A murder investigation was launched on 9 September 2021 after officers were called to Norton Street in Trafford just before 6pm to a report of a stabbing.
Emergency services attended and found a 16-year-old teenager, Rhamero West from south Manchester, with a number of stab wounds.
Emergency services swiftly attended and provided vital medical treatment before he was taken to hospital where he sadly died a short time later.
A number of other incidents and scenes were identified on the evening of the murder which detectives are working to piece together.
Rhamero West, 16, died tragically after suffering several stab wounds // GMP
Enquiries have led to detectives believing that four people in a blue BMW car, which Rhamero was in, were being chased from Upper Chorlton Road into the residential streets of Trafford. Rhamero left the vehicle but was caught and suffered fatal injuries.
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Rhamero’s family, who are appealing for justice for their son, said: “Our son’s life was taken away from him on Thursday 9 September 2021, on the day he started his first day at college studying catering.
“We are in total shock and want justice for our beautiful son Mero. His life was taken too soon at the age of 16, turning 17 on the 20 September.
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“We are all devastated are now left with an empty hole in our hearts. Mero was a beautiful soul and got on with everyone who he met.
“He will be sadly missed, lots of love son, we will love you forever – mum, dad, Remi and not forgetting your nephew Caerus. We will make sure he will never forget you.
“Each and everyone in the family right now wishes you were still here. Sleep tight baby boy till we meet again. We love you forever.”
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A Greater Manchester Police officer // GMP
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Rhamero’s family and we have specialist officers supporting his mum, dad and brother through this extremely distressing time.
“A number of detectives have been working to piece together the sequence of events and find those responsible. At this stage, we understand that Rhamero was attacked by two males and we’re working hard to identify them but would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
“Since the attack, we’ve already followed up a number of lines of enquiry and we’re carefully examining CCTV and forensics.
“There will be people who know who was involved in this attack on a young teenager and we would ask them to come forward – even the smallest bit of information may prove vital in our investigation.
“A family have lost their young son and they are deserving of answers. Do the right thing and speak with our officers by reporting any information online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk.
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Anyone with information or dash-cam, mobile phone or CCTV footage can also submit it via GMP’s Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”555 111.
Trafford
Neighbourhood bistro The Perfect Match announces closure
Daisy Jackson
Neighbourhood bistro The Perfect Match, which was founded by a chef and sommelier pair, has announced its sad closure after six years.
The Sale restaurant has announced details of its final service next month, saying that it’s been ‘a fantastic journey’.
The Perfect Match was established back in 2019 by chef Jazz and sommelier Andrea, promising bistro-style dishes always paired with the perfect glass of wine.
The restaurant used to feature in the Michelin Guide, which highlights the best restaurants around the UK and currently has 19 Greater Manchester restaurants within it.
But despite being such a celebrated and beloved local restaurant, The Perfect Match has announced its closure.
They wrote in a statement: “After over 6 years of putting our heart and soul into The Perfect Match, we have decided close this chapter.
“It has been a fantastic journey, with a lot of joy, great food and wine, and we want to take the opportunity to thank you for your support over the years it has meant more than you will ever know!
“It has not been an easy decision and we will miss it however we feel this is the best direction for us. Our last service will be the 25th of January 2026. Andrea, Jazz and team.”
Sale locals, and fans of the restaurant, have sent messages of support to Jazz, Andrea and the rest of the team at The Perfect Match.
One person wrote: “A huge loss for Sale but a privilege to have even had anything to the distinction of Perfect Match in our small town.
“It has always been a pleasure and will be sorely missed. All the best on the new adventure and we will see you in January.”
Another wrote: “Huge loss to the local food scene. Good luck in your next chapter. Better get booked in for one last time.”
Someone posted on Facebook: “Genuinely sorry to hear this…. been to The Perfect Match many times over the years… recommended it to people many.
“Whatever your next adventure is…I can’t wait to support you. Have booked a table to give it one last taste….good luck guys….massive loss to Sale, local restaurant with local people serving the local community with amazing food… hopefully see you again soon.”
Trafford Centre announces opening hours for 2025/26 festive season – including Boxing Day
Emily Sergeant
Trafford Centre has published its full list of opening hours for this current festive season.
We all know that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry, with people flocking to the shops in their millions to snap up festive gifts for their loved ones, and it only gets busier from Boxing Day onwards too when all the sales launch, offering shoppers some unmissable deals and bargains.
And nowhere in Greater Manchester gets busier during the festive season than the Trafford Centre. After all, with more than 200 stores all under one room, it’s not hard to see why.
This year, shoppers can make the most of extended opening hours at the Trafford Centre right through to New Year’s Day – with late night shopping until 11pm on selected dates in December leading up to the big day.
Alongside being a one-stop-shop for gifts, there’s also dozens of festive events and new Christmas lights to enjoy at the Trafford Centre too, so visitors can tick everything off their list and have a great day out while they’re at it.
The shopping centre will be open from 9am – 5pm on Christmas Eve, so you can whip round and grab any last-minute presents, before it’s closed fully on Christmas Day, and then opens again bright and early at 8am on Boxing Day.
Trafford Centre Christmas Opening Hours 2025/26
18 and 19 December: 10am – 11pm
20 December: 10am – 10pm
21 December: 12pm – 6pm
22 and 23 December: 10am – 11pm
Christmas: 9am – 5pm
Christmas Day: Closed
26 December: 8am – 8pm (some stores may be closed, please check with individual brands)
27 December: 10am – 9pm
28 December: 12pm – 6pm
29 and 30 December: 10pm – 10pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am – 5pm
New Year’s Day: 12pm – 6pm
It’s also worth noting, however, that not every store inside the Trafford Centre will be open on Boxing Day, so you’ll need to check with individual brands ahead of time.
For the restaurants, stores, and leisure venues that are open, you can check their specific trading hours on the Trafford Centre website here.
When it comes to festive event, The Grotto is open until Christmas Eve for pre-bookings only, and the Christmas fairground and ice rink, Big Wheel, and Gandeys Snowstorm Firebird show are all open until 4 January (closed Christmas Day).