A pensioner from Leigh has been swindled out of more than £100,000 after being repeatedly targeted by a conman for more than 12 months.

In May 2012, a man, who gave his name as ‘Howard’ and claimed to work for ‘Marshalls’, approached the 72-year-old at his home and the pair agreed a price for maintenance work on his driveway.

A few days later some men carried out some work, which effectively amounted to his drive being jet washed.

The offender then re-visited the address and the agreed amount was paid in cash.

A short time later ‘Howard’ contacted the victim and told him he had overpaid for the work and was due a refund. He told him that he needed to pay him some more cash and that in return he would supply a cheque for the full amount owed.

Over a period of 15 months the offender used the same approach to systematically steal £107,000 from the victim, who continued to hand over cash believing he would be fully reimbursed and fearful that he would not be if he did not do as asked.

The scam has cost the victim all his savings and he has even taken out a loan in order to make the last payments.

As the amounts got larger ‘Howard’ started to send a courier to collect money from the victim.

Police were called in August 2013, after the victim’s family noticed he had lost all his savings.

Since that time police have conducted numerous enquiries, including conducting covert policing, CCTV, phone and financial enquiries.

The offender is described as white, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall, in his 30′s and clean shaven with brown hair that is brushed to give it height on the head. He always dressed quite smartly and spoke with a southern or south western accent.

Detective Constable Richard Willoughby, said: “This is an absolutely tragic case in which the victim has been repeatedly targeted over a prolonged period of time and has ultimately lost everything.

“He has been caught in a vicious circle, not wanting to stop payment over concerns he would not see any of his money again and only paying in the vain hope the situation would change and he would be reimbursed.

“The actions of the offender are wicked and shameful. To knowingly take so much money from a vulnerable pensioner is despicable and I don’t know how the person responsible can live with themselves.

“We have conducted all manner of enquiries and unfortunately the identity of ‘Howard’ remains unknown.

“I now want to appeal to the public to look closely at the digital image compiled and if anyone thinks they recognise someone from this, please get in touch.

“I would also urge anyone with information about the wider scam or the courier employed to collect cash to call me and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have fallen foul of something similar.

“This awful case reiterates the importance of not agreeing work with cold callers without seeing valid identification and without receiving a full and proper quote and receipt for work.

“If you are concerned by any caller at your home do not answer to door and if you feel intimidated or frightened then please call the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7225, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Christopher Young (born 27/12/1981) of Meller Road, Longsight has today, Tuesday 27 May 2014 been sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court to 10 years in prison with an extended period of five years on license.

He was found guilty of rape following a seven day trial.

On Thursday 15 August 2013, a 21-year-old woman was out socialising with a group of friends in Stockport and Levenshulme.

Young joined them as he was friends with some of the group.

Later in the evening when the friends were drinking in a pub in Levenshulme, Young persuaded the victim to take him in her car to pick some money up from his house.

The woman reluctantly agreed and they set off with Young driving, after picking the money up he said he needed to meet someone at an industrial unit in Heaton Mersey.

They drove around for a short while before parking up in a secluded car park.  Young immediately punched the woman three times to the side of her face before strangling her and dragging her into the rear of the car.

He then removed his lower clothing and forced her to remove her underwear before raping her.

Young then prevented the woman from leaving the car while he smoked cigarettes.  A few minutes later he drove off and got out of the car nearby.

The terrified woman drove back to the pub where she had left her friends and told them what had happened.

Young went on the run for a number of weeks until he handed himself at Longsight police station on 18 September 2013.

Detective Inspector Neil Charnock from GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “Young subjected his victim to a terrifying and violent attack. He targeted the woman and convinced her to leave her group of friends.

“He made her drive to a secluded area where he physically and sexually assaulted her.

“Young has continued to deny his guilt forcing this brave woman to relive the experience all over again.  This attack has had a considerable effect on the woman’s life, she has been left traumatised and is finding it difficult to rebuild her life.

“Young deserves every minute of this prison sentence for what he put this young woman through.

“I hope that today’s sentence encourages other people who have been victims of rape to speak up and come to us as we will do everything we can to ensure your attacker is brought to justice. The Serious Sexual Offences unit is a dedicated unit of experienced staff who are trained to deal with sexual incidents such as this.”

A man remains in a serious condition in hospital after being assaulted outside an illegal rave in Manchester.

