On Tuesday 1st November at Swinton Cenotaph there will be a special unveiling of the Salford Veterans Memorial Garden as well as bench dedications to three fallen fusiliers.

As part of the memorial garden several new benches have been installed to dedicate to the recipients of the Victoria Cross. Brass plaques have also been installed to recognise the twenty nine local soldiers that sadly lost their lives in conflicts since 1945.

As part of the project the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have dedicated three benches for fallen Fusiliers. The Fusilier benches will be dedicated to Cpl Donald Traynor 3 RRF (Northern Ireland), Fusilier Alex Bunney 3 RRF (Kuwait) and Fusilier Simon Annis 2 RRF (Afghanistan).      

The memorial garden has been created by the Salford Veterans Association and supported by Salford City Council. It’s aim is to create a year round area for quiet reflection to remember the fallen.

The proceedings will start with singing from Salford in Harmony choir followed by a short service conducted by Father Jeremy Sheehy and Father Ian Hall. Family members of the fallen will also be in attendance.

Lt Col (Retd) M R McDonald , Area Secretary North for The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said:

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“It’s a great honour to be part of this special project and to be able to commemorate local soldiers and our fallen fusiliers in this way. They all fought with bravey and determination so this is the very least we can do to honour their service and create a lasting memorial for many years to come.” 

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: 

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“A huge thank you goes to the Salford Veterans Association for their hard work and dedication to provide this memorial garden and benches in memory of our much loved fallen soldiers.

“We would like to send our love, payers and thoughts to the family and friends of Cpl Donald Traynor 3 RRF (Northern Ireland), Fusilier Alex Bunney 3 RRF (Kuwait) and Fusilier Simon Annis 2 RRF (Afghanistan) for what will be an emotional day for them. 

“And our thoughts remain with all the families and friends who have lost their loved ones in conflicts that we remember today. It is fitting this new garden is located next to the Swinton Cenotaph to make sure our loved ones will never, ever be forgotten. It now creates a space where people can sit down, reflect and remember.” 

 

The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, known as ‘The Fusiliers’, is an English infantry Regiment in the British Army, formed from four historic Fusilier Regiments in 1968.  Since then, the Fusiliers have seen service across the world in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, the Balkans, the 1st and 2nd Gulf Wars and Afghanistan. The Regiment has two battalions – First Fusiliers in Tidworth and Fifth Fusiliers in Newcastle – and both adapt readily to challenging scenarios. 

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of rape following an incident which took place at around 7:55am this morning (Sunday 30th October) close to the Costa Coffee store on Regent Retail Park.

A 25-year-old male is currently in custody as a woman in her 20's is being supported by specialist officers.

An investigation into the alleged rape is now underway and police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, said:

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"We were called at around 7.55am today (Sunday) to a reported rape of a woman in her 20s near to Regent retail park off Regent Road, Salford. Officers attended and a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

"He remains in custody. The victim is being supported by specialist officers while detectives from our Swinton CID continue to investigate.

"At this stage it's believed the victim and the suspect were known to each other prior to the incident."

 

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1087 of October 30 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police were called to a report of a stabbing on Churchill Way in Pendleton at around 3:40pm this afternoon.

A cordon was put in place close to the Winston Public House, with traffic stopped in both directions along the busy road.

Fortunately the victim is said to be in a stable condition.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for GMP, said:

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"We were called at around 3.40pm today (29th October) to a report of a stabbing on Churchill Way, Salford. Officers attended and established a man had suffered a suspected stab wound.

"He is being taken to hospital in a thankfully stable condition."

 

Enquiries are ongoing and any information should be passed to police via LiveChat or 101 quoting incident 2094 of 29/10/2022.

Details can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This week, over 400 officers graduated from Police Now’s two-year National Graduate Leadership Programme and became members of the national alumni network.  

The diverse group of graduating officers – based across 18 forces in England and Wales – launched their policing careers in 2020, selected out of thousands of applicants to Police Now’s two-year programme for their commitment to public service and their belief in the enormous positive social change that outstanding community policing can deliver.  

