Greater Manchester Police Archives

Police Appeal for Information Following Serious Collision in Rochdale

Authorities are urgently seeking information from the public after a serious road traffic collision occurred on Wildhouse Lane in Milnrow, Rochdale. The incident took place at approximately 19.45 GMT on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

According to reports, a Nissan Micra, traveling northbound, collided with a BMW One Series heading in the opposite direction. The aftermath of the collision left the driver of the Nissan in a life-threatening condition, while the driver and passenger of the BMW sustained minor injuries.

The Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. In particular, they are interested in speaking to individuals who may possess footage, including dash-cam recordings, CCTV footage, or mobile phone videos, from the area leading up to the collision.

If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the police at 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 2757 of March 3, 2024. Alternatively, you can share information anonymously through Greater Manchester Police website’s ‘tell us about’ tool or via LiveChat on http://www.gmp.police.uk. For those who prefer complete anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached at 0800 555 111.

A suspected gas explosion near St Luke’s Primary School in Bury has left a 70-year-old woman seriously injured and caused chaos in the area. Emergency services were called to Nelson Street in Fishpool following reports of an explosion at a property. The blast occurred just yards away from the primary school, prompting the evacuation of […]

Four Boys Arrested for Rape in Newbold Metrolink Station

Four boys, ranging in age from 12 to 14, have been apprehended by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of rape following an incident reported at Newbold Metrolink station in Rochester, Greater Manchester. The authorities responded to a call at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, which directed them to the location near a Morrisons supermarket. Upon […]

Dramatic Arrest of Fugitive Aristocrat Constance Marten Raises Urgent Questions About Missing Child

Jurors have seen dramatic video of the moment fugitive aristocrat Constance Marten was arrested in the street and asked repeatedly: “Where is your child?”

Constance Marten, 36, and Mark Gordon, 49, had allegedly been living with their newborn baby off grid in a tent on the South Downs while on the run from police.

Last February 27, police finally tracked them down to the Hollingbury area of Brighton after they were spotted by a member of the public.

They declined to say where baby Victoria was and on March 1, her body was found in a Lidl supermarket bag covered in rubbish in a disused shed.

Police Sergeant Robert Button was among the officers who arrested the defendants at 9.35pm last February 27.

Giving evidence, Mr Button said Marten appeared to be wearing “furniture stuffing” for insulation and smelled “unclean and unwashed”.

He said both she and Gordon had a distinctive odour that he associated with homeless people.

The officer’s body-worn video showed the moment they were arrested on suspicion of child neglect.

Mr Button approached Gordon and said: “Hello. Sorry mate, can you stop for a second? Stop alright, I need to speak to you.”

Asked what about, Mr Button said: “Well because potentially I think you may have been in the national news.”

When Gordon denied it, he was asked why he was running away and ordered repeatedly to put the stick he was carrying down.

As the defendant resisted, he was told: “Relax yourself, you are under arrest until I confirm who you are.”

Gordon complained he was hungry and he “wasn’t doing anything”.

A distressed Marten then intervened saying: “Stop with him please, he’s not well.”

She went on: “Oh my god, I can’t watch. Leave him alone. Let him eat his food. He’s starving.”

Another officer later turned to Marten and said: “I’ll level with you, you are under arrest for child neglect.”

Marten replied: “For doing what?”

She was then asked by officers: “Where’s your child? Where’s your child? Sorry, where is your child, we need to know?”

The defendant did not respond.

A dog handler then said: “Tell me now because I’m going to send the dog into the wood to try and find someone so you tell me where it is now.”

A discussion could be heard about carrying out an “open search” before Marten was further arrested for concealment of the birth of a child.

Marten insisted it was “not an arrestable offence”, adding: “You can’t arrest someone for hiding a pregnancy.”

They became front-page news last January when Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons inquiry after finding a placenta in the couple’s burnt-out car on a motorway near Bolton.

Last February 20, the defendants had been caught on camera trying to break into Hollingbury Golf Course near Brighton, East Sussex, and “rumaging” through a wheelie bin, the court heard.

