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Police appeal for information and witnesses after a shotgun is fired in Oldham
Greater Manchester Police said "there's no place for firearms" on the streets of Greater Manchester.
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.
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.
“Extensive enquiries were carried out following the first report and a discharge was confirmed to have taken place some time later.
“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.
“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.
Read more: Former Oldham doctor who killed mum-of-three in botched procedure jailed
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
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
The club itself added in a statement: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
Read more:
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Featured Image – Manchester United (via X)
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Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
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Featured image: Unsplash, Brittany Colette
