Zack Issak, of Habbibi in Manchester, was left shocked when a member of his team discovered a gun inside the venue on its launch night – police have launched an investigation and seized the weapon
The owner of a new £3 million restaurant has spoken out after a gun was found stored inside its luxury bathroom.
Zack Issak, of Habbibi in Manchester city centre, says a member of his staff discovered the firearm during the launch night of the new venue. The lavish event on June 8, which welcomed stars from Love Island and Coronation Street, took a drastic turn when police had to be called to the site.
Workers at the restaurant, located on Hardman Boulevard, were left “saddened and shocked” by the discovery. Mr Issak confirmed that the venue “immediately took appropriate action” and called Greater Manchester Police shortly before 9pm. Officers rushed to the scene and seized the gun and also sent a quantity of suspected drugs for testing. Police have since confirmed that no arrests have been made at this time.
A spokesperson for the force said: “At around 8:45pm on Saturday 8 June 2024, we were called to reports of a firearm being located at a business property on Hardman Boulevard in the city centre. Our officers attended and recovered the firearm in question. A quantity of suspected drugs were also seized and sent for testing. The firearm was made safe at the scene and no arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.”
Mr Issak has reassured locals that it was an “isolated” incident, reports Manchester Evening News. He added: “We are saddened and shocked to confirm that on the evening of Saturday 8th June, during our Manchester launch event, a member of the Habbibi team discovered a firearm on site. As a venue we immediately took all appropriate action, notifying the police and securing the weapon in our safe until officers arrived to safely remove the firearm from the premises.
“The police were able to confirm that the firearm was not loaded. All of our guests were completely safe and at no stage was there any wider danger. There is an ongoing police investigation so we are limited with the information we can share at this time. This is of course not how we wanted to start our journey, to join the vibrant and buoyant hospitality scene in Manchester as a new venue.
“However, we want to reassure all of our guests and the residents of this great city that this is an isolated incident. We will share further information as and when we are able to, and will continue to work closely with the police. Whilst we are still in shock at the incident, we would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far and look forward to welcoming you all to join us at Habbibi and to show people how amazing the culinary scene in this great city is.”
