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 30 May: Two people bailed following Salford shooting
The two suspects, a 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, arrested in connection with a shooting in a Salford pub (bottom of page) have been bailed until August 2014.
The victim remains in a serious but stable condition at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thursday 29 May: Dementia sufferer tied up during robbery
A 76-year-old Dementia sufferer had her hands tied up during a robbery in Oldham.
At 6.35pm on Tuesday 27 May, the woman noticed two men outside her house on Ashton Road, Oldham. She went outside to confront them and walked with them to a nearby barn.
When they returned to the house the offenders tied the woman up before stealing a laptop. The pair escaped towards Ashton Road.
The offenders are described as being in their late teens and wore dark clothing. One of them rode a mountain bike with white on one side and black on the other. The second rode a BMX with three thick prongs in the wheels rather than spokes.
Detective Constable Andy Swettenham said: “This was a shocking crime on a vulnerable member of our society. Not only did they steal from her but they put her through the ordeal of tying her up.
“I would ask anyone who may have seen the offenders leave the house on two bikes, carrying a laptop, to contact police as soon as possible.
“The bikes are very distinctive and I believe someone may know who is responsible. If you do, call us.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8891 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The BMX wheels were three pronged
Wednesday 28 May: Paediatrician charged for sexually abusing a young boy
A junior doctor, Raza Laskar, 32, of Ashton-under-Lyne, has been charged with two counts of engaging in sexually activity with a 15-year-old boy and possessing indecent images of children.
Divisional Commander of Tameside, Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball, said: “As part of a fairly large and ongoing investigation into the access of indecent images of children over the internet a paediatric doctor has been charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images of children.
“We know this man has worked in hospitals right across Greater Manchester and we understand the public will undoubtedly be concerned upon hearing about the offences with which he has been charged.
"However, it is important to stress that at this moment in time our investigation is focusing on locating anyone who may have come into contact with this man over the internet as opposed to through his employment.
“We are currently working through numerous computers and other electronic items as part of our investigation, which is very much in its infancy, and would encourage anyone with information or concerns to contact the police.”
Anyone with information relevant to the police investigation is asked to call the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 8797.
Tuesday 27 May: Man shot in Salford pub
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 49-year-old man is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds to his torso in Manchester Royal Infirmary.
The man’s condition is stable. Liverpool Street has been cordoned off.
Police are searching for the two men who were seen going into the pub carrying firearms. They were wearing hooded tops and balaclavas.
Detective Superintendent Anthony Creely said: “We are at the early stages of our investigation, which will establish the full facts behind what has happened, and how this man came to suffer these injuries.
“I understand that residents will be concerned about this incident but we urge people not to speculate or jump to any conclusions about what may have happened.
“Naturally, the nature of our enquiries means there will be a visible police presence at Liverpool Street; specially trained officers are at the scene and trying to piece together the facts."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
GMP are hunting the gunmen
