Police in Salford are seeking to reassure the public after a couple of incidents which happened over night in Salford.

An industrial firework was set off on Sangster Court, off Howard Street near Salford Quays which prompted a huge police response in the area and fears a pipe bomb has been detonated.

A Police Spokesperson said:

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"It was thought to be an explosive device but it was found to be industrial fireworks.

"The area in Salford was evacuated.

"A bomb disposal team was deployed and once it was established fireworks were involved, residents were allowed to return."

 

This not the first time such an incident has happened in recent weeks as a silver ford fiesta was tagetted in a similar attack on Bradden Close in Clarendon.

Meanwhile in Higher Broughton a home came under attack from a firearms discharge.

Police are saying that neither incident is thought to be linked and there is no wider threat to the public.

In a statement on the GMP Salford Facebook Page, they said:

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"GMP would like to provide reassurance to the Salford community.

You may be aware of two incidents that have occurred in Salford throughout the night. We would like to stress that the vehicle damaged by fireworks was a targeted attacked linked to an ongoing crime matter that GMP is aware of and is tackling.

A further incident in the Higher Broughton area was also a targeted attack and there is no threat to the wider community.

The two incidents are not believed to be connected."

 

Private landlords are being offered extra help to manage their tenancies through Salford City Council’s social letting agency.

The council launched Salford Property Link last year to match landlords and tenants as part of measures to reduce housing waiting lists.

Over 200 people have found new homes as a result and now the agency is going one step further.

It’s offering landlords a free advice service to tackle any problems they may have, such as rent arrears and disputes with tenants,

The service is also in need of more landlords to meet the huge demand for good quality rented property in Salford.  

Councillor Tracy Kelly, lead member for housing and neighbourhoods said:

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“Sometimes it’s not easy being a landlord so that’s why we’re offering help. We can often settle disputes early on before they get to the legal stage which benefits everyone.

“We need more affordable homes and rented properties in Salford and initiatives like Salford Property Link help to bridge that gap. There are over 6000 people on the housing waiting list. We want to work with local landlords to find as many Salford residents as possible good quality, private rented homes that they can move into almost immediately. It’s a win-win for landlords and tenants but we still need to build more affordable homes.”

 

Landlords can contact the service on salfordpropertylink@salford.gov.uk or see www.salford.gov.uk/propertylink for details. 

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

John Murphy, 79, of Crandon Court, Swinton passed away on Wednesday 12 February 2020.

Police believe there to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about John’s next of kin should contact the Police

Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Operation Corridor team made two arrests after a vehicle was stolen just 90 minutes earlier in a knife-point robbery.

Police pursued the vehicle through the streets until the driver lost control and crashed on the A666.

There are no serious injuries reported and both of those arrested were detained for further enquiries.

Last weekend, a police officers was injured in a collision with another stolen vehicle which was being driven on false plates.

Officers are believed to have been called to the scene at around 9:30pm on Wednesday night (19th Feb) after residents reported the sound of a firearms discharge.

Police put a cordon in place around along a stretch of Murray Street in Higher Broughton whilst forensics officers searched the area.

It is unclear as to if anyone has been injured during the incident.

This latest incident comes after a home in Seedley was shot at during a similar incident last week.

A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with a road traffic collision involving a police car and a Mini Countryman in Pendleton has been released under investigation.

Police spotted the car – which had previously been reported stolen and was driving around the Pendleton area on false plates – at around 9.30pm on Friday 14 February 2020.

After the Mini failed to stop for police, a short pursuit took place and the car went the wrong way around Pendleton Island and continued to drive onto Broad Street in the wrong direction before colliding with a second police car.

The police driver suffered a suspected broken arm and the passenger sustained whiplash.

Both have since been released from hospital.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and dangerous driving nearby. He was further arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and aggravated vehicle taking without consent.  

He was taken to custody and questioned by police before being released under investigation.

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 3036 of 14/02/2020. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man who was wanted by police has fallen from a rooftop in Langton Street whilst trying to evade them.

