The number of deaths and hospital admissions as a result of knife crime in Greater Manchester has seen a “significant reduction”, according to new figures.
The new figures have been released as the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) – which was set up in 2009, and brings together Greater Manchester Police (GMP), National Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice and local authorities to address the underlying causes of violent crime and work together with communities to prevent it – has published its annual report this week.
The VRU says it report attempts to detail the impact of its work in reducing violence and building aspirations among young people living in the region.
New figures from the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit's annual report show a significant reduction in hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object, and homicides involving a knife.
— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) May 11, 2023
According to the figures published in the report, there were fewer than 90 hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object among victims aged under 25 in 2022 – which is down by 17% compared to 2021, and down by 26% compared to the year pre-COVID.
There has also been a “significant decrease” in the number of deaths too, as in 2022, they were down by 27% compared to 2021.
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So-called ‘knife enabled homicides’ were also down by 19% compared to 2021.
Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Kate Green – who also serves as the region’s lead on policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire – says it’s “positive” to see some progress in the figures and to see knife-related attacks and deaths on the decline.
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Number of people killed or injured in knife attacks ‘significantly’ down in Greater Manchester / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“These reductions are the result of the hard work of the VRU, Greater Manchester Police, partner organisations, and our communities, who all work tirelessly to keep our young people safe and to educate them in the devastating consequences of serious violence,” Ms Green added.
“However, we know we are still not where we need to be.
“People living in Greater Manchester do continue to be victims of serious violence and knife crime, and tragically sometimes lose their lives.
“Through continued funding from the Home Office, and the implementation of the Serious Violence Duty, the VRU, GMP and all our partners, will continue to work with young people across Greater Manchester to lead them towards alternatives to violence, and ensure our communities are safe now and in the future.”
Victim named and murder investigation launched after young woman is killed in Newton Heath stabbing
Emily Sergeant
The victim of a street stabbing in Newton Heath this week has been named for the first time as a murder investigation continues.
It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to reports of a disturbance at around 2am yesterday (Thursday 15 October) on Dorking Avenue, in the Newton Heath area of Manchester, and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman in her 20s with serious injuries that were ‘consistent with a stabbing’.
Despite best efforts of all emergency services involved, the young woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
As the murder investigation progresses, the woman has now been publicly named and a photo of her has been released for the first time.
She has been named as 26-year-old Alisha Samuels.
At this time, one man, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a man and woman, aged 61 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and they all remain in custody – with officers continuing their enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
Alisha’s family have asked for privacy whilst they deal with the devastating loss of their loved one, GMP has stated.
“We are continuing to urge people who may have information in relation to this incident to please come forward to support our investigation and bring justice for Alisha,” the police force said in a public appeal.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is urged to call GMP on 0161 856 5464, or contact them via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Featured Image – GMP (Family Handout)
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Former supply teacher jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman – a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford – appeared in Bolton Crown Court this week for his sentencing after first being charged with, and then pleading guilty to, several offences.
The offences are including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Twelve girls have been identified in relation to the upskirting offences – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
GMP says it has remained in close contact with the schools, local authorities, and other partners throughout the investigation to ensure all appropriate support is in place for those who need it.
Additionally, the court also heard how Rahman amassed a collection of images of young girls, using AI and other methods to sexualise them.
The images numbered more than 300 in total, ranging from Category A to Category C classifications, and Rahman would post these on social media, often alongside humiliating and disgusting captions.
Rahman was sentenced to six years in prison, and will also be subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Protection Order.
A former supply teacher has been jailed for child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Detective Constable Lisa McGaffin, from GMP’s Bolton Child Protection Team, described Rahman’s crimes as ‘absolutely abhorrent’.
“My thoughts throughout this process have always been with the young girls who have been subject to such indignity,” DC McGaffin said following the sentencing this week. “Their welfare and support will always be a priority for us.
“While working as a teacher – someone who young children should trust and be safe with – Rahman repeatedly took secret photos for his own sick gratification, before posting images online which showed his total disregard for the girls’ respect and dignity.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2023 
