A VEHICLE collided with a lamp post as it attempted to escape a gunman who was shooting at it.

As the black Range Rover drove down Thornley Street, Boarshaw, gun shots were fired at it, forcing the driver to flee in the direction of Hulbert Street, where the 4x4 smashed into the lamp post.

The 4x4's driver and passengers were seen running away from the vehcile, possibly in the direction of Springvale.

After gun shots were heard, a man thought to be carrying a short-barralled weapon was seen running towards an alley at the side of Green Street.

There were no reports of any injuries after the incident that happened on Sunday 10 February, at around 8pm

A neighbour along the street said: "I heard two really loud bangs and I thought the shelves had come down in the house it was so loud. I looked out the window and saw the Range Rover Sport at the bottom of the street with the doors open.

"My daughter heard the bangs as well and saw men all in black and with balaclavas on running away from the vehicle.

"There have been a lot of Chinese whispers on the street since about it, but this is a fairly quiet street, occasionally there are some fights but nothing like this."

Another neighbour who lives just yards from where the 4x4 crashed said: "They have put the lamp post back up since it happened, but the they also knocked my neighbours wall down as well.

"The police were here within about half an hour and have taken the Range Rover away since as well."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Detective Constable Nick Price, of Rochdale CID, said: "The discharge of any firearm is an offence we take very seriously and I would like to reassure the local community that inquiries are ongoing to trace the offenders.

"I would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or seen the passengers of the vehicle or the gunman running away to contact us.

"We treat any calls in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.