The courage of two young survivors of a prolific and sustained period of sexual abuse by a depraved couple from Bury have been praised by detectives after their abusers were jailed for over 25 years.

John Mills (38) and Tiffany Eccles (27) were sentenced yesterday (Monday 9 May) at Manchester Crown Court after previously admitting over 20 offences between them – including rape, sexual assault, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard how we first became aware of the couple’s campaign of offending in November 2021 after a teenage girl bravely attended Bury police station with her mother to report Mills and Eccles for sexually assaulting her for a period of almost five years – starting when she was aged just eight-years-old.

During her account with police at the station, the girl described – in detail - several incidents of serious sexual offences committed by the pair, with Mills often inciting the victim to ‘do things’ involving himself and Eccles, engaging in sexual activity with them both at the same time. 

It was also described how Mills would sometimes be drunk when committing the acts, and over the course of the abuse he was found to have sexually assaulted the girl at a camping site in Cumbria, raped her in a car on a dirt-track in Farnworth, at an address in Whitefield and at multiple addresses in Bury.

As well as trying to communicate in a sexual manner with her via social media, Mills encouraged the girl to engage in sexual activity with Eccles and forced the victim to watch footage of Eccles having sexual intercourse with one of Mills’ friends.

On the evening of the day the report was made, officers arrested the couple and brought them into custody for questioning regarding the offences the victim had courageously disclosed.

Following the arrests, a second report was made to police by another teenage girl who also alleged serious and persistent offending of a sexual nature perpetrated by the couple, the abuse starting when the girl was as young as three-years old.

The girl spoke of how Mills would routinely ask to do sexual acts with her and even told her about the activity he engaged in with the first victim when he raped her for the first time.

Eccles would regularly be described as present, actively engaging in the abuse and encouraging the victims to act on Mills’ requests.

The couple – from Bury – were charged following their interviews following the quality and detail of evidence provided by both girls, before Mills and Eccles proceeded to admit the offences they were accused of in court.

Now Mills, of Rochdale Road, was jailed for 19 years and three months with an extended period of two years on license after admitting three counts of rape of a child under 13, three counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity - in relation to the first victim.

In relation to the second girl, he admitted three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, six counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Eccles, of Rochdale Road, was jailed for seven years and two months for - in relation to the first victim - one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

In relation to the second victim, she pled guilty to one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and 1 count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

They must serve at least two-thirds of their sentence before being considered for parole; they have also received indefinite sexual harm prevention orders and restraining orders relating to both victims.

Both girls have received dedicated specialist support from police and partners during the investigation and have been praised by investigating officers.

Anyone who feels affected by this case is encouraged to contact the police knowing that information will be dealt with the strictest confidence and action will be taken to bring offenders to justice for their actions.

Detective Constable Nichola McGregor, from GMP Bury district’s newly-formed Child Protection Investigation Unit, said:

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"I would first and foremost like to thank the two young victims that bravely came forward to speak to the police - without their support, John Mills and Tiffany Eccles would more than likely have continued to commit offences.

“Their courage has helped secure lengthy prison terms for both offenders, ensuring they are no longer out in the community engaging in their predatory actions.

“The two girls have endured repeated sexual abuse, the like of which nobody should have to endure, but - despite their young age - their tenacity and resilience throughout the investigation and court process has been astounding; they truly are a credit to themselves.

“Mills and Eccles jointly and systematically sexually abused these two children over numerous years and in multiple locations. They took advantage of their vulnerability; they groomed them, trying to convince them that the depraved acts they were engaging in were normal behaviours.

“Their sentencing will hopefully bring some closure to their two survivors who have spoken to us and send out the message to anyone that behaves in this way that GMP will do everything we can to bring paedophiles like Mills and Eccles to justice.

“We take this kind of report extremely serious. I would encourage anybody who feels they have been the victim of offences such as above to get in touch with the police.”

