Four people have been arrested after a suspected shooting in a street where children were playing in the sunshine. The incident happened around 11.30am yesterday in Darras Road, Gorton.
Three teenagers and a man have been held in connection with the incident. No one was injured. It is understood shots were fired at a house.
Terrified locals described the moments they heard 'gunshots' when out in the garden before seeing families 'running inside' with their young children.
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Pictures taken from the scene on Thursday evening (June 8) show a number of police vehicles in attendance as the road remained cordoned off. Officers could be seen standing beside the police tape amid investigations.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I heard three gunshots, I was in the garden and my dad was out working on his van. I thought, 'it can't be'.
"All the neighbours heard it and everyone was running inside their houses and getting all the kids inside. I went out and people were shouting to get inside. There was a group driving about on a moped up and down the street.
"Children were literally out playing on the street when it happened. It's a huge shock to everyone. It was broad daylight.
"There's been a few things going on round here recently. A few weeks ago a house here was raided by police and gunshots were fired at the house. We've got a lovely neighbourhood, but it's really turning now."
In a statement issued on Friday, Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 12:10pm on Thursday 8 June 2023, officers were called to reports of a potential firearms discharge on Darras Road in Gorton.
"Officers attended the scene and the suspects and victim had fled the scene upon arrival. No injuries were reported from this incident. An investigation was subsequently launched to locate the suspects and victim of the incident."
A 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys have been arrested and remain in custody for further questioning.
Superintendent Paul Walker of GMP’s City of Manchester district said: “Yesterday’s incident will of course have concerned the local community. However, I would like to reassure the local community that we believe this incident is isolated and there is no risk to the wider public.
“We have made significant enquiries into this incident, and this has led to the arrests of four men who we believe were involved in this disturbance. Enquiries are still ongoing, and we have managed to gain a full understanding of the timeline of events.
“Extra patrol officers have been deployed around the local area both on foot and in patrol cars. If you have any concerns about this incident our officers will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries.
“We are appealing to the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist our investigation, whether it be CCTV footage, doorbell footage, photos, or descriptions of the suspects or events, we will ask that you report it to us directly."
If you have any information or footage that could assist our investigation into this incident, please contact GMP on 0161 856 0438 quoting log 1685 of 08/06/2023.
You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111.
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