Gunshots mystery at an Uppermill quarry
Ladcastle Quarry in Uppermill. Photo: Stuart Littleford.
Worried residents in Uppermill called the police last night after hearing what they suspected to be gunshots coming from the old Ladcastle Quarry in the village.
A number of people commented on Twitter and eyewitnesses reported hearing firearms being discharged and seeing a number of men in the area, they all described the sounds as gunshots rather than fireworks.
A police helicopter was seen hovering over the area shortly afterwards and a number of police patrols also attended the scene.
A number of local people told Saddleworth News they were certain these were gunshots and not fireworks, but a statement from Greater Manchester Police given to Saddleworth News, says there is no evidence to back up these claims.
A police spokesperson said: “Yesterday evening, Sunday 9th September 2012, just after 7.10 PM, a member of the public reported hearing shots being fired, within the vicinity of Ladcastle Quarry, Uppermill. Several men, aged 20 -30, had been seen in the area.
“Officers arrived within a couple of minutes, and the police helicopter arrived shortly after, to search the area.
“A subsequent search did not reveal the cause of the apparent shots, and with darkness falling it was eventually decided to delay further searching until this morning.
“A further search has been carried out this morning, and two empty boxes of fireworks have been discovered.
“There are no obvious remains of firearm ammunition, and it appears at this stage that the noise was caused by fireworks, rather than a firearm.
“We would ask anyone with any information regarding this disturbance to contact Saddleworth and Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 4525, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
If you would like to share an interesting story, achievement, photo or something you just want to happily shout about please send it in an email to hello@saddleworthlife.com We'd ❤ to hear from you!!
