Death Following Incident On Rushmere Avenue

Samuel Opokiti has appeared in court charged with a single count of murder following the death of Osagie Harrison Aimiyekagbon. This followed an incident on Rushmere Avenue on the evening on Sunday 9 July.

The incident is reported in the MEN HERE.

GMP Bike Marking Events

Greater Manchester Police have two Bike Marking Events coming up this week.

Fallowfield

  • Friday 7th August
  • Between 12pm and 3pm
  • CANCER RESEARCH BUILDING WILMSLOW ROAD M20 4QL

Levenshulme

  • Saturday 8th August
  • Between 12pm and 3pm
  • “THE QUADRANTS ” CRAYFIELD ROAD Entrance to the FALLOWFIELD LOOP M19 3NX

URGENT New Covid19 Restrictions

The government announced around 21.30 on Thursday 30th July that new restrictions would be introduced at midnight. The announcement was made by four tweets and one interview from the Secretary of State for Health who then did not appear on any of the main news bulletins. Nobody from the government bothered to appear.

These new restrictions are now in force. See below for the news reports from Thursday 30th July and the new government rules and press announcement released on 31st July.

The main change is nobody can visit another household either indoors or outdoors.

News Reports

BBC News report
ITV News report
Sky News Report

North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do

Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas.

Published 31 July 2020

From:Department of Health and Social Care

Contents

  1. Affected local areas
  2. Local restrictions
  3. Changes in restrictions

An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus. From 31 July 2020, if you live in these parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, you should follow these rules when meeting people who you do not live with. Separate guidance advises on the similar rules imposed in Leicester.

Affected local areas

  • Greater Manchester:
    • City of Manchester
    • Trafford
    • Stockport
    • Oldham
    • Bury
    • Wigan
    • Bolton
    • Tameside
    • Rochdale
    • Salford
  • Lancashire:
    • Blackburn with Darwen
    • Burnley
    • Hyndburn
    • Pendle
    • Rossendale
  • West Yorkshire:
    • Bradford
    • Calderdale
    • Kirklees

Local restrictions

Social contact

If you live in one of the affected areas, in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, you should not:

  • meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law).
  • visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas.
  • socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. If you run such a business, you should take steps to ensure people do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance.

The government will pass new laws to enforce the changes to meeting people in private homes and gardens. The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices (starting at £100 – halving to £50 if paid in the first 14 days – and doubling for subsequent offences).

Business closures

In Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford, the following premises must remain closed by law:

  • indoor gyms
  • indoor fitness and dance studios
  • indoor sports courts and facilities
  • indoor swimming pools, including indoor facilities at water parks

Changes in restrictions

Does my household include close family members?

Your household – as defined in law – is only the people you live with. If you have formed a support bubble (which must include a single adult household i.e. people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) these can be treated as if they are members of your household.

What will be illegal?

It will be illegal for people who do not live together to meet in a private home or garden, except for limited exceptions to be set out in law. You should not host or visit people you do not live with, unless they are in your support bubble. If you live in the affected areas, you should not visit someone’s home or garden regardless of whether this is in or outside of the restricted area.

Can I still meet indoors with people in my support bubble?

Yes. Where people from single adult households (people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) have formed a support bubble with another household, they can continue to visit each other, stay overnight, and visit other public places as if they were one household.

Can I still meet people outdoors?

In line with the national guidance, you can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces in groups of no more than six people, unless the group includes only people from two households. You cannot meet people you do not live within a private garden.

At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with – unless they are in your support bubble.

I live in this area. Can I still meet with my family and friends to celebrate Eid?

Due to higher rates of infection, if you live in this area you should not host or visit friends and family in each other’s homes or gardens. It will shortly be illegal to do so, unless specific exemptions apply. You also should not meet friends and family in other venues – including restaurants or cafes.

Up to two households, or six people from any number of households may meet outdoors (excluding people’s gardens) where there is a lower risk of infection. If you do so, you should still socially distance from those you do not live with, and avoid physical contact.

You may attend a mosque or other place or worship, where Covid-19 Secure guidance applies, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (such as wearing face coverings). We recommend at this time that, if possible, prayer/religious services take place outdoors.

Can I still go to work in this area?

Yes. People living inside and outside of this area can continue to travel in and out for work. Workplaces must implement Covid-19 Secure guidance.

