Alkrington Wood (NOT the photograph reference in the story)
A photograph allegedly appearing to show an active dognapping duo in Middleton and the surrounding areas has gone viral on social media.
The post – which was shared publicly to Facebook on Sunday which we have decided not to share – contained a photograph of two men at the popular Alkrington Woods in the Rochdale town of Middleton who were said to have allegedly followed a woman with the intention of taking her dog.
This allegation was also backed up by the original sharer of the viral post.
The sharer of the original post revealed that, whilst on a walk with their dog on Blacky/Archer Park the day prior, they were followed by the same men who were said to be filming on a mobile device, but instead claimed that they were on a video call to a family member.
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The two men were said to have suspiciously followed the party constantly, which they now believe was because they were looking to take the dog.
The sharer of the original post is thus urging the public to “be vigilant and always on the lookout”.
The post has since gone viral on Facebook in less than 24 hours after sharing.
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It has amassed over 800 interactions, a whopping 9K shares, and hundreds of comments by people expressing shock and concern at the nature of the sightings, as well by those making sure to warn friends and family members who are known to walk their dogs in the area, but this post appears to be just one of a number of alleged sightings of the dognapping duo across Middleton and the surrounding area in recent weeks.
Alleged sightings of the pair have also been named by members of the public at other Greater Manchester locations too.
Blacky Park, Archer Park and Heaton Park have all been named among the places of alleged sightings.
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The sharer the original post has confirmed that the matter has been reported to Greater Manchester Police – with a picture and description provided – and has encouraged others who have seen similar suspicious instances occur to also do the same, as it increases the chances “they’ll get caught faster”.
Given the rise in dognapping cases in the UK in recent months, and particularly during lockdown – with the notable instances reported here in Greater Manchester and the North West region including the theft of 14 Cockapoo and Cocker Spaniel puppies from Northwich back in November of 2020, and the similar theft of a litter of Bulldog puppies from a home in Wigan last month – industry experts have been speaking on the matter and warning the public to take extra caution when walking their dogs.
Discussing the matter with Lorraine, veterinarian and animal scientist, Sean McCormak stated that those looking to welcome dogs into their family at the moment should particularly “be wary of the online ads” when it comes to identifying potential dognapping cases.
He continued: “Think about why someone would be selling an adult family pet.
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“If there’s warning signs there, if you’re suspicious, if they won’t meet you and show you the dog in their home, or they’re trying to meet you somewhere to give you a dog, [then] that seems a bit suspicious”.
Sean then advised those that find themselves in that position to “walk away, do not give them money, contact the police and contact the RSPCA because people are being fooled by this, and [these stolen dogs] are people’s family members, so we need to be really careful”.
Commenting on the reported allegations, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “On Sunday 28th February, at around 5.30pm, police received a report of two men acting suspiciously and attempting to steal dogs who were being walked by their owners at Leisure Park, Middleton.
“Officers are aware of this and dog walkers are advised to remain vigilant while enquiries are ongoing”.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2470 of 28/02/21, or alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
You can find more information about reporting a crime via the GMP website here.
News
Married at First Sight star George Roberts reportedly arrested
Daisy Jackson
George Roberts, a contestant on the current series of Married At First Sight, has reportedly been arrested.
The 40-year-old is being investigated for allegations of ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’.
The father-of-four, who was matched with April Banbury on the hit reality show, has had three ex-girlfriends come forward to raise concerns, reports The Sun.
Roberts has denied the allegations, with a representative telling the paper he finds them ‘deeply upsetting and does not condone abuse nor behaves in that way’.
He has still appeared on the show on E4 as planned tonight, as all episodes are pre-recorded.
This series of Married at First Sight has followed 16 individuals, who are matched up by relationship experts and don’t actually meet until they’re standing at the alter – though the marriages aren’t actually legally binding.
The Met Police confirmed a 40-year-old had been arrested – an arrest that The Sun has linked to Roberts.
A statement said: “A 40-year-old man was arrested in Worcestershire on Thursday, September 29, on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour.
“He was taken to a police station and bailed pending further enquiries.”
Speaking about the allegations when they initially surfaced, a spokesperson from Channel 4 (who run E4), said: “We work incredibly closely with our production partners to ensure all Married at First Sight UK contributors are subject to rigorous background and psychological checks, including the most detailed police checks a production is able to undertake.
“Any allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously by Channel 4.”
You can get a free therapy session in Manchester on World Mental Health Awareness Day 2022
Daisy Jackson
Monday will mark World Mental Health Awareness Day 2022, and a new high street mental health service will be offering free therapy sessions here in Manchester.
Locals will be able to spend 30 minutes with Self Space’s qualified experts, to reflect, reconnect, and maybe just find out what therapy is all about.
The free sessions will be taking place at Feel Good Club in the Northern Quarter, a cafe that was set up with a focus on well-being (as well as belting sandwiches).
Self Space itself was founded in 2019 and has just expanded into Manchester, with four stylish and welcoming therapy rooms in Ducie House.
The aim is to create a simple, straightforward, modern and flexible approach to therapy.
Self Space has opened in Manchester and is doing pop-up therapy sessions at Feel Good Club. Credit: Supplied
Founder Jodie Cariss says she wants to make therapy as ‘everyday as going to the gym, getting a haircut or grabbing a coffee’.
There are loads of barriers and reasons that prevent people from seeking mental health help, whether it’s long waiting lists or expensive therapy sessions.
At conventional mental health services, there’s an average waitlist of four months.
But at Self Space’s high street therapy centres – in London, Brighton, and now another here in Manchester – you can see a therapist the same day as booking, seven days a week.
A 70-strong clinical team of multi-disciplined therapists makes it all possible.
And that’s another thing that sets Self Space apart – you can be paired with a therapist that is the right fit for you using their free therapist-matching service, saving you scrolling endlessly through directories.
There are other barriers standing between people and the mental health help they need, beyond the logistics of actually getting an appointment.
Some people will be put off by the fear of the unknown. Others might not feel ‘low enough’ to seek professional advice.
The pop-up therapy sessions will open the door to the benefits of seeking professional help.
One in four of us will experience a mental health condition at some point in our lives, so the free Self Space pop-up is a brilliant chance to see how you can arm yourself with the tools and professional help that could make the world of difference.
Their therapy sessions encourage a Mental Maintenance approach which will support you when life gets a bit messy, whether it’s burnout, stress, anxiety, grief or something else.
The pop-up, free therapy sessions will take place at Feel Good Club in the Northern Quarter in Manchester on Monday 10 October. You can book your session here.
The Manc -
1st March 2021 
