A MAN who shot his estranged wife in the back of the head at point-blank range had a history of violence towards her.

Brian Walsh, 47, is believed to have shot himself dead after opening fire on his 51-year-old wife Pauline outside her home in Droylsden.

Ms Walsh survived the attack with a bullet embedded in her head.

She is being treated at Hope Hospital in Salford, where her condition was last night described as "serious".

Detectives revealed the couple had separated after a catalogue of violent incidents, many of which had resulted in police being called to their home.

Earlier this year Mr Walsh was given a six-month suspended prison sentence for an assault on his wife.

The mother of one was leaving her home in Egerton Mews on Thursday morning to go to work as a traffic warden, when her estranged husband, who is thought to have been lying in wait, approached her with a gun.

Ms Walsh was approached as she got out of her Renault Clio to open a car park barrier to the flats where she lives.

She ran away and tried to open the communal door to her flats when Walsh blasted her in the back of the head.

History

Her husband ran to his car, which he had parked on a dirt track nearby, and left the scene.

It is understood he then contacted his brother to say what he had done before driving off and shooting himself in the chest in the Moravian churchyard in Openshaw.

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the double shooting.

Detective Supt Martin Bottomley said: "We do know there is a history of domestic violence which resulted in complaints being made to the police and the deceased man has been prosecuted at court in relation to these.

"On one occasion in March, he was given a six-month suspended prison sentence."

Residents of Egerton Mews reported hearing two gun shots and police forensic officers carried out a search of grounds near the flats last night.

Bill Scholes, a resident, said: "I heard a terrible scream, then two gun shots. It is a terrible thing to happen."

It is understood that Ms Walsh moved in to a first floor flat above her mother's flat a few months ago when the marriage broke down.

Police said that Ms Walsh was still was responding well to treatment.

brian.lashley@men-news.co.uk

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