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27/04/2015
Police Confronted By Armed Gang In Wigan
Police have appealed for information after officers in Wigan were confronted by a gang armed with machetes and an air rifle.
The incident occurred in Leigh shortly before 22:00 on Wednesday 22 April.
Officers responded to reports of criminal damage at an address on Maple Crescent, but when they arrived where met by four men armed with weapons.
It is understood that one of the men was armed with a firearm, which he aimed at an officers face.
Police used a Taser to subdue the man and placed him under arrest.
The men, aged 19, 27, 29 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of affray.
Following a search of the property, the firearms was found to be an air rifle.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Fraser said: "What this incident shows is the dangers police officers face day in, day out, to protect the public.
"The officers initially responded to a report of criminal damage, only to be confronted by an armed gang with machetes and a gun. The gun was pointed directly in the face of the officer, and at that time it was impossible to know whether it was a genuine firearm or an air rifle.
"Faced with such intimidating and threatening circumstances, the officers acted appropriately by using a Taser and as a result, arrested all the members of the gang without injury to either themselves or anyone at the house.
"I hope this incident both demonstrates to the people of Wigan the dangers that officers face every day when responding to what might seem like a straightforward call, and that officers are trained to safely deal with such violence when faced by armed gangs to protect the public.
"I would also urge anyone who has information about this incident to come forward by calling either 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
(MH/CD)
The incident occurred in Leigh shortly before 22:00 on Wednesday 22 April.
Officers responded to reports of criminal damage at an address on Maple Crescent, but when they arrived where met by four men armed with weapons.
It is understood that one of the men was armed with a firearm, which he aimed at an officers face.
Police used a Taser to subdue the man and placed him under arrest.
The men, aged 19, 27, 29 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of affray.
Following a search of the property, the firearms was found to be an air rifle.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Fraser said: "What this incident shows is the dangers police officers face day in, day out, to protect the public.
"The officers initially responded to a report of criminal damage, only to be confronted by an armed gang with machetes and a gun. The gun was pointed directly in the face of the officer, and at that time it was impossible to know whether it was a genuine firearm or an air rifle.
"Faced with such intimidating and threatening circumstances, the officers acted appropriately by using a Taser and as a result, arrested all the members of the gang without injury to either themselves or anyone at the house.
"I hope this incident both demonstrates to the people of Wigan the dangers that officers face every day when responding to what might seem like a straightforward call, and that officers are trained to safely deal with such violence when faced by armed gangs to protect the public.
"I would also urge anyone who has information about this incident to come forward by calling either 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
(MH/CD)
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