Tristan Gemmill and Michelle Collins will star in Harold Pinter's comedy, re-imagined by The Everyman Theatre Company.

The Everyman Theatre Company, brings together a star cast, including Michelle Collins and Tristan Gemmill, to present Pinter’s classic and most performed darkly-comic masterpiece. The Birthday Party will be at The Lowry from Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 April.

Best known for her roles as Cindy Beale in EastEnders (BBC One) and Stella Price on Coronation Street (ITV), Michelle Collins has worked in TV for over 30 years, other television roles include Real Women, Dr Who and Casualty. Stage credits include Calendar Girls, Rattle of Simple Man, The Vagina Monolgues and Never Forget.

Tristan Gemmill is best know for his role as Robert Preston in Coronation Street (ITV) and Dr Adam Trumen in Casualty (BBC One). Screen roles include, The Jacket and The Curse of the Midas Box.

Set in a dilapidated seaside boarding house the mysterious Stanley Webber receives a visit from two sinister strangers, Goldberg and McCann. They arrive on Stanley’s birthday – or is it? What do they want and why do they want to turn Stanley’s quiet world upside down?

At around 9:36am this morning (Friday 3rd January police were called after reports of a stabbing at a private property in Higher Broughton.

A man suffered a none life-threatening injury to his leg after an isolated stabbing incident thought to have taken place at the Sash Project Hostel nearby Mandley Park on Leicester Road in Higher Broughton.

Two men were taking to hospital following an altercation at the property, one of whom has been arrested on suspicion of a section 18 assault.

The Sash Project is a homeless hostel operated by Riverside Housing Group providing temporary housing for single homeless people.

A Greater Manchester Police statement said:

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"At around 9.40am this morning police were called to report that a man had been stabbed in a property on Leicester Road, Salford.

"Two men have been taken to hospital.  One of the men has been arrested.

"Officers are still in attendance.

"An investigation has been launched - it is being treated as an isolated incident."

 

A forensic team remains on site this morning as it carries out further investigations, experts from GMP Crime Scene Investigations Unit have been seen removing drain covers as part of the examination.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1199  quoting incident 730 3/1/20.

Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Photo: Google

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of an arson attack with intent to endanger lives after a fire was started at a property on Tenby Street in Irlams o' th' Height on New Years Day.

At around 12:15pm on Wednesday 1st Jan 2020, three fire engines were sent to tackle a fire which had spread through the ground floor of a property.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries but a woman from the property was treated for smoke inhalation. 

A Greater Manchester Police Spokesperson said:

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"At around 12.15pm on Wednesday 1 January 2020, police were called to reports of a fire in a property on Tenby Drive, Salford.

"Nobody was injured.

"A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in police custody for questioning."

 

Meanwhile a spokesperson for GMFS said:

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"We were called to Tenby Drive at 12.14pm on Wednesday to reports of a fire.

"Three fire engines were sent to the scene to tackle the fire on the ground floor of a house.

"One female casualty showed signs of smoke inhalation.

"An investigation has been completed and concluded the fire was the result of deliberate ignition."

 

The teenager remains in custody for further questioning after Greater Manchester Fire Service investigators determined the ignition of the fire to have been deliberately started.

Police are calling upon anyone with information which could help their investigations to contact police on 0161 856 5049 quoting 2513 1/1/20. Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Photo: Google

Officers from Greater Manchester Police specialist search unit and crime scene investigation are currently carrying out a search of a property on Claremont Road they suspect as being used as a Meth Lab.

It is understood that items used in the production of methamphetamine have been recovered from the bungalow property.

Police say that a 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

He has since been released pending further enquiries.

This is the second discovery of such an operation in Salford within a month, after police carried out similar searches at a property in Langworthy in December 2019.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:

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"Police are currently in attendance at a property on Claremont Road, Salford following the discovery of a number of items believed to be used in the production of methamphetamine.

"Officers remain at the scene working with partner agencies to recover the items.

"A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis and possession with intent to supply a class A drug. He has been released pending further investigation."

