Man sought over two Manchester murders

A police handout photo of Dale Cregan (PA)

Police are continuing their hunt for a man wanted for questioning over the murders of a father and son.

Detectives are looking for Dale Cregan, 29, after two gun and grenade attacks in Manchester yesterday which left 46-year-old David Short dead.

Cregan, from Droylsden, Tameside, is also wanted in connection with the murder of Mr Short's son, Mark, 23, earlier this year.

After his son was murdered, David Short and his family released a statement saying he had been "taken away from us by cowards".

His body was found yesterday when police responded to reports of gunfire at an address in Folkestone Road East, Clayton, at around 10.30am.

A post-mortem examination to establish the cause his death is due to take place later today.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said an explosion which also took place at the house was caused by a grenade.

Nine minutes later the force received reports that shots had been fired at a second property, on Luke Road, Droylsden, where detectives say there was also a grenade blast. Nobody was injured in this incident.

Armed police patrols were deployed to the areas last night in response to the incidents.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said the high visibility policing operation will continue.

He also warned members of the public not to approach Cregan who sometimes wears a black onyx false eye, but to contact officers if any sightings are made.

Mr Shewan said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of David Short, who are understandably distraught by his death following yesterday's attack.

"Clearly this is the second tragedy this family has had to face in recent months and specialist officers are supporting them as best they can.

"These two extreme acts of violence that were carried out yesterday are highly unusual for the Greater Manchester area and clearly, are not something we will tolerate.

"We have a significant amount of officers dedicated to investigating David's murder and the second attack at the house in Droylsden, to find whoever is responsible.

"Our main priority at the moment is to find Dale Cregan, so we can speak to him about these incidents.

"If you have seen him, or if you have any information about his whereabouts, please do not approach him but call the police immediately.

"Extra police officers, including specialist firearms officers, have been patrolling in the Clayton and Droylsden areas overnight to provide reassurance to the people living there.

"The community can also be reassured these patrols will continue over the coming days.

"I would urge anyone with any concerns or who has any information they may want to share to come and speak to us. You can do this in confidence if necessary."

Father-of-one Mark Short, an amateur boxer, was shot in the neck at the Cotton Tree Pub in Droylsden on May 25 after a gunman walked in and opened fire.

Three other men were also shot in the pub and received leg and back injuries.

A 31-year-old man was taken into custody today after being arrested at a hospital earlier this week in connection with his murder.

The man, who was arrested at Wythenshawe Hospital on Wednesday, will now be questioned by detectives on suspicion of one count of murder and three counts of attempt murder.

Luke Livesey, 27, from Hattersley and Damien Gorman, 38, from Glossop, were charged with Mark Short's murder and three counts of attempted murder on Wednesday.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3301 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.