Two men cleared of Preston shooting

8:59am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Two men have been cleared of firearms offences following a shooting in a Preston street.

Daniel Nicholls, 21, of Guildford Road, Preston and Ryan Malik, 20, of Longmeanygate, Leyland, were both cleared following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

The pair, both unemployed, were found not guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

On June 3 last year two men approached a red Toyota containing three Asian men on Berwick Road, Avenham, Preston, and fired two shots at the car. Nobody was injured.

Det Insp Geoff Hurst, of Preston CID, said: "This was a difficult case to bring to court and I would like to thank the prosecution team, the Crown Prosecution Service and Counsel for all their hard work in helping Lancashire Constabulary bring this case to court.

"Although we are disappointed with the outcome we felt, along with the Crown Prosecution Service, that it was right to charge the two men.

"We will not be reopening the investigation into this incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

"Despite the outcome of this trial, it remains the case that shots were fired on that evening in June and it is only by luck that no one was hurt or even killed.

"Our thorough investigation of this case shows Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling and disrupting gun crime on the streets of Preston.

"Although gun crime is still rare in Lancashire, a dedicated team of officers investigate firearms-related incidents and challenge gun culture by carrying out proactive operations and bringing criminals to justice.

"There is a lot of work to be done in this field and we are not complacent.

"We will continue to tackle gun crime and will relentlessly pursue those involved.

"Lancashire Constabulary will not tolerate the use, or threat of use, of firearms in the County and will take a tough approach to anyone who feels that it is acceptable to be in possession of illegal firearms."

Anyone with any information about gun crime or gang violence is asked to call Preston police on 203203 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.