A 19-year-old was blasted in the leg
Video footage appears to show the moment a car was smashed into before two masked men are seen running from the scene of a suspected shooting in Rochdale.
The clips shows a white SUV-type car travelling along Reservoir Street in the Belfield area of the town at around 3.17pm on March 5. The vehicle appears to be hit by another SUV-type, black, vechile.
The footage shows the crash amid traffic. Moments later, two men in balaclavas are seen running away.
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Police said they were called to reports of a shooting on Beswicke Royds Street, just off Reservoir Street, at around 3.20pm. A 19-year-old man was found with an ‘injury consistent with a gunshot wound to his leg’.
He was taken to hospital with ‘life-changing’ injuries. An investigation was launched, with pictures showing a damaged black car and vehicle debris within the police cordon.
A white 4×4 car found in flames near Watergrove Reservoir in Wardles – around three miles away from the scene of the shooting – was believed to be forming ‘part of the investigation’.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson described the shooting as a ‘targeted attack’. Armed police were spotted at the scene.
Superintendent Lucy Smallwood, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said previously: “This incident will undoubtedly cause concern for the local community and residents in the Rochdale area. Since first receiving the reports, our officers were at the scene within minutes, and we are working quickly to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“We are continuing to investigate all lines of enquiry, and we are actively looking to arrest anyone who we believe is a suspect in relation to this incident. It is believed this was a targeted attack and there is no wider threat to the public.
“Officers will remain in the community over the coming days to provide reassurance and maintain a visible presence. If you have any concerns, please speak to an officer, we are here to help.”
On Saturday (March 14), a spokesman confirmed no arrests had been made.
Witnesses, or anyone with information, can report it via 101 quoting log 2097 of 05/03/2026; LiveChat on GMP’s website; or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

