Oldham shooting probe after car hit by gunfire in Fitton Hill 2026

Key Points

• A suspected firing of guns occurred on Lovage Drive, Fitton Hill, Oldham, between about 9.30pm to 10pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
• Initially, the residents thought that they heard firework noises during Storm Boelo characterized by high wind speeds and rains.
• A black-colored vehicle was discovered with its rear window smashed within the police cordon.
• According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), it was an investigation into “suspected discharge of firearms”.
• There were no reports of any injuries and no arrests were made.
• Tactical Aid Unit officers and crime scene investigators could be observed searching the area.
• It is alleged that police was gathering evidence through the CCTV cameras and doorbell cameras of the residents.
• The residents claimed that there were shell casings found, although this allegation has not been confirmed by GMP in the report.
• The crashed vehicle was taken away from the scene on Tuesday morning.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) October 27, 2026 — Police are investigating after a gunman reportedly opened fire at a car on Lovage Drive during Storm Boelo, leaving residents frightened after initially mistaking the sounds for fireworks.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, neighbours said they heard “two loud noises” between roughly 9.30pm and 10pm on Sunday, October 25. At the time, severe weather from Storm Boelo meant many believed the bangs were fireworks rather than gunshots.

The incident prompted a major police response on the residential street, with officers sealing off part of Lovage Drive while searches were carried out.

Why did residents think the gunshots were fireworks?

Residents told the Manchester Evening News that the storm’s heavy rain and strong winds made the loud bangs seem like fireworks. One local said they only realised something more serious may have happened after a neighbour knocked on their door the following day.

According to the resident, the neighbour said their car window had been shattered. The resident said:

“My husband remarked, ‘I’m not a forensics specialist, but I am quite certain those are bullet holes,’ and suggested we should alert the police.”

The account indicates that concern grew after residents saw damage to a vehicle and contacted Greater Manchester Police.

How did Greater Manchester Police respond?

GMP said officers responded to reports of a “suspected discharge of firearms”. A force spokesperson confirmed that no injuries were reported and no arrests had been made.

Police established a cordon along part of Lovage Drive. Tactical Aid Unit teams and crime scene investigators were photographed searching the restricted area and placing evidence markers.

Images published by the Manchester Evening News showed a black vehicle inside the cordon with a damaged rear window. The newspaper reported that police removed the car from the scene on Tuesday morning.

What did residents see during the investigation?

Resident Gina Barker told the Manchester Evening News that officers approached households to ask whether they had CCTV or doorbell-camera footage that could assist the investigation.

She said:

“The police have been collecting CCTV from everyone. They came to my door asking if I had any, but unfortunately, I don’t.”

Ms Barker also described the scale of the police operation. She said:

“I was stunned; the black car was taken away by a large truck, with a tactical unit present, a serious search team, and forensic personnel. I heard they have been recovering shell casings.”

The reported recovery of shell casings was attributed to local information relayed by Ms Barker rather than an official GMP statement in the available coverage.

Was anyone injured in the Oldham shooting?

No injuries were reported following the suspected firearms discharge, according to GMP.

The force also confirmed that no arrests had been made at the time the Manchester Evening News reported the investigation.

The newspaper said it had contacted GMP for further information about the incident.

What is known about the damaged car?

The vehicle at the centre of the investigation was described as black and was seen with a damaged rear window.

It remained within the police cordon while forensic officers carried out searches. The Manchester Evening News reported that the car was later removed by a large truck on Tuesday morning.

Police have not publicly confirmed in the available reporting who owned the vehicle, how many shots were fired, or whether anyone has been identified as a suspect.

What happens next in the investigation?

GMP’s investigation remains ongoing. Officers have been gathering evidence from the scene and appealing indirectly to residents for CCTV or doorbell footage.

The presence of the Tactical Aid Unit, forensic teams and crime scene investigators suggests police are treating the reported discharge seriously, although the force has not released further operational details.

Anyone with relevant footage or information would normally be encouraged to contact Greater Manchester Police, though the available report did not publish a specific appeal reference or contact number.

Background of the development

Lovage Drive is in Fitton Hill, a residential area of Oldham in Greater Manchester. The suspected shooting occurred during Storm Boelo, when strong winds and heavy rainfall affected the region and may have made the sound of gunfire harder for neighbours to identify.

The incident was first reported by the Manchester Evening News, which spoke to residents including Gina Barker and obtained images of the police cordon, forensic activity and the damaged black car.

GMP’s confirmation that it was investigating a “suspected discharge of firearms”, alongside its statement that there were no injuries and no arrests, forms the official basis of the story so far.

Prediction: How could this affect Oldham residents?

The investigation could increase concern among Fitton Hill residents about safety on their street, particularly while police continue searches and evidence collection.

Residents may be more likely to review CCTV or doorbell-camera footage, report unusual noises, and cooperate with police inquiries.

If GMP identifies a suspect or makes an arrest, further updates may reassure the community. Until then, the lack of arrests and limited official detail means residents are likely to remain watchful while the investigation continues.