Stephen Mawmbwe (08/02/1994) of no fixed abode has been charged with attempt robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Bolton Magistrates' Court today (3 March 2022).

At around 2.40am on Friday 4 February a man attempted to rob a taxi driver on Trinity Street, Bolton.

During the robbery the taxi driver was choked with a seatbelt and stabbed in both hands.

Police were called around 6.20pm on Tuesday 1 March 2022 to a report of a collision on Broadway, Chadderton.

Emergency services attended and enquiries established two cars - an Audi A4 and a Suzuki Swift - had been in collision with one another at the junction of Broadway and Eaves Lane.

The Audi failed to remain at the scene following the collision.

The occupants of the Suzuki - two women aged in their 60s and 70s - were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Both currently remain in hospital, one in a critical condition.

Sergeant Andrew Page of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

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"This was a serious collision which has left two elderly women in a serious condition in hospital.

"A full investigation is currently underway to establish the full circumstances of this collision and locate the driver of the Audi. We're appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed the collision or the two vehicles in the area at the time to get in touch with police.

"I would urge anyone in the area at the time to check their dash-cam or CCTV footage as you may be holding footage that could greatly assist our enquiries."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting incident 2397 of 01/03/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Today's report published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services is a fair and accurate illustration of the position Greater Manchester Police was in last September when they undertook their assessment visit. Indeed, much of what the report highlights was a feature of our own root cause analysis published around that time which informed the development of our strategic improvement plan.

In September, when the Chief Constable addressed the HMICFRS accelerated cause for concern that was issued ahead of the full report, we knew that there was, and still is, a significant amount of work to do to turn GMP around. I can assure the public, and the hard-working staff and officers at GMP, that we are as committed now as we were then to fixing these issues and that the plan we are pursuing at pace addresses each and every one of the areas raised in the report.

I'm pleased to say, since the launch of our Plan on a Page and our promises to the public in September 2021, we are already seeing green shoots of improvement in the many areas we know are of most concern to both HMICFRS and the residents of Greater Manchester. This is positive news for the public but also for everyone at GMP who is committed to this journey of improvement.

One of the main issues we faced in September was crime recording and, positively, HMICFRS has recognised our significant improvement in this area. Our current compliance with national crime recording standards is nearly 91%. This is an extremely positive shift from being one of the poorest performing forces in the country, to being in the upper quarter of the table in a relatively short period of time.  This improvement clearly demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable and continued progression with our crime recording and shows we are on track.

We know historically there has been long waits for both 999 and 101 calls, and I understand this is one of the most important issues the public wants us to fix. We have invested heavily in this area, and I'm pleased to say we have seen the waiting times come down as a result. The average time for 999 calls to be answered is currently around 25 seconds, which has reduced by half compared to the critical incident of July last year. 101 call answer time has also significantly improved, to an average of three minutes 47 seconds - a sizable reduction from the eight minute peak we saw in the same critical period in July. Whilst this is an excellent start and shows the investment is working, these times are still longer than our original target.  We are grateful to the Mayor and the Police and Crime Panel - and most importantly to our Council Tax payers - for supporting the additional investment through the council tax precept which has enabled us to start a substantial recruitment campaign for 100 new call handlers. We are looking to recruit in Greater Manchester and there has never been a better time to join us and help us achieve our goals - applications can be submitted on our website.

We also knew back in September that we needed to free up officers to do the job they were brought in to do - tackle crime and bring offenders to justice. This meant better handling of the crime reports as they come in and reducing demand on our response officers. Our new training for call handlers and a new, more effective, policy for grading calls has been launched and has already seen the demand being placed on response officers reduce by 15%. This is due to the new approach of resolving the needs of the caller at source where appropriate.

One of the observations of the Peel review is our need to better investigate crime, and these measures are freeing up crucial time for our officers to better respond to more serious incidents. Attendance at grade 1 incidents has reduced from 21 minutes to an average of 17 minutes. Whilst this is still above our overall target of 15 minutes, we are already seeing five of our districts reduce their response times below this.

