A murder investigation was launched on 9 September 2021 after officers were called to Norton Street in Trafford just before 6pm to a report of a stabbing.
Emergency services attended and found a 16-year-old teenager, Rhamero West from south Manchester, with a number of stab wounds.
Emergency services swiftly attended and provided vital medical treatment before he was taken to hospital where he sadly died a short time later.
A number of other incidents and scenes were identified on the evening of the murder which detectives are working to piece together.
Enquiries have led to detectives believing that four people in a blue BMW car, which Rhamero was in, were being chased from Upper Chorlton Road into the residential streets of Trafford. Rhamero left the vehicle but was caught and suffered fatal injuries.
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Rhamero’s family, who are appealing for justice for their son, said: “Our son’s life was taken away from him on Thursday 9 September 2021, on the day he started his first day at college studying catering.
“We are in total shock and want justice for our beautiful son Mero. His life was taken too soon at the age of 16, turning 17 on the 20 September.
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“We are all devastated are now left with an empty hole in our hearts. Mero was a beautiful soul and got on with everyone who he met.
“He will be sadly missed, lots of love son, we will love you forever – mum, dad, Remi and not forgetting your nephew Caerus. We will make sure he will never forget you.
“Each and everyone in the family right now wishes you were still here. Sleep tight baby boy till we meet again. We love you forever.”
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Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Rhamero’s family and we have specialist officers supporting his mum, dad and brother through this extremely distressing time.
“A number of detectives have been working to piece together the sequence of events and find those responsible. At this stage, we understand that Rhamero was attacked by two males and we’re working hard to identify them but would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
“Since the attack, we’ve already followed up a number of lines of enquiry and we’re carefully examining CCTV and forensics.
“There will be people who know who was involved in this attack on a young teenager and we would ask them to come forward – even the smallest bit of information may prove vital in our investigation.
“A family have lost their young son and they are deserving of answers. Do the right thing and speak with our officers by reporting any information online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk.
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Anyone with information or dash-cam, mobile phone or CCTV footage can also submit it via GMP’s Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”555 111.
Trafford
Tributes paid to former Manchester City winger Ian Mellor, dead at 74
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring following the death of former Manchester City star, Ian Mellor, who has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Mellor, from Sale in Greater Manchester, played as a left winger for Man City as well as the likes of Norwich City, Brighton, Chester, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford.
With his family and former club confirming the death on Wednesday, 1 May, social media has been awash with people paying their respects to the seasoned ex-pro who sadly died following a long battle with amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease which affects organs such as the heart, brains and kidneys.
Replying to his son and ex-Liverpool turned Sky Sports broadcaster, Neil Mellor, the club paid their respects to the former Blue who made 50 appearances for the club.
Mellor began his career just down the road at Wythenshawe Amateurs before going on to represent City from 1970 to 1973.
A boyhood fan of the club, he scored 10 goals whilst wearing Sky Blue and also went on to win the Charity Shield with them back in 1972.
Eventually nicknamed ‘Spider’ for a good chunk of his career due to his long-legged stature, he remained attached to the beautiful game for years after his retirement and went on to become a committee member for the Former Players Association at City.
Joining the likes of all his former clubs, Chester City said: “Everyone at [the club] is saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Mellor. Sending all our love to you and your family, Neil Mellor.
His son Neil’s goodbye has touched many online too, calling his dad his “hero” and his “everything”.
He also went on to thank locally-based end-of-life care organisation and charity, St Ann’s Hospice, who have facilities all over Greater Manchester and who helped care for Ian in his final days.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family as well as those whose lives he touched through football during this difficult time.
Featured Images — Manchester City/Neil Mellor (via X)
Trafford
Sephora confirms opening date for new megastore at Manchester’s Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
Beauty fans rejoice – Sephora has finally announced plans to open a store in Manchester, and soon.
The world-famous retailer, which stops luxury skincare and makeup brands as well as cult items, has secured a spot in the Trafford Centre.
This will be the third UK store for Sephora, which currently has two shops down in London, and its first trip up north.
And after a fair bit of teasing and plenty of rumours, they’ve confirmed that their next megastore will be right here in Greater Manchester.
Hoardings have appeared inside the Trafford Centre, plastered in Sephora’s black and white branding, around a unit next to AllSaints.
The signs read: “Manchester, you called it. Our first Northern store in 2024.”
Sephora says it will ‘redefine the beauty landscape in the North with an extraordinary product range that caters to the diverse needs of beauty enthusiasts’.
Cult brands stocked at Sephora include Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, The Ordinary, Glossier and Makeup by Mario.
Sephora wrote on Instagram: “You heard correctly — Sephora is coming to the TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER.
“Get your shopping baskets ready as we’re on our way up north! More to be revealed soon, see you in 2024…”
The Trafford Centre shared: “You asked, we listened! The wait is over….your @sephorauk opens late Spring 2024.”
Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, said: “We are extremely excited to bring Sephora to Manchester, one of the most vibrant cities for beauty in the UK.
“Expanding our presence beyond London is something that consumers have been screaming out for, and we are listening hard to them when deciding where to go next.
“The Trafford Centre, known for its iconic atmosphere and diverse retail offering, is the perfect location for our third store.”
Russell Loveland, managing director at Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, said: “This iconic beauty giant already has a cult following, and our own social media has been blowing up with enquiries from excited customers eager for Sephora to open.
“We are very proud Sephora chose the Trafford Centre for its next location, which will be its first store in the North of England, and know it will be a fantastic success and a great addition to our strong international brand lineup.”
One person commented on Sephora’s Instagram post: “This is the best news I’ve heard all year!”
Another said: “OMG ITS HAPPENING, STAY CALM”
And someone wrote on Trafford Centre’s post: “Omg omg can’t wait.”