 

Anyone with information or concerns about someone being sexually abused is encouraged to contact police online via our LiveChat facility, if able, or by calling 101.

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

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.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

A paedophile from Manchester has been jailed for 10 years after using social media to inappropriately contact and incite children.

Richard Fenton, now known as Rachel Fenton (13/06/1976), of Bideford Drive, Wythenshawe, was sentenced on 9 May 2022 at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to 21 child sex offences and a drug offence:

Attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity  x7

Attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity x5

Causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

Attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity x2

Attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity

Attempting to cause a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity

Making indecent photographs of a child x3

Distributing an indecent photograph of a child

Possession of class A drugs

Fenton has also been issued with a sexual harm prevention order and been made to sign the sex offenders register for life.

In November 2020, an online vigilante group reported that they had been communicating with Fenton using a fake profile of a 12-year-old girl.

Fenton tried to incite the girl to engage in sexual activity and send videos not knowing it was a fake profile.

He sent indecent images of himself to the profile and tried to encourage the believed child to engage in sexual activity with an even younger child aged six.

Following this report, police attended Fenton's address in November 2020 and arrested him on suspicion of arranging a child sexual offence and further arrested him on suspicion of possession of a class A controlled drug and possession of cannabis.

At the same time of being in contact with the believed 12-year-old, Fenton had also been in contact with the profile of another 12-year-old girl that was controlled by law enforcement.

Fenton had contacted the undercover operative and carried on the conversation of a sexual nature even after the victim revealed her young age.

He sent indecent images of himself to the operative and tried to incite the believed child to meet with him to engage in sexual activity and send indecent images of herself. 

While on police bail, Fenton inappropriately contacted a third victim, which was in breach of his bail conditions, who was also an undercover operative using a fake profile of a 13-year old girl.

Fenton requested inappropriate images of the girl and again tried to incite the child to meet with him to engage in sexual activity.

In January 2021, police attended Fenton's address a second time and arrested him on suspicion of a number of child sex offences.

His devices were seized and forensic examination found a number of indecent images of children including a large amount of child sexual abuse images and images of young children.

Detective Constable Ceri Martin, of GMP's Sexual Crime Unit, said:

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"Fenton is a paedophile who knowingly attempted to exploit children for his own sexual gratification.

"This behaviour is deplorable and completely unacceptable. The safety of our children is a top priority in Greater Manchester and I hope today's sentencing spreads the message to anyone thinking of engaging in this type of behaviour that it will not be tolerated.

"GMP will do their absolute utmost to thoroughly investigate all reports of this type of crime and bring the perpetrators to justice."

 

How to get help

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.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Just after 10.15pm last night (8 May 2022), officers were called to a report of a road traffic collision involving a black motorcycle on Mottram Moor in Mottram.

Emergency services attended and an 35-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and specialist officers are supporting them at this time.

PC Phillip Collingwood, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“Our thoughts are with the man’s family who are understandably devastated at the loss of their loved one and we’re doing all we can to get the family the answers they need.

“I would ask anyone with information or anyone who may have seen the black motorcycle prior to the collision to get in touch.

“Witnesses and those with information are asked to call 0161 856 4741 or report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.”

 

Almost £14m has been recovered from criminals by Greater Manchester Police's Economic Crime Unit in the past 12 months.

From March 2021 to April 2022, the department successfully recovered £13.7m from criminals - an increase of 26% on the previous year.

The money is made up from:

£3.7m from Confiscation Orders following the criminal conviction of offenders - up by 81%

£6.6m in cash seizures (up 326%) and £155,000 of seized listed assets (watches and precious metals etc)

£3.2m recovered by the new Account Freezing Order Team from accounts frozen due to their suspected use in crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Joseph Harrop said:

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"A notable seizure arose from the arrest of Sean Doyle as part of Operation Lushan, a 16-month investigation that formed part of the UK-wide Venetic operation focusing on the take down of the encrypted communications service Encrochat.

