Officers were called to Kenwood Avenue on Friday night
16:40, 16 May 2026Updated 17:39, 16 May 2026
Police were called to Kenwood Avenue on Friday night(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Residents have expressed their shock and confusion after a ‘lovely’ man in his 40s was shot and injured on a quiet street in Leigh.
Officers were called to Kenwood Avenue, at the junction with St Andrew’s Drive, at around 11pm on Friday evening (May 15). A man, aged in his 40s, was found on the scene with gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to hospital from the scene. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing, police said.
Detectives believe the shots were fired towards the man while outside a property. The suspect then fled the scene, running off towards Manchester Road.
Investigations appear to be focused around a house within the cordon. Fingertip searches have reportedly been carried out on the scene.
Resident Jim Kelly, 74, who has lived in the area for 40 years, was at home with his wife when they heard what they thought was a ‘firework’.
A man in his 40s was rushed to hospital(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He said: “Me and my wife were going to bed last night, and I saw a lot of lights in the street. We looked out and saw ambulances and police cars and we saw the police running about heard that somebody had been shot.
“We’re good friends with the family and we’ve know them since they moved in; they’re lovely. I’ve not a clue why this would happen to them.
“My wife heard what she thought was a firework, but obviously it was a gunshot. She heard one bang about 10:45 and then a helicopter came. There must’ve been about 30 or 40 police officers. It’s unbelievable, it’s such a shock. You don’t expect it. We’ve lived here for years.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bell from GMP’s Wigan and Leigh district said: “We are investigating a firearms discharge that occurred overnight, and I want to reassure the community in the local area that this appears to be an isolated incident.
“I understand that incidents of this nature can cause concern among residents and since it occurred, we have taken all steps necessary to keep our investigation moving at pace.
A police cordon was in place around a house on Saturday(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We have increased our presence in the area also with officers out on patrol. They are there for your safety but please speak to them if you have any concerns at all or information that might help with our investigation.
“This type of criminality does not belong on our streets. People should be safe and well in their own homes and we will be doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“You can report information to ourselves via 101 quoting log 3830 of 15.05.2026. Our Live Chat service is also available and can be found at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.”