We are told that officers arrived at a home on the street at approximately 5:15pm on Saturday (15th Feb) with the intent of arresting the man, the reasons for his arrest are unknown.

The man attempted to escape from the officers onto a roof top where he fell from.

He was subsequently taken to hospital with what police say are 'Life Changing' injuries.

A spokesperson for GMP said:

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"Just after 5.15pm officers attended a location on Langton Street, Salford, to arrest a wanted man.

"The man made off before falling from a roof.

"The man has serious injuries but they are not thought to be life threatening."

 

Police enquiries into the incident continue.

Police officers from Salford South East Neighbourhood Team were out in force today at Chimney Pot Park in Langworthy as they swept the area for knives and other weapons which could be used in violent crime.

The officers braved the stormy weather to search bushes and hedges along the parks perimeter for knives and there was some success as they recovered two knives and a number of other items which could be used as potential weapons, all of which will now be destroyed as part of the forces pro-active 'Operation Sycamore' initiative.

A similar search was carried out at Peel Park in Little Hulton last month under the name 'Operation Scholar'.

It shows that Salford Police are serious about ensuring that as many of these weapons are taken off the streets.

GMP has also launched its forever amnesty scheme following the success of Operation Sceptre’s week-long knife amnesty, which ran in September 2019, and saw over 600 knives deposited in amnesty bins across Greater Manchester.

The project, run by Greater Manchester Police and the British Ironwork Centre, is part of the centre's Save a Life, Surrender your Knife campaign which saw the creation of the nationally-renowned Knife Angel sculpture.

These will allow people to dispose of knives in a completely safe and anonymous way.

The bin for Salford will be located at Swinton police station.

A man has been arrested following last nights collision in Pendleton.

At around 9:30pm on Friday 14 February 2020, police spotted a Mini Countryman that had previously been reported stolen and was driving in the Pendleton area on false number plates.

Officers attempted to pull the car over but the vehicle failed to stop and a short pursuit took place.

During the course of the pursuit, the Mini drove the wrong way around Pendleton Island and continued to drive in the wrong direction along Broad St before it was involved in a collision with a second police car.

The police car sustained significant damage during the collision. The police driver sustained a suspected broken arm and the passenger sustained whiplash.

Both were treated in hospital for their injuries and have since been released.

The driver of the Mini fled the scene before two officers – one of them a student officer who had been travelling as a passenger in the damaged police car - gave chase.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary nearby. He has since been further arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, driving without a licence and aggravated taking without consent.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Sergeant Brian Orr, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit:

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“Last night one of our student officers assisted in the arrest a man following a collision involving a stolen Mini Countryman that was driving in the wrong direction on a slip road and a police car.

“Understandably people may be concerned when they see the images of the damaged police car following the collision; however the officer who was driving and his passenger are thankfully expected to make a full recovery.

“I want to appeal to anyone who may information about the collision to please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit or Crimestoppers.”

 

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 3036 of 14/02/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photos: Andy P

Shortly after 9:30pm om Friday (15th Feb) police were called to an incident on the A576 Eccles Old Road close to the Pendleton Roundabout after reports of a collision between a police interceptor vehicle and a black Mini.

Officers had spotted a vehicle which had been previously reported as being stolen from the Pendleton area but the driver failed to stop, it was at that point the vehicle was involved in a collision with a second police car.

A witness has told us that the police attempted to stop the vehicle using theirs own after it failed to stop.

Police say that one of their officers was in seriously injured but he is in a non life threatening condition.

A 20-year-old male has been arrested at the scene.

The busy road was temporarily closed with traffic diversion in place along the east-bound carriage way leading to Pendleton Roundabout but it has now been reopened after both vehicles were recovered.

At the moment the circumstances behind the collision are unclear and it is not known if any of those in the vehicles have been badly injured.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police reads:

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"At around 9:30pm on Friday 14 February 2020, police spotted a car that had previously been reported stolen driving in the Pendleton area.

