The family of Cameron Brooksbank have paid a heartbreaking tribute after the final episode of the BBC’s latest The Detectives docuseries aired last night.
Cameron’s tragic story has been explored in the latest iteration of the BBC’s hugely-successful documentary series, The Detectives – which follows Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) team of detectives as they try to unravel complex organised crime cases across Greater Manchester, giving “unparalleled” and “intimate” access along the way.
The first season was praised its exceptional coverage of live police investigations.
Now, back for round two, the final episode of the three-part second season of the show – which is titled The Detectives: Taking Down an OGC – aired on BBC Two last night.
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During last night’s episode, viewers saw that, following the discovery of a new witness in the axe-attack attempted murder case, victim Cameron and detectives from the Rochdale Organised Crime Team had to, once again, face suspected members of the ADAM Organised Crime Group (OCG) in court, and as the investigation into the wider activities of the gang began building to a tense conclusion, detectives had to focus on taking down the most senior suspected gang members.
TV cameras followed a series of simultaneous raids as the police attempted to dismantle the OCG once and for all.
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Following the airing of the final episode last night, the family of Cameron Brooksbank have paid a heartbreaking tribute to the teenage victim.
A tribute from the family of Cameron Brooksbank following #TheDetectives#BBC2 documentary
"We are extremely proud of Cameron’s bravery and that his personal story will hopefully help raise some much-needed awareness around this topic."
The tribute reads: “This has been the most terrible time for our family, but we are just one, of many, that are being supported by GMP, who are constantly being destroyed by these cruel, merciless drug gangs.
“Everyone can see first-hand how these members proactively target children into drug misuse and debt to become modern-day slaves.
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“The bravery of the officers who put their lives on the line must never be taken for granted, they have been so caring and comforting. Martin, Mark, and their team have been wonderful, so we want to thank all concerned for everything they have done for our family and the wider borough. We thank them for their tenderness with Cameron, who was only 17 at the time of the attack, and the subsequent friendships that followed.”
Family of Cameron Brooksbank pay tribute after the BBC’s latest The Detectives documentary airs / Credit: GMP
The family went on to thank the series’ producers, who they said “carried [them] throughout this tragic and frightening journey”, and also thank the public for all the “kind words and praise for our special son and grandson”.
They described Cameron’s death as having “created such a huge and painful void in our lives”.
But, despite this, the family’s tribute concluded: “We are extremely proud of Cameron’s bravery and that his personal story will hopefully help raise some much-needed awareness around this topic.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues
Thomas Melia
Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd November 2023 