I also want to take this opportunity to bring to the fore some of our other commitments on which we are delivering at pace and which I hope can demonstrate that GMP is making significant progress.

One of the Chief Constable's main pledges to you was to double the number of arrests in a year, and again our numbers are showing we are on track with a month-on-month increase, making our arrest numbers the highest they've been for several years. We also committed to attending every burglary across Greater Manchester, and whilst not everyone will take up this offer, in the first week of February we attended 98% of burglaries requiring a grade 1 response. We are also placing greater emphasis on roads policing which has been bolstered by the precept investment, leading to an additional 60 new officers dedicated to the roads policing unit which will help us in our efforts to take dangerous, uninsured and reckless drivers off our roads.

We know Neighbourhood Policing is an essential part of getting to grips with the criminals who blight your local area, and to better understand this, we have launched our neighbourhood consultation online and through events in every district across Greater Manchester. These are being led by our Chief Officer team and our Neighbourhood Policing teams to really get to grips with the issues that matter most to our communities and work together in making Greater Manchester a better place to live. You can find the online survey and all of the dates for events in your area on our website.

Whilst the HMICFRS peel review quite fairly portrays the position we were in six months ago, I am confident that we are already in a much improved position and the changes we are making are having a positive and sustainable impact.

Much of what we have achieved so far has been accomplished through having a simple and clear plan, strengthened leadership and better management of performance. The next stages of the plan involve the more fundamental changes needed in all areas: a wholescale overhaul of our operating model involving call handing; response policing; neighbourhood policing; safeguarding; and public safety. 

Of equal importance will be a renewed focus on supporting and developing our workforce because it is down to the hard work and dedication of our dedicated officers and staff that we are beginning to turn the tide and surge GMP into a force to be reckoned with.

Not only will the public see and feel GMP's presence, so will those coming to Greater Manchester intending to commit crime. No longer are we settling for inadequacy, instead we are sending a strong message to criminals - do not commit crime in our districts. We will catch you, we will arrest you and we will bring you to justice. That is what these clear signs of advancement show.

Police received a report at around 4pm on Tuesday 1 March 2022 of an attempted armed robbery at Wynsors Shoes, Ashton Road, Oldham.

Enquiries have since established that the offender - a man - had entered the store before demanding money from the till and threatening staff by saying he was in possession of a knife and a gun.

The man then left the store, without any money, and is believed to have fled down Ashton Road in the direction of Copter Hill Road.

Enquiries are ongoing. 

DC Berry of GMP's Oldham district, said:

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"Thankfully, no one was harmed during this incident but it was an incredibly traumatic experience for the shop staff.

"No weapon was ever seen or produced by the offender and he left without money from the store but we're still treating this with the utmost seriousness and we want to ensure the man responsible is identified and faces justice.

"We're releasing CCTV images of a man that we would like to speak to in connection with this incident and I would encourage anyone who thinks they may recognise him to get in touch with police as soon as you're able to. We're also keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the store at the time or were within the vicinity at the time and may have seen him."

 

Anyone with information that could assist detectives in identifying this man should contact police on 0161 856 8915 or 0161 856 9078 quoting incident 1961 of 01/03/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via 101 or our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man from Manchester was jailed yesterday afternoon (1 March 2022) at Manchester Crown Square, years after he assaulted and threatened to kill his victim.   

Aston Greenwood, (29/08/1988), of 16 Lancaster Street, Chadderton, pleaded guilty during the course of the investigation to GBH, controlling and coercive behaviour, threats to kill, and two counts of common assault against a child.

The court heard how in June 2021, Greenwood was arrested after breaking into the victim's address in the early hours of the morning where he proceeded to assault her in a harrowing sustained attack.

The victim was able to call the police after waking up to Greenwood attempting to break into her home.

While remaining on the phone to police, the victim ran into her children's bedroom where she attempted to barricade the door shut.  

Greenwood then forced his way into the room and began to assault the victim in front of her children. She was repeatedly hit in the head while being kicked, punched and assaulted with objects. In addition, Greenwood then stabbed her in the eyes  with a shard of glass from a broken lamp.

