The family of a man who was fatally shot in a Chinese takeaway in a suspected case of mistaken identity have launched a new appeal to find his killers.
Halton McCollin, , was shot in the back of the head years) ago while he and several friends were at the China Garden takeaway in Stretford, Greater Manchester.
It is believed the gunman and his male accomplice, who stormed into the premises with a silver revolver just before 9pm on (January, , had mistaken Mr McCollin for a prominent member of the Doddington gang.
They fired three shots – with one hitting Mr McCollin – while the victim’s friends and the takeaway Owners dived for cover.
Mr McCollin died in hospital three days later. He was not connected to any gangs or crimes.
No one has been convicted for the killing in the 12 years since the incident, which has prompted the victim’s family on Wednesday to renew their appeal for information.
In a statement about his son, Halton McCollin Snr said: “I wouldn’t be doing this appeal if I did not think there was so much to gain and to find someone out there who has that little piece of information so we can bring an end to these 19 years of waiting for justice to be served for Halton. “
He added: “If there’s anyone out there who can help the process of bringing peace to people like me who have lost loved ones then I appeal to you to come forward and provide us with any information you might have.”
Meanwhile, Martin Bottomley, the head of Greater Manchester Police’s cold case unit, emphasizing that life for Mr McCollin’s family would “never be the same again”.
“Twelve years may have passed but things do not get any easier for Halton’s loved ones as they try and endure a life without the man they miss so much, “he said.
” Halton would now be in his early thirties and may have married or had children.
“Instead of celebrating these milestones, however, his family are left visiting his grave and wondering what kind of man he might have turned out to be.
“However, the people responsible for Halton’s murder have been able to continue with their lives. Today I am appealing to anybody who knows anything to do the right thing and call us.
” Halton’s family and friends deserve to know what happened to their son and this case will not close until the murderers are brought to justice. “
A £ , is being offered for anyone who has relevant information that leads to a conviction.
:: Anyone with any information should contact police on 365. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on . Read More
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