Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a warning after a “recent and worrying increase” in bricks being thrown at vehicles travelling on local motorways.
The force explained that within the last year, a series of incidents involving objects – in particular bricks – thrown by young people on the M60 resulted in damage to the windscreens of a number of vehicles.
In one instance, a woman’s car windscreen was smashed completely, and it forced her to stop on the hard shoulder.
“It goes without saying that behaviour such as this is reckless and puts multiple lives in unnecessary danger,” explained Superintendent Julie Ellison, of GMP’s Specialist Operation Teams.
“Not only can it cause serious damage to vehicles, but even more worryingly, it can result in serious injury to those travelling in the vehicle and potentially cause a devastating collision.
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“We already have officers patrolling known locations, who will not hesitate to take action against perpetrators, to ensure that those travelling can do so safely, so I would encourage young people to think about the consequences of a spilt second silly decision or an attempt to show off, that it can have serious consequences for them and others.”
There has been a “recent and worrying increase” in bricks being thrown at vehicles travelling on local motorways / Credit: Hal Gatewood (via Unsplash)
She also appealed to parents as the “warmer weather and school holidays approach”.
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“I ask that you check what your children are up to, and where they are going, as well as speak with them about the importance of making safe and responsible decisions,” she concluded.
Alan Shepherd – Regional Director for National Highways in the North West – also added: “When the evenings get lighter, we do get an increase of incidents involving children and teenagers playing near motorways and on motorway bridges.”
He explained the safety precautions being put in place and referenced the action that would be taken against offending individuals.
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“Staff at our regional operations centre near Warrington work closely with the North West Motorway Police Group to monitor our motorways around the clock with an extensive network of CCTV cameras recording at locations all the time,” he continued.
“If the threat of prosecution is not warning enough, we would ask parents to have a conversation with youngsters about the potentially tragic consequences of stone throwing and of playing near the motorway generally.”
Antony‘s case is still ongoing, with a total of three women coming out to accuse him of domestic abuse — chiefly, his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who was first to raise concerns surrounding his alleged behaviour — but his cooperation through the investigation has led them to revise their position.
Issuing an update on Friday morning confirming that the forward with be brought back into the fold until the situation is resolved.
A club statement reads as follows: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Erik ten Hag‘s side plays their second game against Crystal Palace in less than a week after beating them 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and while it is not thought Antony will be brought straight back into the team, he will be available for selection moving forward.
United currently sit ninth in the Premier League with three wins and three losses to their name.
Man jailed after ‘disturbing and terrifying’ burglary at young woman’s Altrincham home
Emily Sergeant
A man has been handed jail time after a “disturbing and terrifying” burglary took place at a young woman’s home in Altrincham.
The court heard this week how Jason Edwards, from Sale in Trafford, turned up to an address in the Lloyd Gardens area of Altrincham where two women in their 20s were staying for the weekend visiting their friend at around 2am on Sunday 12 August 2022.
After knocking on the front door while brandishing a large meat cleaver, the two women opened the door and Edwards proceeded to push past them to force his way into the property.
The 36-year-old then began to search every room, while still carrying the horrific weapon and shouting at the women.
He then left the property shortly after, and the two victims immediately called the police.
Lloyd Gardens in Altrincham, where the burglary happened / Credit: Google Maps
The victims’ friend – who lived at the address, and was also a woman in her 20s – was still on a night out when she was alerted to Edwards being at her front door by a doorbell camera notification on her phone.
After pleading guilty to aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article earlier this week (Tuesday 26 September), Edwards was handed a seven and a half year custodial sentence, as well as a further five years on licence.
#JAILED | Man jailed for 7 and a half years after ‘terrifying burglary’ of a young woman’s home in #Altrincham.
Detective Sergeant Jacob Corrigan, of GMPs Trafford CID, described the burglary as a “disturbing and terrifying incident” for the victims.
“The victims had returned home from enjoying a day out with friends, before being put through this ordeal, which understandably made them genuinely fear for their lives,” DS Corrigan said Edwards was sentenced this week.
“I am pleased that Edwards has faced justice for his actions today and will be spending some time in prison, where he will be able to reflect upon his poor choices.”
DS Corrigan also reiterated that GMP “will not tolerate this type of violent crime”.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd April 2022 