I live in this area. Can I still go to cafes, restaurants, the gym and other public places?

Yes. But you should only go with members of your own household – even if you are going outside of the restricted area.

I live in the area. Can people from outside of the lockdown area visit me at my house?

No. This will be illegal.

Do I still have to shield if I live in this area?

Clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer have to follow the shielding guidance from the 1 August, unless they live in Blackburn with Darwen in the North West and other local affected areas across England where shielding continues.

Can I visit a care home?

You should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.

Can I still have my wedding if it’s in the lockdown area?

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies in these areas can still go ahead. No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 secure venue. Further guidance can be found here.

Large wedding receptions or parties should not currently be taking place and any celebration after the ceremony should follow the broader social distancing guidance of involving no more than two households in any location or, if outdoors, up to six people from different households.

Can I travel outside of the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes.

Can I travel into the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes. Weddings should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a wedding, but should not go into a private home or garden.

Can I still visit a place of worship in the lockdown area?

Yes, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (e.g. face coverings). We recommend at this time that if possible prayer/religious services take place outdoors.

Can funerals still take place in the lockdown areas?

Yes. Funerals should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a funeral.

Can I holiday in the lockdown area, or visit shops, leisure facilities, or cafes in it?

Yes. However, you must avoid socialising with people indoors when doing so.

Can I travel in a car with someone I do not live with?

You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or social bubble. If you need to, try to:

  • share the transport with the same people each time
  • keep to small groups of people at any one time
  • open windows for ventilation
  • travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow face away from each other
  • consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
  • clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch
  • ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering

The Department for Transport has provided specific guidance on using private vehicles. Please see their guidance on private cars and other vehicles for more information on car sharing and traveling with people outside your household group.

Published 31 July 2020

Government Press Release

New rules on gatherings in some parts of Northern England

Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases

Published 30 July 2020

From:Department of Health and Social Care

placeholder

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has this evening announced that new rules on social gatherings will be introduced in Northern England to stop the spread of COVID-19. These changes will also apply in Leicester city.

This is in response to an increasing trend in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area, and data from PHE and the JBC which suggests transmission among households is a key infection pathway in the area.

The areas that these changes apply to are:

  • The Greater Manchester area
  • Pendle
  • Hyndburn
  • Burnley
  • Rossendale
  • Blackburn with Darwen
  • Bradford
  • Calderdale
  • Kirklees
  • Leicester City

It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens.

Some exemptions will be put in place, including for the vulnerable.

The government will sign new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable.

The regulations will give local authorities and police forces the powers to enforce these restrictions and more details on these will be set out when the regulations are published.

Households may go to hospitality, for instance bars and pubs, but new guidance will make clear that two households should not go to hospitality together.

Meanwhile local leaders and government have today agreed a number of changes to local restrictions in other areas.

While social gathering restrictions remain in place in Leicester City, the area will benefit from the lifting of restrictions that took place on 4 July in England, and all local restrictions currently in place in the neighbouring borough of Oadby and Wigston will end.

It means from Monday 3 August restaurants, cafes, bars and hairdressers in Leicester City can get back to business but leisure centres, gyms and pools will remain closed. In addition, cinemas and museums will open and religious ceremonies will be able to take place.

And on Saturday 1 August, Luton will be brought in line with the rest of the country after significant progress has been made in controlling the virus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:

We’re constantly looking at the latest data on the spread of coronavirus, and unfortunately we’ve seen an increasing rate of transmission in parts of Northern England.

We’ve been working with local leaders across the region, and today I chaired a meeting of the Local Action Gold Committee. Based on the data, we decided that in Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire we need to take immediate action to keep people safe.

The spread is largely due to households meeting and not abiding to social distancing. So from midnight tonight, people from different households will not be allowed to meet each other indoors in these areas.

We take this action with a heavy heart, but we can see increasing rates of coronavirus across Europe and are determined to do whatever is necessary to keep people safe.

The restrictions currently in place in Blackburn, announced last Friday, which saw indoor swimming pools, indoor fitness and dance studios, indoor gyms and sports facilities remaining closed, will continue.

From Saturday, these leisure facilities will open in Luton, bringing it in line with the rest of the country.

We have been working closely with local leaders across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire and have made the decision to bring in new restrictions on social gatherings for selected areas.

