PC Ryan Pointon (27/02/94), who was a student officer based on the City of Manchester district, has been charged with sexual assault and is set to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 16 March 2022.

The officer has been suspended from active duty.

Misconduct proceedings will recommence upon conclusion of criminal proceedings.

Residents across parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester reported a large sonic boom at around 11pm this morning (Tuesday 15th Feb) , leaving windows and doors in their homes shaking.

Initially it was thought to have been a seismic event (earthquake) but the British Geological Survey says the data is more inline with a sonic event and no tremors had been recorded.

Although BAE systems were flying a trial of its Typhoon aircraft in the area, they have denied that the military jet went supersonic.

The Typhoon's is often used for quick reaction alerts. That can include potential threats approaching UK airspace.

As tensions with Russia remain high, the Royal Air Force (RAF) currently remains on high alert for incursions into UK airspace.

Following a string of knife attacks within Salford and the Greater Manchester region across three consecutive weekends (22/01/22, 30/01/22, and 04/02/22) and other recent incidents of violence, Greater Manchester Police launched Operation Sycamore - a dedicated operation to fighting, preventing and reducing knife crime.

The operation has seen extra uniformed officers within communities across the region, specifically targeting hotspot areas for crime. Officers have focused on engaging with young people; challenging and responding to anti-social behaviour and crime and exercising their stop and search powers when required.

As a result, between Saturday 5 February and Sunday 13 February 2022, officers arrested 21 people across Greater Manchester for a range of serious offences including attempted murder, rape, possession of a pointed and bladed article, possession of offensive weapons, public order offences and burglary.

58 stop searches were conducted resulting in nine people being found in possession of cannabis and one person in possession of an offensive weapon.

Five weapons including a machete and a bat have also been seized.

An additional five people were arrested for drink driving after officers stopped 41 vehicles.

Greater Manchester Police also works as part of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, which is made up of agencies, professionals and the voluntary sector from across the city-region, who work together to understand the causes of violence and work with communities to prevent it.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes of Greater Manchester Police, said:

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"The impact of three incredibly tragic incidents over recent weeks is still being felt across our communities and GMP is committed to ensuring that the public are kept safe and we remove these lethal weapons from our streets.

"The public want to see police officers on their streets and challenging those who are causing issues, and Operation Sycamore is focused on doing just that. This initiative will carry on into the coming weeks and our officers will continue to stop and search individuals when needed, whilst also providing reassurance to members of the public who are concerned about issues in their area.

"I would urge anyone within the community that has information, or suspects someone is carrying a weapon or is involved in criminal behaviour, to report it to us or to contact Crimestoppers.

"I also directly appeal to those carrying weapons to surrender them in our Forever Amnesty bins - no questions asked. These are located at 13 police stations across Greater Manchester. These weapons ruin lives and I urge you to do the right thing, before it's too late."

 

Anyone with information can contact GMP via our LiveChat at gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

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

The burglary happened at a property in the Altrincham area at around 8.15pm on Saturday 22 January 2022.

A number of high-value items, including clothing and jewellery, were stolen alongside a quantity of cash.

 

Detective Inspector Matt Gregory, of GMP's Trafford district, said:

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"No one should be made to feel that their belongings aren't safe in their own home.

"Since this burglary was reported, we've gathered information from various sources and are now in a position to appeal to members of the public for help.

"If you recognise any of the men in the CCTV or have any other information, please contact Greater Manchester Police directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7752 quoting 699 23/01/22. Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A temporary 30mph speed limit is to be brought into force along the Mancunian Way from 9pm tonight (Monday 14 February 2022).

This new speed limit is being implemented following a number of traffic collisions along the stretch of road during the last three years, one of which was fatal.

Analysis by Manchester City Council Highways team has shown a total of 29 incidents have been recorded on the road since 2018.

The speed limit along the Mancunian Way, from the Chester Road end to the Pin Mill Brow Junction, will be reduced to 30mph for a period of up to 18 months. This will be in force in both directions.

During this time the Council will undertake work to see if a permanent speed limit change is required.

Because of recent collisions the crash barriers along the Mancunian Way have sustained damage on several occasions, and repairs are needed to maintain their integrity.

