Police have been granted new powers to allow them to stop and search anyone in the Westleigh area of Wigan after two men were shot and injured - with the gunman still at large.
Officers were called to Hawthorne Grove on January 26 following reports of a firearms discharge.
A short time later, officers received reports of a second man on Shadwell Grove suffering from injuries from a firearm discharge. His injuries were believed to have occurred during the incident on Hawthorn Grove.
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Two men, one in his 30s and the other in his 20s, were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.
Police said the stop and search disruption tactics in Westleigh will come into force from 4pm today (February 2).
The powers have been granted as part of tactics and strategies used by GMP Wigan's Operation Lockport to reduce crime and keep residents ‘safe from harm’.
They are set to remain in place for 15 hours, with the potential to be extended.
A Section 60 order gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location in the lookout for offensive weapons or bladed articles.
Officers have made nine arrests and conducted seven warrants in connection to recent incidents in Westleigh in the last few weeks.
Last week, residents in the area told the M.E.N they were stunned at the level of violence visited upon their town.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Boyce, of GMP's Wigan district, said: "We have seen a rise in serious violence in the vicinity and feel it is absolutely necessary to implement this measure to enable us to keep our communities safe.
"Whilst we believe the incidents we have seen in the area in recent weeks are targeted and there is no wider threat to the public, this measure will be in place to ensure our community is kept safe from harm.
"The decision to implement a Section 60 power is not a choice we take lightly.
“Violence of this nature will not be tolerated and I hope that by enforcing these preventative measures, it will strengthen our commitment to tackling serious violent crime, which has no place in our community.
"The order will involve increased visibility of officers in the area to deter criminals who think it's acceptable to carry dangerous weapons.
"I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious or has any information that could assist us to come forward and speak with police. Please either speak to police on the street or call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency."
Anyone with information to report to police can contact them on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
