Drive-by terror

CRIME scene . . . where the car was set alight

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A community is in shock after a 39-year-old man was gunned down in a drive-by shooting.

The victim was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest following the attack in South Hill Street, Glodwick, at 11pm on Monday. His injuries are not life-threatening.

It is believed gunmen pulled up on the street before hurling a brick at the victim’s door. A shot was then fired at the man as he ran out of the house.

A car was seen driving away from the scene of the attack and within minutes, police were alerted to a report of a grey Ford Focus being on fire on wasteground at near-by Marlborough Street. Detectives are now trying to piece together what happened and are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious leading up to the shooting to come forward.

Yesterday morning, shocked neighbours awoke to find their street cordoned off.

One concerned householder said: “I won’t be surprised if this has something to do with drugs. We are fed up with it — we don’t see any police presence in the area and nothing is being done to stop it. People are fearful to speak out because it has gone on for too long.”

Another resident said: “I can’t believe it, I’m in shock.”

One neighbour added: “I heard a car driving past at high speed. It sounded like it was skidding but by the time I rushed to my window, it had zoomed down Greengate Street.”

Det Sgt Jamie Daniels, of Oldham CID, said: “This was a shocking incident and it is fortunate this man was not more seriously wounded.

“We’re doing all we can to find who is responsible for this attack, but we need the public’s help.”

Anyone with information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.