Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has reopened an investigation into the death of a man who died as a result of an assault over 10 years ago.
On Christmas Eve all the way back in 2011, 32-year-old Ashley McGurk – who was known locally as Ashley Thomas, and was from the Harpurhey area – was seriously assaulted in an unprovoked attack whilst walking home from a party near to Harpurhey shopping precinct, and was sadly left in a coma for several months.
As a result of the attack, Ashley was left severely brain damaged and was living in a care home in Rochdale, before he eventually passed away on 8 January 2021.
After an extensive report from the pathologist has confirmed that the assault 10 years ago proved to be the cause of Ashley’s devastating death, GMP has confirmed it has reopened the matter as a murder investigation
People are now being urged to come forward with any information.
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#APPEAL The family of a man who died as a result of an assault 10 years ago are urging people to come forward as the investigation has been reopened. On Christmas Eve 2011, Ashley McGurk, known locally as Ashley Thomas, 32, was seriously assaulted in Harpurhey and left in a coma. pic.twitter.com/U3wsKJpGSe
“Visiting my own son every day in his care facilities was absolutely heartbreaking to see and cope with for 10 long years and to know we still don’t have justice so many years on is so devastating,” Ashley’s mother said in a tribute.
“Both Ashley and his family deserve justice, which is why I would ask anyone to come forward with information.
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“We want this nightmare to end once and for all.”
GMP say that three arrests were made at the time of the incident, and two males were released with no further action taken, with one male being charged – but the case ended up being dismissed by the court.
Ashley Thomas was seriously assaulted in an unprovoked attack whilst walking home from a party in 2011 / Credit: GMP
Speaking on the reopening of the investigation, Detective Sergeant Paddy Connell – from the City of Manchester Division CID – said: “This was a devastating incident for Ashley’s family and we believe there will be people in the local area with information about the reported assault at the time that may be able to help Ashley’s family get the justice they deserve.
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“Ashley suffered such horrific injuries that he spent the last 10 years of his life in care facilities and was regularly visited by his mother who has suffered unimaginable emotional pain since the assault and has visited him every day over the last 10 years.”
We believe someone out there knows something and we're urging anyone with information to get in touch – even if it's anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Full story here: https://t.co/5OpDSnCFtE
Sergeant Connell also urged anyone with any information, “no matter how small it may seem”, to contact police.
“Someone out there will know something,” he said.
People can contact GMP on 0161 856 4409 quoting crime reference number CRI/06A1/0001614/21, or get in touch anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Simon Rimmer shuts final Greater Manchester branch of beloved Greens restaurant
Daisy Jackson
Simon Rimmer’s much-loved Greens restaurant is no more, as the final branch announces its immediate closure.
The vegetarian restaurant launched in Didsbury way back in 1990, but confirmed its shock closure at the start of its year.
The newer Greens restaurant in Sale had remained open for business – until today.
In a statement share online, the restaurant said the business has become ‘untenable’.
The statement, which was shared with a simple broken heart emoji, added that the team have ‘done everything possible’ to stay afloat.
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd February 2022 
