Man arrested after gunshots fired at Gorton Cemetery

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a firearms discharge at Gorton Cemetery on Thursday evening (April 23).

Greater Manchester Police say they were called to reports of gunshot sounds on Thornwood Avenue at around 7pm, following several gatherings in relation to a funeral service that had taken place at the cemetery earlier in the afternoon.

A man was found nearby on Waterhouse Road with minor knife wounds and taken to hospital. He was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He has since been discharged from hospital and has been remanded in custody to be questioned by detectives.

Police add that evidence of a firearms discharge has been retrieved and a scene remains in place while enquiries continue.

No other injuries have been reported and an investigation is underway.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Claire Moss, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “Whilst we currently have a man in custody I want to make it very clear that our investigation does not stop here. We are progressing a variety of forensic and CCTV opportunities to make sure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to please get in touch and help us, as even the smallest detail can assist our enquiries.”

Superintendent Rebecca Boyce of GMP’s City of Manchester division, added: “We were made aware of several gatherings taking place yesterday in Gorton in relation to a funeral.  

"In the lead up to the funeral, officers engaged with the immediate family of the man who had sadly lost his life to explain the government guidelines and to discuss details of their plans.  

“A careful assessment was then made about the policing approach to any gatherings associated with the funeral. Our overriding priority was to ensure that the wider public were kept safe.

"We continued to closely monitor the situation and as it progressed it was clear that the emotions of those at the gathering were high and therefore a decision was made, in the interests of public safety, not to intervene unless the wider public were put at risk by the groups.

"An arrest was subsequently made of a man who remains in custody in relation to a firearms discharge which happened close by.

“We understand that there has been public concern regarding the events of yesterday. We want to sincerely thank the majority of the public, many of whom are struggling with the loss of loved ones, who have not risked the safety of others by attending gatherings such as funerals in breach of government guidelines. We all have a legal and moral responsibility to abide by the legislation, which is in place to save lives.

“We can only get through this difficult time with the support of all our communities and therefore we would continue to appeal to members of the public to follow the government advice and work with us during what is a particularly challenging time for everyone.”

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact police on 0161 856 1146 or 101, quoting incident number 2455 of 23/04/20. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.