Drive-By Shooting in Broad Daylight Shocks Harpurhey
In January 2021, two cars sped down Briscoe Lane in Harpurhey, Manchester, in a terrifying daylight drive-by shooting caught on CCTV. A man peered from the backseat window of a grey BMW X5 and fired a gun at a black VW Golf, with three men involved in the explosive chase.
Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt, despite a stray bullet hitting a passerby’s car. Police immediately launched an intense investigation.
Cops Track Down Gunmen After CCTV Breakthrough
Detectives from Central Park CID scoured hours of CCTV footage and identified the suspects:
- Sean Cowie, 32 – Seen firing the gun from the BMW
- Dean Urey, 39 – The driver chasing the VW
- Paul Ryan, 43 – Arrested and found with an illegal shotgun at his Ashton Road East home
Ryan’s shotgun wasn’t linked to the shooting but was confiscated and he was charged for illegal possession. The trio was arrested and brought in for questioning.
Gun Crime Falls Drastically as Three Face Long Jail Terms
Manchester has seen a 92% drop in gun crime since early 2021, with just two confirmed cases in the past year compared to 26 the previous year. This drive-by shooting was part of a wider crackdown by City of Manchester North police and their Serious and Organised Crime Firearms Investigation Team (SOC FIT).
Despite no gun being recovered from the shooting and witnesses in the VW refusing to cooperate, Cowie, Urey, and Ryan pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to cause fear or violence.
At Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 18 March, the men were handed hefty sentences:
- Cowie – 5 years, 7 months
- Ryan – 6 years, 6 months
- Urey – 5 years, 4 months
Detective Blasts Reckless Gunmen Putting Public in Danger
“The streets of north Manchester are much safer today with these men behind bars,” said Detective Inspector Claire Moss.
“This attack happened in a busy area near a primary school during the school day. Innocent people could’ve been seriously injured or worse. Our team worked tirelessly to bring these men to justice. Gun crime remains a top priority, and we’ll continue to prosecute anyone involved in firearms offences.”
This chilling daylight attack in Harpurhey was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by gun-wielding criminals. But thanks to dedicated police work, these dangerous offenders are finally off the streets.
