POLICE have mounted a murder investigation after a man was ambushed and shot dead at close range in a suspected gangland execution.

Detectives are hunting for the killer of Freddie Knight, who was shot in the face as he and his wife visited relatives on North Tyneside's Longbenton estate to collect a birthday present for his 14-year-old son.

Mr Knight, who was in his late 30s, had just got out of his vehicle in Langdale Close, at 8.25pm on Wednesday, when two shots rang out. He slumped to his knees.

He died at Newcastle General Hospital, despite attempts by paramedics to save him.

A man wearing dark clothes was seen running away from the scene of the shooting.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Stewart said last night: "The person responsible for the shooting was quite determined to kill Mr Knight and had deliberately lain in wait for him.

"Mr Knight's wife, who is very shocked, was fortunate not to have become a victim as well."

While the motive is still unclear, it is believed a feud of some sort may have lain behind the shooting.

DCI Stewart said police would be interviewing Mr Knight's associates to ask about any arguments he may have had.

A 28-year-old woman neighbour said: "I heard a bang while I was watching the Arsenal match on TV. It sounded really close to the building, but I thought it was a car backfiring.

"But soon a helicopter was hovering overhead shining a beam down into the streets.

"It's terrible that someone has been shot. Things are bad on the estate. I daren't leave my flat at night."

Anyone with information about the shooting has been urged to contact the police on 0191-454 6555.