Police have made five arrests after seizing a gun, knives and a huge haul of illegal drugs in south Manchester.
Officers made the discoveries after raiding four properties as part of a crackdown on violent crime in Hulme over the last fortnight.
It comes after two young males were injured in 'horrific attacks' in Hulme earlier this month. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a suspected stabbing in Avenham Close on March 17.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Moments later, a 15-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being shot in Salutation Street. Police said his injuries were 'not thought to be life threatening'.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with both attacks but was later released on bail.
Two men, aged 20 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of drugs and firearms offences after police seized a haul of what is believed to be cocaine and heroin. Yesterday, a 16-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of possession of bladed article in Longsight.
Greater Manchester Police said they had been carrying out regular patrols around Hulme in an attempt to 'drive down violent crime in the area'.
Superintendent Dave Meeney, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "Our teams are working around the clock to disrupt and dismantle serious crime across the district.
"The results to date are a credit to a dedicated team of proactive officers, safeguarding officers and experienced detectives and would not have been possible without a close working relationship with partner agencies such as social services and housing providers.
“I hope this is of great reassurance to the public who have been understandably concerned by the recent incidents of violence on our streets.
"We continue to take robust and pragmatic action against any ongoing risks or spikes in incidents, and we will not relent in reducing serious and violent crime between organised criminals whilst it is present in our neighbourhoods, we continue to thank the public for their support and cooperation and encourage anyone with information or concerns to contact us."
Anyone with information or concerns can report online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk or call 101. Details can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- "People shouldn't have to live in these poor conditions": Hospital where three women died within weeks slammed by watchdog
Teen involved in fatal attack on school friend claims he only 'wanted to have a fight'
- Passenger 'misses train home' after 'horrendous' wait for almost two hours for luggage at Manchester Airport
- "If it was up to me, I would throw away the key": The criminals locked up in May in Greater Manchester
- One year since the Clean Air Zone was meant to begin - what's next for the troubled £60m scheme?
