At around 9.15pm on Friday 29 June 2018, police were called to reports of a collision between a Yamaha motorbike and a red Vauxhall Zafira on West Leigh Lane at the junction with Abbey Lane.

The motorbike rider, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in a critical condition.

The driver of the Vauxhall remained at the scene to speak with officers.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Police Constable Stephen Bielizna, of GMP’s Specialist Operations, said:

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“A man has been left in hospital with serious injuries and while our thoughts remain with him as he receives treatment, we are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this collision.

“We believe a number of people may have witnessed this incident and I would urge them to come forward with any information, dash-cam footage or images they have.”

 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6713 quoting incident number 2355 of 29/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At around 2.30am on Thursday 28 June 2018, police were called to Malham Close in Leigh to reports of criminal damage. 

Officers attended and found that a hammer had been thrown at the window of a house and paint had been poured on a car parked outside. 

No-one was injured and enquiries are ongoing. 

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident. 

Detective Sergeant Neil Lawless, from GMP’s Wigan Borough, said:

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“I appreciated that this incident happened on a quiet residential street in the middle of the night but I would still urge anyone that saw anything suspicious in the area to please contact police. 

“We are treating this as a targeted attack and are working to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. 

“We have released a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with this attack and would appeal directly to him to get in touch with us.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 1828 or 101 quoting incident number 229 of 28/06/2018 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 
 

At around 3.20pm on Monday 25 June 2018, police received a report that a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted as she walked home near to Ashton library. 

She was wearing her school uniform at the time of the attack and didn’t know the offender. 

Detectives have launched an investigation and following extensive enquiries have developed an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with this incident. 

The offender was wearing a dark coloured shirt with the cuffs and three buttons undone with dirty blue jeans. 

He is described as a white man with blue bloodshot eyes and short blond hair. 

Police Constable Fiona MacKey, of GMP’s Wigan borough, said:

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“This was obviously a terrifying attack on a young girl in the middle of the afternoon and we are doing all we can to find the man responsible. 

“The victim has been incredibly brave and we are continuing to support her and her family through this ordeal. 

“I want to assure the community that we have increased patrols in the area with local area officers and PCSO’s conducting high visibility patrols. 

“If you recognise the man in the e-fit or have any information that could assist our enquiries then please get in touch as soon as you can.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7122 or 101. 

Alternatively, calls can be made through the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

 At around 9.25pm on Thursday 28 June 2018, a woman was crossing Chester Road at a pedestrian crossing near to the junction of Manson Avenue when she was involved in a collision with a silver Ford Mondeo. 

The pedestrian, who has since been formally identified as 24-year-old Emma Galton from Sale, sadly died at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services. 

A 28-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody for questioning. 

Enquiries remain ongoing to trace the driver of the silver Ford Mondeo which fled the scene immediately after the collision. 

Paying tribute to Emma, her parents said:

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“We are completely devastated to hear of our eldest daughter Emma’s untimely death. We know she is at peace now in heaven with the Lord Jesus. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the investigation and to everyone that helped our son to get back from his holiday so that he could be with us at this heart-breaking time.” 

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

He was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 and one count of attempted buggery on a child under 16 (Sexual offences Act 1956).

The court heard how throughout the 1970s Gavin – who had access to the boy through his role as a social worker - sexually abused him on a number occasions.

This abuse took place while the boy stayed at foster homes as well as the former Foxholes Children’s Home in Rochdale.

Gavin would often drive the victim to a location where he would sexually assault him.

The boy never told his carers at the time out of fear he’d get in trouble or that no one would believe him. Gavin also threatened him.

He bravely reported it to police in 2015. Following an investigation, Gavin was arrested and interviewed where he continued to deny the offences.

PC Karen Bancroft, from GMP’s Rochdale borough, said:

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“Gavin preyed on a vulnerable boy who should have been cared for and supported during an unsettling time in his life.

“Instead, for his own sick sexual gratification, he sexually abused him knowing the distress it would cause.

“Not once did he care about the emotional damage he was inflicting on an innocent child who has had to carry this pain with him his entire life.

“Gavin is a twisted, manipulative predator and thanks to the courage of the victim, his patience and his strength, he is now where he belongs.”

 

The car – believed to be a silver Ford Mondeo – failed to stop at the scene and enquiries to trace the vehicle and the driver have been ongoing overnight.

The woman – who is believed to be in her 20s – sadly died, despite efforts from emergency services at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been informed.