"During his arrest, Doyle stashed cash in a bag for life and threw this out of his bathroom window onto the roof. This was quickly recovered by officers and amounted to over £365,000.

"Doyle was jailed for seven years in October 2021 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, possession of criminal property and money laundering and a total of £367,870 was forfeited from him.

"Additional cash seizures included £98,000 forfeited from a man who recently pleaded guilty to drugs and money laundering offences with the cash was found in a holdall during his arrest.

"And a further £76,415 was recovered from an abandoned vehicle during a police pursuit."

 

In total, £5.7m will be returned to GMP as part of the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) and can be used for community programmes and charities across the region, as well as funding policing programmes and operations to further fight crime.

DCI Harrop added:

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"This has been a record year for asset recovery for GMP and we are one of the leading forces in the UK and that has resulted from a more proactive approach.

"We will continue to use more innovative and proactive ways to find and recover these assets.

"We are committed to tackling organised crime in all its guises and stripping assets from criminals.

"We have three new, highly skilled teams committed to asset recovery - the Confiscation and Restraint Unit, the Asset Detention and Recovery Unit and the Account Freezing Order Team.

"These teams will hunt for and recover assets however they are hidden.

"We also have a new Money Laundering Team that will identify, investigate and prosecute all those involved in trying to launder criminal proceeds.

"Half of the money forfeited goes automatically to the Greater Manchester Police ARIS fund used for charities and community initiatives.

"I would appeal from information from the public about anyone they suspect to be living a criminally-funded lifestyle and have hidden assets so we can deprive them of their cash and use it for a better purpose."

 

At around 1.15am on Wednesday 27 April 2022, police received a report of concern for the welfare of a man on Chassen Road, Flixton.

Officers attended and found a man with serious head injuries. He remains in hospital.

Detective Sergeant Kirsty Wroe, of GMP's Trafford district, said:

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"Our thoughts remain with this man as he recovers in hospital. We wish him well.

"Extensive enquiries are being carried out but it is still unclear how he sustained his injuries.

"I would like to appeal to anyone with information, particularly who was on Chassen Road near the train station between 12.30am and 1.15am."

 

Anyone with information should contact GMP via 0161 856 7544 quoting 147 27/04/22.

Information can also be anonymously shared via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At around 3.55pm on Tuesday 26 April 2022, we received a report of an incident at a property on Malling Road.

Officers have, so far, established that the female occupant of the property discovered an unknown male in her kitchen who subsequently attempted to commit a serious sexual assault.

The woman has, understandably, been left incredibly distressed and will be supported by specialist services going forward.

The male is described as being white, in his 40s and approximately 6ft tall with a balding head. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black scarf around his neck.

Detective Superintendent Chris Downey, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said:

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"As part of our investigation, we have safeguarded the victim and deployed extra officers to the area to prevent any further crimes, whilst keeping the community safe.

"Officers are in the process of gathering all available evidence, completing house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage and images, to assist us in identifying and arresting the person responsible as soon as possible.

"Nevertheless, it is crucial that anyone with information shares it immediately. We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with dash cam footage from Malling Road, Firbank Road, Millbrook Road, Belsay Drive or Whitburn Road."

 

Anyone with information should contact police via 0161 856 6063 or gmp.police.uk quoting 2135 26/04/22. Information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two teenagers have been charged with rape after a report of a rape was received in Wigan a week ago.

A 16-year-old boy from Essex - and who cannot be named for legal reasons - was charged with the rape of an 18-year-old woman, alleged to have occurred in the early hours of Monday 18 April.

He appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Saturday 23 April and has been remanded in custody to appear at Bolton Crown Court on Monday 30 May.

A 17-year-old boy from Bedfordshire - who also cannot be named for legal reasons - has been charged with rape and is appearing today (Tuesday 26 April) at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court.

An investigation was launched by detectives in Wigan CID after we were called at 1.55am on Monday 18 April 2022 to a report of a woman being raped at an address in the Aspull area of the town.

