A drive-by shooting at a family gathering that left two teenagers with shotgun injuries is being treated as attempted murder, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed today.
Two girls, aged 13 and 16, were injured in the attack in Quinney Crescent, Moss Side, last Friday (July 29). No arrests have yet been made and police are still trying to track down those responsible.
GMP have set up a Major Incident Public Portal so that people can submit information and footage to assist their investigation. On the portal, the incident is described as "Attempt Murder x2 on Quinney Crescent, Moss Side" and under the details section, it states: "GMP are appealing for information with regards to two attempt murders which occurred at around 2225hrs on Friday 29th July 2022 on Quinney Crescent, Moss Side.
"A 16-year-old female and a 13 year old female were found with shotgun injuries on Quinney Crescent, Moss Side at 2229hrs on Friday 29th July 2022. An investigation was commenced and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation to get in touch.
"Did you witness anything, in or around Quinney Crescent during the evening of Friday 29th July 2022. Any information you have including CCTV, mobile phone, dashcam footage, we encourage you to provide electronically via this portal."
During a press conference earlier today, Detective Superintendent Chris Downey said at the time of the incident, a 'family were coming together to celebrate a loved one who passed away', when a gunman in a dark-coloured SUV opened fire on the crowd. He later confirmed it had been the one-year anniversary of the death of Joan Spence, who died when a two-car smash caused a traffic light pole to hit her on the head.
Dramatic photos show a car riddled with pellet marks following the attack. "We're incredibly lucky that we didn't have two murders that evening," DS Downey said. "The officers based here launched an investigation into that incident and we are working with partners and working with the community.
"My appeal today can reach out to our community of Moss Side and ask what do you people know about this incident? It's not an everyday thing, it's the first firearms incident we've had in six months.
"I'm really proud of the way the community and policing has managed to get a grip of this and I don't want this to be the beginning of something else. So anyone who knows anything about this incident, or who was in the area, saw or heard of the incident, or saw a suspicious black vehicle can they please contact the police."
GMP are asking that people use the Major Incident Public Portal to submit information. People can also contact the investigation team on 0161 856 6049 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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