Police Sergeant Danny Byrne of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“We have been working through the night to find out how this woman tragically came to her death late yesterday evening and our thoughts are with her family at this time.

“Although we have now built a clear picture of what has happened, we are yet to find the car or those responsible.

“The silver Ford Mondeo we believe to be involved will have extensive damage to both the windscreen and to the passenger side of the car and will not be easy to hide or disguise.  If you noticed a vehicle with the damage I’m describing, or have seen it since the time of the collision, please get in contact with us urgently.

“I’d like to appeal directly to the driver of that vehicle - you need to make contact with us. We will continue looking for you today, tomorrow and in the weeks to come.  A family have lost their loved one and are desperate for answers and we will carry on doing everything we can to make sure we get them what they so rightly deserve. 

“I’d also like to directly appeal to any witnesses to the collision or those with dashcam footage - it can be vital evidence in our investigations so if you were in the area at the time and think you can help us, get in touch with us straight away.”

 

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

At around 4pm this evening (Thurs 28th June), Lancashire Fire Service were called to reports of a fire raging across Winter Hill to the north of Bolton.

Fifteen appliances were reported to be involved in dealing with the fire in order to stop it spreading into forested areas, where fire officials say it would be a lot harder to fight.

Initial reports of the fire affecting the iconic radio antenna proved to be false and have been dismissed by the police.

As the highest point in the area, Winter Hill houses a range of communications towers which broadcast both TV and Radio signals across the region. It is said that none of the towers or services is affected.

The bulk of the fire seems to be on the southern and western flanks of the hill around where Rivington Pike is situated, fire crews were using the towers car park as a base of operations this evening. The grade 2 listed pike tower which stands 6.1m high and was completed in 1733, is said to be untouched by the fire at the moment.

Bolton mountain rescue service is also on hand to offer assistance should it be needed, fortunately, there are no reports of any injuries.

Winter Hill is predominantly a peat area and as residents of Irlam and Cadishead in Salford will probably already know, they are some of the most challenging types of wildfire to deal with as they can continue to burn underground even when the fire seems to have been extinguished on the surface. This allows for the fire to reignite.

Firefighters were seen walking across the top of Winter Hill using beaters to try and extinguish the fire which is smouldering rather than a full-on inferno. 

United Utilities have been aiding fire services in accessing water supplies into what is a relatively desolate and inaccessible area. Pumping water to where it is most needed has proved most challenging.

Smoke from the fire has drifted across the area and has reportedly now reached as far as Merseyside.

Meanwhile, the Army was drafted in this morning to help tackle a wildfire on Saddleworth Moor which has been raging for days. The high temperatures and lack of rain have made tackling the fire extremely difficult and this has resulted in huge damage to the fauna and flora. Some experts have said that it could take over 10 years for the area to fully recover.

The Saddleworth fire is the worst ever on recorded and fire teams have worked tirelessly for days to try and bring it under some kind of control.

Quinn was a manager at are care home in Huddersfield, when in September 2016 a bank account was set up for a vulnerable girl with learning difficulties in her care.

The account was set up in order to deposit £29, 718 of disability living allowance saved by the girl’s previous foster carer, and intended for the girl’s future use after she turned 18 and left care.

Quinn took the card, as well as the card to a second bank account owned by the girl, and visited an ATM to ascertain which card worked for which bank account.

Thereafter, Quinn took possession of the cards, telling a colleague that she would to them to head office for safe keeping.

She had the cards in her possession when a holiday to Disneyland, Paris costing £2,050 was booked legitimately for the girl in May 2017.

Quinn quit her role with the care home shortly afterwards.

A short time later, the girl wanted to purchase a prom dress, but care home staff were unable to locate the bank cards.

Quinn was arrested and in interview admitted taking money from the account.

In a bid to kerb her own offending, she had scratched the payment chip from the card accessing the account with thousands of pounds in.

However, she said that she’d been unable to cope with a spiral of debt and had resorted to transferring funds into the second account owned by the girl, in order that she could continue spending with its un-damaged card.

She admitted using the money to buy cocaine, a car and event tickets.

Detective constable James Grundy of GMP’s Specialist Fraud Investigating Unit said:

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“This money was to be used to ensure a vulnerable young woman had a comfortable future when she bravely faced leaving care.

“Instead, she was betrayed by the very person who should have been looking after her.

“Quinn acted despicably and spent the money on luxury items. Shamefully, she even spent money on Class A dugs.

