Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association Week ending 25th August 2019 News & Appeals

Latest Cheshire News

Warrington man dies after falling ill at Creamfields A 19-year-old man has died after falling ill at the Creamfields dance music festival.

At around 12.15am on Saturday 24 August police were notified by medical staff at the Daresbury site that the man from required medical attention. He had been seen looking unwell by security staff patrolling the site. They informed on-site medical staff, who took the man to a nearby medical tent to be assessed by a doctor. He was then taken to Warrington District General Hospital via an ambulance. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone concerned, the man has since died at the hospital. His family are aware and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Detective Inspector Alistair Hinze said: “There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. A file will prepared for the coroner and our thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult time.”

A Creamfields spokesperson added: “We are deeply saddened to hear of this tragic accident. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones and we continue to work closely with the authorities.”

Ellesmere Port drug dealer jailed A county lines drug dealer has been jailed after concealing almost 100 wraps of class A drugs in his underpants.

Curtis Doyle appeared at Crown Court earlier today, Friday 23 August, where he was sentenced to three years in prison. The 26-year-old, of Deysbrook Lane. Liverpool, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin).

The court heard that Doyle’s offending came to light when a black Jeep Cherokee being driven by him was stopped by officers on the M53 in on Friday 10 August. During an initial search of the vehicle offices discovered a quantity of cannabis. A subsequent roadside drugs test revealed that Doyle was over the drug drive limit. He was arrested and taken into custody, where officers discovered that he had concealed a large package of drugs in his underpants. Subsequent enquiries revealed that the package contained 92 wraps of cocaine and heroin and had a total street value of almost £1,000. The wraps were packaged into batches of 9, 10 or 11 wraps, ready to be sold onto other dealers and drug users. Two mobile phones were also seized during Doyle’s arrest. Forensic analysis of the phones showed him to be involved in the supply of class A drugs in the Ellesmere Port area.

Police Constable Chris Swash, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit (LPU), said: “Throughout this investigation it has been clear that Doyle was acting as a county lines drug dealer. He was involved in the transportation of illegal drugs from Merseyside into Cheshire to sell onto other dealers and addicts in the Ellesmere Port area. Thankfully we were able to catch him in the act and seized a large quantity of class A drugs which were destined for the streets of Ellesmere Port. Removing those involved in class A drug dealing from our communities is of paramount importance as they have a hugely detrimental impact, causing widespread misery. I hope that the sentence handed to Doyle reaffirms the message that drug dealing in Ellesmere Port and the wider Cheshire area will not be tolerated. I also hope that it deters others from getting involved in the supply of illegal drugs.”

Residents are urged to report drug dealing by calling on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be provided by emailing https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries .

To understand how to spot the signs of vulnerability and to find out how to protect your community from serious and organised crime please visit the Serious and Organised crime section of the Cheshire Constabulary website.

Update – Man charged following burglary at a shop in A man arrested following a burglary at a shop in Widnes town centre has been charged. Christopher Dennett was arrested on Thursday 22 August following a break-in at a shop on Albert Square. The 38-year-old has since been charged with burglary other than a dwelling, assault of an emergency services worker and use of threatening and abusive language. He has been released on conditional bail and is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 26 September.

Man charged with attempt murder following serious assault in Ellesmere Port A 52-year-old man has been charged following a serious assault in Ellesmere Port. Wayne Hill, who is from Ellesmere Port but has recently been living on London Road in , was arrested in Penistone Drive, Little Sutton, at around 10.45pm on Tuesday 20 August. A short time earlier a 78-year-old local woman sustained serious injuries following an incident in Penistone Drive. The 78-year-old victim was taken to hospital via an ambulance, where she remains in a stable condition. Hill has been charged with attempt murder in connection with the incident. He appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 23 August. Hill was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Chester Crown Court on Friday 20 September.

Tribute to mum-of-four killed in The family of a mum-of-four who was killed in Handforth at the weekend have paid tribute to her.

Pamela Ann Mellor’s body was found by officers at an address on Meriton Road shortly before 4am on Sunday 18 August. The 55-year-old was a mum of four adult children. Her family are being supported by specialist officers and have issued the following tribute: “Our loving mum Pamela Ann Mellor was a caring, gentle soul who was well known and loved within the community. Our mum would contact us daily and ensured that we were always put first. She will be truly missed and will forever be in our hearts.”

