An traffic accident just after the Unity Brook Inn on Manchester Road between Kearsley and Clifton has blocked the carriageway in both directions. There are reports of long tailbacks and delays in both directions.

Police were called to the scene around noon after a reports of an accident involving a maroon coloured Toyota car.

It is currently unclear as to how the vehicle ended up on the central reservation but there are no reports of any other vehicles being involved in the incident.

The road was closed in both directions as a fire service technical response team went to work with cutters to free the occupant who was cut free from the wreckage and placed on a spinal board before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Transport for Greater Manchester tweeted:

Quote

"Due to a Police incient, the A666 Manchester Road in Kearsley is currently closed in both directions near the Unity Brook Inn. Find an alternate route."

Due to a Police incident, the A666 Manchester Road in Kearsley is currently closed in both directions near the Unity Brook Inn. Find an alternate route. #TfGMTraffic

— TfGM (@OfficialTfGM) August 6, 2019

Image: Phill Taylor

A unique tribute to Pink Floyd based in North West England, Pinked Floyd have been entertaining audiences since 2014 with an engaging audio and visual performance.

After being fantastically received in the first time around, they are back once again to rock the City (Airport and Heliport)

The 2 1/2 hour set contains music from the last 50 years from the classic albums Meddle, Relics, The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, The Final Cut, A Momentary Lapse of Reason, Wish You Were Here, Animals, Atom Heart Mother and the Division Bell.

With an outdoor stage, at a unique venue this is a must see, up close show.

Saturday 17th August 2019 - Doors open 7pm, start time 8pm.

Advance tickets £10*
Gate tickets £15
(Gate tickets subject to availability due to venue capacity limit)

Our Runway 26 Cafe/Bar will be serving drinks and snacks. Open to all ages (Ages 18-25 will require ID for alcohol purchase). Please note searches may be in operation upon entry. Alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the event. Please note this is an outdoor event.

Accompanied children under 12 will not require a ticket. * Booking fee applies for advance tickets. Limited parking available. Advance Tickets available until 9pm, 16th August 2019. Terms and Conditions apply.

Find out more about the band at - www.pinked-floyd.co.uk

Police arrived at the scene shortly before 7.45pm on Wednesday 31st of July, whereupon they discovered the body of a man thought to be in his 40s.

Police have launched an investigation and forensics officers were seen going in and out of the building as they attempt to piece together how the man died.

The deceased has not yet been named by police, we ask that until such time, his name is not posted onto social media in order to ensure his family are informed.

Police have release the following statement, 

Quote

 

"Shortly before 7.45pm on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, police were called to a property on Bolton Road in Worsley to a report of concern for the welfare of a man.

"Emergency services attended and a man in his 40s was sadly found dead.

"Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing."

 

Anyone who has any information or who can help with enquiries is asked to call police 101; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555

LS Lowry could have easily painted pretty landscapes but instead he chose to paint what he saw, and that is without a doubt the most defining trait of Salford, we say it how it is, we tell it how it is and we keep it real.

So with that same spirit in heart, add local wordsmith Simon Williams to that list, he has put pen to paper to recall a vision of a Salford he witnessed himself as he grew up here, a Salford that for many is long gone, all but existing in memories.

The perfectly titled book 'My Salford: Poems From The Heart' is a collection of 40 poems that are utterly unique to us, the people of Salford and as we all know the pope is a salfordian and he endores it.

Each poem is a vivid recollection of events which have shaped our City as well as Simons life, from the gritty memories of the 'scabs' who walked through the doors during the miners strikes to a nostalgic poetical walk down Langworthy Road and remembrance of this once bustling high street.

From memories of a 5 year old Simon visiting the local sporting mecca that was once the Willows, a stadium filled with the greats who would go on to inpire Simon in later life, to the drug culture during the 80's which devastated the lives of many a Salfordian, Simon himself no stranger to their danger.

Quote

 

"Take me away in your yellow van

"Druggie, Smackhead, a shadow of a man

"Looking in the mirror, who is looking back at me?

"Pale, ashen-faced, jaundiced, I could not see.

"Looking around I don't own a thing.