"The vehicle failed to stop and was subsequently involved in a collision with a second police car.

"One officer was taken to hospital with serious – but not life threatening – injuries.

"A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene."

 

A police investigation into the incident is now underway.

Photo: SM

That’s not love – it’s domestic abuse

A campaign to help people recognise the signs of domestic abuse will launch in Salford on Valentine’s Day.

Love – Domestic abuse is will send out 14 messages about how perpetrators control their victims.

These include emotional blackmail, cutting people off from their family and friends, controlling the purse strings so victims are left without money and the classic promises that violence won’t happen again – until the next time.

The campaign also points out that love is not stalking and harassment, undermining people’s confidence and threatening to harm them or yourself if they try to leave.

It follows a social media campaign in November in which 16 survivors of domestic abuse sent messages of hope to people still in abusive relationships. It reached more than 516,400 people and over 600 men and women called Salford Women’s Aid or checked out their website as a result.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said the new campaign was designed to show domestic abuse is not all about violence.

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“Sadly people don’t realise they are victims because the control is applied slowly and subtly, isolating them and breaking down their confidence,” he said.

“One victim said it was two years into the relationship before she realised she had no friends, never saw her family, had no money and was not allowed to leave the house unless her husband allowed her to. That’s not love and no-one should have to live that way.

“There is help out there from people who will listen, will understand and will believe and support you. Please talk to your GP or a local or national charity and they will help you find a way out. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and talk to a professional and if you’re in immediate danger call 999.”

 

The campaign is being run by Salford Community Safety Partnership and the Salford safeguarding boards for children and adults which bring together Salford City Council, Greater Manchester Police and other partner organisations to fight crime and keep residents safe in the city. Later this year they aim to roll the campaign out into the community through billboards and other advertising. 

A spokeswoman for Salford Independent Domestic Advice Service (SIDASS) said:

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“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone from any walk of life, male or female and we want people to recognise that a jealous, controlling partner isn’t showing their love – they are abusers.

“It does take courage to open up and talk about it but you will be listened to and you will be believed. If you can do that we and other organisations can work with you to help you decide your next steps. We have seen many people overcome horrific circumstances and come back from rock bottom to lead safe and happy lives. There is always hope.”

 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and want to speak to someone about it you can contact the 24/7 national helpline (which also has translators for people whose first language is not English) on 0808 2000 247 or see www.salford.gov.uk/domesticabuse for details of various organisations.

salford.media has also compiled a list of resources to help local people find the support they need, you can find links on this page: https://salford.media/gethelp

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

David Leslie O'Brien, 63, who is from Salford passed away at his home address of Upper Brook Street in Manchester on Monday 10 February 2020. 

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

David may have brothers and a daughter, possibly living in Manchester.

Anyone with information about David’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Manchester on 0161 856 6069.

As was reported in our SalfordOnline Facebook group on Sunday, Fire crews were called to the Lancastrian Hall in Swinton after the fire alarm tripped and locals in the area reported a strong smell of smoke coming from the building.

Firefighters rushed to the vacant building but were unable to find the source and so after conducting extensive checks they left the building in the hands of the key holders and left the scene.

Meanwhile an area around the front footpath was cordoned off for health and safety reasons on Tuesday Morning after deteriorated masonry fell from the building onto the ground.

At the time it was suggested that the violent winds whipped up from Storm Ciara could have caused the damage but that has now been discounted by Councillor Derek Antrobus who said:

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“We have noticed a deterioration in part of the building. This is not storm related.

"We have closed the footpath for safety reasons while this is inspected and addressed.”

 

The council worked quickly to secure the damage and the footpath was reopened the following day (Weds 12th Feb).

Photo: John Donohue

Police have release descriptions of three white males who stole a ring containing the ashes of a baby from a lady who they held at knife-point on Whitehead Road in Clifton. 

They are described as three white males on pedal bikes aged 15-19:

The first was 5'6" medium build, medium length fair hair and was said to be wearing dark tracksuit bottoms.

