TWO SHOT DEAD AT STREET PARTY
DOUBLE MURDER INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AFTER CAR PARK HORROR
A DOUBLE murder investigation is underway after two men died following a shooting.
A gunman is understood to have opened fire during a lockdown street party, which took place on a car park at the junction of Caythorpe Street, Broadfield Road and Bowes Street, in Moss Side.
Two men arrived at hospital with gunshot wounds in the early hours of yesterday.
A 36-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a second man, who was in his 20s, also died.
Their next of kin have both been informed. Detectives said a Black Lives Matter event had taken place earlier in the day in the area. They stressed that event was not an illegal rave. Residents said it was a barbecue.
The shooting is understood to have taken place at what GMP are describing as an ‘unplanned event’ nearby, where scores of people gathered and neighbours say a DJ was present. The earlier ‘community event’ had concluded by the time the later ‘unplanned event’ started, police said.
GMP have launched a murder investigation and officers are appealing for information.
No arrests have been made and a police scene remained in place.
Detective Inspector Andrew Butterworth, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones, who are understandably devastated. Specialist officers are doing everything they can to support them at this time.
“A thorough and fast-paced investigation is already well underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and arrest those responsible. As we speak, dedicated teams of officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV.
“We are aware that, a number of hours before this incident, there was a community event in Moss Side. This event was attended by Greater Manchester Police along with local people and partner agencies – it was not an illegal rave and it had concluded prior to this incident.
“It does appear that the incident took place at what we believe was an unplanned event near to the loca
Dedicated teams of officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries
Det Insp Andrew Butterworth
tion of the earlier community event. We know that there were a number of people in the area at the time and, if they haven’t already, I appeal directly to them or anyone else with information, photographs of videos which may aid our investigation to contact police straight away.
“The local community will be devastated to learn about this tragic loss of life. We are working hard to try and reassure the community, talking to people and trying to offer some reassurance. We know that the impact on young people in particular will be significant and will be working with Manchester council to help people who have been traumatised by this terrible crime.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 6777, quoting 221 of 21/06/20 – or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.