Matthew Bolland, of Budworth Walk, , has been charged with murdering Pamela. The 43-year-old man appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 21 August. He has been remanded in custody and is set to return to the court on Monday 7 October. Bolland is one of two men who were arrested on suspicion of murdering Pamela. The other, a 51-year-old from Wilmslow, has been released under investigation pending further enquiries. No further action is being regarding a 57-year-old man from Handforth who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Man charged after firearms stolen in burglary A man from Congleton has been charged in connection with a burglary in the town in which firearms were stolen. Adam Pass, of Woolston Avenue, was arrested in Rope Walk, Congleton, at around 10.20am on Wednesday 21 August. The 46-year-old has since been charged with burglary and possessing a firearm when prohibited to do so for life. The charges relate to a burglary in Brookhouse Lane in Congleton in which weapons were stolen. All of the weapons that were stolen during the burglary, which occurred overnight on Tuesday 20 August, have since been recovered by the police. Pass appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 22 August. He was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 19 September. A 37-year-old woman from Congleton who was also arrested in Rope Walk shortly before 10.30am yesterday, Wednesday 21 August, in connection with the stolen firearms has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Man charged with assaulting two police officers Officers have charged a man after two police officers were assaulted in Widnes. Lee Dyas, of Squires Avenue, Widnes, was arrested on Tuesday 20 August following an incident of Scott Avenue. During the incident two officers sustained minor injuries. The 19-year-old has subsequently been charged with two counts of assaulting emergency services workers and one count of resisting arrest. Dyas has been released on bail and is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 26 September.

Man sentenced to 12 years after conspiring to rob Tarvin farm A man, who worked alongside two others, to steal £16,000 worth of goods from a farm in Tarvin following a grudge with the owner have been sentenced.

Theo Constantinou, aged 64, of Houghtons Lane in Eccleston was sentenced to 12 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 14 August. Michael Allen, aged 55, of Windle Street in St Helens and Mark Bennett, aged 48, of Rodney Street in St Helens both pleaded guilty to robbery on 24 July 2017 and were each sentenced to nine years.

At 7.30pm on Saturday 11 February 2017 Allen and Bennett, wearing masks to conceal their identity, forced their way into the farm and assaulted a man and a woman inside. The assault left the man with life changing injuries. The men ransacked the property, stealing numerous items before fleeing the scene in a Toyota. On the same day, the Toyota used as the getaway vehicle was later found abandoned in St Helens having been set on fire. Police were able to identify Bennett through DNA found on his mask after he dropped it while leaving the scene. Following Bennett’s arrest, officers seized his phone with records showing he was in close contact with Allen who was subsequently arrested. The court heard how the men were in close contact with each other between 1 January and 17 February in the run up to the robbery. It is during this period where they conspired to plan their crime. On sentencing Constantinou, Judge Simon Berkson said it was the meticulous police work carried out by Chester CID that led to the exposure of the conspiracy.

Detective Constable Steve Owens, of Chester Local Policing Unit, said: “Constantinou was the man behind coordinating this robbery which led to one of the victims receiving life changing injuries over what I would describe as a minor civil dispute. It is down to the commitment of officers working on this case who found significant evidence, which left Allen and Bennett with no choice but to plead guilty. It has been a sad case but ultimately justice has been served and the judge has handed those involved significant sentences which reflect their crime.”

Two men jailed following crime spree Two men have been jailed following a crime spree in Middlewich.

It began when Tyler Kerr entered the house of a 67-year-old man he knows in Seddon Street as the victim slept between 11am and 12 midnight on Friday 21 June. The 21-year-old then assaulted the victim and stole some of his belongings. He fled in the victim’s car parked outside after taking his keys. Kerr returned the car undamaged several hours later but took it again after breaking into the victim’s home as he slept at around 10.45pm on Tuesday 26 June. The following morning a member of the public reported finding the car with front end damage and the keys in the ignition a short distance away from the victim’s home. The report led to the police becoming aware of Kerr’s offending and attempts were made to locate and arrest him. Aware that the police were looking for him, Kerr then stole a fishing rod from a 22-year-old man from Middlewich who was fishing near Lewin Street shortly after 9.30pm on Thursday 27 June. When the victim requested his fishing rod back he was threatened by a friend of Kerr’s, Liam Vincent. The 18-year-old pulled a flick knife out of his pocket and moved towards the victim with it in a threatening manner. As the victim ran away Kerr and Vincent spent a few minutes fishing with the stolen rod before heading to a Shell garage on the A54 Road. Once inside the petrol station Kerr lit a cigarette. When a petrol station worker told him that he was not allowed to smoke there he jumped over the counter and stole a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of vodka. The pair then fled the scene.

