Here at Confidential we get regular reports, releases and updates from Greater Manchester Police. This is a selection of the reports received so far this week, not all of them. Some make depressing reading so it's worth remembering Greater Manchester has a population of 2.6m and that recent figures show crime has fallen dramatically across both the region and the country.
Friday 27 September: Two men shot in beer garden
Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were shot in the beer garden of the Railway Hotel, Berry Brow, Clayton Bridge.
At around 10.45pm on Thursday 26 September police were called following reports that a gunman had walked into the beer garden and opened fire.
A 22-year-old and a 29-year-old man both received injuries to the body and remain in a serious but stable condition.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Peach from North Manchester division said: “We are working to establish what went on last night and whether this was a random or targeted attack. What we do know is that a man walked into the beer garden and opened fire at the two victims. We believe there were three shots and following a search of the area, a bullet was recovered.
“Obviously residents will be disturbed by what has happened and we are working hard to identify the offender. There will be an increased police presence in the area and I would ask any members of the community who has concerns to speak to their local officer.
“I would also urge anyone who has any information as to what took place to contact police. Did you see a man walk into the beer garden holding a weapon? Did you hear the gunshots and did you see a man leave either on foot or get into a car? If you did, we are keen to hear from you.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 3521 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Railway Hotel
Thursday 26 September: Woman threatened with broken bottle in Salford
At around 3.30pm on Friday 20 September the 22-year-old victim was walking along Vale Avenue onto a path towards Silverdale, Clifton when two men approached her from behind.
One of the men grabbed her while the other threatened her with a broken bottle, the man grazed the victim's stomach with the bottle as he snatched at her bag.
The offenders were disturbed by a barking dog and both left towards Vale Avenue.
One man is described as being white, in his mid 20s, 5ft 6in tall, of heavy build, dark blonde short hair and stubble. He wore a dark green parka jacket that had the bottom pockets ripped, light grey jogging pants with a blue Nike logo, light blue trainers and no socks.
The other man is described as wearing a red t-shirt with a white logo, black jogging pants and black pumps. The left pump had a rip in the side. It is believed he was in his mid 20s, 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, had a shaven head and was clean shaven.
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5097 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Vale Avenue leading to Silverdale
Wednesday 25 September: Police prepare for Sunday's TUC march
Police are expecting between 30,000 to 40,000 demonstrators this Sunday 29 September at the TUC organised 'Save our NHS' march.
Plans are in place to make sure that the protest, organised to coincide with the Tory party annual conference at Manchester Central, passes off peacefully and without too much disruption to the city centre.
There will be two smaller marches organised by separate groups, one will leave Bexley Square in Salford and the second will leave Crown Square, and both will join the main congregation for the march.
Information regarding the march including timings and traffic disruptions can be found here.
TUC march
Tuesday 24 September: Shots fired in Chorlton
Police are appealing for witnesses following reports that gunshots had been heard around the Merseybank Avenue area of Chorlton at around 9.30pm on Monday 23 September 2013.
No-one was injured during the incident.
Officers attended and an investigation has been launched.
Chief Superintendent Rob Potts from South Manchester division said: “I understand members of the local community will be concerned to hear what has gone on in their neighbourhood but I would like to reassure them that we believe this is an isolated incident.
“Patrols have been stepped up around the Merseybank Avenue area and I would ask anyone who has any concerns to approach their local officer.
“At the moment, inquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened and whether a weapon has been discharged. I would ask anyone with information to phone police on 0161 856 4973 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Merseybank Ave
Tuesday 24 September: Police need help identifying phone snatchers
Police have released these two images of two men wanted in connection with a robbery in the city centre on Whitworth Street.
It happened between midnight and 2am on 26 July 2013 when the 20-year-old victim was approached by the two men. The offenders threatened the victim and demanded that he hand his mobile phone over.
Both offenders are white. One was 6ft 2in tall in his late 20s with a skinny build, shaved head, local accent, and wearing a dark adidas tracksuit.
His accomplice was about 5ft 10in tall, in his 40s with black scuffy hair, medium build with a beer gut, holding a can of drink and wearing a black leather jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Phone snatchers
Monday 23 September: GMP praise fans after derby
Police have praised fans for their behaviour after only sixteen arrests were made during the much-anticipated Manchester derby on Sunday 22 September.
Arrests during the derby were nearly halved compared with the 31 made back in May 2012 when Mancini's City beat Fergie's United 1-0.
Match Commander Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison said: “The eyes of the world were on Manchester today and I am glad to say that the supporters of both clubs did us proud.
Arrest breakdown: Four men for breach of peace, four men for assault, three for public order, two for drunk and disorderly, two for possession of a flare and one man for criminal damage.
Not bad for an attendance of 47,000.
Manchester Derby
Sunday 22 September: Snatch and grab at Pemberton KFC
On Thursday 19 September at around 11pm, two men wearing balaclavas and brandishing screwdrivers stormed into the KFC on Ormskirk Road in Pemberton, jumped over the counter and demanded cash.
The offenders stole a small amount of cash and a mobile phone before leaving, heading towards the Orrell area of Wigan.
Both men are described as white, in their late 20s, wearing dark clothes and of an average build with a Liverpool accent.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7124, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
KFC on Ormskirk Road
Saturday 21 September: Police release CCTV footage of failed sledgehammer raid:
At around 2.30pm on Thursday 19 September, two offenders wielding sledgehammers approached a jewellers on King Street West and started smashing the windows to the shock of onlookers.
As members of staff activated emergency equipment smoke was released and the two offenders ran off empty-handed into a waiting blue Mitsubishi car, which then sped off.
Detectives have also released images of the sledgehammer (main picture), which was left at the scene, in the hope that any retailers may recognise the price markings on it.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3221 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
