'Balaclava-clad gang armed with various weapons' descend on Middleton estate, leaving residents "shaken, fearful and scared"

A balaclava-clad gang armed with various weapons descended on a block of flats on the Alkrington Moss estate in Middleton on Friday evening (21 July).

GMP responded to reports that several house windows on The Meadows had been smashed by a group of people at approximately 9.15pm on Friday night (21 July).

Some residents also reported what sounded like a ‘loud bang’, which is still being investigated and no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Ward councillor Dylan Williams said he had been contacted by numerous residents on the estate and has viewed CCTV footage of the incident.

He said three vehicles pulled up on Kingsway carrying “16 men wearing black clothes and balaclavas carrying axes, spades, machetes and other weapons. They then proceeded to smash windows on one flat and try and break into the communal block.”

 

 

The East Middleton ward councillor said several homes had been caught in the crossfire, resulting in damaged windows before “what clearly sound like gun shots” were heard.

He added: “This resulted in a window of a nearby house having what appears to be a bullet hole in it. Thankfully it missed the occupants, but this could have been a completely different story.”

Councillor Williams continued: “The police are saying this is an ‘isolated’ incident. However, we seem to be having an ever-increasing number of serious violent crimes taking place on the estate which are ’isolated’.

“This incident took place in daylight. A number of completely unconnected residents going about their daily lives have been very nearly seriously harmed in the crossfire of this incident and have had their properties damaged.

“People are telling me they are shaken, fearful and scared.

“I’ve had a number of tenants ring me to say they want help to move off the estate as they ‘do not feel safe anymore and are petrified’.

“Only a few weeks ago there were two separate extremely violent incidents which took place resulting in a blood-splattered pavement. Again, both in broad daylight. Normal residents going about their daily lives having to witness these ‘isolated’ incidents.

“These incidents on the estate seem to be getting worse and worse. Tenants and residents want action and a clear plan to sort these issues out on the estate.

“People regularly complain to me that repeatedly ‘problematic’ new tenants are being moved onto the estate and then making existing residents’ lives a misery.”

He added: “Let’s be clear, the crime and anti-social behaviour on the estate is unacceptable. It needs to stop.

“Residents do not deserve to live like this. I can’t think of any other social housing/council estate in the borough which is in the press so much due to crime on the estate. It’s not fair on the tenants and residents who live on the estate.”

“I’m going to arrange a meeting on the estate this week for residents,” Councillor Williams concluded. “I will be asking the police, housing and community safety to come too. I’ll contact the relevant parties and then update residents.

“People are frightened and scared and they want to see change on the estate. People just want to feel safe.”

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Round of the Rochdale District said: “We understand residents of the local community may be concerned to hear about an incident of this nature.

“I want to provide reassurance that officers remain in the area and are there to offer any support to those who need it.

“At this moment, we are working to trace those responsible. I would encourage anyone who believes they have information that could help us to contact 101 quoting log 3659 of Friday 21 July 2023.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers to report anonymously on 0800 555 111.”