For those preparing to celebrate Eid Al Adha this weekend with friends and family these restrictions will come as a blow but everyone is being urged to follow the new rules and to protect the ones they love from catching coronavirus.

Mosques and other places of worship have reopened for prayer and communal worship, but in a different socially distanced and COVID-19 Secure way. This means that while mosques can remain open, many will not able to welcome as many worshippers as before.

Anyone with any symptoms must isolate immediately and get a test for free by going online or ringing 119. Everyone must continue to socially distance and regularly their wash hands to help bring this virus down further so all areas of Leicester can return to normal as soon as possible.

Reporting Lockdown Breaches

How to tell GMP about a possible breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures

Is it an emergency?

  • is there a threat to life (including road traffic incidents where someone is injured or the road is blocked)
  • does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon
  • is there a risk of serious damage to property
  • is a serious offence in progress
  • there’s serious disruption to the public or there could be


If so, please call 999 now.If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS serviceExternal Link.

If you’re concerned about a business or venue that’s open and you don’t think it should be, please check the guidance on this first. 

We’re seeking to resolve situations where people appear to be or are contravening the government advice on physical social distancing and the stay at home measures without resorting to enforcement and issuing fines. 

Please only tell us about something if you feel there is a significant issue or breach which you think we need to know about.

Use the form available HERE to report any concerns about breaches of the regulations and where they are.

Suspected Hate Crime Attack At Arcadia Library And Leisure Centre

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attack on a teenager in Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre. An arrest has been made but witnesses and anyone with information related to the incident are asked to contact the police.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 2469 of 25/05/17. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The BBC News report is available HERE

GMP Report

“Police are appealing for information after a teenager was attacked at a Levenshulme leisure centre.  At around 8.45pm on Thursday 25 May 2017 a 16-year-old boy was approached from behind by a man at the Arcadia Sports Centre on Yew Tree Avenue. The attacker pushed him to the floor and then attacked him with a knife, causing cuts to his arms. Fortunately, he managed to kick out and run away. After the attack, the man returned to the reception area of the sports centre and left the area with another man.

Officers launched an investigation and an 18-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed until Friday 23 June 2017 pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Dave Gilbride of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “This was a shocking unprovoked attack on a teenager who was in a quiet area of the leisure centre with his friends, revising for his GCSE exams.

“Despite this man’s attempts, the boy received only minor injuries, however he is understandably very shaken up by his ordeal. We are treating the incident very seriously and we believe it was a hate crime.”

“Although we have made an arrest, we still need people who may have witnessed the attack, or indeed anyone with any information about this incident at all, to come forward and speak to us.

“Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has become a victim of a hate incident or crime, to report it to the police by calling 101 or through True Vision at www.report-it.org.uk

“It’s never too late to make a report.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 2469 of 25/05/17. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.


Find Out TONIGHT Why These People Want To Be Your MP

Your election.
Your  MP.
Eight people ready for your questions TONIGHT.
19.00 at the Jain Centre, 667-9 Stockport Road, M12 4QE.

  1. ABIDOGUN, Kemi (Christian Peoples Alliance)
  2. CLIFFORD, Peter (Communist League)
  3. DISCO, The Irrelevant Johnny (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
  4. GALLOWAY, George (Independent)
  5. HOPKINS, David Michael
  6. KHAN, Mohammed Afzal (Labour Party)
  7. MAYO, Jess (Green Party)
  8. PEARCEY, Jackie (Liberal Democrats)

Police Update On Reported Chapel Street Rape

Chapel Street rape case closed.

As agreed at the Levenshulme Community Forum Meeting Greater Manchester Police have shared this update on the reported rape of a 12 year old girl on Chapel Street. The case has been closed with no further action being taken after the girl disclosed that the report was not genuine.

The LCA continues to work with GMP to ensure improve communication with the community. We are planning a drop in session at Inspire on Stockport Road to provide information and advice on safety. The LCA is also working with Inspire who are organising a series of personal safety training sessions with the support of local councillors. Details on both these activities are currently being confirmed and will be advertised separately.

GMP Press Release

“The investigation into the rape of a 12-year-old girl has concluded.

On Friday 30 December 2016, the girl disclosed to police that she had been raped while walking on Chapel Street, close to the Horseshoe Pub on 22 November 2016.

