A brand-new spooktacular event is coming to Cheshire throughout the month of October, the Lakeside Light Trail is set to transform Partridge Lakes in Warrington into an enchanting Halloween attraction. 

Organisers are busy preparing the hour-long beautiful, scenic woodland journey for the whole family to enjoy, including plenty for your furry pets too.

The Halloween Lakeside Light Trail will take place at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Culcheth, Warrington from Monday 2 to Sunday 31 October 2023 and tickets are on sale now. This will be the first event of its kind created on the 70-acre site, set in the idyllic Cheshire countryside.

The grand opening night on 2nd October will also include additional activity such as stilt walkers and live entertainment.

As the sun dips below the horizon and the moon casts its gentle glow upon the tranquil waters, a mesmerizing world of Halloween wonder comes to life around the lakes. Stroll along a winding path that hugs the water’s edge, leading you on a magical journey through woodland transformed by eerie and captivating lights.

Shadows of witches on broomsticks, smoke bubbles floating out of cauldrons, and spiders crawling out of trees all illuminated by magical lights to create an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a living Halloween storybook.

In addition to the trail, there will also be a free to enter welcome hub, featuring live music, exciting food outlets from Halloumi Fries by Halloumination, to Vietnamese Cuisine from Viet Rice Box, to classic hot dogs, burgers, fries & desserts from Spoon Desserts, along with a range of drinks and licenced bars offering some tasty spooky themed menus with Pumpkin Spice Lattes by The Travelling Teapot along with spicy mulled wine and warm apple cider.

There is a cosy fire pit corner, a perfect place for toasting marshmallows and enjoying the wholesome atmosphere! And, to ensure nobody is missed out, the dog friendly attraction will also have a Pup Hut selling dog treats and accessories and the dog friendly café will also be open.

Fishery Manager and Lakeside Light Trail organiser Barbara Ikin said: 

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“We are absolutely thrilled to unveil a project we have been planning for many months, the Lakeside Light Trail will open next month and will transform our site into a brand-new Halloween attraction for the region.

“We are so excited to welcome all the family, and we are very proud to be dog friendly so nobody misses out, we can’t wait to see the children’s faces, we have lots of surprises instore and I know it’s going to be a magical night to remember. Our popular Partridge Pumpkin Patch will also return for a third year so you can really make a day and night of it”.

 

The Lakeside Light Trail is the perfect Halloween-themed night out for all the family, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the website at https://halloweenlakesidelighttrail.co.uk

LISTING INFORMATION - HALLOWEEN LAKESIDE LIGHT TRAIL

Monday 2 – Sunday 31 October 2023 from 6.30pm

Partridge Lakes

Glaziers Lane,

Culcheth,

Warrington, WA3 4AQ

PRICES: Adults 16+ - £18 | Children 3-15 - £14

Infants Under 3 - Go Free (ticket needed)

Family Ticket - 2 Adults & 2 Children - £60

Family Ticket - 1 Adults & 2 Children - £42

HOW TO BOOK: Book online at https://halloweenlakesidelighttrail.co.uk

(15-minute time slots available until 7.45pm) Trail lasts 1 hour. Site closes at 10pm.

Onsite car parking is available and can be booked online when purchasing tickets.

Greater Manchester Police welcomed 93 Police Constables into its ranks in an attestation ceremony held at Sedgley Park on Tuesday (12 September 2023).

The new officers were sworn in by Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson in front of Magistrate Stephen Paine JP, promising to uphold the key values and principles that GMP expects from all within the organisation.

The attestation ceremony is an important moment for all police officers as they embark on a career in policing.

The pledge made by every new officer underlines their commitment to serve GMP and the public with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality throughout their time in post.

Now that they have sworn an oath to the King, the new recruits have been granted their policing powers, including the power to arrest.

The force recently celebrated having more than 8,000 officers for the first time in 10 years, and the 93 PCs will soon be joining their new colleagues as fully-fledged officers in their response roles.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said: 

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"Our new colleagues have the privileged position of serving the public and our communities will hugely benefit from the addition of the 93 new PCs.

"As response officers, they will be at the forefront of our mission to quickly and efficiently deal with issues, rapidly deploying to tackle all manner of problems across the diverse towns, cities and villages of Greater Manchester.

"I wish them well as they begin their fantastic new careers in Greater Manchester Police."

 

Officers in Manchester city centre arrested a man this morning (14 September 2023) on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a series incidents at the Clonezone store.

The 29-year-old is also being held on suspicion of 24 motor vehicle thefts and remains in custody for questioning.

The store on Sackville Street in the city centre has been attacked five times this year, with the latest incident on Sunday 10 September 2023 at approximately 2pm.

Two men approached the shop on a motorbike on Sunday and attempted to smash the windows before throwing an object at the doors.

Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins, of GMP's City Centre Neighbourhood Team, said:

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"This is the second arrest in connection with this series of disturbing incidents but the investigation is still very much ongoing.

"The attacks are very specific with offenders arriving on bikes and causing significant damage.

"We are keen to find out the motivations behind the attacks and believe that will help us trace those responsible and bring them to justice.

"We have a dedicated team investigating these incidents, so if anybody knows anything about these attacks, I would urge them to call police."

 

Information can be passed on to police by calling 0161 856 3345 or via 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Energy suppliers have been banned from forcibly installing prepayment meters for people over 75 with no support in their house and homes with children aged under 2, thanks to new protections put in place by Ofgem.

The energy regulator has today (13 September) confirmed that the Code of Practice for the involuntary installation of prepayment meters (PPMs) will be made mandatory. It has also extended protections even further to prevent involuntary installations for the most vulnerable households.

The voluntary PPM Code of Practice, which all energy companies signed up to in April, was put in place after evidence emerged of bad behaviour by suppliers severely affecting struggling customers.

Following a public consultation over the summer, the code will now become part of suppliers’ licence conditions, which if breached can result in enforcement action and substantial fines. 

Initially, the no-install rule applied to customers aged 85 and over (with no other support in their home) or households with residents with severe health issues including terminal illnesses or those with a medical dependency on a warm home.

By dropping the upper age limit to include consumers aged 75 and over without support in the household and adding homes with very young children, Ofgem is ensuring that more people will be protected this winter. 

Currently, no suppliers are carrying out involuntary installations and will face severe penalties if they do unless they meet strict criteria set by Ofgem. When suppliers do so, the new rules – which come into effect on 8 November after a mandatory 56-day notice period – will ensure they are acting in a fair and responsible way with involuntary installations used only as a last resort.

Neil Kenward, director for Strategy at Ofgem said: 

“Protecting the most vulnerable consumers is at the heart of what we do, and this decision not only cements the protections Ofgem put in place for people deemed most at risk, it goes further to protect the most vulnerable households.

