The CoM Brief - May 2025

CITY OF MANCHESTER · MAY 2025

INTERNATIONAL GUESTS HONOUR PC DAN WOODALL

District information can be found on pages 2, 11 and 12. Force information is pages 3 - 10.

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APRIL 2025

Remembering PC Woodall 10 years on

Welcome to May’s edition of District Brief. I want this month to talk about our student officers who are starting their journey in policing.

I am sure all of us, either police officer or staff remember our first day in GMP. That first time engaging with a member of public, supporting a victim, or arresting an offender.

Our first few months working in policing is very important to shape our careers and build key skills.

I remember my first arrest like it was yesterday (even though it was 19 years ago!).

Our student officers now undertake three 15 week rotations in investigation teams, response and neighbourhoods to support them to become rounded police officers.

My ask of all of us is that we support our student officers, from offering advice on investigations to having a quiet conversation after a tricky job to offer some support.

To our student officers – you are all at the start of a very exciting journey, ask lots of question and please lean on you colleagues around you.

To everyone else, a huge thank you for your continued efforts and hard work you put in on a daily basis across the district.

Chief Superintendent Dave Meeney

On Tuesday 6 May 2025, a cohort of Canadian officers came to visit GMP colleagues to mark the 10-year anniversary of the death of former GMP officer Daniel Woodall.

Originally working from Wythenshawe, Dan moved to Canada to join the Edmonton police force. It was here where he was tragically shot and killed while trying to force entry to arrest a wanted male in 2015.

In his memory, a group of Dan’s colleagues came to Manchester to get a glimpse into life at GMP. The main event of the week was the Woodall Cup, a charity football match set up to honour the memory of PC Woodall. The game took place on Friday 9 May, with victory sadly going to the opposing Edmonton Police football team.

Detective Sergeant Dominic Beaver from Bolton CID, who organised the match and the visit said: “Dan started his police career at GMP around the same time as I did, then Dan and his wife transferred over to Canada.

“In 2016, five GMP staff went to Canada on a self-funded trip to represent GMP and take part in the second Woodall Cup, against the EPS Blues

(Edmonton Police football team). The first game resulted in a draw, and the British ex-pats team won the second.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion, the GMP team lost, but the event was great fun, and everyone really enjoyed it. It was also an opportunity to raise funds for Once Upon a Smile – a Salford-based child bereavement charity that supported Dan’s children when they moved back to the UK. “It was a pleasure to host our Canadian visitors, and they really enjoyed their time here.”

Detective Paul Branco from Edmonton police homicide section emailed DS Beaver to say: “I wanted to thank you for the work you put in to host us last week.

“We left with loads of memories we won’t soon forget and immense pride in honouring Dan.”

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Death of Pope Francis It was with great sadness that on Easter Monday morning news of the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was announced by the Vatican to an unsuspecting world; and memories of our Catholic Police Guild (CPG) visit to Rome in 2014 to celebrate the centenary of the Guild become once more a happy memory to those fortunate enough to have made that pilgrimage and been in the presence of our late Holy Father.

The image shows me and the Guild’s chair at the time, PC Andrew Nattrass, presenting His Holiness with a traditional ‘British bobby’ custodian helmet, an illuminated copy of the prayer of St Michael and a specially commissioned CPG medal.

Although Pope Francis had been unwell for several weeks and his decline in health and frailty was becoming more noticeable, nevertheless his attendance at the Easter Sunday Mass, and appearance on St Peter’s balcony to deliver his Easter Urbi et Orbi to the world and those gathered in St Peter’s Square, only added to the shock of the sad news of his death. For a man who loved being amongst his people, this last official engagement will have been an occasion he would have enjoyed.

With hindsight, his last tour in the familiar Popemobile through the crowds gathered on Via Conciliazione, and in St Peter’s Square seem like the last lap made at the end of some great concert or event, and the 12-year papacy of Pope Francis was most certainly a great event not only within the Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church, but for believers and nonbelievers alike, as without fear or favour Pope Francis travelled the globe praying and preaching the Gospel

MAY 2025

message of peace and forgiveness.

