Horror as shots ring out on quiet street

NEIGHBOURS have told of their shock after a disturbance culminated in shots being fired on their quiet terraced street.

Police were called to Lynton Avenue, in Copster Hill, Oldham, at 1.10am on Saturday morning.

A group of men had smashed windows and caused damage to a vehicle, before fleeing the scene.

Patrol officers attending the call then heard four shots being fired.

It is understood that nobody was injured and police are treating the disturbance as a targeted attack.

A pick-up truck and the front window of one of the houses were damaged during the incident.

A cordon was set up and forensic teams and detectives carried out searches of Lynton Avenue and adjoining roads – Milford Avenue and Catlin Way. One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I heard some shouting at about 11pm. Someone was shouting and screaming, ‘I’m going to kill you.’ And then at about 1am I heard windows being smashed, and after that it was the shots.”

Ordinarily a quiet road, neighbours told the M.E.N that there had been a number of problems recently.

Police have launched an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Ennis, of GMP’s Tameside borough, said: “I understand that an incident like this will cause a great deal of concern among residents, but I want to assure people that we believe this to be a targeted attack.

“We have a dedicated team of detectives conducting extensive enquiries as well as increasing patrols in response.

“If anyone has any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers who will be in the area and more than happy to help.

“If you saw a group of men acting suspiciously around that time, or know anything that can help us bring these men to justice then please contact us.

“Information will always be treated with the strictest confidence and is vital in helping us to build a full picture of what has happened here.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting incident number 130 of July 22, 2017, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.