Multiple people suffered stab wounds after a knife brawl broke out just metres away from where a young man tragically died after being shot in Moss Side, it has been confirmed. The large fight, which saw numerous people injured, occurred on Roseberry Street in the early hours of Monday morning (August 15), at around 2.52am.
It was less than three hours before, on adjoining Claremont Road, that a young man, now confirmed by police to be 20-years-old, was fatally shot shortly after the Carribean Carnival. Police received the report shortly after midnight, and the victim was rushed to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Detective Chief Inspector David Meeney said cops are 'keeping an open mind' that the mass brawl could be related to the shooting. Multiple arrests have also been made in relation to the fight, but police are urgently appealing for information to trace those responsible for the gunfire.
Inspector Meeney said: "Police are investigating the further incident that took place nearby this morning, and remain open minded as to whether this is connected. We know that at around 2.52am, a report of males fighting was received and a number of males received stab injuries.
"Fortunately, none of these have proved life-threatening and they are all recovering. A number of arrests have been made in relation to that incident."
Crime scene investigators were seen examining blood-soaked shirts and conducting fingertip searches of the scene on Roseberry Street on Monday morning, alongside the area on Claremont Road where the young man was shot. A smashed up car was also seen within the cordon on Roseberry Street, with police saying they are looking into 'everything that happened at that time'.
Local residents in Moss Side have since called for better management of street parties in the area after the man was fatally shot. Thousands descended on streets in the south Manchester suburb, and in Alexandra Park, for the return of the Caribbean Carnival on Sunday before street parties continued into the early hours, when the two incidents then took place into the early hours.
A large cordon remained in place on a section of Claremont Road, near Princess Parkway, throughout Monday, as enquiries were carried out by detectives and forensics into the shooting. Cordons were also erected on Roseberry Street and Cowesby Street. Police at the scene said the cordons will be in place until at least Tuesday, with patrols also stepped up to 'keep the community safe'.
Greater Manchester Police have also said they 'do not believe' the fatal shooting on Monday to be related to a drive-by shooting at a family gathering, on nearby Quinney Crescent, on July 29th. The incident saw two teenage girls, aged 13 and 16 hospitalised. However, they added that they are 'keeping an open mind' as they conduct an investigation.
Speaking about the fatal shooting alongside councillor Erinma Bell, Detective Meeney added: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man, aged 20, who senselessly lost his life through this violent act. Officers were completely focused on administering CPR to try and save the victim's life, but despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later.
"We have been working throughout the night to understand the events that occurred here this morning. Officers were immediately present at Claremont Road, at around 12.15am, to reports of a firearm being discharge in the area. Upon arrival, the scene indicated the victim had sustained multiple wounds and the priority at that time was to get him to safety.
"The nature of his injuries are yet to be confirmed. Formal identification has taken place and specialist officers are supporting his family and loved ones at this time.
"We are appealing to anyone who was in the Claremont Road area in the early hours of this morning that may have seen something that can help us in tracking down the perpetrator or perpetrators. We know there had to be witnesses to this offence as people made their way home from the carnival.
"This investigation is in the early stages but we are committed to identifying the person, or persons, who committed this horrendous act of violence and bring them to justice. We have increased patrols in the area to keep the community safe and have a scene in place around the Claremont Road area while we examine it."
Responding to criticism about the policing of the carnival and subsequent street parties in the area, Meeney added: "We had a significant policing operation around the carnival, obviously we will look at that and debrief that as things move forward."
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 40 of the 15th August 2022. Alternatively, reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police have also set up an online portal for members of the public to submit CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage.
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