"I even sold my mums wedding ring."

 

Simon has seen it all and done it all, he is an accomplished Author, an avid charity fundraiser who has raised countless thousands for local charities and causes, he also runs the 'Sounds of Salford' radio station which beat out American online stations at their own game by topping their podcast charts. He is without a doubt a Salfordian through and through, he is one of us, wears his heart on his sleeve and has the fire and passion in his heart for this City. A true unsung local hero.

Never forgetting his roots 'My Salford' is available for free on Kindle as Simon is aware how cash strapped this City is, but for those who have a few quid extra there is an old school paperback physical copy available for your personal library it is just a measly £4.82 via Amazon. It is well worth investing in as this is one of those books that in future years will be a Salford bible. Well after all, the Pope is a Salfordian.

Buy here: Click To Buy

The skies above Salford are set to light up once more as the UK Met Office has issued another Yellow Alert for heavy rains as well as thunder and lightning. There is a possibility of localised flooding, especially on Churchill where it tends to flood every time the rain falls. If you are driving in and around the area, please reduce your speed as driving conditions could become hazardous very quickly.

The Met Office warned,

Quote

 

"While many areas will miss the worst of these storms, torrential downpours are likely in some places

"Where downpours occur, close to 30mm rain is possible in a relatively short space of time and 30 to 50mm rain could fall in a couple of hours.

"In a few places thunderstorms may also be accompanied by frequent lightning, hail and gusty winds."

 

Today:

Dry to start the day for most, with some brightness through the morning. Scattered heavy and thundery showers will develop through the afternoon, with torrential downpours and hail in places. Feeling warm and rather humid. Maximum temperature 25 °C.

Tonight:

Heavy showers and thunderstorms will gradually fade through the evening. Drier for a time, before showery rain spreads eastwards through the early hours of Monday morning. Minimum temperature 15 °C.

Monday:

After a wet start for most, it will turn drier through the morning with sunny spells developing. Staying mostly dry and bright through the afternoon, with only isolated showers. Maximum temperature 22 °C.

It is with great sadness we report that Salford Astronomical stalwart - Frank Rourke - has passed away at the age of 70.

The announcement of his passing came as a total shock to friends and family, as he had not long since given a talk on the Apollo program at the observatories celebration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landings in July.

Frank was a keen amateur astronomer and a co-founder of Salford Astronomical Society, going onward to become the observatories resident Space Flight expert as well proudly holding the esteemed position of treasurer.

With an exemplary knowledge of the humankind's ventures to our celestial neighbour, Frank was only too happy to pass on his extensive knowledge to future generations and anyone else who shared his love of the cosmos.

On a personal note I wish to say thank you to Frank for making me feel welcome as I am very proud to have been a member of the society myself during my younger years. As a youth I once asked him for advice on buying a telescope, expecting a huge response full of scientific technobabble and long words I couldn't understand, he simply replied with "Come look through ours."

A kind hearted man with a sharp sense of humour, he was and shall always remain a much loved member of the society, his star may have dimmed but memories of him will shine on like the brightest Quasar within this City.

He will be sadly missed.

Frank was interviewed by Tony Flynn for SalfordOnline, we have included the video above.

At around 4.40am on Friday 12 April 2019, police were called to Waterloo Street to reports that a 19-year-old man had been raped.

Enquiries established that the man was approached by another man outside Cruz 101 who asked him if he knew a quiet place where he could urinate.

When the victim told him no and that he was just walking home, the man walked with him before raping him on Waterloo Street at the ramp of a car park.

Since the time the report came in, officers have been examining CCTV footage to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the offence and identify the man responsible.

Other enquiries, which have taken some time, include forensic analysis but unfortunately, this has not resulted in a positive identification of the offender.

The 19-year-old man has been supported by specially trained officers since April and officers are now turning to the public to help them provide answers for him.

CCTV released by investigating officers shows a man they want to speak to in connection with the investigation.

Detective Constable Sarah Dixon of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said:

Quote

“Since the report came into us in April, we’ve been following every single line of enquiry available to us but unfortunately, we’ve not yet been able to find the man responsible.

