Deane: Residents react after man shot on 'quiet' street

At 9.30pm on Thursday, March 21, police were called to Mercia Street in Deane. 

The Bolton News understands a gun was fired and a man was shot and injured as a result, but police have said his injuries are “not serious.”

Residents have spoken of seeing people 'running' in the street on the night in question, before police descended and closed off the street at both ends. 

One resident, who wished not to be named, said: "That day I saw people running, and then police officers came. They shut the street off. 

"On the night I heard a helicopter. 

"It is the first time I've heard of anything like that. I am very surprised." 

Another resident said: "I saw the police here but wasn't at home when it happened. 

"The police were here from Thursday night until late afternoon on Friday. They weren't here on Thursday morning. 

Mercia Street (Image: Newsquest)

"I wouldn't expect it because there are not many problems on this street.

"Once in a while neighbours have arguments, between family or friends, when I saw the police I thought it might be something like that. 

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"I am surprised it was a shooting. Nothing like that usually happens. They closed the street off from both ends." 

Another resident echoed his sentiments, saying it was the "first time I've heard of anything like that". 

One other said: "I know the road was blocked off, but I wasn't here at the time. 

"It doesn't happen. It is a quiet street." 

Chief Inspector Justine Topping, of GMP’s Bolton District, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we try and establish the full circumstances.

“Extra neighbourhood patrol officers have been deployed around the local area both on foot and in cars, and if you have any concerns about this incident our officers will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries.

“There was and is no wider threat to the public.

“A male was injured, although these are not serious injuries.

“At this moment detectives are investigating the matter; a patrol plan and extra resources are in place for the next few days whilst officers progress this.”