The family of a missing woman and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has released a number of new images as part of an ongoing investigation into her whereabouts.
Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin from Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside was last seen in County Durham in January 2022.
The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of the 24-year-old was declared a murder investigation by GMPs Major Incident Team earlier this month when a 59-year-old man, from Willington, County Durham, was arrested on suspicion of her murder after detectives established that although Alisha was still missing, evidence suggested that she had “come to serious harm”.
GMP says evidence has lead detectives to believe that Alisha has come to serious harm, and two arrests have since been made.
It is believed that Alisha travelled from Ashton to County Durham and back in January.
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With it now being over two months since she was last seen, officers are continuing to urge people both in the Manchester and Durham areas to think if they could have seen Alisha since January, and are also asking anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage showing Alisha to get in touch with officers.
Alisha is said to regularly wear a long Parka style jacket with a hood and may have been wearing this when she went missing, GMP says.
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Alisha’s family are currently being supported by family liaison officers.
Alisha Apostoloff-Boyrin from Ashton-under-Lyne who was last seen in Durham in January 2022 / Credit: Greater Manchester Police
Speaking on the ongoing investigation, senior Investigating Officer, DCI Andrew Naismith, said: “Our team of detectives are working around the clock to try and piece together what has happened to Alisha and we have followed a number of lines of enquiry so far which has resulted in two arrests and we feel that we are edging closer towards establishing the full circumstances.”
He continued: “I’d like to appeal again for anyone who may have seen Alisha since January, or anyone who has any information at all about her disappearance, to please get in touch with police as soon as possible.
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“You may be able to help us find Alisha and bring some closure for her family.”
You can send information to GMP through the online portal here, or by calling GMPs Major Incident team on 0161 856 6777, or you can even use the LiveChat service on the GMP website.
Alternatively, you contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
News
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 -
31st March 2022 
