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.
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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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
Manchester United, GMP, and the Council is clamping down on ‘illegal’ matchday parking at Old Trafford
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United has joined forces with police and the local Council to take action on a number of offences outside Old Trafford on match days.
This includes “illegal” parking, street trading, and so much more.
The football club teamed up with its partners, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Trafford Council, for another day of action to clampdown on a wide range of offences taking place outside its home stadium ahead of the team’s hotly-anticipated Premier League match against fierce local rivals, Liverpool, on Sunday 7 April.
Police and officers from the Council’s Regulatory Services Team tackled a number of issues on the day of action.
These included what was described as ‘rogue trading’ and ‘illegal street trading’, taxis illegally plying for hire or causing obstructions, and illegal parking, as well as the monitoring of food hygiene at food stands outside the stadium.
As part of this particular day of action – which followed a similar event outside Old Trafford on 24 February, ahead of United’s game against Fulham – Council officers and GMP staff spoke to more than 100 licensed taxis and hackney carriage drivers about illegal parking and illegally plying for hire, and 19 Fixed Penalty Notices were handed out to vehicles parked illegally on a clearway outside the ground.
Licensing and trading standards officers, along with Manchester United’s brand protection team, also spoke with all of the licensed pitches and street traders/peddlers outside the stadium, and a total of 73 products were removed for breaking rules under the Trade Marks Act.
Further legal action is set to be taken against some traders who were committing offences and were obstructive towards Council officers who were trying to carry out their tasks, according to Trafford Council.
“Our partnership work with Trafford Council is vital in being able to tackle illegal street trading and parking issues,” a spokesperson for GMP said in a statement following the day of action.
“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure a safe matchday experience, both inside and out of the stadium, for all those attending the ground.”
Jim Liggett, who is the Director of Operations at Manchester United, also explained that the club was “pleased” to have been able to join forces with Trafford Council and GMP on their day of action to clampdown on “illegal behaviour” outside Old Trafford.
He added: “We remain committed to supporting the local authorities as we seek to collectively reduce any impact matches at Old Trafford may have on the community around the stadium.”
Featured Image – Trafford Council
Trafford
Manchester United squad make magical memories as they meet fans for ‘Dream Day’
Danny Jones
The Manchester United Foundation is continuing to carry out its regular schedule of wholesome community initiatives, with the club inviting a whole host of fans down to Carrington to meet the squad for ‘Dream Day’.
Now a biannual event on the United Foundation‘s calendar, Dream Days are heartwarming events that return every season, offering supporters travelling from all over the UK to come and meet with their footballing heroes and watch a first-team training session from the balcony of the Jimmy Murphy Centre.
This being the first of the year, fans sadly suffering from life-limiting illnesses arrived at the nearby training complex where they got to meet captain Bruno Fernandes, Man United and England centre-back Harry Maguire, club legend Wes Brown; the gaffer himself, Erik ten Hag, and many more.
As you can see from the pics, the players might have been a touch sweaty and damp from the Manc weather, but it didn’t stop them from making it a very special day for everyone in attendance.
With the likes of Brown and other members of the MUFC staff greeting guests and providing them with goodie bags and shirts before the real surprise, the kids’ and parents’ faces tell you everything you need to know.
Speaking on the importance of the day, Bruno Fernandes said, “It’s really important. Dream Days have been part of the club for so many years. We know that football can bring so much joy to the fans and I hope that today it’s been a special moment for them, and we’ve put smiles on their faces.”
Echoing his teammate, Norwegian striker Rasmus Hojlund went on to say: “I enjoy giving back. I’ve been a young fan myself and I know how it is, so it’s good that we can have days like this. They are so happy to see us, and we are happy to see them too.
“That’s what football is all about; it’s been a really positive experience.”
As for the fan side of things, 13-year-old Harley, who got to meet his idol Kobbie Mainoo, couldn’t get enough of the day, labelling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience. Today was really fun. I was having surgery in January and now I’m here, it’s crazy.”
John, father of 18-year-old Lydia, told club media: “We’ve had an incredible day. Lydia has had the best time; it’s great memories for her and for our family. She’s United mad, football mad, and has been since a young age, so it’s just brilliant to be here today.”
A regular volunteer at Foundation events, previous club captain Maguire added: “It’s a day we all look forward to. Seeing so many smiles, you can feel the energy around the place. You go away from here feeling really proud to be able to play for this club; it’s great to meet so many fantastic people.”
The Foundation carried all kinds of charity work throughout the year and we look forward to many more wholesome scenes throughout 2024.