Flats pair flee as gunman strikes

TWO teenagers were threatened with a gun as they decorated a flat in Littlemoor.

The pair, aged 18 and 19, were listening to music when the gunman entered and ordered them to get out.

One of the teenagers, who does not want to be identified, had received the keys to his new flat that day.

His friend was helping him to paint and he said: “It was frightening.

“I was just putting my overalls on when I turned round and a man was there with a gun.

“It was open so we could see the cartridges.

“He held it up, loaded it and put it to my mate’s head.

“He had one hand on the barrel and one hand on the trigger. He pointed the gun at me — then back at my mate.

“My mate grabbed hold of the gun and lifted it up to the ceiling.”

The friends managed to run off unhurt from the terrifying ordeal which happened at 6.20pm on March 9.

They called the police but the gunman, who is alleged to be a neighbour, remained in the flat and threw an MP3 player out of the window. One of the victims added: “He actually went into his kitchen, put the shotgun in his cupboard and came outside as if nothing has happened.

“He tried to say he thought we had broken in.”

Police confirmed that a 43-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was bailed until March 22 for further inquiries.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8953 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.