Four kilograms of Class A drugs and 30 unspent shotgun cartridges have been found after three shootings in Salford.
Police launched a search near to the River Irwell after the shootings and described the increase in firearms incidents in the city as “worrying.”
The first of the three shootings took place on the evening of Saturday 14th November on Anson Street, Eccles, where a 20-year-old man was shot at from a passing vehicle, which was found burnt-out nearby.
Three days later, a 38-year-old man went to hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand following an altercation on Littleton Road, Kersal.
The latest shooting took place on Cromwell Road last Thursday. A 39-year-old man went to hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot.
None of the injuries sustained during the incidents are thought to be life threatening and no arrests have been made.
Detective Superintendent Chris Packer, of GMP’s Salford division, said the search was part of a wider attempt to tackle organised crime.
He added: “There has been a worrying increase in the number of firearms incidents in the past week and I want to assure the public that, despite none of the incidents being treat as linked at this time, we have taken this very seriously and understand the concerns members of the public may have.
“We have a team of detectives who are thoroughly investigating each of the incidents and have been working around the clock to make sure that those responsible have been caught.
“It has been a challenging week, but we take great confidence from the reduction in incidents involving serious and organised crime this year, which have previously been a burden on the city for a number of years.
“However, recent events show why the police remain vigilant and void of complacency as we need to continue our positive work as a district and alongside local authority to tackle the use of firearms and weapons on our streets.”
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said the council have been working hard to deter young people from getting involved in crime. The Steer project, run by Salford Foundation, provides one to one support for those at risk.
He said: “We’ve commissioned support for ex-offenders to find work to avoid them drifting back into crime and used everything from drama to direct meetings with ex-gang members. We want to make clear to young people the reality, consequences and dangers of getting involved in crime.”
Police are urging anyone who knows anything about the recent firearms incidents in Salford, to call police directly on 0161 856 3777. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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