Officers looking for Kerr and Vincent arrested them both in West Avenue, Middlewich, later that night. Whilst in the back of a police car Kerr spat on an officer who had opened one of its doors to speak to him. Kerr, High Street, , was subsequently charged with robbery, burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, taking a motor vehicle without consent, theft and assaulting an emergency service worker. Vincent, of Long Lane, Middlewich, was charged with threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place and breaching a Criminal Behavior Order (CB0). The pair pleaded guilty to their respective charges and were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 13 August. Kerr was jailed for nine years and one month and Vincent was sentenced to 15 months in a young offenders’ institute.

Detective Constable Kieran Heathcote, who led the investigation into the crime spree, said: “Kerr, and to a lesser extent Vincent, acted as though the law does not apply to them, committing several offences between them in a short period of time. I am delighted that they have now been brought to justice. This case and the sentences imposed by Chester Crown Court highlights how seriously the police and the criminal justice system treats offenders who act with such disregard for the law. I hope that the sentences handed out brings closure for the victims of this case and deters others from committing such offences. Kerr and Vincent will have plenty of time to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the streets of Middlewich will be safer in their absence.”

Man arrested following serious assault in Ellesmere Port A man has been arrested following a serious assault in Ellesmere Port.

At around 10.30pm yesterday, Tuesday 20 August, police received a report of an altercation involving a man and a woman at Penistone Drive in Little Sutton. Officers attended the scene and discovered that the local woman had sustained serious injuries. The 78-year-old was taken to hospital via an ambulance. She is currently in a stable condition. A 52-year-old local man was arrested at the scene in connection with the assault. He is currently in custody being questioned by detectives.

Detective Inspector Stuart York said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation into the incident and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what has happened. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other information that may aid our investigation is urged to get in touch.”

Inspector Ian Stead, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, added: “I would like to reassure local residents that this appears to be an isolated incident. Additional patrols are in the area to provide reassurance and anyone with any concerns is asked to speak to an officer.”

Anyone with any information regarding the incident, no matter how small, should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 491422. Information can also be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Former officer guilty of gross misconduct A former Cheshire Constabulary officer has been found to have a case to answer for gross misconduct for misusing force systems and sharing an inappropriate video of himself.

Patrick Campbell, a former police constable based in Chester, was due to attend a misconduct hearing on Thursday 8 August in relation to a number of allegations against him. However, the 35-year-old resigned from the force on Wednesday 3 July and chose not to participate in the misconduct hearing. Despite his resignation, the hearing went ahead and Mr Campbell was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour regarding confidentiality and discreditable conduct. The outcome means that Mr Campbell has now been added to the College of Policing Barred List, meaning he will prevented from working in law enforcement in the future. The misconduct panel stated that had Mr Campbell still been a serving police officer he would have been dismissed without notice.

The accusations against Patrick Campbell, who became an officer on 2015, came to light in September 2018 when an inappropriate video of him in full uniform was found on his mobile phone. The allegations were reported to the Professional Standards Department at Cheshire Constabulary and Patrick Campbell was placed on restricted duties while an investigation was conducted. During the investigation it was established that, in addition to the video, Patrick Campbell had abused his position as a police officer by misusing police systems in order to find out personal information about women he was talking to on dating apps. In some cases he even told the women he was speaking to that he knew where they lived, which caused them genuine fear and distress. He was also found to have taken a photograph at the scene of a collision and shared the image with a woman he had met through an app.

Detective Superintendent Chris Warren, Head of the Professional Standards Department, said: “Police officers are placed in a position of trust and there are clear guidelines about the standards expected from them, including their responsibilities in relation to accessing and sharing police information. Patrick Campbell was well aware of these standards. Sadly, he chose to ignore them and blatantly misused police systems to gain personal information. His personal behaviour was totally inappropriate for a serving police officer. While he resigned before the misconduct hearing took place and admitted his guilt to some of the allegations that does not in any way excuse his behaviour. Nor does it reduce the impact it had on his victims. I hope that the outcome of the hearing reassures the public that we take any concerns regarding the behaviour of officers extremely seriously and staff in these circumstances cannot seek to avoid being held to account by simply resigning from their roles.”

Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “It is essential that the people of Cheshire have both confidence and trust in the service we deliver. We actively promote the highest standards of personal and professional behaviour and integrity to all officers and staff. I want to ensure that anyone who turns to us for help or who finds themselves in need of our assistance can be completely confident that they will be treated with the courtesy, respect and professionalism they deserve. Unfortunately, in this case Mr Campbell’s behaviour fell well below the level expected of a serving officer and he grossly undermined the privileged position that his role as a member of Cheshire Constabulary demands and expects.”

