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.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
19th December 2023 