“While people may not remember what they were doing on the night of Friday 12 April or whether they were in the area at the time, I’m hoping that by releasing this CCTV, people will recognise the man we want to speak to in connection with this and get in touch with us.

“We really need people to pass on any information so that we can progress our enquiries further.

“The victim has sadly had to already wait three months knowing the person responsible for this has not been arrested and is not facing the consequences of this abhorrent crime.

“Please, help us in our aim to provide him with answers.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Robert, aged 81, has sadly passed away at his home address of Rockbank, Lower Broughton Road, Salford on 26 July 2019 and police are trying to find members of his family to inform them.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

If you can help or have any information about Robert’s next of kin, you should contact the Police Coroners Officer on 0161 856 4687

Peel had been locking horns with both Salford Council and local residents group R.A.I.D (Residents Against Inappropriate Development) since 2013 after proposals were put forward to create 600 dwellings on a plot of land between Monton Green and Worsley Road.

Local Councillors Karen and Robin Garrido have both spoken strongly in opposition of the applications made by Peel, citing issues such a development would bring to the area, from increased traffic disruption on local roads and the knock-on effect on the wider area, to the effects that 600 new dwellings would have on local services.

The initial plans were refused by Salford council but that did not stop Peel from appealing the panels decision, however, after a six week public enquiry in 2014, the original decision was upheld by the Secretary of State Eric Pickles in March 2015.

Peel didn't waste any time in submitting a high court challenge but before that could be heard a separate high court panel ruled that a technical element of the inspectors report was wrong and that the March 2015 decision by then Secretary of State Eric Pickles should be quashed. 

The government said a new inquiry would have to be opened to consider all the evidence once again.

Meanwhile, Peel applied for planning permission to build another 165 homes on a smaller part of Broadoak which was again refused by the council’s planning panel in July 2017.

After yet another lengthy and costly enquiry, Secretary of State James Brokenshire backed both Salford Council and the campaigners by ruling that both appeals should be dismissed and the original outcomes be upheld.

Peel Investments (North) were given a 6 week window to challenge the decision and once more formally submitted papers requesting a judicial review based on the question of whether Mr Brokenshire properly interpreted national policy in respect of housing and sustainable development.

Peel, The Secretary of State and Salford City Council were set to clash at the High Courts of Justice as they set out to quash the November 2018 decisions.

During the court proceedings, Peel's legal team raised questions as to whether the Secretary of State correctly interpreted national planning policy, particularly in respect of housing and the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

It was suggested that there was inconsistency with the housing policies of the Framework which, in particular, addressed the need for a balanced supply of housing including family housing and affordable housing within the available supply. It was further suggested that the inspector’s assessment was measured against the 2012 Framework, rather than the revised 2018 Framework which was available to the Secretary of State at the time. 

A number of other grounds were dismissed.

After carefully considering the evidence presented and having heard arguments from both sides, Mr Justice Dove ruled in favour of the defendants, both the Secretary of state and Salford City Council.

He came to the conclusion that there as no misinterpretation and that all grounds should be dismissed and that the decision by the Secretary of State and Salford City Council to deny planning permission be upheld.

In summing up Mr Dove told the court,

Quote

"It follows from the forgoing that having analysed the various grounds upon which the Claimant’s case has been brought.

"I am satisfied that permission should be refused for grounds 6, 7 and 8 and that grounds 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 should be dismissed."

A Jubilant Councillor and Chair of R.A.I.D - Karen Garrido - said,

Quote

"This is a great victory for RAID with the huge support of local residents, ward councillors and the Council’s officers and QC.

"We could not have won this gigantic battle which has stretched over the last few years with two public inquiries and two High Court appeals without the support of 100’s of local residents who attended public meetings sometimes in the middle of torrential downpours and turned up at the Public Inquiries some to speak others giving moral support.

"if you believe strongly enough then your fight is strengthened as it has been in this case."

It is currently thought that any chance to appeal the ruling has been denied and so it finally looks like the epic battle is over.