The victim is receiving specialist support from police and partners.

Officers investigating the sexual assault of a woman in Manchester have released the image of a man we are keen to speak to about the incident.

Shortly before 3pm on Wednesday 30 March, police were notified of a man entering an address on Davenport Avenue before inappropriately touching the occupant.

It is understood that the man was purporting to give a parking fine to one of the occupants who had parked outside, and was threatening to call the police to have the car towed away.

He is then said to have invited himself in the property to have a cup of tea, before he proceeded to inappropriately touch a woman in her 20s inside the address.

Images have been shared with investigating officers of a man they are wanting to identify and talk to about the assault.

Anyone with information about his identity is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 674 of 01/04/2022.

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

A drugs gang from Trafford involved in the possession of a stash of lethal guns and grenades in the Stretford area have been sentenced to a combined total of over 42 years in jail.

Detectives from our Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG) and the Trafford district were able to bring the woman and three men to justice following a comprehensive investigation.

After a hearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court today (Monday 25 April), Nathan Morgan (37), Brian Day (50), Gareth Curtis (45), and Sarah Tervet (43) were jailed after a probe into the gang's conspiracy to possess firearms and grenades, as well as the supply of class A and B drugs.

The court heard that Morgan, of Milton Close, was an important part of the conspiracy and was responsible for the conspiracy to possess four grenades, three firearms and ammunition, in addition to his plot to supply cocaine and heroin on a substantial scale - estimated to be worth between £50,000 and £100,000.

Officers were able to expose and ultimately dismantle the group following a series of warrants in the Stretford area in late-January 2021, which included a warrant at Tervet's address that saw police recover a quantity of ammunition, a firearm hidden in a JD bag in a cupboard and two hand grenades.

Officers were able to recover mobile devices that helped link the stash of weapons to the men associated with the conspiracy and found text messages to Tervet from Curtis stating 'something ain't right here' at the time the warrants were being executed - and contact between Morgan, Tervet and Curtis continued into the early hours of the next day.

When the weapons were forensically examined, the grenades were found to contain explosives which had the capability of causing serious injury and possibly death.

DNA belonging to Gareth Curtis was located on the grenades, firearm and ammunition.

An armed strike on Taylors Road, Stretford, saw two grenades recovered in a rucksack that were linked to Morgan before he was detained by armed officers on Friday 29 January. Officers seized two sets of keys and entered two properties on Milton Close where police discovered a large quantity of cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

There were also traces of cocaine and cannabis on some weighing scales inside one of the addresses, and two cannabis farms in the other.

Officers continued the offensive on the group, targeting Day's address on the same street later that afternoon where we found two handguns - with his DNA on both weapons - and evidence of class A drug supply.

Today, Nathan Morgan was sentenced to 21 years and three months after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon, conspiracy to possess ammunition, conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and possession with intent to supply and production of cannabis.

Gareth Curtis, of Milton Close, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon, conspiracy to possess ammunition and was ordered to serve 10 years and four months.

Sarah Tervet pleaded on her first day of trial to conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon and conspiracy to possess ammunition and will now spend four years and eight months behind bars.

Brian Day - who also admitted his guilt on the first day of trial - was jailed for six years and eight months for conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Roger Smethurst, of our Serious and Organised Crime Group, said:

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"Some of the weapons we recovered during the course of this investigation no doubt had the potential to be lethal and were certainly in the hands of an organised gang who were keen to do harm.

"We know that at the time of us conducting this operation there will have been concern in the local community in Stretford, but I hope the action we took back then - and being able to bring them to justice today - shows our commitment to ensuring those involved in the possession of such dangerous weapons are taken out of society and are put behind bars for their actions.

"Organised crime often operates out of sight but can have a very real impact in communities, and it is therefore vital that we continue to do all we can to take down these unscrupulous individuals.

