A car appears to have been shot at on Lovage Drive in Oldham, with residents telling officers they mistook the gunfire for fireworks during a storm. Greater Manchester Police has confirmed it is investigating a suspected firearms discharge, with no injuries reported and no arrests made.
Residents hear two bangs during Storm Boelo
Neighbours in the Fitton Hill area said they heard two bangs between around 9.30pm and 10pm on Sunday (October 25), which they initially believed were fireworks set off as Storm Boelo brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region.
On Monday, one resident said a neighbour knocked on the door saying their car window had been smashed in. "My husband said 'I'm no forensics expert, but I'm pretty sure those are bullet holes' and said we should contact the police", the resident told the Manchester Evening News.
Police cordon and evidence search
Officers then flooded the scene and placed a cordon across a stretch of Lovage Drive. Tactical Aid Unit officers and crime scene investigators were seen carrying out searches and placing evidence markers within the taped-off area. Pictures showed a black car within the cordon with a damaged rear window, which was reportedly removed from the scene by police on Tuesday morning.
Resident Gina Barker said officers had knocked on her door to request any CCTV or doorbell footage. "The police has been taking CCTV from everyone. They knocked on my door to see if I have any and obviously I don't...", she said. "I was gobsmacked, the black car got taken away by a big truck, there was a tactical unit, a serious search team and forensics. I heard they've been recovering shell casings."
Police confirm investigation
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said officers responded to reports of a suspected firearms discharge. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made, the spokesperson added. The Manchester Evening News has asked the force for further information about the incident.