The second was 5’4” very skinny build, with short dark hair, and wearing a royal blue GK coat.

Finally the third was wearing a black Under Armour hoodie, with a baseball cap underneath it.

Police are appealing to anyone who can identify these individuals to step forward.

The horrific robbery has left an already suffering couple heart broken.

If you have been offered the ring or any of the other jewellery then please have a heart and return it.

If you have any information, please contact us via LiveChat or 101 quoting 2086 31/01/20 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111

Here at salford.media we are trying to shine a little light on the amazing people of our amazing city who do good deeds, help others and for want of a better word - are unsung heroes.

Today we met up with Simon Williams the well known Salford author, poet, promoter, radio DJ and charity fundraiser, and it is for the latter we have come to talk to him and present him with his Gold Star Award.

You can virtually guarantee that if there is a local charity in need, step forward Mr Williams.

Over the years he has raised a staggering £35,000 for such charities as St Anne's Hospice, Salford Reds Foundation, Shelter For Forces, Salford Star, Dementia Groups, Homeless Charities in Salford and Manchester the list is endless. 

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"I have been raising cash for charities for about ten years now, it started when I first started writing and gave the proceeds from my books to various charities in Salford.

"I can't bear to see people struggling, if it;s for shelter, food, clothing anything, people should not be reliant on food banks in this day and age, it's shocking,

"The sad thing is that the people who can least afford to give are the most generous, there is a cruel irony in that.

"I am fortunate that I have a roof over my head and I am grateful for that, I too know what it's like to go hungry and I suppose it's there for the grace of God that myself and many other people aren't reliant on shall we say, 'handouts'.

"It's a sad world if you can't help the less fortunate or turn your head and walk by somebody living on the street, you don't know their circumstances, so you shouldn't judge, is what I say"

 

Simon's latest venture is helping to raise funds for a permanent memorial to one of his heroes, the late Pete Shelley from the Buzzcocks group.

Simon will be performing his poetry under his alias, Williams the Poet,  at the St Josephs Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh this Saturday, 15th February.

Traffic police pulled over the driver of a Vauxhall Corsa on Kenyon Way in Little Hulton on Sunday and quickly arrested him after smelling the unmistakable strong stench of Cannabis flowing out through the cars window.

After swabbing the driver for drugs the result came back as positive for Cannabis and so he was promptly taken to a nearby police station for further testing.

The man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving despite his insistence that he had only been smoking a joint with his friends, Greater Manchester Police are operating with a zero tolerance approach for both drink and drug driving with only just last week another male being arrested after he was caught drug driving at Salford Quays.

The votes are in and they have all been counted and I think it's fair to say we have an overall winner, by a landslide actually, yes it's Sykes Chip Shop, Swinton.

We called at the shop today for a chat with owner Gail who along with hubby Anthony run the shop and present them with our salford.media Gold Star Award for the....

"Best Chip Shop in Salford"

I asked Gail to tell us about the shop and the secret of their success.

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"We have been trading here for the past 35 years and have built up our customer fan base, by providing quality, fresh food at affordable prices, with a varied menu for all tastes and pockets,

"All of our fish, cod. hake, is sourced from sustainable fishing waters and they are a big hit with our customers, we do have a varied menu so not just a chip shop we cater for all tastes.

"Our customers are marvellous and some even travel quite a way to to eat here, and I would like to thank each and everyone of them who voted for us, also the staff to whom I would like to say a massive thank you for all their hard work"

 

I was really impressed with the shop and the adjoining cafe which was filling up as we were there, it really was spotless, and yes in the course of my duty I felt obliged to try the fish and chips which came in a fancy Sykes branded takeaway carton, no less.

Without bias I can honestly say they were magnificent and I can see why the shop was a runaway winner in our competition and I congratulate you, Gail and Anthony, excellent, food, excellent service, excellent prices what more can you ask for?

