Manchester United star Mason Greenwood has been arrested by police this evening on suspicion of rape and assault.

Earlier today he was suspended from playing and training with the Premiership club following allegations and a video which was posted to social media.

Greater Manchester Police were made aware earlier today (Sunday 30 January) of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.

An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. 

He remains in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing.

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.
 
 

Officers responding to a robbery against a food delivery driver in north Manchester yesterday (26 January) have arrested two men.

Police were called at around 11.15pm yesterday to a report of a robbery on Lion Fold Lane, Manchester.

Officers attended within minutes and enquiries established that a takeaway delivery driver - a man in his 40s - had been robbed at knifepoint when he attended an address to make a delivery.

Police later located two men, both aged 19, and arrested them on suspicion of robbery. They remain in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing. 

Inspector Michelle Buchanan, of GMP's North Manchester district, said:

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"Robbery is a heinous crime that can leave people feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own community.

"It's clear that this attack was carefully planned by the offenders. Thankfully, in this case, the delivery driver was not injured.

"These arrests reaffirm our commitment to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in our area and this is only a small percentage of the work our officers do on a daily basis to keep people safe.

"I would encourage anyone with issues or information into criminal activity in your area to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Details can also be passed via our LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are investigating a shooting in Leigh.

At around 5.45pm today (Wednesday 25 January 2022), we were called by the ambulance service responding to an incident on Hawthorn Grove.

Officers attended and established a property had been shot at. A man in his 20s was taken to hospital.
A short time later, we received a report of a second firearms discharge on Shadwell Grove, also in Leigh.

A second man, in his 30s, was taken to hospital.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels said:

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"We are in the very early stages of our investigation into these incidents but we believe they could be linked.

"We have officers in Leigh carrying out extensive enquiries to establish exactly what has happened. Two people are in hospital with gun-shot wounds and I can assure people that we will leave no stone unturned as we work to find out who is responsible.

"We understand the community will be concerned and, as such, we have deployed extra patrols to reassure them. If you have information that could help us with our investigation, please come forward. Anything said can be done so in confidence or anonymously."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9101 or 0943 quoting 2599 26/01/22 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
 

Greater Manchester’s clean air leaders will today formally write to government calling for an urgent review of global vehicle supply chain issues that threaten the city-region’s ability to comply with legal air quality limits.

The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee – made up of representatives of all 10 councils – met today, Thursday 20 January, to consider a new report into the global supply chain issues impacting the availability and cost of Clean Air Zone-compliant vehicles, particularly vans.

With the city-region’s 10 local authorities being under government directive to improve air quality the committee will now formally write to George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, requesting that he agrees to pause the opening of the second phase of Clean Air Funds at the end of January.

The committee also agreed to request that the Secretary of State undertake an urgent and fundamental review that will identify how a revised policy can be agreed to manage global and national supply chain issues and support local businesses’ ability to comply with the GM Clean Air Plan.

This would seek to ensure that the right policy and funding arrangements can be put in place quickly that better reflect the additional costs and vehicle availability problems that businesses are facing.

Clean air leaders asked that government investigate if the current plan could create significant financial hardship for commercial vehicle users – already facing fuel and cost of living increases on top of the impact of the pandemic.

Councillor Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council and the city-region’s Clean Air Lead, said:

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“It’s not right that poor air quality – mostly brought about by polluting vehicles – contributes to 1,200 deaths every year in Greater Manchester alone.

“We want to see this number drop and I am keen to stress that we remain resolutely committed to cleaning up our air without losing a job, a business or putting anyone into hardship.

“We have considered this latest evidence, which is also reflected in the concerns we’ve heard from those business and individuals impacted and who are worried about and their ability to upgrade. We need to have the right package of financial support to meet the targets set by government and are open to any solutions that can help us achieve that.

“We stand ready to work with the government on the right solution for our people, our businesses and, more importantly, the health of each and every one of us in Greater Manchester.”

 

In March 2020, the government issued a legal direction requiring the ten Greater Manchester Councils to address the clean air issue by introducing a Category C charging clean air zone – mainly commercial vehicles including HGVs, buses, coaches, minibuses, vans, taxis and private hire vehicles which do not meet set national standards for NO2 emissions. Private cars, mopeds and motorbikes are not included in the scheme. 

Greater Manchester secured £120m in government funding towards upgrading non-compliant commercial vehicles but government did not agree a request for a £10m hardship fund which would have helped those who need support most.