They have spent the last two years working as neighbourhood police officers, utilising their problem-solving and leadership skills to transform communities, proactively tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and build public confidence in policing. Joining the service at a challenging time with the global pandemic and several high-profile incidents which brought much public scrutiny, these officers have already demonstrated unwavering commitment to policing. 

Across the three graduation ceremonies held this week (25th and 26th October) to mark the milestone, the officers were addressed by Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward and Toni Long, Director of People and Organisational Development, both of West Midlands Police, as well as Superintendent Mark Runacres of Avon & Somerset Police and Police Now’s CEO, Kurtis Christoforides.

Addressing the national cohort, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward, said: 

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“It’s a genuine pleasure and privilege to congratulate you all on your Police Now graduation today.

“You reflect the best of UK policing. Be proud of where you are and what you’ve achieved. Continue to be the leaders that you’ve already demonstrated you are. Treat everyone fairly, act with integrity and be prepared to stand up and always do the right thing.

“Never forget why you joined policing and the pride you felt when you put on your uniform on day one. Never forget the pride you rightly feel today as you graduate as substantive officers. I will watch your careers with excitement, pride and interest over the coming years, congratulations.”

 

Two awards were presented at the ceremonies by Dr Michelle Rogerson on behalf of Police Now’s academic partner, the University of Huddersfield:

Police Constable Danielle Quentin, West Midlands Police: Best Impact Assignment

Police Constable Lauren Schofield, West Midlands Police: Dean’s Prize for Excellent Academic Achievement

In addition, several Alumni Impact Awards were presented to stand-out participants, nominated by their colleagues for outstanding contributions to policing.

These officers formed the sixth intake on Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme, and are now substantive police constables across the country. Read more about the impact Police Now participants are having in their local communities in the latest Impact Report.

Salford City Council is urging people to consider applying for the Warm Homes Fund national grant scheme which could help with replacing a faulty boiler, make a home weathertight and more energy efficient or simply provide curtains to keep warmth in.

Councillor Sharmina August, Lead Member for Inclusive Economy, Anti-Poverty and Equalities said said:

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“Making their home more energy efficient could help people use less gas and electricity while still feeling warm and comfortable which will protect their health.

“One of the criteria for help from the Warm Homes Fund is financial hardship. People may think that only applies to those who are claiming benefits but with the rising cost of living someone could be earning a decent wage and still struggling to make ends meet.

“We’re urging anyone who thinks they could benefit from the fund to contact us. Staff from our health improvement service can advise people if they are likely to qualify for a grant and if not, we may be able to find other ways to get them the help they need.”

 

To be eligible for help from the Warm Homes Fund your household must be both:

Owner-occupied, meaning you own the house or flat that you live in. The scheme is not open to people living in private rented accommodation or social housing

Claiming income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Tax Credits, or be claiming free school meals, or otherwise experiencing financial hardship.

Your household must also meet one of the following conditions:

Include someone over the age of 65.

Include a child under five.

Include someone with a diagnosed respiratory (breathing) condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis or lung cancer.

Include someone with a diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) conditions, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke or high blood pressure (hypertension),

Someone at substantial risk of developing cardiovascular (heart) disease or respiratory (breathing) conditions.

Please email health.improvement@salford.gov.uk with your name, email and contact number or call 0800 952 1000 (option 2) between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday to find out more about the scheme and see if you qualify.

Earlier this month we told you how, Deano  the owner of Deanery Interiors and Design, a chap who is not only an extremely talented artist and furniture restorer but a splendid chap, very kindly donated a piece of his original artwork to us, so we could auction it off to raise funds for local foodbanks after reading about their plight on Salford Media.

We are delighted to say that it raised, £100 (I personally thought it was worth much more..) and Joan Fielder the CEO of Helping Hands based in Irlam was the happy winner of the artwork.