 

Photo: Mark Lavery

As revellers across Salford celebrated and rang in the New Year, Greater Manchester Police were contacted by staff members at Salford Royal Hospital at around 2:15am this morning (Weds 1st Jan 2020), after a 24-year-old man self-presented himself at A&E having sustained a stab wound during an altercation on Eccles Old Road, close to the Royal Sovereign public house.

The man remains in hospital and is said to be in a stable condition with what are described as life threatening injuries.

No arrests have so far been made and a police cordon remains in place.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

The junction between Lancaster Road & Eccles Old Road was cordoned off as too was Stott Lane but this was soon scaled back to the pub and a section of pavement along the frontage.

Police remain at the scene this morning as further investigations are carried out.

Police ask that anyone with information which could help in the their investigation should contact them on 0161 856 5049 quoting 763 1/1/20. Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photos: SM

Residents on Crowther Avenue in Ordsall were awoken by an explosion just after 11:30pm on Monday 30th Dec.

The bomb squad was called in after an explosion tore a hole in the roof of a grey car, not far from the scene of another explosion on Robert Hall Street earlier this month in which police say an industrial firework was involved.

GMP have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosion but residents in 20 homes within the immediate vicinity were evacuated to a nearby hotel as a precaution but have since returned to their houses. No injuries have been reported.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said,

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"Shortly after 11pm on Monday, December 30, 2019, police were called to reports of a car explosion on Crowther Avenue in Salford.

“Officers attended and a cordon was put in place as enquiries were carried out. Approximately 10 to 20 houses were evacuated as a precaution, however all occupants have now returned to their houses.

“Police are keen to stress that it is believed there is no further threat to the wider public.

“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

 

A Fire Service spokesperson said,

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We were called at 11.08pm on December 30. Crews were called to a car fire on Crowther Avenue, in Ordsall.

“One pump from Salford attended. Officers were at the scene for approximately three hours.”

 

Police sniffer dogs were deployed to help with searches and the bomb squad carried out a thorough check of the vehicle.

A cordon was put in place blocking the road in and out of the area but has now since been removed.

The force has now launched an investigation into what caused the explosion.

If you can help police with their investigation please contact them via 101.

Police were called after a man was violently attacked by a group of youths outside of the BP petrol station on Seedley Road in Langworthy at 5.25pm this evening (Monday 30th Dec).

The man in his 20's was attacked by what police say was a large group of youths.

Witnesses say that five youths dressed in dark clothing quickly made off before the police arrived after the attacking the man, leaving him seriously hurt but still conscious on the floor.

Police attended and the man was treated by paramedics at the scene, his current medical status is unknown but police say that no weapons were reportedly used.

GMP said:

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"A man in his 20s has been attacked by a large group of youths outside a petrol station at around 5.25pm.

"The incident is currently ongoing.

"It is difficult to ascertain the seriousness of his injuries at this stage, though he was conscious at the scene.

"There are no reports of any weapons being used.

"Some people nearby say they saw five males in dark clothing."

 

Anyone with any information which may help with the police investigation can get in touch with them via 101.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the family of a man from Salford.

John Hunter (26/04/1943) passed away at Salford Royal Hospital on the Tuesday 17 December 2019.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

It is believed he may have a sister called Edith or Ethel, although further details are not known.

Anyone with information about John’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 5746.

A man aged in his 50s was attacked in the early hours of Thursday morning by unknown offenders who left him with what police say are potentially serious injuries.

The attack happened on Leicester Road in Higher Broughton at around 3am today (Thursday 26th December), the road at the junction of Devonshire Street was taped off and a forensic tent was erected at the scene.

However, by 9am the road was reopened and only a forensics van and a police car remained at the scene, it is unclear if his injuries are life threatening.

The victim was taken by ambulance to hospital, however police say they are awaiting an update as to his condition.

No arrests have so far been made.

A spokesperson for GMP said,

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"There was a report overnight of a serious assault which happened just before 3am.

"We were called to reports the victim was a male in his 50s. He was attacked by unknown offenders.