During these past weeks of frailty leading up to the Easter celebrations, Pope Francis has shown us the power and true meaning of the Easter message: that death is not the end but the beginning of life everlasting. Now, he has returned to the Father’s House, and the Easter promise for him is fulfilled.

Our prayer for our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis is that he now rests in the love and embrace of the Risen Lord.

Requiescat in Pace.

Father Barry Lomax National Chaplain & Fellow of the Catholic Police Guild of England & Wales, and Force Lead Chaplain to GMP

Craig Higgins Challenge 2025 Members of GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) have taken on the UK’s fourth longest walk, travelling the full length of Hadrian’s Wall in four days in memory of a deceased colleague and to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

In total the team covered more than 95 miles, leaving Bowness-On-Solway in Cumbria on Monday 21 April and finishing in Wallsend in North Tyneside on Thursday 24 April 2025, before returning home the next day.

On average they walked more than 22 miles per day, finishing the route with some variations and deviations – such as walking

to and from campsites – for a grand total of 218,801 steps.

They completed the challenge as a memorial for former TAU officer PC Craig Higgins, who died after becoming unwell on duty in March 2022. Craig was a much-respected member of the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), who joined GMP in 2003 and made the move to TAU in 2008.

The team’s JustGiving page in aid of the British Heart Foundation has reached £6,660: more than six times their initial target of £1,000.

You can still donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ craighigginschallenge.

MAY 2025

Action Counters Terrorism community engagement

Counter-terrorism security advisors (CTSAs) have been advising businesses across the North West on how to protect their venues and employees, and help their staff prepare should a terrorist threat occur.

Around 230 people attended an engagement event held by the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 30 April.

ACT encourages communities to help tackle terrorism by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity that doesn’t feel right. Businesses and members of the public are encouraged to complete the campaign’s award-winning ACT Awareness e-learning course to increase their own security awareness and learn what actions they can take which may help to counter terrorism.

The event was formally opened by Det Supt Alison Whittaker, head of Protect & Prepare at Counter Terrorism Policing North West. Det Supt Whittaker said: “The objective for the day was to provide attendees with an insight into the current threat and how attack methodology has evolved over the years in the UK, looking at what security advice and guidance is available to them, how to access it and who they can reach out to for further support. We need the community’s help to deter, detect and disrupt hostile and terrorist activity.”

“The speakers at the event included head of engagement at the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, Ch Insp Chris Simpson; Arndale Centre director David Allinson; National Counter Terrorism Policing Communication’s campaigns

team and our regional CTSAs. “They delivered an insightful and impactful agenda which included a pre-recorded message from Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, who has tirelessly campaigned for Martyn’s Law [the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which requires venues hosting large groups of people to take additional measures to keep themselves safe from terror attacks]. She encouraged businesses to make use of the free resources available on the ProtectUK website and to share with their staff and neighbouring businesses.”

The session was supported by Janice McMahon from Stereoplast Healthcare, provider of public access trauma (PAcT) first aid kits, and GMP’s Project Servator team.

Project Servator is a policing tactic used by a number of UK police forces. It aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. It is an inclusive, collaborative community strategy aimed at protecting protect local areas and building upon plans already in place to ensure public safety and security.

Management at the Bridgewater Hall said they were ‘proud to have hosted such a high-profile event’, adding: ‘The relationship with and support from the team in CTPNW is invaluable to our business.’

All of ACT’s official protective security advice, guidance and training is free and readily available to access via www. protectuk.police/uk.

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MAY 2025

Operation Vulcan community event In April 2025, Operation Vulcan joined the community of Derker for an event at Stoneleigh Park, arranged by Friends of Stoneleigh Park as part of the local council’s holiday activities.

Officers from Op Vulcan, neighbourhood officers and PCSOs were in attendance, giving local children the opportunity to meet GMP officers; take a tour of our vehicles and test out the blue light systems; try on uniforms; and learn about the role of the police in protecting them. The event also included interactive stalls and games, enabling attendees to learn more about our specialist teams, equipping them with life skills and crime prevention advice, and increasing their understanding of policing.