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"I love the artwork, it's tremendous and it will hang on the wall of one off our offices,  I am really pleased to have won the auction.

Also the money is going to a great cause, helping the less fortunate in Salford, I have donated food and toiletries in the past to them but sadly we are seeing more and more of them opening up and hopefully this money, not a great amount will help in some way, and I would like to thank Deano for his generous donation"

 

I was pleased to read earlier today that Deano's artwork will be for sale at an, "Art All Dayer" being held at Cotton Mcr, Fourth Floor, 100 Barbirolli Square, Saturday 19th November 11am - 6pm, so why not call in help support a local artist, and buy an original piece of his artwork?

Finally, if you think you could help your local foodbank, and there are so many, please call in and drop of a few spare tins of food or toiletries which are much needed, you know it makes sense.

https://www.facebook.com/deaneryinteriors

Police are calling upon the help of members of the public to help identify a trio of males who are wanted in connection with a number of attempted burglaries within the Trinity & Blackfriars ward of Salford.

You can report information to GMP online, by calling 101 or by reporting anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Police are giving warnings to the public to keep items out of sight within an unattended vehicle and to keep your home secure as the nights grow darker.

You can report to Crimestoppers via: https://orlo.uk/ODfYj 

Young people in Salford have turned to poetry and film to help teenagers understand and cope with stress.

Their two-minute animated poem, Stressed Out Brain, explains the impact of stress on the brain and how the fight or flight response may not switch off in children who have traumatic experiences in childhood.

It encourages young people not to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope but to get help emphasising that your brain can always learn new and better coping strategies.

The project was commissioned by Salford Community Safety Partnership and developed by local charity Early Break which is part of the Achieve drug and alcohol service and which specialises in advice, education and support for families, children and young people affected by substance misuse.

In addition to the animated film, the young people worked with local university academics to produce a workbook for teenagers to accompany the film and training for professionals such as youth and health workers.

Director Janine Day said:

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“Young people were at the centre of the project right from the start. They shared their stories about the challenges of being a teenager such as anxiety, relationships and conflicts, their views about crime and substance misuse including cannabinoids and the support and things they found helpful.

“Contributing to this project has helped the young people who took part understand that turning to drugs or alcohol can lead to even more problems and that they can learn new life strategies and better ways to cope with pressures. They want to share that message with other young people.”

 

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety at Salford City Council praised the film, saying:

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“Everyone involved has done a great job on this. The video is powerful and clear – you have an amazing brain and you can always learn new ways to cope with pressure without numbing your mind with drink and drugs.”

Salford Community Safety Partnership brings together a number of council services, Greater Manchester Police, housing and health professionals and voluntary and community groups to steer young people away from crime as well as tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.

The project was also supported by Salford Foundation, Salford Youth Justice Service, Edge Hill University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the animations was created by Michael Linnell of Linnell Communications and Michael England. Government funding will help roll out training for professionals across Greater Manchester in using the film and resources to work with young people.

Training dates will be advertised via https://earlybreak.co.uk and participants will be able to take the film and workbooks back to their agencies.

This Saturday 29th October will see the Annual Salford Histories Festival take place at the Fletcher Hall, Swinton and inside St Peter's Church starting at 10am - 4pm

For local history lovers this is the event of the year with stalls from numerous local history societies, book sellers, traders in many collectibles including sporting programmes, military, postcards, something for everyone.

I am looking forward to meeting up with Sue Richardson who will once again manning a stall with a rich and varied collection of local history publications covering canals, mills, pubs,cinema, transport, docks, housing, and dare I say several of my publications...!

Four talks will be given, starting at :

11am. J. Atkinson: Worsley Green and The Delph.

12pm. Greg Thomas: Islington Mill.

1.30pm. Roy Bullock: Salford Pubs.

2,30pm. Sam Kelly: Victoria Theatre Trust.

The highlight of the show will be the presentation of the Frank Mullineux Award given  given each year in recognition of a significant and original contribution to local history studies.

