Officers have stepped up search operations for a missing Manchester man who left home one December evening last year and never returned.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that Peter Baglin left home to go for a walk on the evening of Wednesday 28 December 2022, and was last seen on CCTV at a garage in Mosley Common near Worsley that same night – before his phone, hat, and headphones were found on a towpath beside the Bridgewater Canal the following day.
Peter’s wife, Michelle Baglin – who made a desperate plea for his return last month – reported him missing when he didn’t return home.
But since that day, just over two months later, there still haven’t been any sightings of him.
In the initial period after the 55-year-old was reported missing from what has been described as his “favourite walk”, extensive police searches were carried out along the canal towpath, between the Moorings and Astley Point, and adjoining fields and woodland areas – including by teams specialising in mountain rescue, underwater searches, and drones.
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Michelle has also organised her own searches along the Bridgewater Canal, which have seen hundreds turn out to help try and find him.
After no success with previous search efforts, GMP has confirmed that yesterday (2 March), the Police Search Advisors (POLSA) team have stepped up their searches by returning to the canal to carry out a further search, together with mountain rescuers searching the surrounding area, and the underwater dive team – with the drone having also been re-deployed.
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“These searches will continue over the next couple of days,” GMP confirmed.
CCTV images taken of Peter on the night of 28 December 2022 / Credit: GMP
Senior Investigating Officer Michael Sharples, from Salford’s CID, says the stepped-up search efforts are just one line of enquiry the team is following as “there is no evidence to suggest the whereabouts of Peter at this time.”
“At the time Peter went missing, there were extremely low temperatures and not much boat traffic on the water,” he continued.
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“This part of the canal is very unique, and as such, changes in temperature and the fact the season is changing, can impact on how the water behaves, so due to this, we have decided to carry out the search again, and we will also have the drone back in the air – which is used to access areas that are harder to reach on foot.
“Not only will we be carrying out these searches, but we will be looking for even more CCTV and ring doorbell footage.”
#UPDATE | Officers are continuing their search of missing Boothstown man, Peter Baglin, and are continuing to ask for the public's help in locating him.
He explained that GMP and specialist officers are continuing to work closely with Peter’s wife and his family, and added that they are “grateful to the multi-agency response” they’ve received over the last few weeks.
While GMP “continues to follow up on every lead given”, it has also reinforced its appeal to the public and is urging people to “take another look at any footage, just to be sure.”
Anyone with any information on Peter Baglin’s whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 101 or through the LiveChat Function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk – but if you’re unsure about coming forwards, you can also pass information on anonymously through the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Family Handout (via GMP)
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
3rd March 2023 
