Stop and search powers were granted in the Stretford area after the shooting of a 16-year-old boy on Thursday.
At around 4.30pm on Thursday, August 10, police were called by North West Ambulance Service to a report of the teenage boy having been shot in the chest on Langdale Road, Stretford.
The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries, although they are not currently believed to be life-threatening.
Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remained in custody for questioning as of yesterday evening.
Now, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has authorised has authorised a section 60 authority in the Stretford area, which grants officers extended powers to stop and search individuals in the defined area of Trafford.
The map shows the parts of Stretford and Old Trafford where the section 60 order is in place.
The section 60 powers under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act were implemented at 3pm yesterday and was due to finish at 3pm today, however it has been extended for a further 24 hours until 3pm tomorrow (Sunday).
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division said: “Thursday night's incident is extremely serious and detectives have been deployed as a priority. I want to reassure the Stretford community that we are working flat-out to fully investigate every detail.
"We know the victim was targeted by a large group of approximately 14 males, many of whom approached on foot and some who used bikes. We believe a shotgun was used to shoot the victim at close range. I want to reiterate he is just 16 years old.
“The streets of Stretford and Greater Manchester are not for criminals who want to commit violent acts or cause fear and distress to law-abiding residents. This shooting took place in broad daylight whilst children were out playing in the street.
"It is simply horrific that those responsible think this is in any way acceptable behaviour. I ask that anyone with information that may assist investigators to do the right thing and come forward. Sitting on such information in these circumstances is to say that extreme violence is acceptable in our communities.”
"I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how little it is, to please get in touch with us. This can be through a direct call to us, or anonymously through Crimestoppers. Our enquiries so far lead us to believe this is a targeted attack which may reassure local residents. However, suspects are still at large and no firearm has yet been recovered.”
"The Major Incident Team have been deployed to lead the investigation and their work is continuing at pace as we move into the weekend.”
Residents in Stretford can expect to see more uniform officers in the area alongside detectives across the weekend, on both mobile and foot patrol.
Work is also being completed with local partner agencies, including Trafford and Manchester councils.
These patrols are there to assist members of the public. Any queries or concerns can be relayed to officers, who will look to offer appropriate advice and assistance.
GMP continues to ask for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time – or may have dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 0161 856 4081 or 101 quoting log 2552 of 10/8/23.
People can also submit information online to the Major Incident Public Portal by following link, https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23M19-PO1.
Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article