The victim, a 29-year-old man from Leeds, was in the city on a night out, when he and his friends attended and illegal rave on Derby Street, Cheetham Hill.

Following an altercation on the street outside at about 3am on 18 May 2014, he was punched in face.

The force of the blow caused him to fall and bang his head.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to a bleed on the brain and a fractured skull and remains in a serious but stable condition.

The offender is described as white, 6ft 3in tall, of large build but not muscular, in his late 20s or early 30s with short dark hair that appeared longer on top and shaved at the side. He had a unshaven face and was wearing a distinctive red T-Shirt.

Detective Constable Matthew Adshead, said: “The victim is still recovering in hospital, having sustained grave injuries to his head, however it is no exaggeration to say that such a blow could have been fatal.

“As we have seen all too often all it takes is one punch to take a person’s life and we are working hard to identify the person responsible.

“If you were at the rave, saw what happened or have any information about the person responsible please come forward.

“I would also like to reassure anyone who may be apprehensive about speaking to police because they were at the rave that I am only interested in the circumstances surrounding this assault and will treat all information in strict confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Central Park police station on 0161 856 6808 or via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Two members of a Tameside organised crime group have today, Tuesday, 27 May 2014, been jailed for their part in a cross-border crime spree. 

Wayne Singleton, 7/1/89 , of no fixed abode , had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, two offences of burglary and handling stolen goods. 

He was today sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court  to five years. 

Stefan Mark Moores, born 27/8/89 , of Garth Road Wythenshawe had earlier pleaded guilty to attempted theft, handling stolen goods, production of cannabis, two offences of assault against police officers , one offence of damaging property and one offence of destroying property. 

He was today sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court  to two years.   

The police operation to catch Singleton  and Moores was set up initially as a response to the theft of cigarettes from a number of retail outlets across Greater Manchester. 

As it evolved it became apparent that it the offences were being committed by an organised crime group, OCG, based in Tameside, who were prepared to travel as far as Derbyshire and Leicestershire using both stolen vehicles and vehicles purchased privately using false details. 

Singleton and Moores were captured on CCTV carrying out a visit to Waitrose in  Leicestershire on 9 October 2013. 

Two days later, on the 11th, three masked men attempted to force their way into a stand-alone ATM machine at Waitrose. 

The gang failed to break into the ATM and they drove off in a Madza MX 6 MPS  that had previously been stolen in a burglary from Bolton. 

This car was later found abandoned in  Ashton-under-Lyne. 

Officers from Tameside, with the cooperation of Leicestershire and Derbyshire police, later arrested Singleton and Moores. 

Following his arrest, on 16 December 2013, Moores struggled violently with police officers, lashing out at a PC and smashing the window of his police car. 

When taken to Longsight, to be booked in for questioning, he attacked another PC before damaging the CCTV in his cell. 

Detective Constable Simon Cropper, based at Ashton-under-Lyne, said: “This was a superb example of cross-border cooperation between a number of police forces determined to capture prolific criminals. 

“Singleton  and Moores no-doubt assumed that they were being clever, targeting shops outside of Greater Manchester, little realising that we have the means to trace and arrest thieves no matter where they are. 

“The fact that Moores royally kicked off when he realised their enterprise had come crashing down proves that capture was the last thing on his mind.” 

A man was knocked unconscious while out walking his dog after being attacked by a robber.

The 45-year-old was struck from behind while walking his Patterdale Terrier dog on ‘the Pits’ area of Colliery Wood, Winstanley, Wigan, at about 10.30am on Monday 26 May 2014.

He had just passed a person, thought to be responsible who was wearing a dark hooded top and blue jeans when shortly afterwards he felt a nasty blow to the back of his head which knocked him to the floor.

As he lay unconscious on the floor, the thief rifled through his pockets and stole his wallet containing his driver;s license and other identification.

The man’s dog then woke him up from his state of unconsciousness by licking his face, after which the man managed to crawl to a nearby path where he was spotted by a member of the public who then called an ambulance.

Greater Manchester Police were then called and an investigation has been launched. Officers are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Andy Pickles said: “This is a popular area among dog walkers and I am hoping this appeal jogs the memory of someone who was out walking their dog that day who may have recognised a man wearing a dark hooded top and blue jeans.

