Police are appealing for information following an attempted murder in Ardwick that happened just before Christmas.
The “brazen attack” took place in broad daylight on Stockport Road, in the Manchester residential areal of Ardwick, at approximately 3pm on Thursday 21 December, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and since then a specialist team of detectives have been working tirelessly to understand the full circumstances.
A firearm was discharged during the distressing incident, and a member of the public had their vehicle hit by the offenders too, police have confirmed.
But thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
In a bid to understand what happened in the events leading up to this incident, a police investigation has subsequently been launched, and investigating officers are now appealing to the Greater Manchester public for any information or footage, and are urging any potential witnesses to come forward.
ADVERTISEMENT
Police are appealing for information following an attempted murder in Ardwick just before Christmas / Credit: GMP
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has information about a car that was used during the attack.
An image of the vehicle in question has now been released.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to police, the car was a blue Mercedes 4×4-style vehicle, which did not have a registration plate on the front, and was eventually found abandoned on Clee Avenue in Longsight at a later date.
GMP has also confirmed that three people have already been arrested in connection with the incident so far, and one has been charged.
Detective Superintendent Dave Meeney, who is from GMP City of Manchester district, said the team’s investigation is “moving at pace”.
ADVERTISEMENT
He continued: “We’re appealing to the public who may have seen this vehicle, or the occupants, on the day of the attempted murder at around 3pm. After the incident took place on Stockport Road in Ardwick, we believe that the suspects drove to Longsight, before abandoning the vehicle on Clee Avenue.
“As is often the case, the answer to establishing the true chain of events that led to this incident and locating those responsible could lie in the community, so I ask that anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area, or saw this vehicle, come forward and know that any information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”
Police would like to hear from anyone who was CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the Ardwick and Longsight areas, during 2:30pm to 3:30pm on Thursday 21 December.
Footage can be submitted via the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal here.
Aside from that, any details should be passed on by calling police on 0161 856 4305, or by using the LiveChat function on the GMP website, or alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Emily Sergeant -
29th December 2023 
