05 June 2006

Investigation of double teen shooting in Manchester

Greater Manchester Police have launched an appeal after a gunman shot two teenagers in the street on Saturday night, leaving one victim seriously ill in hospital.

The two boys, aged 15 and 13, were on Billing Avenue in the Ardwick Green area around 11:50pm with several other teenagers when a silver car pulled up alongside them, containing four or five men.

One of the men, described as being around 6ft tall, of muscular build and wearing dark clothing and a balaclava, got out of the car and fired shots towards the group.

The 15-year-old boy was shot five times in the chest, back, groin, buttock and thigh and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

The 13-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg and remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Superintendent Gerry McGowan said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has any further information to contact us. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a silver car with four or five men on board, possible wearing balaclavas, in the Ardwick area last night.

"We do not believe that this was a random attack. However, it is still not clear whether the victims were the intended or correct targets."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 0161 856 4269 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA)