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Human remains found near Manchester United’s club academy and old training facility, The Cliff

A grim discovery has been made at the nearby nature reserve.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 5th April 2024

A woodland area in Salford has been closed off after human remains were reportedly found right near Manchester United’s old training ground, The Cliff.

Discovered in the Kersal Wetlands, just yards away from Man United‘s former first team facility where club academy operations and some matches still take place, Greater Manchester Police and forensics officers are now investigating what are said to be human remains left wrapped in plastic.

According to The Telegraph, who first reported the story on Friday, 5 April, the evidence was found around 5:30pm on Thursday afternoon and a murder investigation is now underway after a pathologist confirmed the remains to be that of a human.

Although details are still scarce, having first been reported as an ‘unknown item’ by passers-by, it is now thought that they had been left in the area for anywhere between 24 to 36 hours.

Local police address the media after human remains are found near The Cliff Training Ground in Salford.

No clear identifying marks were found on the remains and specifics like gender, age and ethnicity of the person have not yet been revealed.

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A post-mortem is due to be carried out but as no full body has been discovered, authorities will likely be unable to determine a cause of death, however, the nature of what was found means “it would not be possible for the victim to have survived”.

For now, a large police cordon has been put in place around the predominantly wooded surround which covers around 32 hectares just north of Manchester city centre.

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Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes from GMP’s Serious Crime Division said in a statement that the area will remain sealed off to the public “for some time, whilst we work to unravel what exactly has happened here.”

human remains found in kersal wetlands salford
body found at the cliff training ground
The human remains are said to have been found just yards from The Cliff facility. (Credit: The Manc Group/Anthony Parkes via Geograph)

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DS Hughes went on to add: “I want to assure the local community that although this is a disturbing and unsettling find, we have a large visible presence in the area to complete enquiries, provide reassurance and to listen to any concerns.

“I encourage anyone who may have relevant information to speak to these officers. The victim has not yet been identified, but we know that behind this discovery there will be a family who have lost a loved one, and we want to make sure they are supported as quickly as possible.

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“Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area over the last few days could be key to unlocking what happened. I would ask that anyone who has any information that may be relevant to our enquiries, no matter how big or small, comes forward by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.”

As always, any details you may have and feel could be useful can also be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/GMP/Anthony Parkes (via Geograph)

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Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones Hitler birthday party neo Nazis Oldham pub

Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.

Alarming stuff, to say the least.

The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.

Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.

Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)

The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.

Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.

As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”

Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.

During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.

neo nazi party for hitlers bday in royton oldham
oldham neo nazi party swastika cake
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)

GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.

“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.

“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”

Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.

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

Featured Images — British Movement Northern/GMP/Google Maps

News

No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant A Metrolink tram in Manchester city centre

Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).

Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.

A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.

Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.

No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM

As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.

No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.

For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.

Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.

As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.

“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.

“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”

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He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”

Find out the latest on the TfGM website here.

Featured Image – Janus Boye

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