The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee meeting noted that the first phase of the Clean Air Zone due to launch in May 2022 – applying to buses, coaches, HGVs and taxi and private hire vehicles which are not licensed in Greater Manchester – will go ahead, including the ongoing provision of funding support for HGVs and buses to upgrade.

Members also requested that those vehicles owners who had already placed orders pending funding opening at the end of January should be able to contact Clean Air GM for advice to ensure they are not detrimentally impacted by the decision to pause the opening of the funds, and that awards can be made where appropriate.

Greater Manchester has £7.6m of government funding to help eligible businesses, organisations and people who own HGVs to move to cleaner, compliant vehicles. HGV funding support opened in November 2021 for microbusinesses to upgrade, and it was agreed to extend this to small businesses (as soon as possible) and applications for bus replacement funding went live in September 2021 and bus retrofit in December 2020. Both remain open.

In addressing some of the supply chain issues also impacting HGVs, a temporary exemption is in place for vehicle owners who can demonstrate they’ve placed an order for a compliant upgraded vehicle but are waiting on its delivery.

The committee also heard that further data about supply chain issues relating to HGVs will be published next month nationally by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. This will continue to be closely monitored and a further report brought to next Committee meeting about HGV supply chain issues.

The review will also consider whether some vehicles – such as motorhomes and horseboxes – that are not used for commercial reasons could be exempted from a Clean Air Zone and will consider amending the current vehicle ownership requirements for GM Licensed Hackney & Private Hire owners when a vehicle has been upgraded due to licensing requirements to ensure they are not detrimentally impacted by the decision to pause the opening of the funds.

People are encouraged to go to the Clean Air GM website and use the online checker tool to find out if their vehicle is in scope for daily charges and whether they might be eligible for an exemption, discount or funding support.

Today (Wednesday 1 September 2021) three of the men have been sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court:

Sabir Abdulkhadir (01/02/2000) Rawcliffe Street, Manchester was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to affray and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Ismail Abdullahi (01/01/1999) Chetwood Drive, Bolton was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to affray and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Abdul Malik Said (01/01/2000) of no fixed abode was sentenced to six years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to affray and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was previously sentenced to three years imprisonment on 8 June 2021 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

John Robinson (01/01/2000) of no fixed abode was previously sentenced to two years imprisonment on 11 December 2020 after pleading guilty to affray and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

On Saturday 7 November 2020, Abdullahi, Abdulkadir and Said, drove to Bolton in a BMW to go meet with Robinson at Fernhurst Grove.

Abdulkadir was wielding a shot gun and Abdullahi was in possession of a knife as they approached Robinson who was wielding both a knife and hammer.

Following an altercation between the three men and Robinson, a shot was fired by Abdulkadir which missed Robinson. Robinson then proceeded to smash the windows of the BMW before walking away.

As Robinson walked away, Abdulkadir fired the shot gun into his back before the three men - Abdullahi, Abdulkadir and Said - made off on foot.

Officers who attended the scene recovered the BMW as well as two shot gun cartridges and a knife for forensic examination. Inside the car the police discovered a quantity of class A drugs.

Arrest warrants were carried out, and at the time of Said's arrest, he was found to be in possession of a large quantity of class A drugs.

Detective Constable Ella Winters, of GMP's Operation Challenger, said:

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"These men are ruthless and selfish individuals who are willing to hurt others without thinking of the consequences. Brandishing weapons in the street is completely unacceptable and could have resulted in innocent by passers being seriously hurt as a result."

Detective Sergeant Paul Quinn, of Operation Challenger, said

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"I would like to recognise the work of the Challenger Team in today's results. The officers involved have shown incredible professionalism, drive and attention to detail, leaving no stone unturned as they worked with commitment and determination to identify and imprison this Organised Crime Group.

"As part of this investigation the team executed numerous warrants and recovered a quantity of class A drugs worth around 40,000 and substantial amounts of cash as well as recovering the firearm involved in this incident and ensuring it is taken off of the streets.

"I hope this time in prison gives them the time they need to reflect on their depraved actions."

 

This morning (1 September 2021) Terry Woods QPM officially took up his new post of Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police

This morning (1 September 2021) Terry Woods QPM officially took up his new post of Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police after he was sworn in at an attestation ceremony held at the force's Headquarters in Newton Heath. 