“We welcome the sentence handed down by the court and hope it goes to show that we will tirelessly pursue and convict offenders who think they can steal from others without consequence.”

 

All employees currently working for GMP will receive a minimum hourly rate of £8.75 which is significantly higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of £7.50 per hour.

GMP Assistant Chief Officer Lynne Potts said:

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“I am delighted that Greater Manchester Police has become an accredited Living Wage employer. It is really important to us that all staff receive a wage that reflects the real cost of living which will help them better support themselves and their families.

“All of our staff are dedicated to making Greater Manchester a safer place and it is appropriate that we recognise their contribution to the work of the Force in this way.”

 

The Living Wage is an hourly rate of pay (£8.75) based on the real cost of living. It is different from the government’s so-called ‘national living wage’, which is a legal basic minimum wage rate of £7.50 per hour, based on median income and not the cost of living.

Officers attended and found damage to a door indicating that a pellet gun had been fired. 

A woman who was in the property at the time suffered a minor injury to her hand, which was treated at the scene. 

Enquiries into the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing. 

Detective Inspector Tanya Kitchen of GMP’s Bolton borough said:

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“At this time, we believe this may have been a targeted attack, but we are following a number of enquiries to identify who was responsible. 

“The use of firearms is always concerning for residents and we understand that, which is why we have increased patrols in the area and will continue working with partner services to ensure the safety of the family involved in this incident.

“If you know something that could help with this investigation, or have information about what happened last night, please get in touch with our local team on 0161 856 5757.”

 

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At around 10.10am on Monday 25 June 2018, police were called to reports of an assault on Hyde Road in which a woman sustained serious head and facial injuries.

Police are continuing to appeal for information in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9335 quoting log number 703 of 25/06/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

He has been remanded in custody due to appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court, today (Thursday 28 June2018).

Shortly before 12:20am on 25 December 2017, the fire service responded to reports that a Seat Ibiza had been set on fire on Clayton Street. 

The following day, police were called to the same street to reports that a house was on fire at around12:45am. 

Police responded to a third report at 1.40am on Thursday 18 January 2018 after being called by the fire service to a house fire on Callington Close.

Mikey Whittaker (26/05/00) of Hawthorne Road South, Ashton, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis.

They both appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 June and are next due to appear on 25 July 2018.

Shortly after 7pm on Monday 25 June 2018, police were called to reports of people fighting on Old Farm Crescent.

They found a 16-year-old boy with stab wounds to his side, who was taken to hospital for treatment where he is making a good recovery.

Louis Lomas (12/05/1996) of Burnage Lane, Burnage has been sentenced to three years and four months for GBH and was disqualified from driving. 

Callum Gervis (25/10/1996) of Vale Top Avenue, Moston has been sentenced to two years and four months for GBH and possession of Class B substances. 

Shortly before 1am on 7 January 2018, a 20-year-old man was riding his yellow Suzuki motorbike down Parrs Wood Road. 

As he reached the junction of Heyscroft Road the man started to slow his bike down, at which point Lomas’ red Citroen closed in on the biker. 

Lomas then purposely drove his car at the Suzuki, throwing the man off his bike, before running over the rider. 

Lomas and Gervis approached the man on the ground, but after realising he wasn’t the person they intended to hit, they dragged him onto the pavement and then ran from the scene. 

The man was abandoned with two broken hips and a number of other broken bones. 

He was taken to hospital for treatment and later that evening, Lomas and Gervis were arrested. 

Detective Constable Steve Lowton of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said:

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“Lomas and Gervis mowed this man down, and the footage we’ve released shows how brutal this assault really was. 

“I cannot imagine how this man must have felt to be thrown from his bike, before being run over and abandoned on the pavement. 

“These men were clearly out to cause harm and did just that, not even having the mercy to call an ambulance. 

“I hope it brings him comfort to know that both of these men will be behind bars for the foreseeable future.”

The following three men were sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 27 June 2018 for fraud and money laundering offences: 

Mohammed Naveed Chaudhry (1/9/77) of Brookhill Close, Leeds was sentenced to five years and three months. 

Shaikh Ahmed Rahim (6/9/78) of Bird Hall Road, Cheadle Heath was sentenced to three years and eight months. 

Mohammed Ibrahim Sidat (12/8/54) of High Street, Bolton was sentenced to two years and four months. 

Chaudhry and Sidat pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and Rahim was found guilty after a three-week trial. 

