Crackdown on firearms supply secures multiple arrests

Following a shooting that happening on Belmont Street, Oldham on 19 September 2022, officers from Oldham’s Challenger team - supported by Firearms officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) specialist operations unit - executed a series of warrants this morning (Friday 4 November 2022) in Oldham, Tameside, South Manchester, and Bradford, West Yorkshire.

The properties targeted were located in the following areas:

• Edmund Street, Shaw
• Holden Street, Oldham
• Groby Street, Oldham
• Queen Street, Denton
• Welbury Road, Manchester
• Mossdale Aveenue, Bradford

The warrants secured the arrests of 5 men and 1 woman on suspicion of various firearms, drugs and money laundering offences.

All remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Nicholas Helme, the lead for Oldham’s Challenger team, said: “Tackling this issue is a force priority for Greater Manchester Police, particularly as the owners of illegal firearms often have links to serious and organised crime groups who bring about untold misery in our communities.

“While I am pleased with the results we have seen today, the work doesn’t stop there. Our officers will continue to seize and remove illegal firearms from circulation as well as pursue and arrest anyone who is involved in their purchase, conversion or supply.”

“If you have any information relating to people who may be in possession of firearms, please get in touch. The intelligence you have could save a life.”

Please call 101 if you have information to share. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.