POLICE patrols on the Carrington Park estate have increased after gunshots were fired near a children’s playground at the weekend.

A firearm was discharged on Monks Place, off Rylands Drive, shortly after 9am on Saturday, January 11.

Warrington Guardian:

Five shots were allegedly fired at a man, but all are believed to have missed – with no injuries reported.

Cheshire Police has renewed its plea for information from members of the public and increased patrols in the area following the incident.

Warrington Guardian:

Chief inspector Simon Meegan said: “I understand that an incident like this will cause concern within the local community, and I would like to reassure those living locally that we are doing all that we can to establish exactly what has taken place and who is responsible.

“Officers will be out and about on patrol in the local area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them.”

Detectives say a suspect wearing yellow high-vis jackets got out of a grey Audi on Monks Place and fired a number of shots at the intended target, with the driver remaining in the car.

The gunman got back into the vehicle, which drove away and was later abandoned and set on fire on Back Forshaw Street.

Warrington Guardian:

Police on Back Forshaw Street - picture by Stephanie George

Detective chief inspector Mike Evans, from Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit, added: “This investigation is very much ongoing and we’re currently following a number of lines of enquiry.

“I’d like to reassure the local community that, from our initial investigation, we are confident this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.

“As part of our enquiries we’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information which may assist with our investigation.

“We’d specifically like to hear from anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage of the Audi parked in the Rylands Drive area prior to the incident.

“I’d urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact us on 101.

“If you don’t want to speak to the police directly you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Warrington Guardian:

A huge police presence descended on the Orford area after the shooting, with a large area surrounding the play area cordoned off.

Officers were also spotted along Orford Lane in the vicinity of both Leonard Street and Laira Street, with firefighters spending an hour tackling the car blaze after one engine was sent to the scene.

Warrington Guardian:

Armed police attended, while the force helicopter was also seen hovering over the area for around an hour.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML609602, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.