In response to three fatal stabbings in Greater Manchester on three consecutive weekends and other recent incidents of violent crime, senior officers authorised increased stopping and searching in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan over the weekend (5 and 6 January 2022).

Section 60 gives police the right to search people without reasonable grounds in a defined area at a specific time.

On Saturday and Sunday, officers stopped and searched 103 people, resulting in six arrests for a range of offences including theft without consent, possession of cannabis and public order offences. One stolen vehicle was also recovered.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said:

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"On behalf of Greater Manchester Police, I send our condolences to the loved ones of Dylan Keelan who was, sadly, fatally stabbed in Tameside on Friday night. Our thoughts also remain with others affected by knife crime.

"Recent incidents are a tragic reminder of the threat, harm and risk that knives and other weapons pose and why fighting, preventing and reducing violent crime is a top priority for both police and partner agencies.

"We will continue to communicate with colleagues in hotspots across Greater Manchester to ensure they have the authorisation and resources to stop and search where and when necessary, whilst reassuring anyone who is concerned and deterring criminal behaviour.

"That being said, our communities have a part to play in this fight. If you know or suspect someone is carrying a weapon, please report it to police or Crimestoppers immediately - before it is too late.

"If you carry a weapon, my plea is that you surrender it using one of our no questions asked Forever Amnesty bins which are located at 13 police stations - one in each district and multiple in Manchester."

 

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.

At 9.30pm on Friday 4 February 2022, police were called by the ambulance service responding to a report of a stabbing on Cheetham Hill Road, Dukinfield.

Emergency services attended and a man, believed to be 20, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

Four teenage boys, two aged 16 and two aged 17, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Ian Crewe of GMP's Major Incident Team said:

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"Our thoughts are with the victim's loved ones - specialist officers are liaising with them and caring for them.

"We have four suspects in custody but our investigation is very much ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with information or dash cam footage from the main or surrounding roads at around 9.30pm last night to contact us.

"We have deployed extra officers to the area to support the investigation team and the community and I want members of the public to know that they can approach and talk to them.

"The force is working with partner agencies to fight, prevent and reduce knife crime so I'll also use this opportunity to encourage anyone who knows or suspects someone is carrying a weapon to report it before it's too late."

Anyone with information should contact police quoting 2866 04/02/22 via 0161 856 3400 or gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Bobby Hardman (03/10/88) of Rutland Drive, Bury has been charged with assault of 36-year-old Charissa Brown.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Saturday 5 February 2022.

On Wednesday 2 February 2022, police were called by hospital staff following the death of a 36-year-old mum of three who was taken to hospital from a flat on Gorse Bank, Bury on Wednesday night.

Three men, aged 32, 52 and 61 were arrested.

Two have been released without charge.

Basil Alothman (14/08/1978) of Waggon Road, Breightmet, Bolton has been charged with rape. He has been remanded in custody to appear before Wigan Magistrates Court on Friday 4 February 2022.

At around 5.30pm, on Saturday 29 January 2022, police received a report that an 18-year-old woman had been raped which is believed to have occurred in Bolton Town centre earlier that day at 2am.

Officers from Bolton CID investigated and a 43-year-old man was arrested three days later.

The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

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.

We've arrested three suspects this morning following the serious assault of a teenage boy in the Arndale Centre in Manchester last week.

Officers from our City Centre Neighbourhood team and from our dedicated response to violent personal robberies - Operation Valiant - targeted addresses in the Newton Heath, Moston and Miles Platting areas of the city earlier today (Friday 4 February).

Three boys – aged 14, 16 and 17 - have been taken to custody to be questioned on suspicion of section 18 assault and violent disorder.

The arrests follow extensive enquiries conducted by officers since the incident shortly after 7.20pm on Friday 28 January.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact police.

Chief Inspector Wignall, of our City Centre Neighbourhood team, said:

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"Extensive enquiries - including assessment of CCTV and mobile phone footage - have been carried out ever since this incident occurred, which has resulted in three arrests relating to last Friday's incident.

"We've seen unacceptable anti-social behaviour in our city centre of late and we are clear in saying we will not tolerate it, and those involved who we haven't already spoken to should expect further police contact in the coming days and weeks.”

 

Anyone with information or footage of last Friday's disorder should contact detectives on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident 2488 of 28/01/2022.