"We are waiting for an update from the hospital to see how seriously injured he is.

"There is an ongoing investigation."

 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police were called to a property on  Cloughfield Drive in Ordsall at around midnight on Christmas Day after witnesses reported what they described as 'loud bangs'.

The surrounding area was cordoned off with police tape stopping traffic in both directions along neighbouring Robert Hall Street.

Forensics officers carried out a fingertip search of the area and have focused their investigation around one property which has sustained damaged to the glass pane of a patio door.

A police source has revealed that it is not believed to have been a shooting and at the moment it is suspected it was an industrial firework which had been set off.

In a statement GMP said,

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“Shortly after 12.05am on Thursday 26 December 2019, police were called to reports of a loud noise on Cloughfield Avenue, Salford.

“Officers attended and initial enquiries indicated that damage was caused to a property.

“There are no reported injuries.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 21 of 26/12/2019, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photo: SM

Police have launched a public appeal for more information after shots were fired outside a pub on Churchill Way in Salford on Thursday 19 December 2019.

Local residents reported that shots were fired outside The Winston pub on Churchill Way in Salford shortly after 8pm.

Police say that no one was injured and no arrests have been made.

A scene was in place yesterday as enquires were carried out across the area.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Mills of GMP’s Salford district said:

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“Thankfully no one was injured during this violent incident but this does not mean to say that we’re not taking this seriously.

“Officers are working hard to establish exactly what happened during the evening of Thursday 19 December on Churchill Way and are searching for any more vital evidence.

“I would also like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to protect residents and to find those responsible. As a result, you may notice an increased police presence in the area.

“If you were near the Winston pub on Thursday 19 December during the time of the incident and saw anything unusual or suspicious please let police know as a matter of urgency.

“Any details you may have could be crucial in our search for more information.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8565290 quoting incident number 1346 of 23/12/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are trying to find a man who has gone missing from Eccles.

Anthony Brooks, aged 31, was last spoken to at around 5:15pm earlier today (21 December 2019) but attempts to contact him have since failed.

Anthony is described as white, approximately 6ft 2in tall and of stocky build with short dark hair.

He has a tattoo on the left side of his neck and a tattoo of a rose on his left hand.

Police are concerned for Anthony’s safety and want to ensure that he is found safe and well.

It is believed that he may possibly be travelling to the Rochdale area.

Anyone with information about Anthony’s whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5277.

Police Officers were called At 6.25am on Saturday 21 December 2019 following concerns for a man who was found at a bus stop along the B5320 Liverpool Road in Irlam.

A member of the public discovered the body and quickly informed the emergency services who were on scene within minutes.

Officers unfortunately discovered that the man had sadly passed away, a tent has been erected around the area the man was found and police remain in attendance this morning whilst forensics officers carry out their investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.

There are rumours circulating on social media that the man was stabbed but police stress that there is no evidence to suggest that is the case.

The mans identity has not yet been disclosed by police and so we ask that he not be identified on social media until such time his family have been informed.

Police temporarily closed the road and diverted traffic earlier this morning but it is now passable both ways.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 65345 quoting number 902 of 21/12/19.

From Infinity and Beyond…scores of needy children will receive gifts this Christmas thanks to the generosity of staff at three Salford Quays companies.

More than 100 items were donated to a Christmas appeal by the Wood Street Mission charity by colleagues at fund management and corporate advisory business Infinity Asset Management, property sales, lettings and management agency Beyond Residential and Buzz Property Maintenance, which are all part of the Infinity group of companies.

Wood Street Mission, which is in its 150th year, helps children and families in need across Manchester and Salford.

The charity has a Christmas shop where parents and carers can pick presents for children aged up to 14.

Infinity, Beyond and Buzz Property Maintenance staff donated a variety of toys, from stocking fillers to larger items, along with selection boxes, clothes, footballs, baby walkers and make-up.

Landlords of developments managed by Beyond Residential and tenants also weighed in with gifts and cash donations. 

