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.
Saturday 17 May: Man dies after falling from Denton motorway bridge
On Friday 16 May at around 6.50pm, a 76-year-old man fell from the bridge that crosses the M67 motorway on Seymour Street.
He fell onto the carriageway into the pathway of moving traffic.
A wagon managed to swerve and miss the man but a Ford transit following collided with the man.
“We are in the early stages of our investigation and are trying to establish the full circumstances of what happened leading up to the man’s death.
“If anyone has any information which may help with our enquiries please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741.”
Thursday 15 May: Two arrested after Salford stabbing
Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday 14 May, a 19-year-old man was outside Fitzwarren Court, off Rosehill Close, Salford, when a white Renault MPV taxi pulled up and seven men got out.
They attacked the victim with one of the offenders stabbing the victim multiple times in the chest. The victim is currently in a serious but non-life threatening condition.
After the attack six of the offenders got back into the taxi as the vehicle drove off. One of them ran away Salford Precinct.
Two men, 16 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain in custody for questioning.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5360 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are hunting the rest of the gang
Wednesday 14 May: Bury man charged with attempting to abduct children
Rhys Seymour, 20, from Walmersley, Bury, has been charged with attempting to abduct children in Bury.
On 3 and 8 May 2014, police received reports that a man had been offering children (aged 7 and 8) money in Clarence Park to play games in the woods.
No children were physically harmed and ran away after being approached.
Detective Inspector Denise Pye, said: “The incidents are clearly very distressing for the young children and their families and I want to reassure the community that a man has now been charged following a proactive police investigation.
“Our enquiries are still continuing so if you have any information about these or similar incidents please get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Clarence Park
Tuesday 13 May: Pervert jailed for 24 years
(WARNING: This is arguably the most disturbing police report we've ever received)
A man who raped and forced a 7-year-old girl to urinate on him to re-enact scenes from a hardcore fetish movie has been jailed for 24 years.
David Thompson, 61, of Preso Gardens, Deane admitted 30 child sex offences, including six counts of raping a child under 13.
The charges relate to the sexual abuse of two young girls, sexually abused over a period of about three years from the age of seven. Thompson started abusing one girl in 2005 and the other a few years later.
David ThompsonDetective Constable Lee Gridley, said: “This is without a doubt one of the worst cases of child sexual abuse I have investigated.
“Thompson is a depraved individual with extreme pornographic fetishes who subjected two innocent and vulnerable young girls to appalling abuse.
“In the case of one of the girls he went so far as to make her re-enact scenes from a fetish movie and I cannot begin to contemplate the lasting physical and psychological impact this will most likely have on them both.
“They have shown great strength and courage in not only finding a voice to report the abuse, but, at such a young age, in being prepared to give evidence to ensure this dangerous individual has been brought to justice.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, don't suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
You can call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.
Monday 12 May: Man who stabbed woman in neck charged with attempted murder
Matthew Graham, 28, of Burnsall Grove, Royton, has been charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He will appear at Bury and Rochdale Magistrates Court on Monday 12 May 2014.
Just after 8.45pm on Thursday 8 May 2014, a 30-year-old woman was attacked by a man on a footbridge that crosses from Lincoln Street to Oldham Road in Rochdale.
The offender hit the woman, knocked her to the ground, demanded money before stabbing her in the neck with a knife.
