Deansgate ‘gun’ incident: police hunt balaclava-wearing man in Manchester

Police in Manchester say no arrests have been made but inquiries are ongoing.
Jenny Simpson
By Jenny Simpson
Published 14th Dec 2021, 12:20 BST
Deansgate in Manchester was closed on Monday following reports of a man with a gun Credit: Phil Taylor / SWNSDeansgate in Manchester was closed on Monday following reports of a man with a gun Credit: Phil Taylor / SWNS
Deansgate in Manchester was closed on Monday following reports of a man with a gun Credit: Phil Taylor / SWNS

Police investigating reports of a man with a gun on Deansgate say inquiries are ongoing.

The busy city centre route was closed for hours on Monday 13 December after a man was spotted ‘making threats with a potential firearm’ abot 3am.

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A man in balaclava fled the scene and has not been tracked down as yet.

Deansgate in Manchester city centre on Monday Credit: SWNS/Phil TaylorDeansgate in Manchester city centre on Monday Credit: SWNS/Phil Taylor
Deansgate in Manchester city centre on Monday Credit: SWNS/Phil Taylor

Police say they are still trying to establish if a gun was fired in the area. No one was hurt and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

What are police saying?

On Tuesday morning, Detective Inspector Dan Hadfield of GMP’s City of Manchester division said: “We understand the worry and concern that this incident has caused, particularly due to its location and with it being the lead up to Christmas. I want to reassure the public that we are doing all that we possibly can to piece together what has occurred and ensure the person responsible is identified and apprehended.

Police at the scene on Monday on Deansgate in Manchester Credit: SWNSPolice at the scene on Monday on Deansgate in Manchester Credit: SWNS
Police at the scene on Monday on Deansgate in Manchester Credit: SWNS

“It is unclear at this stage whether or not a firearm was discharged at the scene and we are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances. I would however encourage anyone who may have been on the road at the time or witnessed what occurred to please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have video footage.”

  • Anyone with information should contact GM police on 0161 856 4409, 101 or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk quoting incident 256 of 13/12/21. Details can also be passed via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Related topics:Police