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

PC James Holt (14/10/89), based on the City of Manchester district, has been charged with sexual assault.

He has been released on bail until a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 3 March 2022. 

Holt was arrested after a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police's Professional Standards Branch.

The officer has been placed on restricted duties. Misconduct proceedings will recommence upon conclusion of criminal proceedings.

Detectives investigating the death of Kennie Carter in Stretford last month are continuing to appeal for anyone passing through the area on the night to come forward with footage or information - as a ninth murder suspect is arrested.

Sixteen-year-old Kennie died in hospital on Saturday 22 January from a fatal stab wound to the chest on Thirlmere Avenue earlier that evening.

So far, investigators from our Major Incident Team have spoken to 50 people, collated over 100 hours of CCTV, executed 8 warrants and made nine arrests the latest being a 14-year-old boy last night (Wednesday 2 February).

Kennie's family continue to be kept informed of developments and are being supported by our specialist officers.

Five murder suspects remain on bail with conditions not to enter the Stretford area and officers are still keen to speak to further people.

We're particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been driving through Moss Road, Thirlmere Road, and Victoria Road  between 6-7pm that night and urge them to check their dash-cam.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

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"Ever since we became aware of Kennie's tragic death, we have been working around the clock and conducted numerous different lines of enquiry to ensure Kennie's loved ones are given the answers they rightly crave.

"Despite speaking to a number of witnesses, suspects, and other members of the public, we know there are still people out there we haven’t yet spoken to who may have crucial information.

"This includes those who may have just been passing through the area at that time who didn’t realise they were witnesses to a murder or who could’ve seen the prior moments or aftermath of this swift but deliberate attack.

"Anything that may have appeared like young men in confrontation, fighting, or running to or from the Moss Road, Thirlmere Road, and Victoria Road areas on that Saturday night could be vital footage and therefore I urge anyone driving through that part of town that evening to check their footage."

 

Anyone can contact us with information - no matter how significant 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.

Three men have been arrested after officers from several GMP units were called to reports of a burglary at an industrial estate in Manchester.

Officers were called at about 9:50pm last night (2 February) to the Riverpark Trading Estate, Briscoe Lane, Newton Heath, to reports of a break-in at an industrial unit by men using crowbars.

On arrival, officers found a car with the keys in the ignition and men wearing balaclavas and armed with machetes, bats and an axe.

Officers from the Specialist Operations Unit and from the City of Manchester North Division were deployed to the scene.

As police tried to arrest the offenders, they first locked themselves in before fleeing the scene on foot and in a vehicle - two officers suffered minor injuries.

One offender was arrested nearby on Bamford Street while another was arrested after being pursued in a vehicle by firearms officers. A third man was arrested on the railway tracks.

Three men - aged 22, 33 and 39 - are in police custody being questioned on suspicion of aggravated burglary, section 18 assault and wounding with intent.

Chief Inspector Gareth Levitt-Jones, of GMP's City of Manchester North Division, said:

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"Officers from across several GMP branches carried out a swift and successful response to a potentially dangerous situation with two officers being injured in the process.

"As a result, we have three people in custody being questioned on suspicion of a range of offences."

 

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has been released on bail after being held since Sunday 30th Jan on suspicion of the rape and assault of a woman.

Police detained him in custody after a video posted onto social media accused him of carrying out incidents of physical violence against a woman.

Investigators applied for further time to question him and were granted so by the courts, as a result he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

He has now been issued bail pending further investigation.

A police statement said:

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"A 20-year-old man arrested (on Sunday 30 January 2022) on suspicion of the rape and assault of a woman has been released on bail pending further investigation."

Mr Greenwood has been suspended from the football club he plays for pending the outcome of the investigations.

Greater Manchester Police launches Neighbourhood Policing Consultation in latest step to fulfil public promises made by Chief Constable.

The consultation, which went live on the GMP website earlier today (Tuesday 1 February 2022), takes the form of a brief questionnaire that will take around ten minutes to complete and will remain open for approximately six weeks.

It welcomes views from the public and has a very clear message: Your Neighbourhood; Your Police; Your Say.

All responses to the questionnaire will be used to assist the development of GMP's Neighbourhood Policing Plan, which is a key component of Chief Constable Stephen Watson's Plan on a Page improvement plan. A number of public meetings will also take place during the six week process and further details for these events will be announced soon.

