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.

Wednesday 5 February: Man sets fire to himself in arson attack

 A man set fire to himself during an arson attack in Rochdale. 

At about 5am on Wednesday 5 February 2014, a man poured a flammable liquid onto the grill of a recovery truck that was parked up on Ashworth Street, Falinge. 

The offender set himself alight as he set fire to the van. 

He was captured on CCTV desperately trying to put out the fire on his arm as he ran off along Ashworth Street. 

He then got into a waiting light coloured Nissan Micra that was parked nearby and driven off by another man. 

The fire from the vehicle spread to a nearby family home, causing damage to the front door and windows of the property. 

Thankfully the occupants – who had no connection to the vehicle – were not harmed. 

Detective Constable Russ Clarke, said: “It is only by chance and the speedy response of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service which prevented any loss of life during this attack. 

“This offender acted with no thought for his own safety or that of any of the local residents. 

"It is important that anybody with information regarding this incident or who witnessed the events unfold comes forward to speak to us. 

“It is very likely that the offender has suffered burns to his left hand and arm. Are you aware of somebody who has recently had to attend hospital due to a similar injury or has someone you know recently started wearing a bandage or dressing to his left arm?"

Wednesday 5 February: Peeping Tom Arrested

A man has been charged after two women were watched as they went to the toilet. 

The two incidents happened on 2 December 2013 and 28 January 2014. 

On both occasions two women were in a women’s toilet at a university building at Manchester University. 

While on the toilet a man, who was in an adjacent cubicle, was seen to be peering over and appearing to watch them. 

Billy To (09/10/1969), of Huxley Avenue, Manchester, has been charged with two counts of voyeurism. 

He is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 18 February 2014. 

Monday 3 February: Incompetent but vicious robbers

Armed robbers momentarily locked themselves in an office during a violent raid at a Manchester supermarket. 

At about 9.45am on Monday 3 February 2014, four robbers targeted Royal Mail staff making a cash delivery at Aldi on Upper Lloyd Street, Moss Side. 

The gang, who were armed with weapons including a machete and sledgehammer, entered the store. 

They demanded cash and forced staff into an office off the shop floor. 

Having caused damage to the inside door handle, the offenders were momentarily unable to escape. 

Following unsuccessful attempts to smash a window and escape, they managed to put part of the handle back in the door before running off empty handed through the shop. 

They escaped in a white BMW One series, registration MT62 KKE, that had been stolen from an address in Cheetham Hill on the evening of 1 February 2014. 

During the raid a security guard who was making the cash delivery was hit across his back and shoulder by an offender with a sledgehammer. He has been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries. 

The four offenders were all white men and were wearing balaclavas. They were armed with a machete and sledgehammer. 

Detective Sergeant Doug Cowan, said: “The robbers have used unnecessary levels of violence and intimidation during the raid. 

“Various staff members have been threatened and some people injured, one quite seriously having been hit with a sledgehammer. 

“None of the victims offered any resistance, making this attack all the more unwarranted and brutal. 

“At one point they have locked themselves inside the store and attempted to smash their way out, only to manage to briefly repair the door and escape, proving that these men are at ease terrifying and attacking innocent people and using whatever force necessary in pursuit of their aims. 

“If you saw what happened or know anything about those responsible please contact us in complete confidence. 

“I also want to hear from anyone with information about the car involved. It was stolen on Saturday night so must have been kept somewhere until it was used in the robbery. 

“Have you seen a white BMW One series somewhere that appeared out of place or suspicious? 

“If so, we want to hear from you.” 

Monday 3 February: Tribute to slain assault victim

The family of a man who died after being assaulted in Manchester city centre have paid tribute to him. 

John Millett, 34, died in hospital on 31 January 2014, a week after being punched on Deansgate, at the junction with John Dalton Street. 

Officers went to the scene following the incident, which occurred at around 4.15am on Friday 24 January 2014, and found a man with serious head injuries collapsed in the street. He remained in hospital for treatment but sadly died on 31 January 2014. 

Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who has information about the assault to come forward. 

John's family is from Glossop, Derbyshire, but John had lived in Salford in recent years. His family released the following tribute: "John was a loving son, brother, father, uncle and a good friend to many. No words will ever be enough to say how much we miss him. John was loved by many, he was a very likeable man with a big heart and he lived life to the full. Everybody who met him knew who Salford John was. We would like to thank friends and family for their support at this time, especially John's friends who in the last week have shared stories of John with us and given great support. 

"The staff at Salford Royal Hospital have been fantastic and we are grateful for their determination and the care given to John. It is unbelievable that John lost his life as a result of just one punch. A piece of our hearts went with John when he died. We would like to reiterate the police appeal and ask that if anyone witnessed anything regarding the night John was assaulted, that they please contact the police." 

Simon Tarry (11/10/1986) of Ennerdale Road, Stretford was charged with section 18 assault and affray.

MilletJohn Millett

Monday 3 February: Street robbers in Ordsall: three charges

Three people have been charged in connection with two robberies in Salford.  At about 11am on Saturday 1 February 2014, a man was attacked by three people as he walked through Ordsall Park. 

The offenders stole a suitcase and walked away. The man suffered facial injuries. 

Moments later a postman was attacked by three people – believed to be the same three responsible for the earlier attack - as he delivered letters on Hollies Lane, Ordsall. He was knocked to the ground and further assaulted by the three assailants who then ran off with his postbag towards Colman Gardens. 

Officers responding to the incidents identified three people matching descriptions given by the victims and they were arrested nearby. 

William Paine (23/05/1991), of Irlam Square, Salford, Liam Johnson (09/08/1995), of Chancel Avenue, Ordsall and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, have each been charged with two counts of robbery. 

Monday 3 February: False rape allegation 

Police investigating after a woman reported being raped on Adscombe Street in Moss Side on Tuesday 14 May 2013, have now confirmed it was a false allegation. 

Detective Inspector Neil Charnock of Greater Manchester Police's Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: "On this occasion our investigation has proven the rape, which was reported to have happened in a house on Adscombe Street, to be a false account. 

"This would have naturally been a worrying incident for the community therefore I hope it reassures them to know that the report of rape which was made to the police in fact did not happen. 

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 3221 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.