Six Arrested After Early Morning Shooting In Manchester

In the early hours of January 24, 2026, Manchester’s Gay Village—an area renowned for its vibrant nightlife and historical significance—was abruptly thrust into the spotlight for a very different reason. Residents and late-night revellers awoke to the sight of flashing blue lights and police cordons as officers responded to a shooting on Richmond Street, just steps from the iconic Canal Street. The incident, which unfolded around 5am, left one man in his 20s hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his leg. Fortunately, his injuries were described by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as non-life threatening and non-life changing, offering some relief to a community shaken by the early morning violence.

According to BBC News, officers arrived swiftly at the scene after reports of gunfire and a disturbance. A firearm was recovered at a property on Richmond Street, and a police cordon was immediately established, encompassing not only Richmond Street but also nearby Princess Street. Forensic teams, armed police, and ambulances were all visible as the investigation got underway, with police drones deployed overhead to assist in the search for evidence. The cordons remained in place for several hours, with both streets eventually reopening later that day as the investigation progressed.

Six men, aged between 23 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of affray and firearms offences. They remain in police custody as inquiries continue. Superintendent Stephen Wiggins, from GMP’s city centre division, addressed public concerns in a statement quoted by Manchester Evening News: “This will undoubtedly be a concerning incident to be waking up to, not just for those who live and work in the city centre, but for the whole of Greater Manchester. Once the call came in, our officers acted quickly, making to the scene to establish what had unfolded at the address on Richmond Street, detaining six individuals who we believe have been involved in this incident.”

Wiggins went on to reassure the public that the incident appeared to be targeted and that there was no wider threat: “We have managed to recover a firearm at the address. Since 2023, our colleagues in the Serious Crime Division have taken 168 firearms off our streets in Greater Manchester, underlining how serious we take gun crime across the force. I would like to reassure the community that we believe this is a targeted incident, and there is no wider threat to the general public.”

The swift police response and the recovery of a firearm at the scene were critical in containing the situation. As Metro reported, the seriousness with which GMP treats gun crime is underscored by their ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets—a point echoed repeatedly by police leadership.

Despite the initial shock and the dramatic images of cordoned-off streets, police were quick to clarify the nature of the attack. Superintendent Wiggins, in an update cited by Manchester Evening News, stated: “After exploring many lines of enquiries, I can confirm that this is not a hate crime of any nature, and I think it is important to share that update due to the locality of the incident.” Given Manchester’s Gay Village’s status as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, concerns about possible hate-related motives were understandable. However, both police and community leaders emphasized that the evidence pointed elsewhere.

Carl Austin-Behan, vice chair of the Village License Business Association and chair of GMP’s Independent Advisory Group for the city centre, sought to reassure residents and visitors alike. “I would like to reassure Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Community that based on all the information that we have received, this was not a targeted attack on Manchester Gay Village or our community,” he said. “With the help of GMP carrying out extra patrols and the LGBT Foundation Village Angels supported by all the venues management and door staff, Manchester Gay Village is a safe and welcoming space for everybody.”

The shooting occurred during a time when the area was still busy, with many venues just closing and foot traffic remaining high. Witnesses described a heavy police presence, including armed officers and ambulances, as the response unfolded. According to Attitude magazine, police have urged anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have information, CCTV, dashcam footage, or mobile phone video, to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. GMP provided multiple contact options, including a dedicated phone line and the independent charity Crimestoppers, to encourage witnesses to share any details that could help piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

As the day progressed, further details emerged. Forensic teams conducted fingertip searches along the cordoned streets, and officers were seen searching a Mercedes G-Wagon on Princess Street—a scene police confirmed was linked to the Richmond Street incident. The use of advanced investigative tools, such as drones, highlighted the seriousness of the police response.

Community leaders and local politicians also weighed in. Labour councillor Sam Wheeler, representing the Piccadilly ward, told Metro that he was awaiting further details from GMP. Meanwhile, Pat Karney, councillor for Harpurhey and Collyhurst and city centre spokesperson, described the shooting as “totally unacceptable” and “shocking,” echoing the sentiments of many who saw the incident as a stark departure from the area’s usual atmosphere of celebration and inclusion. Karney also relayed GMP’s confirmation that the shooting was not hate-related, a clarification welcomed by many in the community.

Manchester’s Gay Village has long been a symbol of the city’s diversity and resilience, rising to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s as a hub for nightlife and LGBTQ+ culture. The area’s bars and clubs—many of which line Canal Street—are well-known throughout the UK and beyond. For some, the events of January 24 served as a reminder of the challenges urban nightlife districts can face, even as they remain spaces of joy and acceptance for so many.

As the investigation continues, police have pledged to maintain a visible presence in the area, providing reassurance to residents, business owners, and visitors. The cordons on Richmond Street and Princess Street were eventually lifted, and the streets have since returned to their usual rhythm. Yet, the memory of that night lingers, a testament to the vigilance required to keep such cherished spaces safe.

Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses and information, determined to ensure accountability and prevent further violence. For Manchester’s Gay Village, the hope is that this incident remains an isolated one—an unwelcome interruption in a community otherwise defined by its openness and sense of belonging.