The Mancunian Way will be closed to traffic over the weekend of 12 and 13 March to undertake this maintenance work and a full inspection of the road will also be done during this weekend closure.  

Councillor Emma Taylor, Assistant Executive Member for Transport, said:

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“Our priority will always be road safety and what has become all too clear in recent years is that the Mancunian Way is a particularly hazardous stretch of road.  

“I would ask motorists to please respect the new speed limit while it is in force and give themselves more time to complete journeys where necessary, especially during busier periods.  

“The Mancunian Way will also be closed in March (12/13) for its annual maintenance and inspection weekend, which will allow us to undertake any necessary repairs in a safe and controlled way.”

 

At around 2.30am on Saturday 12 February 2022, officers on patrol in the Stretford area found a male lay on Chester Road near the junction with Sydney Street.

The male has been taken to hospital where he remains with serious injuries.

An investigation was launched and officers established that the male had been involved in a collision with a silver Ford Transit which had come from Edge Lane.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody for questioning.

Officers are appealing for anyone from information, particularly dash cam footage from the area at around the time of the incident, to get in touch with them.

Anyone with information should contact police quoting 349 12/02/22 via 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Following three fatal stabbings in Greater Manchester on three consecutive weekends (22/01/22, 30/01/22, 04/02/22) and other recent incidents of violent crime, Greater Manchester Police has stepped up Operation Sycamore - dedicated to fighting, preventing and reducing knife crime.

GMP Gold Commander Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said:

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"Keeping people safe is a top priority, especially given the recent incidents which have been a tragic reminder of the threat, harm and risk that knives and other weapons pose.

"This weekend, members of the public can expect to see extra uniformed officers in communities across Greater Manchester, which have been identified as hotspots. These officers will focus on engaging with young people; challenging and responding to anti-social behaviour/ crime and exercising their stop and search powers if and when necessary.

"I would like to use this opportunity to remind people about our Forever Amnesty bins which are located at 13 police stations across Greater Manchester. Knives can be put in these bins with no questions asked. If you carry a weapon, my plea is that you surrender it this weekend. If you know or suspect someone else does, that you report it immediately."

 

Anyone with information can contact GMP via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Kennie died in hospital on Saturday 22 January after suffering a fatal wound to the chest following a stabbing in Stretford.

Yesterday morning (Friday 11 February) a 13-year-old boy was arrested in the Hulme area on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed pending further enquiries. 

Eight teenagers - aged between 13 and 17 - have already been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain on bail with conditions.

Three other teenage boys who were arrested have since been eliminated from the inquiry.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been driving along Moss Road, Thirlmere Road and Victoria Road between 6 and 7pm on 22 January.

We would urge anyone who may have been in that location to check their dash-cam footage and get in touch.

Any footage or images from the night should be submitted to our online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S43-PO1

Anyone can contact us with information - no matter how insignificant it may seem - on 0161 856 9908 quoting incident 2529 of 22/01/2022.

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

As part of our #ForeverAmnesty campaign to 'bin the knife' we remind the public that there is at least one amnesty bin at a police station in each Greater Manchester district.

We appeal for people to do the right thing, look out for each other and bin the knife; you won't be judged but you might just safe a life.

At around 5.30am this morning (11 February) officers executed a misuse of drugs and firearms warrant at an address on Clitheroe Road, Longsight.

The warrant was issued by GMP's City of Manchester Challenger team, supported by the Central Tasking Team and specialist operations, and formed part of an investigation into drugs and firearms offences.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class B and class A drugs. He currently remains in custody for questioning.

During the raid a sword and cannabis were seized.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to the sale of distribution of drugs is encouraged to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

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

Carl Leather (08/03/1975) of Conway Road, Sale has yesterday (Thursday 10 February 2022) been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to three years and eight months in jail after pleading guilty to one charge of burglary.

On 5 January 2022, Leather - armed with a screwdriver - forced entry into an address in the Brooklands area after smashing the glass in the patio doors.

The victim - a 72-year-old woman - was out at the time, however Leather triggered the burglar alarm when entering the property which alerted a neighbour who called the police.

