Two women have been sentenced for viciously attacking another woman on New Year’s Day in Wigan.

Janet Atherton (01/02/64) of Redbrook Road, Lower Ince has today, Friday 28 February 2014 been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to seven years in prison.

She was found guilty at an earlier hearing of section 18 assault.

Jacqueline Philips (11/06/61) of Bolton Road, Aspull has today, Friday 28 February 2014 been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to two years in prison.

She was found guilty at an earlier hearing of section 20 assault.

On the evening of 31 December 2013 at about 10pm the victim, a 59-year-old woman met her friend at The Millstone Pub on Wigan Lane.

Her friend was already there with Atherton, Philips and another woman when she arrived.

They left at around 11.30pm and moved to another pub to see in the New Year and from there Philips invited them back to her house.

On the way home they had some music on in the 59-year-old woman’s car and the mood was relaxed.

They got to Philips’s house where they had a drink and put the radio on, the victim’s friend left to pick up her partner.

The victim went to the bathroom and a couple of minutes later came back to tell Philips that the toilet was messy and said she had tried to unblock it and clean it.

At this point they were all in the kitchen, Philips pointed at the woman and said “Who do you think you are?”

Atherton totally flew off the handle and pulled the victim’s hair and started to scratch at her face.

A few seconds later Philips got involved and started to kick her.  The woman was trying to defend herself when she felt a blow to the side of her face.

The heel of Atherton’s shoe stuck in the woman’s cheek.  She had blood pouring down her face and was screaming at them both to stop.

When they eventually stopped, she was told that she deserved it, she pleaded her case and said she had only said that the toilet was dirty.

The woman grabbed her things and ran out of the house where she called her friend.

Detective Constable Claire Hughes from Wigan division, said: “These two women acted like vultures, and viciously attacked an innocent women who they had invited back to Philips’s house.

“They set upon her because she dared to criticise the cleanliness of the bathroom.

“The victim was so scared she feared for her own life and thought they were going to kill her, she had blood dripping down her face.  When they eventually stopped she managed to call her friend who took her to hospital and called the police.

“These two women are now where they belong, behind bars and I hope today’s sentence means their victim can move on with her life knowing justice has been done.

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Hayes have made a further arrest in connection with the incident.

A 17 year old boy [F] arrested on Thursday 27 February on suspicious of murder remains in custody at a west London police station.

Another teenager, aged 16 years [E], also remains in custody whilst three further males previously arrested on Tuesday 25 February have since been bailed to return pending further enquiries.

Police were called to an address in Hayes on Friday 16 February to reports of a man found collapsed at the address.

He was later treated by paramedics before being transferred to a hospital in Hayes.

He subsequently died from multiple injuries on 17 February.

The four males previously arrested, [A] 16 years, [B] aged 17, [C] aged 17 and [D] aged 18, have al been bailed to return on 09.04.14.

Detectives continue to appeal for information and witnesses following the murder.

Police were called to a block of flats in St Dunstans Close, Hayes, shortly before 21:35hrs on Thursday, 20 February, following reports of a disturbance.

On arrival officers found a 46-year-old man suffering stab wounds.

London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene and the man was taken to a central London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 23:34hrs.

A post-mortem examination took place at Uxbridge Mortuary on Saturday, 22 February and gave cause of death as a single stab wound to the heart.

Next of kin have been informed. While formal identification awaits, officers are confident the deceased is Paul Thrower, aged 46, from Hayes.

An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Howard Groves of the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

At this stage it is believed that the victim’s girlfriend had been involved in an altercation earlier that day with individuals on the estate.

She told her partner and later that day, upon hearing individuals near his property, he confronted three suspects, described only as black at this stage.

A further altercation took place which resulted in the victim being stabbed before the suspects made off away from the scene.

The victim’s girlfriend rendered first aid and contacted the emergency services.

DCI Groves said: “The victim took the opportunity to speak to a group of individuals about their behaviour towards his girlfriend earlier that day and paid with his life.

“We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward and speak to us in confidence.”

