‘While firearms incidents like this are, thankfully, rare, it is important for there to be independent scrutiny to fully understand what has happened’
09:52, 23 May 2026Updated 09:53, 23 May 2026
The scene in Whitefield on Friday(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The police watchdog is investigating into the shooting of a suspect alleged to have driven at officers in Whitefield as they tried to stop him.
Greater Manchester Police said cops attempted to pull over a car on Bury New Road at around 3pm on Friday (May 22).
“The car failed to stop and drove directly at our officers to get away,” the force said. A GMP firearms officer then fired at the suspect.
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The driver suffered an injury to his arm. It was not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing. No officers were injured.
A 20 year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
Armed officers responded to the incident(Image: Supplied)
As is standard procedure, the incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has now confirmed i an independent investigation has been launched.
IOPC investigators were sent to the scene as evidence gathering began.
A spokesperson said: “We are independently investigating following a non-fatal police shooting in Bury.
Forensic teams at the scene on Bury New Road, Whitefield(Image: M.E.N.)
“We were made aware by Greater Manchester Police, who advised that a man was shot in the arm after a vehicle failed to stop for officers. He was taken to hospital with a suspected broken elbow.
“While firearms incidents like this are, thankfully, rare, it is important for there to be independent scrutiny to fully understand what has happened.
“IOPC investigators attended the scene and to the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.”
A cordon was put in place following the incident, with CSI specialists seen gathering evidence.
The IOPC have launched an independent investigation(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop from GMP’s Serious Crime Division earlier said: “We know people in the area will be concerned by what has happened and the visible increase in police officers in the local area as our investigations continue.
“Thankfully no members of the wider public, or officers were harmed in the incident this afternoon and we thank people for their patience while we remain at the scene.
“Should anyone have any concerns, please speak with our officers who are out in the local area, they are there to listen and assist where possible.”