“This was a cowardly, sneaky attack from behind on a man who was doing no more than out walking his dog. There was no provocation or argument, it was simply a senseless cowardly act of mindless aggression against the victim.

“We need to find this man and ensure no-one else is targeted in this violent way, so I would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward.

“This man is badly shaken up, as you can imagine. But if you have any information that could help us find him then it would least give him some semblance of justice so please do call us if you know anything.”

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

A robber who targeted a Wigan pensioner and raided a local shop had his prison sentence extended after swearing at the judge as he was delivering his verdict.

Stephen Antony Mann (04/02/1993), of no fixed address, was found guilty of robbery following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court having earlier admitted to committing a business robbery and burglary.

On Tuesday 27 May 2014, he was given two concurrent sentences of seven years for two counts of robbery and a further 12 months to run consecutively for burglary.

Due to his reaction in the dock while being sentenced he was handed a further six month sentence to run consecutively for contempt of court, giving him a total sentence of eight and a half years.

On 4 October 2013, he approached a 72-year-old woman as she walked along Poolstock Lane with her husband and stooped low to grab her handbag as she passed.

As he snatched it from her he dragged her to the ground. He then grabbed it from her grasp as she lay injured and ran off.

She suffered injuries to her arm, shoulder and chest.

At about 2.45pm on Wednesday 15 October 2013, he entered R and W Gore Newsagants on Atherton Road, Hindley and threatened the owner at knifepoint and demanded cash.

The shopkeeper refused to hand over any money and told Mann to leave. He then threw a wooden bat at him, hitting him in the back as he fled.

At 4pm that day he was seen riding a bike dangerously. He failed to stop for police and following a pursuit and assistance from the force helicopter he was located in Leyland Park.

Following his arrest he was seen rubbing his back and on examination was found to have an injury consistent with what had occurred at the shop.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Rigby, said: “Mann plagued the area, committing robberies and a burglary and would undoubtedly have continued had he not been caught.

“He is a prolific offender and his reaction in the dock reflects the kind of person he is and his contempt for the law.

“He has been handed a significant prison sentence and I am pleased he will not pose a threat to our community for the foreseeable future.”

Police are appealing for witnesses after two men, one armed with a metal bar, stole a cash box in Salford.

At around 1.15pm on Tuesday 27 May 2014 two men, one armed with a metal bar, approached a security man who was taking a cash box out of Heron Foods on Mocha Parade. Running towards him and brandishing a metal bar, they shouted at him to give them the box. The victim dropped the box and the men picked it up, before jumping onto a scooter and riding away.

One of the men has been described as around 5ft 10in tall, of medium build and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle helmet, and was carrying a black metal bar.

The other man has been described as wearing a motorcycle helmet with his visor down.

Detective Constable Jim Harris of Salford Division, said:

“These men threatened a security man, who was just doing his job, with a metal bar in broad daylight. The man is understandably very shaken and we want to catch these offenders as soon as possible.

“The alarm on the stolen cash box activated, which would have made a loud sound and the box would have had smoke coming out of it. I am urging anyone who heard or saw this distinctive cash box or saw two men on a motorbike acting suspiciously in the area to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5351 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A man has been charged with drugs and firearms offences after heroin and crack cocaine were found at a Salford house.

Barry Seville, born 15/8/71, of Pendleway, Salford, was charged with possession of heroin, cocaine and possession of a firearm and will appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court on 29 May 2014.

On Wednesday, 28 May 2014, officers from Operation Arctic – which works with partners to tackle organised crime groups in Salford –  executed a search warrant at a house on Pendleway.

Officers found a quantity of heroin and crack cocaine. A subsequent search of an adjacent garage resulted in officers recovering a black automatic pump action shotgun.

A man has been convicted of the murder of one of his friends.

Sebastian Bendou, 36, of no fixed abode, was found guilty by a jury at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 28 May.  Sentencing has been adjourned until 15 July at Preston Crown Court.

Bendou was charged with the murder of his former housemate – Christophe Borgye, who was 36 at the time of his death − whilst they were living at an address in Hylton Court, Ellesmere Port.

Christophe′s body was discovered in May 2013, buried in the outbuilding of a house in Ellesmere Port − the body was wrapped in tarpaulin and encased in thick concrete.

The flight attendant, who is originally from Ronchin in France, had been reported missing to police by a work colleague in May 2009 but enquiries at the time led officers and his family to believe he had left the country.

