A MAN has been shot dead in Clifton. 

Police were called to a property in Manchester Road, near St Anne's church, after reports of gunshots at 7.30pm on Sunday. 

Police have confirmed the victim is former Salford Mayor candidate Paul Massey, who is said to have had links to the area's criminal underworld in the 1990s.

The road was closed in both directions, between the Moss Colliery junction and the Collegiate Way junction, and is expected to be closed throughout the rest of Monday while investigations are carried out. 

On Monday morning, there were delays for drivers heading through Kearsley, towards the roundabout, as well as those leaving the A666.

Cars heading towards Manchester were being diverted down Stoneclough Road. 

Reports suggest that Mr Massey, a father-of-five, was shot while in his back garden. 

Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Paul at this distressing time and we have specially trained officers supporting them.

“We know that shots were fired at Paul and do not believe this was a random attack. We are still working to establish a motive, which is not yet known.

“We have extra officers in the area to offer reassurance to the community and if anyone has any concerns, please talk to our officers.

“If you were in the area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously in the minutes before the shooting, or saw anyone leaving the scene, please contact police.

“I would urge anybody with information about what happened last night to come forward. I want to reiterate that any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Police have increased patrols in Salford following his murder amid fears already-simmering gun violence in the city could spill over.

Tony Lloyd, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, is reportedly in close contact with senior officers investigating the killing and called on the people of Salford to help the police.

The shooting comes amid concern gun crime is on the rise again in Greater Manchester - much of it concentrated in Salford.

In a statement, Mr Lloyd said: "This is, of course, a personal tragedy for the family of the victim and our thoughts are with them.

"The police, quite rightly, want to reassure the public that they can go about their business without fear.

"Through the ongoing Operation Gulf, police in Salford have been cracking down on violent crime in recent years and this intensive work has improved confidence in the police. But they cannot work alone.

"It's only when members of the community come forward with local knowledge and information that the police will be able to arrest those responsible and bring them to justice.

"I am therefore asking anyone with any information about this incident to please come forward and speak to police directly or contact Crimestoppers in complete confidence."

Mr Massey was given the title "Mr Big" by the late Salford councillor Joe Burrows at a town hall meeting to discuss civil disturbances in 1992. Mr Massey denied having anything to do with the unrest.

In 1999, he was sentenced to 14 years after he stabbed a man in the groin, severing an artery, and apparently leaving him for dead outside a club in Manchester. At the time he was being filmed by a TV crew making a documentary about his life.

After the attack Mr Massey fled to Amsterdam, but was extradited.

Since his release from Frankland Prison in County Durham, he is believed to have been involved in the security business and to have invested in property.

Mr Massey was regarded as a "target" criminal by police, and he alleged that a branch of the MI5 security services working with police against organised crime was monitoring him.

In 2012 Massey fought a losing campaign to become the elected mayor of Salford - saying he would rid the streets of drugs.

He called on voters to forget his "Mr Big" reputation, that it was in the past and people had misjudged him.

However he was still under investigation earlier this year by police from the regional organised crime squad investigating allegations of money laundering.

He had been arrested with five others in December 2011 as part of a police probe in to a Salford-based security company.

Mr Massey claimed the police were conducting a "witch hunt" against him and strenuously denied any wrongdoing after having his bail conditions relaxed.

Tributes have been left at the scene and on social media.

One woman said: "Rest in peace Mr Paul Massey, sad, sad day in Salford."

A neighbour wrote: "Rest in peace Paul Massey! Scary to think he was shot near my house, thoughts are with friends and family."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.