Tributes paid to 'beautiful soul' at centre of shooting murder probe

The man at the centre of a murder investigation after a fatal shooting has been named by family as Zikel Bobmanuel, as they paid tribute to his mother's 'pride and joy'.

A cordon has been in place on Sandywell Street in Openshaw, east Manchester, since around 2pm on Saturday (March 25), when emergency services were scrambled. First responders sadly pronounced a 32-year-old man dead at the scene after suffering gunshot wounds.

His family have paid tribute to the father, whose youngest child is just six weeks old, saying he 'had the heart of his girlfriend in his hand' they are 'devastated beyond belief'.

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched after man 'shot dead' in broad daylight

“Zikel was many things to many people, he was a good friend, a hard-working colleague, part of a large extended family, but ultimately, he was his mother’s son, her pride and joy," they said.

“He held the heart of his girlfriend in his hand and was a hands on father to his beloved children, the youngest just six weeks old. Zikel was happy and fulfilled, he was working hard to provide for his family and was never more content than when he was spending time with them.

“It is difficult to comprehend that Zikel has died under such tragic circumstances and the shock is profound. We are devastated beyond belief and find it hard to comprehend life without him.

"We would like to thank everybody for their kind words and the comfort their support has given us and respectfully ask for some privacy at this difficult time.”

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst, said: "Our thoughts are with Zikel’s loved ones at this heart-breaking time. As our investigation continues, specially trained colleagues are supporting them.

"Since yesterday afternoon, we