‘Life should mean life.’ So said Police Federation of England and Wales Chair Steve White yesterday following the announcement of the impending release of police killer Harry Roberts.

“I am appalled to learn that police killer, Harry Roberts, is being released from prison. Let’s not forget, this menace murdered three unarmed police officers in cold blood and it is abhorrent news. This decision by the parole board is a slap in the face for the families of the three police officers he brutally murdered who, once again, are forced to re-live their pain and loss. It will spark fury among everyone in the police family who will feel badly let down.

“We pride ourselves on having a largely unarmed police service in England and Wales. However, in turn, we expect the judicial system to provide the deterrent needed to help protect police officers from injury or serious harm while doing their duty. In May 2013, the Home Secretary said she would introduce legislation to make sure life really does mean life for people who murder police officers. We cannot go on waiting; this needs to happen urgently. This decision by the parole board will do nothing to give confidence to police officers and the public that the most serious and dangerous offenders will remain behind bars.”

A Metropolitan Police officer has today been arrested as part of an investigation into the discovery of ammunition – believed to be from the Met’s own supplies – in personal lockers in a dedicated police building in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

The investigation, by the Directorate of Professional Standards, commenced a few weeks ago following the reporting by officers from Royalty Protection of ammunition found in their personal lockers or belongings.

The officer arrested is from the unit responsible for protecting the Royal Household (SO14) and normally works in a protection role, although he is not assigned to guard any individual member of the Royal Family.

It follows the announcement last week by Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley that the Metropolitan Police was reorganising its Protection Command to improve operational efficiency.

Mr Rowley said that this change had revealed a few pockets of poor behaviour which would not be tolerated. Nothing below the highest standards of personal behaviour is acceptable.

The arrested officer is being questioned on suspicion of misconduct in public office and unlawful possession of ammunition. He is in custody at a London police station and will be suspended from duty.

Investigators have been searching the officer’s home address and the police building where the ammunition was found.

Established security procedures are unaffected by the investigation, which does not affect the daily work of the officers providing personal protection to the Royal Family. These units include some of the most highly trained and professional officers in the Met. They recognise the great responsibility their roles carry, and the privilege that goes with these positions.

Mr Rowley said last week that the Met is very proud of its protection teams and the work they have done in recent years, for example during the Golden Jubilee. But he made clear the determination to take decisive action where individuals may have behaved badly.

The Royal Household is aware of the on-going investigation and has been briefed on today’s development.

The IPCC have been informed.

A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a body in Headcorn.

Kent Police was called to Church Walk shortly before 9am on 22 October to reports a deceased man had been found. The deceased has been formally identified as Trevor Hillman, 57, of Headcorn.

Ruslan Piktorov, 40, of no fixed address, was arrested in London later that day. He was charged with murder in the evening of 23 October and is due to appear in Maidstone Magistrates’ Court this morning (24 October). A second man arrested was released without charge.

Senior investigating officer, DI Lee Whitehead of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘I would like to thank the Headcorn community for their assistance with this investigation.’

Police  have released images of two men they want to speak to in connection with a cash in transit robbery in July.

The incident happened at around 2pm on Wednesday 30 July. It is believed that two men in balaclavas approached a security guard carrying a cash box outside Morrisons on Park Road, Ormskirk.

They told the security guard to drop the box and made off with the container, thought to have approximately £40,000 inside.

It is believed that the two men then made off in a Black BMW convertible which was waiting for them on Aughton Street. The black box was later found smashed on Black Moss Lane.

Officers have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with their enquiries. The men are thought to be from the Liverpool area and may have connections to Blackpool.

DC Andy Doran of Skelmersdale CID said: “I am appealing to the public to take a good look at the images and pass on any information that could help us to identify the two men as they may have key information about the incident.

“I am also appealing to the men pictured directly and would advise them to contact us at their earliest opportunity.”

Anyone with information should contact Skelmersdale CID on 01695 566177 quoting log number 0700 of 30^th July.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

A man has been arrested after a number of people were threatened with a gun.

Shortly before 10pm on Thursday 23 October 2014, police were called to an address on Longhey Road, Benchill, following reports a number of people had been threatened with a gun following an argument at a house party.

Armed officers responded and a 25 year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of Firearms Offences

He remains in police custody for questioning.

A blank firing pistol was also recovered.

Police have cordoned off part of Brownley Road to allow searches in relation to this incident to take place.