“Prepayment meters are an important payment method that help millions of households to manage their energy bills. But they are not suitable for everyone. 

“Today’s enhanced rules are there to provide protection from bad practice while ensuring that when needed, and as a matter of last resort, suppliers are using involuntary installations in a fair and responsible way.

“Ofgem will be monitoring suppliers’ behaviour closely to ensure they are complying with the spirit and letter of these rules. If that is not the case we will not hesitate to take action.”

Ofgem intends to periodically review the rules to check that they are succeeding in their objective of protecting the most vulnerable without unsustainably increasing bad debt, which would add to customer bills.

To inform Ofgem’s approach to PPMs, it commissioned independent research into the experiences of PPM consumers. 

The research participants reported a lack of communication from suppliers about what to expect during installation or how to use a PPM. A number also said they felt intimidated when installation was carried out under warrant. 

However, many respondents said it gave them control over their budget and removed the stress of receiving unexpectedly high bills based on supplier estimates. This view was expressed by people who had their PPM installed under warrant as well as those who chose to have a PPM installed.
Following today’s announcement, the conditions of the code will be legally enforceable and apply to energy firms and any contractors. It states that before PPM can be involuntarily installed suppliers must:

Make at least 10 attempts to contact a customer before a prepayment meter is installed 

Carry out a site welfare visit before a prepayment meter is installed 

Refrain from all involuntary installations for the highest risk customers including:

Households which require a continuous supply for health reasons, including dependence on powered medical equipment

Households where all occupants are aged 75 years and over (if there is no other support in the house) 

Households with children aged under 2 years old

Households with residents with severe health issues including terminal illnesses or those with a medical dependency on a warm home (for example due to illness such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, sickle cell disease)   

Where there is no one within the household that has the ability to top up the meter due to physical or mental incapacity  

Audio or body cameras must be worn by the lead supplier representative present on all warrant installations or site welfare visits to check for vulnerabilities ahead of an involuntary installation or remote mode switch. All audio and footage will be available for audit 

Give a £30 credit per meter (or equivalent non-disconnection period) on all warrant installations and remote switches as a short-term credit/measure to remove the risk of customers going off supply at the point of PPM meter installation. 

Re-assess the case once a customer has repaid debts owed. Suppliers must contact the customer to offer assessment of whether a prepayment meter remains the most suitable and preferred payment method of choice for consumers; if any prepayment meter customer is clear of debt and wishes to move off their prepayment meter (understanding any changes in the tariff they will pay), the supplier must agree where the customer passes any required credit checks.  

During the 56-day notice period, the Code of Practice will remain in place and suppliers will be unable to restart involuntary installations until they meet the conditions set out by Ofgem. These include: 

Suppliers must conduct an internal audit to identify wrongfully installed involuntary PPMs and offer compensation and a return to a non-prepayment payment method to any affected customers.   

The suppliers’ Boards attesting that the supplier is ready to restart involuntary PPMs in compliance with the Code, and that redress will be offered to wrongfully installed PPMs. 

If the PPM Market Compliance Review finds major concerns, the supplier in question will need to take corrective action before Ofgem would think it reasonable to restart. 

Suppliers must provide regular monitoring data to Ofgem, so that concerning trends on involuntary PPM practices can be identified early.

Bosses of hospitals which contain a dangerous crumbling concrete have assured that ‘patient and staff safety is paramount’.

Both Salford Royal and Royal Oldham hospitals were confirmed to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – RAAC – in their roofing. They were two of seven hospital buildings across the North West – which was dubbed the worst region in the country for hospital roofs built with the collapse-prone concrete.

The building material is a lightweight, cheaper form of concrete that has been compared to a “chocolate Aero bar” and slammed as a “ticking time bomb” by one NHS chief executive.

When this was first reported back in October 2022, government plans only sought removal of this concrete from all affected hospitals for another 13 years. One year on and the response from the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust – which runs the units in Oldham and Salford – remains the same.

They have stated that they are continuously monitoring the situation and removal of the concrete should take place before 2035. They did not confirm whether there are any immediate plans in place to resolve the issue.

Nadine Armitage, Director of Capital, Estates & Facilities at the NCA said:

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“The planks in both Royal Oldham main building and Salford Royal Turnburg building have been inspected as part of a national requirement for all NHS Trusts to monitor and identify any issues and will be continually reviewed in line with national guidance from The Institution of Structural Engineers.

“Patient and colleague safety are paramount, and alongside ongoing inspections, the NCA has a rolling programme of additional surveillance to ensure any issues are found and fixed quickly until the planks have been replaced.”

 

Speaking to the Sunday Times back in 2022, the chief executive of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn at the time, Caroline Shaw, shared how one roof on that site had 1,500 steel props holding up its roofs in 56 areas.

The former chief executive of The Christie hospital previously said:

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“The roof is like a chocolate Aero bar. There are bubbles in the concrete and we’re checking it daily to make sure those bubbles don’t break and the roof doesn’t come down.

“It really is like a ticking time bomb. We quite often have to move services around to enable us to prop up the roof and I think for patients who are lying in bed and seeing these props it does feel quite unsafe and we have had patients complain about this.”

 

The seven hospitals in the North West with roofs which use RAAC are: Aintree, Leighton, Blackpool, Countess of Chester, Royal Blackburn, the Royal Oldham, and Salford Royal. They were all flagged as having the concrete following the failure of two school roofs constructed using RAAC planks back in 2018.

This led to the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Department for Education (DfE) drawing attention to other schools across the country about the issue. The stated average lifespan of a RAAC is approximately 30 years.

Following the collapse of the school roof, a national alert was raised in 2019, by buildings and engineering safety body CROSS (Collaborative Reporting For Safer Structures UK), to emphasise the potential risks. The material was used primarily in roof planks of some public buildings built between the mid-1960s and mid-1990s.

Greater Manchester councils are carrying out checks to see if any of their buildings have dangerous crumbling concrete.

A number of schools across the region are dealing with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – RAAC – issues. Bosses at our 10 town halls are now conducting surveys to find out if other buildings in their estate may be affected. 

The government has classed the concrete as an immediate safety risk, leaving 147 schools and colleges facing issues. RAAC concrete has the potential to suddenly collapse, experts say. 

The crisis has led to concerns about RAAC in other public buildings such as hospitals, offices, homes and council properties. The government says this specific type of concrete has the potential to suddenly collapse. 

The building material is a lightweight, cheaper form of regular concrete. RAAC was used primarily in roof planks of some public buildings built between the mid-1960s and mid-1990s.

It comes as social housing bosses were told to check their stock for RAAC.

The Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) has written to providers across the country, urging them to check their properties are safe in the wake of the RAAC saga.

