Terror on estate following 'unconfirmed reports' of 'gunshots' and 'balaclava-clad armed gang smashing up block of flats'

People on a Middleton estate have been left terrified following 'unconfirmed reports' of 'gunshots' and a balaclava-clad armed gang 'smashing up a block of flats'. Police were called to an incident at in The Meadows on the Alkrington Moss estate at about 9.15pm last night (Friday).

Officers said there were reports of people hearing a 'loud bang' around the same time. East Middleton councillor Dylan Williams said he has received several unconfirmed reports of 'gunshots' being heard.

In a Facebook post, he said neighbours claimed that members of gang of armed men wearing balaclavas pulled up outside the block of flats beforehand.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

He wrote: "I keep being contacted by concerned residents and also the press regarding alleged reports of a violent incident which took place last night on The Meadows on the Alkrington Moss Estate in Alkrington, East Middleton.

"There was/ is a large Police presence last night on the estate including reports of unmarked vehicles. Kingsway was closed off for some time also by the Police.

"Local residents allege that a van pulled up on the estate with a gang of men in balaclavas, who got out with various weapons including firearms and proceeded to smash up a block of flats on The Meadows. I’ve also had unconfirmed reports from residents that gun shots were heard too."

The Manchester Evening News has put the claims to Greater Manchester Police.

Images taken at the scene on Saturday morning scene showed a police cordon in place outside a block of flats in The Meadows. One property appeared to have several broken windows.

Forensic officers could be seen taking photographs of the damage while several