Shots fired at addresses in Langley

Detectives in Middleton are appealing for witnesses after a series of incidents in which shots were fired at addresses in the Langley area.

Shortly after 10.30pm on Thursday 13 April, police were called to Myrtle Road in Langley following a report that shots had been fired at a house causing damage to the door and windows. Several people were in the house at the time, but nobody was injured.

The following evening, Friday 14 April, police received reports of shots being fired at three other addresses in the Langley area.

The first was at approximately 11.10pm when shots were fired at an address on Higher Wood Street.

Minutes later, shots were fired at the windows of the Kings Arms pub on Higher Wood Street. There were customers in the pub at the time, but nobody was injured.

A short time later, at approximately 11.45pm, officers were called to an address on Wood Street following reports that shots had been fired at a house.

Again, people were in the house at the time, but nobody was injured.

Officers believe these incidents are all linked and enquiries are currently continuing into the circumstances surrounding them.

Extra patrols have been assigned to the area, to reassure the community, as well as to deter any further criminality and to react quickly to any further incidents.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick from Rochdale CID said: “I would like to make it absolutely clear that the use of guns will simply not be tolerated on the streets of Middleton.

“Thankfully, nobody has been hurt yet, but we are taking all these incidents extremely seriously and are making urgent and strenuous efforts to investigate and find the individuals responsible, before somebody is seriously injured.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who has any relevant information to come forward.  I understand that some people may be reluctant or even afraid to talk to the police, but we do need the help and support of people living in the local community. If you don't feel able to talk to detectives directly, information can be passed to Crimestoppers without giving your name or address on 0800 555 111.

"I appreciate that local residents will be very concerned by these incidents. But I would like to reiterate that we are determined to keep firearms off the streets and will bring those individuals involved in gun crime to justice."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact CID at Rochdale on 0161 856 4644 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.