Updated:

police are telling us the following...

At 9:59pm on September 8, three fire engines from Agecroft, Salford and Broughton attended an incident at a terraced property in Doveleys Road, Salford.

Crews wearing full breathing apparatus extinguished the flames in the lounge area of the property using two hose jet reels, a short extension ladder and a positive pressure ventilation fan.

The fire caused serious damage to the inside of the property and the incident is being treated as arson.

Witnesses say they saw a man throwing what as described as a petrol bomb through the front room window before making off on foot.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are on-going.

A woman in the property at the time escaped unhurt and was treated by Ambulance services.

Firefighters were on the scene for several hours.

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2230 of 08/09/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police, Fire and Ambulance services attended the scene of a house fire towards the end of Doveley's road at the junction with Bolton Road in Irlam o th Height this evening (08/09/17), reportedly a woman who was in the house at the time escaped unhurt.

We are told that the fire has been extinguished but emergency services remain to ensure it is fully under control and to investigate the cause.

We are awaiting further information and will update this post as soon as we have anything more.

Photo Copyright: Joanne Gradwell who kindly allowed us to use it

An event being organised by the Agecroft Heritage Restoration Group this Saturday will try to raise attention to a campaign to restore the dilapidated Anglican Chapel and bring it back into public use.

According to the heritage groups website, the chapel located in Salford’s Agecroft Cemetery is just one of a group of coordinated buildings designed by the Manchester architects Walter Sharp and Frederick Foster.

The range of buildings also include the lodge, cemetery office, former non-conformist chapel (now the crematorium), imposing entrance gateway and perimeter walls. In addition there was a Roman Catholic chapel to the south of the cemetery which was demolished.

The Anglican Mortuary chapel was opened in 1903 by Manchester’s Bishop James Moorhouse.

Designed as the centrepiece of the cemetery it is a remarkable building of considerable height, grandeur and robust construction.

The importance of the chapel is reflected in its Grade II status and its unique design; a mixture of gothic, arts and crafts and art nouveau influences. For these reasons it must not be lost.

Detailed information on the Chapel including the listing criteria can be found at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1067513

Events on the day will feature, guided tours of the cemetery and crematorium, history talks, local choir performances, a children's trail with prizes, refreshments and comment on the future proposed uses for the chapel.

Since 2015 the group has undertaken work to clean up what used to be an overgrown wilderness, the building is now free from years of weeds and clutter. It is hoped that grant funding can be sought to help bring the much loved iconic building back into full use.

If you can get down there then please do so as the cemetery is amazingly tranquil and picturesque no matter what the weather.

For more information you can find the groups website on the following link: http://madlab22.ismysite.co.uk/campaign/

Photographs by : Chris Rendal 

In the early hours two members of staff at Santander's Walkden branch were threatened by three masked men who were armed with a handgun and a machete.

The attackers gained entry by following a G4S employee as he entered the bank to deliver money, they overpowered him and pushed their way in.

One of the victims was forced to lie on the floor with a gun pressed in to his back.

The trio fled with a significant amount of cash in a getaway car, a red Mini Cooper which was later recovered in the area.

One offender has been described as approximately 5ft 8ins tall and of stocky build, wearing black jogging bottoms and a blue hooded coat.

Another robber was wearing black jogging bottoms and a light coloured hooded top, whilst the third offender wore black jogging bottoms with a grey hooded top with the hood up.

All men were wearing balaclavas.

Police Sergeant Natasha Evans of GMP’s Salford borough, said:

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“This was a horrifying attack, which has left the employees extremely shaken.

“Thankfully no-one was injured, but that doesn’t excuse the terrifying ordeal that the victims had to endure at the hands of these violent men.

“I would urge anyone that was in the area at the time of the robbery that thinks they might have seen anything that could help our investigation to please get in touch.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 123 of Thursday 7 September 2017, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ryan James Deans (04/07/1988) is wanted on recall to prison after breaching the conditions of his licence following convictions for robbery, handling stolen goods and driving offences. 

He has links to Salford, Farnworth and Bolton. 

Anyone who recognises Deans and has information about where he is should call police on 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 
 

A 20-year-old woman was walking home from her friend’s house when she was approached from behind by a man who pushed her against some metal railings on Cromwell Bridge. 

The offender then sexually assaulted the victim who managed to push him off before he subsequently fled in the direction of Great Cheetham Street. 

The offender has been described as approximately 6ft, white, in his early 20s, of skinny build and wearing all black clothing including a North Face waterproof hooded jacket and trousers. 

He also wore a black cap underneath his hood and black trainers. 

Detective Inspector Damian Simpson from Pendleton’s CID team, said:

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“Our primary concern is the welfare of this woman and we are offering her support from a team of specially trained officers. 