Greater Manchester bodies will be looking at properties. One provider, Stockport Homes, said in a statement: “We are undertaking initial investigations/surveys for additional assurance against some stock.”

Tenants are being visited in Stockport and filled in on the checks, but rehoming isn’t deemed to be necessary at this stage, it is understood.

Councils across the region have commented on checks on their buildings. It is not, at this stage, thought the issue is widespread in publicly-owned buildings in the region.

 A spokesperson from Salford council said:  

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“Salford City Council reviewed its estate based on earlier guidance and is not aware of any RAAC being used in the construction of its corporate estate.

“Nevertheless, in light of the heightened attention and concerns surrounding RAAC, Salford City Council is undertaking a renewed evaluation of the corporate estate in accordance with the most up-to-date guidance.”

 

A spokesperson for Bury Council said:

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“We’re not aware of any RAAC in council buildings, but we will be looking into it.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said:

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“Council buildings are regularly reviewed to ensure they are structurally sound, and safe for both staff and members of the public.

“Should any issues be identified, they will be addressed in line with national guidelines on building standards, including the latest advice on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.”

 

A Manchester council spokesperson said:

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“Given the recommendations nationally in regards to RAAC-type concrete, the council is undertaking a review of publicly-owned buildings in the city to rule out the presence of the material and to ensure they remain safe for use.

“We are currently not aware of any issues within council-owned properties and there are currently no public buildings in the city that have been required to close.”

 

Oldham council leader Arooj Shah said:

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“The council has completed assessments of schools listed by the DfE and we can confirm there has been no reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete found in any schools falling under Oldham council’s responsibility.

“Our focus will now be prioritising the assessment of all council-owned and council-maintained buildings that could potentially contain RAAC. We will also be seeking reassurance from our partners about RAAC in their buildings.”

 

A spokesperson from Rochdale council said:

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“We are surveying all our buildings and are not aware of any at the moment that are impacted by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).”

A spokesperson for Stockport council said:

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“Investigations and further checks are currently taking place on all council-owned and operated buildings to ensure they are safe for use.

“As part of these ongoing investigations Stockport council and NK Theatre Arts have taken the decision to temporarily close The Forum Theatre, in Romiley. This is a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of the staff, performers and visitors while further investigation takes place.”

 

A spokesperson for Trafford council said:

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“We don’t believe we have any buildings affected at this stage, but we are looking into the matter.”

A Wigan council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are currently undertaking a review of our corporate properties to confirm that RAAC is not present, and if it is found we will take the appropriate action to ensure it is safe.”

 

Tameside council did not respond to a request for comment.

Photo ©: The Manchester skyline. - Marketing Manchester

Offenders who are tagged can be banned from going within a certain distance of a victim’s home, with the tags monitoring their whereabouts or making them abide by a strict curfew. Offenders who breach these rules face being returned to prison.

Up to 500 prison leavers will, for the first time, be made to wear a GPS or curfew tag as part of an initial pilot which is expected to be rolled out across England and Wales next year.

The government has also announced today that over 2,700 victims have been protected from further harassment from their imprisoned abusers thanks to a Prison Service scheme launched last summer.

The Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service ensures offenders are unable to dial a victim’s number from prison phones or send out threatening letters to their address. Its relaunch last year through a simple online form and greater publicity has spared thousands from threats and abuse.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, said:

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Survivors of domestic abuse show great strength and bravery in coming forward, and it is right that every tool is used to protect them from further harm.

The tagging of prison leavers at risk of committing further domestic abuse is a further protection we are introducing to help victims rebuild their lives and feel safe in their communities.

 

Louise, a survivor of domestic violence, said:

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The thought of my abuser trying to make contact – either from behind bars or once released – was one that left me feeling anxious and powerless.

These measures provide reassurance that we as survivors are being better protected from these efforts to intimidate and terrorise us.

 

A new exhibition at Manchester Central Library is set to showcase for the first time in one place visually striking adverts created by commercial artists in the twentieth century to promote Manchester Ship Canal and the Port of Manchester around the world.

Curated by Dr Martin Dodge from the University of Manchester working with archivists from Manchester Central Library, the exhibition 'Marketing the Manchester Ship Canal 1919 - 1939' includes original artwork that has not been seen by the public for nearly a century.

The 36-mile Manchester Ship Canal was opened by Queen Victoria in 1894, linking the landlocked city to the open ocean for the first time. The transformational impact of the canal - which was the largest of its kind in the world when it was opened - led to the Port of Manchester becoming the third busiest port in Britain. By 1958, almost twenty million tons of freight was being carried by ocean-going vessels along the route. 

Dr Dodge has always been fascinated by the history of the canal, but as most existing research on it focused on the period of its planning and construction, he wanted to investigate how it operated through the twentieth century and to examine its impact on the region. 

In collaboration with Manchester Central Library, he therefore began examining the extensive Ship Canal Company archives in the building’s basement, and a chance conversation with library archivist Jane Hodkinson uncovered original artwork that had not been seen by the public for around a century.

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“The range and quality of original marketing that we unearthed seem to warrant sharing with a wider audience,” Dr Dodge said. “Much of the artwork is striking and largely unknown, not having been reproduced since the 1920s. The time period also saw a revolution in publicity with modern ideas on typefaces, much more dynamic imagery and bolder use of colour.” 

Now the public will get the chance to see the fascinating advertisements for themselves through the exhibition that highlights the work of nine commercial artists engaged by the Ship Canal Company - some of whom were born locally and trained at Manchester School of Art.

The exhibition also includes a section on the Ship Canal Company's publicity chief Kenneth Brady, who had been a business journalist for the Manchester Guardian prior to his appointment in 1926 and brought new ideas in design and messaging to the company. 

All of the featured artists are fascinating characters in themselves, with Dr Dodge having researched their backgrounds for the exhibition, as well as how they worked in Manchester and contributed designs for the Ship Canal Company.

Highlights of the exhibition include a striking ‘ship prow’ painting created by Paxton Chadwick, the futurist designs and humorous sketches of Bert Wilson, and the quirky illustrations of John Dronsfield. 

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“The Ship Canal was a truly a transformative project, the scale and ambition of which is hard to match in Britain today,” said Dr Dodge.

“The idea of a landlocked city becoming a seaport was so bold, but it was done. It was a Manchester infrastructure project - not led by Whitehall - which changed the region forever and still has ramifications today. Its significance - physically, economically and culturally - is somewhat overlooked today.

“I hope that people will be attracted to the exhibition by the striking advertising designs, but beyond that also by the biographical details on the ten people we examine and the work they created for the Ship Canal Company and others.” 

