Three people have been arrested and a “significant seizure” of counterfeit goods have been made as part of the latest Cheetham Hill raids.
Yet again, as part of what is Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) ongoing ‘Operation Vulcan’ – which is a mission to crackdown on the sale of counterfeit and hit the finances of the gangs operating out of the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas of Manchester – officers joined forces with their partner agencies to target a premises on Great Ducie Street earlier yesterday (18 July).
Counterfeit clothing, footwear, electronics, and accessories were all seized by police from the Cheetham Hill-based premises.
The amount of goods seized was said to be “significant”, according to GMP.
The crackdown saw GMP team up with partners from UK Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, Manchester Trading Standards, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and the anti-social behaviour team from Manchester City Council, as well as with several other professional brand representatives.
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Just like in a number of other previous raids in recent months, when officers arrived at the scene and proceeded to saw off the shutters and smash through doors, they found a man and his son inside the premises.
The two had been locked inside against their will by the shop keepers.
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“It is remarkable that even though it has been nine months since the creation of Operation Vulcan, a small contingency of criminals continue to think that they can open shops and profit from illicit activity,” Inspector Andy Torkington, from GMP’s Operation Vulcan, said after the latest Cheetham Hill raids.
“Operation Vulcan is here to stay in the area and if you are looking to purchase fake products, you won’t find them here in Cheetham Hill.”
Inspector Torkington acknowledged that Cheetham Hill is an area that was once “well known for the sale of counterfeit goods”, but added that it’s “a testament to the dedication of our officers and staff alongside partner agencies who continue to ensure that those who distribute, sell and profit from the selling of these goods are brought to justice.”
“We continue to be present and visible in the area with a sincere dedication to shutting down shops that reopen,” he continued.
“Shops will not be allowed to reopen and prosper on our watch – they will be shut down immediately.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”