Shots fired in Middleton

Police are appealing for witnesses after shots were fired in Middleton.

At around 7pm on Sunday 10 February 2008, a black Range Rover was driven down Thornley Street in Middleton, when gunshots were fired.

The car then drove away and collided with a lamppost on Hulbert Street.

The occupants of the Range Rover ran away, possibly towards Springvale.

Following the shots, a man believed to be carrying a short-barrelled weapon was seen running from Thornley Street over Hilton Fold Lane and then into an alley at the side of Green Street.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Detective Constable Nick Price, of Rochdale CID, said: "The discharge of any firearm is an offence we take very seriously and I would like to reassure the local community that inquiries are ongoing to trace the offenders.

"I would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or seen the passengers of the vehicle or the gunman running away to contact us.

"We treat any calls in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.