Tuesday 8 October 2024

Gunman unleashes gunfire at residences and a crowded takeaway in shooting spree

Gunman unleashes gunfire at residences and a crowded takeaway in shooting spree

Manchester | 1 month ago

By Yasmin Adams

A shooter executed intimidation jobs at residences and a crowded takeaway during a violent rampage. Zaki Shazad, identified as the 'organizer' of the shootings, coordinated with gunman Kieran Morgan, compensating him to commit these offenses at various sites in Stockport and south Manchester.

In March and April of last year, Morgan was involved in multiple shootings, including firing a sawn-off shotgun at a home on Wilmslow Road while a family was preparing for Eid celebrations. Additionally, a homemade explosive device was thrown at a property in Stockport after a prior shooting. In a separate event, Morgan entered a takeaway establishment in Burnage and discharged a shotgun twice, putting both staff and customers in a state of fear, as reported by Manchester Crown Court. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during these events.

The first incident took place around 9 PM on March 12, 2022, at a residence on Dorac Avenue in Heald Green, Stockport. Morgan, clad in a mask and dark attire, fired a shotgun at the house, and then threw a homemade explosive device that initially hit a wall before he launched it again, resulting in a loud explosion. A passerby heard the noise and attempted to alert others, but Morgan managed to escape the scene in a silver Mercedes.

On April 21, another shooting occurred at a home on Wilmslow Road when Morgan arrived with a bag and opened fire while the family was loading their vehicle. Although no one was injured, the house sustained damage. A subsequent shooting took place nine days later at the Drip burger bar on Kingsway, where Morgan fired two shots inside, narrowly missing staff and customers who were understandably terrified during the ordeal, as noted by prosecutor David Farley.

Prosecutors identified Shazad as the mastermind behind these violent acts, with evidence suggesting that Morgan was to be compensated for his involvement. While Shazad pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess a firearm with the intent to instill fear, he denied the more serious charge of intending to endanger lives. Nonetheless, jurors found him guilty of this charge following a trial, while Morgan had already admitted guilt. Both individuals are set to face sentencing soon. Additionally, two other men, Aaron Deasy and Darren McAndrew, were acquitted of related firearm conspiracy charges.

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