In the presence of Magistrate Stephen Paine, Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods swore his oath and signed the Memorandum of Appointment, which officially confirms his role as Deputy Chief Constable. 

DCC Terry Woods is no stranger to policing in the North West, having spent over 25 years working at Lancashire Constabulary. He joined the force in 1996 as a Police Constable in Burnley, before rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief Constable in 2019.

He has worked in various locations across Lancashire and brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in numerous roles including Response, Road Policing and Motorway, Support Unit, Child Sexual Exploitation Teams, Neighbourhood Policing, Specialist Operations and Change Management.

DCC Terry Woods played a leading role in his previous force's Covid-19 response and also leads nationally on Police Driving.

In June 2021 he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in recognition of his exemplary operational leadership. 

DCC Terry Woods said:

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"I'm humbled and honoured to join Greater Manchester Police as Deputy Chief Constable and am looking forward to working alongside Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM and his team as we embark on a new chapter for GMP.

"The Force has been through some challenging times in recent years but it is very clear there are thousands of inspiring people working within the organisation who are truly passionate about the job they do and are committed to protecting people and seeking justice. 

"I have enjoyed every second of my career in policing and am proud to continue to serve and protect with Greater Manchester Police. This is a new era for the organisation and it is a privilege to be part of getting GMP back to the proud place it deserves to be."

 

Over the summer holidays, local charity Foundation 92 has been helping disadvantaged children across Greater Manchester to access inclusive exercise and activities, as well as providing healthy food for those who would normally receive free school meals.

Working alongside Manchester City Council, Salford City Council and Trafford Council, Foundation 92 has successfully delivered free-to-access Holiday Activity Fund clubs at 11 different locations across the city, supporting up to 60 children per location who face adversity and inequality through no fault of their own.

From Monday to Friday each week, children have taken part in multi-sport activities, arts, crafts and specialist youth work, as well as receiving a free, healthy meal. Foundation 92’s 5,000th activity of the summer was marked with a small celebration at the Aquarius Centre in Hulme.

Throughout the summer, Foundation 92 has provided 5,000 free places to children, putting them at the forefront of Holiday Activity Fund delivery across Greater Manchester. The scheme has only been made possible through support and funding from the Department for Education and local authorities, as well as the campaigning of footballer Marcus Rashford MBE.

Foundation 92 is the official charitable partner of Salford City FC, owned and founded by the celebrated Class of 92. The foundation works with communities across Greater Manchester to promote sports & physical activity; health & wellbeing; education & employability and inclusion.

Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92, said:

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“Many children across Greater Manchester have suffered more than most over the past 18 months, without normal opportunities to socialise with friends, take part in activities and ultimately learn new things that are essential for development.

“That’s why schemes like the Holiday Activity Fund are more important than ever. Children across the city region deserve a wide range of positive experiences throughout their childhood, in and outside of school, which is why projects like the Holiday Activity Fund are so crucial.”

 

One of Foundation 92’s most popular summer camps delivered through the Holiday Activity Fund has been based at the Aquarius Centre in Hulme, with an average of 40 local children attending every day. In a further social value investment, free meals have been provided by local Community Interest Company 4CT Limited, who offer employment to ex-offenders.

Manchester City Council’s Chief Executive, Joanne Roney, said:

Quote

 

“The Holiday Activity Fund has been a huge success across Manchester this year – keeping thousands of young people active, engaged and eating healthily, over what can be challenging Summer months for many families.

“As one of Manchester City Council’s key delivery partners for the Holiday Activity Fund, Foundation 92 has done a fantastic job in entertaining, inspiring and educating around 5,000 young people across the city this Summer.”

 

Manchester City Defender Benjamin Mendy has been denied bail this morning after the 27-year-old was charged with four counts of rape relating to three women.

The French defender was additionally charged with one count of sexual assault.

The charges relate to four complainants over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021. 

Mr Mendy is currently being held at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool whilst he awaits his next appearance at Chester Crown Court on the 10th September.

City has suspended the player indefinitely pending the outcome of the case against him.

A spokesperson for the club said:

Quote

 

'Manchester City can confirm that, following his being charged by police, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.

'The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.'

 

Reports suggest that the French International was subject to a misunderstanding in which he believed he would be housed in a VIP area of the prison, apparently becoming confused over the acronyms VIP and VP, believing he was to be given special privilege when in fact he was destined for the 'vulnerable persons' wing of the Category-B prison, for his own safety.