By taking part in the consultation, members of the public will have an opportunity to directly influence how GMP will police their local community. The questionnaire can accessed by visiting the home page on the GMP website.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Green, who is overseeing the consultation as GMP's neighbourhood policing lead, said:

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"I'm delighted to be able to say that we have now opened our Neighbourhood Policing Consultation which will offer members of the public an opportunity to be involved in shaping our plans for local policing.

"The Chief Constable has been clear since he arrived in GMP that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of British policing and therefore overhauling our previous approach is a significant component of the Plan on a Page improvement plan that he unveiled last September. We've already made some significant steps with the introduction of dedicated Chief Superintendents in each district and we are now looking to build on those strong foundations even more.

"A policing consultation of this scale is something that hasn’t taken place in Greater Manchester for some time so I would encourage members of the public to grab this opportunity and have their say. It is Your Neighbourhood; Your Police; Your Say.

"The consultation is due to last for six weeks and the questionnaire should take around ten minutes to complete so make sure you visit the GMP website and help shape our approach moving forward."

 

Click here to take part in the consultation.

Detectives have been granted further additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.

The suspect was detained in custody on Sunday (30 January) afternoon after we became aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.

He continues to be questioned after magistrates authorised an extension until tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February).

Following enquiries so far, he has since been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

Enquiries are ongoing and the victim continues to be offered specialist support.

We remind people to avoid any commentary or sharing of images that could compromise the victim's right to lifelong anonymity, or risk prejudicing a live investigation with active proceedings.

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.

The human remains discovered in a woodland reserve in Bolton last week have been formally identified as missing person James Hodgkiss.

Police were called just before 3pm on Monday 24 January 2022 to an area close to Aspinall Way, Future Park, Horwich, to a report of bones having been discovered.

The remains were confirmed to be human and have since been formally identified as Bolton man James Hodgkiss.

James was reported missing on 3 August 2016, after last being seen on Weston Street in Great Lever.

An extensive missing person investigation was launched by GMP in 2016 but sadly James, who was 34-years-old at the time he went missing, was not located.

An investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of death. However, there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances and a report has been prepared for HM Coroner.

His family is being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rollinson, of GMP's Bolton district, said:

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"Our thoughts go out to James' family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"We would now ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this news.

"At the time of James' disappearance, an extensive missing person investigation was launched, with a number of searches carried out, as well as extensive financial, CCTV, and social media enquiries undertaken.

"Sadly, this is not the news that many will have hoped for. However, our investigation will continue to establish the full circumstances and provide the answers his family is looking for."

 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5757 quoting log number 1626 of 24/01/22. Information can also be reported online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man and woman have been sentenced to over 15 years in prison after the violent kidnap, blackmail, and assault of a man last summer in Oldham that left him scarred for life.

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard how the victim - a man in his 40s - arrived to meet his ex-partner Sarah Davies (33) at an address on Edmund Street on the morning of Wednesday 4 August 2021.

While inside the address, Davies' friend Steven Wynnyk (41) beat the victim with a metal pole before subjecting him to over 12 hours of mental and physical abuse that a Judge described as 'torture'.

Boiling water was thrown on the victim's head, he was threatened, and he was told he'd be buried.

Then, as demands were being made for money, Wynnyk and Davies put a bag over the victim's head and put him in a car where he was driven to various locations across Oldham and was left burnt with cigarettes.

After going to the victim's mum's address and taking hundreds of pounds in cash and via bank transfer, the victim was released by Davies and Wynnyk who made off.

The man was left with partial thickness burns to the head, a laceration to the back of his head, and scarring from cigarette burns - injuries from what the Judge referred to as 'thuggery'.

GMP received a report of the violent attack the following day and arrested the offenders the morning after before they were charged with a total of 10 offences between them.

Both Davies and Wynnyk took the case to trial before Davies pleaded guilty on the first day to single counts of kidnap and blackmail.

Wynnyk continued to deny the accusations throughout a seven-day trial before he was found unanimously guilty by a jury of all eight counts of kidnap, blackmail, and assault.

Today (Tuesday 1 February) Wynnyk, of Edmund Street, was sentenced to nine years in jail; Davies, of Wyndham Avenue, Swinton, was ordered to serve six years and four months.