"We always welcome intelligence from the public that helps us find these criminals and I urge anyone with suspicions or concerns about suspicious activity in their area to contact us or Crimestoppers so we can take action."

 

Information can be passed to us online via our LiveChat facility, if able, or by dialling 101.

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

The family of Neri Morse have released their own tribute.

Neri, 24, died following an incident on Pollard Street, Ancoats, at around 6.30pm on Wednesday 20 April 2022.

The family tribute in full: 

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"Our family cannot describe what losing our Neri has done to us. Only God will know how much this is breaking our hearts.

"Our brother was the baby of the family and definitely Mum’s favourite. He is loved by his partner, his brother and sister, his niece and nephew, his uncle, cousins and his nan.

"He was the most amazing and loving father to his four-month-old son Nakari and showed him the most amount of love in the short time they had together. We will always be immensely proud of how he took to daddy duties. 

"We as a family are overwhelmed and truly humbled by the sheer volume of messages and support from the community expressing their love and support. It just emphasises how truly loved Neri was.

"It's going to take our family quite some time to come to terms with losing Neri so suddenly and in such horrific circumstances - if we ever do. We would appreciate our privacy being respected at this time.

"We were blessed with 24 years of you - all we have left are the videos, pictures and memories. We love you forever, we are your keepers and we are so sorry we were not there to protect you.

"Sleep easy Baby Brother."

 

Two men, both aged 23, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning.

Anyone with information about Neri's death should contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22A50-PO1 or 0161 856 5413 quoting Operation Southsea.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two dogs stolen from a farm near Wigan have been reunited with their owner thanks to officers from Greater Manchester Police.

Jack Russell-Yorkshire terrier mix breeds Mopsy and Scrappy were stolen from Katie Shakeshaft’s farm in Garswood on 13 April.

The theft is being investigated by Merseyside Police but acting on a tip-off from the public, officers from GMP's Bolton district recovered the dogs in Farnworth on Thursday (21 April).

Sergeant Faye Lowe, from GMP's Bolton district, said:

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"We received information about where the dogs were being kept - officers attended the location and found the dogs healthy but a little scared.

"We are really happy to have been able to reunite the dogs with their owner."

Owner Katie Shakeshaft went to Bolton to collect the dogs yesterday.

She said: "I am over the moon and totally overwhelmed by the response of the police, both GMP and Merseyside - I was so happy when I received the call saying the dogs were safe.

"I never thought I would see them again - I was so scared and can't thank the police and the public enough."

 

No arrests have been made and anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police quoting log 349 of 16 April 2022.

Detectives from the Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Team have charged Darin Harvey (aged-25) with murder today.

The father of the two-week old baby girl who died in Heywood last year has been charged with her murder.

Darin Harvey (25), of Birch Road, Wardle, has been remanded in custody and appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court later today (Thursday 21 April).

He stood accused of the murder of his daughter Felicity-May Harvey who sadly passed away in hospital on Monday 11 January 2021 after police were called to a report of concern for her welfare.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth before being remanded into custody pending an appearance at Manchester Crown Court tomorrow (Friday 22nd April).

Detectives investigating double stabbing in Manchester make arrest

At around 6.30pm on Wednesday 20 April 2022, we were called by the ambulance service responding to an incident on Pollard Street in the Ancoats area. Officers attended and established that two males had been injured.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital, where he's receiving treatment for leg injuries. Another man, also believed to be in his 20s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

Overnight, a 23-year-old man presented himself at A and E. Following extensive enquiries, he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Wes Knights, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

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"As our investigation progresses, thoughts remain with the loved ones of the man who's sadly died. Specially trained officers are being deployed to support them.

"Overnight, our investigation has progressed and we are building a detailed picture of the events leading up to this incident. We can now reassure members of the public that we do not believe there is any threat to the wider community, that being said, extra officers will remain in the area in the coming days.

"As always, I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information, particularly dash cam footage from Ancoats between 6.15pm and 6.35pm last night, to share it with us - this can also be done anonymously via Crimestoppers."