The award will be presented by Rebecca Long Bailey the Labour MP for Salford and Eccles to Lawrence Cassidy for his work on Cheetham Hill and Salford which resulted in a book and photographic displays in both Salford and Central Library. Manchester.

There is free parking on the council car park corner of Vicarage Road and Partington Lane, free admission to the event and refreshments will be available.

Young people leaving care in Salford have been praised at a special awards event during national Care Leavers Week 2022 (24 to 30 October).  

Salford City Council works with other organisations to ensure young people are supported to meet their individual needs and be able to live independently when they leave supported placements so they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This includes housing and financial support, employment and training opportunities.

Councillor Teresa Pepper, Executive Support Member for Education and Learning, said:

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“I have met some of our care leavers and been inspired by their determination and resilience. They are full of enthusiasm and hope for their futures. We want to celebrate how young people in care are building positive futures for themselves although they face many personal challenges and often without positive family support. Young people leaving the care system will experience many challenges as they begin to live independently, including finding housing and finding employment. The Covid-19 pandemic has made these existing problems worse. We want to support all our young people to live happy independent lives and to be able to thrive.”

The awards held on October 24 had a number of different categories:

Achieving goals and/or targets                                                                                               

Making positive choices                                                                                              

Outstanding effort                                                                                                         

Positive contribution to education/home life                                                    

Overcoming barriers/challenges                                                                             

Making a difference in the community (such as volunteering and charity work)      

The young people being celebrated in these awards have had to contend with many difficult personal problems, living away from their families and friends because of significant issues at home. They have managed to come to terms with these by working with professionals to make positive choices and see a good independent and stable future for themselves.

One teenager over a few years had been vulnerable to child sexual exploitation, often missing from home, was involved in negative friendships and relationships and didn’t think she would be able to sit her GCSEs. She has turned her life around, accepting support from social workers and professionals. She is now taking part in activities and she has achieved GCSEs in Maths and English. She is going to start a beauty traineeship in Manchester and wants to go into this as a career.

Another young woman has recently moved to London to attend London Metropolitan University to study Art and Design with a foundation year. She has overcome many barriers to secure her university place, living with mental health difficulties in the process. She has left all she has known in Manchester and moved independently to London. She is very creative and has many talents. She has recently performed at festivals and occasionally performs in bars.

A young person arrived in the UK two years ago with no knowledge of English, no family support and very few local people speaking his language. He has completed his English as a foreign language (ESOL) course and can now speak good English and is working with Amazon. He has completed three years of a four year Biomedical Engineering degree and hopes to progress to medical school.

Another young person for whom English is his second language, has passed his GCSEs, and is studying A Levels, all since he came to live in the UK in January 2020. He is getting excellent grades and has also completed volunteer work, tutoring maths and has part completed a Beyond your Limits employability programme, over the summer.

Photo: Stock

This coming Thursday and Friday 27th and 28th October at Salford Arts Theatre, Kemsing Walk will be a performance of a new and shocking play by award winning writer, Dougie Blaxland.

Unknown tells  the story of one young person's journey from an abusive childhood to a life of homelessness on the streets of Bath - one of the most affluent cities in the UK. 

Commissioned by The Big Issue, which offers homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK a means by which to earn a legitimate income,  with the support of Arts Council England and The Big Lottery, Unknown has been written by Dougie Blaxland with the assistance of Chris Taylor of The Big Issue in Bath and six people based in the area who have recent experience of homelessness: Sammy Clark, Nathan Dempster, Ian Duff, Paul Jones, Lloyd Rusdale and Anthony Williams.  

“Intimate, extremely moving and wonderful performances” - The Guardian 

“Harrowing stories eloquently told - all the more shocking because we know them to be true” - Filmmaker Ken Loach 

TICKETS £10 CONCESSION | £12 FULL (Now Reduced to £6)

DOORS OPEN 7PM | PERFORMANCE 8PM 

Salford Arts Theatre is just 15 minutes from Manchester City Centre by road.  It is situated in Salford set back just of Liverpool St.  At the end of the M602 exit on to Salford A5063 Albion Way.  At the lights turn left onto Liverpool St, through the next set of  lights passing the Co operative Funeral Care, they are second on the right after the pelican crossing.

