GMP detectives continue to investigate shooting of 16-year-old boy in Stretford

Officers from Greater Manchester Police are continuing to investigate the shooting of a teenager in Stretford on Thursday evening, with a thorough and robust community policing plan already implemented.

At around 4:30pm yesterday (10 August), GMP were called by NWAS responding to a report of a 16-year-old boy who had sustained a serious chest injury, which was caused by a firearm, in Langdale Road, Stretford.

The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries, not currently believed to be life-threatening.

Officers’ work has already seen two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain in custody for questioning.

As an additional measure, GMP has authorised a section 60 authority in the Stretford area which can be seen in the map above. This grants officers extended powers to stop and search individuals in the defined area of Trafford.

The section 60 powers under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act has been extended. It was implemented at 3pm on Friday 11 August 2023 and was due to run for 24 hours, finishing at 3pm on Saturday 12 August. This has now been extended for a further 24 hours and will end at 3pm on Sunday 13 August.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division said: “Thursday night's incident is extremely serious and detectives have been deployed as a priority. I want to reassure the Stretford community that we are working flat-out to fully investigate every detail.”

"We know the victim was targeted by a large group of approximately 14 males, many of whom approached on foot and some who used bikes. We believe a shotgun was used to shoot the victim at close range. I want to reiterate he is just 16 years old.”

“The streets of Stretford and Greater Manchester are not for criminals who want to commit violent acts or cause fear and distress to law-abiding residents. This shooting took place in broad daylight whilst children were out playing in the street.

"It is simply horrific that those responsible think this is in any way acceptable behaviour. I ask that anyone with information that may assist investigators to do the right thing and come forward. Sitting on such information in these circumstances is to say that extreme violence is acceptable in our communities.”

"I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how little it is, to please get in touch with us. This can be through a direct call to us, or anonymously through Crimestoppers. Our enquiries so far lead us to believe this is a targeted attack which may reassure local residents. However, suspects are still at large and no firearm has yet been recovered.”

"The Major Incident Team have been deployed to lead the investigation and their work is continuing at pace as we move into the weekend.”

Residents in Stretford can expect to see more uniform officers in the area alongside detectives across the weekend, on both mobile and foot patrol.

Additionally, work is being completed with local partner agencies, including Trafford and Manchester councils.

These patrols, including your local neighbourhood PCSOs, are there to assist you. Any queries or concerns you may have can be relayed to them, and they will be more than happy to offer appropriate advice and assistance.

GMP continues to ask for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time – or may have dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact police on 0161 856 4081 or 101 quoting log 2552 of 10/8/23.

You can also submit information online to the Major Incident Public Portal via the below QR Code or following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23M19-PO1

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.