The full ruling can be found on this link: Download

The retailer has plans to build a 19,200 sq ft store next to the AJ Bell Stadium after planning permission was granted by Salford City Council after being recommended for approval by planning officers and despite objections from other retailers in the area, mainly Asda and Lidl.

The new store will be situated within a plot of land which lies between the stadium and the only other plot sold which is where the Barley Farm Pub now stands, it will also have car parking capacity for up to 115 cars and the possibility of electric car charging points.

The Council has struggled to find investors to help develop the site, having previously only sold one plot to Greene King who own Barley Farm.

There has been talk of interest from Swedish Furniture giants IKEA but we understand from a reliable source that the Council was not too happy as IKEA planned to land bank which would have meant a plot of land was bought but not developed right away, if at all in the future.

We were also made aware of talk surrounding a car dealership which was showing interest in the area but so far nothing more has come to light. A further eight development plots are available.

Councilor David Lancaster, who is a co-director of the stadiums management company CosCo, said,

Quote

 

 "This is the second big development following from the Greene King pub on the stadium sit, which is quickly turning into a go to destination for business.

"Though it is wasteland the council and partners always saw the potential in this area with its traffic connections and prominent position close to the Trafford Centre.

"Four more businesses have already moved into the stadium itself, and we are close to signing our next agreement with a large developer for the site. This news is a vindication of the long term perspective this council and its partners have towards regeneration in the area."

 

Not everyone shares the Councillors optimism however, as questions have been asked by members of the public as to why the land has been lain dormant and unsold for so long.

The council has always intended to use the sales of land to offset the cost of the stadiums debts but earlier this year the council was forced to approve yet another £120,000 matched loan to the company behind the AJ Bell after 'Cash Flow' issues brought about by the compulsory purchase of surrounding land, this latest loan came after a staggering £670,000 matched loaned the previous year. Partner, Peel Holdings put up an equal amount of money to match that of the Councils loans in both cases.

Salford Media (Then Salford Voice) asked Deputy Mayor John Merry with regards to sales of land back in 2017 and we were given reassurances that an announcement was very imminent but nothing came of it until now, two years later.

The stretch around the Stadium has also hit the news due to the persisting traffic flow problems which have blighted the area and led to heavy criticism from homeowners surrounding the site, as well as from commuters trying to access via the Barton junction of the M60.

Construction roadworks plagued the area for years and subsequently there have been huge problems with bottlenecks on match days , despite improvements with a new access route into Trafford and alterations to the road layout, they have still remained a a huge issue for many.

Aldi has has plans to open an 18,600 sq ft store on the other side of the Manchester Ship Canal at Trafford Retail Park on Barton Road, which attracts around 4m visitors a year and features occupiers which include Dunelm, Food Warehouse, Nando's B&M as well as KFC, Mcdonald's and a Pizza Hut. All of which are now easily accessible via car due to the new bridge directly into the heart of Trafford.

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £1,500 costs with £50 victim supplement

The court heard that the trees stood outside a pair of semi-detached brick built houses on Lancaster Road. Both trees were protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

After receiving a complaint about damage to the trees, council officers visited the site and found the gardens in both cases had been excavated to street level and hard core laid down. Land next to the root balls of each tree had been cut away to allow construction of a new wall and its foundations.

Many large roots had been cut and gouged during the activity.

Mr Al-Hashmi, who owns one of the properties, was interviewed and admitted responsibility for the work that had been done and for the damage to the roots of the trees. He said he knew the trees were protected by a Tree Preservation Order but believed that meant he could not cut the branches or alter the look of the trees and he only needed to contact the council if he intended to interfere with the crown of the tree.

He believed the TPO did not apply to the tree roots which were seriously damaged. He said he did not intentionally or wilfully damage the trees.

Experts at the time said the stability of the mature trees had been compromised and they could become unsafe. Mr Al-Hashmi subsequently applied for permission to remove the trees and paid for the work involved. Speaking after the case Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said:

Quote

 

“This series of errors and omissions has led to the destruction of two mature trees, spoiling the look of the street. Anyone who is undertaking any work near to trees must check carefully if they are protected and be very clear about what they are entitled to do.

