A major police investigation has been launched after a man was left ‘seriously injured’ following a suspected firearms discharge in Salford.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), officers received reports of a suspected firearms discharge at a property on Aspinall Crescent in the Greater Manchester city of Salford at around 9:30pm on Sunday evening (26 May), and when emergency services attended the scene, they found a 20-year-old man with “serious injuries”.
The young man was subsequently taken to hospital following the distressing incident.
Officers remain at the scene, according the GMP, and a police investigation has now been launched to determine the full circumstances that led up to the incident.
On top of the investigation being launched, a Section 60 was also implemented in Worsley too – which was in place until 12:45am this morning (28/05/24), and authorised police the use of Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers across a designated area within specific times.
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#APPEAL | At around 9.30pm yesterday evening (Sunday 26 May), we received reports of a suspected firearms discharge at a property on Aspinall Crescent, Salford.
Any information? contact us on 101 quoting log number 3266 26/5/2024.
At this time, GMP says it believes the incident was a targeted attack with “no wider threat to the public”.
“We launched an investigation and a team of officers in our Crime Investigation Department are working tirelessly to understand what has happened,” explained Chief Inspector Darren Whitehead, of GMP’s Salford district.
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“Through initial enquiries, we believe this was a targeted attack with no threat to the wider public, but we do recognise the shock that the news of this incident will have on the local residents nearby and more widely across Greater Manchester.
Major police investigation launched after man ‘seriously injured’ in suspected firearms discharge in Salford / Credit: Google Maps
“There will be an increase of policing activity in the area over the coming days whilst we investigate and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to come and speak to us. We have officers at the scene who are happy to provide a listening ear to any concerns you may have.”
Chief Inspector Whitehead has also issued an urgent public appeal, and has asked that any witnesses, or anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage, to come forward and report it to police to help aid ongoing investigations.
Information and footage can be reported to GMP on 101 quoting log number 3266 26/5/2024, or alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
Crime
Former GMP officer jailed after being found guilty of several online child sex offences
Emily Sergeant
A former police officer from Salford has been sentenced after being found guilty of a string of online child sex offences.
Following a trial back in July, 35-year-old Michael Aspinall was sentenced at Preston Crown Court earlier this week (Monday 14 September) after being found guilty of three counts of attempting sexual communication with a child.
It comes after Aspinall – who was employed by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at the time of the offences – was arrested in October 2024 by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), and was immediately suspended from duty following his arrest.
The investigation began after evidence was obtained that Aspinall had been communicating online with individuals that he believed to be children, but he was in fact communicating with a police officer.
Following this series of interactions, he was charged with various offences.
In addition to his eight-month sentence – which has been suspended for two years – Aspinall will also be placed on the sex offender’s register for 10 years, subject to a five-year serious crime prevention order, and have undertake 20 days of rehabilitation, GMP has confirmed.
He has additionally been added to the College of Policing’s barred list.
An application to request forfeiture of Aspinall’s police pension has also been made to the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.
“Aspinall’s offending was clearly unacceptable for any right-minded member of society and particularly inappropriate for a serving police officer,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Humphreys, from GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate.
“His actions put the whole police service under scrutiny, but thanks to the hard work and diligence of undercover officers, he was arrested, found guilty, and has now received his punishment.”
DCI Humphreys concluded: “[Aspinall’s] actions take away from the hard work of the men and women who work so hard for their communities every day, and it is only right that anyone committing these sort of offences are rooted out.”
Featured Image – GMP
Crime
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Emily Sergeant -
28th May 2024 