A missing woman was saved from certain death by drowning when hero GMP officers waded into freezing water to pull her to safety.

At around midday on Monday 1 March 2021, police were called to Eagley Brook in Bolton, due to reports of a concern for welfare for a woman.

Officers attended and found a woman, who had previously been reported missing a couple of days before, was submerged in water, stuck in deep mud. Two officers – PC Golding and PC Burrows immediately went to the woman’s rescue, negotiating a deep embankment in order to reach her.

Two other officers at the scene – PC Rourke, PC Ashcroft and PC Atkinson, got into position at the edge of the embankment and helped lift the woman out of the cold water and onto the bank where she could receive first aid from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) paramedics.

Because of the remote location, colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS) helped paramedics to get the woman out of the woodland, where she was then taken to hospital to receive treatment.

All of the officers involved recently received a divisional commander’s ‘good work minute’ for their handling of the incident.

Superintendent Steph Parker, GMP’s divisional commander for Bolton, said:

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“Ensuring the public’s safety is our number one priority and I am proud that our officers quick-thinking and teamwork resulted in saving the woman from danger.

“All of them showed professionalism, motivation and dedication and without their response, the situation could have ended very differently. Fortunately, the woman is now safe and receiving the treatment she needs.

“I would also like to thank our emergency service colleagues, for their part in the effort to get the woman to the hospital and get her the treatment she needs, as well as the member of the public who reported her in the water.”

 

Today (Friday 6 August 2021) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Joshua Etchells (26/5/01) of Lowton Road, Sale has been jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to 20 counts of sexual assault by touching. Following his release he will also be required to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The charges against Etchells relate to a series of sexual assaults that occurred between 1 March 2021 and 7 March 2021 on canal tow paths along the Bridgewater Canal, the River Mersey and along the Trans Pennine Trail.

Etchells assaulted 19 women and a teenage girl across the seven day period, including nine women on one day alone.

His offending followed a similar pattern for all of his victims in that they were all either walking or running, often alone, down the tow path when Etchells would approach them from behind on a bicycle.

As he approached and began to pass the women, he would then either grab or slap their bottom and quickly flee the scene on his bike. On two occasions, Etchells approached the victim head on and cycled past them before turning around and cycling back towards them from behind. As he passed, he sexually assaulted them.

Following an assault on the Trans Pennine Trail, one of Etchell's victims along with a family member decided to drive around the local area to locate him. As they drove around they spotted a male she was confident was Etchells and she shouted out the window at him.

Ignoring her shouts, she managed to take photographs of him, which she then passed over to police.

A full investigation was launched by GMP and on Saturday 13 March, plain clothed officers were on patrol in an unmarked vehicle in Sale and noticed Etchells on his bike and identified him as the male wanted for multiple sexual assaults.

He was subsequently arrested and his bike - that matched the description of the bicycle reported to police - was seized.

Following interview Etchells was subsequently charged.

Detective Inspector Helen Bagnall of GMP's Trafford district said:

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"Firstly I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the women who came forward to report the assault. Reporting such incidents is never easy but thanks to their support during the investigation and initial detailed descriptions of Etchells we have been able to secure a conviction today.

"Etchells' twisted behaviour was nothing short of deplorable and he felt he was untouchable and would be able to flee each assault with little consequence. I'm glad we've now been able to place him behind bars where he will have plenty of time to reflect on his actions.

"I hope today also serves as a reminder that GMP will do all in its power to ensure those responsible for such disgusting behaviour are identified and face the appropriate justice. No woman should be made to feel unsafe when she walks the street and I'm glad that today we have been able to remove another dangerous individual from our community."

 

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.

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

A man will appear in court today (Friday 6 August) in connection with a horrific stabbing on the Salford/Manchester border in which a man was left with horrific injuries after being stabbed with a large blade in what is believed to have been a targeted attack.

Witnesses at the scene claim that the victim lost a finger and repeatedly slashed during the brutal machete attack.

Police were called at around 7.10pm on Monday 2 August 2021 to Bury Old Road.

Emergency services attended and enquiries established a male had been stabbed. 

21-year-old Mujtaba Saeed, of Halliwell Lane, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, has been charged with a section 18 assault, affray and possession of an offensive weapon and is set to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court.

Greater Manchester Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the rape of a young woman in Manchester city centre.

At around 9.20pm on Sunday 16 May 2021, police received a report that an 18-year-old had been raped by two men off Marble Street. An investigation was promptly launched.