“It’s our policy to replace any tree which has to be removed with two more, though they cannot necessarily be put back at the same location. These two trees will be replaced by four others in the city.”

 

Nominations are now being accepted for this years Heart of Salford awards, you can nominate a volunteer, volunteering team, organisation and project.

The awards acknowledge the vast contribution made by volunteers and organisations across Salford.

You can nominate your own organisation for an award or if you are from outside of the VCSE sector you can choose to nominate a local VCSE organisation.

The Volunteer categories are as follows...

1. The Alan Henning Community Volunteer Award: In memory of Alan Henning. Open to all volunteers who give their time freely in order to make a positive difference in Salford.

2. Young Volunteer (under 25) Award: Young people who have made a difference to their own life prospects and to the lives of others through volunteering.

3. Trustee / Committee Member Award: Individuals who have given their time in the role of a trustee, management committee or board member to ensure the effective governance and sustainability of a Salford voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation.

4. Over 55 Volunteer Award: People over 55 who volunteer in the city to make a difference to the lives of others .

5. The Josie Browne Personal Achievement Volunteer Award: In memory of Josie Browne. Individuals who have developed personally through volunteering and / or may have overcome personal / practical difficulties in order to volunteer.

6. Volunteering Team of the Year Award: Too hard to nominate just one volunteer? Then why not nominate your whole team of volunteers! Tell us why they should win our Volunteering Team of the Year Award

To make a nomination follow this link Before you make a nomination, we recommend that you read the guidance notes.

The Organisation categories are as follows...

1. Small Community Group: Open to small community groups who are making a real difference in their local area.

2. Social Enterprise: Salford social enterprises that are fulfilling their social mission and adding value to this city.

3. Charity: Registered charities who are making a positive difference to the people of Salford.

4. Innovative Project Award: Projects of voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations that have made a difference through new and innovative ways of working.

5. Equalities Award: Voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations that address equality issues, challenge discrimination or help to develop community cohesion.

To make a nomination follow this link Before you make a nomination, we recommend that you read the guidance notes.

Nominees across all categories will be shortlisted by an independent panel and attendees at the ceremony will vote for the winners in each category.

Award Ceremony

An independent panel will shortlist nominees and attendees at the ceremony will vote for the winner of each category.

The awards will be held on Monday 18th November 2019, from 12noon onwards at AJ Bell Stadium, Stadium Way, Eccles M30 7EY – so please save the date.

If you have any questions about the process please refer to the attached guidance notes or contact Claire Roberts at the Volunteer Centre on T: 0161 787 7795 E: claire.roberts@salfordcvs.co.uk

A member of the public flagged down an armed response vehicle after spotting a woman walking along the middle of the busy Deansgate whilst carrying a knife.

Officers were quick to respond and after the woman repeatedly failed to meet a challenge by officers to drop the knife, they discharged a taser in order to safely detain her.

I have just heard over the radio that an Armed Response Vehicle has been flagged down on Deansgate to reports of a woman walking in the middle of the street with a knife. When challenged by the officers she has not complied & was safely detained with use of Taser. Insp M pic.twitter.com/bBs6WUbI5n

— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) August 1, 2019

A Police spokeswoman said, 

Quote

 

"A 48-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article."

 

Armed patrols have been active in Manchester in order to provide a visible reassurance, they are not acting on any specific threat.

Earlier this month, officers from GMP’s Major Incident Team announced a murder investigation after enquiries led them to believe Hadeer – who is in her 20s – may not be alive.

As part of their appeal for information, they’ve now released another photo of Hadeer that was taken when she arrived in the UK in November 2018.

She’d travelled to the UK from Greece to live with some family in the Rusholme area but was reported missing to police on 2nd July 2019 and it’s thought she had not been seen for some time before that.

When officers launched their initial investigation, they established that she’d not been seen for some time prior to the report coming in so could not trace any of her movements.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, who is leading the investigation from the Major Incident Team, said:

Quote

“This is a really unusual set of circumstances as usually, when someone has gone missing, we’re able to find out when they’d last used their mobile phone or when they’d last turned up at work but unfortunately, we don’t have any record of either for Hadeer.”

