The land surrounding Dovestone Reservoir has been devastated by another moorland fire over the weekend as the region basked in unseasonably warm weather.
The RSPB has said that the popular beauty spot, which is on the very outskirts of Oldham, will take ‘many years to recover properly’ following the blaze.
An area of woodland at Dovestone that was planted by local volunteers has been left with significant damage.
The RSPB will now spend weeks working with volunteers again to replant the affected landscape.
North West Fire Control said it had been ‘very busy’ across the region during the spring heatwave this weekend.
There were 20 separate wildfires this weekend alone, and 48 in total so far in 2022.
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Dave Swallow from the National Fire Chiefs Council said on Twitter: “Dead vegetation combined with dry easterly winds increase the risk of fire and make fighting these fires difficult. Please be careful when out in our countryside.”
Visitors are once again being urged not to bring any type of barbecue equipment into the countryside, which is often the cause of these devastating fires.
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Sad to report yet more fire damage at Dove Stone this time an area of woodland planted by local volunteers. Thanks to our Fire Ranger for calling it in & Fire & Rescue for putting it out. We will work with volunteers to replant this area over the coming weeks @unitedutilitiespic.twitter.com/NcqPNXuerm
“The simpler structure means it is less good at slowing overland water flow (and therefore reducing flood risk), less good at storing carbon into the soil, and less good at supporting biodiversity. It’ll take many years to recover properly.
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“Without swift action from Fire & Rescue this could of course have been much, much worse!”
They later wrote: “Lots of visitors enjoying the chilly sun today with fab picnics instead of BBQs which is great to see as there is no risk of these setting the moors alight.
“Also notice folk using bins and taking litter home. Thank you!”
Victim named and murder investigation launched after young woman is killed in Newton Heath stabbing
Emily Sergeant
The victim of a street stabbing in Newton Heath this week has been named for the first time as a murder investigation continues.
It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to reports of a disturbance at around 2am yesterday (Thursday 15 October) on Dorking Avenue, in the Newton Heath area of Manchester, and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman in her 20s with serious injuries that were ‘consistent with a stabbing’.
Despite best efforts of all emergency services involved, the young woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
As the murder investigation progresses, the woman has now been publicly named and a photo of her has been released for the first time.
She has been named as 26-year-old Alisha Samuels.
At this time, one man, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a man and woman, aged 61 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and they all remain in custody – with officers continuing their enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
Alisha’s family have asked for privacy whilst they deal with the devastating loss of their loved one, GMP has stated.
“We are continuing to urge people who may have information in relation to this incident to please come forward to support our investigation and bring justice for Alisha,” the police force said in a public appeal.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is urged to call GMP on 0161 856 5464, or contact them via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Featured Image – GMP (Family Handout)
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Former supply teacher jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman – a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford – appeared in Bolton Crown Court this week for his sentencing after first being charged with, and then pleading guilty to, several offences.
The offences are including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Twelve girls have been identified in relation to the upskirting offences – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
GMP says it has remained in close contact with the schools, local authorities, and other partners throughout the investigation to ensure all appropriate support is in place for those who need it.
Additionally, the court also heard how Rahman amassed a collection of images of young girls, using AI and other methods to sexualise them.
The images numbered more than 300 in total, ranging from Category A to Category C classifications, and Rahman would post these on social media, often alongside humiliating and disgusting captions.
Rahman was sentenced to six years in prison, and will also be subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Protection Order.
A former supply teacher has been jailed for child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Detective Constable Lisa McGaffin, from GMP’s Bolton Child Protection Team, described Rahman’s crimes as ‘absolutely abhorrent’.
“My thoughts throughout this process have always been with the young girls who have been subject to such indignity,” DC McGaffin said following the sentencing this week. “Their welfare and support will always be a priority for us.
“While working as a teacher – someone who young children should trust and be safe with – Rahman repeatedly took secret photos for his own sick gratification, before posting images online which showed his total disregard for the girls’ respect and dignity.
Daisy Jackson -
21st March 2022 