“We understand that an assault like this will concern people and I want to assure you we have launched a full investigation into it and are working hard to make sure the man responsible for this horrific incident is found. 

“We are treating this as an isolated incident and no other reports of this nature, in the area, have been made to us so far. 

“If you saw anyone matching the description in the area around the time of the attack or have any information that could help our investigation, I would urge you to get in touch.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or 0161 856 5360 quoting incident number 161 of 5 September 2017 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

The patrol car gestured for the van to pull over but the van began speeding through the streets and was pursued by police.

The van driver slammed on the brakes a number of times in the hope that the patrol car would crash into the back of it and stop the pursuit.

The driver then quickly turned the van around and drove at speed directly at the patrol car before ramming into it on Duchy Street in Irwell, Salford and driving off.

The two officers in the patrol car have received hospital treatment for their injuries and will be unable to continue their usual duties for some time due to this incident.

A 21 year-old woman, who is believed to have been the passenger in the van, has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, however police are still searching for the driver of the van.

A CCTV image of a man believed to be the driver of the van has also been released by police.

Sergeant Danny Kabal of GMP’s Specialist Operations Team said:

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“The driver of the white Transit van intended on doing some serious damage and didn’t care if he was putting innocent lives at risk.

“The van was used as a weapon against police officers, who are only there to keep the streets of Greater Manchester safe.

“Thankfully, the officers involved will recover from their injuries, and no members of the public were caught up in the incident but we could have been dealing with an entirely different situation.

“We have arrested a woman but we are still searching for the man who was the driver of the vehicle.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have any information about who this man is, to get in touch with us.

“Anyone who thinks it is okay to use a van as a weapon against anyone needs removing from the streets and bringing to justice and we won’t stop until we find this man.”

 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5351, alternatively call 101 quoting the reference number 176 of 5/9/17 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Before long, a scuffle ensued, which then escalated into a number of men being assaulted.

Detectives investigating the incident have released moving footage of people they want to speak to.

Detective Constable Kate Grundy of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said:

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“I’m particularly interested in speaking to the man circled in the footage but urge anyone else who is shown in that footage or anyone who knows them to get in contact with me.

“Violence is never the answer and should not be used as a reaction to any circumstances, particularly as it puts lives and the safety of others in danger.

“If you know the people in this footage, please call it in - you can even do this anonymously - but please, make sure you do it.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4275 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Emergency services attended and the female cyclist, who has since been formally identified as 18-year-old Oliwia Franchesca Wojciechowka originally from Poland and living in Lower Broughton, was taken to hospital where she sadly died.

No arrests have been made.

Her mother would like to thank the community for their support.

Paying tribute to her, Oliwia’s mother and brother, said:

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“We cannot believe what has happened and we cannot sleep. She is our love and had a very big heart.

“Our lives will never be the same without her. The loss is so big.

“She was saving up to go to a relatives wedding in Lukowa in Poland in October.

 

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses of the collision and anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4742, quoting incident number 1266 of 01/09/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.  

By pushing up recycling rates in the Swinton area they helped raise funds for ten new sculptures at Clifton Country Park.

The mile long trail includes a bear, squirrel, owl, green man and a fairy house all made locally sourced wood.

It’s the latest success for the Recycle and Reward scheme run by Salford City Council where residents vote each month for their favourite local good cause. If recycling rates increase in the area, the favourite receives funding for their project.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “The Clifton Country Park User Group Forum with support from the Ranger team came up with the idea of the sculpture trail and put it forward to the Recycle and Reward scheme.

“They spent an anxious month hoping residents in the area would increase recycling and we were all delighted when they did. Not only did it secure the funding for this fantastic trail which really enhances the country park but it keeps more waste from going to landfill which wastes money and is bad for the environment.”

The sculptures were made by Cheshire based chain saw artist Mike Burgess and installed by Salford City Council workers and Salford Volunteer Rangers.

Clifton Country Park, which lies beside the River Irwell, has acres of open woodland and meadows, lakeside walks and is home to the remains of the Wet Earth Colliery, established in 1740 and one of the first deep mines to be sunk in the area.

It has 24 hour pedestrian access and a visitor centre which is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and weekends.

The Recycle and Reward scheme is open to residents across Salford and is funded with government money www.salford.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/recycle-and-reward/

He has links to the Salford, Eccles and Irlam areas.

Anyone with information about Marland’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Knowles has links with Eccles, Irlam and Cadishead.

If anyone sees him or knows where Knowles may be, please contact police 101 or the independent charity Crimstoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing after balaclava wearing men chased and shot at a man in Pendleton.