At around 3:15pm yesterday (23 October 2022), specialist firearms officers carried out a warrant on Armitage Avenue in Little Hulton. 

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence and serious assault.

He remains in police custody for questioning by Salford Detectives.

Chief Inspector Chris Boyd of Greater Manchester Police said:

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"I am pleased with the result of this warrant, and I hope it reassures the public that Greater Manchester Police will not hesitate to take robust action against those suspected of carrying firearms.

"When we receive intelligence of their use, we act quickly to mitigate any potential threat. Thankfully in this case the offence being investigated was isolated and there is no threat to the wider community."

 

Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing family members of a man from Salford.

James Tilbury, aged 59-years-old, has sadly passed away at his home address on Beldevere Road in Salford on 19 May 2022.

There are no suspicious circumstances reported surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about James's next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

As we reported in August this year, that Church Street, Eccles was to undergo a massive transformation with the demolition of shops on the right hand side, from The Scope Charity Shop, taking in The Top House pub and Booths Store.

Yesterday the demolition began as the properties were first removed of slates, windows and fittings leaving them bare shells of what were once, busy shops that still hold many memories for so many people.

It's always sad to see a pub close and even more painful to see it demolished, the Railway Inn or The Top House as it was nicknamed which was first licenced in the 1860s was a favourite of mine, always known as being an Irish pub, with live music at weekends when it was the tiny two roomed pub, run by John Collins and his wife Bridie and later by Paul Quinn, such a shame.

Booths Store of Fryers Store which it was known as originally was a huge shop, selling furniture, carpets, home fittings, beds, curtains, carpets, lamps and was the biggest shop in the area for these, I always thought it was a bit pricey but by all accounts good quality merchandise, sadly soon to be another memory as the bulldozers have moved in.

As for the future? replaced with interlinking blocks of four, six and 23... yes that's correct, 23 storey buildings consisting of 272, one, two and three bedroomed apartments.

A blot on the landscape or the way ahead? I would have much preferred them to stay open, but I have no idea if they were running at a huge loss, which I suspect, or the owners were happy to see them go, it's too late for tears now, as I have told by the contractors that they will all be demolished and the site flattened within the next 14 days.

Lets see what the future brings.

Should drivers who block yellow box junctions or drive in cycle lanes be fined by Salford City Council in future?

That’s the question the council is asking as it launches a consultation on applying for new powers to deal with ‘moving traffic offences.’

At the moment only police officers can take action on such offences which also include misusing one-way streets, ignoring no entry and turning restrictions and driving in areas where cars are not permitted.

The government has asked councils interested in taking over responsibility for enforcement to hold a six-week public consultation so local residents, road users and businesses can have their say. Salford City Council is considering applying for the new powers and is encouraging the public to share their views on the idea.

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable development said:

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“We get complaints about drivers ignoring the rules on not entering a yellow box junction unless their way out of it is clear. That leads to other roads being blocked and delays buses which could otherwise move into their bus lanes.

“We believe having these new powers would help improve traffic flow and public transport reliability and make roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians but we need to hear what local people think.”

 

If granted the council would initially use the powers to stop drivers blocking yellow box junctions, making illegal turns or driving in cycle lanes at Chapel Street and Trinity Way, Irwell Street and Trinity Way, Blackfriars Street, Regent Street and Oldfield Road, Chorley Road and Salford Civic Centre and Blackfriars Road and Silk Street. In time the powers could be used across the whole city.

Please have your say by Wednesday 7 December online at https://sccmovingtrafficoffences.commonplace.is or by emailing traffic.management@salford.gov.uk or writing to Traffic and Transportation, Salford City Council, Chorley Road,  Swinton, Salford, M27 5AW

This evening The Lowry attended the Modern British & Irish Art Sale at Christie’s in London, where we successfully bid £6.6million to buy and keep LS Lowry’s ‘Going to the Match’ 1953 for The Lowry Collection, thanks to the generous support of The Law Family Charitable Foundation.

