Police blast 'brazen attack' as gunshots fired at family home before video 'plastered over social media'

Two men and a woman were tracked down and arrested in their car by armed police after gunshots were blasted at a family home in Oldham. Police were called to reports of a firearms discharge at a house on Prince Edward Avenue at around 1am on Tuesday (May 7).

Residents woke to find a stretch of the residential street taped off by police as forensic officers scoured the area for evidence and took photos of a smashed window at a house.

A video of the 'brazen attack' was also circulated on social media afterwards, which appeared to show a man holding the gun before appearing to fire at least two shots outside a house.

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An investigation was launched into the shooting, before armed officers traced the suspects to Chester where they were arrested in their car.

Two men and a woman, all in their 30s, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear. They remain in police custody for questioning. A vehicle has also been seized for forensic examination.

Throughout Tuesday a cordon remained in place on the street as forensic officers could be seen conducting investigations. Evidence markers were placed on the street pictured beside bullet shells.

Following the incident, Greater Manchester Police said a safeguarding plan has been put in place to "ensure those affected receive the very best care and support from the relevant agencies" with work continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The force also confirmed they were aware of the video being circulated "widely online" as they urged anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Clare Harrison from GMP's Oldham district said: “This was a brazen attack against a family, filmed and plastered over social media. We do believe that this was targeted, with our suspects travelling from Birmingham and Cheshire, and there is no risk to the wider public.

“We share the shock and concern of local residents who are understandably alarmed by this incident, but please be reassured that we have a robust patrol plan in place and additional officers in the area. If you have any concerns, or want to speak to them, please do not hesitate; they are there for you.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable, and I would like to remind people that they cannot take the law into their own hands. Regardless of where you live, if a crime is committed in Greater Manchester, we will use all resources available to track you down.”

If you have information that you believe is important, contact police on 101, quoting log number 122 of 07/05/24. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage are also asked to contact police.