News

Heartfelt tribute paid to murdered man found on Salford playing field

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 19th December 2023

The family of a man found dead on the edge of a playing field in Salford have issued a heartbreaking tribute to their ‘true friend and hero’.

Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera, known to his family as Julius, was found dead on Thursday 7 December, with a formal murder investigation launched.

Officers had been called to a property on Great Cheetham Street West at around 2.35am, and after conducting a search of the surrounding area, found the body of the 43-year-old.

He was found on land between Great Cheetham Street West, and Salford & Broughton Cricket & Football Club.

Two men were arrested at the scene, with a further man later arrested, on suspicion of murder. All have been released on bail pending further investigation, with GMP urging anyone with information about Julius’ death to get in contact.

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The man’s family and community have now issued heartfelt tributes to Julius, saying they ‘feel robbed’.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: “A tribute to a true friend and hero in our lives, our family will never be the same after the unfortunate and abrupt ending to the life of Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera.

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“Tanyaradzwa was always our template for the qualities of love, empathy and humility. He showed us how to smile all the time and we feel robbed.

From the Zimbabwean community, a further tribute said: “We remember a loyal and caring man whose life has been taken away.

“His contribution to the Manchester community covered all areas of politics, social entertainment, and community cohesion.”

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GMP said: “Officers are still appealing to anyone that might have an information into Julius’ death to please get in touch with police, this includes any relevant footage such as mobile, doorbell, CCTV or dashcam to contact us on 0161 856 3635, quoting log number 218 of 07/12/2023.

“Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Information can also be uploaded to GMP’s Major Incident Public Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23F27-PO1“

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Featured image: GMP

News

A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Christmas toy train Wigan

Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.

The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.

Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.

In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.

xmas train wigan
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)

All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.

Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.

This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.

So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.

This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.

festive events wigan
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.
wigan toy train
The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.
Credit: Supplied

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This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.

The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.

Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?

You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Lee Boswell (supplied)

News

Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford

Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.

The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.

Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.

In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.

They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.

In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.

“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.

“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”

Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP

GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.

Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.

“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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Featured image: GMP

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