Police have closed a number of roads surrounding Stretford Mall this afternoon with officers on the scene.
Witnesses have told the Manchester Evening News there is a large police presence in the area, including ‘armed police’. Officers are at the entrance to Stretford Mall, with reports of traffic ‘chaos’ as all entrances to Edge Lane are blocked and buses diverted.
There are also reports that Chester Road has been closed, with both marked and unmarked police cars on the scene.
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The exact nature of any incident is not yet clear. Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for more information.
21:40Nicole Wootton-Cane
End of live coverage
Our live coverage of this incident ends here. Please follow the Manchester Evening News website for further updates.
19:27Nicole Wootton-Cane
Traffic is returning to normal
Traffic is now returning to normal in the area following large queues due to the closure of Edge Lane.
19:12Nicole Wootton-Cane
Traffic on Edge Lane
Video footage from the scene shows police presence on Edge Lane with heavy traffic.
18:56Nicole Wootton-Cane
Armed police search scene
Officers now appear to be searching a section of Edge Lane.
18:50Nicole Wootton-Cane
Officers stand guard outside housing estate
Officers are standing guard near a housing estate nearby.
18:40Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police respond to suspected shooting
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: At around 4.40pm today (Tuesday 26 March 2024), Greater Manchester Police responded to reports of suspected firearms discharged at a vehicle on Edge Lane in Stretford.
A scene remains in place whilst officers continue their enquiries and no injuries have been reported to police.
A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of drugs and possession of a bladed article and remain in police custody for questioning.
Enquiries are ongoing at this stage.
18:35Nicole Wootton-Cane
Large number of officers on scene
Officers are stood at various points on the scene around Stretford Mall and Edge Lane.
18:30Nicole Wootton-Cane
Police confirm ‘armed incident’
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed they are responding to an incident with armed police on the scene.
We are still awaiting a statement on the exact nature of the incident.
18:26Nicole Wootton-Cane
Reporter Chris Slater is on the scene
Our reporter Chris is now on the scene in Stretford.
18:22Nicole Wootton-Cane
More pictures from the scene
Our reporter has sent us pictures from the scene showing a huge police presence on Chester Road.
18:12Nicole Wootton-Cane
‘Around 10 police cars’ at crossroads
Good evening. There are reports of a large police presence in Stretford this evening with the Edge Lane crossroads with Chester Road blocked off. We are also receiving reports of ‘armed police’ outside Stretford Mall.
Our reporter is on the way to the scene and we have contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
