Gang war tool could come to city

A device used to track down criminals involved in gang wars in America could soon be used in Manchester - making it the first city to have it in the UK.

The ShotSpotter gunshot location system is a type of wi-fi technology that detects gun fire almost immediately.

The system can also be linked to CCTV to provide pictures of the location of the gunshots so the gunman can be tracked.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are considering its use.

The device can also differentiate between fireworks or a car backfiring. As the shots are fired the exact place is pinpointed by the system and relayed back to the police headquarters.

'Effective tool'

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge visited America, where it is being used in 36 cities.

He said: "ShotSpotter is a very impressive piece of equipment that has been used successfully abroad in the fight against gun crime.

"We are exploring the opportunity and feasibility of getting one... but are at a very early stage.

"While it could cost in excess of £1m, I believe it could be an effective tool in our continued fight to rid the streets of Greater Manchester of guns and any potential life saved would, of course, be priceless."

If they were to implement it, certain hotspots of criminal activity would be targeted. It costs £100,000 to cover a square mile with the technology.

A teenager and two men have been shot dead in Greater Manchester so far this year.