The owner of a burger bar targeted by a gunman has spoken of the moment he strolled in and fired two shots. The thug walked into Drip on Kingsway, Burnage, last night (Sunday) just before 11pm.
Fortunately, no one was hurt. Following the shooting, the culprit escaped on a bicycle.
Now the owner of the business, Ray Ali, 37, has spoken of the ordeal. He told the Manchester Evening News the thug fired twice at a wall.
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"There were two members of staff in at the time and a customer," he added. "It must have been terrifying for them.
"There was a person to his right and one to his left, but he didn't aim at either of them."
Ray, who opened the bar in September last year, added: "I am a family man and law-abiding. I don't owe anybody any money and when I am not at the business, I just spend time with my family.
"I just have no idea why we would be targeted. I am not in trouble with anyone. If I knew who this enemy was, I'd like to have a sit down with them and hopefully sort this out by asking them 'how can I help - do you think I owe you money?'.
"But if I don't know who they are how can I solve it. The shop will be shut for a few days, Ray added.
Detectives have issued an appeal. Greater Manchester Police say they are pursuing 'a number of lines of inquiry'. The gunman was described as tall and thin.
Nearby residents spoke of their shock. One man told the M.E.N. he heard a 'really loud bang', but assumed it was a car crash.
"We get a lot of crashes on this junction, so I just assumed it was that," he added. "Then I saw the cops there this morning. I hope they find whoever is responsible."
Another business owner said he saw police and forensic experts on the scene this morning, with the cordon coming down at approximately 11.30am.
Superintendent Paul Walker of Greater Manchester Police said: "Firstly, I want to reassure the local community that we believe this incident to be a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public. Thankfully no injuries were reported and we are following up a number of lines of inquiry to trace and arrest the person responsible.
"We have increased the number of patrol officers around the local area and if you have any concerns I would urge you to speak to them as they are on hand to help and reassure you. We are now appealing to members of the public who might have witnessed something or might have information that could aid our investigation to please come forwards and share it with us."
Anyone with information or footage - including CCTV, doorbell or dashcam - is asked to call 0161 856 6051; or 0161 856 6063, quoting log 3453 of 30/04/2023. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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