Man shot in ‘targeted’ gay village attack in Manchester
People stand next to a rainbow coloured sign for Manchester’s Gay Village. (Getty)
People stand next to a rainbow coloured sign for Manchester's Gay Village. (Getty)
A man has been hospitalised after being shot in Manchester’s gay village, in what police have said is not a hate crime.
On Saturday (24 January), officers were called reports of a “disturbance” on Richmond Street at 5am.
Police found the victim at a property on the street alongside a gun. As per The Tab, police were also seen searching an abandoned Mercedes G-Wagon on Princess Street, a two-minute walk from the crime scene.
The victim, who is in his twenties, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, which Greater Manchester Police have said will not be life-threatening or life-changing. GMP believe the attack was “targeted” but was not a hate crime, and a gun had been discovered close to where the injured man was found, according to the BBC.
Six men, whose identities have yet to be revealed and who are aged between 23 and 26, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and firearm offences in connection with the incident.
‘This is not a hate crime of any nature’
Superintendent Stephen Wiggins from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in a press release: “Since this incident came into us in the early hours of this morning, our officers have been working relentlessly to understand what the motive behind this discharge is.
“After exploring many lines of enquiries, I can confirm that this is not a hate crime of any nature, and I think it is important to share that update due to the locality of the incident.
“Officers from the city centre will be providing constant and visible reassurance in the area over the coming days, and if you have any concerns, please speak to them as they are there to help.”
Carl Austin-Behan, vice chair of the Gay Village’s license business association and chair of the GMP Independent Advisory Group – City Centre, added: “I would like to reassure Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community that based on all the information that we have received, this was not a targeted attack on Manchester Gay Village or our community.
“With the help of GMP carrying out extra patrols and the LGBT Foundation Village Angels supported by all the venues management and door staff, Manchester Gay Village is a safe and welcoming space for everybody.”
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