Police plea after Audi hits crowd outside bar
POLICE have issued images of two men they want to speak to after a car was driven into a crowd outside a bar – leaving a man with life-changing injuries.
A shocking brawl, involving as many as 50 young men, happened outside Twenty Twenty Two on Dale Street in the Northern Quarter in the early hours of Sunday, September 8, last year.
A large group was ejected from the premises and there was an ‘altercation’ outside, police said. The M.E.N. understands some of those involved were brandishing knives and attacking each other with pepper spray.
During the disturbance, a black Audi S3 was driven at a crowd of pedestrians, leaving three men in hospital. One suffered life-changing injuries and two have made full recoveries, police said.
The M.E.N. understands a ‘Gooch and Doddington’ feud is believed to be behind the fight. A younger generation of men belonging to offshoots of the notorious 1990s gangs from the south of the city are thought to have clashed.
An attempted murder investigation was launched and three arrests made but no one has been charged.
Now detectives have issued CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Det Con Philip Healey, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “This incident happened six months ago but our investigation has continued – leading us to this new line of enquiry.
“Today, we are releasing CCTV of two men we would like to speak to.
“We believe the men in these images can assist us with our enquiries so I would like to encourage them or anyone who knows them to get in touch.”
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, violent disorder and dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation.
A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and violent disorder. He has been recalled to prison after breaching the conditions of his licence. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance with intent to injure/ annoy, and violent disorder. He has been released under investigation.
Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 4409, quoting 545 of 08/09/20 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.