DC Kassim, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said:

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"This CCTV image was taken in the surrounding area at the time of the incident. It's, therefore, imperative that we speak to this man as part of our enquiries.

"I appeal directly to him or to anyone who can help us identify him to contact us. If you'd prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.

"Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 quoting 2835 16/05/2021 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. "

FAMILY members and friends who have lost loved ones to accidental drowning continue to support Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) with its mission to stop incidents of this type.

GMFRS has today (Wednesday, June 23, 2021) launched its latest water safety campaign, while supporting Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week, which began on Saturday, June 19, and will run to Friday, June 25, 2021.

Four families whose lives were turned upside-down after losing a special person joined forces with GMFRS in summer 2020 – reaching out far and wide to save others ever having to experience the same heartache as them.

This summer will see those who backed the hard-hitting campaign of 2020 return to social media, where their personal stories of losing loved ones will be shared in a bid to prevent people swimming and jumping into open water.

Young boxers who train at GMFRS’ boxing club in Moss Side are also backing the campaign – helping to reinforce messages and reach other young people.

This year’s campaign will also see digital displays utilised across Greater Manchester over the summer in popular locations in a bid to help young people stay safe around open water.

The campaign comes as figures reveal that 166 people accidentally drowned in open water in England last year – an increase of 13% from 2019.

Since June 2016, GMFRS firefighters have been called to 38 fatal water incidents. Sadly, a number of those who drowned were young men who got into difficulty after jumping into open water on a hot day to cool off over the summer months, however, these incidents can happen at any time.

Firefighters from across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester take part in local water training, where they talk to passers-by about the dangers of open water and so people can see what is involved in a water rescue.

Leeanne Bartley is one family member who is working with GMFRS and supporting the latest water safety campaign. Her 18-year-old son, Mark Allen, drowned in Debdale Park in June 2018 after going into the water. Leeanne, her husband David, and Mark’s eldest sister, Lauren Allen, each shared their experiences of what it is like to lose a loved one to drowning and living without Mark.

Mark Allen

Natalie Lawson is also supporting the campaign. Her 16-year-old son, Paul, drowned in June 2017 after he went swimming with his friends in Greenbooth Reservoir. It was a hot day and the teenagers thought it would be a good idea to go into the water to cool off. Natalie bravely shared her story with GMFRS to help raise awareness of just how dangerous open water, such as reservoirs, can be.

Paul Lawson

Paul’s friends – Ben Hough and Jordan Yates – also shared their stories of losing a close friend. The pair continue to urge people not to go into open water as they talk about how their lives changed forever.

Also backing the campaign is Chris Jordan, uncle of Jack Pullen, who drowned in July 2016 at the age of 16 in the River Etherow in Broadbottom, near Hyde. Since Jack’s death, Chris set up the Jack Pullen Foundation, and more recently has developed interactive sessions on his website in a bid to educate more people about the dangers of open water.

Jack Pullen

Chris and Jack’s sister, Fallon, talked with GMFRS about how they lost Jack and the life-changing impact it had on their family.

Dylan Ramsay drowned almost a decade ago (July 3, 2011) in a quarry near to Chorley, Lancashire, at 13-years-old. Dylan’s mum, Beckie Ramsay, has been campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of open water since that time and has worked with GMFRS and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service over the years. Beckie has also shared her story of losing Dylan as part of GMFRS’ campaign.

Dylan Ramsay

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing, Crime and Fire, Bev Hughes, said: “Following on from the success of GMFRS’ water safety campaign last summer, we are pleased to launch the latest initiative in Greater Manchester to help raise awareness of the dangers of open water and prevent further accidental drownings.

“Such campaigns wouldn’t be as powerful without the involvement of those who have sadly lost loved ones, and we are extremely grateful for the support and contributions from everyone involved – you truly are making a difference by sharing your personal stories.”

GMFRS Area Manager Paul Duggan said: 

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“Even strong swimmers can suffer from Cold Water Shock and it can kill you in just 60 seconds. You also never know how unpredictable under-water currents can be, or what is lurking beneath the surface – people have drowned after getting tangled up in undergrowth and other things hiding in the water.

“We don’t want to stop people having fun, though safety is key here as we continue with our mission to educate young people and their parents or carers of the dangers that come with going into open water, especially during the summer months as we spend more time outdoors.” 

