There was horror on the streets of Oldham as a gunman opened fire on a taxi in broad daylight.
A man was seriously injured in the suspected drive-by shooting in Shaw Road, in the Derker area of the town, at about 12.15pm today (Thursday). The victim was getting out of a taxi when he was blasted by a gunman on a motorbike, police said.
The suspect then fled the scene while the victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
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Armed police swooped on the scene, less than a mile from Oldham town centre, and arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the shooting.
An air ambulance was seen landing on playing fields while Shaw Road and several surrounding streets were taped off as officers launched an investigation into the shooting.
Cordons were in place at junction of Shaw Road and Shore Street, Mortimer Street, the junction of Bower Street and Gould Street, and Huddersfield Road and a large emergency services presence remained in the area throughout the afternoon.
Pictures from the scene showed the taxi, a red Kia, inside one police cordon in Bower Street. As children made their way from school this afternoon, they were greeted by the sight of police tape.
But those who lived close to the scene, and heard the gunshots ring out, say they were not surprised by what happened.
Police taped off a number of streets following the shooting
“There’s always stuff going on here,” one resident told the Manchester Evening News. “It’s a bad place to live this. It’s one of the worst estates to live on.
“This has happened, it’s not going to stop. The police do nothing about it.”
Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Those living in this area of Oldham will notice there are many officers and specialists there. I can assure you this is nothing to be concerned about, we are simply following multiple lines of enquiry to understand what has led to this shooting as quickly as possible, and to provide reassurance in the community.
“Hearing of incidents involving firearms, particularly where someone has been injured, I know will be shocking for most people. Across the whole of Greater Manchester, we have seized a record number of firearms in the past year, and firearms discharges are at their lowest. Whilst I know this won’t mitigate the seriousness of what has happened today, I hope it reassures the public to know these incidents are not common.
“We have officers speaking to witnesses and residents locally, but welcome anyone with information or concerns to raise these with those on the ground.”
Anyone with information is advised to contact us on 101 quoting log 1281 of today, 16/01/25. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.