This hugely important and much-loved work of art has been on public display at The Lowry since we opened in 2000, courtesy of a loan by owners the Professional Footballers Association. The painting’s iconic status has been recognised and loved by visitors of all ages: those who love art, those who love football and those who celebrate this quintessentially Northern experience. Following the decision by the PFA to sell Going to the Match, there were no guarantees that any future owners would share the commitment to keeping the work on public view and free to access.

Julia Fawcett OBE, CEO of The Lowry, said: 

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“We firmly believe that this iconic artwork must remain on public view, so it can continue to be seen by the broadest possible audiences, for free. This evening, thanks to an incredibly generous gift from The Law Family Charitable Foundation, we are delighted to have purchased the painting for the city’s collection of LS Lowry works.  We look forward to bringing it home to Salford, where it can continue to delight and attract visitors to the Andrew and Zoë Law galleries at The Lowry. A great deal of work has been needed to make this intervention possible – I’d like to thank Andrew and Zoë Law, our Chair Sir Rod Aldridge, Salford’s City Mayor Paul Dennett and our Trustees for all of their support”

Andrew Law, said:

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“Zoë and I are delighted to have facilitated The Lowry’s purchase of Going to the Match. This LS Lowry painting belongs in Salford on public view, close to his birthplace, where he was educated and where he lived. Place matters. LS Lowry’s depiction of people attending a football match is just one of his many incredible genres of work, but it is undoubtedly his most iconic.”

Paul Dennett, Salford’s City Mayor, said: 

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“LS Lowry, Salford’s greatest and most iconic artist, made his name depicting working-class life – as such we emphatically believed Going to the Match should remain on public view free to access where everyone can see it. I am delighted our campaign to save this critical and important painting has successfully resulted in The Lowry securing it  tonight, for the city of Salford in perpetuity for generations to come, for residents and visitors to our great City”

A charity concert this Saturday, 22nd October at Eccles Town Hall will see an excellent array of musical talents perform to raise money for The Myloma Cancer UK Trust

74 year old father of five, retired Teacher and Musician, Paul Frost set of to walk the Snowdonia Way with his Eldest Son and Youngest Daughter in July this year, they were raising funds for Myeloma UK a Cancer that Pauls' Musical partner Vincent is suffering from.

With his Children's planning and support he was able to complete the Walk in six consecutive days covering 104 miles... It was hard going at times but the achievement was undoubtedly worth every mile!

They have raised £1,671 for Myeloma UK and will be at Eccles Town Hall on Saturday 22nd October at 7.30 as a grand finale to their fundraising.

On the bill there will be performing, Sheedyfrost, Rob Mason, Helen Hall. Tony Walsh, Hannah Frost, Martin Sheedy and Simon Williams, Salford Poet who will be appearing via video link plus a Fully Licensed Bar.

You can Pay on the door (£10) or book your tickets at the link below... all profits will go to Myeloma UK...

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/422758220217

Connor Cooper (22/11/1995) of Southampton Close, Salford and Dwaine Akanbi (20/12/1984) - who also goes by the name Dwaine Disick - of Chapel Street, Salford attended Manchester Crown Court on 19 October 2022 to receive sentencing.

Cooper has been jailed for 6 years and 9 months after he admitted to using a property on Broughton Lane in Salford entirely for storing ammunition, illegal cash, drugs and for preparing drugs for onward sale.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply £1.6 million worth of Class A and Class B drugs, possessing a substantial quantity of illegal cash and possessing ammunition without a certificate. 

Akanbi also pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting a criminal offence. He was sentenced to 10 months suspended sentence, 180 hours unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation days.