Officers launched an investigation and a 16-year-old boy was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

At the end of January 2017, the girl disclosed to officers that the original report was not genuine.

The 16-year-old boy has since been released without charge and no further action will be taken.

Chief Inspector John-Paul Ruffle of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and the welfare of the victim is our priority.

“As soon as a report is made, the victim is supported by specially trained officers and we trust that each report is genuine.

“We have carried out extensive enquiries and there were increased patrols in the area to reassure members of the community and encourage people who were understandably concerned to approach us.

“As part of the investigation, we have concluded that it is not appropriate for us to pursue a prosecution in this instance due to a number of vulnerabilities that have been identified.

“The girl is now being fully supported by specially trained officers and partner agencies.

“Help and support is always there for people who report sexual offences. If you want to make a report of a sexual offence, you will be taken seriously.”

To report a sexual offence you can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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.

– You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

– St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

– Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

– Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.

Read the GMP report HERE

Suspect Arrested In Rape Case

Boy arrested following rape of 12-year-old girl
Published on 13/1/2017 18:39:12 by Greater Manchester Police

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Levenshulme.

On Friday 30 December 2016, the girl disclosed to police that she had been raped while walking on Chapel Street, close to the Horseshoe pub on 22 November 2016.

She had been walking on the road sometime between 5pm and 5:30pm, when she was grabbed from behind by a male who dragged her into the alleyway which runs behind Cardus Street and raped her.

He then ran away from the scene in the direction of Stockport Road.

Today, Friday 13 January 2017, a 16-year-old boy from Longsight has been arrested.

Detective Inspector Dave Moores of GMP’s serious Sexual Offenses Unit said: “This week we released an e-fit of a person we wished to speak to regarding this attack. I would like to thank the public for the response we have had.

“We have now arrested a 16-year-old boy. He is currently in custody being questioned.

“Our investigation is still ongoing however, so anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have seen anything suspicious is asked to get in touch.

“There will still be an increased police presence in the community whilst the investigation continues to encourage those who have information to come and speak to us and reassure anyone with any concerns.”

If you have any concerns or want to speak to someone to pass on information, or report a sexual offence, you can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Link to Greater Manchester Police Report HERE

Read the Manchester Evening News report HERE

Media Coverage Following Reported Rape

Levenshulme Community Association has organised a Community Forum on policing, crime, safety and securty for Wednesday 11th January, 19.00 at the Klondyke (1 Burnage Range) following a reported rape of a 12 year old girl.

The meeting is public and an opportunity to hear from Greater Manchester Police and councillors. There will also be the chance to raise any questions or concerns directly on crime and policing in the area.

This is understandably receiving considerable media coverage.

Manchester Evening News

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-community-fighting-back-following-12444905

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/levenshulme-klondyke-police-meeting-rape-12441332

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-reassure-residents-levenshulme-following-12413427

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-keeping-open-mind-whether-12397808

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/girl-12-dragged-alleyway-raped-12396731

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/levenshulme-girl-raped-chapel-street-12406847

ITV

https://vimeo.com/198166215

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2017-01-03/police-appeal-after-12-year-old-girl-raped/

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2017-01-04/police-have-open-mind-as-they-investigate-two-rapes-on-schoolgirls/

BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-38495606

Levenshulme Community Forum, Wednesday 11th January 2017

Levenshulme Community Forum:Policing, Crime, Safety and Security

Wednesday 11th January
19.00
The Klondyke, 1 Burnage Range (off Albert Road)

This is an open, public meeting organised by Levenshulme Community Association.

Senior staff from Greater Manchester Police will attend to answer questions and provide information following the reported rape on Chapel Street and also discuss general issues of policing, crime, safety and security in the area.

Police Request For Help In Rape Inquiry

Officers are keen to speak to two men pictured on CCTV in connection with a rape in Levnshulme.

Shortly before 12pm on Monday, 14 November 2016, a 31-year-old woman was raped in Cringle Park, on Clare Road, whilst out walking.

An investigation was launched and following substantial enquiries by detectives they have now released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to.

Through working closely with the victim a detailed description of the offender has also been obtained.

He is described as white with a slight tanned complexion, in his mid 30s, average weight, with broad shoulders. He is believed to have a long oval face, dark thick eyebrows with dark lines under his brown eyes. He had yellowing teeth and a large pointed nose with pimples on it.

