Yahoo News As a harrowing video was shared among neighbours, they simply said: 'Jesus Christ'
Neighbours on a street in Oldham have told of their horror and shock after a gunman opened fire on a home - as onlookers filmed the shooting on Snapchat.
The terrifying shooting happened on Prince Edward Avenue, a residential street in the town, at around 1am this morning (Tuesday, May 7). Residents woke to find a stretch of the road taped off by police as forensic officers scoured the area for evidence and took photos of a smashed window at a house.
They watched on in shock as a video of the shooting taken on Snapchat also circulated on social media among neighbours. In the footage, a man is filmed holding the gun before appearing to fire at least two shots outside a house.
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Onlookers continued to video the suspect as he appeared to shout and kick the door of the same house. Greater Manchester Police revealed that the shooting was a 'targeted attack'.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News on the scene, one neighbour, who was shown the footage by another resident, said: "Jesus Christ. That’s not what you want on your doorstep."
Another person said: "I am shocked. There are pictures all over social media - you can see it happen."
One woman said her 'youngest was scared to go to school this morning', while another neighbour said she heard 'bang, bang. bang'. Another woman on Prince Edward Avenue said: "I was horrified to hear about it.
"There’s no way I’d walk around this area late at night. It’s upsetting.
"I heard it last night and I thought - that’s not fireworks. It felt different.
"I heard shouting. I knew it was something serious.”
"This used to be a nice area," she added. "There are really nice people who live on this street.
"But now it isn’t safe. To be honest, I want to move away."
Another resident added: "I thought it was fireworks. We had a wedding here a few days ago so I thought it might be to do with that.
"My son said he heard lots of shouting and screaming at around 12:30am."
Forensic officers worked on the scene today to gather evidence within the cordon. Pictures showed the window of one house left smashed, with some of the glass door panes also left damaged.
A bullet casing was also spotted on the road, with an evidence marker placed next to it. Police said officers 'are working hard to ensure those responsible are brought into custody'.
Any witnesses, or anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage, should get in touch. Detective Inspector Clare Harrison, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: "We are working at pace to find out the exact circumstances of last night’s events and understanding the timeline.
"We are utilising all the necessary resources available as we investigate the incident, and are working hard to ensure those responsible are brought into custody. Any report of a firearms discharge is always shocking and I know that people within the local area will be concerned and worried following this news.
“However, I want to tell the public that we do believe that this is a targeted attack with no wider threat to the public. Extra officers will be in the areas for reassurance and I would recommend chatting to them if you have any concerns - they are there for you and will be able to assist with any queries.
"We've continued to tackle gun crime to keep streets safer across Greater Manchester, with 78 firearms recovered in the last year alone. The number of shootings has continued to reduce and our specialist teams continue to remove these weapons from the hands of criminals. However, when incidents do occur, we act quickly and thoroughly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“If you have information that you believe is important, please do get in touch with us via 101, quoting log number 122 of 07/05/24. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
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