Detective Sergeant Sandra Callender, said: “Following a dispute at a house party a man has left, only to return and threaten those inside.

“A swift response from specialist firearms officers meant a man was quickly arrested and an imitation firearm also recovered.

“There remains a police presence in the area while we conduct a number of searches in relation to this incident to try and preserve and recover any further relevant evidence and I would ask anyone residents with any concerns to come and talk to us.”

A family-run organised crime group orchestrated from a prison cell has been smashed thanks to Greater Manchester Police.

The four individuals, bonded by family and relationship ties, were responsible for the production and distribution of cannabis in the Tameside area.

The head of this organised crime group was Lee Burgess, who ran the firm from inside a prison cell thanks to an illegal mobile phone smuggled into the prison.

However, their criminality has now been exposed thanks to the Tameside Organised Crime Team.

Lee Burgess (born 04/01/1988), of HMP Risley, pleaded guilty to supply cannabis at an earlier hearing and was also convicted of acquiring criminal property following a trial.

His brother Peter Burgess (born 27/06/84), of High Bank Road, Droylsden, pleaded guilty to supply cannabis, possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, production of cannabis and abstracting electricity at an earlier hearing. He was also convicted of entering into a money laundering arrangement following a trial.

Sophie Burgess (born 23/04/1988), of High Bank Road, Droylsden, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and allowing her property to be used to produce cannabis at an earlier hearing.

Brogan Dean (born 20/10/1993), of Catherine Street East, Denton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis, possession of cannabis and possessing criminal property at an earlier hearing.

Today, 24 October 2014, they were sentenced to at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Sophie Burgess was given a six-month sentence suspended for two years and ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work; Peter Burgess was jailed for five years and six months, Brogan Dean was given a 12 month sentence suspended for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and Lee Burgess was jailed for two years and 10 months.

£35,925 has also been confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Burgess was the head of the empire, despite already being in prison for a previous offence of supplying Class A drug. Inquiries by police established he was still running the criminal enterprise through an illegal mobile phone smuggled into the prison, which he used to direct his brother Peter Burgess on how to run the family business.

Peter Burgess’ partner Sophie Allen was also involved in the supply of cannabis, and Brogan Dean – who is Lee Burgess’ partner – would collect the profits on their behalf.

On 11 January 2013, officers swooped on Dean’s home and found drugs paraphernalia along with £4,000 in cash in four bundles stashed in Dean’s bedroom. In the loft, a further £3,000 in bundles and a carrier bag stuffed with just shy of £30,000 in cash were seized.

Two months later, officers raided Peter Burgess’ home and discovered the remains of a cannabis farm in the loft as well as several thousand pounds worth of high purity cocaine and cutting agents.

Detective Constable Joe Harrop, from the Tameside Organised Crime Team, said: “This was truly a family firm. These four individuals formed the backbone of an organised crime group responsible for the production and distribution of cannabis in the Tameside area.

“It is clear from the volume of cash we recovered it was a lucrative enterprise and it was almost certainly the lure of easy money that persuaded Burgess to continue to pull the strings despite being locked up for dealing drugs.

“Unlike the vast majority of people who work for a living, these four simply wanted to line their own pockets producing and peddling drugs and I am delighted this operation has been exposed and they have been punished for their criminal behaviour.

“It must be galling for people in our community to see drug dealers like this who can’t be bothered to find honest work driving around in flash cars and enjoying the wealth criminality can bring so it’s a victory for our communities as much as anyone else to see these people brought down a peg or two.

“The Tameside Organised Crime Team works 24/7 to disrupt and dismantle the gangs that bring misery to the streets of our community and we will continue to target these criminal networks, using every available resource in our arsenal to bring them crashing down.

“Our message is clear – if you are involved in these crime groups in any way, we will be coming for you.”

Two men who carried out a robbery at a ‘Phones 4 U’ store wearing burkas have been jailed for a combined total of 10 years.

The men, both ex-employees of ‘Phones 4 U’ had been under investigation by the store for alleged misconduct matters. Sabek had resigned two months before and Khan a month before they carried out the robbery.

They were both sentenced today, Friday, 24 October, at Kingston Crown Court.

Mohammed Sabek, 27 (27.11.86) of Grosvenor Road, W4 has been jailed for five years.

Aneel Khan, 28 (22.07.86) of Gloucester Road, Kingston-upon-Thames has also been jailed for five years.