The Lettings Manager for the property first raised the alarm with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after an inspection of the flat uncovered large quantities of drugs and cash in various rooms. According to the manager, Akanbi had long been a difficult tenant who would regularly make late payments and insist on paying in cash.

GMP attended the property and gathered extensive forensic evidence that linked Cooper and Akanbi to the scene.

Cooper was traced to his place of work while Akanbi was traced to his new address on Chapel Street. Both were arrested and taken into police custody for questioning. While under arrest, Cooper’s phone was confiscated and was found to contain images of the drugs, ammunition and firearms.

Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan of Greater Manchester Police Salford Division said:

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“Greater Manchester Police Salford division have worked extensively on this case to ensure that the offenders are brought to justice.

“Connor Cooper and Dwaine Akanbi were involved in dangerous criminal behaviour that cannot and will not be tolerated on our streets.

“As a force, we are committed to tackling organised crime and the misery it brings but we perform at our best when we have the public’s help and support. If you have any intelligence about crimes being committed, we urge you to come forward and share it with us."

 

Anyone with information can report it online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police officers conducted a Stop and Account of a male in the Ackworth Road in Swinton yesterday afternoon.

The same male was later seen on Sefton Road and after his story didn’t add up from his Stop and Account, officers decided to challenge it.

Whilst in the process of detaining the male for a Stop Search, he ran off leading to a short pursuit by officers during which he was seen to have discarded some items into a garden before giving up the chase.

The male was searched and was found to be in possession of cannabis, a search of the garden revealed he had discarded a silver flick knife.

The male was arrested for Possess Class B and Possess Bladed Article in a Public Place.

Demaine York (08/08/1997), of no fixed address, has been sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment after he was charged with conspiracy to convey List A & B articles into prison. He pleaded guilty to the charges at the earliest opportunity yesterday (Monday 17 October 2022) at Manchester Crown Court.

In 2021, HMP Forest Bank, Salford was subject to a large number of parcels being thrown over their perimeter walls which contained illegal items such as drugs and mobile phones.

On 3rd April 2021, a team of plain clothes police officers covertly deployed to the wooded area around HMP Forest Bank tasked with arresting any offender’s intent of throwing illegal articles. Later in the afternoon, officers spotted a motorbike approach with a rider and a passenger near to the perimeter of the prison who decamped from the bike, collected an item, walked through a wooded area and run towards the perimeter wall where CCTV showed him throwing two parcels over to the yards within the prison where prisoners were exercising. This male was later identified as 25-year-old, Demaine York.

York then ran back into the woods. As an officer responded the man on the bike panicked and rode off leaving the passenger behind. York tried to escape but was detained and arrested on suspicion of conveying articles into prison.

He was subsequently searched and was found to have a piece of tin foil in his pocket containing a small amount of cannabis for which he was also arrested. A mobile phone and £146 cash were also seized.

As a result, prison officers had managed to intercept two parcels thrown by York which were later found to contain drugs, three mobile phones with charging cables, tobacco and two screwdrivers.

He was later released under investigation pending forensic analysis of the drugs which were later confirmed to be tobacco, cannabis and spice infused paper. A specialist police drugs valuator then valued these items as being worth around £7,000 inside prison.

As York refused to provide comment or the passcode of his mobile phone it took the police several months to gain access to it. A download report revealed that he was heavily involved in several further throw overs. Police intelligence suggests throwers receive an average of £150 per visit.

On the latest success in relation to the dedicated Operation Dragonfire, which is a multi-agency operation (North West Regional Organised Crime Unit) to fight the illegal conveyance of items, the investigating detective, said:

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“GMP, NWROCU, HMPPS and HMP Forest Bank continue to work closely together to proactively stop the ingress of drugs and phones into our prisons.

“These items put prison officers’ safety at risk, fuel violence and reduce chances of prisoner rehabilitation. Offenders involved in throwing parcels over are warned that you will be caught, and you will go to prison yourself.”

 

Anyone with information about this type of crime should contact Greater Manchester Police quoting Operation Dragonfire via gmp.police.uk, 101 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.