Det Supt Jen Kelly from Operation Vulcan said: “We know the lasting impact contact with the police can have and it’s so important that we get it right. By hosting community events like this, we hope to break down barriers with young people and ensure they can avoid falling victim to crime or exploitation by opportunistic criminal gangs who often seek to recruit young people.

“I’d like to thank all those who came along and spent time speaking to us. This was our first event in Derker since we launched our latest operation which aims to tackle the crime in the area, and it was great to see it so well attended by local children and families.

“These kinds of events can often be the perfect way for us

to engage with the community we serve in a fun and positive way, helping increase trust and confidence in us. We had some really positive and valuable feedback from residents about the work we’re doing to tackle issues locally and this proactivity will continue.”

The work of Op Vulcan in Derker follows the team’s operational successes in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens, and will see GMP officers and partners carrying out sustained strategic disruptive activity to directly combat the issues which the community tell us are affecting them the most.

Working with Oldham Council, a variety of partner agencies, and using specialist resources from across the force, we’re determined to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug crime, vehicle crime and anti-social driving, child criminal exploitation, cuckooing, and violent crime.

Councillor Peter Dean, cabinet member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “It was great to see the Operation Vulcan team out in action at Stoneleigh Park, as neighbourhood policing is about so much more than tackling crime. This team is building relationships and really getting to know people in the area, building that trust and growing understanding.

“Open communication, particular with young people, about the work they do is vital to help people avoid crime and exploitation; so I’m glad to see the Vulcan team already off to a great start in that regard.”

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MAY 2025

GMP investigators p case at internationa

Two GMP team members have attended a prestigious international conference to share details of their work on an investigation which tested the boundaries of UK legislation.

DC Carly Baines of GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) and digital investigator Ryan Parkins of the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit (DFIU) had already received a chief superintendent’s branch award for their innovative investigation as part of Operation Garnet, the investigation into Hugh Nelson’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create indecent images of children. On Monday 19 May 2025, they attended the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) conference (formerly PIER) to deliver a presentation on the case.

Known worldwide as one the most important conferences focusing on online harms, IPPPRI25 brings together leading international and national speakers in the fields of academia and public protection to demonstrate the influence of academic research in informing real world change.

Supt Alex Bacon, GMP force lead for child protection, OCAIT and missing, said: “This is an excellent example of a collaborative and innovative investigation, tackling the latest threats in order to safeguard our communities. Both DC Baines and Parkins delivered a great presentation at this year’s IPPPRI conference, providing opportunities for attending practitioners, policymakers, academia and subject matter experts who attend the event, to look at how multi-agency responses can be improved.

“I am incredibly proud of them both and how well they put our OCAIT and DFIU at the forefront of online CSE investigations, demonstrating how GMP do all we can to protect children around the world.”

Operation Garnet Hugh Nelson of Bolton pleaded guilty in August to 11 sexual offences relating to children, after pleading guilty to a further five offences in July 2023. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment followed by six years on licence, and

a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Nelson was initially investigated for utilising AI to generate child sexual abuse material of his customers’ victims. This investigation was a UK first, which tested the boundaries of current legislation and resulted in Nelson pleading guilty to 11 offences and receiving a 24-year sentence (18 years’ imprisonment, six years on licence, and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order).

DC Baines and Parkins collaborated nationally and internationally to tackle this new online offending typology – their investigation has set a precedent for future cases involving emerging technologies, attracting significant attention and requests to share learnings with other law enforcement agencies.

Their meticulous investigating found 1,800 Category A to C images and 2,000 prohibited images across three devices, with Nelson generating around £5,000 from sales. Eight ‘customers’ were also identified through chat logs.

The key priority for GMP throughout this investigation has been identifying the children portrayed in the images located on Nelson’s devices, or any others who may have been at risk of harm through Nelson’s extensive online networks with like-minded individuals. This complex search has led the investigators to uncover offenders and victims based in other parts of the world such as Italy, France and the USA. The evidence and intelligence they have collected has now been passed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies to enable them to make arrests, safeguard children and conduct investigations.

When Nelson was sentenced, DC Baines commented: “This case is a first in our area, and is a landmark case nationally, as technology continues to develop, grow, and become more frequently used for a variety of reasons. We’ve worked incredibly closely with several teams, including national investigation units and a specialist solicitor and prosecutor from the national Crown Prosecution Service team, to gather the strongest possible evidence to present, and to determine how to proceed.

