A man who discharged a firearm as a crowd of mourners paid their respects after a funeral has been jailed

Mohammed Umar, (DOB 21/12/1996), of Broadlea Road, Burnage, was sentenced to a total of six years and three months at Manchester Crown Court today (26 August) for the possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

A forfeiture and destruction order for the firearm and ammunition was also made.

On Thursday 23 April 2020, a group of mourners were at a funeral at Gorton Cemetery, Thornwood Avenue, Manchester.

At around 7pm the same day, as mourners gathered after the ceremony, Umar approached the group carrying a self-loading pistol and fired several shots.

None of the shots made contact with the group and Umar fled the scene.

A section of the group broke away to pursue Umar who was still wielding the weapon, pointing it in the direction of the group as they chased him.​

The group then caught up with Umar and assaulted him. Officers then intervened and disbanded the group before delivering first aid to Umar.

An investigation is ongoing into the assault.

Umar sustained injuries, including black eyes and bruising. Following hospital treatment, he was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear.

Umar made no reply and was later charged.

The firearm was located days later, discarded in a park bin.

Detective Constable Terry Macmillan, of GMP's City of Manchester District, said: "This is a shocking act that took place in a location considered sacred to many, where people pay respects to their loved ones who have passed.

"Thankfully, no-one in the cemetery at the time of Umar's actions reported receiving any injuries, however Umar's own injuries as a result of the assault proved to be relatively serious.

"Umar opened fire in such a busy, open space, showing the disregard he has not only for the law, but the safety of the general public and innocent passers-by.

"Cracking down on guns and the people who use them are significant priorities for our force and through this work, we've taken over 100 firearms off the streets of Greater Manchester in the last year.

"The conviction and imprisonment of Umar is the latest success in making our city that much safer."