The heartbroken family of a woman who sadly died in Gorton this past weekend have paid tribute to her as a murder investigation is launched.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports regarding the concerns for the welfare of a woman at an address on Hyde Road at around 11:20am on Saturday (30 September), and officers subsequently rushed to the scene, along with other emergency services.
But despite the best efforts of all involved, a 43-year-old woman lost her life at the scene.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning, GMP has confirmed – with the force believing this to be an “isolated incident”.
As a murder investigation has now been launched, and police begin the process of piecing details of the incident together to figure out what happened, the woman who sadly lost her life has now been named as Charlene Mills, and her devastated family have paid an emotional tribute to her.
The mother of one has been described as “beautiful inside and out”.
The tribute reads: “We are so deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Charlene.
“She was beautiful inside and out and had a personality that would bring a smile to the faces of all that knew her, no matter what the situation.
“Charlene, or Char as we all knew her, was the most perfect daughter and big sister to Amber. She loved being a mum and idolised her son Rydell and dog, Boxer. She was strong-willed, kind, and cheeky, overcoming so many obstacles in her life. The world just won’t be as fun without her, and our treasured memories of Char are the only little pieces of comfort we have.”
The family admit they are “still coming to terms with this devastating news”, and while they are “extremely grateful” for all the messages of support they have received and to those who paid their respects by laying flowers, they have now asked for “privacy and time to grieve”.
A murder investigation has been launched after a woman sadly died in Gorton / Credit: GMP
As the murder investigation has now been launched and enters the early stages, Detective Superintendent Helen Critchley, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, has confirmed that specialist officers have been put in place to ensure Charlene’s family and loved ones are being updated and properly supported.
“We are currently piecing together the exact details of the incident and a scene remains in place as officers carry out their work,” DS Critchley added.
DS Critchley also said that she understands incidents of this nature can “cause distress in the community”, but GMP is keen to reassure local residents that it believes that this was an isolated incident at this stage.
“We are asking anyone who may have heard or seen anything from around the time of the incident to please get in touch,” DS Critchley continued, “no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, any information could be of great benefit to the investigation.”
You can share information by calling 101 or 0161 856 0110, quoting log number 1421 of 30/09/23, or by reporting it online at gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
New data reveals a third of Brits admit to secretly sneaking off work early on a Friday
Emily Sergeant
Surprising new data has revealed that a third of Brits admits to secretly sneaking off work early on a Friday.
After a long and tiring week, most of us would love the chance to clock off work a little earlier than usual on a Friday, but for a lot of workers, this isn’t always a possibility – and for some, they even have to work longer at the end of the week to make sure everything has been finished off and tied up before the weekend arrives.
But since there has been a noticeable rise in remote working and working from home, a new survey has revealed that working attitudes have changed.
Virgin Media has released new broadband data that reveals a drop in traffic on Friday afternoons during the summer months – with as much as an 8% dip between 3-5pm compared to the winter, as remote workers clock off early.
A third of Brits admit to secretly sneaking off work early on a Friday / Credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters | Robin Worrall (via Unsplash)
The Friday traffic drop-off comes from Virgin Media’s broadband network analysis, which it says is a ‘reliable indicator’ of the connectivity habits of the British public.
Alongside the network data, Virgin Media also asked Brits about their work policies and working habits ij a bid to fully understand the trend.
Nearly a third (30%) of Brits say they have a formal early Friday finish in place during the summer, but despite almost half of UK adults (48%) saying they’re not authorised to finish early on a Friday, 32% have admitted to regularly logging off with or without official permission.
Surprising new data has revealed Brits’ working habits / Credit: Chuttersnap (via Unsplash)
Many Brits have also confessed to working ‘on the move’ on a Friday afternoon too.
15% admitted to having worked from the train station as the weekend creeps nearer, as well as 14% from the park, 10% from the pub, and many as 30% of 18-24-year-olds worked from the car while travelling for the weekend.
“Our network traffic analysis is revealing changing workplace habits in real time as the nation takes advantage of long summer Fridays,” commented Jeanie York, who is the Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2.
“We’re continuing to boost our fixed and mobile networks so whether Brits are working from their local park, or finishing their work at home, we’re ready to keep them connected.”
Featured Image – Israel Andrade (via Unsplash)
News
Tiny Manchester pub brilliantly condemns ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech
Daisy Jackson
A micropub in Manchester city centre has spoken out about an ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech.
The Victoria Tap, a tiny little boozer at Manchester Victoria train station, strongly condemned any racist, homophobic or sexist conversations taking place in its venue.
The pub said ‘there is absolutely no room for it’ within its walls.
In a statement – which has been met with praise from customers and followers – they added that anyone bringing hate speech to the pub ‘can let the door kick you on the way out’.
The Victoria Tap wrote: “We’ve noticed an alarming rise in racist, homophobic and sexist slurs/comments/conversations lately and we just want to say that there is absolutely no room for it here.
“This is a safe space for everyone.
“If you, or someone in your group, want to disturb this philosophy, you can let the door kick you on the way out.”
The Victoria Tap has brilliantly condemned ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech
Praising their statement, one person wrote: “Great to read this. There is NO place for this. All public spaces should be welcoming.”
Another said: “Pubs should be welcoming environments for people of all walks of life. There’s no room for misogyny, racism or discrimination of any kind. Those who espouse those thoughts need a good hard look in the mirror.”
Someone else commented: “That’s how I see the Vic Tap. Great place for a safe quiet pint. Keep up the great work guys as it’s a fantastic venue.”
The Victoria Tap opened at Manchester Victoria back in 2023, completely transforming a space that was previously a bin store.
As well as its cosy interior, it has a small beer garden which overlooks the tram tracks in and out of the train station.
It’s operated by the same team behind the Piccadilly Tap and the even newer Oxford Tap.
We know exactly where we’ll be heading for our next pint now. Good work, Victoria Tap.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd October 2023 
