Teen shot at point-blank range was attacked by '14 males' as 'children played out', police say
11.08.2023 - 18:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The teenager who was shot at point-blank range in the chest in Stretford on Thursday was ‘attacked by approximately 14 males’, police have said.
Emergency services scrambled to Langdale Avenue after a 16-year-old boy was shot in the chest at 4.30pm ‘as children were out playing in the street’. Tonight, he remains in hospital with serious injuries, which are not currently believed to be life-threatening.
Now, GMP has confirmed officers have arrested two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain in custody for questioning.
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“Thursday night's incident is extremely serious and detectives have been deployed as a priority,” Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division, said. “I want to reassure the Stretford community that we are working flat-out to fully investigate every detail.
"We know the victim was targeted by a large group of approximately 14 males, many of whom approached on foot and some who used bikes. We believe a shotgun was used to shoot the victim at close range.
“I want to reiterate he is just 16 years old. This shooting took place in broad daylight whilst children were out playing in the street.”
The force is also launching a crackdown on criminals in the area tonight and tomorrow. A section 60 stop-and-search order is in place in Trafford until 3pm on Saturday (August 12).
Det Supt Hughes added: "The streets of Stretford and Greater Manchester are not for criminals who want to commit violent acts or cause fear and distress to law-abiding residents. It is simply horrific that those responsible think this is in any way acceptable