“This case has been a real test of the legislation, as using computer programmes in this particular way is so new to this type of offending and isn’t specifically mentioned within current UK law. What this case will do is set a precedent for future cases, but hopefully also play a role in influencing what future legislation looks like, to ensure offenders can continue to feel the full force of the law.

“This operation has since gone global, with further arrests and safeguarding referrals made in various cities and countries across the UK and around the world. The investigation represents a continuation of how policing and criminal justice partners are constantly broadening their capabilities to deal with new technologies as they emerge, with an unwavering commitment to protecting children and removing predators from the streets.”

Head of OCAIT DCI Jen Tattersall said: “This case is a real testament to how we and criminal justice partners, such as the

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present pioneering al conference CPS, can evolve and adapt as offenders do, to ensure we are still able to seek justice for victims, despite new trends and ways of offending.

Hugh Nelson is an extremely dangerous man who thought he could get away with what he was doing by using modern technology. He was wrong and has now felt the full force of the law for his actions.

“The internet should be a safe space for all, but sadly there are perverse individuals out there looking to exploit those who are vulnerable or encourage others into criminal behaviour.

Protecting children is our biggest priority, and our proactive approach to tackling child protection crime has seen positive outcomes increase and overall crime decrease. We would encourage anyone suffering to come forward to us so we can take robust action.”

Child protection staff engagement project In 2024, the GMP Staff Engagement team embarked on a dedicated engagement project with colleagues across our child protection teams. This initiative was launched following a request from ACC Sarah Jackson, who was the Child Protection Lead at the time, and has since been continued by ACC Steph Parker.

A subsequent report, which included anonymised input from colleagues, was shared with ACC Parker. This report highlighted key tailored actions at both the district and forcewide levels to make improvements to areas such as environment, processes and recognition.

In September 2024, the Senior Command Team (SCT) initiated a child protection project in response to the recent HMICFRS inspection findings and other challenges faced by the force in this area. Led by the Change branch on behalf of the Public Protection division (PPD), the project also focused on wellbeing. By January 2025, the project presented options to PPD and SCT, including recommendations linked to the engagement report findings, several of which have been implemented.

We are now excited to share some of the positive steps that have been taken since the presentation of this report back in Autumn 2024: • Interview room improvements: A review of the rooms where children are interviewed was conducted to assess potential improvements. As a result, ACC Parker has commissioned a separate project (VRI) to work on this recommendation.

• Child Protection training: A one-day training course on Child Protection for Response has been developed and will be delivered in 2025.

• Occupational Health: Efforts have been made to enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of Occupational Health services within Child Protection teams. OHWS is now working with PPD to develop solutions.

• Child Protection Policy: As part of the project, the Child Protection Policy was reviewed. Minor amends have been suggested and are being progressed.

MAY 2025

These are just a few of the recommendations that have been actioned.

ACC Steph Parker said: “We are committed to continuously improving our child protection services. The feedback from our colleagues has been invaluable in shaping these initiatives.

Child protection is not an easy role, but the success of the recent HMICFRS inspection highlighted how incredible our child protection teams are at adapting and excelling in challenging circumstances.

“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of our teams and will continue to listen and act on their insights to ensure the best outcomes for the children we protect.”

Trafford gymnastics coach sentenced to 18 years A gymnastics coach has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape and sexual offences against two young girls he trained during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Michael Haynes of Urmston was found guilty of nine counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against the two girls after a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The assaults came to light after a woman bravely came forward in September 2020 to tell police of the prolonged abuse she suffered. Then in December 2023, another woman learned that Haynes was to stand trial for sexual offences and also came forward to the police to report what had happened to her.

The victims released parts of their impact statements, which were read in court, to show the effects of the abuse they suffered from Haynes.

Victim 1 said: “Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name. I didn’t understand what had happened – or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years.”

Victim 2 said: “When the abuse started, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since.

“I have been comforted and inspired by the stories of other victims and their coping mechanisms. I have identified with their thoughts and struggles whilst learning to process what happened.