 

The dedicated water safety campaign will include lots of targeted social media activity, sharing the videos of family members and friends, and new banners and posters being put up in areas where young people have drowned or tend to visit with their friends, as well as at community fire stations across the city-region.

Water safety messages are reinforced through #SummerSafe – a partnership campaign between GMFRS, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the 10 local authorities of Greater Manchester.

Follow campaign activity from June 23, and throughout the summer on GMFRS’ social media channels: Twitter @manchesterfire, Instagram: manchesterfire, and Facebook: GMFRS.

#WaterSafety and #DrowningPrevention will be used during the campaign.

Officers in Manchester city centre arrested a man in a hotel yesterday after an estimated 26,000 fraudulent text messages purporting to be a delivery company were sent in one day.

Our PCSOs attended a hotel on Charles Street at around 3.30pm on Thursday 17 June after hotel staff reported suspicious activity by a man seen with a large amount of cables in a bag.

The man's hotel room was then found to equipment in the room that officers were able to establish can be used as part of a text message scam to defraud people - known as phishing.

A 21-year-old man from Manchester was arrested at the scene on suspicion of fraud by misrepresentation. He remains in custody for questioning.

Detectives from our City of Manchester Central division and Cybercrime Team have seized electronic equipment and a car as part of their enquiries.

It is estimated that yesterday alone around 26,000 text messages had already been sent from the devices purporting to be from Hermes asking for bank details after a missed delivery.

A total of 44,000 mobile phone contacts are also believed to have been stored on the devices.

An investigation is underway and police are reminding the public to be aware and vigilant of such attempted mobile scams.

Detective Inspector Mark Astbury, of GMP's City of Manchester Central division, said:

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"What we have uncovered here are potentially the components of a highly sophisticated and authentic scam that I know many people not just in Greater Manchester but across the country have been potential victims of in recent weeks and months.

"We have a man in custody and various items of potential evidence that we have seized and this is due to the initiative of the hotel staff, who acted on their suspicions, and the subsequent response from our neighbourhood officers in the city centre.

"These are the very early stages of what promises to be a complex and dynamic investigation, and I would like to take the opportunity to remind the public to ensure they keep remaining alert to the daily risks that unscrupulous cyber criminals pose to them by sending these fraudulent messages."

 

Anyone affected by this case or with information or concerns can contact Action Fraud here: Report a phishing attempt | Action Fraud or police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk or call 101.

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk

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

Scam emails warning

What is it?

Scam emails are sent from fraudsters to trick victims into disclosing personal and sensitive information. The emails often claim to be sent from trusted sources such as banks or HMRC. They will ask you to click on a link and then enter personal information which can be used to defrauded you or steal your identity.

How to protect yourself  

Check the address the email has been sent from. By using your mouse to hover over or right-click on the sender name, you will be able to see the email address behind it. Fraudsters often have bizarre email addresses or one that doesn't quite match with the company they are claiming to be.

Look to see who the email addressed to. Often fraudsters will use an impersonal greeting such as 'Hi' or 'dear customer'.

Don't feel pressured. Scam emails will often claim there is a time limit or sense of urgency for you to act now, but don't feel pressured. Take your time to make the checks you need.

Watch out for out for spelling and grammar mistakes. Also look out for slight changes in things such as a website link. This could look very similar to the company's real website, but even a single character difference means it is leading you to different website.

Think about whether you are expecting an email from that company. If it's out of the blue, it could be a scam.

Police are once again urging the public to report non-emergency matters online instead of calling 999 after experiencing the busiest day of the year so far.

Forces across the country have reported seeing significant demand on call handlers after a surge in emergency calls being made to police.

Greater Manchester Police has been no different and Tuesday 8 June 2021 was the busiest day of the year so far with 3,628 calls (2,101 of which were 999s) coming into the Operational Communications Branch. Last weekend (Friday 4 June 2021 - Sunday 6 June 2021) saw a total of 6,902 999 calls made to GMP.

There are a number of factors that have been cited as the reason for the increase in calls, such as the good weather, easing of lockdown restrictions and public events taking place. It is anticipated that demand on services will continue this weekend so officers are once again desperately urging the public to think before dialling 999 and instead report all non-emergency matters online wherever possible.

The public can report a crime or information online by visiting www.gmp.police.uk and clicking 'Report' or by speaking to a call handler using the LiveChat service on the bottom right of the homepage screen 24 hours a day.

