North West police forces have released a series of e-fits of eight men currently wanted for a number of unsolved crimes across the region.
E-fits are usually produced in the absence of sufficient CCTV evidence.
Where the victim of a crime does not know the suspect, and without CCTV or any other images on hand, an e-fit is often the next best option for officers and may be used as a way of building an image of and tracking down an offender.
Using computer software, with input from the operator and a witnesses information, a face is generated in a bid to build an accurate representation.
This is a method used by many police forces, including Greater Manchester Police.
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With several e-fit cases still remaining unsolved across the North West, the Liverpool Echo has compiled a list of eight criminals that police are still seeking to find and bring to justice.
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Attempted Sexual Assault
Warrington
Cheshire Police
Cheshire Police is appealing for information regarding an incident that is believed to have taken place at around 4.45am on Sunday 28th June 2015, on Knutsford Road, close to the Barry Street junction in Warrington.
The alleged victim, a 27-year-old local woman, was walking along Knutsford Road when she was grabbed from behind by a man who pulled her to the ground and attempted to drag her into a secluded area. As the offender was moving the victim, he was disturbed by a local resident, which caused him to flee.
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The woman received cuts and grazes to her shoulder and ankle, although she did not require hospital treatment.
The attacker is described as a white man, approximately 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, late 20s to early 30s, clean shaven with short, black, wavy gelled hair, and he was wearing blue jeans and a red tracksuit top, with white stripes down the arms and a white motif on chest.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 259 of 28/6/2015.
Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Repeat Sexual Offender with a “bowl haircut”
Runcorn
Cheshire Police
This above e-fit is the face of the suspect detectives want to speak to in connection with two sexual offences which occurred in Runcorn in 2019.
The first incident happened when a man stood at a bus stop on Merlin Close in Castlefields at around 10am on Thursday 5th September 2019 and exposed himself to a woman in her 60s, and then a spokesperson for Cheshire Police said that less than an hour later, a man fitting the same description grabbed a woman in her 30s as she walked along Lodge Lane in Halton Village towards Shopping City.
Following the two incidents, a description of the man was issued – which described him as around 5ft 3in tall and looked like he was in his late 20s or early 30s – and police said he was slim, with a messy dark ‘bowl’ haircut with a fringe, large eyebrows and a boil or spot near his right eye.
Anyone with information or camera footage that may help detectives with their ongoing investigation should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 505208, or give the details online.
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Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Cyclist Who Exposed Himself
Warrington
Cheshire Police
This is the e-fit of a cyclist who exposed his genitals to a woman out on an afternoon walk.
The victim was walking through the Woodland Trust site, Grappenhall Heys, in Warrington when she was subjected to the horrifying ordeal, and police said a man on a mountain bike rode over to the woman before exposing himself sometime between 2pm to 2.30pm on Wednesday 23rd October 2019.
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Officers are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.
They described the culprit as in his late 30s, around 5ft 8in of a heavy build with a bald head and clean shaven. He was wearing a grey hoodie which was zipped up to the top, black sport shorts, white trainers and had a white mountain bike with rubber grips on the tyres.
Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website form quoting IML 546835.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Sexual Assault of a 10-year-old Girl
Speke
Merseyside Police
This is the e-fit of a man that Merseyside Police are looking for after a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted while walking down the street on 4th November 2015 in Speke.
Officers said the offender approached the girl, 10, on Central Avenue around 8.30am and pinched her bottom.
The girl was not hurt, but was left shocked.
The offender was described as white, approximately 20 years old, with ginger shaved hair, glasses, slim build and was wearing a grey tracksuit.
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Man Who Exposed Himself to a Family
Walton
Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police released this e-fit of a flasher that they believe exposed himself to a woman walking with her family near the junction of Rice Lane and Brook Road in Walton at around 11.50am on Thursday 15th September 2016.
The man is described as white, in his 40s or 50s, 5ft 8in tall, with a stocky build, and he was wearing a baseball cap, glasses, a black t-shirt and walked with a walking stick.
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 0516210705.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Motorbike Rider Who Raped a Woman
Wallasey
Merseyside Police
This is the e-fit of a man that Merseyside Police are searching for after a woman was walking along Wallasey Bridge Road shortly after 5pm on Tuesday 7th June 2016, when a man on a motorbike pulled over and began talking to her.
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He then got off the bike and sexually assaulted her.
Police believe that anyone who saw a man in the area riding a motorbike with L plates on and wearing helmet – which had red markings on it – could have information to help with their investigations.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Late Night Attack on a Teenager
Wallasey
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Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police issued this e-fit of a man they wished to speak to in connection with an incident in which a teenage girl was grabbed in a late night attack in Wallasey at around 10.50pm on Monday 8th December 2014.
The 17-year-old girl challenged her attacker and managed to struggle free following the incident, which happened as she was walking along Withens Lane.
Although the girl was not injured, she was left very upset by the incident.
The man is described as white, 6ft tall, aged between 35-45 and of medium build. He was wearing a grey woolly beanie hat, a green Parker jacket, baggy sweat pants and white trainers.
The man spoke with a local accent.
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Attempted Abduction of a Schoolgirl
Kirkby
Merseyside Police
A 12-year-old girl was walking along Fernhurst Road in Kirkby at around 7.45am on Tuesday 19th January 2016 when a man got out the passenger side of a white van parked on the street and encouraged her to approach him, before taking hold of her.
The girl managed to break free and ran to school.
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She reported the incident to a teacher who contacted the police and enquiries are being carried out in a bid to identify the two men who were in the van and establish the exact circumstances of the incident.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
News
Plans for more than 400 affordable homes available by ‘social renting’ coming to Wythenshawe
Danny Jones
Plans for a slate of more than 400 new affordable homes in Wythenshawe, which will also be made available for ‘social renting’, are now said to be moving forward following the official submission of three different applications this month.
