THE FATHER of a man who was murdered in a shooting in 2008 is still searching for justice 12 years later.

Halton McCollin Jnr was just 20 years old when he was shot in the back of the head inside a takeaway in Stretford on January 19, 2008.

It is believed the shooting was a case of mistaken identity and no one has ever been brought to justice.

But, his father, Halton McCollin Snr, who lives in Astley Bridge, remains as dedicated as ever to ensuring his son’s killer faces justice.

"I wouldn’t be doing this appeal if I didn’t think there was so much to gain and to find someone out there who has that little piece of information so we can bring an end to these twelve years of waiting for justice to be served for Halton," he said.

“If there’s anyone out there who can help the process of bringing peace to people like me who have lost loved ones then I appeal to you to come forward and provide us with any information you might have.”

Halton was inside the Chinese takeaway with his friends when two men, one armed with a silver revolver, came into the shop just before 9pm and fired three shots.

Halton and his friends, as well as the couple who owned the restaurant, ran for cover but as he ran away, one of the bullets hit him in the back of his head causing injuries which he would never recover from.

Martin Bottomley, Head of GMP’s Cold Case Unit said: “Halton was just 20 years old when he was killed. He had his whole future ahead of him, but his life was

tragically taken away from him in the cruellest of circumstances.

“For Halton’s family and friends, life will never be the same again. Twelve years may have passed but things do not get any easier for Halton’s loved ones as they try and endure a life without the man they miss so much.

“Halton would now be in his early thirties and may have married or had children. Instead of celebrating these milestones however, his family are left visiting his grave and wondering what kind of man he might have turned out to be.

“However, the people responsible for Halton’s murder have been able to continue with their lives; and today I am appealing to anybody who knows anything to do the right thing and call us.

“Halton’s family and friends deserve to know what happened to their son and this case will not close until the murderers are brought to justice.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.