A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly opening fire at mourners flouting social distancing rules while attending the funeral of a father dubbed 'Mr Ibiza' in a Manchester cemetery before being stabbed. Police in the area at the time scrambled to Gorton Cemetery, Woodland Avenue after a man walked into the crowd and started firing shots last night.
The alleged gunman was stabbed with a knife and rushed to hospital with what are understood to be serious face lacerations. He has since been discharged from hospital and is now being questioned by police in custody. The horrifying incident occurred as large numbers of friends and family (left and right) gathered to pay their final respects to Clive Pinnock (bottom inset), 38, who was killed in a collision with a BMW. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Claire Moss, said: 'Whilst we currently have a man in custody I want to make it very clear that our investigation does not stop here.'
'A careful assessment was then made about the policing approach to any gatherings associated with the funeral. Our overriding priority was to ensure that the wider public was kept safe.
'We continued to closely monitor the situation and as it progressed it was clear that the emotions of those at the gathering were high and therefore a decision was made, in the interests of public safety, not to intervene unless the wider public were put at risk by the groups.
The suspect fired three shots as well-wishers gathered for the burial of 38-year-old Clive Pinnock at Gorton Cemetery in the east of the city.
The Manchester Evening News reported that the man walked into the crowd and opened fire before he was slashed with a knife, suffering serious face lacerations.
Armed police were scrambled to the scene and it is understood the culprit was disarmed by officers who said the intervention saved his life.
Police say the injured man, 34, was found on nearby Waterhouse Road with knife wounds. After being taken to hospital for treatment he was discharged and taken into custody where detectives continue to question him.
Pinnock was known as 'Mr Ibiza because of his links to the club scene on the island and in the Greater Manchester area.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Claire Moss said: 'Whilst we currently have a man in custody I want to make it very clear that our investigation does not stop here.
'We are progressing with a variety of forensic and CCTV opportunities to make sure that those responsible are brought to justice. I would appeal to anyone who has any information to please get in touch and help us, as even the smallest detail can assist our enquiries.'
Nobody is believed to have been shot and the weapon has not been found but police have taped off the crime scene as they investigate.
Police added that evidence of gunshots has been retrieved from the scene and a cordon remains in place.
Questions were also raised about the large presence of people lining the route to the cemetery and the number of grievers at the burial.
Superintendent Rebecca Boyce from Greater Manchester Police said: 'We were made aware of several gatherings taking place yesterday in Gorton in relation to a funeral. In the lead up to the funeral, officers engaged with the immediate family of the man who had sadly lost his life to explain the government guidelines and to discuss details of their plans.
'A careful assessment was then made about the policing approach to any gatherings associated with the funeral. Our overriding priority was to ensure that the wider public was kept safe.
'We continued to closely monitor the situation and as it progressed it was clear that the emotions of those at the gathering were high and therefore a decision was made, in the interests of public safety, not to intervene unless the wider public were put at risk by the groups.
'An arrest was subsequently made of a man who remains in custody in relation to a firearm's discharge which happened close by.'
She added the police understand there has been 'public concern' regarding the shooting.
Via - Dailymail
Via - Dailymail
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