Manchester shootings: suspect arrested after armed police swoop in supermarket car park

A man has been arrested in connection with two recent shootings in Manchester following an operation by armed police in a supermarket car park.

The 29-year-old man was detained after armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stopped a black Audi he was driving on Tuesday night (27 October).

The dramatic arrest was made in a supermarket car park in Prestwich.

GMP said on Wednesday (28 October) that the man is in custody for questioning on suspicion of firearms offences.

The arrest is in relation to two shootings which happened in the Harpurhey and Moston areas of Manchester on 23 September and 26 September. Police believe the two incidents are linked.

Fortunately no-one was injured in either incident but a major police operation is under way, with investigators being supported by the Force Critical Wanted Unit which assisted in finding and arresting the suspect.

What have the police said about the investigation and arrest?

Detective Superintendent John Griffith, head of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “We’ve seen a substantial and sustained decrease in shootings across Greater Manchester in the past few years and are on course for another reduction this year thanks to the robust disruptive work that has been carried out by dedicated detectives, officers, specialist units, and partners.

“While these kinds of incidents are happening less often, they are still happening too often and I can say with confidence to the public – and particularly those involved in these acts of violence – that relentless work is ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.

“We have seen all too recently the devastating consequences of guns being carried and used in our region, and while fortunately none of the incidents in the last week have resulted in injury, it does not diminish the seriousness in which we are treating each one with.

“A lot of the answers to these investigations are in our communities and you’ve helped us seize over 50 viable guns thanks to your information this year, therefore I ask anyone who knows anything about these incidents to get in touch with us in confidence to help continue to make your streets safer.”

Anyone with information about the Harpurhey and Moston incidents is asked to call police on 101 or use the LiveChat facility on the GMP website.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.