The parents of a teenager who died in Rochdale this past weekend have paid an emotional tribute to their “unforgettable” son.
The 17-year-old boy, who has officially been named by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as Callum Riley, was found with serious injuries on Atholl Drive in the Heywood area of Rochdale on the morning of Saturday 17 September 2022.
He was sadly pronounced dead soon afterwards.
GMP has since confirmed following the incident that a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 23-year-old woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
They remain in police custody alongside two men, aged 18 and 33 – who were also both arrested on Saturday.
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A 21-year-old woman has also been released and faces no further action, GMP confirmed.
Now, in an emotional tribute to accompany an appeal for information by investigating officers, Callum’s family have spoken for the first time since losing their son.
In a heartbreaking tribute shared by Greater Manchester Police yesterday, Callum’s mum said: “Callum was a strong and caring young man, loved so deeply by his family, friends, and his girlfriend.
“His love for his mother and his brothers was immeasurable. A lovely lad, with a good heart, protective of his family and always the best of intentions. Stolen away from us far too young in life. He will be forever missed and remembered with love.
“Life will never be the same again.”
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His mother also appealed for the family to be granted “respect and privacy” while they come to terms with “this huge loss in our lives”
The parents of 17-year-old boy killed in Rochdale have paid tribute to their ‘unforgettable’ son / Credit: GMP
Callum’s father added: “Callum was a much-loved son, brother, and uncle. He was a loving, caring young man who never failed to make us laugh. He will be sadly missed by us all. In death as you were in life, unforgettable.”
“Our investigation is very much ongoing and we are continuing to appeal for information,” said Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP’s Major Incident Team.
GMP added that “anyone with concerns can approach them.”
Anyone with information should contact GMP via the Public Portal here, or by calling 0161 856 3400 quoting 723 17/09/22, and information can also be shared to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
Emily Sergeant -
20th September 2022 
