TWO teenagers have been arrested after reports of gunshots in Bolton yesterday.

Police, including a helicopter, were called to the Netherton Grove area of Farnworth at around 5.40pm on Friday evening after reports of what sounded like gunfire in the area.

Following an investigation, officers concluded that the shots were blanks rather than live rounds and two teenage boys have now been arrested.

Inspector Helen Atherton, of GMPs Bolton Neighbourhood Team, said: "Officers quickly attended the scene after receiving the report and our initial enquiries have established that a group of teenage boys appear to have been in possession of a blank firing weapon.

"Two boys in their late teens have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and they remain in custody this morning for questioning.

"I would like to reassure the public that this seems to be an isolated incident and we believe that the group were not using the firearm to threaten anyone.

"The firearm has not yet been located but searches are being undertaken this morning in an attempt to retrieve it, so local residents may see an increased police presence in the area today.

Anyone with information can contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5757 quoting log 2240 of December 3 2021.

Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.