 

Anyone with information should contact police via 0161 856 5413 quoting 2565 20/04/22. Information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A woman has died following a collision in Wigan in the early hours today (20 April 2022).

Officers were called by colleagues from NWAS just before 1.30am this morning to a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Kirkhall Lane, Leigh.

A blue Mini Cooper was travelling along the road towards Atherleigh Way when it was in collision with a woman in her 50s.

The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their investigation.

PC Phil Collingwood, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“First and foremost our thoughts remain with the woman’s friends and family who are understandably devastated.

“We’ve been following up a number of lines of enquiry throughout the night and we remained at the scene this morning carrying out a thorough investigation to find the answers the woman’s friends and family need.

“Anyone with information or anyone who may have seen anything is asked to report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

 

A man has been arrested in connection with a reported rape on a woman in the early hours in Bolton.

At around 2.20am today (20 April 2022), officers were called to a report of a rape on a woman in her 30s to the rear of the Newspaper building on Bradshawgate.

Officers attended and immediately launched an investigation and following enquiries, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape. He remains in custody at this time.

A cordon is currently in place whilst a number of lines of enquiry are following up by detectives.

Detective Inspector David Sinclair, from GMP’s Bolton district, said:

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“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim who is understandably distressed and receiving the appropriate care and support.

“We currently have one person in custody and I’d like to reassure the community and those nearby that we’re carrying out a thorough, detailed investigation and officers will be in the area today following up a number of lines of enquiry.

“Anyone who has any information or may have seen or heard anything is asked to contact us by reporting it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

 

Eric Hindley, (08/04/1942), of Moorlands Crescent, Mossley, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on the 13 April 2022, after being found guilty at trial of twelve counts of indecent assault and four counts of rape.

Hindley was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the offences which occurred between 1962-1994 and involved six victims.

Detective Constable Michala Noone, of GMPs Tameside CID, said:

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"This was a thorough investigation which took a lot of work to gather enough evidence to be able to make sure we got the justice the victims in this case deserve.

"I would like to thank the victims for their immense bravery in coming forward and reporting what they had been through all those years ago and I hope that the sentence Hindley has received comes as some comfort to them, that he is finally facing the consequences of his horrific actions.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to remind any victims of sexual abuse who have not yet come forward, that we can help you, no matter how long ago the offences happened, we will do all we can to support you."

 

Firefighters are attending the scene of a fire at a derelict former McCauley's public house on Bradshawgate this evening. The blaze which prompted the evacuation of a nearby student accommodation block, was said to have been well alight as fire crews arrived at the scene.

Streets around the area have been closed to traffic and it is thought they will remain closed over the next few hours as the fire is brought under control. Dense smoke is currently lingering, causing visibility to be low in the immediate area.

Buses and traffic are being diverted onto alternative routes.

The incident is close to the Cube student accommodation building which was badly damaged when fire tore through it in November 2019, the building has been evacuated as a precautionary measure. 

A spokesperson for the fire service said:

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“At approximately 5.55pm on Tuesday, 19th April, six fire engines from Farnworth, Whitefield and Bolton stations, alongside the hydraulic platform from Leigh and a Command Unit from Rochdale, were called to reports of a building fire on Bradshawgate, in Bolton.

“The fire involves a derelict building which was well alight when firefighters arrived at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reels and jets to extinguish the fire.

“The building is located next to a student accommodation block which has been evacuated as a precaution. Bradshaw Gate is expected to remain closed for a number of hours and members of the public are please advised to avoid the area. Fire crews remain in attendance at this time.”

 

Photo: GMFRS

Police have charged a man with driving offences after two people died following a collision in Manchester City Centre in February.

Abdisalan Ali (01/01/1998), of Gerry Wheale Square, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, following a fatal collision on the 20 February 2022.

Ali was driving down Wilmslow Road in Parrswood, before being involved in a collision with two pedestrians, aged 64 and 71, who very sadly died from their injuries.