Detective Inspector Dave Moores, from GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “We believe from our work so far these men were in the area at the time of the attack and we need to speak to them.

“I know the images are not very clear but if someone does know either of these men you should be able to recognise them.

“I would appeal directly to the men to contact police or anyone who recognises them to also get in touch.

“I would like to praise the victim for her courage throughout this investigation and specially trained officers continue to offer their support to her.

“We know this incident raised concerns in the community and we continue to carry out patrols in the area. 

“If you have any concerns or suspect something suspicious then please approach one of our officers or call police. We will always try and assist in any way they can.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 1911, quoting incident number 824 of or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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.

– You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

– St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

– Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

– Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246267.

Cringle Park Walk Without Fear

The communities of Levenshulme and Burnage were out in strength in Cringle Park today to show solidarity against fear and violence following a reported rape.

The Lord Mayor, Carl Austin-Behan, who is also a Burnange councillor spoke of the need for solidarity and for people to not just use the park but speak to each other and make it a safe place for everyone. (pictured with his consort, Simon Austin-Behan).

There was also a police presence to reassure people and give advice.

We will not stand by and allow violence to happen unchallenged in our community. We will stand together. We will stand strong. We will stand against fear, violence and hatred.

The police report is available HERE

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 824 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE:

Read and view the ITV News report HERE

Read the Manchester Evening News report HERE

(photos, Jeremy Hoad)



Rape Reported In Cringle Park

A community walk in Cringle Park will happen at 11.00 on 20th November 2016 to show solidarity and sympathy with the victim.

This is the report from Greater Manchester Police:

“Officers investigating the rape of a woman in Levenshulme are appealing to three possible witnesses.

Shortly before 12pm on Monday, 14 November 2016, a 31-year-old woman was raped in Cringle Park, on Clare Road, whilst out walking.

An investigation was launched and a dedicated team of detectives have been carrying out further enquiries.

It is now believed there were three people in the park who may have witnessed something prior to the incident and officers are keen to speak to them.

These include a white man, in his 30s, who was wearing jeans and a khaki coat and was throwing a football for his dog.

A white woman, who is believed to be in her early 40s, with brown hair was also walking a dog which was white.

The third person is an older, white woman, who was pushing a black pram with a dog on a lead. She was wearing a black coat with the hood up and had brown hair. This woman briefly spoke to the victim before the attack.

The offender is described as wearing dark clothes with his hood up.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Mossop, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries and want to speak to these people who were in the park around the time of the offence.

“I would like to stress you are not in any trouble but you could have key information which could help us with this case. Even if you think you didn’t see anything, please still get in touch with us as any information could be vital.

“We aware this incident has caused concerns in the community and I want to make it clear we are doing everything in our power to find the person responsible.

“No one should be scared to go about their daily business and we want to reassure local residents that we have increased patrols in the area. A police van is also currently parked near to the incident and we are also speaking with the local council.

“We are also aware of a community walk taking place in the park this Sunday (20 November 2016) and are currently liaising with the organisers to our offer our support.

“If you have any concerns please approach one of our officers and although we cannot go into the details of an on-going investigation we will try and help in any way we can.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 824 of or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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.

– You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

– St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

– Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

– Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246267.”

Could Julie Reid Be Greater Manchester Mayor?

With news that Tony Lloyd* has confirmed his intention to stand for the position of Greater Manchester Mayor the Manchester Evening News has suggested a few other possible candidates.

The MEN offers a shortlist of actual and potential candidates:

  • Tony Lloyd (Labour Party)
  • Richard Leese (Labour Party)
  • Ivan Lewis (Labour Party)
  • Hazel Blears (Labour Party)
  • Jonathan Reynolds (Labour Party)
  • Julie Reid (Labour Party)

According to the options suggested the MEN appears to think that only Labour Party politicians will stand for election as Greater Manchester Mayor.

Included on the list is local Councillor Julie Reid (Gorton South Ward) whose ward covers much of Levenshulme.

Billed as the only “Corbynista” to have been touted as a potential candidate the MEN says: “Councillor Reid has reportedly been vocal among colleagues in expressing n interest [in standing for Greater Manchester Mayor]“.