Police arrived and, after a brief struggle, Greenwood was arrested and detained.

Yesterday he was jailed for 15 years with a further five years that he will serve on license after serving his custodial sentence. Greenwood was also given a lifelong restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or her children.

Detective Constable Demi Greenan, of GMPs Manchester CID, said:

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"Greenwood is a violent domestic abuser that has shown a clear pattern of intensifying violent behaviour.

"This was a horrific incident which left  his victim terrified and fearing for her life. Our community is now a safer place with him behind bars.

"I would like to reiterate that GMP will not tolerate any type of violence against women and we will do all in our power to bring these offenders to justice.

"I'd strongly urge anyone suffering behind closed doors to report it or access services available to get the support they may need."

 

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility or use our LiveChat facility on our website, or call 101. In an emergency that's on-going or life is in danger, always dial 999.

Some victims may not feel comfortable speaking with the police, or may feel they need support to come forward and make a report. Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. You can contact the service by visiting the website on https://www.gmvictims.org.uk/ or calling 0161 200 1950.

Following investigation by GMP's Rochdale Neighbourhood Task Force:

Mohammed Rameez (12/06/92) of Ann Street, Rochdale has been charged with six counts of burglary.

He has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today (2 March 2022).

Between December 2021 and January 2022, six businesses across Rochdale including takeaways, an opticians and a cleaning company were burgled.

During the burglaries electrical items and money were stolen.

Incoming Assistant Chief Constable, Sarah Jackson, was attested during a ceremony held at GMP's Sedgley Park Training Centre this afternoon (1 March 2022).

Magistrate Stephen Paine oversaw proceedings as ACC Jackson swore her oath of attestation, thereby confirming her return to GMP and appointment as the latest addition to the Chief Officer Team.

Her new position will see her hold responsibility for the Crime portfolio, which includes Serious and Organised Crime, Public Protection, Forensic Services, Intelligence and Crime Investigation

Sarah returns to the force after spending a number of years with Cumbria Constabulary. Since transferring to Cumbria in 2017, she has worked as the Head of People, Head of Professional Standards, and the Commander of Operations & Neighbourhood Policing.

Her first official duty as a member of the team saw her address an incoming cohort of student officers and three fellow transferees at their own attestation.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said:

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"Today was a really proud day for me as it officially marked my return to my home force, Greater Manchester Police.

"Now is a great time to join GMP as we continue to make positive changes to the service we provide, and I'm really excited for the road ahead. I've no doubt there will be challenges but, having already met a lot of my dedicated new and existing colleagues, I have confidence in our collective efforts to overcome them.

"Today was also a good opportunity to meet new colleagues who are starting out on their policing journey and wish them all the best for the future."

 

Two men from Manchester and Liverpool have been jailed for over 15 years today following a covert investigation into their criminal activity as leaders of an organised crime group in Manchester.

The investigation centred on the use of the encrypted communications service Encrochat, which Remez Caffrey (04/06/1997) and John Chean (21/11/1987) were both using to import and supply class A and B drugs.

Following the take down of Encrochat in June 2020 as part of the UK-wide Operation Venetic, GMP was made aware of a user handle on the service 'Frostjacket' being jointly used by Caffrey and Chean.

Through this profile both men would be in regular contact with multiple handles to source and purchase drugs.
Analysis of messages between April and June 2020 showed 'Frostjacket' was trying to source cocaine in early April but was struggling due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and Government restrictions.

In the months that followed both men were seen to exchange messages with various handles purchasing around two and a half kilograms of cocaine believed to have a street value of around 100,000, 61 kilograms of amphetamine believed to have a street value of around 61,000 and 44 kilograms of cannabis believed to be worth around 264,000.

The men would often offer either cash exchange or vehicle exchange for the drugs and on one occasion the men arranged to meet in Moston to exchange a 20 plate Mercedes for 18kg of amphetamine.

