Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Sophie: Police appeal for missing gun

4/ 7/2008

THE gun that was used to shoot 16-year-old Sophie Finucane in the head at her home in Gorton two weeks ago has still not been found, say police.

Detectives investigating the shooting are continuing to search for the weapon that was used in the incident on Ashover Avenue, Gorton, at 6am on 14 June.

Sophie who is a pupil at Cedar Mount High School is still at Hope Hospital where she is said to be in a critical but stable condition.

Sophie had just finished her GCSEs and was looking forward to her school prom and she was throwing a party at her home when the incident happened.

Nineteen-year-old Wayne Bryan, of Gorton Villa Walk was arrested shortly after the incident and has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and possession of a firearm and ammunition.

At a hearing he was remanded in custody until 1 September when he is due before Manchester Crown Court.

Senior Investigating Officer Andy Tattersall, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This is an extremely serious incident that has left a young teenage girl fighting for her life.

"We managed to make an arrest early on in this investigation, however the weapon that was used in the incident is still outstanding.

"I would appeal to anyone that knows where it is to come forward and hand it in to police before someone else ends up seriously injured or even dead.

"If you are hiding the weapon please come forward, I cannot stress enough that this is a lethal weapon and must be taken off the streets. Could you live with another serious incident like the one on 14 June on your conscience?"

As reported in the Advertiser two weeks ago a group on Facebook was set up by Sophie's cousin and a friend shortly after the incident and while Sophie has been fighting for her life in hospital around 100 messages of support and prayers have been posted hoping she will pull through.

One message which was posted by her uncle, said: "I love you Sophie. Please Lord help my niece get better xx."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 2448.