Police launch investigation after ‘targeted’ shooting in Manchester

A gun was fired four times in a ‘targeted’ shooting in Leigh, Wigan, in the early hours today, Greater Manchester Police have said.

County police say they received reports of gunfire on St Helens Road, a lengthy residential street, around 1am.

‘Officers have established this was following an attempted assault between two men where a stolen vehicle was used,’ police added.

‘Shocked’ locals told Manchester Evening News (MEN) they heard ‘vehicles screeching’.

Two men aged 30 and 27 and a 27-year-old woman have all been arrested and remain in custody.

No one was seriously injured, Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst from GMP’s Wigan District said.

‘This is obviously a concerning incident for the local community but we strongly believe it was a targeted and isolated attack,’ he said.

Hurst added: ‘Despite the concern around a viable firearm being used we have made good progress in the early stages of our investigation.

‘A number of scenes will remain in place throughout today whilst we conduct further enquiries and provide reassurance patrols.’

Photographs from the scene show forensic and tactical arms officers pounding the pavement today.

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