Police launched an investigation after a man was injured in a suspected shooting in Manchester city centre, leading to the arrest of six men on suspicion of firearms offences.
The incident occurred at an address on Richmond Street at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, after officers received reports of a disturbance.
When police arrived, they found a man in his 20s with a leg injury consistent with a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were described as non-life-threatening and non-life-changing.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the address as officers worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Six Men Arrested
Six men, aged between 23 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of affray and firearms offences. Police said the men were being questioned as part of the investigation.
In an update issued on January 26, detectives said two of the men, both aged 26, had been recalled to prison in connection with affray offences from a previous incident. Three men aged 24 had been released on bail pending further inquiries, while another 24-year-old remained in police custody at the time of the update.
Investigators continued examining the events leading up to the shooting, including the disturbance reported at the Richmond Street address.
Police have not publicly identified the injured man, and the full circumstances of the suspected shooting have not been established in the available reports.
Police Say Incident Appears Targeted
Superintendent Stephen Wiggins, from Greater Manchester Police’s City of Manchester division, acknowledged the concern the incident could cause among people who live and work in the city centre.
Police said their initial assessment indicated the incident was targeted and that there was no wider threat to the general public. Investigators also stated that the incident was not being treated as a hate crime.
Detectives appealed for witnesses and anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They urged people who may have been in the area earlier that morning, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, to assist with the inquiry.
Investigation Continues
The shooting prompted renewed concern about firearms-related violence in the city centre. Police said officers were continuing inquiries and conducting patrols in the area while working to determine how the incident unfolded.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 4259 or by calling 101, quoting incident log 600 of January 24, 2026. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.
The investigation remained ongoing in the latest police update available for this report. Arrests are not convictions, and the allegations against those arrested have not been established in court.
