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.
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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.
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“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”.
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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.
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Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Emily Sergeant -
2nd October 2023 