They were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to rob on Thursday, 16 October, following a trial at the same court.

Detective Constable John Baldwin, from Wandsworth CID, said: “Both Sabek and Khan are now facing a long jail sentence because they thought by wearing clothing to conceal their face and body they could commit crime and not be caught.

“What both of them failed to realise is that the Met will use specialist teams and equipment to catch and prosecute those responsible for such acts.

“I hope that these sentences serve as a reminder to anybody thinking of committing serious crimes, that sooner or later they will be serving a lengthy custodial sentence.”

The court heard how on 2 October 2012 at approximately 18:50hrs Sabek and Khan entered the ‘Phones 4 U’ store on Putney High Street, SW15 wearing burkas.

They approached a sales assistant who was serving a customer at the time, threatened him with a meat cleaver and instructed him to close the front door. They then demanded to see the manager and requested the keys to the store room.

The sales assistant, customer and the manager of the store were then forced into a locked cage area in the basement where they were tied up.

Sabek and Khan then loaded over £40,000 worth of phones, tablets, accessories and cash into suitcases. They threatened one of the victims to give a false statement to the police before stealing his ID card with his home address and left the store in a taxi back to Hounslow.

No one was injured during the robbery

Officers from Wandsworth CID established that an earlier attempt to rob the same store had been planned two days before.

On this occasion, Khan and Sabek decided not to go through with the robbery and they were caught on CCTV sitting inside a coffee shop with their disguises removed.

Following a lengthy and complex investigation, Sabek was arrested on Wednesday, 19 February. Khan was arrested the same day.

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Colette Paul today handed over a cheque for £364.06 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) after undertaking the Ice Bucket Challenge at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters in August.

The Chief’s challenge – which can still be viewed on YouTube – took place in front of 63 new officers who were taking part in their Passing Out parade. 58 of them had just completed their twenty week training course, while the remainder had joined earlier in the year and were already out on patrol. All the officers will be helping to deliver local policing across the county, bolstering operational capability and strengthening the frontline. An additional 36 recruits have also just arrived at Kempston Police Headquarters forming part of an on-going recruitment programme.

Chief Constable Paul was one of millions of people across the world who took up the challenge of being doused in ice cold water to raise awareness and funds for MNDA. In the UK a staggering £7 million has been raised for MNDA which will allow the charity to undertake a number of new initiates and research projects to help sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease.

Speaking about the challenge, Chief Constable Paul said: “I didn’t have to think twice when I was nominated to take the Ice Bucket Challenge as it is such a fantastic cause which has taken the world by storm and raised a huge amount of money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

“I was also keen to take part in memory of my friend and former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, John McDowall, who died in January 2012 after being diagnosed with the illness in 2008. John was a fantastic police officer, a great friend and a true gentleman who is sorely missed by all those who knew him and had the absolute pleasure of working with him.

“I hope that the contribution made by myself and others from Bedfordshire Police goes a long way in supporting both sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease and their families who also deal with this terrible illness.”

Rita Beaumont, North Bedfordshire Group Lead for the MNDA, said: “The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised a fantastic amount of money nationally for the charity as well as raising the profile of the organisation. The money has meant that new research to find a cure can be carried out while also offering assistance and support to carers and the families of those affected by the illness.

“Locally, donations such as this mean that we can offer group members a number of specialised trips or activities where their needs can be fully catered for. The money kindly raised by Chief Constable Colette Paul is going to be used by our group to pay for an extra special Christmas lunch and we thank everyone who has supported the Ice Bucket Challenge.”

You can watch Chief Constable Paul’s Ice Bucket Challenge by visiting http://youtu.be/U5SGvN6pcAk and if you wish to donate to MNDA then please visit their website www.mndassociation.org for information on how to do so.

The Tri-force Major Crime Unit has won the Investigation of the Year award for bringing serial killer Joanne Dennehy and her accomplices to justice.

The Operation Darcy/Dante investigation team from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit received the award from the Police Federation National Detective Forum (PFNDF) in Brighton yesterday (Thursday, October 23).

This was one of the largest investigations in recent times involving multiple murders, the disposal of bodies and a subsequent nationwide hunt.

Led by Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brunning and supervised by Detective Sergeants Andy Crocker and Mark Jinks, the team worked tirelessly throughout the cross-border investigation resulting in the arrest and prosecution of both Dennehy and her three male accomplices.

