Officers say gun attack on house was targeted
DETECTIVES believe an attack on a family home where a gunman fired five shots was a ‘targeted approach.’
A hooded man walked up to a house on Elm Tree Drive, Heaton Norris, last Thursday at around 11.10pm before opening fire.
Seven members of a family were inside at the time, but none were injured.
The quiet residential road was cordoned off for 24 hours and officers retrieved two shell casings that have been taken for examination. Investigations are continuing into the reason for the attack, which saw one man go to the front door, retreat to the pavement and then fire shots.
Insp Steve Gilbertson, from Stockport police, said: “We have officers at the scene searching the area and doing house-tohouse enquiries. We are also speaking to the family that were inside the address at the time to see if there is any specific reason it could have happened.
“We are keeping an open mind but believe it to have been a targeted approach.
“Police will continue to be in the area for reassurance. It is a horrible incident for people at the address.
“Things like this are few and far between and it is an isolated incident.
“It is incredibly lucky no one was injured in this terrifying incident. The use of guns is something we will not stand for.”
Police have appealed for information and describe the gunman as slim, wearing a hooded top and in his late teens to early twenties.
He fled in the direction of Crescent Park.
Residents in the area have given their reaction to a gun being used so close to home.
Paul Willoughby, 60, said: “I won’t walk round late at night and have told my son the same thing. You never know what is going on.
“He had been to the pub and walked past the scene 20 minutes later. The police stopped him and took his name and address. It makes you wary but it is rare so we are taking it as a one-off.”
Barry Rowson, 46, added: “I heard the shots but we often have families celebrating things with fireworks round here so didn’t think a lot of it.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident number 2414 of 26/04/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.