In an attempt to launder money for large scale drug purchases the men were in discussions with various handles encouraging Frostjacket to accept large amounts of money and pass these through various members of their family to clean the money. Agreeing to do so 'Frostjacket' instructs the handle this his family members will do as their told.
Further message analysis showed both men were involved in the theft of cannabis from a farm in the Oldham area being operated by a rival crime group.

In May 2020, both Caffrey and Chean travelled to Liverpool and were in conversation with another user on the platform discussing the transportation of drugs from overseas into the UK. 'Frostjacket' instructs the user that although they have their own means of transportation via Denmark and Belgium, they could fill 100k of space on a transportation being used by the user.

The investigation culminated in strike days in March 2021 in which both Caffrey and Chean were arrested at addresses in Manchester and Liverpool. During the strikes 2,940 in cash was also seized.

Today (Tuesday 1 March) at Manchester Crown Court, Remez Caffrey of Chelston Avenue, New Moston was jailed for 11 years and three months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine, conspiracy to import cannabis and money laundering. John Chean, of Thirlmere Walk, Liverpool was also jailed for six years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine.

Detective Constable Darren Wayman of GMP's Organised Crime Coordination Unit said:

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"Today's sentencing is a significant result for the team after months of gruelling and intricate investigative work to help identify, arrest and convict these two high-ranking members of an OCG.

"Both Caffrey and Chean were responsible for the purchase and importation of huge quantities of drugs which would no doubt have been distributed across Greater Manchester before being sold within our communities. These types of drugs blight communities and ruin lives and thankfully we have been successful in disrupting this type of destructive criminality.

"Drugs are not welcome within our community and we will do all we can to pursue these types of criminals and ensure they face the appropriate justice - which today is a substantial time behind bars. Our investigations do sometimes rely on intelligence provided by the public so I would encourage anyone who may have information into this type of activity to get in touch with police as soon as possible."

 

Nine people have been arrested after officers executed eight warrants at properties in South Manchester and Stockport this morning (Tuesday 1 March 2022).

The males and females, between the ages of 15 and 40, have been arrested on suspicion of various burglary, drugs and fraud offences.  

They remain in custody for questioning.

The warrants were executed as part of an investigation into burglaries at homes in South Manchester and Stockport during which high-value vehicles were stolen.

A large quantity of cash and suspected drugs have been recovered.

Searches and enquiries are ongoing.  

Sergeant Graham Siddall, of GMP's South District Tasking Team, said:

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"Being the victim of a burglary is a really upsetting experience. We have the right to feel safe and know our belongings are safe, especially in our own homes.

"Whilst we have arrested a number of suspects, enquiries are ongoing and our fight against burglary continues whilst proactive teams focus on preventing and reducing this type of crime. Anyone with information should contact police or Crimestoppers, anonymously.

"This morning's action should build public trust and confidence that Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating crimes whilst keeping people safe and caring for victims.

 

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555

Police were called around 9.30pm on Monday 28 February 2022 to Newlands Avenue, Rochdale to a report of a man with an axe.

Enquiries later established a man, wielding an axe, had been attempting to force entry to a property on the road.

Two people were sat in a vehicle nearby and witnessed the man attempting to gain entry and called the police.

Noticing them, the man then threatened the couple and asked them for money but they were able to hit him with the car door to distract him. The man in the car then chased the offender on foot but he fled the scene in a vehicle being driven by a woman.

The vehicle was later spotted at around 1.50am on St Mary's Gate, Rochdale and pursued by officers.

A 45-year-old woman was later arrested on suspicion of robbery and currently remains in custody.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the outstanding male.

Anyone with information should contact police 0161 856 8680 or 101 quoting incident 2823 of 28/02/22. Alternatively, details can be passed via their LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Just before 11pm on Monday 28 February 2022 officers were flagged down on Kingsway, Rochdale to a report of a knifepoint carjacking.

Enquiries soon established the victim had been threatened with a knife and told to get out of his vehicle.

When he did so, the offenders - a male and a female - fled the scene in his vehicle.

The vehicle was later pursued by officers before the occupants decamped and attempted to flee on foot.

