A community has been rocked after a balaclava-clad gang descended with weapons before smashing up a block of flats. Neighbours living near The Meadows in Alkrington Moss, Middleton, heard 'consecutive bangs' while windows were shattered.
Police remained on the estate today (July 22) following the dramatic incident, which unfolded at around 9.15pm last night. Residents were left reeling and workers carried out urgent repairs to remove the broken windows.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing several men, wearing balaclavas, emerge with weapons from vehicles onto the estate. Coun Dylan Williams, Rochdale council member for Middleton East, viewed CCTV from the estate. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features He reported seeing three vehicles pull up on nearby Kingsway, before 16 men arrived on the scene with 'axes, spades, machetes and other weapons'.
Coun Williams added: "They then proceed to smash windows on one flat and try and break into the communal block." Greater Manchester Police confirmed residents also reported a 'loud bang'.
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