Sister's appeal over shot brother

Mr Boland was known to have criminal associates

The sister of a man who was shot dead in his home has appealed for help catching his killers.

Andrew Boland, 35, of Brigade Drive, Stretford, Greater Manchester, was gunned down after two masked men burst into his home on 24 March.

His sister Debbie said her family was still traumatised and called for anyone with information to contact police.

The 37-year-old said she hoped her appeal would "bring those that destroyed our lives to justice".

Police have also appealed to people in the criminal underworld - which Mr Boland was known to operate in - for information.

It still feels like yesterday. We are still very much in shock and turmoil Debbie Boland

His partner, Angela, and her sons were at home when he was murdered.

Her nine-year-old son answered the door to the two men, one of whom was armed with a gun and the other who was brandishing a brick.

The gunman pointed his weapon at the child's head and told him: "Go upstairs before I shoot you."

Angela's 11-year-old son hid in the kitchen while the masked men shot Mr Boland - known as Bo - in the chest in the hallway.

Angela then gave chase to the pair, as they fled the house, and saw them escape in a waiting car at the end of Park Road.

Police want to speak to people who were on the bus pictured

Mr Boland, who had three children of his own, was taken to Trafford General Hospital where he died from his injuries.

His sister said: "It's been nearly seven months since my brother was murdered in his own home.

"It still feels like yesterday. We are still very much in shock and turmoil.

"We sincerely hope this appeal will finally bring some peace of mind and closure to this horrendous ordeal, and bring those that destroyed our lives to justice."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have also released CCTV images which show a car seen on Park Road, near Brigade Drive, at 2108 GMT on the day Mr Boland was killed.

'Badly planned attack'

They also want to speak to anyone who was on the Arriva shuttle bus running between Edge Lane tram station, Stretford, and the Trafford Centre, which is also shown on the CCTV image.

Detectives also want to trace the sender of an anonymous letter they received which mentions the name of someone who may be connected to the murder.

Det Supt Tony Cook, of GMP, said: "The attack on Andrew was a targeted one by two extremely dangerous individuals, however it didn't seem very well planned.

"We need to find out exactly why these people came into his home and what they wanted from him."

He added: "I am appealing directly to the members of the criminal fraternity, including Andrew's associates, who have information about his death.

"The two offenders are cold-hearted killers and don't deserve protection."

Police also want to trace where the murder weapon - a Smith and Wesson 45mm hand gun - was obtained from and where it is now.