A MURDER investigation has been launched after a promising footballer was shot in a takeaway.

Halton McCollin, 20, of Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, died this morning.

He had been fighting for his life since Saturday night, when he was shot in the China Gardens takeaway on Chester Road, Stretford.

The former pupil of Didsbury's Parrs Wood High School, worked for Norwich Union and played semi-professional for Flixton FC.

In an emotional tribute, his parents, who asked to remain anonymous paid tribute to a `loving' son and expressed disbelief at his murder.

His father said: "I just cannot believe that this has happened to my son. He was such a thoughtful boy with a great sense of humour. He was sport mad. He was always either watching or playing football, and was totally loyal to his team and coach. I am just devastated that he's gone."

He left behind a younger brother and sister, aged eight and four.

His mother said: "Halton was a very sociable person and was totally loyal to his friends and family. I am in complete shock about this. I really want to urge you to talk to the police if you know anything about who killed my son, or why he was killed. Halton would have wanted you to come forward and get him some justice. The police need your help. Please think of my son and do what you can."

Shots

At 8.45pm on Saturday night he was shot, Halton had gone to get some food with his friends when two masked men, one carrying a gun, ran into the takeaway and fired a number of shots.

No-one else was injured.

CCTV footage from outside the takeaway, and the nearby Gorse Hill pub, clearly shows several people who could have witnessed the murder.

Superintendent John Graves, who is working closely with the team investigating Halton's murder, said: "This is the tragic loss of a promising young man who was on track to really make something of his life.

"His footballing career had every chance of flourishing as Flixton was a good springboard for youngsters to get interest from bigger clubs. Now his family will have to live never knowing what he could have achieved.

"My colleagues investigating this appalling crime have viewed CCTV footage from the area and there are clearly several people present who are vital witnesses to this murder.

"You know who you are and I appeal directly to you to come and speak to us. I would challenge you to stay silent if you could see how heartbroken Halton's family are.

"For the sake of them, and for Halton, pick up the phone and tell us what you know. Your call will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone with any information about this shooting is asked to contact the major incident room on 0161 856 4159 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.