FOUR men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder as police investigate two linked incidents in Salford.

Two men, aged 30 and 31 have been arrested today after warrants were executed at properties in Radcliffe and Failsworth.

Two other men, aged 30 and 39, were produced from prison before being arrested in connection with both incidents, police said.

All four remain in custody for questioning.

The arrests were made as part of a pre-planned operation, led by detectives from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team and supported by officers from Salford District's Operation Gulf team.

They relate to two incidents which happened in February and March 2015.

The first saw gunshots fired into a car with three men inside in Doveleys Road in Irlam, at about 12.15am on February 18, 2015. One man – then aged 27 – was injured during the shooting but left the scene before later presenting himself at hospital for treatment.

In the second incident, a 29-year-old man was critically injured after being attacked with a machete during an incident which took place close to Brattice Drive in Salford, on March 21, 2015. The man has since made a full recovery.

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of the Major Incident Team, said: “Earlier today, we executed warrants in the Radcliffe and Failsworth areas in connection with an ongoing Major Incident Team investigation into two linked incidents that took place in Salford in 2015.

“This pre-planned operation was carried out with support with officers from the Salford District’s Operation Gulf team, which is a unit dedicated to tackling organised crime in Salford.

“We currently have four people in custody arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and they will be questioned by detectives later today as our enquiries continue.

“This has been a long running investigation so I want to thank the public for their continued support and encourage anybody who may have information that can assist us to please contact police.”