Ali was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 19th May.

Police in Manchester have robustly responded to the first shooting in the north of the city in nearly nine months by arresting three suspects in the Cheetham Hill area before dawn this morning.

Around 60 officers from the Tactical Aid Unit, Firearms Unit, North Manchester Intelligence Development Team, and the local neighbourhood team targeted eight addresses following a firearms discharge on Monday (11 April) night on Cheetham Hill Road after a collision between two cars.

Fast-paced enquiries have been conducted in relation to the incident - which thankfully saw no one injured - and a BMW suspected of being involved has since been recovered thanks to information from the public.

Now, three men - aged 19, 20, and 21 - are in custody to be questioned on suspicion of offences including possession with intent to supply drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of class A drugs.

During today (Thursday 14 April)'s activity, a large zombie knife, several samurai swords, suspected drug-line phones, and a quantity of class A drugs were recovered from the addresses.

Investigators are keen to stress that the incident is believed to be a targeted attack, and that this morning's raids demonstrate our commitment to ensuring such acts of violence don’t escalate between rival groups.

Specialist officers from Central Park station have spearheaded the offensive on organised crime that has seen a 92% decrease in shootings in the past year, with support from local detectives and neighbourhood teams continuing to take the fight to criminals operating in the north of the city.

Targeted work led by the forces dedicated intelligence development team (IDT) to tackle a spike in shootings in early 2021 has led to reported firearms discharges dropping from 26 in 2020-21 to just two in the following 12 months - with none since last July prior to this week.

Working alongside detectives from their Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG) and firearms investigation team, the action has seen an increase in proactive disruption activity with the execution of 72 drugs warrants, 58 firearms raids, and over 200 stop-searches resulting in 191 arrests.

During the same time period, 33 firearms have been taken from the streets of north Manchester - up from 29 the previous year - demonstrating officers' continued drive to use intelligence to tackle the possession of potentially lethal weapons.

A lot of the intelligence can come courtesy of the public and we encourage anyone with information into the incident to continue to provide information to us or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Detective Inspector Paul Crompton, of GMP's North Manchester division, said:

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"Today's robust response to Monday night's shooting demonstrates our zero-tolerance to incidents like this happening on the streets of our city.

"A great deal of hard work continues to go on to ensure that we maintain what has been a drastic downward trend in firearms discharges in the north of Manchester, and we are absolutely determined to not relent in our commitment to keeping people safe.

"Our enquiries into Monday's incident continue at pace and I want today to send a clear message to anyone involved in this incident that if you're involved in organised crime and you are engaging in violence in our communities then we will need no encouragement to come through your door and bring you to custody to speak to you.

"While our investigation has lots of lines of enquiry for us to explore, and our hunt for the weapon used continues, our action this morning is clear that we are keen to do whatever we can to disrupt criminality; targeting suspects, illicit assets, weapons and anything that may be fuelling this criminality such as drugs.

"We've already had information from the public that has aided us in recovering a vehicle we suspect of being involved in the incident which we now have taken for forensic analysis - I appeal to anyone that may know something about what has happened or who was involved to contact us and help progress our investigation."

 

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asking to get in touch by calling 0161 856 1146 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information to identify the driver of a motorbike which failed to stop at the scene of a collision on Petticoat Lane, Ince, Wigan this afternoon (13th April 2022).

Emergency services were called at 12.16pm to a report of a collision involving a blue Suzuki GS 500 motorcycle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a two year old child, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.

Inspector Sam Davies, of GMPs Wigan Response Policing Team, said:

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"A very young child has been seriously injured today and we are appealing for the public's help in order to trace the rider of the motorcycle and establish what exactly has happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

"We are interested in speaking to anyone who may know who the rider is or anyone that we have not already spoken to, who may have CCTV footage showing the incident".

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting incident number 1245 of the 13th April 2022. Information can also be given via the Live Chat service on our website: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”