A 16-year-old boy [A] was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to a west London police station. He was subsequently released on bail to return on a date in April pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8081, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

+ Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Kershaw; the Borough Commander for Hillingdon, said:

“The murder of a man in St Dunstan’s Close, Hayes on the evening of 20 February 2014 is a tragic loss of the life and I am appealing to the community for any witnesses or anyone who may have any information relating to his murder to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8081 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“I am aware of the issues in the St Dunstan’s Estate that have been highlighted following this incident and we continue to work with partner agencies and the wider community to address all forms of drug misuse and anti-social behaviour in the Hayes area.

“Over the past year my officers and staff have undertaken increased activities in the area.

“We’ve had success with Operation Zeus; a long-term covert police operation to tackle drug dealing. It identified those involved in the supply of controlled drugs in the Hayes area, including the St Dunstan’s Estate, and lead to 20 people being arrested, 18 of whom have so far been convicted.

“We have also applied for ASBOs which will come into effect after any custodial sentence has been served. These ASBOs forbid the person entering Hayes for predetermined periods, some stretching a number of years.

“In conjunction with the local authority, we have implemented a ‘Dispersal Area’ in the St Dunstan’s Estate and surrounding streets. This has been in effect since 21 October last year and will be reviewed on 21 April. Conditions apply daily between 12:00hrs and 02:00hrs.

“So far on 18 occasions groups of youths have been dispersed from the ‘Dispersal Area’ by Hillingdon police officers.

“Directed patrols, of both uniformed and plain clothed officers, have taken place on the St Dunstan’s Estate. This has led to further people being identified as involved in drug dealing and four warrants have been issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the last six months within the estate. When executed, drugs were found at three out of the four addresses.

“Finally, there has been increased tasking of patrol officers into the area, our patrol strategy is regularly reviewed and if appropriate these will be increased further.

“I would like to reassure the residents of the Hayes area that we will continue to provide a visible presence in the area and that the fear of crime must be addressed as much as preventing or addressing any specific act of crime.”

It happened at the 52-year-old woman’s home on Blantyre Street in Winton, at about 2.10am on Saturday 1 March 2014.

The woman and her 17-year-old son managed to escape unharmed and called emergency services.

Firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze, which has caused significant damage to the back of her home, including the kitchen and living room.

Initial enquiries have established that it is believed wheelie bins, had been moved and pushed directly in front of the downstairs window at the back of the house and set alight.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward and have launched a joint investigation with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Detective Sergeant Joe Clarke from Salford division, said: “Luckily this woman and her son were able to escape before the fire took hold and managed to call emergency services.

“If they had not been disturbed this fire could have had fatal consequences, we have seen in the past the tragedy caused by wheelie bin fires – people have lost their lives and families devastated – so it is absolutely vital we find the offenders.

“We do not know why this home was targeted but clearly we need to find the person or persons responsible so we can help the victims make sense of what has happened.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information about what happened to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5097 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At about 4pm on Saturday 1 March 2014, police were called to a guest house by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on Manchester Road following reports smoke was seen coming from the top floor of a guesthouse.

Officers attended and found a man in his 50s had been pulled from the block of flats by firefighters. However, the man sustained serious injuries as a result of the fire and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but members of both the Police Scenes of Crime and the Fire Service’s Fire Investigation teams were called to investigate this afternoon.

A joint investigation is underway to establish both the cause of the man’s death and the fire.

Inspector Jonathan Clarke from Tameside division, said: “We are working with our colleagues from the fire service to establish how this fire, which has tragically claimed the life of the occupant, started.

“Anyone who has any information about the incident please get in touch and call us on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”

GMFRS Borough Manager Andy Heywood, who oversees the Manchester area, said that whilst the man could not be saved a sprinkler system in place at the property had ensured other residents were able to escape.

He added: “We were called to a fire in this property about five years ago and subsequently have worked with the owner to make it as safe as possible, which resulted in a sprinkler system being installed. Whilst this hasn’t saved the life of this man it was instrumental in saving much of the property itself and, more importantly, ensuring other residents were able to make an escape. It is an excellent example of the difference sprinkler systems make to incidents.”

Residents of the guesthouse were not able to return to the accommodation due to the damage to the rooms on the lower floors of the property being damaged. They were supported at the scene by members of the Red Cross who we’re operating the Fire Emergency Service Support (FESS) vehicle.