Infinity partner Sarah Butler said:

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“Wood Street Mission is a fantastic charity and we were delighted to support its Christmas appeal. 

“We hope that the generosity of our staff, the landlords and tenants who kindly donated cash and gifts will help make Christmas special for local youngsters whose families are struggling to make ends meet.”

 

Des Lynch, manager of Wood Street Mission, said:

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“We are very grateful to Infinity, Beyond Residential and Buzz Property Maintenance for their support this Christmas. 

“Their generosity will make such an impact on the lives of families across Manchester and Salford.

“Last year saw us distribute over 11,000 gifts to local children and, without the support of local businesses, we couldn’t possibly make Christmas special for so many children."

 

For more information on Wood Street Mission, visit www.woodstreetmission.org.uk

Story: Kevin Feddy

A man who subjected a young boy from Eccles to months of sexual abuse has been jailed for nine years and nine months.

On Monday 25 November 2019 at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court, George David Hughes (20/08/1950) of Whinnie House Road, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with a child.

Yesterday, Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Hughes sexually assaulted the young boy numerous times in his flat. He was then sentenced to nine years and nine months.

The abuse and grooming of Hughes’ victim began in 2007 in Eccles. The victim told police that he recalled how Hughes would invite him to his flat and ask questions about his sexual orientation.

He explained how Hughes would make him meals and give him alcohol. These visits then led to Hughes sexually abusing the victim on several occasions.

The abuse ended when Hughes moved to Carlisle in 2009.

Hughes was later arrested by officers on Tuesday 5 December 2017 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child after the victim reported the offences to police in November 2017.

Detective Constable Steve Powell of the Salford Division said:

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“Hughes took advantage of a vulnerable young boy and subjected him to a prolonged period of horrifying sexual and physical abuse.

“Hughes lured his victim into his home by offering him meals then plied him with alcohol and abused him on countless occasions. His deplorable behaviour means he will spend a long time behind bars to consider his actions and the suffering he forced his victim to ordeal.

“I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and having the bravery and strength to tell police of these horrifying assaults so that Hughes could be brought to justice.

“I would urge anyone out there who is suffering from sexual abuse of any kind to seek help, either from the police or approach their GP or nurse for support. You do not have to suffer in silence.”

 

Tackling the exploitation of children and vulnerable people is a priority for GMP and partners.

Through the It’s Not Okay campaign, which was launched in 2013, we have worked extremely hard to protect children at risk of sexual exploitation, to prevent it from happening and target those responsible.

Multi agency co-located teams were set up in every borough across Greater Manchester and much of our work has included the education of children, parents, professionals and members of the community to recognise this form of child abuse.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 999 alternatively you can report child sexual exploitation to the police by dialling 101.

An Irlam tattoo artist has been charged with four counts of sexual assault after being arrested earlier in the week.

55-year-old Paul Little of Cutnook Lane in Irlam was charged with four alleged counts of sexual assault and will now appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on the 16th of January. He has been remanded back into custody until then.

In November 2019, police received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted at a tattoo parlour in Salford. Since then two more victims have come forward and are currently being supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information should contact police via 101 or the live chat facility, quoting incident number 1885 of 17/11/19. Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault you can find links to those who can help you here: https://salford.media/gethelp

Neil Cuckson aged 32, has admitted to supplying drugs, perverting the course of justice as well as prevention of the lawful burial of 24-year-old Chef Hiran Chauhan.

Hiran's body was found wrapped in plastic amongst undergrowth by children on their way to school almost a week after he was reported to have not returned home, Hiran had last been seen making his way home from work in Manchester on the 2nd of July, he later was seen exiting a tram at Langworthy at around 11:31pm but tragically he never made it to his room in a rented house he shared with others.

Appearing via video-link the accused plead guilty to all charges except one, administering a poison of noxious substance, namely methamphetamine to endanger life.

Guilty pleas were entered for the charges of -

Supplying a class A drug methamphetamine to Mr Chauhan. 

Supplying a class C drug gamma hydroxybutyric acid, also known as GHB, to Mr Chauhan.

