Two drive-by shootings in a week have prompted police to ramp up their presence in Manchester city centre this weekend.
Last night’s drive-by shooting in Deansgate came only days after the tragic murder of Kieran McGrath in Ashton last Saturday.
No-one was injured in the Deansgate shooting, which took place outside the Living Room – one of the city’s busiest streets.
Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin came to Deansgate to address the public’s concern following the shootings.
“I can wholly understand how people would be concerned,” he said.
“It may be targeted but I must stress this is an isolated incident. As a result though, we are stepping up patrols in the city centre during the daytime and during the evening.”
Police are still hunting for witnesses, having been called to the scene at 9pm on Thursday night after two gunshots were reported.
The type of weapon used is still unclear, although police believe that it was probably a handgun of some description.
Officers closed the bar and later the road itself to conduct a full forensic sweep, and discovered two dents in the wall of the restaurant.
A bike was later found burned out on Brotherton Drive in the Trinity area of Salford and police are trying to establish if this is linked.
Investigators allowed the road to be re-opened around 2:15am but continued to carry out searches of the luxury restaurant and bar.
Staff at the adjacent Café Rouge and Las Iguanas were nonplussed at the incident and continued to trade for the rest of the evening, having moved outdoor diners inside.
Crime scene investigators were still on site at The Living Room at 10:30am this morning, but the restaurant will be open as usual for Friday night business.
Chief Inspector Parkin said: “We believe that it is handgun that was discharged, from the evidence that we’ve got so far.
“We’re currently reviewing all CCTV across the city centre, and we’re also looking at a motorcycle that was recovered.”