On the evening of February 27, CCTV captured Marten appearing to attempt to steal food from a shop.

She then withdrew cash from an ATM machine and Gordon bought food in a convenience store.

Resident Dale Cooley spotted Gordon carrying a stick with one foot wrapped in a plastic bag, which he thought was “strange”.

Mr Cooley recognised the couple and checked a story on the local Argus newspaper website to confirm his suspicions.

He described phoning his wife, saying: “I told her it was definitely the couple from the news because the descriptions matched and their behaviour seemed strange as if they were trying to stay hidden.”

He tried to engage them in conversation asking if they were on Stanmer Drive, and Gordon replied “we don’t know” in a gruff Northern accent, the court was told.

In a statement read to court, Mr Cooley said: “Their body language suggested they did not want to be bothered. I spotted a paramedic car and waved them down. I asked them what I should do and they said call 999.”

Mr Cooley, who had gone out in his car to dispose of coffee pots and visit an ATM, alerted police at 9.26pm.

The defendants, of no fixed address, deny the manslaughter of baby Victoria by gross negligence between January 4 and February 27 last year.

They are also charged with perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child.

The Old Bailey trial continues.

Taxi Drivers Raise Concerns After Transporting Aristocrat and Partner Accused of Baby’s Manslaughter

Taxi drivers have spoken of their “concerns” after picking up a wealthy aristocrat and her partner while they were on the run with their newborn baby.

Constance Marten, 36, and Mark Gordon, 49, are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of the manslaughter of their daughter Victoria.

It is alleged the couple travelled across England and lived off-grid in a bid to keep the baby after four other children were taken into care.

Jurors have viewed CCTV in which the child was allegedly carried under Marten’s coat, only being briefly glimpsed when the couple stopped in East Ham.

On Wednesday, the jury viewed more CCTV footage of the couple after they reached Whitechapel in east London.

While there, Gordon had bought a two-person tent and camping bedding, including a children’s unicorn sleeping bag, in Argos, the court was told.

The couple allegedly abandoned a buggy and were carrying Argos bags and a Lidl bag-for-life when they got into a black cab shortly after midnight last January 8.

In a statement read to the court, taxi driver Abdirisakh Mohamud said he became “suspicious” and “uncomfortable” during the journey.

The male passenger allegedly asked the driver if he was a Muslim, whether he was “trustworthy” and if there were cameras in the cab.

Mr Mohamud said he told the man there were cameras, even though there were not, because he wanted feel “safe”.

The man then asked him: “Are you sharing this conversation with anyone?” and Mr Mohamud said “no”, jurors heard.

Mr Mohamud said in his statement that he feared “something was not right”.

He asked the couple why they were wearing blue Covid facemasks, and the woman said she was a Muslim and it was her “hijab”, the court heard.

On being told by the driver that it was not a hijab, she allegedly told him it was the only thing she had.

The man said he wore a mask because he “had a problem with his hair”, the witness said.

Mr Mohamud said he decided to drop the couple off early in Green Lanes in Haringey rather than Enfield Tesco Extra where they had asked to go.

He said: “The more I thought about it, the more concerned I felt about the baby.”

Another taxi driver Hasan Guzel described hearing “meowing” noises when he drove the defendants from Haringey to Newhaven in East Sussex early on January 8.

He said in his statement that he had stopped when a woman waved at him and she told him to wait while her “friend” got in.

They initially asked to be taken to Portsmouth then changed the destination to Newhaven, jurors heard.

Mr Guzel said he had charged £475 for a three-hour trip.

Describing the woman, he said: “I thought she had a bag under her coat as she looked quite big in the chest area.”

During the journey, he said: “I heard what sounded like a cat meowing. I was annoyed at first because I thought she had a pet without telling me.

“I could see it was a baby, I could see the noise was coming from a baby.

“I thought why didn’t she tell me about this, it’s been nearly four hours we have been travelling.”

