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
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.”
Property experts reveal when the best time of year to sell your home is
Emily Sergeant
Ever wondered when the best time to sell your home is?
Of course, when it comes to putting your property on the market, it may be more of a personal choice swaying your decision as to when you choose to list due to your circumstances, commitments, or lifestyle, but for others who just want a quick sale, it’s less about when you’re ready and more about when the prospective buyers are ready.
The Greater Manchester property market has been thriving over the last few years, with house prices rising on both the sale and rental front – and 2025 looks to be no different.
And now, estate agents across the north and experts from property listing website Rightmove have revealed when exactly to put your property on the market if you want to ensure a speedy sale and secure the best price.
Property experts have revealed when the best time of year to sell your home is if you want a quick sale / Credit: Albert Bridge | Maria Ziegler (via Geograph and Unsplash)
Spring has always been known as one of the busiest times of the year for estate agents, and these stats back that up.
Rightmove says its latest research shows that February and March are the best months to list your home, with seven in 10 (66.3%) homes listed in these months making it to completion, which is the highest success rate of the year.
Homes listed in February also find buyers the most quickly too, taking an average of 51 days, with March and April following close behind at 52 days.
Property experts say the 2025 housing market has been ‘busy so far’.
Spring time is always one of the year’s busiest periods for estate agents / Credit: Pexels
Buyer demand is up by 8% compared to the same time period last year, and the number of sales being agreed has also risen by 15%, meaning there’ll be more opportunities for sellers to find the right match for their home this year, so if you’re thinking of selling in 2025, it’s probably time to get cracking.
“These insights should make for encouraging reading for anyone thinking of listing their home for sale soon, as well as anyone who has already come to market this year,” commented Rightmove’s Chief Data Officer, Steve Pimblett.
“The spring selling season is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for agents, and the signs of buyer activity we’ve been seeing are setting the scene for a positive one this year.”
Featured Image – Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
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Manchester Pride announces major new Mardi Gras event at Depot Mayfield
Thomas Melia
There’s a brand new event launching that coincides with Manchester Pride and it’s coming to Depot Mayfield.
Manchester Pride is adding a completely new event as part of its summer showcase which gives us one more reason to look forward to those sunny skies and warmer months.
Titled ‘Mardi Gras’, anyone interested in attending the event can expect two days of high energy live performances and unity.
The name of this new event pays homage to the origins of Manchester Pride before the celebration adopted its official title.
‘Mardi Gras’ will be hosted between two neighbouring venues, both of which are popular for their ability to create outstanding shows, Freight Island and Depot Mayfield.
Freight Island is renowned for its use of indoor and outdoor spaces, and this two day spectacular will utilise all areas of the venue meaning everyone gets a chance to party.
Then Depot Mayfield, best-known for hosting the enormous Warehouse Project season, will also be used for Mardi Gras.
As well as this new concept, Manchester Pride will be running its usual joyous occasions in the Gay Village.
Once again, partygoers will live get the chance to see live entertainment across two stages, including the Alan Turing Stage and the Indoor Arena, both of which are set to be electric.
Gay Village will be adorned with various decorations this summer for Pride. Credit: The Manc GroupSome of the festivities you can expect for Pride. Credit: Carl SukonikThe huge main stage at Manchester Pride Festival as 2025 tickets go on sale. Credit: The Manc Group
Guests who are looking forward to Manchester Pride can expect a roster of independent food vendors, market stalls and funfair attractions helping to celebrate the festival in style at the Gay Village Party, keeping the city’s LGBTQ+ heart at the heart of the festival.
While Mardi Gras is expected to be a big part of the festival, Manchester Pride will also see the return of much-loved events such as the Manchester Pride Parade, Gay Village Party, The Rally, Candlelit Vigil, Superbia, Family Pride MCR, and Youth Pride MCR.
The celebration will, as usual, close with the Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens on Monday 25 August, in partnership with George House Trust.
David McGovern, Chair of the board of trustees at Manchester Pride, said: “Manchester Pride has always been about pushing boundaries, creating new opportunities for people to come together, and celebrating the incredible diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Mardi Gras represents the next step in this journey. Every year our audience has grown and with that, the demand for more ways to celebrate Pride has increased. Introducing this new dedicated venue at Depot Mayfield will mean we can invite new audiences and make Pride even more accessible for all to enjoy.”
Phil Burke, Chair of the Village Licensed Business Association, said: “The VLBA is thrilled to support this exciting new addition to Manchester Pride. It’s fantastic to see the celebrations expanding across the city while keeping the Gay Village at the heart of the festival.
“Mardi Gras was originally organised by Village venues back in the 1990s, so it’s wonderful to see our community’s rich history celebrated with this revival.
“Our members are proud to host the street parties, showcasing the brilliant LGBTQ+ venues and talent Manchester has to offer. We look forward to welcoming thousands to the Gay Village Party this August and remind attendees to purchase a ‘Gay Village Party Supporter Band’ which will give them access to all the venues within the Village, and ensures the safe delivery of the celebrations.”
Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester Pride is one of the biggest and best Pride events in the country. It gives an opportunity for Manchester residents from all walks of life to celebrate LGBT+ culture and to continue the fight for equality and against injustice. It also sees huge numbers of people visit our city and shows us in our best, most inclusive light.
“As both Manchester and the event continue to grow, we look forward to seeing Pride celebrated across even more of the city this year whilst keeping the things we value most such as the Parade and the Vigil.”
The festival will kick off on Friday 15 August lasting 10 days until Monday 25 August, featuring the notable annual parade which still champions the fight for equality.
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To register for tickets and to be on the mailing list for updates about Manchester Pride you can sign up HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
1st May 2024 
