Bolton: Probe after Briercliffe Road, Deane 'incident'

Police were called to Briercliffe Road, Deane, at around 3pm on Saturday where a number of people are believed to have fled the scene.

Claims have spread about possible shooting, but officers and now council cabinet member for stronger communities Cllr Rabiya Jiva, have urged people not to speculate while investigations go on.

Cllr Jiva said: “Incidents like these are always shocking and unsettling to the entire community.

“I am aware of the claims that people have been making but I would ask everyone to please follow the advice the police have set out and not to speculate or spread rumours.

An area was taped off for much of the weekend (Image: Newsquest)

“Rest assured the police are doing everything they can to get to the bottom of what happened here but they need everybody’s help to do so.”

Cllr Jiva, who’s role includes policing and community safety, said that the responses of people living in the nearby area could be crucial to resolving incidents like these.

She said: “So please come forward and help the police if you know anything or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“Please don’t add to unsubstantiated rumours and remember if you need support or reassurance, we are here for you.”

A police tactical aid unit was seen in the area (Image: Newsquest)

Briercliffe Road remained taped off by police from Saturday afternoon into the following Sunday as officers went about their work.

A specialist search unit and the tactical aid unit were at the scene, while residents also reported seeing a police helicopter hovering overhead.

Speaking at the weekend Detective Sergeant Paul Warburton, of Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton CID said he was aware of the gunfire rumours but said this was not confirmed.

He said: "We understand that the community are worried about this incident, and I want to assure everyone that we are doing everything within our power to reassure and keep the local community safe.

“We have deployed extra resources and visible patrols.

“They are here to provide additional reassurance to the local community and are available to answer any questions, offer advice, and provide reassurance during this time.

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“We urge anyone with information about this incident, including CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage, to come forward and share it with us.

“Your cooperation is crucial as we work to piece together the full and factual details of this incident and locate those involved."

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 quoting log 1690 of 30/12/2023.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.