Gun fired at club in Middleton

Officers in Rochdale are appealing for information after shots were fired in a youth centre and a pub was set on fire in the Middleton area on Wednesday night - 31 January.

Shortly after 7.00pm two men wearing dark clothing with hooded tops and masks walked into the boxing club at Langley Youth and Millennium Centre, Middleton. It is believed one of the offenders had a gun and shots were fired at a 38-year-old man but they hit the wall behind him.

Both the offenders then ran away and a short time later a vehicle was seen driving away from the building at high speed.

Boxing classes were taking place in the club at the time but no one was injured during this incident.

Two hours later, at approximately 9.00pm, police were called to the Welcome Inn pub on Wood Street in Middleton following a report of a fire.

After the fire brigade extinguished the fire, it was discovered that it had started in the main bar and had spread causing extensive damage. No one was in the pub at the time and no one was injured.

Detectives, who are currently investigating both incidents, believe that these crimes may be linked.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick said: "A team of dedicated police officers are currently investigating these incidents and are keen to speak to anyone who has information regarding last night's events.

"We have put extra police officers out to patrol the streets with the power to stop and search those believed to be carrying weapons.

"We would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to catch the people involved in these crimes but would also like to stress how important their help is in leading us to the offenders."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.