grenade attack on house
GUNMAN FIRES AT SECOND HOME
A GRENADE was hurled at a house in Salford before a gunman opened fire at another home.
Police are linking the incidents and say they were ‘targeted’ attacks.
Officers were called to Beech Lawn Close in Langworthy after a ‘distraction grenade’ was lobbed at a house and exploded at around 12.30am yesterday.
People were inside the property at the time but no one was injured. Some house suffered some damage.
The attacker was seen fleeing down an alley towards Eccles Old Road.
The bomb squad was sent to the scene, before experts removed the exploded device and carried out a controlled explosion.
Around 50 minutes later, police were called after shots were fired at a house on Salford Quays.
Officers were scrambled to Quayview, a small cul-de-sac off Howard Street, near Eccles New Road.
Damage ‘consistent with a firearm having been discharged’ was discovered.
The property was occupied at the time, but no one was injured, police said.
Investigating officers are treating the two incidents as linked, but are keeping an ‘open mind’ about the circumstances.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Miller, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “People who saw the bomb disposal officers last night, or who heard the gunshots will understandably be concerned, but we are doing all we can to find those responsible.
“While we are keeping an open mind as our investigation is in its early stages, we believe these were targeted attacks.
“If you live in the area, you will see more officers on patrol who are there to support our investigation and to answer any questions you may have.
“We need you to share any detail, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem as it could prove crucial to our investigation.”
A GMP spokesman confirmed last night: “Shortly before 12.30am this morning (Friday, May 18, 2018) police were called to reports that an explosive device had been thrown at a house on Beech Lawn Close in Langworthy.
“The offender threw the distraction grenade towards the house before fleeing down an alleyway towards Eccles Old Road.
“Bomb disposal officers were sent to the scene and safely removed the exploded device from the area before carrying out a controlled explosion. Sometime later at around 1.20am, police received a report that shots had been fired nearby on Quayview in Salford Quays.
“Officers attended and found damage consistent with a firearm having been discharged. No one was injured in either of these incidents and a scene remains in place.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 110 of May 18.
Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, 0800 555 111.