. RIP, Tank. Gone but never forgotten.”
Aaron Bosman posted: “Can’t even find the words to explain how gutted I am. So many memories together.
“My heart goes out to his kids and all the Graham family. Love every one of them. “RIP, Tank.” Shaun Dodds wrote on Facebook: “RIP, Luke Graham thinking of your family and kids at this sad time. You’ll be sadly missed by so many. “What a horrible world we live in.”
Sam Gregory said: “I’m lost for words. Luke Graham, RIP bud.” Louise Park posted: “Can’t believe what I’ve just heard. What is going on in our world. Your poor children. RIP Luke Graham, such sad news, thinking of your little ones and your family.” Kayla Billington said: “Gutted at the sad news. RIP, Tank. “Thinking of your kids and family at this sad time. What a top lad you were, you will be sadly missed I know that.”
Charlie Mackay said: “Still can’t believe it, not going be the same without you, Luke.
“You loved your kids, loved your friends and had a big heart.”
Andy Mcevoy posted: “You touched so many hearts in so many different ways.
“Be proud of the man you turned into. We will never forget you, brother.”
John Mallon added: “You were a top kid Tank, not a bad bone in your body. “Always take the best, sleep tight pal.” Det Chief Insp Alan Clitherow, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We are supporting the man’s family as they process this horrendous incident and will continue to work around the clock to establish exactly what happened.”
It’s just such a shock. He lived life to the full and he loved his kids Luke Graham’s friend Gavin Broome