Enquiries carried out by specialist officers have included examination of CCTV in the area where she lives as well as speaking to people as witnesses but this has not yet helped officers find out what exactly happened to her.

The whereabouts of her six-year-old daughter were unknown at the time Hadeer was reported missing but she has since been found safe and well.

Officers are appealing directly to the public for information and assure them that their information can be dealt with in confidence.

DCI Hopkinson, added:

Quote

“Despite working around the clock on this throughout the month, we’ve sadly not been able to find any proof that Hadeer is alive and as more time passes, our hypothesis that she has come to harm becomes stronger and stronger.

“We are still trying to build a fuller profile of Hadeer and the life that she led so we need any information that people have to be passed on to us urgently.

“I understand that people may not want to speak to us and that it can be scary knowing that we’re dealing with a murder investigation but I cannot stress the importance of them doing so.

“There are a number of ways people can pass on information to us and you can do this anonymously.

“All the information that is passed onto us will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

“I cannot imagine the torment her daughter faces of not knowing what has happened to her mum. She’s the reason why we need anyone who knows anything, no matter what it is, to get in touch with us.”

Two men were previously arrested in connection with the investigation but remain on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9283 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The Environment Agency put homes around parts of Worsley Brook on a flood alert after river levels rose rapidly at the Chestnut Road river gauge as a result of localised thunderstorms.

The alert has now been removed due to receding water levels. River levels have now fallen below the flood risk threshold. However, a Flood Alert remains in force for the wider area, so flooding may still affect roads and low lying land.

It was believed there was a possibility of flooding for properties close to Worsley Brook as further thunderstorms are forecast during the day and evening.

The pathway between Cypress Road and Riding Fold Lane was left flooded and impassable as water levels rose ever higher.

At one point the water levels were a few inches from breaching and flooding properties on the stretch behind Alder Forest Avenue, some gardens along the path of the river had flooded due to weaknesses in the walls allowing water to exit into them. 

A representative from the Environment Agency was knocking on doors to warn local people of potential flooding and reassuring them that they were closely monitoring the situation.

Incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue (further) flood warnings if necessary.

Stay aware in case further warnings are issued.

Salford Council has issued a warning after reports of a man with an Eastern European Accent who has been knocking on doors claiming to be authorised to collect money for council tax bills on their behalf.

When challenged he has presented an obviously fraudulent letter which he claims to be authorisation to act as a collector.

The letter raised suspicions when it was noted to be hand written, badly photocopied, with a 'Thank you for your love' expressed at the bottom. Now we are no not saying the Council doesn't love us all, I am sure they have big hearts but its not exactly the most professional document we have ever seen.

The man has been spotted in a number of areas including Kersal, Lower Broughton and Dutchy.

It is unknown if anyone has so far fallen for the scam but residents are being asked to keep an eye on any vulnerable neighbours or family members and tell them not to open the door if they are unsure.

The man is described as having short brown/grey hair, around 5'10", wearing black boots, light coloured cargo pants, a striped shirt and carrying a black satchel over his back as well as a folder with papers in his hands. 

He has reportedly made attempts to push his way into peoples houses to demand cash from them.

Please be aware the council would never ask for council tax cash payments on your doorstep.

James has now been found safe and well, thank you for sharing.

James Taylor, 28, was last seen around 6am on Tuesday 30 July in Irlam.

There is a possibility that he may have caught the train at Irlam train station.

James is described as white with medium length, straight, dark brown hair.

He is believed to be wearing a blue Superdry coat with fur around the hood, black Adidas “LA” trainers and black skinny jeans.

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for James and want to make sure he is safe and well.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5488.

 

In April 2019, DCS Higham was initially told she’d been awarded the British Association for Women in Policing (BAWP) Lifetime Achievement Award for her achievements in policing across her GMP career including being the first female Detective Chief Inspector and Superintendent in the Serious and Organised Crime Unit and the first female Chief Superintendent within the Operational Communications Branch before moving on to be the first female head of the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Following her BAWP win, the category was submitted to the International Awards which she has also gone on to win, beating off stiff competition from prestigious nominees across the globe.

