THE heartbroken dad of teenager Cole Kershaw, who was murdered in Bury last week, has paid an emotional tribute to his son.

The 18-year-old was gunned down in Chesham Road at around 9.40pm last Wednesday night.

He was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

Detectives investigating the murder have said they believe Cole was not the intended target of his attackers.

His dad described Cole as 'his everything' and said he and his family are devastated to be without him.

He also called for an end to knife and gun crime, which he said had cost his son his life in a tragic way when he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time'.

In a tribute on behalf of his family, he said: “Cole was many things to many people.

"To his brothers and sisters, he was someone to look up to, bounce off and sometimes be a nuisance with.

"To his friends, he was a top guy and a loyal mate.

"To me, he was simply my son and my everything."

“Raising Cole and his siblings on my own has been tough and we have had our ups and downs, but Cole was brought up to have respect and know right from wrong.

"He had a good heart and was growing in to the young man I am so proud of.

“Cole worked hard as an apprentice scaffolder and had recently returned to boxing ­— a sport that he loved and had a natural talent for.

"Cole gave 100 per cent to everything he did and had a massive smile to match his personality.

“Cole was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and has, as a result, lost his life in a violent and tragic way.

“We will never come to terms with our loss.

"Cole was and always will be one of the most positive things in our lives and we are truly devastated to wake up in a world without him.

“My children and I have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from friends, family and the local community and thank everyone for their kindness.

“Sadly, the manner in which Cole died is not unique and gun and knife crime is on the increase.

"We cannot have Cole back with us but pray that people learn from this, and in memory of Cole and his favourite pastime ­—boxing ­— would like to simply say “Gloves up, guns down”.

Police leading the investigation have revealed that Cole Kershaw was in a Ford Mondeo which had been pursued by a silver-grey BMW from Bury town centre to Chesham Road, just before 9.40pm last Wednesday.

Cole is said to have left the Mondeo and 'two to three shots' were fired from the second group, according to investigators.

The 18-year-old was hit in the shoulder before the second group left the scene.

Cole was taken to hospital for emergency treatment but died a short time later

Following Cole's death, four men have been arrested in connection with his murder as part of an ongoing police investigation.

Two men aged 18 and another aged 20 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

Another 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

They have all since been released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Butterworth, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “It’s horrific to think that a young man has lost his life in such brutal circumstances.

"My heart really goes out to Cole’s family and I want to assure them and the wider community that we will leave no stone unturned in this investigation."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on on 0161 856 6777, quoting 3452 of 12/08/20, or crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A dedicated Major Incident Portal has also been set up.

Members of the public can, anonymously, share information directly with the investigation team via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP20N07-PO1.