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.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
20th September 2022 