Development group and so-called ‘placemakers’, Muse, have teamed up with Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) to deliver not just one batch of new properties but a trio of new living locations in the town centre.
More importantly, all 422 of these prospective homes will be available via social rent, i.e. low-cost housing provided and leased by local authorities and/or housing associations, which are typically aimed at those on lower incomes and facing other adversities.
While Wythenshawe has plenty of council houses and social housing already, thanks to the WCHG, these latest proposals could see thousands more Greater Manchester natives given the opportunity to be part of the area’s next big overhaul.
As per a recent press release from the team behind the project: “The plans represent the first phase of housing within the wider masterplan, which will see up to 2,000 new homes created over the next 10 to 15 years, alongside new community facilities, green spaces and places to work and socialise.
It’s also worth noting that this undertaking, which will span over the next decade and a half or so, is part of the Greater Manchester region’s overarching goal to increase the level of high-quality domesticity throughout the 10 boroughs.
Besides various other projects in different up-and-coming areas like Stockport, Strangeways, Bolton, as well as here in the city centre, the area is also being hit with a major regeneration scheme.
Subject to planning approval, Wythenshawe will see the Brotherton House, Alpha House and C2 The Birtles buildings transformed into a modern residential complex, comprising a mix of apartments and townhouses aimed at local people with “differing requirements”.
You can see the map for where the developments are in relation to each other down below.
Credit: Supplied
Developers have promised that homes will be affordable, high-quality and energy-efficient, “with additional outdoor and communal spaces to promote interaction, health and wellbeing”.
Brotherton House – a now abandoned former office building – will be turned into 216 new homes, including an extra care apartment building with a further 109 rooms for people in later life and those living with dementia. Find out more HERE.
Moreover, if fully green-lit when the planning permission process is completed, the overview also includes 81 apartments and 25 two and four-bedroom townhouses, plus landscaped gardens and green spaces to encourage local wildlife and nearby residents to spend more time outdoors.
Already under demolition, neighbouring Alpha House will also be flattened and rebuilt to provide 125 one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 16 wheelchair accessible homes.
Meanwhile, the venue currently known as C2 The Birtles (next to the old market square), which holds existing retail and office spaces, will be replaced with around 81 one and two-beds, along with a new ground-floor retail space to complement the wider Civic offering.
Local councillor and leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, said of the plans: “Delivering truly affordable homes – with a focus on social rent housing – was one of our key priorities when we set out the vision for the long-term transformation of Civic.
“The town centre is the beating heart of this community, and that means building homes that are affordable to as many people as possible, creating a long-term sustainable community of people who are proud of where they live.
“These planning applications represent an exciting milestone for Wythenshawe – and it’s great to be working alongside Wythenshawe Community Housing Group to realise these important developments.”
As for WCHG, their executive director, Andrea Lowman, added: “We’re delighted to see the first phase of new homes progressing, marking a major step forward in delivering the high-quality, affordable housing that local people have told us they need.
“This phase will bring forward homes that support residents at every stage of life, creating a strong foundation for a vibrant, sustainable town centre that meets the needs of our communities now and in the future.”
Featured Images — Wythenshawe Community Housing Group/Muse (supplied)
News
More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled
Danny Jones
Further disruption to the Bee Network is now expected during an already full-on time of year, as more Metrolink tram strikes have been scheduled over the festive period.
Put in the simplest terms, members of Unite the Union have said: “The dispute is over driver fatigue and fears that their shift patterns and lack of rest breaks are putting them and passengers at risk.”
As a result, they have now pencilled in protests on 19, 20 and 31 December, holding walkouts from their usual timetable.
A largely empty St Peter’s Square tram stop is a fairly rare sight to see. (Credit: The Manc)
In addition to the other pair of strikes planned for this coming weekend (5-7 Dec), the latest trio have been specifically timed in and around key dates on the city’s calendar.
As well as the return of Manchester’s firework display on St. Peter’s Square, the walk-outs will also coincide with a Manchester City fixture at the Etihad Stadium, as well as notable live music gigs like Jools Holland and Manc band, Doves.
Naturally, tens upon tens of thousands are set to use the Bee Network and trams, in particular, to travel to these events – reiterating just how important properly investing and staffing the Metrolink and other arms of Manchester’s public transport service is.
The most recent update from the union continues: “Unite has repeatedly raised issues with management, but has been told there is no funding available for improvements to working patterns.”
Their General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said as part of the most recent statement: “Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Our members are raising serious concerns about their and their passengers’ safety, but Metrolink management is burying its head in the sand.
“Management must sort this problem out once and for all. It can’t try to fob drivers off by putting profits before safety.”
Here are some of the scenes from the demonstrations earlier this year:
⏰HAPPENING NOW; when Transport for Greater Manchester wouldn't come to the table SO the strikers brought the table (*and chairs) to them! We're ready when you are TfGM. pic.twitter.com/io1OFHED8I
Union members have also clarified their position surrounding ‘fatigue’; it isn’t just the fear of possible risks in operating a tram whilst being “exhausted”, but both the wider mental and physical toll that working the current shift patterns has on workers.
One driver quoted as saying: “My colleagues are tired, but the fatigue is also giving them cold-like symptoms and many have been going off sick with stress, which adds to problems with staffing levels.”
So, if you’re planning on using the Metrolink this holiday season when travelling around for Christmas shopping or even just going home, make sure to keep the strike dates in mind.
Elsewhere, the Bee Network has also provided more information on the designs to bring tram lines to Stockport town centre. Read more down below.
The Manc -
31st March 2021 