This understanding, acceptance and sense of solidarity have eventually allowed me to take this step forward and report the abuse I suffered all those years ago.”

She added: “I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Crown Court, the Witness Care Service, and everyone involved in bringing about this conviction. It has been a lengthy process, but I have felt fully supported and informed the whole way through.”

Det Insp Rick Lees of Trafford CID said: “This was a harrowing investigation, and I would like to thank the survivors for their bravery in coming forward after all these years and reporting what happened to them. I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice.”

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MAY 2025

Operation Hawker forcewide activity day The first of many days of forcewide days of activity focusing on the work of GMP’s special constabulary took place in March 2025.

The day, organised by Specials Ch Insp Cat Cutler, was the first of many forcewide days of activity known as Op Hawker.

It yielded some impressive results, with 43 officers taking part alongside ACC Matt Boyle, Ch Supt Phil Hutchinson and GMP’s new Special Constabulary Chief Officer Adam Kramer.

Activities included officers working alongside the transport unit, conducting a traffic operation and warrants, as well as officers working at the airport and the Trafford Centre.

In addition, the day featured: • Two prisoner transport vans out throughout the day • Three officers on Roads Policing Unit attachments (assisted a double cardiac arrest and concern for welfare) • Two officers on Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit attachments (seized a vehicle under section 59, assisting with the arrest of a wanted male found driving around in a car, and recovering an outstanding vehicle after it crashed) • One officer on National Police Air Service attachment (experienced eight different jobs over the course of the night) Results summary • Community engagement at the Trafford Centre, visiting a careers fair promoting Bee in the Loop • Safely reuniting a two-year-old child with their parents • Seven stop and searches • Over 100 vehicle stops

• Six vehicle seizures • Four traffic offence reports • Two drug driving offences • 10 pieces of intelligence submitted • Six arrests Ch Supt Phil Hutchinson, of the People branch’s operational training team, said: “Op Hawker was a remarkable achievement, expertly coordinated by S Ch Insp Cutler. The operation’s success is evident in the results, which speak volumes about the dedication and hard work of the staff who were involved.

“One of the primary goals of Op Hawker is to bolster the force’s neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring the safety and confidence of our communities. Additionally, the operation aims to elevate the profile of the exceptional work carried out by the volunteers within the Special Constabulary. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the force, and their contributions are invaluable.

“Expanding and highlighting these efforts will help to build community confidence as they see GMP officers tackling issues blighting our communities. I also hope that by recognising and promoting the work of the Special Constabulary, we can inspire more individuals to volunteer and contribute to the collective goal of a safer Greater Manchester.

“Our next planned day will take place during the weekend of 6 to 8 June, in celebration of the National Volunteers Week and National Specials Weekend.”

Crime recorders release third album Since 2018, GMP Crime Recording and Resolution Unit (CRRU) members Rob Balfe and Mike Kirk have produced electronic music as The Kindred.

The group has previously been named Tameside Radio’s ‘band of the week’, as well as featuring on the BBC’s ‘Introducing’ platform for new and unsigned music acts. They released their debut album, A Violent Reaction, in 2019. Followup album Fractures, released in 2023, featured a collaboration with British rapper KMRS. The Kindred’s third album New Door was released on all streaming services on 16 May 2025, further pushing the group’s sound. It is now available on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as all other streaming platforms.

You can listen to Kindred’s output, including new album New Door, on Spotify at http://tiny.cc/GMPKindred.

The Kindred is a collaborative project, and Mike and Rob are always on the lookout for other musicians and new talent to work with. Please contact them at kindredbanduk@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved or working together in the future.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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19 May – 9 June

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MAY 2025

GMP judo goes international Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club and GMP judo squad head coach Mark Montrose was involved in international action, representing Great Britain, Fighting Spirit and GMP at the first British Veteran Open International at Sports Dock, University of East London on Saturday 29 March 2025.

The event attracted entries from over 25 countries, including the United States. The standard of judo on the day was very high, with most of the entrants having been involved in high level international competition in the past.

Mark, a former representative of the Police Sport UK British police national team, was entered in the -100 kg M5 category, where he would meet judoka from Portugal, Croatia, Belgium and Ireland.

