Crime

Police give update after bomb squad descended on Fallowfield and evacuated residents

Here's the latest.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 8th June 2026

Police have given an update after officers were called to investigate reports of two ‘suspicious items’ found in front gardens in Fallowfield.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to Abram Close, in the Fallowfield area of Manchester, shortly after 6:05pm this past Saturday (6 June 2026) following a report of a ‘suspicious item’ being found in a front garden, and officers attended the scene alongside the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD).

After the EOD made an assessment of the scene, around 20 nearby properties were advised by police to evacuate ‘as a precaution’.

As the investigation continued across the weekend, a second suspicious item was then found outside a property on Rostherne Avenue at around 2:45pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 7 June), and once again, officers and partner agencies attended the scene to put a cordon in place.

As a precaution, several other houses in the area of the second property were also asked to evacuate while this work continues.

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No arrests have been made at this time, but enquiries are ongoing.

“We thank everyone for their patience so far whilst we deal with this incident, as our investigation into the full circumstances continues,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Peter Morley, of GMP’s City of Manchester Division.

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“Incidents such as these are likely to cause alarm in the local community, but please be reassured that there is no wider threat.

“Officers will be on hand to ensure the safety of people in the nearby area, so please speak to them if you have any concerns. As our work continues, it is vital that anyone who has any information, no matter how small, should report it to us and allow us to investigate.”

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Can you help? Any information, CCTV, dash cam, or mobile phone footage can be shared with police online via the LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk, or by calling 0161 856 4259, quoting the log number 1948 of 07/06/26.

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Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

Crime

Man pleads guilty to ‘preparing for acts of terrorism’ in relation to Manchester synagogue attack

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A man with links to the Manchester synagogue terrorist attacker has pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism.

Mohammad Asim Bashir, of Shaftesbury Road in Cheetham Hill, appeared at the Central Criminal Court last week (Friday 5 June 2026) and pleaded guilty to one count of preparation for acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2006.

The prosecution will consider the basis of the guilty plea, and now a two-day sentencing hearing has been set for 22-23 July 2026 at Manchester Crown Court.

In case you need a reminder, the shocking knife and car attack took place on 2 October 2025 on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

During the incident, two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who was shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.

GMP synagogue attack
A man with links to the Manchester synagogue terrorist attacker has pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism / Credit: Google Maps | GMP

The attacker was named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.

Following the terrorist attack, enquiries conducted by detectives identified Bashir as an associate of Jihad Al-Shamie, and established that the two of them had conducted ;hostile reconnaissance of a UK defence facility’ on 14 August 2025.

The pair were seen on CCTV prior to the trip discussing criteria for potential targets to attack.

They were then seen on ANPR cameras making the journey to the site – with Bashir acting as the driver for most of the journey.

GMP synagogue attack
He is due to be sentenced next month / Credit: GMP

Speaking following Bashir’s guilty plea, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts – who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West – commented: “Our comprehensive enquiries led to the offending of Mohammed Bashir coming to light.

“Although not directly linked to the synagogue attack, the fact he conducted hostile reconnaissance alongside a man who would later commit a terrorist attack show the seriousness of his actions.

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“We welcome today’s guilty plea and look ahead to the sentencing which is due to take place in July. 

“This case will understandably prompt public commentary about the terrorist attack that took place last October. My thoughts today are with all those affected, particularly the loved ones of those whose lives were taken and those who were seriously injured.”

Featured Image – GMP

Crime

Oldham man jailed for life after strangling another man he had a ‘complex’ relationship with

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the strangulation murder of another man in Oldham late last year.

David Warren Jack, of Plumpton Close in the Royton area of Oldham, appeared in Manchester Crown Court on Monday (1 June), where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Paul Anderson, 55, in December last year.

The sentencing relates to an incident that occurred at around 7.50pm on 6 December 2025, where Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers attended an address on Plumpton Close after receiving reports of an altercation, and when they arrived on the scene, Paul was sadly pronounced dead.

Around an hour earlier, Jack had called a friend to tell them that he had ‘killed somebody’, explaining that he had strangled Paul during a fight.

Shortly after calling his friend, Jack then proceeded to ring 999, with police immediately attending the scene, along with paramedics and other emergency services – but despite their best efforts, they were unable to save Paul’s life.

The cause of death was later ascertained as being caused by strangulation.

Following his death, Paul’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “Rest in peace Paul – a precious dad, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend who was so loved. He was a gentleman with a big heart and an incredible sense of humour. Our hearts will be forever broken”.

Following his guilty plea at the start of the week, Jack was yesterday (2 June) subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years and six months.

Speaking following the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “David Jack and Paul Anderson had a complex relationship and had clashed before – sadly, this time, there were fatal consequences.

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“Immediately following the call we received that night in December, we launched a full and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of Paul’s death, securing an arrest and ensuring we left no stone unturned in our search for the truth.

“Paul was well-loved by his family, and I am glad that we have secured justice for them. Our thoughts remain with them following this awful case.”

Featured Image – GMP

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