Three held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder in dawn raids after Cheetham Hill gun war puts public in danger

"This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets," Supt Rebecca Boyce

Armed police today arrested three suspects after a feud between two crime gangs brought a gun war to the streets of Cheetham Hill.

After early morning raids on two homes in the area two men and a woman were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. A quantity of drugs was also seized.

Police are linking six incidents in the district - five shootings and a street fight which machetes were brandished.

The violence has included a day-time drive-by shooting, in which two men were blasted in the leg; shots being fired in a convenience store; and car windscreens being blasted.

GMP has launched Operation Heamus to tackle the dispute after a series of incidents since September.

Children's services staff are also involved. It is hoped staff will be able to intervene and guide teenagers involved in the violence - and those on the periphery.

Superintendent Rebecca Boyce, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “Following this morning’s direct action, we have three people in custody and I would like to thank those officers who have worked extremely hard as part of this ongoing operation and who are committed to keeping the people of Cheetham Hill safe.

“Whilst we believe that these incidents have been targeted, we understand and appreciate how concerned local residents may be and as a result of this have set up this dedicated operation. We want to reassure those who feel affected that we are doing all that we can and stress that we are treating these incidents as an absolute priority.

“This is a complex investigation, which brings its own challenges and whilst we have made arrests, we are continuing to appeal for the public’s help. We believe that answers lie within the community and would urge anyone with information to get in touch. Whether you want to speak to us directly, or whether you’d prefer to talk to Crimestoppers anonymously, please do so if you think you can assist our enquiries with even the smallest piece of information.  

“We will continue to work closely with partners in order to disrupt this kind of activity and I hope that this morning’s action demonstrates that are working hard in order to prevent any further incidents and protect those in our communities.

“This type of criminal behaviour is reckless and dangerous-  it will not be tolerated on our streets.”

Today, two men – both aged 27 – were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. A 27 year old woman was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and perverting the course of justice.

They all remain in custody for questioning.

Supt Boyce, previously told the Manchester Evening News: "We strongly believe that this is an ongoing dispute between two specific local crime groups. We are unclear as to what has caused this dispute and what is the catalyst for this recent firearms discharges.

"We would urge any member of the public who is aware of what is going on between these crime groups and has information to come forward.

"We are going through an evaluation process to see whether the groups involved meet the threshold for organised crime. We do believe there is a younger element to each of these two groups.

"There is a difference between people involved in these crime groups and these incidents."

"We are concerned that there is a danger to the public because of the time of the day and the locations where they are taking place," Supt Boyce added.

The catalogue of incidents:

September 1: Spender Avenue - windscreen of Toyota blasted

The scene after a car was shot at on Spender Avenue (Image: Steve Allen)

A section of Spender Avenue, at the junction with Huxley Avenue, was sealed off following the incident.

Officers were called just after 6.30pm. A Toyota was left with a shattered back window.

September 21: Downgate Walk - member of public reports firearms discharge

Armed officers raced to the scene on Downgate Walk at around 4.20pm.

An area was cordoned off as police searched for evidence.

One witness said they heard two shots being fired.

October 14: Elmfield Street - machete fight between two groups

Reports of two groups of men fighting with blades - said to be machetes. 

October 20: Oakfield Street - car windscreen blasted

Gun shots were fired through the back windscreen of a car.

A number of casings were found on the floor.

Nobody was hurt. Oakfield Street was sealed at around 9pm.

Forensic and TAU officers were later seen combing the area for clues.

They focused their attention on a silver car parked outside a house.

Neighbours were told to use the rear door of their homes when they needed to leave the street so they did not disturb the investigation.

November 15: Cheetham Hill Road - two men shot in legs in drive-by shooting

Two men were seriously injured in a suspected drive-by in broad daylight at around 2.30pm.

Police were seen combing the area in front of the bus stop near the junction with Humphrey Street.

November 18 - Cheetham Hill Road two shots fired into the floor inside Premier Convenience store

A gunman walked into a newsagent's on Cheetham Hill Road at around 5.20pm and fired two shots while a staff member was inside.

Witnesses say they then saw a young man, said to be in his late teens, with his face covered running away.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 1146; or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.