The Judge also suggested a victim surcharge and compensation for the victim would be established.

Detective Sergeant Keri Alldritt, of GMP Oldham, said:

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"Whatever sentence was to be passed down today, nothing could change the fact that the victim of this prolonged and violent attack will be subjected to lifelong physical and mental scars.

"This brutal ordeal has left a man traumatised and the impact cannot be measured.

"Wynnyk and Davies should be utterly ashamed of their remorseless and almost sadistic actions and it is right that they spend such a lengthy spell behind bars to reflect on the misery they have inflicted on an innocent man.

"Serious and violent crime such as this can often go unnoticed in communities but this case shows that any information we get about such attacks will be robustly investigated and offenders will be resoundingly brought to justice."

 

Three men were sentenced for a combined total of 36 years today (1 February 2022) for the rape and false imprisonment of a 44-year-old woman.  

The following men were each found guilty at a trial in January of two counts of rape and false imprisonment:

Adrian Voicu (DOB 25/05/1990), of Siddow Common, Leigh, sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Sandokan Pachiu (DOB 26/11/1981), of Chapel Street, Leigh, sentenced to 11.5 years in prison.

Constantin Dumitru (DOB 09/09/1997), of no fixed abode, sentenced to 11.5 years in prison.

The court heard how in June 2021 the victim was alone outside a homeless shelter in Leigh when she was approached on the street by Adrian Voicu.

Voicu had been walking along the street with the group of men, who entered a nearby property on the opposite side of the road. Voicu remained outside and urged the victim to join him for a warm drink.  

After persisting with the request, and under the pretence that she'd be offered a warm drink and some food, the victim agreed and entered the property.  

Once entering the address, the door was locked behind her where she was forcibly told to go upstairs to the top floor flat.  

When inside the flat, the victim was greeted by a number of other men.

The men proceeded to hold her against her will and took turns to subject her to oral rape. The ordeal lasted for approximately 11 hours.

The woman was eventually able to leave and the incident was reported to police.

The offenders were arrested and remanded in custody within 48 hours of the incident taking place.  

Detective Sergeant Eleanor Campbell, of GMP's Wigan district, said:

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"The victim was abused in one of the worst ways. These men preyed on her vulnerability to lure her into the address.  

"This was a sickening and horrific ordeal that will no doubt leave a damaging and haunting impact on the victim.

"I'd like to thank her for her unwavering cooperation in this investigation and I hope this helps bring some form of closure after such a lengthy ordeal.

"And I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that sexual assault is absolutely not acceptable and anyone who engages in this criminal behaviour will be brought to justice to face the consequences for their actions."

 

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- 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.

This morning (Tuesday 1 February 2022), GMP executed warrants at six properties in the Chadderton area.

A 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.

A second 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

A 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.

A 27-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.

A 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.  

They all remain in custody for questioning.

The warrants were executed as part of Operation Gabel - an investigation into the child sexual exploitation of two teenage girls in 2012/2013.

Inspector Nick Helme, of GMP's Oldham district, said:

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"This morning's action at several properties in the Chadderton area was a result of just one of a number of ongoing investigations into historic child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester.

"I can assure members of the public and warn offenders that investigating this type of crime is a top priority for the force. Regardless of time passed, dedicated teams in a specialist unit leave no stone unturned whilst gathering evidence to make arrests with the intention of bringing suspects to face justice.

"I hope these warrants build public trust and confidence that Greater Manchester Police is committed to fighting, preventing and reducing CSE to keep people safe and care for victims - giving them the faith they need in the force to come forward."

 

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.  We 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 telephoning 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 us on  0161 273 4500 or email us at 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

The Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester is looking to increase council tax by up to £12 in April for those living in a Band D property, with an annual precept to help fund homelessness shelters, the 'Our Pass' bus scheme as well as to reverse a reduction in fire engines.

Additionally he has asked that an extra £10 be added to help fund Greater Manchester Police after it was placed into special measures during 2021 as inspectors found major failings resulting in up to 80,000 crimes across the region not being recorded within just a single year.

The police allocation would go towards improvements in 999 and 101 response times which were one of the areas identified as being an issue.

