Local residents in Moss Side have called for better management of street parties in the area after a man was fatally shot.
The tragic incident happened on Claremont Road at 12.15am this morning (Monday). The victim - who police believe is aged between 18 and 25 - was killed just hours after the Manchester Caribbean Carnival officially ended.
But street parties went on well into the early hours, with videos seen by the Manchester Evening News showing huge crowds packed onto Claremont Road and the surrounding streets. One local resident said people were 'packed like sardines' on the road before the shots were fired.
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Peace activist and local resident Erinma Bell has called for the street parties that are held in the aftermath of the annual carnival to be 'managed'. She said there 'needs to be a point where people go home and the music is switched off'.
Speaking from the scene, which was pictured covered in litter this morning, she said: "For residents to wake up in the morning to this, it shouldn't be happening. People live here with their families, and now they can't go to the park because of this.
"People come to these parties from all over and forget they people live here, why should they have to wake up to this, there's litter, food and gas canisters, everywhere."
Erinma added: "The carnival has been great, Saturday was great - 24,000 went in and came out safely, it's a well managed event. It's all about people's safety and enjoying it.
"When this (shooting) happens right at the end of the weekend it's so unfortunate. These after parties are not organised, we need to manage them somehow.
"I'm a local resident, we do enjoy these street parties, my young son was here last night, I used to do the same when I was young. But as a parent and resident I think it should end at at least midnight out of respect to residents.
"It reaches a point where people need to go home and the music turned off. It needs to be managed somehow, I'm not too sure how, there's no magic wand, or no street parties can take place.
"The main concern needs to be people's safety. These incidents open up old wounds (for Moss Side).
"Right up to yesterday it was good vibes and it was all positive. There's great organisations working to keep young people out of crime and off the street, but we can't be everywhere all at once.
"It just shows that we have to keep going and we need to keep supporting our volunteers because this is everyone's issue, we all live here and want it to be safe. We shouldn't just label this a 'shooting' and simply move on.
"We need to remember guns are illegal and shouldn't be on our streets full stop. How did this person get a gun? How does this happen?"
A local resident who lives on Roseberry Road echoed Erinma's calls for the parties to be managed. He told the M.E.N he had lived there all of his life and remembers seeing regular gun crime as a child.
He said people were 'packed like sardines' in the area and described the situation as a 'disaster waiting to happen'. He added that he was shocked and saddened to hear that a young person had lost their life.
Local councillors have urged the community to come together following the shooting. Councillor Luthfur Rahman, deputy leader at Manchester City Council, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and loved ones after this devastating loss. We will of course offer our full support to GMP and their investigation.
"In the meantime, we’d urge anyone with information to contact the police and for the community to look after one another after this terrible incident."
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, executive member for vibrant neighbourhoods, said: Our community is saddened and shocked by this tragic loss and our hearts go out to the victim's family and friends. Now, more than ever, it is really important that we all support one another in the aftermath of this devastating incident."
Police are continuing to investigate the incident this afternoon with several cordons remaining in place in the Moss Side area. Princess Road is taped off at the junction with Claremont Road, and cordons are also in place on Roseberry Street and on Cowesby Street.
Forensic officers and Tactical Aid Unit officers have been pictured scouring the scene for evidence. A smashed up car could also be seen behind the cordon on Roseberry Street.
Police at the scene said the cordon will be in place until at least Tuesday. Patrols will be stepped up in the area as investigations are carried out.
Detective Superintendent Jude Holmes, said: "Firstly, my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time in what is a devastating incident. Whilst the investigation is ongoing and at its early stages, we’re working extremely hard to understand the full circumstances.
"Our response has included increased patrols in the immediate area to keep the community safe, whilst a lot of work has been undertaken overnight and will continue today. Any details that may help us is asked to get in touch, as we know there were a number of potential witnesses to this serious incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log number 40 of the 15th August 2022. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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