With more than 700 statements taken, nearly 400 officer reports filed and more than 80 taped interviews undertaken with witnesses – some vulnerable – and suspects, the meticulous attention to detail of all detectives involved played a significant part in securing Dennehy’s guilty plea pre-trial.

In February, Dennehy was sentenced to a whole life tariff without possibility of parole for three murders, concurrent life imprisonment for two attempted murders and 12 years for preventing burials of her victims, becoming the first female in British history to receive such a sentence direct from a judge.

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright said: “This is another example which demonstrates the importance of collaboration.

“The Operation Darcy/Dante team put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to make sure the offenders were brought to justice and the witnesses and victims were supported. We are proud to be able to recognise and reward their dedication with this award.”

Runners up for this year’s award included the South Wales Operation Globe investigation into Lost Prophets lead singer Ian Watkins and the West Midlands Operation Clockface counter-terrorism investigation.

Two men have been sentenced today (24^th October 2014) to over nine years at Carlisle Crown Court for possession with intent to supply £29,970 worth of drugs.

On 14^th August 2014, Dean Gee, aged 23, from Kinder Grove, Romiley, Stockport, and Liam Wilson, aged 21 from Linney Square, Wigan, were arrested in Workington following a stop check and search of their car. Police officers found cocaine, mephedrone, MDMA (ecstasy) tablets and powder, which totalled a street value of £29,970, all hidden in the car.

They both pleaded guilty on 1^st September 2014 to four offences of possession of drugs with intent to supply. Wilson was sentenced to five years and four months and Gee received a sentence of four years.

Sergeant Duncan Brooker, who led the investigation, said: “Wilson and Gee were arrested as a result of pro-active policing. Police officers were suspicious of their behaviour, stopped their car in Workington and found a substantial amount of drugs.

“The actions of those officers, PC Drysdale and PC Royle from the Operational Support Unit, prevented these drugs from hitting the streets of Cumbria and in turn deprived Gee and Wilson of their liberty.

“The supply and use of illegal drugs has an impact on certain communities within Cumbria and we will not allow this to go un-challenged. The sentence today hopefully sends a strong message that Cumbria Police are dedicated in targeting those responsible for the distribution and sale of drugs in Cumbria.”

Nine people have been charged as part of a Met Police and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit fraud and money laundering investigation.

Nine charged in fraud and money laundering investigation, 25, (25/04/1989) of Wiltshire Close, London SW3 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and fraud by false representation.

Khalid Benelbaida, 42, (23/04/1972) of Hazelmere Walk, Northolt, UB5 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, fraud by false representation and money laundering Section 327 Proceeds of Crime Act (S327 POCA).

Richard Rodgers, 29, (16/09/1985) of Dartmouth Close, London W11 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering S327 POCA.

Abdul Qasim, 20, (01/10/1994) of Tyne Street, E1 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering S327 POCA.

Ernest Kwesi Arthur, 21, (29/08/1993) of Sherwood Park Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering S327 POCA.

Said Rage, 26, (18/05/1988) of Queens Road, E17 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering S327 POCA.

Anil Arora, 54, (04/10/60) of Lyndhurst Road, Greenford, UB6 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and employ an adult subject to control who had not been granted leave to enter/remain in UK.

Jayeskumar Arvindbahai Patel, 40, (30/08/1974) of Sherrard Road, E7 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation

Georgiana Finch, 19, (25/04/1995) of Duddington Close, SE9 has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering S327 POCA.

Louis Henry, aged 21 (11/3/93) of no fixed address, has today, yesterday, 29 October,  charged with the murder of 25-year-old Olamide Fasina, in Bexley, on Tuesday, 14 October 2014.

He will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates Court today , 30 October.

A gang who posed in mobile phone photos with thousands of pounds of criminal money and illegal drugs have been sentenced yesterdcay, 29 October, at Isleworth Crown Court.

They are:

[A] Ahmed Mahomud, 20, (16/05/94) was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Supply Controlled Drugs between 18 March to 6 May 2014. His brother;

[B] Yousif Mahomud, 19, (26/04/95) was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment for being Concerned in the supply of Class B drugs

[C] Fouad Soussi, 20, (01/04/94) was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Supply Controlled Drugs between 18 March to 6 May 2014

[D] Sophian Chhayra, 23, (16/10/90) was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Supply Controlled Drugs between 18 March to 6 May 2014.