He said that when he dropped them off in Newhaven, he saw it was cold and dark and he was “concerned as to what they were going to do next”.

The court has heard how the couple became front-page news last January when Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons inquiry after finding a placenta in the couple’s burnt-out car on a motorway near Bolton.

The defendants spent hundreds of pounds on taxis taking them from the North West to Essex, London and the south coast, jurors have heard.

Last February, Marten and Gordon were arrested in East Sussex.

Days later, the body of baby Victoria was found in a Lidl supermarket bag covered in rubbish inside a disused shed.

The defendants, of no fixed address, deny manslaughter by gross negligence of the little girl between January 4 and February 27 last year.

They are also charged with perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Manchester Woman Sentenced for Vicious Stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens in July 2023, Jessica Taylor, a resident of Haddington Drive, Blackley, has been sentenced to 3 years and 5 months at Minshull Street Crown Court. The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article, following a sentencing on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

The court heard that Taylor stabbed her female victim three times in the head after a minor verbal exchange. The victim suffered two puncture wounds to the right side of her head and one to the left side of her forehead, all requiring stitches. In addition to the physical injuries, substantial bruising around the victim’s left eye was noted.

DC Annabel Lewis, who led the investigation, described the attack as a “vicious and unprovoked” incident in a busy location. Taylor used a steak knife pulled from her handbag during the assault. After being tracked down through social media enquiries, Taylor, when arrested, remained silent during interviews and was later positively identified via a video identification parade.

The victim, left with both physical and emotional scars, expressed the profound impact the incident has had on her life. She shared, “Before this happened, I used to go out several times a week to socialize with friends. Now I barely go anywhere other than to visit family.” The emotional toll has manifested in heightened irritability and occasional outbursts, behaviors she finds challenging to reconcile with her previous character.

DC Annabel Lewis underscored the significance of the sentence, hoping it would send a strong message that carrying knives on the streets of Greater Manchester is not acceptable. The victim’s narrative sheds light on the lasting effects of such violent encounters, urging collective efforts to combat, prevent, and reduce knife crime.

Greater Manchester Police encourages the public to report any knowledge or suspicion of knife carrying, emphasizing the role everyone plays in maintaining community safety. Reports can be made to Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or 101. In emergencies, always dial 999. Anonymous reports can also be submitted to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, while 11-17-year-olds can make anonymous reports via Fearless.org.

Men who jetted off on holiday using stolen cash jailed for 38 years

Driving stolen cars, the men would enter premises armed and threaten staff, before placing an explosive device into the machine, in an attempt to gain access to cash. Between April 2023 – July 2023, they attacked four commercial premises, three in Greater Manchester, and a final one in Staffordshire. In total, they stole almost £160,000, […]

Man Sentenced to Three Years for Sexual Assault and False Imprisonment

Robert Shepherd, has been sentenced to three years in custody and an additional three years on licence after being found guilty of the sexual assault and false imprisonment of a woman in Leigh. The verdict was delivered at Bolton Crown Court on Friday, January 26.

Shepherd, who signed a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order, had previously pleaded guilty on Thursday, November 2, 2023, during his first hearing, admitting to charges of false imprisonment and sexual assault.

The incident occurred on September 26, 2023, when the victim visited Shepherd’s home in Leigh to carry out professional checks. Upon entering the dark residence with no lights on, the victim was led to the front room to complete online forms. However, Shepherd’s actions took a distressing turn as he began touching the victim despite her warnings.

When the victim attempted to leave, she found the front door locked. Shepherd physically prevented her from leaving, persisting in his inappropriate actions. It was only when the victim screamed hysterically that she managed to push him aside, unlock the door, and seek safety inside her car, where she promptly called the police.

Detective Sergeant Sean Goddard of GMP’s Wigan Division commended the victim’s bravery throughout the investigation. He stated, “Shepherd is a dangerous offender who sexually assaulted his victim for his own sexual gratification in what must have been a traumatic experience.” The detective further highlighted the significant impact on the victim’s life, affecting her ability to work, leave her property, and even necessitating the sale of her vehicle due to the associated memories.