Police arrived and began searching the property for Leather who attempted to escape by jumping out of a window and making off into a wooded area.

Following a police chase, Leather was detained in a neighbour's garden where he was found with around a thousand pounds worth of jewellery which had been taken from the victim as well as a screwdriver.

PC Dan Scanlon, of GMP's Trafford district, said:

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"Leather is a greedy individual who thought he could burgle an elderly woman and escape justice by attempting to run away from police.

"I would like to praise the team in their efforts for ensuring that Leather was detained and the jewellery was given back to the victim.

"Burglary is an incredibly invasive crime which can leave victims feeling unsafe and vulnerable in their own homes and is a top priority for Greater Manchester Police. I hope today's sentence gives Leather the time he needs to reflect on his actions and the impact they have had."

 

At around 9pm on Wednesday 9 February 2022, police were called to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian on Princess Road, Manchester.

Emergency services attended and a 21-year-old woman WAS taken to hospital with serious injuries where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

The driver made off from the scene on foot.

A 20-year-old man returned to the scene and handed himself in to police. He has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He remains in custody for questioning.

Sergeant Jacques of GMP's Roads Policing Unit said:

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"This collision has resulted in a woman requiring hospital treatment and we wish her the best for a full recovery.

"Although we have a man in custody our investigation is still very much ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we would ask anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please speak to police as soon as possible."

 

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or 0161 856 6176, quoting incident number 3037 of 09/02/22.

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

Billy Kelly (27/05/1985) of no fixed abode has been charged with attempt murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article.

He has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance and Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Thursday 10 February 2022.

At around 3.40am on Monday 7 February 2022, police were called to reports of a disturbance on Eliza Street, Manchester.

Enquiries have established that a firearm was discharged and a 49-year-old man was stabbed. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the neck.

He has since been discharged from hospital.

Paul Ryan, 50, was last seen on Manchester Road in Denton, near the junction which leads to the library, at around 9pm on Wednesday 1 December 2021. Earlier that evening, Paul was captured on CCTV in Asda on Cavendish Street, Ashton.

He is described as being approximately 5ft 11in tall and of a slim to medium build with short to medium length blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured coat over a short sleeved chequered shirt, black cargo-style trousers and blue trainers.

Paul lives on Mansfield Crescent off Corporation Road, Denton and spends time in the Crown Point area. He also has links to Ashton and Dukinfield, particularly Peel and Newton Terraces.

Detective Inspector Matt Berry, of GMP's Tameside district, said:

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"Paul was reported missing by his brother on Thursday 2nd December 2021, after he didn't turn up to his mother's funeral.

"Since Paul was reported missing, we have completed extensive enquiries - including, but not limited to, a multi-agency search of Audenshaw Reservoirs and the surrounding areas, utilising the services of specially trained dogs. As a result, we have recovered a bag - which we believe belongs to Paul.

"We are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and want to ensure that he is safe and well.

"I directly appeal to anyone with information to contact us - we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has seen Paul since 9pm on Wednesday 1st December 2021, particularly in the area around Audenshaw Reservoirs, or who has become friends with him and is aware of his whereabouts."

 

Anyone with information should contact us quoting Operation Midway via 0161 856 9262.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and threatening a person with a blade/ sharply pointed article in a public place.

He has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 9 February 2022. 

Dylan was fatally stabbed on Cheetham Hill Road Dukinfield at around 9.30pm on Friday 4 February 2022. 

At around 3.40am on Monday 7 February 2022, police were called to reports of a disturbance on Eliza Street, Manchester.

Enquiries have established that a firearm had been discharged and a 49-year-old man had been stabbed.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the neck. He has since been discharged from hospital.

Today (8 February) officers arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of attempt murder. He remains in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 309 of 07/02/22.

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

A specialist team of detectives and staff that have investigated hundreds of crimes and safeguarded almost 200 children over the last 12 months have issued a stark warning to online predators that they have 'no hiding place' this Safer Internet Day.

GMP's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) are just one of the teams within the force working to make the online world a safer space by relentlessly investigating  the possession and exchanging of graphic images of child abuse, which over the last six months alone have led to 69 suspected offenders being prosecuted.