 

A special event is being held on Saturday 9 September from 12 noon - 1 pm to launch the exhibition, featuring contributions from speakers including Dr Dodge who will talk about the exhibition, and about the lives of commercial artist Bert Wilson, and Ken Brady, Manchester Ship Canal publicity chief from 1926; and Mike Ashworth, retired design and heritage manager London Underground, who will talk about commercial advertising in the 'Twenties.  

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said:

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"The exhibition gives a fascinating insight into the world of commercial advertising in the last century, whilst at the same time showcasing the significant impact the Manchester Ship Canal had on Manchester's fortunes and its importance to the city."

The exhibition has been supported by Archives+ at Manchester Central Library, The University of Manchester and the Manchester Geographical Society and is on display from now until 15 January 2024.

Book a place at the free launch event on 9 September here 

More information about the exhibition here 

A former PCSO who formed or pursued inappropriate relationships with women he met while working for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been barred from policing following two investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

An independently-chaired panel recently (23 August) found Mark Turner breached the police staff standards of professional behaviour with respect to: discreditable conduct; honesty and integrity; confidentiality; and instructions. The former PSCO had resigned from his post a day earlier but would have been dismissed were he still serving.

Their investigations concluded in March 2020, when they made the decision to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service. In June 2023, PCSO Turner was convicted of unauthorised access to computer material following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

They received a referral from GMP in December 2019 following an allegation the 38-year-old had abused his position for a sexual purpose. They began an independent investigation into the nature of his relationship with a woman he met in the course of his duties. 

As a result of messages discovered during this investigation, GMP made a further referral in January 2020 containing allegations of inappropriate contact with three more women. Based on this information, they opened a second independent investigation into his conduct.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates recently said:

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“When police officers or staff abuse their position for a sexual purpose this is serious corruption – and it has absolutely no place in policing. Former PCSO Turner’s actions were an appalling breach of the trust placed in him by these women and the wider public.

“While not all of his contact with these women progressed to sexual messages, we found a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour. The contact started out innocent and friendly but where he saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation for his own sexual gain, he took it.

“As a result of our independent investigations, he has now been barred from working in policing in future in addition to his criminal conviction earlier this year.”

 

Their investigations found sexualised messages between PCSO Turner and two women he met after they reported being a victim of crime. In both cases, there was evidence this progressed to a sexual relationship.

Messages also showed that PCSO Turner agreed to exchange sensitive information about a domestic incident in return for a sexual act from one of these women. He accessed police computer systems to view the log for the incident, which the woman was not involved in, and the jury at Preston Crown Court earlier this year found there was no policing purpose for him doing so.

The investigations also looked at his contact with two other women he met in the course of his duties. In one case, it was found he used his personal mobile to provide a crime reference number for an investigation where the woman was the victim of crime. He signed messages with an ‘x’ but there was no evidence of sexual or inappropriate language.

In the other, they found an exchange of messages that took place predominantly while PCSO Turner was on duty. They showed they made plans to meet up, although this never took place. While the messages were not sexual, the contact had no policing purpose and we considered it was inappropriate.

At the end of the investigation, they found PCSO Turner had a case to answer for gross misconduct and GMP arranged a misconduct hearing. The panel found the case proven and he would have been dismissed without notice if he hadn’t already resigned.

A man convicted of the rape of a 19-year-old woman in Manchester has today (31 August 2023) been sentenced to 20 years in jail with a further 5 years on license after release.

Courtney Adams (DOB: 01/11/1990) of Chichester Road in Manchester raped the woman after breaking into an address on Cavendish Place at around 5:30am time on 29 November 2022.

The victim awoke to find Adams in her room holding a knife to her face and demanding cash and valuables. He then raped her.

Earlier on the night of the attack (29 November), Adams had broken into another victim's address on Greater Western Street armed with a crowbar. The victim heard Adam's breaking in and on seeing him in her flat, she fled the house to seek assistance from her neighbours. Whilst she was gone, Adams tore through her home and stole numerous things including debit cards and numerous bags.

After making unsuccessful attempts to use the stolen cards in a late-night convenience store, Adams then made his way to Cavendish Place.

On gaining entry to the property, he took a knife from the kitchen and went into a bedroom. What followed was a truly horrific ordeal during which Adam's pressed the knife to the nineteen-year-old victim's face and threatened to harm her if she didn't hand over valuables and cash.

Distressed and in fear of her life, the victim gave him a quantity of cash although he proceeded to ransack the room looking for more. He then attacked the victim, sexually assaulted, and raped her.

Adams then forced the victim to leave the property with him and go to a cashpoint where he demanded she withdraw a quantity of cash. On returning to the property on Cavendish Street, he made the victim climb back inside through a window and made off from scene with the money and valuables he had taken.

The victim left traumatised by what had happened to her, immediately called a friend and together they contacted the police.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an investigation to rapidly locate and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack on a young girl. The operation involved extensive house-to-house enquiries and reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV.

Following appeals for information, officers were provided with compilations of CCTV by members of the public and using this footage, they were able to piece together the events of that night and follow the movements of the man later identified as Adams.

Investigators also discovered till receipts on the grass near Cavendish Place, which showed Adams attempting to use the stolen credit cards in the shop and linked him to the other burglary that had taken place earlier that evening on Great Western Street.

Investigators consulted the Greenheys Neighbourhood Team who, on viewing CCTV, identified Adams as the suspect.

This led to a warrant at Adams address, and following this phone work was completed which yielded crucial evidence that put Adams directly at the scenes at Great Western Street and Cavendish place during the times when the offences took place.

On 4 December 2022, Adams was arrested at Martindale Crescent in Longsight. When interviewed he gave no comment to all questions.

A short time later on 7 December, a warrant was conducted at an address Adams stayed at after committing the offence and a camera was found which belonged to the victim.

He was then charged and remanded until trial.

Detective Inspector Kat McKeown:

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"It's difficult to convey just how traumatising this attack was for the victim. She was subjected to a harrowing ordeal by Adams who invaded her home where she should have felt safe and subjected her to a heinous and violent sexual assault.

"She was a young student and should have been enjoying living and studying in Manchester, but Adams took this from her and she will bear the psychological scars for the rest of her life.

"The investigation team worked round the clock to identify and arrest Adams and to gather insurmountable evidence against him. Catching the culprit was a priority to protect the local community and ensure he couldn't harm anyone else.

"I want to thank the victim for the bravery and strength she has shown throughout this investigation – first in reporting the crime to Greater Manchester Police and then reliving the trauma of what happened to her that night to ensure Adams was found guilty on all accounts.

"Her actions have resulted in major breakthroughs in this investigation and her courage has stopped the offender and prevented other students and members of the public from becoming victims.