They were soon detained close to Manchester Road and Hareshill Road. Both were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or their LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk quoting incident 3031 of 28/02/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

At around 9pm on Sunday 27 February 2022, police received a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Church Street, Horwich.

Officers attended and established that a woman in her 60’s had disturbed an unknown male inside her home. After going outside to shout for help, the victim was struck by her own car as it was stolen.

Alongside the black Volkswagen T Roc (MA18 WZT), the woman's handbag was also stolen.

The car has since been recovered.

The victim was taken to hospital where she remains with head, abdominal and leg injuries.

Inspector Deborah Hurst, of GMP's Bolton district, said:

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"This was a horrific experience for the victim - we wish her well, hoping she makes a full recovery.

"Enquiries are ongoing but we are appealing for anyone with information to contact us.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with dash cam footage which shows the VW T Roc since it was stolen on Sunday evening"

 

Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police quoting 2959 27/02/22 via 0161 856 5757 or gmp.police.uk. Information can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Wayne Farrell (07/07/1983) of Stoneyvale Court, Rochdale and Sean O’Sullivan (19/11/1974) of Wasp Mill Drive, Rochdale were, today (Monday 28 February 2022), sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to nine and a half and eight years respectively after previously being convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary.

The pair were involved in five burglaries targeting properties in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire at the beginning of 2019.

During the first, on 22 January 2019, Farrell and O’Sullivan broke into a home on Troutbeck Close, Bury before stealing jewellery and the keys to a blue VW Tiguan, which was then stolen from the driveway.

During the second burglary, on 18 February, a house on Ravenstone Drive, Halifax was targeted. Whisky, designer clothing, Jaguar vehicle keys and two cars – a Vauxhall Mokka and VW Polo – were also stolen.

A third burglary, on 23 February, saw a Jaguar XK and sentimental jewellery stolen from a property on Summerseat Lane, Bury.

Vehicle and house keys were stolen during the fourth burglary, on 9 March, on The Gabriels, Shaw.

Following a thorough investigation by GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, detectives were able to link the burglaries and link them to Farrell and O’Sullivan.

On 27 March 2019, Wayne Farrell was arrested at his home address on Stoneyvale Court, Rochdale. A search of the house uncovered various stolen items including stolen car keys, mobile phones and a large number of crow bars.

On 15 May 2019, Sean O’Sullivan was arrested at his home address on Wasp Mill Drive, Wardle. A vehicle at the address was searched and found to contain a black balaclava, gloves, numerous tools including; a lump hammer, screw driver and bolt cutters. Stolen car keys including those to the a vehicle from Halifax and Shaw were found. A gardening multi-tool stolen believed from the property in Bury was also recovered as well as jewellery stolen from Summerseat Lane in Bury.

Detective Inspector Roger Smethurst, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said:

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“As a result of this investigation, we have been able to bring two active and experienced burglars to justice, as well as recover a great deal of stolen property and return it to their relieved rightful owners.

“Farrell and O’Sullivan stole whatever property they could lay their hands on, without a thought to the financial and psychological impact their crimes were having.

“While no-one was injured in these break-ins, we know the trauma of such crimes can be considerable.

“No-one should be made to feel unsafe in their homes and we’re pleased for the victims that Farrell and O’Sullivan are now behind bars.”

 

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity,  Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

A man who groomed a young teen online via the PlayStation network has been jailed.

In April 2021, officers received a report from colleagues at Police Service of Northern Ireland that Ashley Brooks (15/06/1996), of Holly Street, Tottington, Bury, was grooming a boy via the PlayStation Network and pretending to be a 13-year-old boy.

Brooks exchanged numbers and started to communicate with the victim on WhatsApp but thankfully, the victim's mother spotted the messages and reported it to the police.

It was then found that the number was being used at an address in Bury and detectives from Bury CID launched an investigation and arrested him and seized his devices in October 2021.

The PlayStation console seized showed Brooks' conversations and also identified another victim - 13 - who was in the Birmingham area.

A detective went to inform the victim's parents in January that their son was being groomed one hour before Brooks arrived at their address asking to meet with the victim.