The unit also work alongside the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) to identify online offenders grooming children, sharing indecent images of children, and arranging to meet with other adults in order to sexually abuse children. 

This is part of a co-ordinated local, regional and national focus to identify and arrest those using the internet to abuse and exploit children.  Last year this collaborative work resulted in the arrest of 195 people for child sex offences and more than 170 children were safeguarded.

Our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team work in conjunction with NWROCU, but also carry out hundreds of other investigations to try and bring to justice those using the online world to contact and groom children for sexual gratification.

Using advanced technology, image analysis and facial matching, the OCAIT and our Digital Investigation Unit also safeguard children who may have been exploited unbeknown to them by identifying them and putting the relevant safeguarding in place to protect them from becoming victims again. Over the last five years, over 600 children across the UK have been safeguarded.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Keenaghan leads the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team that work around the clock and work on what is sometimes on an international scale.

Speaking on Safer Internet Day 2022, she said:

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“The online world does not stop in Greater Manchester and children can be targeted by anyone, anywhere in the world. We deal with offenders nationally and internationally working collaboratively with UK and law enforcement agencies across the world to bring to justice any online predator who displays a sexual interest in children.

"Ultimately, our joint goal is to ensure those using the internet with the aim of harming children are taken offline permanently - and my message to any online predator is that there is no hiding place; we will find you and you will be punished.

"Children and young people online can often be quite vulnerable and our job is to catch those predators online that target young people and attempt to engage with them for their own sexual gratification.

"The Online Child Abuse Investigation Team works day in day out alongside ROCU to catch perpetrators and putting together complex and sensitive evidential packages and taking offenders through the courts - leading to 195 arrests for suspected child sex offences last year alone.

"There are cases where we've seized computers, phones and hard drives and found footage and images of children who haven't yet been identified. Using cutting-edge technology - including image analysis and facial-matching - a team of officers, work to identify victims of sexual abuse and put the right safeguarding in place; over the last 12 months we've safeguarded 189 children."

 

DI Keenaghan added:

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"Safeguarding children is the number one priority for the team and we recognise that behind every image is a victim. In some cases we've investigated, parents and carers are completely unaware that their children have been targeted and the impact on families and friends is unimaginable.

"We're doing all we can to make sure the online world is a safer place - including expanding our team of detectives to enhance capabilities in the face of rising demand - but would encourage everyone to play their part in raising the risks and educating children of the dangers of being online.

“My team will not stop until they root out offenders who prey on children for their own sexual gratification. We are determined to make the internet a safer space for children and to take these offenders offline."

 

Anyone with concerns can access in-depth information and resources highlighting the dangers of sharing information online, as well as offering tips to staying safe while using the internet, by visiting saferinternetday.org or thinkuknow.co.uk.

Information can be passed to us online, if able, on www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested this afternoon (7 February 2022), on suspicion of murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Dylan Keelan.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Four teenage boys who were arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend have since been released; two under investigation and two under conditional bail.

Dylan was fatally stabbed at around 9.30pm on Cheetham Hill Road, Dukinfield, on Friday 4 February 2022. A murder investigation has been launched by GMPs Major Incident Team and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage from the surrounding area at around the time of the incident is asked to contact police.

The Major Incident Public Portal has been opened to receive information, images or footage - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S44-PO1

Anyone with information should contact police quoting 2866 04/02/22 via 0161 856 6300, gmp.police.uk, https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S44-PO1 or 101. Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A man from Ashton-Under-Lyne has admitted to the killing of his 15-year-old sister Amanda Selby whilst on holiday at the Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn near Abergele, Conwy last year.

The 19-year-old was remanded in custody after being accused of his younger siblings murder on the 31st of July 2021.

Matthew Selby, of Windermere Crescent, appeared via video link at Mold Crown Court to enter his plea this morning. He was due to stand trial for murder this month, but has now pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which were accepted by the crown based on psychiatric assessment.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said:

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“I too have read the reports from both psychiatrists and plainly I understand the decision taken by the Crown.”

The teenager will be sentenced next month, pending a report from psychiatrists.