Eyewitness recalls moment 'massive gun' was fired at house as terrified neighbours cowered in homes

Locals have spoken of their terror after a "massive gun" was fired at a house in Tameside in one of two "linked" shootings. A gunman opened fire at a house on Standish Walk in Haughton Green, Denton at around 9pm.

Shortly afterwards, in an incident being treated as linked, shots were fired at a property on Mill Lane, just under a mile and a half away over the border in Hyde.

No one was seriously injured following the attacks which police say they believe to be targeted. Those living near the scenes have now spoken of their fear and shock both during and after the incidents.

READ MORE: Gunshots fired in two 'targeted' attacks with streets taped off and major police scenes in place

The front door, ground floor window and an upper floor window of a house on Standish Walk were boarded up this afternoon (Tuesday).

One resident on the street, who did not want to be named, said: "I wasn't at home at the same, I was out as I was working. But my missus and kids were at home.

"She rang me and told me she was spending time with them when they heard loud bangs. She looked out and saw four or five guys firing. One of them had a big gun. She said it was massive, not a small handgun. They ran away but after a few seconds came back, then ran away again.

"She was very scared and the kids were screaming as well. I just told her to stay inside. The police have been round and we have told them everything. This morning I couldn't go to work as my family were too scared. I will see if they are okay later on then maybe I can go out.

"The good thing is the police have been here since standing guard. We are in a much more comfortable situation now, but it is still very unsettling."

Another neighbour said: "I heard a bang. I think three times. I knew straight away it was a gun so I didn't look outside. People were screaming and shouting and running around outside. But me and my children just stayed silent. I was scared, so scared.

"I cannot remember anything like this. The police were here very quickly, there was a lot of them. This morning there, when I was taking my children to school, there were officers in forensic suits going in and out. I think everything is okay now. But It is still very worrying."

In Hyde, Mill Lane remained taped off either end of the playing field that runs behind the road, near Read Street. The window of a house inside the cordon appeared to have been boarded up.

Uniformed officers stood guard at either end of the cordon as specialist Tactical Aid Unit officers carried out searches. They could be seen doing fingertip searches of the street as well as searching gardens and drains.

GMP say no arrests have yet been made. Chief Superintendent Chris Foster from the force's Tameside division said, “Since the incident happened, we have overnight and throughout today been carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to understand fully what has happened.

“We strongly believe these were targeted attacks and although no arrests have been made at this stage, we are making good progress.

"Officers are visible in the area to provide reassurance to our local communities who will rightly be shocked to learn about what has happened, whilst the victims continue to be supported.

“We are at a crucial stage in our investigation and I would like to appeal to those in the local area to come forward in confidence if they have any information that could help us. This could be eyewitness accounts, or footage whether from CCTV, doorbell or dashcam."