'There is a real fear': Crackdown on crime wave in Greater Manchester's 'carjacking capital'

Officers are ramping up their presence in a Salford neighbourhood which has been rocked by a spate of carjackings.

Residents in the Broughton Park community have faced 'a real fear' after a number of incidents which have taken place in recent months.

In January, a Brantwood Road resident spoke of the 'mental scars' left after he was attacked by three men in balaclavas before having his Mercedes stolen, outside his home.

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It was one of four reported carjacking incidents, carried out by masked men, to shake the 'quiet neighbourhood'.

Now, Greater Manchester Police has launched a dedicated operation to tackle the rise in carjackings seen in Broughton Park.

Codenamed Chaffinch, the operation has already seen one car seized in connection with the criminal activity, and another car recovered.

Coun Arnie Saunders, a Rabbi who represents Kersal and Broughton Park on Salford City Council, says the action from GMP is 'welcome' - but there is still concern among families.

"There's clearly a heightened police presence, although I think lot of that is more covert than overt," he said.

"But people are still obviously concerned. It only takes one minute for someone to attack, and even if the police come, they can get away quickly.

"People can be going shopping with their kids and all of a sudden find themselves pushed to the ground for their car keys, so there is a real fear.

"I wouldn't even say it's targeting posh cars. There's no one in our community with a Rolls Royce or a Bentley, they just have large cars for their families, so obviously they are worried."

Operation Chaffinch involves CID and neighbourhood teams at GMP Salford, as well as other