A police watchdog has launched an independent investigation into a non-fatal police shooting that occurred in Whitefield after a suspect allegedly drove a vehicle directly at officers. The incident took place on Bury New Road around 3pm on Friday, May 22, when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers attempted to pull over a car. According to GMP, the vehicle failed to stop and instead drove at the officers in an attempt to escape.

During the confrontation, a GMP firearms officer discharged their weapon, striking the driver in the arm. The injured driver was subsequently taken to hospital, where he was treated for what was suspected to be a broken elbow. The injury was not deemed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Importantly, no police officers or members of the wider public sustained injuries during the incident. Following the shooting, a 20-year-old white British man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

As is standard procedure for such incidents, the matter was immediately referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC promptly confirmed that it had initiated an independent investigation. IOPC investigators were deployed to the scene to begin gathering evidence and attended the police post-incident procedures to ensure thorough scrutiny. A spokesperson for the IOPC emphasized the importance of independent oversight in firearms incidents, stating, "While firearms incidents like this are, thankfully, rare, it is important for there to be independent scrutiny to fully understand what has happened."

The GMP's own investigation into the incident has also progressed rapidly. Overnight searches conducted at an address in Radcliffe led to a significant breakthrough: the recovery of a firearm and a substantial quantity of both Class A and Class B drugs. Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop from GMP's Serious Crime Division praised his team's swift and professional action, highlighting the importance of this discovery. He stated that the find prevents a potentially dangerous weapon and a significant amount of drugs from reaching the streets, reinforcing GMP's commitment to tackling serious and organised crime to ensure community safety.

Detective Superintendent Harrop also addressed public concerns, acknowledging the visible increase in police presence in the area following the incident. He reassured the community that no members of the public or officers were harmed and thanked them for their patience while investigations continue. A cordon was put in place at the scene, and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) specialists were observed meticulously gathering evidence.

Both the IOPC and GMP continue their respective investigations. The IOPC's independent probe aims to thoroughly understand the circumstances surrounding the police shooting, while GMP's ongoing enquiries focus on the wider criminal activity, including drug supply and firearm possession. The incident underscores the dangerous situations officers can face and the concerted efforts by law enforcement and oversight bodies to maintain public safety and accountability.