Crime reference numbers and other queries can also be dealt with online and will help to ensure those in an emergency can speak to our call takers faster.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said:

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"In recent weeks we have seen a significant spike in demand for our services, which in turn has seen a surge in emergency calls being made to GMP. This demand peaked earlier this week when we saw more calls coming into our call centre on Tuesday than any other day this year.

"The easing of restrictions and the sunny weather will inevitably lead to more calls but there are still a large number of calls that could be resolved quicker by using our online services.

"We know that at any one time, up to 60 per cent of calls being made to 999 are not an emergency, which means that our call handlers are being taken away from answering calls that need an urgent response in order to deal with non-emergency reports that could have been made online.

"Our online reporting services are a convenient and effective way of making reports and can be easily accessed by visiting www.gmp.police.uk so I would once again make this really important point. If it's not 999, report it online."

 

A man has been charged with wounding three people and attempting to wound two others at a Starbucks in the Arndale shopping centre, Manchester, in an incident dating back to October 2019.

The Arndale was completely shut down at the time with no one allowed to enter, police cordoned off the area and a video released online showed a man lay on the ground whilst being detained by officers.

Raphael Chevelleau (16/12/1978), of no fixed abode, has been charged with three counts of section 18 assault and two counts of attempted wounding relating to four women and one man - aged between 21 and 60.

He remains detained under the Mental Health Act and is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday 11 June.

On Friday 11 October 2019, police were called to reports of people being stabbed at the Arndale centre.

Three people were injured.

It has been almost a year since when in June 2020 GMP responded to two large illegal raves in Greater Manchester, one in Daisy Nook and the other in Carrington. One of these raves saw the tragic death of a member of the public, many others injured and officers being assaulted. Since these raves we have had a dedicated operation in place to scan intelligence and to supply extra resources around hot spot areas to ensure we stop these events taking place.

A large number have been prevented by reacting to intelligence we have found, or that has been reported to us by members of the public. Officers will proactively visit the addresses of organisers and issue a cease and desist letter to stop the illegal activity taking place.

As well as these raves being illegal, they are also highly dangerous to anyone in attendance. No medical team are on-site to help in emergencies and if emergency services are needed, the remote sites and large crowd can also delay the team reaching anyone in need. This is unfortunately what happened at one of last year's raves and is not something we want to see happen again. A man had been stabbed and it took our officers eight minutes, on foot, to reach him after he was reported as being unconscious and not breathing. It was quicker for them to abandon their vehicles due to the isolated location and uneven terrain. Officers provided life-saving CPR and an ambulance took him to hospital.

Policing these illegal events means that a large amount of resource is pulled away from potentially more critical incidents so we urge you not to attend. You may face arrest and prosecution if you are found at an illegal rave. We all have individual responsibility for protecting ourselves and those around us, which is especially important as we are still in a pandemic.

ACC Chris Sykes / Supt. Graeme Openshaw said:

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"Our message is clear; these events are unacceptable, they put lives at risk and they will not be tolerated. If you are thinking of attending an illegal rave please stop and think whether it's worth potentially risking your life for.

"There will continue to be a dedicated policing operation taking place over the weekend, with a much higher police presence in potential hotspot areas. When we see illegal activity taking place, we will take action.

"Many illegal raves are prevented due to reports we receive from members of the public. Thank you for continuing to contact us with any information you have, we act on all intelligence supplied to us and due to this you are helping prevent these dangerous events from taking place."

 

If you have any information that you would like to report to us, please do so by calling 101 or reporting it online at https://www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/ 

TfGM are reporting an operational incident is currently affecting tram services across much of its network leaving most services suspended due to an electrical issue.

Additionally some roads in Manchester have been closed due to the incident which seems to be focused between the Victoria and Shudehill tram stops.

The underground fire is said to have started on balloon street.

There are reports that two people have sustained minor injuries.

Anyone planning to travel on the service this morning is being advised to seek alternative arrangements.

The line in and out of MediaCityUK and Eccles is currently affected and suspended.

Greater Manchester Police have issued a statement on Electrical Issue on Balloon Street

At around 9.20am today (Wednesday 9 June 2021), police were called to reports of an incident on the Metrolink system in Manchester city centre.

Following an under-ground electrical issue on Balloon Street, which would have been accompanied by a loud bang, two people have received minor injuries whilst carrying out work inside a manhole.

Police, alongside colleagues from GMFRS and NWAS are in attendance and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Corporation Street and Balloon Street are currently closed.

