Shot fired in Middleton

A 30-year-old man was walking on Kirkstall Road in Middleton when a silver car with three people in it drove past him.

The car then stopped and reversed. As it did, the victim saw that the passenger in the back of the car was pointing a black handgun out of the window. 

The victim jumped into a nearby garden and heard a loud bang, and the car left at speed in the direction of Whalley Road, Middleton.

The incident occured at approximately 7.45pm on Tuesday (26 April).

An investigation has been launched to trace the offenders.

Detective Constable Dan Daly of GMP’s Rochdale division said: “Fortunately, the victim was not injured but this could have been a very different story.

“We believe this was an isolated incident and I want to offer my assurance to the community of Middleton that we are doing all we can to find the people responsible.

“If you saw the men in the silver car around the time of the incident, or have any information that may help our investigation, I would urge you to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Middleton on 0161 856 8701, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.