Detectives continuing appeal after firearm discharge in city

Detectives are still working hard to investigate a firearm discharge in Stoke-on-Trent and we’re continuing to appeal for information as part of our enquiries.

It happened on Balfour Street, Hanley, just before 8.30pm on Tuesday 18 February. We sent armed officers after getting reports of a man in the street with a long-barrelled weapon.

We searched the area but didn’t find any suspects. Two vehicles and a property had been damaged.

A man was found with injuries inside an address that we understand were caused by broken glass. Fortunately, his injuries were not serious.

We believe that a moped was used by the suspect who rode off erratically down Cromer Road and Leek Road, in the direction of Abbey Hulton (pictured below). The moped was white with a red trim.

Detectives have been working hard to trawl through CCTV and to speak to people living in the area for more information. A forensic examination of the scene has also been carried out.

Detective Inspector Laura Agu, from our criminal investigations department, said: “We think someone will know who was involved in this incident and we’re keen to talk to them.

“We’ve carried out extensive enquiries as part of our efforts to investigate this report and we’re continuing to act on new intelligence to progress the investigation.”

If you know something that could help us, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting incident 574 of 18 February. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.