UPDATE: |Children among seven arrested after ‘gun pointed at residents’ in Salford incident News

A police helicopter was seen circling the area and part of an estate in Salford, Greater Manchester, was on lockdown as part of a “rapid response” by police

Six teenagers have been taken into custody over an incident allegedly involving a firearm being brandished at locals in Salford, Greater Manchester.

An area of a housing estate in Salford was under police lockdown on Monday evening, accompanied by the presence of a police helicopter overhead. Authorities described their intervention as a “rapid response” which successfully prevented a “dangerous incident from occurring”.

The police reported that a “gun had been seen during a disturbance” in the vicinity of the Pendleton neighbourhood.

At the scene, officers also seized a crossbow and established a significant cordon along Romney Street. The subsequent inquiry resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, including six teenagers between the ages of 16 to 18, all suspected of affray.

Following the evacuation of some homes on Monday, tension lingers among residents today. Detective Superintendent Simon Moyles of the Greater Manchester Police said: “We understand an incident of this nature will cause alarm, and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak with a neighbourhood officer; they are there to help,” reports the Mirror.

As part of the large-scale operation launched by the Greater Manchester Police, specialist teams were deployed, observed by anxious inhabitants. This effort also led to the apprehension of a 54 year old man on charges of possessing an offensive weapon.

A dispersal order has been put in place, contrary to section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The order is effective for a 24-hour duration commencing at 10:47 pm on Monday and encompasses areas including Cheetham Street West, Littleton Road, Poppy Lane, Langley Road South, and Lissadel Street.

Officers have been granted additional policing powers, allowing them to instruct individuals to vacate the area and bar their return within the set period in an effort to prevent potential disturbances.

Det Supt Moyles commented: “Our frontline officer’s rapid response to a concerning report prevented what could have been a dangerous incident from occurring. There was a large group of youths gathering in the area, and officers intervened in fights and helped several young people return home safely. Thankfully, no one at the scene required medical treatment.

“Our investigation is moving at a pace; we have arrested seven people and taken a weapon off the streets while enquiries are ongoing. A police presence will remain in the area as we conduct enquiries and gather evidence. Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling around to provide reassurance to the local community. If you have any information to support our investigation, call 101, quoting log 3631 – 14/04/2025 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The force also encourages members of the public with any concerns to engage with neighbourhood officers through the Greater Manchester Police website.

A police cordon was set up on Romney Street and Littleton Road, residential areas near the River Irwell. Several ambulances were also dispatched to the scene on Monday evening.