An intense first match between Mark and the Croatian competitor would end in a contentious score going to the Croatian, with Mark running out of time to even the score.

Mark’s second match, against a Belgian opponent, would end swiftly, with Mark foot sweeping then strangling his opponent into submission.

The third contest, against the eventual gold medallist from Portugal, would see Mark coming out on the attack, before being countered with a beautiful hand throw by his opponent.

Mark’s final match, against Northern Ireland, would end with Mark executing a dropping shoulder throw for ippon (the highest possible score in judo), taking third place and the bronze medal.

Reflecting on the competition, Mark said: “What a fantastic event. It’s so good to be back in an international competition again. The atmosphere is electric. I’m disappointed not to have made the gold medal match, but the standard was really high.

“I am proud to represent Great Britain and get on the podium.

Receiving a medal from two-time Olympic champion Shohei Ono was a definite highlight in my judo career. I’ll be back next year to hopefully improve my result.”

Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club, incorporating the GMP judo squad, is quickly making its name known at both the national and international competitions circuit, because the team are taking medals at every event they enter.

Mark would like to thank Essimo UK for the judogi (judo kit) and GMP for supporting with the funding towards this event.

Judo is an Olympic sport, which involves throwing, holding

and submitting your opponent.

Mark Montrose has been providing judo free to all members of GMP Sports and Social for 20 years. He would encourage all frontline staff to take up judo to complement their PPST; it is an excellent skill to help keep yourself safe while policing. To find out more about learning or competing in judo, contact Mark at mark.montrose@gmp.police.uk – all are welcome, beginner or expert.

To get involved in any of the many police sporting sections you will need to be a member of the Sports and Social, which is £7 per month. The membership also provides discounts for shopping, days out, entertainment, restaurants, gyms around the force and other great benefits. Join today by completing and sending in the membership application form, which you can find at https://www.gmpsportsclub.com/Membership-Forms.aspx.

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APRIL 2025

Op Vulcan snare Piccadilly dealers

In November 2023, officers from Operation Vulcan, supported by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), launched a major operation using covert tactics in Piccadilly Gardens to tackle drug dealers.

Before the operation, they identified several drug lines in the area, with criminals seeing the city centre as a prime spot for their activities. To address this, officers had to be innovative. The team found that several individuals were operating across Piccadilly Gardens and North Manchester.

On Tuesday 14 May and after months of work, over 300 officers executed 23 warrants across Greater Manchester, resulting in 24 alleged drug dealers in custody, including Martin Joyce who was caught trying to flee. One part of the operation focused on a drug line around Ardwick Green Park. The park had become a drug-selling hotspot.

Using phone data and cell site analysis, police identified a network of dealers and uncovered incriminating

messages and photos.

The Joyce family, along with Mark Togher and Thomas Hulme were at the top of this operation, targeting vulnerable adults and young people to do drug deliveries. This group targeted drug users, selling small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, with an estimated value of £20,000.

As the investigation progressed, police found that the group was exploiting teenagers to sell drugs. By working closely with youth offending teams and local schools, they were able to support young people, rather than criminalise them.

During the raids, police seized large quantities of crack cocaine, cash, debt lists, and other drug paraphernalia.

Martin Joyce was caught trying to escape in his dressing gown, and Hulme was seen throwing items out of a window when alerted to the police.

The operation also targeted a secluded alley in Piccadilly Gardens known for drug dealing. Over four months, the operation identified several individuals

involved in criminal activity.

Detectives showed unwavering determination to make the city centre safer.

Following a thorough investigation, they built strong cases against the defendants, leading to guilty pleas.

Over eight months, the defendants were sentenced with the total jail time exceeding 85 years. Many have also been given Criminal Behaviour Orders.

Detective Sergeant Matt Donnelly who led the operation said: “From day one, we said we would do whatever it takes to drive out crime from Piccadilly Gardens, and this operation shows just that.

“This was a well-resourced and high stakes investigation to tackle the drugs trade in Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding areas which was causing a nuisance to local businesses, residents, and those visiting our city.

