Four people held after a shooting in Manchester have been released on bail. They had been held after an incident in a street where children were playing on Thursday morning.
At around 11.30am shots were heard in Darras Road, Gorton. 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.
A 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys were arrested. GMP confirmed today they had been released on bail. Police are still trying to establish the type of firearm used and were out in force yesterday searching the streets in Gorton and one particular property.
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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."
Superintendent Paul Walker of GMP’s City of Manchester district said yesterday: “The 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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