'Hitman' wanted over attempted murder of North West man

A man from Manchester was shot in the head as he sat outside a cafe in Amsterdam, in what Dutch Police believe was a "gangland feud".

Police say the 55-year-old victim, originally from Sale, remains in a stable condition in hospital following the attack by a suspected hitman on May 19.

The suspected gunman, who is wanted for attempted murder, had earlier been seen walking towards the premises in Amsterdam’s Stromarkt.

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He is then reported to have pulled out a handgun and fired at the victim, before taking a bicycle taxi in the direction of the Dam.

Despite a large scale search, the Dutch authorities say they are yet to track him down and are now working closely with the NCA.

Police are now appealing for help in finding a man pictured on CCTV who is wanted in connection with the incident.

A witness described him as speaking English with a north-west accent – possibly Merseyside or Manchester.

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The victim is a British citizen with connections to Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, although he now lives in the Netherlands.

Jayne Lloyd, North West Branch Commander, said: “The attack took place in a public area. This man is clearly very dangerous, which is why we need to identify him quickly and make sure he cannot harm anyone else.

“Witnesses say he spoke English with either a Merseyside or Manchester accent, which is what leads our Dutch colleagues to suspect that somebody here in the north west knows his identity.

“Someone knows who this is, and anyone with information about this man or his whereabouts should contact the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please do not approach this man as he is dangerous and call 999 in an emergency.”