Large police response after reports of shooting and car accident near St. Peter’s Square in the city center



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A large cordon was placed in Manchester city center on Saturday night after police were called to report the shooting.

The officers were called to St. Peter’s Square just before 8:30 p.m. following reports of an alleged discharge of firearms and a traffic collision.

Emergency services rushed in and found an abandoned vehicle on the square’s tram tracks.

No one is believed to have been injured in the incident.




Two 16-year-old boys and a 19-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and possession of a firearm. All remain in custody.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a chase between two cars with the occupants of one vehicle shooting at the other, before one of the vehicles crashed into a lamp post near the tram station.

Officers were seen searching the area with dogs and examining the entrance to a construction site on one side of the plaza.




Until well into Saturday night, a cordon was maintained around the entire square.

Crime scene investigators were seen closely examining a silver Vauxhall inside the cordon.

Trams were prevented from using the stop due to the incident and were not allowed to pass through the area.




GMP City of Manchester Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “We understand that this incident has undoubtedly caused concerns in the city center and those who live nearby, but I would like to assure you that a thorough investigation.

“Officers are on the scene and there is a large cordon in place while a series of investigations are conducted to establish what happened during this incident.

“Three arrests have been made and our efforts to reconstruct what happened continue.



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“Anyone who is nearby at that time or who has information is requested to get in touch. Any detail can be vital and those who have information can call 0161 856 4409 quoting registration number 2989 of 02/27/2021.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.”



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