Give it a visit you will not be disappointed I can guarantee, 10/10 from me.

You can find them at 596 Bolton Rd, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 4ET - and after our visit today we can see why they won.

Retired miner Paul Jordan has put brush to canvas to present a moving gift to his native city.

An earlier piece drawn by Paul inspired the logo for A Bed Every Night scheme which helps rough sleepers into accommodation.

Now he has presented a moving painting of a homeless man with his dog to City Mayor Paul Dennett as a gift to the city of Salford.

Paul, from Little Hulton, who formerly worked at the Agecroft mine, now volunteers at Start in Salford a charity in Salford which uses an innovative range of creative arts and horticultural activities to help people overcome mental health issues, build resilience and improve their self-confidence.

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“I love art but didn’t have time for it when I was working and had a young family. I was referred to Start by my GP in 2004 and realised I wanted to study art again,”

said Paul who went on to achieve a first class honours degree in visual arts from the University of Salford.

He now specialises in sculpture and said while he has no experience of homelessness himself, he often sees and chats with people on the streets of Manchester.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“I’m delighted to add Paul’s painting to Salford’s collection. He has captured a key social issue with dignity and compassion.”

Paul’s painting is now on display at Salford Civic Centre in Swinton.

Photo: left to right June Wilcock, service manager, Start Inspiring Minds, Salford, Councillor Stephen Coen, executive support for culture and leisure, City Mayor Paul Dennett and painter Paul Jordan.

Over the past few years there have been numerous reports from local park 'friends groups' of wheelie bins being set alight, their molten mess left behind to scar the landscape. It is not only a problem here but all across the country and the reason behind it is rather worrying.

Parr Fold Park in Walkden has been one such area inflicted with this latest idiocy, with the latest incident happening just last Friday evening, however, they are not alone as Lower Broughton has also seen bins set alight over the weekend to.

Part of a children's playground at Parr Fold park in was damaged as a wheelie bin was set alight causing damage to the ground.

This is not the first time that the park has suffered with this problem as it has a recurring issue that still remains a problem for the area.

In the past there were problems in the city with glue sniffing, then sniffing gas and petrol became a huge problem - but now it has come apparent that certain dyes used in the manufacture of the bins can apparently get you 'wasted' and so youngsters unaware of the potential harmful side-effects are breathing in what the toxic fumes to get high.

It should be noted that not all bin fires are caused in this way as some are simply down to arson but the craze has become more popular amongst some age groups and the harmful effects this stupidity can have on the lungs and other bodily organs are immense. 

It has become the free and easily available drug of choice for some as young as just 11-years-old, the health and safety implications are terrible. It is only a matter of time before someone seriously harms themselves or even worse, dies.

Wheelie bins are made from high density polyethylene - composed of double-bonded carbon and hydrogen molecules.

Burning an empty one releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

These deadly gases starve the brain of oxygen, giving a headache-heavy short high in a similar effect to asphyxiation. Not only that but the mess left behind can be damaging not only to the environment but also to those who are left to clean it up.

Today Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett hit out at what he says are those 'Blighting Our Community' and we could not agree with him more.

Over the weekend a number of residents in Lower Broughton had their wheelie bins stolen and set alight and the Mayor was quick to slam those responsible for it:

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"Really disappointed to see black bins taken from residents properties in Lower Broughton yesterday and set on fire, leaving debris over our green spaces, leaving residents without a black bin and blighting our communities.

"Saddening & disappointing. I’ve asked for it to be cleared."

 

Photo: Parr Fold Park - Louise Holdsworth

Main: Salford Mayor

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted woman from Salford.

Lyndsey George (27/04/89) was released from prison in less than 2 months ago back in December 2019 but she has since has failed to abide by the terms of her licence and is now wanted by police on recall to prison.

She was jailed in November 2019 after being found guilty of committing theft.

George is known to have links to the Swinton and Clifton areas of Salford.

Anybody with information regarding her whereabouts should contact the police on 0161 856 5238.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.