Five arrested after police seize gun, knives and huge haul of illegal drugs

Police have made five arrests after seizing a gun, knives and a huge haul of illegal drugs in south Manchester.

Officers made the discoveries after raiding four properties as part of a crackdown on violent crime in Hulme over the last fortnight.

It comes after two young males were injured in 'horrific attacks' in Hulme earlier this month. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a suspected stabbing in Avenham Close on March 17.

READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community

Moments later, a 15-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being shot in Salutation Street. Police said his injuries were 'not thought to be life threatening'.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with both attacks but was later released on bail.

Two men, aged 20 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of drugs and firearms offences after police seized a haul of what is believed to be cocaine and heroin. Yesterday, a 16-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of possession of bladed article in Longsight.

Greater Manchester Police said they had been carrying out regular patrols around Hulme in an attempt to 'drive down violent crime in the area'.

Superintendent Dave Meeney, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "Our teams are working around the clock to disrupt and dismantle serious crime across the district.

"The results to date are a credit to a dedicated team of proactive officers, safeguarding officers and experienced detectives and would not have been possible without a close working relationship with partner agencies such as social services and housing providers.

“I hope this is of great reassurance to the public who have been understandably concerned by the recent incidents