Superintendent Helen Critchley from the City of Manchester Division said:

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"No doubt the heavy emergency services presence, and the loud noise as a result of the electrical issue will have caused some concern - but I want to reassure the public that we are dealing with it, and believe this to be an isolated incident, which emergency services are working together on to bring to a swift conclusion.

We would also like to ask people to please avoid the area at this time."

 

Current services which are still operating:

Rochdale to Monsall only

Manchester Airport to Piccadilly with minor delays

Altrincham to Piccadilly with minor delays

Customers can use tickets on all local buses and Northern Rail services between Manchester City Centre - Altrincham - Didsbury - Airport - Rochdale - Ashton.

It is being reported that disruption is likely to continue until lunchtime.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched a pilot in the City of Manchester for Restorative Justice referrals to be made for domestic abuses cases – a process which allows the opportunity for positive communication between the victims of crime and their perpetrators.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is currently used in Greater Manchester for a variety of crimes, including antisocial behaviour, burglary and criminal damage, to empower victims and give them a voice in the criminal justice system.

The Greater Manchester Restorative Justice Service was commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in partnership with GMP in 2019. The service is delivered by Remedi – a specialist restorative justice charity providing a one-stop shop for all things restorative justice. Remedi work with police, probation, prisons, youth offending teams and other criminal justice partners, along with other specialist victim services, to ensure the right support is in place for victims and offenders.

Restorative Justice can only take place with the consent of both the victim and the offender, and can only be used in cases where conviction has already been obtained. It is hoped that by allowing referrals to be made from or on the behalf of domestic abuse victims, it will give those victims the opportunity to express to the offender the impact it has had on them, seek an apology and gain closure, as well as allow the offender to take responsibility and understand the consequences of their actions. The process can be done either face-to-face or indirectly via letters or messages.

GMP's Detective Superintendent Gwyn Dodd, said:

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"Research from the Policing Research Partnership shows that when facilitated in the correct way, Restorative Justice can be an effective and powerful process, beneficial for victims and offenders. I am keen to build confidence with victims, partners and the police in the use of RJ as effective tool to improve victim satisfaction and reduce repeat offending.

"Victims of crime and their needs are at the heart of everything we do and this pilot is no different. Giving victims of domestic abuse the opportunity to have positive and supported communication with their offender can give them a sense of empowerment, a voice and the chance at the closure they may need to help deal with the horrendous abuse they faced.

"Of course, it is entirely up to the victim whether they wish to pursue RJ, and all the usual routes to justice remain open to victims, including supporting charges and prosecutions alongside the appropriate care packages and onward referrals that our specialist teams can provide."

Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, said:

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“Domestic abuse has a long-lasting impact on victims and their families and we are committed to doing all we can to help people cope and recover.

“Restorative justice has already proved to be an empowering tool for victims of crime, giving them the chance to tell offenders how their crime has affected them and the offender the opportunity to apologise and make amends. By piloting this for domestic abuse cases, we can give victims and survivors an additional way to help get the closure they need.

“I’ve always been clear that restorative justice is only effective when used in the right way with the needs of victims at the heart, which is why restorative justice will only be used for post-conviction domestic abuse cases, not as a replacement for the criminal justice process.”

Police have launched an appeal for information after three men were stabbed during an altercation in Piccadilly Gardens.

At around 10.50pm last night (Thursday 28 May 2021), police were made aware by the council of a disturbance at Piccadilly Gardens.

Enquiries have established that a group of people were fighting with knives.

Officers attended and identified three men - aged between 23 and 31 - who had injuries consistent with stab wounds.

Two of the men were taken to hospital with serious injuries and the third man was taken to hospital with minor injuries. All three men remain there for treatment.

This is believed to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.

Two males - aged 17 and 18 - have been arrested on suspicion of assault. They remain in custody for questioning.

Chief Inspector David Henthorne, Force Critical Incident Manager for GMP, said:

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"Three men are in hospital as a result of this shocking incident in which a group of men, who were wielding knives engaged in an altercation.

"Although we have two men in custody, our investigation remains very much still ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this altercation. At this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

"This took place in a busy location and I would like to reassure the public that this is believed to be an isolated incident with no further risk to the wider community. If anyone witnessed this fight, or has any information that could help officers to complete their enquiries, please get in touch with police as soon as possible."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 3554 of 27/05/21.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.