Locals quick to laugh off chippy shooting as police launch investigation

Police are investigating a shooting at a chippy in Oldham. But locals living in the 'close-knit' community around it seemed unfazed.

A police cordon was put in place at Minton Street as forensics officers investigated the firearms discharge which is said to have occurred at around 5.30pm. One window at the front of Glodwick Chippy was smashed while another damaged windowpane was removed and left on display outside the premises.

There were no injuries and police believe there is no wider threat to the area. People living in the area near Alexandra Park watched as police carried out their investigation.

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Some were regular customers at the chippy which they described as a 'nice family run business'. One man told the Manchester Evening News that he had come to collect his order, joking that he was still waiting for his food.

Another man suggested that a cricket ball had smashed through the window. However, the rumour circulating among residents was that a shooting had taken place.

The M.E.N. spoke to several men who were at the scene several hours after the incident occurred, but none of them claimed to be there when it happened. One man associated with the business said that he did not know whether any customers were inside at the time.

The man, who claimed to be a 'volunteer' at the chippy, said: "Someone's put the windows through and then gone."

Police have confirmed that they are investigating a firearms discharge. But one man told the M.E.N. that he was convinced that the damage to the window was not caused by a bullet.

The man, who is in his forties, said he used to live above the chippy but has since moved elsewhere in Oldham. He said the area has 'calmed down' in recent years, but he was not surprised to hear about the incident.

He said: "In the past 10 years, it's been a really nice area. When I was growing up, it was mixed."

A spokesperson for GMP said: "We are investigating a firearms discharge on Minton Street, Oldham, that occurred at around 5:30pm. There were no injuries and believe there is no wider threat at this time. There is a scene in place and officers will be in the area throughout the evening and into tomorrow."