POLICE ARE RESPONDING AFTER REPORTS OF A FIREARMS DISCHARGE CLOSE TO THE MOORINGS IN BOOTHSTOWN

Earlier this evening at around 6:25pm (Thursday 10th June 2021), police officers are said to have attended a report of a male who witnesses say had pointed and discharged a handgun twice in the location, on a canal bridge close to the Moorings public house on Booths Hall Way in Boothstown.

We are being told that at present police have so far found no evidence of any firearms discharge and thankfully no persons are being reported as having been injured.

Patrols attended the scene and promptly carried out searches but no offenders have so far been located or identified, however, there remains a large police presence in the area and a temporary cordon has been put in place restricting traffic in both directions along Booths Hall Way from Highclove Lane to Leigh Road. The public are advised to avoid the area and local busses are being re routed. The cordon is expected to remain in place over-night as police continue their investigations.

An unnamed witness has said that quick thinking staff instructed patrons to take cover inside the pub, after which the doors were locked tightly shut until the arrival of the police.

Other residents in the area reported hearing a car engine being revved loudly and the sound of screeching tyres not long after the two distinctive bangs were heard, prompting suggestions from some that it could have been the car back-firing.

The pub has since closed for the rest of the evening and anyone who has a booking is being advised not to turn up and to avoid the area.

Police say that the investigation is at a very early stage and is being led by local detectives.

Patrols in the area have been stepped up this evening with a highly visible police presence to reassure locals.

Anyone with information is asked to report it online or by using the LiveChat facility on www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.