* Tony Lloyd is currently Greater Mnchester Mayor after being appointed to the role without any election last year when the leaders of Greater Manchester councils signed up to the devolution deal offered by George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  

Councillor Julie Reid (Gorton South Ward). Photo courtesy of the MEN.

Tony Lloyd Offers Almost £1m To Neighbourhood And Youth Projects To Reduce Demand On Police Services

Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Loyd, is spending almost a million pounds of funding from the Greater Manchester Police budget on a project to get neighbourhoods to do things to reduce demand for police services in 2016.

The GMPCC website says: “Communities across Greater Manchester are being invited to bid for a slice of £900,000 to reduce demand on police services by building strong neighbourhoods, boosting volunteering, and empowering our region’s young people.”

The funds available:

Commissioner’s neighbourhood fund

  • Grants of up to £1000 (from a total fund of £200,000)

Active citizens’ fund

  • Grants of up to £5000 (from a total fund of £200,000)

Youth aspiration fund

  • Grants of up to £30,000 (from a total fund of £500,000) 

Find out full details HERE.

  
Photo of Tony Lloyd giving away money from the Greater Manchester Police budget in 2015 (photo courtesy of GMPCC website)

Police Update On Firearms Incidents & Public Meetings

Here is an update from Greater Manchester Police regarding the various firearms incidents over the holiday period.

“Police have made five arrests this week after recent shootings in Manchester. 

Detectives investigating ongoing disputes between Manchester crime groups have made five arrests this week in connection with firearms discharges. 

On Wednesday 6 January 2016, a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 22-year-old man was shot in the chest on Salisbury Road in Moss Side. He has since been bailed. 

Two men have been arrested in connection with a firearm discharge that took place in the Milford Drive area of Levenshulme on Monday 4 January. A 27-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday 6 January 2016 on suspicion of firearms offences, violent disorder and criminal damage. A second man was arrested on Thursday 7 January 2016 also on suspicion of firearms offences, violent disorder and criminal damage. They have since been bailed. 

Today, Friday 8 January 2016, two men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder after two firearms discharges on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day on Lytham Road in Levenshulme. A 26-year-old man and a 30-year-old man are currently in police custody.

Superintendent David Pester from GMP’s South Manchester Division said: “This week our officers have worked incredibly hard in difficult circumstances to bring those who are using guns on our streets to justice. 

“We have arrested five men who are connected to the organised crime groups we have been investigating, but we still have a long way to go. 

“We understand that the community are still very concerned about these ongoing disputes and I’d like to reassure them that we are doing all that we can to address their concerns. 

“This week we have met with community leaders and elected members and we will continue to update everyone about the ongoing investigations. Officers, supported by officers from the Force Major Incident Team and specialist resources, are working tirelessly around the clock to bring the offenders to justice. 

“We still need the community’s help to rid these offenders from the streets of Manchester, so, if you have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch. Every piece of information, no matter how large or small could be vital.  

“We still have a long way to go, and a lot of work still needs to be done but we want this to be a message to those out there that know they have been behaving recklessly and putting innocent lives in danger.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4223 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Public Meetings

West Point Residents Association in conjunction with local Councillors have organised a special meeting next Tuesday 12th January (7pm) at Birchfields Primary School, Lytham Road. 

This will be an opportunity for local residents to hear from and put questions to GMP officers and local Councillors following the two recent incidents in Lytham Road.

Another meeting has been organised at the Klondyke, Burnage Range on Wednesday 13th January (7pm).

  

Police Investigation Into Spate Of Gunshots In Levenshulme

People across Levenahulme are increasingly concerned after a spate of gunshot incidents across the area. Guns have been fired in the area three times in less than two weeks in what is thought to be gang related incidents. Nobody has been injured.

The latest report from the Mnchester Evening News is available HERE

If you have any information on any of these incidents you should contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 6078 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

Car Crashed Into Garden Fence

A car crashed into a garden fence and was abandoned on Thorncliffe Grove. 

Read the report in the MEN HERE

Man arrested following assault near Levenshulme Station

Police hunting a man who sexually assaulted a woman in Levenshulme have made an arrest.

On 30 October 2014, the 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and he remains in police custody for questioning.

The sexual assault took place on The Street With No Name off Albert Road in Levenshulme at about 7.15pm on 5 October 2014.

Read the GMP update HERE