Armed police and helicopter swarm Salford city estate as streets locked down (2025)

Armed officers and a police helicopter have swarmed a residential area of Salford tonight. Residents say "at least 30" officers have descended near the Pendleton part of the city

Armed officers and a police chopper have descended on a Salford neighbourhood tonight.

Locals report "at least 30" police have arrived at Romney Street and Littleton Road in the Pendleton area, after multiple ambulances rushed there earlier in the evening. A cordon's been erected on these residential streets by the River Irwell.

A police helicopter was spotted above the scene, and flight trackers show it scouring the Salford skies, as unconfirmed reports suggest this was a gunfire incident.

Manchester Evening News have been sent terrifying footage of a suspect on a bike pointing what appears to be a gun at a group. The video is filmed from a window on Romney Street.

The footage then shows the armed police arriving at the scene as the suspect laid on the ground.

One resident has told MEN: "All of them were just being loud, I started recording to send it to my landlord which is the exact moment couple of boys started running.

"And then a guy on a bike with a lot of lights pulled out a handheld gun and he didn’t let it off, he just pulled it and aimed it."

It is understood that residents have been evacuated amid the police operation. On Facebook, the community is buzzing with worry. One resident posted: "What's going on with all the helicopters and the police in the area? Is everyone okay?"

Another chimed in with: "Helicopter flying over for a bit now."

And a third added: "Loads of police at the petrol garage."

Eyewitnesses say they were told to "evacuate the area" as several streets got taped off tonight. One bystander shared: "We got told by a member of the public someone was seriously hurt and everybody had to evacuate the area."

Forensics have now arrived at the scene and will be conducting investigations into the incident.

Detective Superintendent Simon Moyles said: “Our frontline officer’s rapid response to a concerning report prevented what could have been a dangerous incident from occurring.

“There was a large group of youths gathering in the area, and officers intervened in fights and helped several young people return home safely. Thankfully, no one at the scene required medical treatment.

“Our investigation is moving at a pace; we have arrested seven people and taken a weapon off the streets while enquiries are ongoing.

“A police presence will remain in the area as we conduct enquiries and gather evidence. Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling around to provide reassurance to the local community.

“We understand an incident of this nature will cause alarm, and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak with a neighbourhood officer; they are there to help.

"You can also contact a local officer via the Your Area page on our website: Your area | Greater Manchester Police

“If you have any information to support our investigation, call 101, quoting log 3631 – 14/04/2025 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."