Two thugs blow up stolen BMW with explosives in bitter UK gang feud
Two men used a bomb to blow up a stolen BMW in a gang war, a court heard.
Shakur Watson, 21, and Stephen Curry, 44, both from Liverpool, were found guilty of causing an explosion likely to endanger life after a 2019 incident in Salford. Between December 14 and December 31, there was a series of incidents including shootings, damage caused by a bomb, and a brawl in the Salford area.
Greater Manchester Police believed the increase in crime came from increased tensions between two gangs, the "A-team" and "Anti-A-team". The court heard that the feud resulted in family members being targeted within their own communities. At 11.05pm on December 30, 2019, a bomb went off inside a BMW that was driven to Crowther Avenue.
Cops found that the suspects, Watson and Curry, had put a bomb in a BMW - and after it went off, the car was written off. The suspects ran away and the BMW, which was left at the scene, was found to be stolen. Luckily, no one was hurt in the explosion.
Shakur Watson received a 13 year and four month jail sentence (GMP)
Stephen Curry was given 11 years in custody for using an explosion likely to endanger life (GMP)Watson and Curry were later arrested and charged with several offences, including causing an explosion likely to endanger life. They were found guilty at Bolton Crown Court on Friday, November 24, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Watson was handed a 13-year and four-month jail sentence for having a firearm and ammunition, two offences of supplying class A drugs and using an explosion likely to endanger life, which included some outstanding matters in Merseyside. Meanwhile, Curry got 11 years behind bars for using an explosion likely to endanger life.
Both men will have to serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before they can be considered for release on licence. Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan, of GMP Salford's Organised Crime Unit, said: "This is a fantastic result after a long and thorough investigation. It is believed the intent may have been to detonate the explosive device either at the front door or to alert the attention of the occupier to come to the front door before detonating the device within the vehicle.
"However, an unforeseen event has occurred resulting in the detonation system being triggered and caused the suspects to flee from the vehicle rapidly, leaving behind crucial evidence which was forensically pieced together with other lines of enquiry and partner agencies and police forces in order to identify the suspects involved. Though some work can't always be seen - there is a lot going on behind the scenes.
CCTV footage shows Rio Jones chasing down the intended target of the shooting, Shakur Watson (Merseyside Police)"We will always listen to our communities' concerns and any information or issues that are fed to us can sometimes hugely assist our on-going investigations." Watson had a narrow escape from death when Rio Jones tried to kill him. The teen fired six bullets at Watson, hitting him in the wrist. This happened as they both raced through the streets on electric bikes around 5pm on March 1, 2022.
Jones shot at Watson "at extremely close proximity". A dashcam recorded the moment he stretched out his right arm and fired six times directly at Watson. Watson was seen ducking to avoid the bullets, but one hit his right forearm. He managed to ride a bit further before seeking help at a stranger's house.
One of Jones' stray bullets went through a bus stop's plastic sheet and hit a 15-year-old girl in the neck. She was waiting for her bus home from school with a friend. The bullet went through her body and came out through her chest. She suffered lung damage and three broken vertebrae. After spending 10 days in Alder Hey Children's Hospital, she was allowed to go home.
Jones claimed during the trial that he had previously been subjected to a spate of attacks over several years as a result of a falling out in his circle of friends - which followed the murder of one unnamed member in 2017. The group separated into two factions, with him on one side and Watson on the other.
Jones said he had been chased on the morning of his shooting and decided to retaliate by finding and pursuing a person from the other gang in order to warn his assailants off. The gunman maintained he had not intended to fire the gun and instead "panicked" when he brandished the weapon.
He was unanimously convicted of attempted murder by a jury on Friday after two hours and 43 minutes of deliberations. Jones was jailed for life with a minimum term of 16-and-a-half years behind bars.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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