Police Seek Information on Oldham Robbery

In an appeal for information, Greater Manchester Police are urging the public to come forward with any details regarding a robbery that occurred near Failsworth Tram Stop in Oldham on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at approximately 22.00 GMT

The victim, a 17-year-old, and his friend were reportedly targeted by three young males aged between 16-17 years old. Two of the suspects forcefully pushed the victim to the ground in a threatening manner, brandishing a knife, and proceeded to rob him of personal belongings, including a coat and Apple AirPods. Simultaneously, the third suspect chased after the victim’s friend.

Prior to the incident, the offenders were observed alighting from the tram at Failsworth Tram Stop on Hardman Lane.

Police officers are seeking information from the public and are particularly interested in speaking to individuals captured in images related to the incident, as it is believed they may possess crucial information. Citizens are encouraged to share any relevant details by calling 101 and quoting log number 1178 of 27/12/2023.

Additionally, information can be reported via GMP’s website using the ‘tell us about’ tool: [www.gmp.police.uk](www.gmp.police.uk). For those who wish to remain anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted at 0800 555 111.

Second Suspect Charged in Badri Issa’s Murder Case

In a significant development in the investigation into the tragic murder of Badri Issa, a second man has been charged with his murder. Kevell Blake of Cheetham Hill faces charges of murder and has been remanded into custody. He is set to appear at Tameside Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The investigation commenced on October 25, 2023, shortly before 20.00, when police responded to reports of a stabbing on Moss Lane East in Moss Side, Manchester. Emergency services rushed to the scene, discovering 22-year-old Badri Issa with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Issa died of his injuries later that evening.

Badri Issa, a recent mechanical engineering graduate, was on the brink of embarking on a promising career. The impact of his tragic death reverberated not only within his family and loved ones but also deeply affected the local community.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith of GMP’s Major Incident Team commented on the recent developments, stating, “Today’s charging of our last remaining suspect marks a significant step towards delivering justice for Badri’s family and loved ones.” Naismith acknowledged the collaboration of the public, Badri’s family, and the Greater Manchester Police in successfully charging the second suspect.

While progress has been made, Naismith stressed that investigative efforts continue. The public is urged to come forward with any information that could aid the ongoing inquiry. Each piece of information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is crucial in providing answers that Badri’s family seeks.

Information related to the case can be reported to GMP by calling 101 or through the GMP website reporting tool: http://www.gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3210 of 25/10/2023. Alternatively, individuals can share information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Tragic Altercation at Manchester Traffic Lights Ends in Murder

In the early hours of Tuesday, January 23, 2024, a tragic altercation at a set of traffic lights in Manchester resulted in the death of a 30-year-old man. The incident unfolded shortly before 1:40 am at the junction of A34 Kingsway and Parrs Wood Lane to Queensway, located in East Didsbury, Manchester. Two men, travelling […]

Young Man Arrested Following Mysterious Murder on Manchester’s A34 Kingsway

Greater Manchester Police have initiated a murder investigation following the death of a 30-year-old man in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 January 2024. The incident occurred on the A34 Kingsway, at the junction of Parrs Wood Lane to Queensway, Manchester.

Authorities were alerted to a serious incident shortly before 01:40 GMT where the victim was assaulted. Despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene and in the hospital, the man succumbed to his injuries. Family members have been notified and are receiving support from specially trained officers.

An investigation and extensive inquiries have led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder. The suspect remains in custody for questioning. The victim and the suspect are believed to have been travelling in separate vehicles along Kingsway when an altercation took place at a traffic light. The suspect then fled the scene in their vehicle.

Significant road closures are in effect on Kingsway in both directions, impacting travel journeys for several hours as officers conduct investigations at the scene. Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson from GMP’s Major Incident Team emphasised that the motive for the murder is not clear at this stage, but the incident is believed to be isolated.

