The number of deaths and hospital admissions as a result of knife crime in Greater Manchester has seen a “significant reduction”, according to new figures.
The new figures have been released as the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) – which was set up in 2009, and brings together Greater Manchester Police (GMP), National Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice and local authorities to address the underlying causes of violent crime and work together with communities to prevent it – has published its annual report this week.
The VRU says it report attempts to detail the impact of its work in reducing violence and building aspirations among young people living in the region.
New figures from the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit's annual report show a significant reduction in hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object, and homicides involving a knife.
— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) May 11, 2023
According to the figures published in the report, there were fewer than 90 hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object among victims aged under 25 in 2022 – which is down by 17% compared to 2021, and down by 26% compared to the year pre-COVID.
There has also been a “significant decrease” in the number of deaths too, as in 2022, they were down by 27% compared to 2021.
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So-called ‘knife enabled homicides’ were also down by 19% compared to 2021.
Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Kate Green – who also serves as the region’s lead on policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire – says it’s “positive” to see some progress in the figures and to see knife-related attacks and deaths on the decline.
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Number of people killed or injured in knife attacks ‘significantly’ down in Greater Manchester / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“These reductions are the result of the hard work of the VRU, Greater Manchester Police, partner organisations, and our communities, who all work tirelessly to keep our young people safe and to educate them in the devastating consequences of serious violence,” Ms Green added.
“However, we know we are still not where we need to be.
“People living in Greater Manchester do continue to be victims of serious violence and knife crime, and tragically sometimes lose their lives.
“Through continued funding from the Home Office, and the implementation of the Serious Violence Duty, the VRU, GMP and all our partners, will continue to work with young people across Greater Manchester to lead them towards alternatives to violence, and ensure our communities are safe now and in the future.”
Woman charged with murder of 75-year-old man inside block of flats in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
A woman has been arrested and subsequently charged with the murder of a 75-year-old man in Bolton over the weekend.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Hargreaves House on Ormrod Street in Bolton at around 8am this past Friday morning (17 July), but upon arrival, they sadly located the body of a 75-year-old man inside the address and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 49-year-old woman was arrested and taken into custody for questioning, but now it has been confirmed that she has been charged with murder.
The woman, whose name is Samantha Nuttall, of Bradford Street in Bolton, has been remanded into custody, and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today (Monday 20 July).
Formal identification of the victim is yet to take place, but next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported at this time.
GMP’s Major Incident Team have launched a murder investigation and are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry to establish the full circumstances.
“It is our priority to obtain some answers regarding the full circumstances of this tragic incident, and we are appealing for information from the public to help us progress our investigation,” commented Detective Inspector, Louise Kelly.
Can you help? Anyone with any information, CCTV, or mobile phone footage that may relate to the investigation can provide it via the Major Incident Public Portal here, or contact police on 101 or via the Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 744 of 17/07/26.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Stockport Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2023 
