Manchester has suffered its first suspected fatal shooting this year after a man was 'shot dead' in broad daylight as children played nearby.
A 32-year-old man died in Openshaw, east Manchester, on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were scrambled to Welland Road at around 2pm, where the man was sadly pronounced dead. Police believe he died as a result of gun shot wounds.
Detectives have now opened a murder probe, with forensics continuing to comb the scene as night falls.
One man, 33, has been arrested on suspicion of murder over what police are calling a 'targeted attack' - but officers say they are still hunting a second suspect who is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle shortly after the shooting. The crime shocked the community as a huge investigation was launched.
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Eyewitnesses report seeing an air ambulance land at Sandywell Millennium Green before detectives taped off Sandywell Street, Old Lane, Ettrick Close and Wheeler Street.
Forensics officers and detectives worked at the scene to try and piece together clues that could prove crucial to the murder investigation.
Yellow evidence markers were seen laid out on the street, and pictures and videos of the scene were taken. An officer stood guard outside one particular home throughout the afternoon.
One woman who lives near where the shooting took place said: "It’s really scary. There were kids nearby playing in the park."
As well as Welland Street, several other nearby roads were shut off. Sandywell Street, Old Lane, Ettrick Close and Wheler Street were all cordoned off, and are expected to be closed at least for the rest of today.
Another resident claimed that the man had been shot twice to the chest. This has not been confirmed by police, who are appealing for anyone with information or video footage to come forward to assist the investigation.
Police say there will be an increase in highly visible officers in the area over the coming days.
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst from GMP said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. We are in the early stages of our investigation, and a team of officers are working extremely hard to understand a comprehensive timeline of events that will help us piece together what has happened this afternoon.
"Though we believe this was a targeted attack, we recognise that incidents of this nature will understandably cause concern in communities across Greater Manchester. There will be an increase of highly visible police officers in the area over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to come and speak to us.
"Whilst we are appealing for information to trace a second suspect seen leaving the scene, I would urge people who were in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who has mobile or CCTV footage that may be of interest to police to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation. We are also appealing to motorists and residents in the area, who may have captured anything on Dashcam, CCTV or doorbell cameras to contact us.
"Every bit of evidence is crucial to the investigation and will be treated with the strictest confidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log number 1771 25/3/2023. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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