Six individuals have been taken into custody following a violent incident in Manchester's Gay Village, where a man was shot in the leg and a firearm was discovered by police. The episode unfolded in the early hours of the morning, prompting a significant emergency response and raising concerns within the local community.
Early Morning Shooting Incident
Emergency services were dispatched to Manchester city centre at approximately 5am today after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in his twenties suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg inside a property. The victim was found on Richmond Street, a location that runs adjacent to the well-known Canal Street in the Gay Village district.
Armed Response and Firearm Recovery
Armed police units swiftly descended on the scene as part of the coordinated response. During their investigation at the Richmond Street address, law enforcement officials uncovered a firearm within the property. This discovery has led detectives to classify the shooting as a targeted attack, suggesting it was not a random act of violence.
Multiple Arrests Made
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that six men, aged between 23 and 26 years old, have been arrested in connection with the incident. All suspects are being held on suspicion of affray and various firearms offences. They remain in police custody for questioning as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Victim's Condition and Police Reassurance
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police has indicated that the injured man's wounds are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. This assessment provides some relief amid what has been described as a concerning event for residents and workers in the city centre.
Superintendent Stephen Wiggins, from GMP's city of Manchester division, addressed public concerns directly: 'This will undoubtedly be a concerning incident to be waking up to, not just for those who live and work in the city centre, but for the whole of Greater Manchester.'
Ongoing Investigation and Scene Preservation
A police cordon remains in place on Richmond Street as forensic officers conduct their examination of the scene. Investigators have been observed entering and exiting an apartment block within the restricted area. Additionally, a Mercedes G-Class vehicle, commonly referred to as a 'G-Wagon', has been photographed within the cordon and is likely part of the evidence-gathering process.
GMP's Firearms Crackdown
Superintendent Wiggins highlighted the force's ongoing efforts to combat gun crime: 'Since 2023, our colleagues in the Serious Crime Division have taken 168 firearms off our streets in Greater Manchester, underlining how serious we take gun crime across the force.'
The senior officer sought to reassure the community about the nature of the incident: 'I would like to reassure the community that we believe this is a targeted incident, and there is no wider threat to the general public.'
Appeal for Information
Greater Manchester Police are actively appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. This includes individuals who may have captured CCTV footage or have details about the events leading up to the shooting.
Investigators have provided multiple channels for information submission:
- Contact GMP directly on 0161 856 4259 or 101, quoting log 600 of 24/01/2026
- Use the LiveChat function on the GMP website
- Provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
The investigation continues as police work to establish the full sequence of events and determine the relationships between those involved in this early morning disturbance in one of Manchester's most vibrant districts.
