Scared residents on a Manchester street where a gunman let loose in a 'targeted' attack say such incidents have become a 'normal' part of their lives.
People living around Penn Street, Moston, where gunshots were fired around 9.45pm last night (Monday) are still reeling but are not surprised. Luckily, nobody was injured.
Today, police were combing the street, going door-to-door to ask questions. Meanwhile forensics teams searched the scene for signs of any evidence.
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But for some, this is just the latest moment of violence in a string of incidents they have become used to. “I was just watching the TV and saw the blue lights,” said one resident, who asked not to be named.
“I came out for a smoke and saw all the police. It's not a shock to see it though. There have been a few stabbings around here. It’s no surprise.
“If anyone does know anything they don’t say because it’s not worth the trouble. No one wants this on their doorstep, but it’s normal for us.
“We’re hopefully moving next year. This street always has police on it, they’re probably sick of the sight of it.”
Another man, partway through doing the school run with his son, told the MEN: “I’m not sure what happened but I heard a shot last night. It’s not a good place to live."
“It’s horrible here," he added. "I need to find a new place to live.”
People living in the area were going about their business as usual, ducking under police tape along the way.
“It is dangerous around here,” one neighbour said: “It makes me not want to live here.”
Many of the people who spoke to the MEN said they heard gunshots, but didn't know any more. A man delivering newspapers said he was shocked to see the scene on his regular route.
He said: "It all happens around Moston. Not sure what has gone on though. I just came to deliver the papers then saw this.”
“I heard a loud bang, like a firework,” one Penn Street resident added. “I was shocked because I looked out and saw a bunch of police.
“That house there are always kids coming in and out, lots of activity. It’s not uncommon to see police on this street.”
People’s commutes were disturbed as cars were ordered to stay on Penn Street for the entirety of the morning. Officers attended the scene last night and established that a firearm had been discharged at a property. No injuries have been reported and the shooter's intentions are unknown.
Inspector Sam Blackwood, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “Extra officers have been deployed to Moston to complete extensive enquiries to arrest those responsible and to provide reassurance to members of the community who are concerned by this news. Though we are in the early stages of our investigation, we have information to suggest that this firearms discharge was targeted.
“I would like to reassure the public that we are treating this very seriously and doing everything we can to protect residents and investigate this incident. Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry but I ask anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers.”
Anyone with information is asked contact GMP via 0161 856 3882 quoting 3269 26/09/22. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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