"Whilst the sentence today cannot change what has happened to her, I hope the knowledge she has secured this outcome will bring some comfort and I truly hope she and her family can now in some way start to rebuild their lives."

 

Officers from Greater Manchester Police are continuing to investigate the shooting of a teenager in Stretford on Thursday evening, with a thorough and robust community policing plan already implemented.

At around 4:30pm yesterday (10 August), GMP were called by NWAS responding to a report of a 16-year-old boy who had sustained a serious chest injury, which was caused by a firearm, in Langdale Road, Stretford.

The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries, not currently believed to be life-threatening.

Officers' work has already seen two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain in custody for questioning.

As an additional measure, GMP has authorised a section 60 authority in the Stretford area which can be seen in the map above. This grants officers extended powers to stop and search individuals in the defined area of Trafford.

The section 60 powers under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act will run for 24 hours from 3pm this afternoon and will finish at 3pm on Saturday 12 August.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Crime Division said: 

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"Thursday night's incident is extremely serious and detectives have been deployed as a priority. I want to reassure the Stretford community that we are working flat-out to fully investigate every detail."

"We know the victim was targeted by a large group of approximately 14 males, many of whom approached on foot and some who used bikes. We believe a shotgun was used to shoot the victim at close range. I want to reiterate that he is just 16 years old."

"The streets of Stretford and Greater Manchester are not for criminals who want to commit violent acts or cause fear and distress to law-abiding residents. This shooting took place in broad daylight whilst children were out playing in the street.

"It is simply horrific that those responsible think this is in any way acceptable behaviour. I ask that anyone with information that may assist investigators to do the right thing and come forward. Sitting on such information in these circumstances is to say that extreme violence is acceptable in our communities."

"I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how little it is, to please get in touch with us. This can be through a direct call to us, or anonymously through Crimestoppers. Our enquiries so far lead us to believe this is a targeted attack which may reassure local residents. However, suspects are still at large and no firearm has yet been recovered."

"The Major Incident Team have been deployed to lead the investigation and their work is continuing at pace as we move into the weekend."

 

Residents in Stretford can expect to see more uniform officers in the area alongside detectives across the weekend, on both mobile and foot patrol.

Additionally, work is being completed with local partner agencies, including Trafford and Manchester councils.

These patrols, including your local neighbourhood PCSOs, are there to assist you. Any queries or concerns you may have can be relayed to them, and they will be more than happy to offer appropriate advice and assistance.

GMP continues to ask for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time – or may have dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact police on 0161 856 4081 or 101 quoting log 2552 of 10/8/23.

You can also submit information online to the Major Incident Public Portal via the  above QR Code or following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23M19-PO1

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

An independent inquiry into the experience of women and girls who are arrested and taken into police custody in Greater Manchester – particularly where clothing is removed - has been commissioned by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Deputy Mayor Kate Green.

Following recent reports in the media of women who shared their experiences of being in the custody of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the Mayor announced that he and the Deputy Mayor have asked Dame Vera Baird KC to conduct an inquiry.

Dame Vera - a highly experienced King’s Counsel, former Police and Crime Commissioner and national Victims Commissioner (2019-22) – will use her expertise to review the experiences women and girls who are arrested and taken into police custody, with a focus around their rights, their safety and their dignity.

The Baird Inquiry – which will result in a report - will particularly focus on the use of strip searches, intimate searches and the removal and replacement of clothing. It will also assess the care given to female detainees as well as how effectively complaints are handled after their release and if there is any inequality between the treatment of men and women.

Dame Vera will look at the experiences of three particular women, whose accounts have recently been featured in the media, and how widespread their experience may be, as well as examining if current GMP policy and procedures are fit for purpose. The Inquiry will look wider than these three cases, including speaking to voluntary and community groups which support women and girls.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said:

Quote

 

“The Mayor and I were both concerned when we saw recent reports in the media. When issues like these present themselves, we will face them head on and leave no stone unturned to establish what happened and what must be learnt.

“Dame Vera Baird KC, with her wealth of experience, is the perfect person to carry out this Inquiry and people can be assured that her work will be thorough and of the highest quality.

“The safety of women and girls is a huge priority for the Mayor and me. We have made no secret of that before and it remains as important as ever. That is why we have acted quickly so we can be sure that women and girls have confidence that they will be treated with dignity by Greater Manchester Police if they report a crime, or are taken into custody, and that actions of staff are appropriate.

“Ultimately, women and girls must have confidence in their police force, particularly when reporting crime, and we want the Baird Inquiry to help enhance this.”

 

Dame Vera Baird KC said:

Quote

 

“The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were very concerned by recent media reports which could seriously put at risk public confidence and particularly that of women, in reporting crime or having any other contact with Greater Manchester Police.

“They have called me in to inquire into arrest, custodial practice, in particular strip searching, issues around mental health in custody, compliance with legislation and regulation and how complaints in respect of these issues are dealt with. I will look not only at the events in the media but collect experiences and information widely in order to answer whether women’s rights, their safety and their dignity are being appropriately honoured and protected by this force.”

 

 Recommendations will be made by Dame Vera within the report to help guide the future practice of GMP around the rights, safety, care and dignity of women and girls reporting crime, on arrest and in their custody, and to enhance the confidence of women and girls in GMP and in particular to report crime.

Read the full Baird Inquiry Terms of Reference. 

Dame Vera will report directly to the Deputy Mayor in relation to progress and outcomes. The Baird Inquiry will then result in a report to the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, with an aim of Autumn 2023 for completion. The findings of the report will be published in full.

GMCA has secured over £680,000 of funding from the Home Office to help provide services that support some of the most vulnerable women and girls across the city-region, including those who have been victim of domestic abuse, rape and other sexual offences.

The money is being allocated to five different organisations already working across the city-region to support women and girls; Safety4Sisters, NESTAC, Olive Pathway, Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association, and Saheli. All of whom are led by women within Black, Asian and minority communities.

The lack of provision for women who have no recourse to public funds has been highlighted by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner. It means without vital services like these, these women have nowhere else to turn and are often forced to return to their abuser. This is something which has a disproportionate impact on Black, Asian and minority communities.

Work will begin immediately to create a hub for services for women with complex issues to be responded to by one team, making it easier to access advice from specialist services.

This is part of a £8.3 million Home Office fund being provided to organisations across England and Wales to support victims of crimes including domestic abuse, rape and other sexual offences. It aims to fund frontline and specialist support projects for victims and survivors over two years, including counselling, training and community outreach. 

It will support Greater Manchester’s ongoing work to help keep women and girls safe through the Greater Manchester Gender-Based Violence Strategy: Gender Based Violence Strategy - Greater Manchester Combined Authority (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk)

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, said: 

Quote

 

"The abuse of women and girls is deep-rooted in gender inequality and addressing this is a major priority for us in Greater Manchester. This is why we launched our Gender-Based Violence Strategy, which makes a clear commitment to make life safer for all women and girls in Greater Manchester.

