AN investigation has been launched after detailed police notes and photographs relating to a high-profile murder inquiry were found in a city centre Manchester pub.

Two pieces of paper - one hand-written notes, the other typed - were recovered.

There were also photo-copies of pictures of several men connected to the case.

They were found in the Moon Under Water, on Deansgate, the biggest pub in the city.

Police have launched an internal probe into the discovery.

It is understood that CCTV footage is to be studied, along with the handwriting of officers involved in the inquiry.

An assistant manager at the pub called police after a member of staff found the documents on a table while clearing up. An internal Greater Manchester Police investigation is now trying to establish whether the information was left accidentally or not.

The items related to the murder of Mohammed Arif Iqbal, 26, who was shot dead on New Year's Eve 2007.

He was one of four men in a silver Vauxhall Vectra on Huxley Avenue, Cheetham Hill, who were shot at by at least one gunman, who was on foot. The Vectra then sped to North Manchester General Hospital.

Gunshot
Mohammed suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest and died a short time later. Two other men were injured in the incident - a 27-year-old was shot in the back and a 23-year-old suffered a minor graze to the head. A fourth escaped unhurt.

High-profile patrols were put on the streets of Cheetham Hill to reassure the public.

Mohammed, of Springfield Gardens, Crumpsall, was married with two young children. No one has been arrested or charged in connection with the murder.

Last month, police reassured potential witnesses that information could be given in total confidence.

They described the incident as 'the senseless killing of a young father by a ruthless gunman, who clearly intended to inflict maximum damage on the people in that car'. They believe several key witnesses have yet to come forward.

GMP said that their Professional Standards Department 'is investigating a report that information relating to a murder investigation was found in a pub in Manchester city centre. It has been handed to police and inquiries are continuing'.

The papers were found on January 24 next to a till at the bar by the assistant manager, after being cleared from a table.