News

Tameside police appeal for witnesses after two men were stabbed and doused in chilli oil

Detectives believe the incidents are linked.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 20th August 2026

Police are appealing for information regarding ‘multiple incidents’ that were reported in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre earlier this week.

These incidents – which took place on Tuesday evening (18 August) – included reports of assaults involving a non-toxic liquid substances, now found to have been chilli oil, and reported stabbings – with several locations examined by detectives and forensic specialists, and scenes now in place on Stamford Street, Warrington Street, and Wood Street while investigations continue.

Two men, aged 44 and 50, were taken to hospital with injuries consistent with stab wounds, but thankfully, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that their injuries are not deemed life-threatening.

A 30-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault (grievous bodily harm) and both remain in custody for questioning.

Police believe that the incidents are linked and they are not looking for anyone else in connection.

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They are, however, keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any of the incidents or has relevant CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage that could assist with ongoing investigations.

Can you help? Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact police on 101 or via LiveChat, quoting log 3984 of 18/08/26.

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Alternatively, you can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

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Tribute paid to man ‘loved by so many’ stabbed to death in Levenshulme

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tribute paid to man 'loved by so many' stabbed to death in Levenshulme

The brother of a man stabbed to death in Levenshulme has paid a heartbreaking tribute to him.

Zherko Rasul Osman was just 24 years old when he was fatally wounded in an incident on Chapel Street on Saturday evening.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services personnel, Zherko sadly died at the scene.

Now, his brother has paid tribute to him, saying he was ‘someone who was loved by so many’.

The touching tribute reads: “My brother was a kind, friendly and loving person who never looked for trouble or wanted to harm anyone.

“He was loved and respected by his friends, his mates and the neighbours in the community where he lived. He had a good heart and would always be remembered for the warmth and happiness he brought to those around him.

“His life was taken so suddenly and for no reason, leaving a pain and emptiness that words cannot describe. We are heartbroken that someone who was loved by so many is no longer here. He deserved to live his life and make memories with the people he loved.

“He will never be forgotten. His smile, his kindness and the memories we shared with him will stay in our hearts forever. We love you, and we will miss you every single day.”

Zherko Rasul Osman suffered serious stab wounds on Chapel Street in Levenshulme at around 7.06pm on Saturday 15 August.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning. A 27-year-old man who had also been arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers continue to make progress as the investigation continues. It is believed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

Police are urging anyone who may have information to please report it through the dedicated online portal HERE.

Anyone in the Chapel Street area around the time of this incident, or who has mobile phone, CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage can contact police on 0161 856 9008 quoting the log number 2983 of 15/08/2026.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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News

Government launches £442m drive to get rough sleepers off streets before Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a £442m drive to get rough sleepers off the streets before Christmas.

Learning from ‘innovative’ approaches put into place during the pandemic, the Government has announced that new accommodation will be rolled out across England this winter, as well as offering practical help with housing, health, and other needs to support people to build a more stable life for themselves in the future.

The new commitment to offer everyone a route off the streets this Christmas, along with boosted funding, reflect the Andy Burnham‘s national drive to make ‘real change’ and get everyone playing their part in ending rough sleeping.

Not only will these plans change the lives of rough sleepers, but it’s also said they will have huge benefits for the country as a whole.

Research from homelessness charity Crisis suggests that by preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for a year, taxpayers could save around £370 million. 

The Government has launched a £442m drive to get rough sleepers off the streets before Christmas / Credit: Number 10 Press Office | Jon Tyson (via Unsplash)

As well provisions to get people off the streets, and the intensive ‘wraparound’ support, the newly allocated funding will also help local areas deliver more than 1,000 ‘settled’ homes over the next three years, it has been confirmed.

Areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share of support.

Working alongside councils, Mayors will play a leading role in driving local action to end rough sleeping, and will be tasked with making decisions that are right for their communities to deliver help where it’s needed most. 

The Prime Minister says he ‘won’t accept’ rough sleeping any longer. He commented: “No one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station, but we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.

“That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping, and it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas. We did it in the pandemic, we can do it again. But it needs all of us.

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“Government will put the money in, but I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too.

“Let’s get people out the cold, and let’s bring back hope.”

Featured Image – Gary Knight (via Flickr)

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