Police found almost £200,000 stuffed inside a Cops and Robbers gambling machineduring a raid on suspected amphetamines dealers last week.
Police executed warrants to search three Salford addresses on June 3 – including properties on Westwood Crescent and Old School Court in Eccles and Mitcheson Gardens.
Officers discovered a large quantity of cash within locked safe deposit boxes, as well as thousands hidden inside an old slot machine.
£192,210 was recovered in total – alongside controlled substances packaged for supply, believed to be amphetamine.
Officers recovered almost £200k from an old Cops & Robbers slot machine in Salford / Image: GMP
One man has already admitted money laundering and drug offences and is set to be sentenced at a later date.
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Another suspect has been released whilst enquires continue.
The raids were conducted as part of GMP Salford’s Operation Naseby – a taskforce set up to tackle organised crime in the city.
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Since its inception in April 2020, police say there has been a 40% drop in firearms discharges as a result.
Featured image: GMP
Salford
£50k reward for information about Baby Ava, whose remains were found in a Salford field
Daisy Jackson
Police are offering a £50,000 reward in a bid for information about Baby Ava, the newborn whose remains were found in a field in Salford one year ago.
One year on from the discovery of the baby girl’s remains in Little Hulton, police are still desperately trying to find out the baby girl’s identity and how she came to be in Ashtons Field.
A reward of £50,000 has now been secured from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, with an appeal for her parents to come forward, or anyone with information that helps identify Ava or her parents.
New developments since the discovery of the baby’s remains on 20 November 2024 have included recovering a piece of fabric that was a distinctive pair of ladies’ underwear.
The size large underwear are patterned with what police believe are cartoon donkeys – but this has given no viable lead.
GMP’s lead investigator, Detective Inspector Louise Kelly from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Since Ava was discovered a year ago today, we have worked tirelessly to understand how she came to be in Ashtons Field deceased and get justice for her.
“Last month, we were able to share that a piece of fabric recovered with Ava was a distinctive pair of ladies’ size large underwear with what believe are cartoon donkeys on. Unfortunately, despite the unique nature of this piece of clothing, we have had no new viable leads.
A ‘distinctive’ pair of ladies’ underwear discovered with Baby Ava. Credit: GMP
“We have had around 20 experts across various fields supporting our enquiries, followed up on over 200 pieces of information and distributed 1000 leaflets to local communities.
“Those residing in the surrounding area of where Ava was located should expect to see a greater police presence in the area around this anniversary, and may receive a knock on the door, as we continue to relentlessly pursue all possible avenues which could lead us to finding out what happened to her.”
DI Kelly continued yesterday, the one-year anniversary of the discovery of Baby Ava: “Today’s date will be a significant one for Ava’s parents and those who may have known her, and we have not lost hope in understanding the full circumstances of Ava’s death.
“To Ava’s parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Our thoughts remain with Baby Ava and those affected by this tragic case.
“We are committed to supporting GMP in their efforts to find answers and bring closure.
“This reward reflects our determination to encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist with the police with their investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays next month with mesmerising FREE outdoor light trail
Emily Sergeant
One of the North West’s most mesmerising light art festivals is returning to Salford once again this festive season.
After having successfully lit up MediaCity like never before in recent years, and going on to become an undeniable winter season highlight in Greater Manchester, Lightwaves Salford is set to return for another year early next month, and will be joining the growing list of light trails already in place across the region and beyond.
Presented by Quays Culture, the popular festival is returning for its twelfth year, and there’ll be 12 illuminated artworks along a 1.5km fully-accessible trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.
The mesmerising immersive experience will include installations of different scale, all making use of light, sound, and technology in innovative ways.
The themes of the artworks vary from celebrating the nostalgia of a seaside arcade, to highlighting climate change and our connection to the natural world all set to represented, aiming to offer people a sense of optimism and togetherness.
Organisers are calling this year’s festival their ‘most interactive yet’.
“This year the focus is on artworks that visitors can engage with on a more human scale,” explained Rachel Candler from Quays Culture, “so we’re looking forward to seeing playful moments and even some dancing.
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays next month with a mesmerising FREE outdoor light trail / Credit: Dave Sloan | Liz West
“Year on year, Lightwaves delights audiences of all ages, and we’re sure that 2025 will be no exception.
“For many of our visitors, Lightwaves Salford marks the start of the festive period, getting together with friends or family for a dazzling evening of light art as we head into the winter months.”
The Manc -
7th June 2021 