One of her proudest achievements to date was setting up GMP’s first Child Sexual Exploitation Team (PROTECT) in 2006, which paved the way for all other CSE teams within GMP, and at the time PROTECT was recognised as best practise for other National forces to follow.

She also proudly led the implementation of the first Domestic Violence court in Greater Manchester, training magistrates, judges, crown prosecutors as well as representatives from the media on the challenges surrounding domestic violence and the needs of victims. This court was subsequently recognised as good practice and implemented across GMP as well as wider areas. To complement this she brought in the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference process within GMP bringing together partners to safeguard victims and children within abusive relationships.

Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in leading the way for future female leaders by being a ‘female first’ leader in some predominantly male environments. Through her continued vision for women in policing and ‘can-do’ attitude, she has run workshops and mentoring support for male and female officers and colleagues who are looking to progress their careers, and has continued to run these workshops and mentor people every year of her service.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emily Higham said, 

Quote

"I didn’t even know that I had been nominated, so when I was notified that I was to receive not only a British award but a global award I was shocked but absolutely delighted.

“I am incredibly humbled to receive such recognition, I like many of my colleagues spend time developing the talent within the Police family. We all work incredibly hard to protect the communities and vulnerable people within GMP, and within my new role, the whole of the North West.

“I have been afforded fantastic opportunities within GMP, including being a female first in numerous roles, I have loved every minute of my career and worked with incredible people along the way.”

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said, 

Quote

“This is a fantastic achievement for Emily. The fact that she was selected as a winner from nominees across the world shows the high calibre of work carried out by the officers and staff of GMP. I am immensely proud of her achievements, which have provided an outstanding service to the public and delivered real leadership across the community of Greater Manchester and beyond."

ACC Chris Green of North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said,

Quote

“We are so proud of Emily and this achievement is richly deserved. Emily is a role model for so many of our officers and staff and continues to pave the way in policing in the North West”

DCS Higham is due to receive her award at a formal event during the IAWP’s 57th Annual Training Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, USA this September.

The yellow alert for Thunderstorms is in place from 3am on Tuesday until midnight on Wednesday 31st.

Salford is among the areas expected to take see the worst of the storm as it slowly tracks North-Eastwards. There is a possibility of flash flooding in some areas, and drivers are warned to take extra care and attention on the roads due to surface spray and slippery conditions.

Today (30th July), There may be some dry and sunny periods early on, but heavy and thundery showers are expected during the day. They will be frequent during the afternoon, with heavy downpours, a brisk breeze, and a risk of hail. Maximum temperature 23 °C. There is a possibility of localised flooding in some areas, as well as some disruption to travel networks.

This evening heavy showers will continue and last through the night across most of northwest England. There will be blustery winds at times too. Minimum temperature 12 °C.

Tomorrow (31st July), Frequent heavy and thundery downpours are likely throughout the day, with a risk of hail. There will be some brief brighter interludes, and it will be windy at times. Maximum temperature 21 °C.

Andrew Austin (03/11/1967), of Sumner Road, Irlam o’th Heights , has yesterday (Monday 29 July 2019) been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to 26 years in prison.

He had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, one count of sexual assault. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

During a period of time between 1998 and 2004, Austin sexually abused four victims who were aged between eight and 16 at the time, at a number of properties in Salford.

In August 2018, a relative of one of the victims – along with a charity worker - came forward to police and a full investigation was launched with Austin arrested.

During police interview Austin initially denied all offences but admitted his crimes before the case went to trial.

Detective Constable Lyndsey Galbraith, of GMP’s Swinton district, said:

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“The sickening abuse suffered by Austin’s victims is unthinkable and we must not underestimate the bravery and courage it has taken them to come forward and speak out.

“Austin robbed his young victims of their childhood in the most cruel and despicable way and prison is the only place for a person like that

“I hope that this case goes to show that no matter long has passed, officers from Greater Manchester Police will always remain committed to pursuing justice and putting dangerous and perverted predators like Austin behind bars.

“I would plead with anyone who had suffered from this kind of abuse to please get the help and support they need by coming forward and speaking with us.”

 

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 0161 236 2182