Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is appealing for information and eyewitnesses after a shotgun was fired several times in Oldham.
Just before 6pm on Friday 8 July, officers were called to a report of the sound of shots fired on Broadbent Road in Oldham.
GMP confirmed over the weekend that an investigation was launched immediately following the incident, but after no evidence was initially believed to be found and no one was reported to have been injured, the force said enquiries were ongoing into whether any shots had actually been fired.
Following extensive CCTV enquiries, detectives have now confirmed that a firearms discharge did take place.
GMP explained that enquiries so far suggest that a man discharged the firearm twice into the driver’s window of a vehicle, before the offender and the victim made off, and officers located the victim, in his 40s, safe and well yesterday.
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The victim said he does not wish to cooperate at this time, GMP revealed.
“This was clearly a distressing incident for those nearby who will no doubt have heard the noise from the incident where it’s believed a shot gun was used,” said Detective Chief Inspector Ben Cottam, from GMP’s Oldham district.
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“Extensive enquiries were carried out following the first report and a discharge was confirmed to have taken place some time later.
#APPEAL Did you see anything on Broadbent Road on Friday? Enquiries so far suggest that a man discharged a shotgun twice into vehicle window. We located the victim safe and well but he does not wish to cooperate at this time. More here: https://t.co/vXWd1XdUgcpic.twitter.com/XfXjqiQDlE
“This is being treated as an isolated and deliberate incident and I would like to reassure residents that getting to the bottom of what happened remains an absolute priority with a number of lines of enquiry already being followed up.”
He added that “there’s no place for firearms” on the streets of Greater Manchester.
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“We have a number of officers and detectives in force working every day to bring those responsible for possessing, transferring or using firearms to justice,” DCI Cottam added.
GMP is now appealing for eyewitnesses, or anyone with any information, dashcam footage, or CCTV footage to come forward and assist with investigations – which can be reported online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th July 2022 
