Pub Shooting: Killed Man Had 'A Big Heart'

The family of a young father killed in a pub shooting has paid tribute to him, as four people are held over the attack.

Mark Short, 23, was killed when a gunman wearing a balaclava walked into the Cotton Tree in Droylsden, Greater Manchester, and began shooting.

He opened fire on a group of men standing near a pool table.

A post-mortem examination found Mr Short, who was at the pub with family and friends, died from a gunshot wound to the neck.

In a tribute, Mr Short's family, said he was "taken away from us by cowards".

"He was a loving son, brother, father and boyfriend to Naomi," the statement said.

"People who knew Mark, knew him as a young man with a big heart. He would not think twice about helping his family and friends when they were in need.

"He is not the young man the papers are portraying him as. He was no angel and it is not a secret he had been in trouble with the police, but that was all in the past.

"Mark was only 23 years-old and looking forward to a future with his son, Mark Junior. This has now all been taken away from him.

"He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends: the only ones that knew him the most."

Three other men were injured in the attack, including a 25-year-old and a 26-year-old, who were both shot in the leg, and a 29-year-old who suffered a gunshot wound to his lower back.

The trio are recovering in hospital and while their injuries are not life-threatening, police described them as "potentially life-changing".

The gunman escaped in a Ford Focus and police believe another two men were waiting in the vehicle.

It was later found abandoned and on fire in Hattersley, around six miles away.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the shooting.

A 52-year-old woman was held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and possessing class A drugs.

Two other men, aged 21 and 18, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Detective Chief Inspector Denise Worth, of the Major Incident Team, said: "Mark was a young man who was tragically shot dead while in a pub with family and friends and our thoughts are with his loved ones who have, understandably, been left devastated.

"We remain in the very early stages of our investigation and I continue to appeal to anyone with information about the gunman, his accomplices or conspirators to contact us in absolute confidence."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9283, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.