Its success was crucial to our overall aim of improving Piccadilly Gardens, and as a result of this operation, we’re confident that we have made an impact on the supply chain by securing these convictions.

“In order to ensure no other criminals could creep back in and fill this void, our regular patrols of the area have ramped up to provide a constant visible presence in the area, deterring criminals from thinking Piccadilly Gardens is a good place for their illicit business.”

Local officers bust Didsbury drug den An early morning warrant in Didsbury has resulted in 227 cannabis plants being seized and a man being arrested.

The warrant took place at a large property on The Hollies in South Manchester on 25 April, and was conducted by local Manchester officers and supported by the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU).

A 23-year-old man was taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of the production of cannabis and

abstracting electricity, as enquiries continue.

PC Chris Pixton said: “Following receiving intelligence that enabled us to conduct further enquiries, we have managed to uncover and dismantle a large operation.

“A huge well done to both our local officers and the Tactical Aid Unit for their hard work and their persistence to bring criminals to justice.

“This discovery is just a glimpse of their remarkable performance.”

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APRIL 2025

Community approach to tackle knife crime

Across the force, tackling violence and particularly that involving young people, with a focus on knife crime is a key priority.

One of the ways this is being tackled is through a dedicated team which over the past two years have made a significant difference.

Operation Venture continue to organise weapon sweeps; carry out proactive patrols across hotspot areas; conduct arrests in relation to violent incidents or other relevant offences; regularly stop and search individuals; engage with the community and assist divisional response teams by responding to incidents of serious violence.

Sky News recently spent two months with the team as they tried to tackle knife and violent crime on the city’s streets. The team focused on three key areas across the force - Bolton, City of Manchester South and Salford.

Patrols across South Manchester saw the team chasing mopeds believed

to be stolen and involved in knife-point robberies.Unfortunately, these were lost in the traffic however the team continue to the district in tackling this type of criminality.

Salford patrols saw a camera flag a car linked to suspected drug supply which the team pursued, boxed in and stopped.Inside the car was a knife and an estimated £50,000 in cash with a further larger knife found at a house the suspect was staying at.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and possession of a bladed article. The team also did spot checks across shops to ensure any knives on sale were stored appropriately, and they weren’t being sold to under 18s.

During the operations that Sky saw, Inspector Jon Ezard who heads up the team said: “This team are ringfenced to deal with serious violent crime and knife crime.

“It is a problem we are seeing across Greater Manchester with a heavy focus on those under 25s airing their grievances.

“This isn’t an issue we can arrest our way out of. We come across people as young as eleven carrying a knife.

“We want to make a difference around this and that’s why we need that community approach to this and that health approach to this to try and reduce it further.”

Thanks and praise from the public ‘Thank you for ensuring my partner was safe’ A female police officer was thanked by a member of the public whose partner had fallen asleep on Market Street recently whilst under the influence of alcohol.

She said: “My partner was away in Manchester at a work event. The officer came across my partner asleep. She was very patient and spoke to me over the phone and managed to locate his hotel and ensure he arrived there safely.

“I want to say a massive thank you to her for making sure he got back safe and for reassuring me over the phone and relieving my anxiety as being three hours away, I didn’t know what I could do.”

Officers thanked for their efforts DI Andrew Worthington and Witness Care Officer Kate Jeffries were thanked by a grateful member of the public for their ‘professional and intricate handling’ of a case that recently went to court.

The person said: “Just wanted to say a very, very big thank you from ALL our family. I did not know if this case would ever get to court, but we were all very grateful for your support.

“Please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for pursuing this case for the witness and associated family members.”

Officer’s lifesaving interventions helped to save a child’s life NPO Harry Moore was recognised by

a senior paramedic with NWAS for his efforts in providing care to a very sick child recently.

The paramedic said: “I attended an incident with this officer. He gave exceptional care to a very sick child, likely saving his life providing lifesaving interventions until we could arrive.

Putting the public at ease “IIU Officer McGuffie gave me all the information I needed and made me feel at ease, even though I was nervous.

“He’s an extremely experienced officer who knows how to put the public in general at ease and make them feel calm.Thank you Martin for your professional and relaxed support, and for helping me”.