Today, Wednesday 27 June 2018, Ayub Patel (21/09/67) of Blackburn Street, Blackburn has been sentenced to one year, suspended for two years after pleading guilty to money laundering offences at a previous hearing. He will also have to complete 150 hours of community service. 

Chaudhry and his conspirators defrauded over 50 victims from 2011 to 2015 across the North of England. 

Chaudhry often claimed to be a solicitor working for the Crown Prosecution Service, using the alias Adam Baksh. 

He would also portray himself as someone in a position to sell repossessed residential properties at a reduced rate to numerous victims. 

Rahim and Sidat would introduce Chaudhry as a successful businessman or solicitor with genuine schemes that would financially benefit their victims. 

The trio would then convince people to hand over their money in the belief that they would become owners of a repossessed home. 

The fraudsters also recruited Patel who allowed his business bank account to receive proceeds of frauds. 

*Patel filtered over £126,000 of fraudulently obtained money through his business bank account. 

A Proceeds of Crime Hearing will take place at a later date to recover any funds gained from their criminal enterprise. 

Detective Constable Andy Devonshire, of GMP’s Fraud Investigation Team, said:

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“Chaudhry and his accomplices are incredibly dishonest men who lured in their victims with false identities and empty promises. They took full advantage of people who trusted them and defrauded more than £600,000. 

“The fraudsters presented Chaudhry as both an employee of the Crown Prosecution Service and a reputable solicitor - their deception knew no bounds. 

“I hope today’s sentences provide some closure to the victims and that they can begin to move on from the stress and upset that these individuals have caused them. 

“They now have plenty of time in prison to realise that it wasn’t worth it.”

*Ayub Patel's custody picture was not released as he did not receive a 12-month custodial sentence.

Timothy Gelsthrope (17/10/1971) of The Croft, Westhoughton, has been charged with robbery and section 18 grievous bodily harm. 

He was remanded in custody to appear at Bolton Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday 26 June 2018). 
  
Shortly after 7am on Sunday 17 June 2018, police were called to reports of a burglary on Wesley Close in Westhoughton. 
  
On arrival, officers discovered a man in his 70s suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. 

Today, 26 June 2018, at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, Jason Byrne (05/07/1991) of no fixed abode, has been handed a life sentence with a requirement to spend a minimum of  25 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of Mohammed.

Mohammed was found with multiple head injuries and stab wounds to the neck when Byrne was arrested, he was found to have blood on his boots that forensics confirmed belonged to Mohammed.

The investigation uncovered CCTV showing Jason Byrne driving a white van and pulling into the rear car park of the Bull’s Head pub on Halifax Road, and subjecting Mohammed to a brutal and sustained attack.

Following the attack, Byrne drove to Dyehouse Lane where he left Mohammed’s body to be found on Christmas morning.

Detective Inspector David Meeney of GMP’s Major Incident Team said:

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“This was the horrific murder of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him.

“My thoughts are with his family who have been left devastated by their loss.

“Jason Byrne finally pleaded guilty and has today been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

“I believe this sentence accurately reflects the brutality of this crime. Byrne can now spend the next 25 years considering the life he has taken and the hearts he has left broken by his actions.”

 

He has been remanded to prison to appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 11 July 2018.

This charge relates to an incident on Wednesday 20 June 2018, where police were called to reports of a theft on Market Street in the city centre.

The court heard how Miah sexually assaulted a young woman on two separate occasions in Tameside, including once in his car, in the summer of 2016. 

Around the same time that year he also sexually assaulted another teenager, again in his car in Tameside. 

Detective Constable Peter Goddard, from GMP’s Tameside Borough, said:

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“Miah preyed on these innocent teenagers and acted in an utterly deplorable way. 

“Throughout this investigation and trial, he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, causing the victims further upset. 

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victims, and it is thanks to them that Miah will face the consequences of his actions.” 

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 to make a police report.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police or as a self-referral.

Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514. 

Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.

Thomas Humphreys (19/07/1996) of Ruskin Court, Farnworth has been charged with aiding/abetting dangerous driving, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and perverting the course of justice. 

He has been bailed to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 4 August 2018. 

This is in relation to a collision that took place on Europa Way, Trafford Park on Thursday evening (31 May 2018).

A man from Swinton was charged with causing death by dangerous driving earlier in the month.

Seven people were injured during the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment. One of the casualties, a 19-year-old woman, sadly died on Friday afternoon.