[E] Zakaria Chentouf, 24, (28/12/89) was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Supply Controlled Drugs between 18 March to 6 May 2014, possession of Class A drug and possessing Proceeds of Crime in the form of cash.

All five men, who are from north Kensington, pleaded guilty to the offences between mid to late September at the same court.

The five-strong gang, who ran a drugs ring in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, were arrested in May as a result of a long-term operation to target serious gang-related youth violence and dismantle drug dealing.

The operation – codenamed ‘Capulet’ – was set up in direct response to a five-month spate of violent assaults which began on 31 December 2013. Detectives quickly identified that those involved in were in the criminal fraternity. It also became apparent that the incidents – seven in total – were borne from territorial drugs issues between the men.

An intensive investigation, which was led by the CID at Kensington Police Station and supported by local partners, relied heavily on intelligence from the community and covert/overt tactics delivered over a five month period. This operation came to is penultimate day of action on 13 May, when officers conducted 18 dawn raids which included the homes of the five men.

Large quantities of class A and B drugs and cash money were seized along with mobile phones.

Detective Constable Helen Lomas said: “These convictions are a real win for the communities of Kensington and Chelsea and its residents who have been blighted by the intolerable annoyance of this gang. This investigation overcame some major hurdles, particularly because there was a continued wall of silence and nobody willing to come forward and speak to police about the spate of linked violence earlier this year.

“By securing the best evidence available with the help of the community, we have been able to bring this gang to justice. These individuals used their mobile phone cameras to gloat about their success in illegal trade – this pride helped secure their undoing, and these photos provided compelling evidence at court.”

+ Four men have been previously sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on 12 September in relation to this operation. They are;

[F] Liam Hodge, 23 (22/05/91) of Notting Hill, sentenced to two years imprisonment for two counts of Inflicting / wounding Grievous Bodily Harm and 18 months for possession of an offensive weapon (knife) in public.

Sentences to run concurrently.

[G] Dominic Joseph, 21 (04/10/92) of Westminster, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for Inflicting / wounding GBH and 12 months for possessing of an offensive weapon in public.
Sentences to run concurrently.

[H] Paul Hewitt, 22, (22/09/92) of Westminster, sentenced to community order of 12 months for Section 4 Public Order – Using behaviour with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence

[I] Jahmal Medor-Daley, 20 (24/01/94) of Westminster, sentenced to a community order 12 months and unpaid work requirement of 120 hours for Section 4 Public Order – Using behaviour with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence.

Police are investigating after a Landrover was driven into a shop and then set on fire, in South Manchester.

Shortly after 1am on Thursday 30 October 2014 police were called to the Co-op in Brooklands, and when emergency services attended they found that a green Landrover Discovery had been deliberately reversed into the shop front.

Firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze, which has caused significant damage to the front of the shop.

Police believe the Landrover was stolen and the offenders deliberately used it to damage the shutters before burgling the shop, and then set the Landrover on fire and fled the scene.

There were no reports of any injuries and police are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Inspector John Harris of South Manchester division said: “We believe the Landrover was stolen and the offenders used it to smash the shop shutters in a bid to get inside.

“Using a vehicle to cause significant damage to the shop, and then setting it alight is very serious and it is just fortunate that no-one was outside the shop at the time, as the consequences could have been severe.

“I would urge anybody who saw a green Landrover in the Brooklands area at that time or has any information about the incident to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call police at Wythenshawe on 0161 856 4882, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Up to £100,000 in cash and quantities of cocaine have been seized by police in Tameside.

This morning, 30 October 2014, officers from the Tameside Organised Crime Team swooped on a number of addresses in the Dukinfield and Ashton-under-Lyne areas.

From properties in the Ashton and Stalybridge areas, officers seized large amounts of cocaine.

Split across the addresses, police also recovered up to £100,000 in cash.

A 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and a 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and all three remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Constable Joe Harrop said: “These warrants follow an investigation into the supply of cocaine on our streets, and what we recovered shows it was clearly a lucrative criminal enterprise for all those involved. We have made three arrests and our inquiries will continue until we uncover everyone involved.

“I hope these seizures send a message to everyone in Tameside that we will not discriminate when it comes to targeting those involved in drugs – whether it be those buying drugs, dealers or those at the very top of the tree. Everyone involved in this network of drugs plays their part and we will do everything in our power to bring them all to justice.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal directly to the people of Tameside that if they have information about people dealing drugs in their area, that they come forward and tell us.”