Addressing the impact of road closures, Wilkinson said, “I appreciate the road closures in place are impactful on people’s travel, particularly for those going to and from work or school on this route, but would ask the public for their patience and understanding as the closures are required to allow for extensive enquiries to take place safely.”

An increased visible police presence in the area aims to reassure the local community, with officers available to address concerns and assist travelers, especially those at the East Didsbury tram stop. Authorities are appealing to the public for information, urging anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward.

Individuals with information can contact the police at 101, quoting log 166 of 23/01/2024, or provide details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Manchester Man Sentenced for Large-Scale Ecstasy Operation

Jian Huang, a 44-year-old man, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to possession with intent to supply class A drugs. The sentencing took place at Manchester Minshull Street Court on Monday, 23 January 2024.

Approximately 38,500 ecstasy tablets were seized by law enforcement officers during the operation. The drugs were discovered in various stages of preparation at a property being used as a makeshift lab. The tablets were found suspended in liquid, some drying, and thousands already pressed for distribution.

The arrest unfolded on April 19, 2023, when police responded to a concern for welfare at an address on Arran Street, Moston. The information was reported anonymously via email to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Upon arrival, officers heard an argument and voices of women and children. Despite limited initial information, diligent house-to-house inquiries were conducted.

Jian Huang’s evasive behaviour concerning his female partner and children raised suspicions. Upstairs bedrooms were found padlocked, prompting forced entry. Law enforcement discovered a substantial amount of class A drugs, a tablet production machine, and associated equipment.

Detective Constable Heather Gore, part of COM North’s Challenger organised crime team, stressed the significance of public involvement in reporting crime. “Response officers did an outstanding job in bringing Huang to justice. It looked like Huang was preparing to sell these drugs, which would have likely ended up at festivals such as Parklife, so seizing such a huge quantity was a significant result,” stated DC Gore.

The seized substances included approximately 38,500 ecstasy tablets, 7 kilograms of unpressed ecstasy, and 10 liters containing methylamphetamine. The street value of the tablets alone was estimated to be around £385,000.

Challenger, Greater Manchester’s partnership response to tackling serious and organised crime, played a crucial role in disrupting this illicit operation. The collaboration aims to pursue and disrupt criminal groups, reduce risks to vulnerable individuals, and prevent them from becoming victims of various crimes.

14-Year-Old Luke Howe Found Dead in River Bollin

Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed a body found in the River Bollin in Hale today (Friday 19 January 2024) has been identified as Luke Howe. 14-year-old Luke was reported missing from Hale at around 6.30pm yesterday evening (Thursday 18 January 2024).

Member of Organised Crime Group jailed for role in supplying drugs across Greater Manchester

A member of an Organised Crime Group from Bury has been jailed for more than three years for drugs supply. Zaigham Ahmad of Walmersley Road, Bury, was sentenced to 42 months at Manchester Minshull Street Court on Friday 12 January 2024.

Operation Vulcan officers secure seven-year jail sentence against a man for numerous drug offences in Manchester

On Wednesday 10 January 2024, Balraj Maan of Wolverhampton St, Walsall was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to seven years in prison for numerous drug-related offences, possessing a firearm and bladed article. The investigation, led by Operation Vulcan officers, was initiated on Saturday 4 March 2023, when two officers observed a Silver Vauxhall Astra on […]

Former Police Officer Sentenced to 16 Years for Attempted Murder

In a shocking case, James Riley, a former police officer from Preston, Lancashire, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for attempted murder. Riley pleaded guilty to the offence at Manchester Crown Court. The incident began when the Greater Manchester Police responded to a call regarding the welfare of a woman in her 20s […]

Police Arrest Three Suspects in Wigan in Crackdown on County Drugs Line and Modern Slavery

In a coordinated effort, Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Wigan Complex Safeguarding Team, supported by the Wigan Challenger team, local officers, and Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), executed warrants at three locations in Aspull, Ince, and Wigan. The operation aimed to dismantle a county drugs line operating in the area. The arrests of an 18-year-old woman, 17-year-old […]
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