Detectives who are investigating the currently ‘unexplained’ death of a Salford man have urgently appealed for information.
The public appeal comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to reports of concern for welfare of a man at Riverside in Salford, near to the River Irwell, last Sunday (9 March) – but sadly, once emergency services arrived on the scene, the man in his 40s was pronounced dead, despite the best efforts of all involved.
Police have now officially named the man as Richard Crawt.
At this time, GMP says his passing is ‘still being treated as unexplained’, and enquiries are currently ongoing to establish the circumstances of his death.
Withe the investigation actively ongoing, GMP is now seeking help from the Greater Manchester public to identify a timeline of Richard’s movements prior to his death.
ADVERTISEMENT
#APPEAL | Richard Crawt was sadly pronounced dead at Riverside on Sunday 9 March 2025.
We want to identify a timeline of his movements to understand where & when he was prior to being found deceased.
They want to understand where and when he was, prior to being found deceased.
It’s believed that Richard was using a blue tent – a picture of which has been released by GMP – and it’s believed that this tent had been pitched on a sandy beach area near the meadows in Salford on Saturday 1 March.
ADVERTISEMENT
Richard, who was ‘known and loved’ by many, was described by his distraught family as having ‘a heart of gold’, but had sadly just ‘fallen on some hard times in life’.
Appealing to the public for information, Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “Our investigation team has been working tirelessly to piece together a timeline of events leading up to this tragic discovery. We have been trawling CCTV footage, speaking with residents in the area to try and understand how and why Richard came to be in this location.
The image released by GMP of the blue tent Richard was using / Credit: GMP
“At this stage of our investigation, we are still working to establish Richard’s final movements and the circumstances that led him to the river [so] we need your help.
ADVERTISEMENT
“If you were in the vicinity of the River Irwell in Salford around the Lower Broughton area and in particular the Meadows, or if you had any interaction with Richard in the days before his death, please speak with us, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you.
“Richard’s family deserves answers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 4585 or 101, quoting log number 2221 of 09/03/2025, or you can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
Man City fan jailed after causing £10k damage to a police vehicle following Champions League victory
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester City fan has been jailed for his part in large-scale disorder following the club’s Champions League victory.
The court heard how, following Manchester City’s Champions League Final win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in Turkey on Saturday 10 June 2023, jubilant fans flocked to the streets of Manchester city centre for late-night celebrations.
The large influx of fans in high spirits prompted a police response to ‘ensure public safety’ and ‘prevent any public disorder’, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
However, the disorder did begin to escalate despite police presence.
A number of fans, including 22-year-old Leon Blackett, scaled a police vehicle and proceeded to jump up and down on it, which subsequently caused more than £10,000 worth of damage, and resulted in the vehicle having to be written off.
#JAILED | Leon Blackett (14/01/2003) of Craigmore Avenue, has been been handed a three-month jail term for causing £10k worth of damage to a police vehicle following the club's Champions League win in 2023, along with 41 months for other offences.
Following the disorder, an investigation was launched by GMP’s City Centre policing, with officers obtaining social media and CCTV footage that helped them to identify those responsible.
Blackett admitted to the offence, after he was arrested on Thursday 19 October 2023.
Following admitting to the offence, Blackett was sentenced to 44 months in prison – a three-month jail term for this football-related offence, along with 41 months for possession of a bladed article and a domestic related communications offence.
He has also been given a seven-year Football Banning Order, commencing on the day Blackett received his sentence.
“The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable,” commented PC Matt Ford, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit.
“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following the football in another country, we will seek prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th March 2025 