Shortly before 8pm on Wednesday 30 August 2017, police were called to Fitzwarren street in Pendleton, Salford, to reports that shots had been fired.

Officers attended and witnesses described seeing two men chasing another man near to Lidl on Fitzwarren Street and shooting at him.

One shot had hit a silver Renault Megane which was being driven by a member of the public.

The two men had made off in a black Volkswagon Golf before police arrived. Efforts were made to find the man who was being chased, however these efforts were unsuccessful.

Detective Sergeant Rachel Smith from GMP's Salford borough said: "This was a terrifying incident which could have so easily been life threatening for members of the public going about their business. 

"We don't believe there were any serious injuries last night, property owned by innocent members of the public was damaged, but im thankful that we're not dealing with a more tragic situation.

"The incident happened shortly before 8pm so there will have been lots of people who may have witnesses what happened. I'm appealing for them to get in touch.

"Also, anyone who knows who the two men wearing balaclavas could be or has any idea of who their victim is should call me as soon as possible.

"One gun on the streets of Greater Manchester is one too many, we will not stop until we find those who continue to put people's lives in danger by being so reckless."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5360, 101 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man from Manchester.

He is actively evading police and all efforts to find him have been exhausted. He has links to the Clayton area.

Anyone with information about Gee’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

The video shows the moment that two men wearing baseball caps walk past their home on Hospital Road, Swinton, checking the coast is clear they return a few moments later oblivious to the video camera, to steal tools from the back of the van parked up on the drive.

The thieves didn't have to break any glass of damage the locks as they were using an easily obtainable Skeleton Key which can be found being sold on both Amazon and Ebay.

The tool has a product description that states.

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"This will pick and decode the Ford Tibbe Lock in seconds providing a code that can be used to cut a new Ford Tibbe key. 

Easy to read marked out coding numbers. Supplied in a quality leather case. 

Note: These are delicate tools and break easily even under moderate pressure. Only light pressure is required. They are non returnable if broken. Do not buy if you do not agree to these terms. 

Please enquire if advice is required before purchase."

 

The thieves then went on to steal from a neighbours van across the road.

We tired to get a comment from both Amazon and Ebay but both had no one available to talk to us at the time, we have emailed them to ask why these items are being sold to the general public when they can be used to 'encourage or facilitate crime'.

This is not the first time Amazon has been in hot water over the sale of such products, in October last year they were criticised for selling a lock picking 'Pen' Toolkit for as little as £2. (Seen Bellow)

According to UK Law it is perfectly legal to sell or own a lock pick set in the UK.

If you are offered any cheap tools from anyone matching the description in the photos above then please contact GMP via 101 with as many details as possible.

If you have a Transit Van which is not fitted with additional security locks then please take this as a warning to upgrade your security. Additionally don't leave any tools or other expensive items in your van over night.

On looking on the Amazon site we have found similar Skeleton Keys for other makes and models of car, Amazon have known about the issue for a while and so far refused to do anything about it.

These tools are the same ones used by locksmiths and, when they go outside that community, they can do some real damage.

Shortly after 11.55pm on Saturday 26 August 2017, a motorbike was travelling south along Liverpool Road when the teenage boy, aged 16, came off the motorbike and suffered serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

Someone else then came and rode the bike away before police arrived, and officers are keen to speak to him and are appealing for him to come forward.

Police Constable John Williams of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

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“Specially trained officers are supporting the boy’s family at this time and we have launched an investigation to establish exactly how he came off his bike.

“I appeal to anyone who saw the collision or a motorcycle travelling along Liverpool Road around that time, or anyone with dash-cam footage, to come forward.

“If you are the person who rode the motorbike away afterwards, please get in touch with our officers as a matter of urgency as you may be able to help our investigation.”

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741/4742, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Lancashire Police are  appealing for the public's help to find a man who's absconded from prison.

We were contacted by a few concerned members of the public , one of which had been told of the incident by her niece.

We believe that two youths riding bikes. threw the projectile at the lady as she was getting on a bus with her friend unfortunately they did not have a better description of the attackers as it happened so fast and they had quickly left the scene on their bikes.

The lady was knocked to the ground after suffering from a blow to the back of her head. Police and ambulance services attended and the lady was taken to Salford Royal to be treated.

It is thought that the ladies injuries are not life threatening although it must have been a very painful and traumatic injury for her and we hope she makes a full recovery after her ordeal.

Unfortunately that is all we have on the incident as we had problems trying to track down any other information.

If anyone witnessed the incident which happened around 9:15pm (24th Aug) close to St Bonifaces on Lower Broughton Road then please contact police via 101, I have posted this as I think its important that these people are brought to justice as next time the result could be far worse.