A MAN is hiding from a contract killer - apparently ordered by his DAD - on a quiet Bolton housing estate, the BEN can reveal today.

The amazing revelations to be screened on TV on Monday have sparked a wave of fear among the man's neighbours on a quiet estate on the outskirts of the town.

Sean Keating, aged 23, has been running scared since his hard man father accused him of turning police informer. He fled from his home in Salford 12 months ago and moved into the three-bedroomed housing association home he shares with his girlfriend and four children.

Keating believes his father, Kenneth Keating, has taken out a £10,000 contract on his life.

His father denies the contract although he bears an obvious grudge against his son claiming in the TV programme: "If I knew what Sean was going to do to his family I would have smothered the little bastard."

The bizarre feud between the two will be featured on Channel Four's Cutting Edge. The father reveals that he believes his son is a police informer - and informers are not tolerated.

He says: "I don't make exceptions to the rule."

Amazingly Keating is quoted on TV as saying: "The sooner Ken dies and all my family are dead the better for me."

Of his new life in Bolton he says: "They (his family) have done me a big favour. They forced me to get on my feet and get away from Salford."

His move though has sparked a wave of anger and concern among residents on the 200-home estate where he now lives.

One terrified homeowner told the BEN today: "We believe our lives are at risk as long as he lives on this estate. The residents all want him out. "Sooner or later we fear there will be a bloodbath on the estate."

Another neighbour said: "He is giving this estate a bad name. Other people have had to leave because of him and his criminal connections. All the residents are terrified."

Another woman added: "This is a respectable estate and the last thing we want is to be caught up in some sort of violent family feud."

A spokesman for the housing association responsible for providing the home told the BEN today: "I have spoken to staff directly involved with housing Sean Keating on the estate. We are aware of the allegations made." Insp Fred Menzies of Bolton Police said: "We are fully aware about what is going on and are investigating complaints about this man and others.

"If any resident on the estate has any fears for their safety I would ask them to contact me direct.

"Our aim is to ensure they are safe and able to lead their lives in peace - and safety."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.