A teenager was pushed up against a fence and robbed as he walked home from school in Salford.

It happened at about 4.25pm on Thursday 27 February 2014, when the 15-year-old boy was walking along Highfield Road, Little Hulton and cut through a ginnel leading to Captainfold Road.

He was followed into the ginnel by two masked youths who threatened him with violence and pushed him against a fence and demanded his mobile phone.

The victim was extremely frightened as one of the offenders said he had a knife and handed over his phone before running away to a nearby house and called the police.

One of the boys is described as white, about 15-years-old, of fat build, 5ft 7in tall, he was wearing a light blue zip up type jacket with the hood up and a white mask covering his nose and mouth.

The other boy is described as white, 16-year-old, 6ft tall, of skinny build and he was wearing a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and a black type mask covering his nose and mouth.

Detective Constable David Cupitt from Salford division, said: “This teenager was minding his own business when he was walking home from school on Thursday afternoon when he was approached by these two masked boys who demanded his mobile.

“He was terrified by the sight of these two teenagers and handed over his phone. Thankfully he was not injured, but has understandably been left very shaken by the incident.

“I want to appeal to anyone who either witnessed the robbery itself, or perhaps has information about what happened or even suspects who may be involved, to come forward.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5345/5470 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

It happened at about 1.20pm on Friday 14 February 2014, when the two men, one armed with a knife walked up to the counter of the shop.

They approached the unmanned till, one of the men pointed the knife at the assistant who was at the other end of the shop and the other kicked the till until it came loose.

Both men left the store with the till tray which contained a small amount of cash.

The tray was found by a member of the public a short distance away.

The first offender is described as white, between 18 and 20-years-old, of slim build, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall and was wearing a dark hooded top and a face covering.

The second is described as white, between 18 and 20-years-old, of slim build, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall and was wearing a hooded top and a face covering.  He was carrying the 4in knife.

Detective Constable Paul Reynolds from Salford division, said: “These men had no regard for the staff or customers inside the shop.

“They made threats of violence and pointed a knife towards one of the staff members.

“Rest assured we are committed to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen these two men running away from the area or witnessed anything suspicious to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5351 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on0800 555 111.

Saloum Jeng (born 04/01/75) of Broadbent Avenue in Duckinfield has been charged with nine counts of supplying cannabis.

Salifu Sidibeh (born 16/05/73) of Lightbowne Road in Moston  has been charged with four counts of supplying cannabis, one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and one count of assaulting an officer with intent to resist arrest.

Delano Moulton  of Brigantine Close in Salford has been charged with one count of supplying cannabis and one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Isaiah Thompson  of Peakdale Avenue in Crumpsall has been charged with one count of supplying cannabis and one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Baboucarr Njie  of Norton Street in Broughton has been charged with one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Mohammed Cisse  of Freetown Close, Manchester has been charged with one count of supplying cannabis and one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Cristina Rubio Sachez  from Freetown Close, Manchester has been charged with one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Saloum Jeng has been remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester magistrates’ court today, Monday 3 March 2014, however the rest are all due to appear at Manchester magistrates’ court on Monday 17 March 2014.

On 29 November 2014 a number of warrants were executed in Piccadilly Gardens, targeting suspected drug dealing in the area. Officers also visited nearby premises believed to be frequented by those involved.

A woman was pushed to the ground and threatened at knife point by two teenagers in Levenshulme.

It happened at about 8.20pm on Thursday 28 December 2013, when a 28-year-old woman was walking home alone on Stockport Road.

She was approached by two teenagers aged between 16 and 17, one of them is described as black with Afro style hair which was short on the sides and the other teenager was white with ginger hair.

The two boys pushed her to the ground at the junction with The Crescent, they threatened her with a knife and demanded her mobile phone.

They took her phone and stole her handbag and left her on the ground in the middle of the road.

Detective Constable Whiting from south Manchester division, said: “Thankfully the woman was not physically hurt but was very shaken after her ordeal. To be confronted and threatened by these teenagers holding a knife must have been terrifying.

“I would urge anyone who may know who is responsible for this robbery or who may have seen these boys acting suspiciously in the area to contact police immediately.”

