Armed swoop in supermarket car park sees Manchester shootings suspect detained

We’ve arrested a man in relation to two recent shootings in north Manchester after an armed strike by our specialist officers in Prestwich last night.

The 29-year-old was detained in a supermarket car park after we stopped a black Audi that he was driving.

He is in custody to be questioned on suspicion of firearms offences.

The action follows two recent shootings in the Harpurhey and Moston areas of the city on 23 September and 26 September respectively that we believe to be linked.

Fortunately, no one was injured in either firearms discharge but detectives from our Central Park CID have been treating both incidents with a high-level of seriousness.

Investigators have been supported by our Force Critical Wanted Unit who assisted in the locating and arresting on the suspect last night.

Detective Superintendent John Griffith, head of our Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “We’ve seen a substantial and sustained decrease in shootings across Greater Manchester in the past few years and are on course for another reduction this year thanks to the robust disruptive work that has been carried out by dedicated detectives, officers, specialist units, and partners.

“While these kinds of incidents are happening less often, they are still happening too often and I can say with confidence to the public – and particularly those involved in these acts of violence – that relentless work is ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.

“We have seen all too recently the devastating consequences of guns being carried and used in our region, and while fortunately none of the incidents in the last week have resulted in injury, it does not diminish the seriousness in which we are treating each one with.

“A lot of the answers to these investigations are in our communities and you’ve helped us seize over 50 viable guns thanks to your information this year, therefore I ask anyone who knows anything about these incidents to get in touch with us in confidence to help continue to make your streets safer.”

Enquiries continue and anyone with information or concerns should contact us without hesitation via our LiveChat facility on our website or by calling 101.

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