“As well as driving behaviour change and addressing the issues women and girls face head-on, we must have a big focus on supporting those who have been impacted by gender-based violence. I’m really pleased we have been successful in securing this money from the Home Office, as it will go a long way to help some of our most vulnerable residents, including women that so often go under the radar and struggle to find the help that they so desperately need.

"This particular funding will be allocated to organisations which are led by people within our Black, Asian and minority communities in Greater Manchester. They are based within in communities, and have the relationships and knowledge to make a real difference to the lives of those who need them most."

 

A Safety4Sisters spokesperson said: 

Quote

“Safety4Sisters welcome this funding, which will allow us to work in partnership with a number of other specialist services to ensure that Black and minoritised women and girls on the very edges of exclusion have access to equitable and effective support, specifically migrant women with no recourse to public funds.”

A NESTAC spokesperson said: 

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“This funding will significantly boost our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of ethnic minority women with unsettled immigration status who are facing gender-based violence. It aligns with our mission to support vulnerable women, children, and young girls victims and those at risk of harmful practices. Women and girls will receive enhanced support via the Hub.”

An Olive Pathway spokesperson said: 

Quote

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Home Office for the awarded funding. This funding will have a major and positive impact on Greater Manchester communities and will help us to address the challenges and needs faced by vulnerable and marginalised women and families experiencing gender-based violence and especially on no recourse to public funds.”

An RWWA spokesperson said:

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“We welcome this funding to support the work we do, as by and for services have always been underfunded. We will now be able to support more women and especially who have no recourse to public funds.”

A Saheli spokesperson said: 

Quote

“Saheli is excited to receive the funding and be part of the partnership of five by and for led Black women’s organisations who have collectively come together through support given by GMCA and Home Office funding to create a HUB. The Hub will be a point of contact for women who experience domestic abuse from migrant communities, especially those who have no recourse to public funds. It will provide a critical point of access and safe space for women with insecure immigration status to report domestic abuse and get support.”

Officers from GMP's Commercial Vehicle Unit identified 172 driving offences over a four-day period last month.

Operation Tramline which has been running since 2015 sees GMP provided with a HGV tractor unit, which gives officers a higher vantage point meaning they can look directly into cabs of other lorry drivers, as well as dealing with other offending motorists driving cars or vans.

Over the four days, officers patrolled motorways such as M56, M60 and M62 gathering evidence on a video camera of distractions such as using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving without due care and attention.

172 Traffic Offence Reports were issued across the four days, these included:

66 for crossing the central verge

50 for using a mobile phone behind the wheel

21 for Red Automatic Traffic Signals

16 for not wearing a seatbelt

9 for construction and use (roadworthiness offences)

4 for insecure load or weight

2 for due care and attention

1 for driver not in proper control of vehicle

1 for prohibited vehicle in offside lane

1 for stopping on the hard shoulder

1 for no insurance

One man was arrested for various road traffic offences due to not being able to confirm their ID. These included no insurance, no licence and having false number plates on their vehicle.

Sergeant Jacques at GMP's Commercial Vehicle Unit said:

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"We have once again been out on Greater Manchester's motorways taking action against those who feel they are above the law.

"172 offences in four days is unacceptable, and I am pleased that we have issued tickets to these individuals, hopefully this will deter them from breaking the law again.

"People need to realise that when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle they are driving a potentially deadly weapon and they need to take responsibility for their own behaviour and the safety of others.

"We have a lot more of these operations planned in for the remainder of the year, so don't be surprised if you receive a ticket through the post or at the road side if you are committing an offence."

 

THE GREATER Manchester Mayor's Charity – the organisation on a mission to end homelessness in the city region – has appointed its first ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Fran Darlington-Pollock will lead the charity, which has gone from strength-to-strength since its inception in 2018.

Fran will be tasked with continuing to grow the charity, which has to so far raised over £3.1 million to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It's done so through pioneering initiatives like the 'A Bed Every Night' scheme for people rough sleeping in Greater Manchester.

Since its launch, Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity has been driven by the dedication of a dynamic board of trustees and a small but committed staff team.

In the next chapter newly appointed CEO Fran, who joined last November as Head of Strategic Development, will expand the number and type of fundraisers, as well as increasing the Charity's partnerships and reach in Greater Manchester.

Fran's background as an academic specialising in understanding inequality means she brings a new lease of life to the charity's approach to advocating for change and an end to homelessness. She's previously held positions at the University of Liverpool and Queen Mary University of London, as well as Save the Children UK, and is currently Chair of The Equality Trust.

Fran Darlington-Pollock said:

Quote

 

"It's inconceivable that anyone in our society should be without somewhere to call home. Our collective mission to rectify this profound injustice is not only essential; it's the driving force that gets me up in the morning. I could not be happier to have the opportunity to continue developing the charity, our team, and our work in this new phase of realising that mission.

"So many people have donated their time, expertise and money to the Charity to help in this mission in Greater Manchester and the work we've been able to do is all thanks to that incredible spirit here. But we're not slowing down, we've got our biggest ever year of fundraisers ahead, which will ensure we can continue to make a difference for those in their hour of need."

 

Since joining the charity last year, Fran has played an instrumental role in shaping a new business plan for the future, growing the staff team to its biggest ever size and forging meaningful partnerships.

With mayoral DJ Battles and 24-hour runs setting the scene, Fran has continued to grow the charity's reputation for the sort of events that the people of Greater Manchester want to see. Next up us an epic event at Manchester Central on Thursday 17 August – which will see teams of five battle it out to be crowned Greater Manchester's strongest by pulling one of the city's new bee network buses over a 30m course.

Tim Heatley, Chair of Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, said:

Quote

"It's awesome to see what Fran has achieved in such a short time with us. I'm blown away by her enthusiasm and energy every time we speak. She really wants to end homelessness and find ways to reach and galvanise people in a way that works for them. Whether that's through music or sport in our events, discussion and debate at roundtables, or building meaningful partnerships with businesses who want to give back, she lives it everyday. Fran is the perfect person to take the charity into its next stage as our first ever CEO."

On Friday (21 July 2023), GMP were called to two incidents in the city centre. The first was at approximately 3pm and involved a large group of youths who were congregating in the Market Street/Piccadilly Gardens area.

Officers quickly responded to the area to provide reassurance to people in the area and workers from surrounding businesses. As a result, there were three arrests made on suspicion of public order offences. The males were bailed whilst investigations continue.