If you have any information please contact police at the Fallowfield Neighbourhood policing team on 0161 856 4423 or call the independent charity Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Three men, aged 21, 21 and 23, were arrested last night in Wigan on suspicion of attempted murder.

They remain in police custody and will be questioned by detectives today.

The victim has since been discharged from hospital and has not suffered any significant injuries.

Shortly before 8.30pm on Monday 3 March 2014, a 49-year-old man was driving his car along Warrington Road in Wigan near to the Goose Green labour club on the A49, when he noticed a car appeared to be following him and was flashing its lights. 

The man pulled his car over on Warrington Road at the junction with Argyll Street and the vehicle, a silver Ford Fiesta or similar model, with possibly up to four people in, pulled up alongside him. 

The driver in the silver car pointed a firearm across the passenger sat next to him, and towards the man in his car.

The victim got out of his car and as he did, the silver vehicle drove off, before stopping a short way up the street, where the driver got out of the car and once again pointed the firearm at the man. 

The victim ran back to his car, at which point the silver car turned around, mounted the pavement and grass verge and deliberately hit the man, before driving off.

Police believe the collision was a targeted attack and enquiries remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Wigan CID on 0161 856 7124 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Police are appealing for help to find a 26-year-old woman and her three children who are missing from Tooting.

Kimberley Richards, 26, and her three young children: Moustapha Abdulrahman Amin, three years old; one-year-old Tamara Abdulrahman Amin and Tabitha Richards, six months, were reported missing on Sunday, 23 February.

They were last seen on Sunday, 2 February at 08:00hrs at their former address in Tooting Grove, SW17.

Kimberley is described as white and of medium build. She sometimes wears loose fitting Islamic dress and a head scarf.

Kimberley used to live in Wales and still has family and friends there. Police believe she may have travelled to South Wales.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kimberley or her children should call 101 quoting reference 14MIS006189.

The victim and store owner of Sam and Nam Express on Ventnor Avenue was sorting through the morning papers shortly after 6.30am on Wednesday 5 March 2014, when the offender entered.

He approached the 57-year-old shopkeeper armed with a claw hammer and made demands for cash.

The victim held his hands up in a defensive gesture, only for the offender to hit him on the hand with the weapon.

After making further demands for cash he ran off empty handed across Glebelands Road and onto Doveston Road.

The man sustained bruising to his hand.

The offender is described as white, 20 years old, 5ft 7in tall and of slim build. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

Detectives are investigating whether the incident is linked to two similar robberies – one at Martins Newsagents on Coppice Avenue on 26 Feb 2014 and another at McColl’s on Framingham Road on 1 March 2014 – due to similar MO of offender and timeframe in which premises were targeted.

Detective Constable Paul Walls, said: “We are investigating whether this attempted robbery is linked to two similar incidents that have occurred over the past week or so.

“On all three occasions innocent shopkeepers have been going about their business early in the morning when they have been targeted and threatened.

“These men frequently work long hours in their shops to provide a service to the communities they serve and should not expect to have their livelihood threatened by mindless thugs who want to take what does not belong to them.

“I am keen to speak to anyone perhaps heading to or from work this morning and who may have seen someone acting suspicious in the area or even running along Doveston Road towards Mersey Road to call the police.

“I would also urge local residents and businesses to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7530 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Mark Ellison, QC has received the full support of the Metropolitan Police Service in the research for his report.

As we have only just received a copy of his report it would be highly inappropriate to comment upon it until we have taken the time to fully read, understand and assess its content.

His report considers some very serious issues that whilst in the main are historical, could have a negative impact on confidence in modern day policing. We await the Home Secretary’s announcement on how she wishes Mr Ellison’s work to be taken forward.

Later today, the Chief Constable of Derbyshire, Mick Creedon and the Deputy Commissioner, Craig Mackey, will publish a copy of Operation Herne’s investigation into allegations made by Peter Francis.

A man was attacked from behind in the toilet of a Wigan nightclub.

Sometime between 3am and 3.30am on Sunday 23 February 2014, a 25-year-old man was in the toilet of Surfers Paradise on King Street when he was hit from behind by an unknown person who was armed with an unknown weapon.

The man suffered a deep gash to his head and was taken to hospital where his wound was stapled.

