Guncrime Fears in Manchester
Polce have told KEY103 the latest rise in shootings across Greater Manchester is worrying.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 2013-14 there were 21 recorded firearm discharges in the region. So far, since April, there have been 49.
In the last 15 days in Manchester alone there have been eight shootings and police say six of those are thought to be linked to two separate disputes between rivals gangs.
Armed police and plain-clothed officers are now patrolling the areas affected.
Superintendent David Pester from GMP's South Manchester Division said: "In total, there have been eight firearms discharges across the city of Manchester in the past 15 days. We believe six of these recent shootings to be targeted attacks between two sets of rival criminal groups. One dispute is in the Rusholme/Moss Side area and one has impacted upon communities across the city in the Levenshulme, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and Crumpsall areas.
"Whilst the investigations into the two firearm discharges on Tuesday 5 January are in the early stages, we believe they are linked to two firearm discharges which took place on Lytham Road, one on Boxing Day and the other on New Year's Day.
"This activity is both reckless and dangerous and on more than one occasion, innocent people have been caught up in the violence. Those firing these shots cannot predict who or what may be behind a door or window that they are shooting at.
"I would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to find those responsible for this spate of shootings and to target those people we believe are involved.
"We have today arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder in relation to a shooting on Wednesday 30 December 2015, in which a 22-year-old man was shot in the chest on Salisbury Road.
"Teams of detectives, the Force Major Incident Team and specialist resources have been tasked with investigating this spate of firearms discharges. There will be a visible police presence in the areas affected by the recent shootings and armed response vehicles will also be on the streets as an extra precaution. We are working with our partners at Manchester City Council to do everything possible to keep the community safe.
"This year we want to have a noticeable decrease in the number of guns on the streets of Manchester and we are putting as much resource into this aim as we can.
"However, we need the community's help to do this. If you have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch. Every piece of information, no matter how large or small could be vital to our investigation. Any information will be treated in confidence."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4223 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.