However, four years later in May 2013, police made the shocking discovery after Bendou contacted the force and confessed to Christophe′s murder.

He was taken to the property by officers and showed them where the body was concealed. A search of the property led to the discovery of a concrete structure in the outbuilding. A low brick wall had been built inside the structure to conceal the body with three separate layers of concrete placed over the body to bury it.

A post mortem concluded that Christophe died as a result of a number of blows to the head believed to have been from a hammer − a hammer was also found buried alongside the body.

Christophe had moved to the UK in 2007 whilst employed as a flight attendant and, at that time, had lived in Liverpool with Bendou and another man − Manuel Wagner.

In July 2008, all three moved to the address in Hylton Court. A fourth man − Dominik Kocher also moved to a house on the same street with his family.

During the investigation it became clear that Kocher controlled the finances of the trio with Bendou and Wagner paying all of their wages into his bank account and dealing with everything relating to finances for them. Christophe paid some of his wages into Kocher′s bank account and also paid the rent on the property.

Christophe was subsequently reported missing by a work colleague on 17 May 2009. Numerous enquiries were carried out, which led officers and his family to believe he had left the country.

The trio later left Ellesmere Port and the new tenants were told not to go into the outbuilding at the address in Hylton Court as the landlord used it to store personal property.

In August 2012 they all moved to Scotland, this time as one big group, living at various temporary holiday accommodation addresses.

On 13 May 2013, Bendou fled Scotland and returned to Ellesmere Port where he contacted Cheshire Police. Bendou was initially sectioned under the Mental Health Act following his arrest but was later deemed fit to stand trial.

Detective Inspector Gwyn Dodd from the force′s Major Investigation Team said: “This has been a long and extremely complicated investigation from the start, not least due to the language barriers but also issues surrounding the body and how it had been concealed. Christophe′s body was found encased in concrete in a purpose built structure in the outbuilding, showing the cover-up was clearly planned.

He added: “This was a highly complex case for Cheshire Police′s major investigation team and one which resulted in a comprehensive investigation by an experienced team of detectives.

“It was challenging for all those involved and required considerable professional skills in relation to the investigation and also the subsequent support offered to Christophe′s family.

“Mr Borgye, Kocher and Bendou were all friends yet Kocher seemed to exert some strange influence over the others that we have never managed to get to the bottom of.

“Borgye and Bendou had their wages paid into Kocher′s account and, in return, he seems to have managed their affairs.

“We may never know the reason why Bendou and Kocher killed My Borgye on that fateful day – the picture is too murky.  But it seems likely that money was at the heart of it.

“Kocher bought knives in the days leading up to the killing and tarpaulin, bricks and cement.  We′ve always maintained these were used in the killing and to then bury the body.

Manuel Wagner, aged 26, also from New Abbey in Dumfries, Scotland, has been found not guilty of assisting an offender and preventing a lawful burial.

A professional footballer had an FA Cup winners’ medal stolen during a burglary at his home in Wigan. 

Sometime between Tuesday 20 May and Monday 26 May 2014, offenders broke into the home of Wigan Athletic player James McArthur and searched the house. 

They stole personal items including two wedding rings and an FA Cup medal James won when his team beat Manchester City in the final at Wembley in 2013. 

Detective Constable Kevin Telford said: “Understandably, Mr McArthur and his family are devastated someone has broken into their private property and stolen their possessions. 

“Not only has an FA Cup medal been stolen but two rings that were going to be used in Mr McArthur’s wedding have been taken.  They are of huge sentimental value to them and while the rings can be replaced, the medal is something that cannot. 

“It is unlikely the offenders will keep hold of the medal and may try to sell it on.  Obviously, it is unusual for such an item to come on the market so I would ask anyone who is offered the medal or who has any information as to where the items are, to contact police.” 

James McArthur said “I am devastated about the burglary at my home. My cup final winners’ medal has been stolen as well as my wedding rings. 

“I am due to get married in the near future and this is an awful thing to happen to us before the wedding. If anybody has any information as to where my property is and can help the police return it to me, I would be very grateful” 

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7259 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Police have made arrests after a man was shot in Salford. 

Shortly after 11.30pm on Monday 26 May 2014, police were called to the Ashley Brook Pub on Liverpool Street, Salford, following reports of a shooting. 