Pc Warren Barrow, said: “The victim had his back to the assailant and was struck with a weapon so it was an extremely cowardly attack on a drunk and defenceless man.

“He suffered a serious head injury and I would urge anyone with information about this incident or the offender to contact us.

“Were you in the club at the time and did you see what occurred? Perhaps something happened inside the club just before that might be relevant? If so, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7259, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Jamie Hoare, aged 23 from Ferry Road, Barrow in Furness, has been sentenced to four years in prison today (6 March 2013) for numerous offences.

Judge Batty commented in Barrow in Furness Crown Court how Hoare was ‘23 years of age who is described as a walking crime wave, self-centred and a real menace to society in Cumbria.’

Hoare pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to four offences of burglary, driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst over the prescribed limit, no insurance and taking a vehicle without consent.

DC Wayne Dixon, the investigating officer said: “How Hoare was described in court today is an accurate reflection of the crime spree he carried out between 21^st January and the 12^th  February 2014 within Barrow.

“He had no regard for any of his victims and the heartache that was being caused by his recklessness.

“The sentenced today means that he will be off the streets of Barrow and will hopefully give some of the victims satisfaction in knowing justice has been served.”

Equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen when thieves broke into a Manchester school.

Sometime between 6.30pm on Tuesday 4 March 2014 and 6.30am the following morning, unknown offenders forced entry to Moston Lane Primary School in Harpurhey by smashing a ground floor window and forcing open the fire door.

They searched a number of rooms before stealing 17 iPads and 25 ‘Lavor’ laptops.

Detective Constable Phil Sutcliffe, said: “The offenders have deliberately and maliciously targeted a primary school and stolen equipment worth a considerable amount of money.

“The items are valuable teaching aids and it is the young pupils who will be deprived and who will lose out as a result of this break-in and I would encourage anyone with information to call us.

“If you know who is responsible or have information about someone selling such items, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3544/3913, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are growing concerned for a 16-year-old girl missing from home.

Demi Dewsbury, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was last seen by friends at Ashton bus station, in the town centre, while on her way to Tameside College.

This last sighting was at around 9.30am on 25 February 2014

Demi is white, with a slim build, around 5ft 7in tall with short black hair, grey eyes and a Merseyside accent. When last seen she was wearing a red crop top, green waistcoat, red beanie hat, black and nude striped leggings, red Puma trainers and carrying a black bag.

PC Stewart Chitty, based at Tameside, said: ⿿Demi⿿s disappearance has naturally left a lot of people very worried about her as she it is not like her to remain out of contact like this.

⿿They want Demi to know she is not in trouble at all and they simply want to know she is OK.

⿿So, if you now where Demi is then please get in touch.⿝

Demi has links to Tameside and Merseyside.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9311 or 101.

At about 9.15am on Thursday 6 March 2014, police were called to an address on Holt Street to reports of a concern for welfare.

When officers attended they found the body of a 24-year-old woman.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

A post mortem will take place later and enquiries are ongoing.

Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle from Salford division, said: “A woman has been killed and our thoughts are with her family and friends at what is obviously a totally devastating time for them.

“While it would not be appropriate to speculate on how she died, a full and thorough post mortem examination will be taking place in due course to establish exactly how and when she died. We will update the community with more information following this.

“I would like to reassure residents that we do not believe there is any danger to the community, we believe this is an isolated incident and are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.

“We have a team of highly skilled detectives already working on this case but if anyone has any information they think can assist please call us.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

All Images Copyright Joel Goodman

A 19 year old Barrow man has been charged in connection with injuring two women following an incident in Cloisters Avenue, Barrow on the evening of Wednesday 5th March 2014.

Joshua Reay from Cloisters Avenue, Barrow in Furness  has been charged with offences of Wounding with Intent, False imprisonment, Battery, possession of  a bladed article in a  public place and theft  following the incident.

One of the victims, a 66 year old local woman suffered injuries that required treatment at  Furness General Hospital. The victim is still in hospital where her  condition is described as stable and not life threatening. The other victim, a 16 year old girl, who was only identified following enquiries by detectives yesterday, suffered minor injuries and is with her family.

He is due to appear at Furness and District Magistrates Court on Friday 7th March 2014.