Here at Confidential we get a constant stream of reports, releases and updates from Greater Manchester Police. This is a small selection of the reports received so far this week, not all of them.
Some do make for depressing reading but it's worth remembering that Greater Manchester has a population of 2.6m and that recent figures show crime rates have fallen across both the region and the country.
Friday 22 August: Appeal for witnesses following Deansgate Locks assault
Police are re-appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted and knocked unconscious at Deansgate Locks, Manchester City Centre.
At about 3.40am on Sunday 10 August 2014, a woman was walking near the taxi rank when a man approached her and punched her in the face, causing her to fall backwards. She lost consciousness and the man then ran away towards Deansgate.
The woman, who sustained serious head injuries, was treated in hospital and is now recovering.
The man is described as white, with very short, dark hair, of chubby build, and approximately 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark top, dark jeans and dark footwear.
Detective Constable Christian Avery of North Manchester division said: "This was a vicious and life-threatening attack, in which a man knocked a woman unconscious then left her lying on the street; there were a number of other victims who also suffered injuries during the same incident.
"Thankfully, the woman is recovering, but I want to catch whoever did this as soon as possible.
"I’m urging anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward and am particularly keen to speak to a witness who recorded the attack on a mobile phone. This footage is particularly shocking and would significantly assist the investigation. We believe the person who recorded it is a black male in his early 20’s, approximately 5ft 4ins tall, average build with short dark hair."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3543 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Deansgate Locks
Wednesday 20 August: Robbers Beat Terminally Ill Cancer Sufferer
Robbers beat up a terminally-ill man as he walked home from the pub.
The 69-year-old victim, terminally-ill with cancer, was returning home to Wood Street, Denton, from the Angel Pub just before midnight on Tuesday 5 August 2014, when two robbers attacked him from behind.
They kicked and stood on the man then stole money from his wallet before making off in the direction of Edward Street in Denton.
The victim suffered two suspected broken ribs.
His attackers are described as around 20-years-old, 5ft 8in to 9in tall with local accents. One wore a light grey tracksuit while the other wore a black tracksuit. Both wore their hoods up.
Detective Constable Fiona Rigby, based at Hyde, said: "This was a vicious and cowardly attack on a frail and dying man.
"He has terminal cancer and is very ill, in fact he doesn't have long to live. One of his remaining pleasures in life is to walk to his local pub for a couple of beers with his friends.
"Now, because of the despicable actions of these cowards, this modest pleasure has been utterly destroyed.
"Walking to and from the pub was part of his ritual, no doubt bringing him a modicum of independence. Now he has to get a taxi out of fear.
"The robbers probably wouldn't have known about his condition, but one look at him would have told them he was frail, vulnerable and clearly not going to put up a fight - precisely why these bullies picked on him no doubt.
"I now want everyone to recall whether they were in the area - near the allotments on Wood Street - around midnight on Tuesday 5 August. Did you see anything that could help us?
"Also, while the victim was lay on the floor being attacked he saw a black or dark vehicle driving past him up Wood Street in the direction of Greengate Road, Denton. Were you in that car and did you see anything. If so, please get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9484 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Angel
Monday 18 August: Man suffers serious head injury at Cheetham Hill rave
Police are investigating after a man suffered a life-threatening head injury at a Cheetham Hill rave.
At around 3am on Saturday 16 August 2014, police were called to a rave in a disused warehouse on Derby Street, there they found a man had suffered a serious head injury there.
A 20-year-old man from Salford was taken to Hope Hospital and remains in a critical condition.
At this stage it isn't known how he came to be injured, but officers haven't ruled out an assault.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to speak to them.
Detective Sergeant David Elson, based on North Manchester, said: "A man is in hospital with serious head injuries and it is vital we understand exactly what happened to him.
"He has a bad injury to the back of his head so it is possible he was assaulted by someone in the rave. It's also possible that he fell over and there is an accidental cause.
"There were between 200 and 300 people there in the early hours of Saturday morning and officers did speak to a number of people on the night. However, if you were there and have any information that can help us then please get in touch.
"In particular, I would like to hear from anyone who may have mobile phone footage of the incident that led up to this man being injured."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9325 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
