Five arrested following early morning police swoops

Ten warrants were executed by officers earlier today in Ashton, Droylsden, Stalybridge, Audenshaw, Beswick, Oldham, Newton Heath and Prestwich

A morning strike by police this morning (Tuesday) has seen five men arrested following a fatal shooting in Ashton.

At around 4.50pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, police were called to reports that a man had been shot on Birch Street.

Thirty-one-year-old Luke Paul Graham was taken to hospital where he sadly died from his injuries.

Another man in his 20s presented himself at hospital later that day with a gunshot wound to his leg.

He was discharged from hospital following treatment.

A murder investigation was immediately launched and officers have been carrying out enquiries ever since.

Ten warrants were executed by officers earlier today in Ashton, Droylsden, Stalybridge, Audenshaw, Beswick, Oldham, Newton Heath and Prestwich in relation to this incident.

Three men, aged 27, 28 and 28, previously released under investigation, were re-arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and participation in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.

A further two men, aged 27 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and participation in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.

The five men remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our team has worked around the clock over the last four and a half months to try and piece together exactly what happened on that awful day in June.

“We are determined to provide Luke’s family with the answers they deserve and ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“We have now arrested a total of eight men in connection with this incident and are continuing to follow several lines of enquiry.

“I would still urge anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1592 of 13/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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