Two men have been rushed to hospital this evening after shots were fired in Leigh.
Emergency services scrambled to different scenes in the town on Wednesday evening, January 26 to reports of two shootings.
There was confusion and worry as residents spoke of seeing a number of flashing police vehicles and a helicopter flying low over their homes.
Police were first called to a scene on Hawthorne Grove at around 5.45pm in response to an incident and found there had been a firearms discharge.
And shortly after, officers then received reports of a second shooting on Shadwell Grove - exactly one mile away.
Police cordons remain in place in both areas this evening as investigations continue.
Forensics have been pictured carrying out fingertip searches at both scenes.
It is understood that a police helicopter was also circling the area shortly after 6pm.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that two men, one in his 30s and the other in his 20s, have been rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds.
More information about their injuries is not yet known.
Police have also confirmed that they will leave 'no stone unturned' as they try to trace down who is responsible.
Patrols were also increased in the area to reassure residents who have been left concerned by the incident.
People living nearby spoke to the Manchester Evening News and Raised concerns that the shootings had occurred on their doorsteps.
One person said: "I've seen the rumours about what's happened. I live here with my kids it's not good to see this at all."
Another living on Tennyson Avenue, which adjoins Shadwell Grove, added: "There were a lot of police cars and a helicopter flying around just after 6pm.
"My family and all the neighbours were very worried at seeing the number of police in the area.
"The fact there is more than one large cordon means it seems really serious."
And another man, who was out walking his dog, added: "I've had at least 20 calls from family telling me to stay inside. It's not nice to see your area like this."
Police descended quickly on both scenes before people knew what had happened, according to other witnesses.
Taking to social media earlier this evening, people reported that they heard police cars racing along Westleigh Lane.
Police have said that they currently do not know who is responsible for the shootings but will leave 'no stone unturned' as enquiries continue.
A statement from Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels said: "We are in the very early stages of our investigation into these incidents but we believe they could be linked.
"We have officers in Leigh carrying out extensive enquiries to establish exactly what has happened. Two people are in hospital with gun-shot wounds and I can assure people that we will leave no stone unturned as we work to find out who is responsible.
"We understand the community will be concerned and, as such, we have deployed extra patrols to reassure them. If you have information that could help us with our investigation, please come forward. Anything said can be done so in confidence or anonymously."
A spokesperson for GMP said: "At around 5.45pm (Wednesday 26 January 2022), we were called by the ambulance service responding to an incident on Hawthorn Grove, Leigh.
"Officers attended and established there had been a firearms discharge.
"A short time later, we received a report of a second firearms discharge on Shadwell Grove, also in Leigh.
"Two men, one in his 30s and the other in his 20s, have been taken to hospital."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9101 or 0943 quoting 2599 26/01/22 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