Hours later, he handed himself in at Bury police station and was arrested and charged.

Today (28 February 2022) Brooks was sentenced to two years at Manchester Minshull Street crown court after pleading guilty to child grooming.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for ten years.

Detective Constable James Donnelly, from Bury's Complex Safeguarding Team, said:

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"Brooks was clearly a predator online and was targeting young teenage boys online and attempting to meet up with them.

"Thankfully one of the victim's mums raised concerns and reported them meaning we were able to catch him and unravel his crimes. This is a step towards making the online world that little bit safer for children online now Brooks is behind bars.

"I would urge parents and carers to be cautious about who their children and young people are speaking to online and if there are any concerns, report them.

"For more information on how young people can keep themselves safe and how parents and carers can help, visit thinkuknow.co.uk."

 

The director of two firms caught selling dangerous and counterfeit toys has been handed a suspended prison sentence. 

Qunfeng Wu, 41, of Mosedale Road, Manchester, appeared before Tameside Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 February, charged with Trade Mark offences and breaches of Toy Safety Regulations. 

Acting as the director of MW Manchester Ltd (trading as Wendy Fashion), and Pound Jewellery Ltd, the practices of Wu have been under investigation by Manchester City Council’s Trading Standards Teams since 2018. 

Regarding Pound Jewellery Ltd, an inspection carried out in March 2018 found that a range of items on sale at the premises were counterfeit, featuring brands such as Batman, Disney and Marvel. In addition, a number of toys on sale were found to be dangerously unsafe with easily accessible battery units, that if swallowed, could severely injure a child. 

Other items also posed a suffocation and choking hazard. 

Regarding MW Manchester Ltd, officers visited its premises in Derby Street on April 2, 2019. During this visit unsafe light-up balloons were discovered, with Wu told to immediately remove them due to the hazard they posed. 

A follow up visit on April 30 with Greater Manchester Police found that the items had not been removed as instructed. 

Lab tests found that these balloons were not compliant with safety regulations as they were not marked as unsafe for children under the age of 36 months, had no manufacture name, trademark or model/mark name present. There was also no required battery information, or a CE safety mark.

At a court hearing held on September 5, 2019, Pound Jewellery Ltd was found guilty in absence at Manchester Magistrates Court for two Toy Safety offences and four Trade Mark offences. 

It was fined £8,200, ordered to pay costs of £1,348 and pay a victim surcharge of £180. A forfeiture order was made in regard to the seized goods. 

Wu, in her role as director, failed to attend and a warrant back for bail was issued. She later surrendered to the warrant. Wu pleaded guilty to all the offences and was sentenced on all matters on Friday, February 25, 2022.

At this hearing Wu was sentenced in total to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months for four trademark offences and four toy safety offences. She was also ordered to a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 15 days, ordered to pay costs of £3,133.97, and pay a victim surcharge of £115. Wu was also disqualified from acting as a director of a company for 5 years by the court.

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said:

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“This case has taken a long time to come to a resolution, but it illustrates the Council’s commitment to doing the right thing. Selling dangerous goods is not just irresponsible, it poses a genuine risk to the public’s wellbeing. 

“I’m grateful for the tenacity of the Trading Standards Team in bringing this case to court, as well as the legal team for their efforts to secure a conviction.” 

At around 11.30pm on Friday 15 October 2021 the victim - a 34-year-old man - was walking in the Deansgate Interchange and Chester Road roundabout area of Manchester City Centre.

He was then approached by two males who asked him for a cigarette. The victim told the males he didn't have any and was subsequently punched to the head and face several times, by one of the males.

The victim was left with a broken jaw and required hospital treatment.

Detectives have been following all available lines of enquiry and have today released an e-fit of a man that they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Anyone who believes they may recognise the man in the image and could help identify him is encouraged to contact police on 0161 856 4409 or 101 quoting incident 470 of 15/10/21.

Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

If you are out and about in Manchester today you may notice a larger than normal emergency services presence, don't be alarmed it is just a training programme and not a real incident.

