Ten victims suffer shotgun injuries to legs in ‘multiple murder bid’ at street party

TEN people, including two children, were taken to hospital yesterday after reports of gunshots at a street party in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police said one man was in a serious but stable condition with leg injuries and nine others, including the two children, were taken to hospital with pellettype wounds after the incident on Claremont Road, in the Moss Side area, at 2.30am.

Armed officers were sent to the scene following reports gunshots had been heard on the street, where a party was being held following a Caribbean Carnival in nearby Alexandra Park.

Police said they believe the weapon used was a shotgun with “pellets in its rounds” and that those injured were aged between 12 and their 50s and mainly suffered injuries to their legs.

They added that the motive remained unclear, but they were treating the attack as the attempted murder of 10 people.

Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Thankfully, the injuries suffered do not appear to be as serious as first believed and hopefully people will begin to leave hospital over the course of the day following treatment.

“That being said, there may be people who didn’t seek treatment last night and I would urge these people to get immediate medical attention if that is the case.

“This was a reckless act that could have had devastating consequences, with families and friends losing loved ones.

“Detectives and forensics remain in the Claremont Road area, carrying out extensive enquiries, and this will carry on today, whilst we will also continue to speak to witnesses and victims.”

The Caribbean Carnival, which has been held every summer since 1972, draws thousands of people.

Youth worker Kemoy Walker said he had been on the main stage at the carnival, which finished at about 8pm on Saturday, and had been at another street party on Claremont Road until about 11.30pm without seeing any sign of trouble.

He added: “The party I was at was beautiful. When I left there was lovely dancing. That’s Moss Side, that’s the culture. I’m in shock this morning.

“Moss Side has come such a long way and there are great things happening in our community now. Hearing this, I just think why is this happening.”

Footage reportedly showing the aftermath of the incident was posted on social media.

The video appears to show a panicked group of people being helped by police.

As a voice cries out, shouts of “move” can be heard, while another voice asks “can you hear me?”

Mr Chaudhry said it was “completely understandable” if the Moss Side community was feeling concerned after yesterday’s incident.

He added: “Guns have no place on our streets and we want to assure you we are doing everything we can to find the person or people responsible.”