Crime
Police order two Oldham brothels to close following reports of ‘suspicious activity’ by neighbours
They were said to be causing significant distress to those living nearby
Two properties in Oldham have been ordered to close after being identified as brothels.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that closure orders were granted by Tameside Magistrates’ Court at the end of last month following enforcement action by the Oldham neighbourhood policing teams working in collaboration with GMP’s legal team.
Officers received information from residents, councillors, and partner agencies regarding ‘suspicious activity’ linked to the addresses.
Some of the concerns included men arriving throughout the day and night, staying for short periods of time before leaving again, all causing significant distress to those living nearby – subsequently leading to police investigation.
First up, on Monday 27 July, neighbourhood officers attended an address on Balfour Street in relation to a concern for welfare, but upon entering the property, they identified a brothel operating at the address, and then, on the evening after (Tuesday 28 July), officers executed a Section 8 PACE warrant at an address on Miriam Street.
48-hour closure notices were authorised for both premises at first, but now following an application to the court, three-month closure orders have been granted.
It is now a criminal offence to enter or remain in either property during the period of the closure orders.
“These two premises had a significant impact on people living nearby, with men attending the addresses throughout the day and night and loitering outside neighbouring homes while waiting to enter,” commented Amie Whitehead, Neighbourhood Inspector for Oldham South & West at GMP.
“Residents told us this behaviour was causing considerable distress within the community and affecting their quality of life.
“We’ve responded to reports, worked with partners and gathered evidence to take enforcement action, and have now secured closure orders to prevent further criminality and protect the local community.
Read more:
“I would like to thank residents who came forward with information, as community intelligence is vital in helping us identify and address this type of offending.”
Featured Image – GMP
Crime
Murder investigation launched after injured woman found dead at house in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Bolton.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers responded to reports of an assault on Yewdale Avenue in Bolton at around 3:15am yesterday morning (4 August 2026), and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman who had ‘sustained injuries’ and was unresponsive
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the woman – who is said to be in her 30s – was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning, police confirmed.
Police say they believe this is an ‘isolated incident’ with no wider public threat.
With a murder investigation now proceeding at pace, GMP is appealing to the public for information. They said in a statement: “We understand how troubling this news will be, and whilst formal identification has yet to take place, the believed family are being supported by specialist officers.”
“A scene will remain in place as officers continue the investigation and we will have an increased police presence in the area.
“I’d like to reassure you that this was an isolated incident that is not believed to pose a wider risk to the public, and we currently have a man in custody in relation to the incident.
“I urge anyone who may have information to support our enquiries to please come forward”.
Read more:
Can you help? Anyone with information that may assist police enquiries is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 2270, quoting log 321 of 04/08/26.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Google Maps
Crime
Police charge and name man after broad daylight stabbing of 19-year-old in Northern Quarter
Emily Sergeant
A man has been charged and publicly named after the stabbing of a teenager in the Northern Quarter last week.
Bandar Alzahar has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place, and has been remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court today (Monday 3 August 2026).
The charges come after a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the Northern Quarter, in Manchester city centre, last Friday (31 July).
The shocking incident took place in broad daylight at around 12:50pm on Church Street.
After police attended the scene, they ‘quickly located’ a suspect – initially described as just being a man in his early 20s – at Manchester Airport within three hours of the incident occurring, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
The victim sadly remains in hospital in a stable condition but with life-threatening injuries, police have confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are still appealing to the public for information. In a public plea, police wrote: “We are still asking for information from anyone that may have witnessed the incident on Church Street to get in touch with us.
“This includes any CCTV, mobile phone or Dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries.”
Read more:
Can you help?
Any information can be submitted to GMP by calling 101, quoting log 1580 of 31/07/2026. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Emily Sergeant -
6th August 2026 
