A masked gun gang ruthlessly hunted down a man at a block of flats, according to shocked neighbours. Up to five shots were fired and the target dressed in just boxer shorts only escaped by jumping from a first floor window, say locals.
Police have confirmed four to five men, dressed in black, opened fire to "intimidate" a resident in one property as they tried to break in.
Police taped off the cul-de-sac in Salford where the incident happened. A cordon was placed outside flats in Ashfield Close, off Seedley Terrace, for several hours. Forensic officers were seen combing a patch of grass within the taped off area, which is near to Buile Hill Park.
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Shocked residents have described how masked men arrived in the close at around midnight and fired shots at a man, who they say jumped from a first floor window and fled wearing nothing but boxer shorts.
The masked men are said to have tried to smash down the door of one of the flats and repeatedly shouted for the occupant to come out. One resident who declined to be named said: “The sound of shouting woke me up. It must have gone on for 20 minutes. They smashed a window and tried to break through the door.
“The next thing the man jumped out of a first floor window. He was barefoot and only had boxers on. Then I heard four or five shots. To be honest I daren’t look. It was terrifying.
"He ran off. I’ve no idea what happened to him. I’m going to get onto the housing to be moved out. It’s not usually like that around but it was properly scary.”
Another resident said: “I heard a few shots but I didn’t want to open the curtains. It was pretty scary. I could hear loads of shouting.”
Police issue statement following attack
GMP said officers were called to the scene at 11.45pm last night No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan of GMP's Salford District said: “Firstly, I would like to reassure ethe local community that upon initial enquires, we believe this incident to be a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.
“We believe that 4-5 males attempted to gain access to the property on Ashfield Close and discharged a weapon in their attempts to intimidate the residents of the property. The males were reported to be dressed in dark clothing.
“I would like to reassure members of the public we are doing everything we can to ensure the local communities safety. We have increased the number of patrol officers around the local area both on foot and in patrol cars. If you have any concerns about this incident our officers will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to your concerns.
“We would like to urge the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist our investigation, whether it be CCTV footage, doorbell footage, photos, or descriptions of the suspects or events, we would ask that you report it to us directly.”
If you have any information or footage that could assist our investigation into this incident, please contact GMP Salford on 0161 856 5261 quoting log 3834 of 04/11/2022.
You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111.
The incident comes six days after another shooting in the city. A BB gun was used in an attack in the Douglas Green area on Sunday, The target, a man, suffered pellet wounds but has since been discharged from hospital.
That shooting prompted a major response from police after a drive-by shooting was reported. Armed police descended on the location, near the River Irwell, on Sunday evening shortly after 6pm.
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