A 19-year-old man remains in hospital
Police have issued an update after a man suffered ‘life-changing’ injuries after being shot in the leg in Rochdale.
Emergency services were called to Beswicke Royds Street in the Belfield area of the town at around 3.20pm on Thursday following reports of a shooting. A 19-year-old man was found by officers at the scene with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound to his leg.
He has been taken to hospital with injuries described as life-changing but not believed to be life-threatening.
A number of roads in the area remain closed, including on nearby Reservoir Street, as police and forensics begin their investigations. There was a damaged black car and vehicle debris within the police cordon.
A burning car spotted three miles away from the scene of a shooting is ‘part of the investigation’ into the incident, the M.E.N understands. Fire crews had been called to a fire involving a white 4×4 vehicle up in flames, parked close to Watergrove Reservoir in Wardle on Thursday afternoon.
In an update issued on Thursday night, police say no arrests have been made, and are appealing for information. Officers also believe the incident was a ‘targeted attack’ and there is no wider threat to the public.
Superintendent Lucy Smallwood from our Rochdale district said: “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.”
Witnesses or anyone with information can report it by 101 quoting log 2097 of 05/03/2026, or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information via LiveChat on our website, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
