A man has been seriously injured after a shooting in Oldham.
The victim was shot after a gunman opened fire in Shaw Road, in the Derker area of the town, at about 12.15pm today (Thursday). He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains.
Police believe a man on a motorcycle “fired shots at men exiting a taxi” before fleeing the scene. Several police cordons are in place while a large emergency services presence has been pictured in the area this afternoon.
An air ambulance has also been seen landing on playing fields off and there are reports of armed police at the scene. It’s understood police were called to Shaw Road in Royton earlier today.
Pictures from the scene being shared on social media show the street cordoned off near a petrol station. The air ambulance has also been pictured landed on a field off Salmon Fields.
Scenes are currently in place at the junction of Shaw Road with Shaw Street, Mortimer Street, the junction of Bower Street and Gold Street, and Huddersfield Road.
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.
Police at the scene in Shaw Road this afternoon
“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.