Grenade thrown at house in Salford and shots fired at second home in 'targeted attacks'

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A grenade has been thrown at a house in Salford before shots were fired at another home nearby in what police are calling “targeted attacks".

Greater Manchester Police were called to a house in Langworthy after a “distraction grenade” was thrown and exploded at around 12.30am on Friday.

Police said the offender fled down a nearby alleyway.

People were inside the property at the time, but no one was injured, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Bomb disposal officers were sent to the scene of the grenade attack and safely removed the detonated device from the area before carrying out a controlled explosion.

Around an hour later, police were called to a report of shots being fired at a house in Salford Quays. No one was injured.

Investigators are treating the two attacks as linked, but are “keeping an open mind on the circumstances that led up to them".

Chief superintendent Wayne Miller said: “People who saw the bomb disposal officers last night, or who heard the gunshots will understandably be concerned, but we are doing all we can to find those responsible.

“While we are keeping an open mind as our investigation is in its early stages, we believe these were targeted attacks.

“If you live in the area, you will see more officers on patrol who are there to support our investigation and to answer any questions you may have.

“We need you to share any detail, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem as it could prove crucial to our investigation.”