Two men jailed for car explosion in Salford likely to “endanger life”

Two men have been found guilty of causing an explosion inside a BMW vehicle that was driven to Crowther Avenue.

22-year-old Shakur Watson and 44-year-old Stephen Curry were found guilty of causing the explosion in Salford that was “likely to endanger life.”

The two defendants who are both from Liverpool were sentenced to a total of over 24 years in prison today (Friday 24 November 2023) at Bolton Crown Court.

At 11.05pm on December 30 2019, the suspects arrived and delivered the explosive device in a BMW. The BMW was damaged in the incident when the explosive device detonated within the vehicle on Crowther Avenue.

The suspects fled the scene immediately following the detonation.

The BMW was left at the scene and identified as a stolen vehicle, where it was later recovered.

Thankfully, no one was reported injured as a result of the explosion.

Between December 14-31 2019, a series of incidents including firearms discharges, criminal damage caused by an explosive device, and an affray occurred in the Salford area.

These incidents were suspected to be linked to increased tensions between the “A-team” and “Anti-A-team” Organised Crime Groups resulting in family members being targeted within the communities they reside in.

Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan, of GMP Salford’s Organised Crime Unit, said: “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.”

Watson received a 13 year and four month jail sentence for possession of 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.

Whilst Curry was given 11 years in custody for using an explosion likely to endanger life.