SHOT DEAD IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
Two men arrested on suspicion of murder after man gunned down in street
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was gunned down in the street.
Paramedics battled to save the victim, who was in his 30s, as he lay in the road but he later died in hospital. The man has not yet been named. Armed police sealed off Birch Street, in Ashton-under-Lyne, just before 5pm last night following reports a man had been shot.
A spokesman for GMP said firearms officers later executed two warrants in Ashton, and two men, aged 29 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder.
They were being quizzed by detectives last night.
Residents said the victim was in the passenger seat of a van, which was parked outside a shop, when he was shot.
They said he fell into the road and was given CPR by a passer-by before paramedics arrived and took over.
One witness said they saw two men wearing balaclavas and gloves go into a house on Birch Street before shots were fired.
A scuffle is said to have broken out at the house.
Witnesses said the man was blasted when the masked came out of the property.
Residents said they heard ‘four or five’ gunshots.
Forensics teams were seen combing the street and the house for evidence.
Bullet casings were seen on the road.
Det Chief Insp Alan Clitherow, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, described the incident as ‘horrific.’
He said: “Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man lost his life shortly after this horrific incident and we have speciallytrained officers supporting his family at this unimaginably difficult time.
“We have launched a murder investigation and officers will remain at the scene throughout this evening.
“I would advise people to avoid the area where possible as several road closures are in place.
“I want to assure the community that there will be an increased police presence
Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man lost his life Det Chf Insp Alan Clitherow
in the area over the coming days and they are there for your safety. “Please approach them with any queries or concerns that you have and they will try to assist in any way they can. “If you have any information that could assist our enquiries or if you saw anything suspicious around the time of
the attack, please get in touch as a matter of urgency.”
Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner tweeted: “The shooting in the St Peters area of my constituency has caused concern and upset in the local community.
“The police have assured me they have a large police presence in the area, including armed officers that were deployed to the scene.” The police cordon remained in place on Birch Street and nearby Pelham Street late last night.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 1592 of June 13.
Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.