Greater Manchester Police and partner agencies, today (Monday 28 February 2022), took part in an exercise at the AO Arena in Manchester City Centre.

Based on a mock scenario, not related to counter terrorism policing, the exercise tested the multi-agency response to incidents and emergencies, ensuring we work together to deliver an outstanding service.

Inspector Edward Goss, of GMP's Specialist Operation Branch, said:

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"It is really important for police officers and staff, alongside partner agencies, to be given opportunities to test the response to incidents and emergencies like this.

"Exercises support our value to be a learning organisation which delivers outstanding service whilst keeping people safe and caring for victims.

"I would like to use this opportunity to thank members of the public who were in the area at the time for their cooperation. I would also like to thank our partner agencies, particularly the AO Arena, for their involvement in this exercise."

At around 10.50pm on Saturday 26 February 2022, we received a report of the theft of a motor vehicle from a property on Old Kiln Lane, Oldham.

Officers were deployed and, within minutes of the call, located the vehicle and requested the deployment of GMP's Tactical Vehicle Interception Unit.

The vehicle was stopped using a stinger and a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking. He remains in custody for questioning.

Inspector Sue Chadwick, of GMP's Oldham district, said:

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"First and foremost, I am pleased that we are able to reunite the victim with their vehicle and have arrested a suspect.

"This is an excellent example by the officer involved of team work to bring the incident to a quick, safe and, ultimately, positive conclusion.

"I hope this incident builds public trust and confidence surrounding GMP's response to incidents like this and commitment to fighting crime whilst delivering outstanding service."

 

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

One witness described Richard Allan's driving on Tuesday 18 May 2021 as 'horrendously dangerous' both before and after the crash on Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton.

The boy, who was taken to hospital with life-threatening head injuries, is beginning to make a full recovery.

Following the collision, Allan tried to cover his tracks by taking his Ford Focus to a scrap merchant.

Allan (13/08/83), of Tensing Fold, Dukinfield, Tameside, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to report a road traffic collision and perverting the course of justice at an earlier hearing.

Today (25 February 2022) at Minshull Street Crown Court he was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment and has been disqualified from driving for 51 months.

Allan was seen driving erratically in Chorlton by several witnesses in the lead-up to the crash.

At 3.46pm, his vehicle was seen turning from Beech Road onto Barlow Moor Road towards Mauldeth Road West.

Allan then became stuck in a queue of traffic outside McDonald's and made a U-turn, driving away at excess speed despite the 30mph speed limit.

Police Constable Phil Drummond, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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"At this time of day, the area was very busy with both traffic and pedestrians.

"A number of schoolchildren were in the area and traffic was very heavy due to the roadworks and temporary traffic lights.

"The 12-year-old was crossing Barlow Moor Road when he was struck by Allan's car, throwing him into the air.

"After the crash, despite knowing he had hit a pedestrian and with no consideration for their condition, Allan chose to drive away at high speed, making no attempt to stop."

 

Mobile phone data showed Allan made several calls to vehicle recovery agents after the crash - the same data also revealed the phone had been in the area at the time the collision occurred.

On Wednesday 19 May 2021, Allan arranged for the vehicle to be scrapped.

Officers recovered the vehicle from a scrapyard in north Manchester and Allan was arrested in Dukinfield on Tuesday 25 May 2021.

Clothes, including a distinctive camouflage jacket, worn by Allan on the day of the crash were also recovered, along with his mobile phone.

PC Drummond added:

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"Allan's driving that day was dangerous, erratic and thoughtless. He showed no consideration for pedestrians or other road users in the area, let alone his young victim.

"He was seen driving recklessly before the crash and became impatient in the roadworks, making a U-turn and driving the opposite direction.

"Allan went to considerable effort to destroy evidence connecting him to the offences, making efforts to permanently dispose of the vehicle by handing it over to a scrap merchant.

"This incident is a stark reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving and could have resulted in the death of a young boy.

"I hope this serves as a reminder to those who continue to endanger the public - we will continue to bring you to justice."