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Public warned not to approach wanted man last spotted in Piccadilly Gardens

Call 999 if you see him.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st May 2024

Police have launched an appeal to trace a wanted man who absconded during a visit from a secure unit.

The public are being warned not to approach Shaun Paul Smith, who also goes by the name Aemon Martin.

A confirmed sighting of the 60-year-old at a Tesco Express on Piccadilly Gardens was caught on CCTV at 8.30am yesterday morning (30 April).

GMP is now assisting with Lancashire Police’s appeal after enquiries traced him to Manchester city centre.

Smith absconding during a visit to Preston on Thursday 25 April and was caught on CCTV on Bank Street in Rawtenstall the following day.

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Shaun is described as white, with grey hair, a slim build, a beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing a hat, cream jeans, grey/red t-shirt, grey cardigan, black coat, black trainers and a backpack.

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The public have been warned not to approach Shaun Paul Smith. Credit: GMP
The public have been warned not to approach Shaun Paul Smith. Credit: GMP

CCTV images and a photo of Smith’s face have also been released by police as part of the appeal to trace him.

But if spotted, the public are urged ‘do not approach him’ and instead report sightings urgently to the police.

Smith has links to Blackburn and Accrington town centres, but is believed to be in the City Centre area of Manchester.

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GMP said: “We’re asking the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings to us and if you see him, please do not approach him but contact us on 999 quoting Log 1118 of 30/4/2024.”

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Featured image: GMP

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‘Unsettled week’ of wind, rain, and snow could greet Mancs into the new year

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A mix of weather conditions could be expected to hit the north across the new year weekend – including wind, rain, and snow.

As Greater Manchester prepares to enter 2025, it looks like we’ll be bringing our usual moody weather along with us too, as starting today and running right through until the end of this week, Mancs can expect some not-so-pleasant conditions to accompany this party season.

The Met Office has described this period as ‘an unsettled week’.

While forecasters are encouraging people to keep checking for further weather updates where possible, thankfully, this turbulent spell of weather is only predicted to stick around until Thursday (2 January) – with no warnings issued for this Friday (3 January) or the weekend so far.

In a video shared to the Met Office’s X account, the visual shows that the most severe cases of wet and windy conditions look like on New Year’s Day itself (Wednesday 1 January), where there is even some snow forecasted for certain areas.

“Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” warned Andy Page, who is the Chief Forecaster at the Met Office.

He continued: “With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”

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How ever you plan to celebrate the New Year season, make sure you double check weather reports and updates on the Met Office’s official site first.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

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Picturesque Greater Manchester railway granted £1.3m to restore historic viaduct

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of Greater Manchester’s most picturesque railways has been given substantial funding to restore a historic viaduct along the line.

As part of the Government‘s wider Plan for Change, the Bury-based heritage railway, East Lancashire Railway (ELR), has been awarded more than £1.3 million in grants to carry out urgent repair work to the Higher Woodhill Viaduct – which is on the edge of Burrs Country Park, in the heart of the stunning Irwell Valley.

Repairs to the historic viaduct, which goes past the site of the former Higher Woodhill Mill, were last carried out all the way back in 1932.

But now, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted the funding for restoration through its ‘Community Ownership Fund’, alongside three local authorities from Bury, Rochdale, and the nearby Rossendale in Lancashire, all putting in a further £276,000 in match funding.

Important supporters of the railway, such as members of the public and local businesses, have also added a few thousand pounds more to the project.

While inspections to the structure and safety of the viaduct are carried out on a regular basis, ELR assures, it was flagged earlier in 2024 that long-term repairs would be required to allow for the “continued level of use” of steam and heritage diesel trains along the line.

Speaking on the funding being granted, Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, commented: “This is a major investment for the future and a massive vote of confidence for our dedicated volunteers and staff to help secure the railway’s infrastructure for years to come.

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“Now with this fantastic news, we are able to continue running our award-winning events and services without disruption for future generations to enjoy, thanks to the generosity and support of the East Lancashire Railway Trust, our local community partners and supporters, as well as local and national politicians.”

Essential maintenance works are due to start next year in the spring.

Featured Image – Supplied

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