A short time later, a 49-year-old man was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary. He remains in a serious but stable condition and receiving treatment for gunshot wounds to his torso. 

Two men, wearing hooded tops and balaclavas, were seen going into the pub carrying firearms and then leaving later on. 

A 22-year-old man and 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and remain in police custody for questioning. 

Officers are also appealing for witnesses following an altercation at the pub on Sunday 25 May 2014. 

Superintendent Stuart Barton said: “Although we have made arrests, I would still urge anyone who has any information as to what happened on Monday night and if anyone witnessed an altercation at 10.20pm on Sunday, to phone us. 

“Police patrols remain in the area to offer reassurance and I would ask members of the community who remain concerned of the events that took place to speak to their local officer. 

“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is, please get in touch as it could be vital in our investigation.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 

Steven Hatton
(c) Merseyside Police

A man who killed his wife’s lover has been sentenced to 28 years in prison.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Wayne Smith, 38, went to the home of landscape gardener, Jonathan Britton, 44,  on  2 December last year, armed with a knife.

Smith knew Mr Britton, who lived at Paton Close in West Kirby, had been having an affair with his wife,  Sarah Arbon Smith, 36.

The court was told that he’d discovered the affair in late 2012 and his wife had left the marital home in Seymour Street, Birkenhead shortly after.

But Smith, an IT engineer, appeared to be unable to accept the break-up and the court heard that Smith had confronted Mr Britton about the affair on a number of occasions.

Mr Britton, who’d had a previous relationship with Ms Arbon Smith ten years before she’d met her husband, played in a band and on the night of his death, had arranged to rehearse with them at his home.

The doorbell rang around 8.45pm and Britton went to answer it, saying to his band mates that he hadn’t been expecting anyone.

The man at the door was Smith and he stabbed Mr Britton on the doorstep.  Mr Britton’s band mates heard cries of pain and came out to see what was happening.

They saw a man holding a large knife, standing over the body of Mr Britton who was bleeding. Smith said nothing but appeared to then threaten them with the knife.

The band members went back into the house, fearing they’d be stabbed too and came out minutes later to find Smith gone, but the blade of the knife was on the floor with the handle nearby.

Police and paramedics were called but Mr Britton was pronounced dead shortly afterwards at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Smith had been caught on CCTV both before and after the killing, making his way there on the train and in Paton Close.

Smith went to the home of a friend, Steven Hatton, 24, before and after the crime to create an alibi for himself. Hatton initially told police that Smith had been with him on the night of the murder.

CCTV showed the two ordering food in a takeaway after Smith had told Hatton that he’d killed Mr Britton. Hatton seemed visibly distressed.

Hatton pleaded guilty before the trial to attempting to pervert the course of justice and assisting an offender and gave evidence against Smith at the trial.

Hatton was sentenced to six months in prison for both offences, the sentences to run concurrently. Smith must serve at least 28 years in prison before he can be considered for parole.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on both men by a majority of ten to two.

Richard Riley, Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, Mersey-Cheshire, said: “We pieced the evidence together to produce an extremely strong case against Smith.

“We studied hours of CCTV on the train and at railway stations between Birkenhead and West Kirby to track Smith’s movements on that night.  There was also CCTV available in the road where Mr Britton lived.

“We saw Smith approach the house about  half an hour before the killing but he seemed to lose his nerve and walk away.

“Items of  his clothing were found near the scene and forensic experts said that the chances of DNA found on some of them not being Smith’s were a billion to one.

“Smith thought he’d planned the perfect crime, roping  his friend Hatton into his grisly plan to give him an alibi.

“But Merseyside Police unearthed the evidence that placed Smith very clearly at the scene and the Crown Prosecution Service thanks them for their help bringing this man to justice.

“Hatton foolishly agreed to help Smith in this crime and has paid the price for that, albeit he had the sense to plead guilty at an early stage and then helped us by giving evidence against Smith in this trial.”

A man has been charged with the murder of Anthony Duffy in Melling Avenue on Tuesday night. 

John Derek Hore, aged 53, of Caldy Road, Liverpool (L9) will appear before Liverpool City Magistrates court tomorrow (Friday, 30 May) 

A police investigation into Mr Duffy’s murder remains ongoing and detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and any information which could assist their inquiry. 

Call St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Two people arrested in connection with a shooting in Salford have been bailed.