Seven people have been jailed after holding two men hostage and threatening them with an arsenal of weapons, including an iron, a hammer, and knives.

Fateh Kashief Ahmed (12/12/66) of Alms Hill Road, Cheetham Hill
Shakoor Ahmed Butt (1/7/79) of Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill
Shazwan Ashraf (22/4/83) of Kelvin Grove, Cheetham Hill
Tariq Dhamial (19/7/60) of Glanford Avenue, Blackley
Ghulam Ali (29/1/81) of Heywood Street, Cheetham Hill
Abdul Zubair Qadus (7/7/81) of Bowker Street Salford and
Mohammed Khateer Ali (20/10/83) all pleaded guilty to two counts of false imprisonment.

Today, Thursday 30th October 2014, Tariq Dhamial was sentenced at Manchester Crown Square Court to four years in prison for each count of false imprisonment, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Fateh Kashief Ahmed, Shakoor Ahmed Butt, Shazwan Ashraf, Ghulam Ali and Abdul Zubair Qadus were all sentenced to 32 months for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Mohammed Khateer Ali was sentenced to 27 months for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

It relates to an incident on Thursday 1 May 2014, when the two victims met with Tariq Dhamial and were taken to a house on Wordsworth Avenue, Cheetham Hill, on the understanding that they were going to complete the sale of a house.

When they arrived at the address, however, they were confronted by five of the offenders. The two victims were recognised from a previous house sale, which the offenders believed to be fraudulent. The offenders then became confrontational and demanded money from both victims. Other men arrived and the victims were threatened with a hammer, a knife, a hot iron and were also physically assaulted

The group took the wallet, watch, bracelet, phone and keys from one of the victims and threatened to assault both of them if they didn’t pay the money.

Both victims were forced to ring their wives and arrange the transfer of £5000 and £9000 into two of the offender’s bank accounts. When they spoke to their wives they told them they were being held hostage.

The men were held overnight and later that day the police arrived at the address and arrested five of the offenders. The other two men were arrested within a matter of days.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “The victims were severely beaten and threatened for money that the offenders believed was owed to them from a previous fraud.

“A separate investigation is being conducted in relation to the fraudulent activities of the two victims, but unfortunately the offenders in this case decided to take matters into their own hands and inflict violence upon the victims.

“They kept the two victims prisoner for a couple of days and this was clearly a terrifying experience for both men, but today justice has been done.”

Anyone who has been a victim of crime can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Ian Hanson, chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, responding to today’s report on protecting children from Ann Coffey MP said:

“The abuse or exploitation of any child is appalling and our hard working members do everything within their powers to stop this happening.

“However I think there has to be a degree of realism injected into the current debate on child protection as to exactly the difficulties police officers have to overcome when trying to bring matters before the courts.

“It is grossly unfair that both the organisation and our police officer members collectively are singled out and blamed by some for what is a failure of the whole system.

“We expect officers to build relationships with victims in the most difficult circumstances imaginable in a fraction of the time where often the education and social care system has failed to do so.

“Given we work in law enforcement, we then catapult these young, vulnerable people into the criminal justice system.

“Rather than some people apportioning blame to one group of professionals doing their best with the odds stacked against them and balancing increased demand against diminishing resources, we as a society now must take a step back and look at the whole process from beginning to end.

“Only when we understand the whole problem and the challenges involved will society start to deal with those issues.”

An investigation has been launched after a man was taken to hospital following a shooting in Handsworth this afternoon (30 Oct).

Emergency services were called to Holliday Road, at the junction with Marrowfat Lane, at 4.15pm after gun shots were fired outside an address.

The man was taken to a Birmingham hospital with a gunshot wound to the legs. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Detective Inspector Phil Asquith, from Force CID, said: “Detectives and local officers are currently at the scene as we launch a full inquiry into this afternoon’s events.

“Thankfully the man’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening, however we obviously need to trace those who find it acceptable to carry and use a loaded firearms on the streets of the West Midlands.

“We urge anyone who was in the area and may have seen the crime, or anyone leaving the scene, to contact us as soon as they can.”

Police urge anyone with information to contact Force CID in Birmingham by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Holliday Road and surrounding streets are currently closed while police forensically examine the scene.