GMP later became aware of video footage circulating on social media of several people fighting in the Market Street area. When officers attended, people dispersed and left the area. An adult man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and affray.

He has been released on bail pending further investigations.

Last night (Monday 24 July 2023) police were once again called to the city centre, following reports of large groups of youths causing ASB/public disorder.

Four people, aged between 16 to 18-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of affray and will continue to be interviewed this morning. Four police officers were assaulted during the affray. Investigations are continuing to establish whether the three incidents are linked.

Greater Manchester Police, together with partners from Manchester City Council (MCC) and local schools, are working together to ensure every attempt is made to identify the instigators of the three incidents, as well as the willing participants.

Chief Inspector of Neighbourhoods in the City Centre, Stephen Wiggins, said:

Quote

 

"This kind of behaviour in the city centre, or indeed anywhere in Greater Manchester, will simply not be tolerated.

"We are working closely with our partners to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Our investigations are gathering at pace and we will be making more arrests.

"As part of our large-scale investigation, we have also been undertaking extensive CCTV enquiries and acting on intelligence we have received from members of the public.

"Officers are being deployed in and around the area in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the local community."

 

Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Luthfur Rahman said:

Quote

 

"These two unrelated incidents do not reflect Manchester city centre and will simply not be tolerated here. Together with the police we are sending out a message that we utterly condemn violent or disruptive behaviour in our city. We won't allow these rare incidents to create negative perceptions about our city.

"Those responsible will be held accountable, as the arrests already made illustrate, and I would encourage any members of the public who know anything about either incident to come forward and help the police." 

 

If there is anyone with any information regarding any of the above incidents, our officers are there for you to approach and speak to. Information can also be passed via 101 or through the Live Chat function on our website, https://gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers - can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

Mayor Andy Burnham will be cheering teams from across Greater Manchester on as they step up to pull a bus all in aid of a worthy cause.

PEOPLE are being called on to ‘pull together’ and rise to the challenge of tackling homelessness in Greater Manchester.

A massive fundraiser on Thursday 17 August will see teams challenged with pulling one of Manchester’s new, bright yellow buses for a 30 metre course.

It’ll see public transport return for the first time in decades to the iconic vaulted arches of Manchester Central, once a busy central train station for the city.

The fun-filled event will raise vital funds for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and support those at risk of becoming homeless in the city region. Teams of five people will race against each, using their brute strength to pull one of two single-deckers, each weighing over 11,200kg (heavier than two adult elephants!)

The ultimate winners will be crowned ‘Greater Manchester’s Strongest Team’.

Teams will be allocated a 1-hour slot where they will register, compete, and receive their certificate celebrating their strength. To participate, each team must raise a minimum of £500.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Patron of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said:

Quote

 

“The strength and unity we continue to see across Greater Manchester is inspirational, and I know we’ll see more of that at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s Bus Pull.  If we all pull together, we can show everyone just how strong a stance we have in our mission to end homelessness.

“That is why I am asking you to sign up today, get raising those funds, and get training.  I look forward to seeing you at Manchester Central on the day, doing your bit for the community we are all lucky enough to call home.”

 

Money raised will support organisations across Greater Manchester, providing vital services for people experiencing homelessness – where possible helping to stop homelessness before it becomes a reality.

The event is being made possible thanks to Transport for Greater Manchester, Diamond North West, Go North West and Manchester Central.

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity provides grants to pioneering organisations that work throughout the city region. It has so far raised £3.1 million since it was launched in 2019 – unlocking more than 70,000 nights of emergency accommodation, 40 grants to organisations experiencing tough times and enabling 12 years of frontline work through funding.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, Head of Strategic Development at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, explains why it is so important for teams to sign-up:

Quote

 

“We’ve already had such great interest in this event, but we want even more businesses, clubs and teams to sign up. You might be crowned Greater Manchester’s Strongest Team, but you will all be champions for us! 

“As well as being a super fun challenge, it’ll also be really symbolic with people pulling together to change lives. Every £500 raises could fund as many as 16 nights of accommodation in the unrivalled A Bed Every Night scheme, it could enable organisations to employ critical support workers, or simply keep their doors open.

“This is a unique way to support your local community and not something to be missed.”

 

Businesses, community organisations and individuals are encouraged to register a team of five here.

Further details about the event are here: https://gmmayorscharity.org.uk/latest/do-you-think-youre-strong-enough-to-take-on-greater-manchester-mayors-charitys-toughest-challenge-yet

A new Bus Strategy – to be presented to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) at the end of the month – sets out an ambition for a 30% increase in bus patronage by 2030.

The change will be driven by affordable fares, a more user-friendly network, and better infrastructure – for example additional bus lanes – to provide more reliable bus journeys.

The strategy will aim to provide more frequent services – at least every 12 minutes on key orbital and radial routes and a twice hourly service within 400m of 90% of the population. as well as on-street bus improvements planned across 70km of high frequency, strategic bus routes across Greater Manchester by 2030.

Buses can deliver significant benefits for the environment, health, traffic congestion and the economy. However, they are not currently delivering to their full potential – with bus travel being seen as a ‘choice of last resort’ and car use rising.

For the first time in almost 40 years routes will be planned and fares set at local level, with buses being integrated into the flagship ‘Bee Network’ transport system when Greater Manchester becomes the first area to bring buses back under local control from September.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester says the new Bus Strategy sets out a vision ‘built on affordable fares, high quality services, swift and reliable connections, and clear democratic and customer accountability’.

Andy Burnham, Mayor or Greater Manchester, said:

Quote

 

“Bus franchising will allow us to reimagine the role of buses within a wider integrated transport system and – over time – reshape this critical part of our infrastructure to serve the modern city region.” adding

“More people using our better buses will help reduce congestion and air pollution, support economic growth, create access to opportunities, improve residents’ health and reduce social exclusion: vital elements in building the greener, fairer, and more prosperous Greater Manchester of the future.

“In 1824, the UK’s first bus service took to the streets of Greater Manchester, sparking a public transport revolution. Two hundred years later, our city region is again leading the way outside London, as we use the vision set out in this plan to build a bus system for everyone, of which Greater Manchester can be proud.”

 

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: 

Quote

 

“Safe, reliable and affordable buses are at the heart of the integrated Bee Network – bringing together buses, Metrolink, trains and active travel into one joined-up system. This will transform public transport for the people and businesses of this fast-growing region and provide an attractive alternative option to using the car.

“This strategy shows how we will continuously improve all aspects of Greater Manchester’s buses, opening up opportunities for new jobs, homes, education and businesses and helping make our region fairer and more sustainable.

“It is a very exciting time for passengers and all the hard-working staff who keep the bus service moving. Our message to Greater Manchester is – please ‘Get on Board’ and help us keep the improvements to your bus services coming.”