Perverting the course of justice, namely the impeding of an investigation into the death between July 2 and July 11 2019.

Preventing the lawful burial of Mr Chauhan.

Cuckson was remanded back into custody and is set to appear again on the 2nd of March for trial.

Raids on eight Salford businesses have netted a haul of more than 50,000 counterfeit and dangerous products worth over £800,000.

Trading standards officers from Salford City Council targeted businesses in Broughton as part of a pre-Christmas crackdown, acting on information from the public, partner agencies and brand holders

Amongst the seized products were 26,878 counterfeit Heisenberg, Vampire Vape and Golden Virginia branded e-liquids with a street value of £370,450 and 17,771 counterfeit Apple products including earphones, with a street value of £431,526.

Other brands seized included LOL Surprise, Marvel, Disney, Superman, Minions, Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, Beats by Dr Dre, Samsung and Playstation toys and clothing.  Another 2,000 unsafe products were also seized including toys with small parts which could have choked small children and electrical products with two pin plugs.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said it was one of the biggest hauls seized in recent years and will help keep people safe at Christmas.

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“These products would have been bought by unsuspecting customers thinking they were getting leading brand name items. Other products were seized because they did not comply with the necessary safety standards,” he said. 

“We are determined to make sure that Salford businesses only sell safe and lawful products and will clamp down hard on any that flout the law and put consumer safety at risk.”

 

The raids, which also involved Greater Manchester Police, business rates inspectors and brand representatives were carried out at eight wholesale and importing businesses in Rugby Street, Overbridge Road and Broughton Lane, Broughton between 2 October and 16 December. Items were seized from all eight premises.

Investigations are continuing and further action is being considered in line with the council’s enforcement and prosecution policy.

Can you help GMP identify the driver of a vehicle which sped off after hitting a pedestrian earlier this week?

Police were called at 6.20pm on Monday  16th December, to report of collision between vehicle and male pedestrian close to the Stanley Arms public house on Eliza Ann Street, Eccles.

The road was cordoned off causing traffic delays but was quickly reopened.

The driver of the vehicle is said to have fled the scene, police say that so far, no arrests have been made.

Fortunately the pedestrian, a male, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Enquiries are ongoing.

If you witnessed the incident and have any information which could help the police identify the driver of the vehicle then please get in touch with them via 101 or online using their chat portal.

A Salford man has been jailed for encouraging multiple counts of horrific sexual abuse of young children, one of which was a baby.

Damen Scott (25/05/1985) of Ashawe Terrace, Little Hulton was today (Tuesday 17 December 2019) sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of 17 counts of child sexual offences, including ‘encouraging the commission of a child sex offence’ he was ordered to sign the sexual offenders register for life.

Scott has also rightly been issued with a lifelong sexual harm prevention order after being found guilty earlier in September 2019.

The court heard how on Tuesday 30 May 2017, Offices from Surrey police executed a warrant at the home address of a man and seized a number of devices.

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“The severity of this case should not be underestimated. Scott is a prolific paedophile who repeatedly encouraged the abuse of vulnerable children – one of which was a baby.

“I would like to thank the team of dedicated officers as well as our colleagues in other forces across the country, whose hard work and commitment has been instrumental in achieving today’s result.

“I want to reassure the people of Greater Manchester that tackling the exploitation of children is a priority for GMP and we will do everything within our power to keep our children safe. For anyone who is thinking of engaging in this type of sinister criminal behaviour - we will find you and we will bring you to justice.

“Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on children, and it is important that you report any suspicious activity no matter how minor you may think this is to police immediately.”

Greater Manchester Police are committed to investigating all child sexual exploitation which can be reported by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Through the It’s Not Okay campaign, which was launched in 2013, GMP have worked extremely hard to protect children at risk of sexual exploitation, to prevent it from happening and target those responsible.

Multi agency co-located teams were set up in every borough across Greater Manchester and much of our work has included the education of children, parents, professionals and members of the community to recognise this form of child abuse.