Detectives investigating three shootings in as many days

Detectives in Salford and north Manchester are investigating three firearms discharges in the last three days.

Thankfully, no life-threatening injuries have been reported at any of the incidents in the Cheetham Hill, Broughton, and Boothstown areas respectively, and there is nothing to support that the three are linked.

However, police are treating the incidents very seriously following a stark decrease in discharges since the end of March thanks to targeted disruption activity by dedicated taskforces in both cities.

The first of the incidents occurred before 8pm on Tuesday 8 June to a report of a 30-year-old man arriving with a serious wound to the leg.

Subsequent enquiries have found evidence that it's likely to have been a targeted incident that may have taken place on Dinnington Drive, Cheetham Hill, and investigators continue to appeal for information.

The night after, two shots were fired at an address on Great Cheetham Street West, Broughton, shortly prior to 11pm. No one was injured.

The latest incident was last night (Thursday 10 June) at around 6.20pm when shots were fired from a black Vauxhall Astra towards a group of men following an altercation off Booths Hall Way.

Detectives have been unable to identify any victims of the attack so far and their enquiries, including speaking to the many witnesses in the area and CCTV, are ongoing.

No arrests have been made for any of the incidents and appropriate patrol plans are in place for over the weekend.

Detective Superintendent Chris Packer, of GMP Salford's district, said: "In Salford and across the border in north Manchester we have seen substantial decreases in recent months of these kinds of incidents, and that is down to the robust disruptive work that has been carried out, supported by specialist units and partners.

"These incidents all appear to be targeted but there is no apparent link between them, nor is it exactly known what each of the discharges have arisen from; however, what is clear is that we refuse to tolerate a continuation of this violence.

"We are actively working to establish the circumstances of each of these incidents with a view to targeting those responsible and remove them from being a danger on our streets.

"In last night's incident, there were many people in the area who we have already been given important information from, and it is vital that the public continue to assist us by providing details in confidence to police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

"We have demonstrated our endeavour to drive down gun crime in the area and this will not relent, and I would like to reassure communities, while there is no direct threat to them, we will do all we can to make their streets a safer place."

Anyone with information or concerns about the Salford incidents should call GMP Salford's Swinton CID on 0161 856 4532.

Information about the incident in Cheetham Hill should be called into City of Manchester North's Central Park CID on 0161 856 3728.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.