 

Greater Manchester Police's Economic Crime Unit continue to crack down on illegal proceeds of crime.

Since April, the Asset Detention and Recovery Unit (ADRU) have successfully obtained forfeiture orders at court of £1,041,626.72, which is entirely made up from seized criminal cash.

It includes sums uncovered at warrants across Greater Manchester – for example, £13,500 was found hidden in shoe boxed during a search of a property in Bolton where an estimated 20kg of cannabis was seized with vacuum packs also found in the property.

Officers also seized just over £95,500 in cash in an ASDA bag at a business premises in Cheetham Hill in September 2022, following an investigation by the Economic Crime Unit's Money Laundering Team and ADRU.

At another warrant, a house in Droylsden was searched and around £10,000 was seized.

The significant amount of money recovered by officers will now be re-invested by GMP back into local community projects and policing operations to continue to keep people safe, through the Asset Recovery Incentive Scheme (ARIS).

Through ARIS, non-profit organisations which benefit a large number of people, can apply to fund 12 months' activities which pledge to support GMP's objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims.

Just some examples of where the ARIS funding has gone over the past few years within Greater Manchester:

- WeMove

- Oldham Mountain Rescue Team

- Breaking Barriers, Bolton

- Get Away and Get Safe

-Deaf Ex-Offenders Network

-Tackling Minds, Rochdale

-Tameside Arts

-Wigan Youth Zone

-Growing Together, Radcliffe

- Salford Veteran's Network

The money we recover is being used to help fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims which ultimately makes Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Langley, from our Asset Detention and Recovery Unit, said:

Quote

 

"The ADRU team is dedicated to recovering criminal assets and dismantling networks that are involved in crime to ensure that the money is taken from criminals and re-invested into our communities.

"The ADRU is a team of expert detectives and police staff who use powers that are available to them under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and remain committed to ensuring criminals do not reap any form of reward from their criminality.

"The £1 million in cash successfully forfeited so far by the Asset Detention and Recovery Unit is a fantastic start to the year for our team and once again I am really proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our officers who continue to go above and beyond their duties to ensure that crime does not pay in Greater Manchester.

Our Economic Crime Unit has been recognised for their exemplary work in disrupting the financial networks that allow serious and organised criminals to prosper. The Asset Detention and Recovery Unit won Team of the Year at the Chief Constable's Awards in 2021 for their dedication and hard work, as the team have been behind some of the largest forfeitures of criminal finances in Greater Manchester in recent years."

 

Detective Superintendent Joseph Harrop who leads the Economic Crime Unit, said:

Quote

 

"With our total cash forfeitures this financial year now reaching over £1 million, it shows another very positive result  for the unit.

  "It doesn't matter the lengths criminal groups take to conceal them, whether it be through assets such as cash, bank accounts and high value items, we will investigate, forfeit and reinvest this money back into the communities of Greater Manchester.

"Our main focus will always be to disrupt serious and organised crime networks by seizing their ill-gotten finances which create foundations for further criminality regardless of the lengths they take to conceal their finances.

"As we continue to work diligently behind the scenes to fight serious and organised criminal finances within our communities, I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support in sharing information and reporting any suspicious financial activity. This helps us successfully shatter established criminal networks and deprive them of their finances, so we are able to utilise the money for a better purpose.

"We are asking the public to remain vigilant and if you see, or suspect something is wrong, tell us, and we can do something about it."

 

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious financial activity, should report to police online, if able, at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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

TICKETS:  https://freespeechunion.org/events/#calendar-da4b66f4-0708-4f80-a917-cd773569e496-event-lix2clbu 

Historically, from communists to slavery abolitionists, suffragettes to religious minorities, freedom of speech was considered an indispensable value for radical movements, and indeed democracy more generally. Yet today, free speech is more likely to be considered a potential problem than a core value, and concerns about free speech are often dismissed as a right-wing talking point.  

Freedom of speech is, and has been throughout history, used to challenge injustice, overturn tyrannical regimes, expose crimes and corruption, challenge orthodoxies, and drive scientific debate and progress. At its broadest, free speech implies the right to decide for yourself what is right and wrong, true or nonsense, beautiful or ugly, good or evil.  

Manchester's history provides plenty of examples of how the struggle for free speech is always at the heart of political struggles against injustice and oppression.  

If you are interested to learn about Manchester's radical past and would like to discuss how we can re-state the case for freedom of speech in the twenty-first century, then book your place at FREE SPEECH: A Radical History. This public meeting is organised by the Free Speech Union, a non-partisan, mass-membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members and campaigns for free speech more widely. 

An expert panel of speakers will explore the lessons that can be learned from the bravery of our forebears: local historian Michael Herbert of Red Flag Walks, Dr Cheryl Hudson of University of Liverpool and Jonathan Schofield, writer, Manchester tour guide and editor of Manchester Confidential. 

Thursday 20th July at the Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS,  

Speakers and discussion 7pm until 8.30pm. 

Michael Herbert is a freelance historian who first came to Manchester in 1973 to study history at the University of Manchester. His published work includes Never Counted Out!, a biography of Len Johnson, the Manchester boxer and Communist; The Wearing of the Green, a political history of the Irish in Manchester; "Up Then Brave Women": Manchester's Radical Women 1819-1918 and "For the sake of the women who are to come after" Manchester's radical women 1914-1945. He is compiling an anthology of the journalism of Madeline Linford (1895-1975), the first woman on the editorial board of the Manchester Guardian. He writes about radical history on his blog Red Flag Walks and about science fiction on his blog "Fantasies of Possibility".  

Dr Cheryl Hudson is a lecturer in US Political History at the University of Liverpool, and is former director of the academic programme at the Rothermere American Institute, University of Oxford. Her research focuses on the histories of citizenship and political culture in the US and on the philosophy of history. She is co-editor of Ronald Reagan and the 1980s (Palgrave MacMillan, 2008) and Why Academic Freedom Matters (Civitas, 2016). Her forthcoming book is titled Citizenship in Chicago: Race, Culture and the Remaking of America Identity.  

Jonathan Schofield is a Manchester tour guide, writer, broadcaster and public speaker. In 2021 he was awarded the Medal of Honour by the University of Manchester for services to the city and region. There have been fewer than fifty recipients of this medal. Jonathan has been a registered Blue Badge Guide since 1996 and is the Editor-at-Large of Manchester Confidential the city's largest independent magazine. He is also the Editor of Manchester Books Limited and has written several books on the North West. He is a regular broadcaster on local and national radio.  

Tickets are £5. 

FSU Members receive free speech support and discounts for live events as well as exclusive access to online content, so do consider joining the Free Speech Union. Membership starts from as little as £2.49 per month.