Shortly after 11.30pm on Monday 26 May 2014, police were called to the Ashley Brook Pub on Liverpool Street, Salford, following reports of a shooting.

A short time later, a 49-year-old man was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary. He remains in a serious but stable condition and receiving treatment for gunshot wounds to his torso.

Two men, wearing hooded tops and balaclavas, were seen going into the pub carrying firearms and then leaving down an alleyway in the direction of Knutsford Street.

A 22-year-old man and 17-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder have been bailed until 5 August  2014.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are hunting a group involved in a melee in a busy Urmston street.

CCTV footage captures a man approaching a group of youths on Flixton Road before a fight breaks out and the man gets knocked to the ground and assaulted.

Another man who was with him and who appears to have not been involved in any initial confrontation is also assaulted as he tries to aid his friend.

Following the incident a 37-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with affray.

Police are now trying to identify the group of youths involved in the incident, which occurred at about 7.30pm on 14 April 2014.

Pc Clare Robinson, said: “While one man appears to initially orchestrate the incident, later footage shows him clearly unsteady on his feet due to being heavily intoxicated, thus making him vulnerable and an easy target for a large group.

“The footage shows him receiving repeated blows as he lay on the ground and he is fortunate not to have been seriously injured.

“The fight spilled into the street and a number of those involved were a hair’s breadth away from getting mown down by passing motorists.

“They have not given a second thought to the alarm and distress this caused to those nearby and I want the public’s help to identify all involved.

“If you recognise someone from the footage or have information about the incident please call me.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7655, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Anthony Duffy in Aintree on Tuesday night.

The two 25-year-olds, who are both from the Walton (L9) area, were arrested on behalf of Merseyside detectives by Greater Manchester Police officers this morning (Friday 30th May 2014).

The pair were arrested at Manchester Airport attempting to board a flight to Amsterdam at approximately 6am and taken into custody before being transported to Merseyside to be interviewed by detectives from St Anne Street CID.

Mr Duffy, 33, was stabbed in Melling Avenue in Aintree shortly before midnight on Tuesday, and later died in hospital.

A Merseyside Police investigation into his murder remains ongoing and detectives are continuing to appeal for information.

Call St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 6065 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Merseyside Police can confirm two men have been charged tonight, Sunday, 1 June, with the murder of Anthony Duffy.

Mr Duffy, 33 years, was stabbed in Melling Avenue, Aintree, shortly before midnight on Tuesday, 27 May, and later died in hospital.

Shaun Walmsley, 25 years, of Wallace St, Warbreck and Christopher Kenny, 25 years, of Rumford Place, Liverpool, have both been charged with murder.

They are due to appear before Liverpool City Magistrates Court tomorrow, Monday, 2 June.

Police have launched an investigation after two groups of men brawled in the city centre.

It happened at about 3pm on Saturday 31 May 2014, when two groups, totalling around 15, squared up to each other in Piccadilly Gardens.

A large scale fight broke out and police were called to the scene.

Officers arrived, however at that time there were no reports of any injuries, either to those involved or passersby and no reports of damage to any nearby shops.

Chief Inspector Faz Zaman, based on North Manchester Division, said: “This was a serious disturbance that took place in front of shoppers and families.

“It is completely unacceptable that anyone believes they can behave in this way in the middle of a busy city centre and I want to reassure everyone that will be taking action.

“There is no evidence that this was a pre-planned fight. However suggestions that this incident was racially motivated in some way are being investigated.

“I have now put together a team of detectives to go through all available evidence, including CCTV footage, and to follow-up on inquiries and I will happily update people when we have a significant development.”

Anyone who witnessed the disturbance or has any information, is asked to call police on 0161 856 3221 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A total of five people have been arrested after a man was shot in Salford.

Shortly after 11.30pm on Monday 26 May 2014, police were called to the Ashley Brook Pub on Liverpool Street, Salford, following reports of a shooting.

A short time later, a 49-year-old man was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary. It is believed he was shot seven times.

He remains in a serious but stable condition.

Two men, wearing hooded tops and balaclavas, were seen going into the pub carrying firearms and then leaving down an alleyway in the direction of Knutsford Street.

Following the arrest of a 22-year-old man and 17-year-old girl on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Thursday 29 May 2014, two women, aged 47 and 23 and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

All five have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.