Additionally, alongside extra government funding, the precept would be used to put 438 additional officers on the streets, 60 of which would be dedicated to road safety which would allow more officers to be able to focus on public transport as issues with antisocial behaviour continue to plague parts of the Metrolink network.

Mr Burnham would use a percentage of the remaining precept funding towards bringing buses across the region back under public control, although this is already being challenged by bus companies who say the plan is unfair.

He said:

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"This is a massive change. We are the first city-region in the country to use the powers set out in the legislation to do this.

"We already know there are bumps along the road because we are still subject to legal challenge from bus operators. So this is a challenging process."

 

£5 from the funding would go towards a proposed pay rise for firefighters, subject to a ballot by the fire brigades union. The pay increase will be for staff who undertake additional terrorism response training in the light of a report which heavily criticised actions during the MEN Arena attack.

This latest ask is too much according to some, with the Mayor receiving an online bashing over the past few weeks over fears that the roll out of what are termed 'Clean Air Zones' across being put in place across 500sq miles of Greater Manchester, will impact massively on the income and livelihoods of local businesses who fall foul of new rules on road usage by certain vehicles.

At the moment the scheme encompasses vehicles such as:

Van/light goods vehicle (LGV) & minibus. 

Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) 

Taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) 

Bus and coach. 

Motorcaravan (motorhome / campervan)

Which do not comply with set emission standards.

From 30 May 2022 there will be Daily charges for non-compliant HGVs; buses; coaches without a temporary exemption; Greater Manchester-licensed taxis and private hire vehicles without a temporary exemption; and taxis and private hire vehicles licensed outside Greater Manchester.

Phase 2  will start on the 1st June 2023 and will see Daily charges for non-compliant light goods vehicles (LGVs); minibuses; coaches with a temporary exemption; and Greater Manchester-licensed taxis and private hire vehicles with a temporary exemption.

At present the Mayor has denied there is any intention of expanding the charges to cars but there is a lot of mistrust as some in protest groups have pointed to failures of other pledges he has made since taking up office.

Campaigners have condemned the CAZ (Clean Air Zone) as nothing more than another tax on motorists which will see the final nail in the coffin for many businesses coming so soon after the already crippling costs of the pandemic lockdowns.

Mr Burnham insists that it is not a tax and there were not other choices but to impose a CAZ after being ordered too by central government, although protestors have cited other areas around the country which have opted to find alternative measures to reduce harmful particulates in the air.

We will be covering the CAZ in more depth in the coming weeks.

The potential raise will be decided on soon and updated council tax letters are expected to drop through letterboxes in the coming months.

Jonathan Findlay (18/05/1982) of Hollyhedge Road in Wythenshawe has been sentenced to 20 months in prison at Manchester Crown Court (Minshall Street) on Monday 31 January 2022 after pleading guilty to robbery, and assisting an offender.

On 5 May 2021, at 9:45pm, three unknown masked men went into the Tesco Express store on Nursery Road, and proceeded to take cigarettes, and demand the safe be opened.

Three staff members in the store at the time were threatened with violence, before the men left and got into a black Saab waiting outside, being driven by Findlay.

Following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV and witness accounts, detectives tracked down the black Saab to an address in Cheadle Heath, where Findlay was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Searches of the property also saw a number of packets of cigarettes of various brands recovered, and a small quantity of cash.

Findlay pleaded guilty to robbery and assisting an offender on 20 October 2021, and has now been given a 20 month custodial sentence. 

Detective Constable Robert Shakespeare, from GMP's Stockport District said:

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"I hope this sentencing serves as a warning to anyone considering getting involved in criminality, that no matter what part you play, you will face consequences for your actions.

"This kind of violent act can have a lasting impact on victims. We'll continue to seek out and bring to justice anyone who is involved in this kind of behaviour.

"But we can't do it alone - if you or anyone you know sees something that isn't quite right, don't hesitate to contact us. You can do us using LiveChat on our website www.gmp.police.uk, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency. Thank you."

 

Detectives have been granted additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who is being held on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.

The suspect said to be Manchester United player Mason Greenwood was arrested yesterday (Sunday 30th Jan) afternoon and remains in custody.

Enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being offered specialist support.

We remind people to avoid any commentary or sharing of images that could compromise the victim's right to lifelong anonymity, or risk prejudicing a live investigation with active proceedings.

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.