Anyone who wishes to make a complaint, or compliment, about the service that they have received from Cheshire Constabulary can contact the Professional Standards Department on 101, or by emailing [email protected]

Runcorn man charged with class A and B drug offences An 18-year-old man from has been charged with drug offences. Lewis Bates was arrested in Grangemoor in the town at around 10.15am yesterday, Monday 19 August, after being stopped and searched by officers. He has since been charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug (MDMA) and possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis). Bates, of Grangemoor, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court today, Tuesday 20 August. He was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 17 September.

Call for vigilance following spate of thefts in south Warrington Officers are urging people who live in south Warrington to be vigilant following a spate of thefts.

Thieves have been targeting residents’ sheds and vehicles in the , and areas. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of thefts reported in those areas since the start of the month. Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing as officers attempt to identity the offenders and make them face the consequences of their actions. They are urging anyone with information about recent thefts in south Warrington to come forward and are appealing for residents to take action to reduce their chances of becoming victims.

Police Constable Wendy Whitehead, Beat Manager for the Stockton Heath, Grappenhall and Thelwall areas at Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “There has been an increase in the number of thieves gaining access to sheds, vehicles and homes in the areas over the past few weeks. Bikes have been stolen from sheds and items have been stolen from vehicles. Vehicles themselves have also been stolen, including after the keys were taken from the owner’s home. The public can aid our fight against such crimes by contacting us if they have any information in relation to them, or if they see any thefts or burglaries being carried out or anyone acting suspiciously in their area. Information in relation to anyone carrying out, or suspected to be carrying out, such crimes will also be gratefully received. Residents can also help us and themselves by making it as difficult as possible for criminals to enter their outbuildings, vehicles and homes and steal their belongings. They can do this by following our crime avoidance advice.”

The force’s tips for deterring would-be thieves and burglars include: Homes and vehicles  Ensure that all windows are closed and doors are locked at your property, even when you are at home or in the garden

 Never leave your house keys, car keys, purse or wallet on display near a door or window

 Use the security measures on modern windows which allow them to let some air in but still be locked

 Keep all valuables out of sight of prying eyes

 If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors)

 Fit mortise locks (Kitemarked BS3621) to all front and back doors, as well as locks to all windows which are easy to reach

 Have a burglar alarm fitted at your home, but make sure that it is installed properly and works

 Use security devices, such as steering locks, to keep vehicles secure

 Park vehicles in well-lit areas and never leave them unlocked or with windows down

 Tools and other items of value should never be left in full view and should not be kept inside a vehicle overnight wherever possible

 If your vehicle does not have an alarm, get one fitted by a professional so that you and anyone nearby will be alerted to a break-in. Outbuildings  Never leave a garage, shed or other outbuilding unlocked and easy prey for opportunist thieves

 Fit strong padlocks to outbuilding doors and make sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in

 Good external security lighting can put off or draw attention to a thief – the most appropriate form is high efficiency low energy lighting controlled by a dusk-to-dawn switch so that it only comes on when it is dark

 If you have external security lighting that comes on when sensing movement, make sure that the lights are directed downwards to prevent them from being annoying to neighbours and dangerous to passing traffic

 Strong fencing or gates will make it difficult for intruders to get onto your land

 Solid fences or walls, particularly those with a flat or rounded top, are relatively easy for a thief/burglar to climb over – fixing trellising to the top can make it more difficult

 Check for weak spots where a thief could get onto your land, such as a low or sagging fence or a back gate with a weak lock

 A thorny hedge along the boundary of your property can put thieves off, as can gravel areas due to the noise of walking on them. Anyone with information about a theft or burglary incident should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wilmslow man charged with murder following discovery of a body in Handforth A 43-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a body in Handforth.

Matthew Bolland, of Budworth Walk, Wilmslow, was arrested in Weaverham Way, Handforth, at around 4am on Sunday 18 August. Shortly before he was arrested officers found a woman’s body at an address on Meriton Road in Handforth. She has subsequently been identified as Pamela Ann Mellor, of Stoneyfold Lane, Bosley, near . The 55-year-old was a mum-of-four adult children. Her family have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.

Bolland appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 21 August. He has been remanded in custody and is set to return to the court on Monday 7 October. A 51-year-old man from Wilmslow was also arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries. No further action will be taken regarding a 57-year-old man from Handforth who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Cheshire Constabulary to trial new online portal for shops and businesses Cheshire Constabulary is set to trial a new scheme which allows shops and businesses, which have been victims of crime, to easily upload evidence straight the police website.

The pilot launches on Wednesday 21 August and businesses in and Widnes benefit from the scheme – and if successful, will see a county-wide roll out. The new system will allow shops and businesses to upload CCTV and witness statements straight to an online portal via the police website. It will make the process of retrieving this information simpler and more efficient, providing cost savings for both businesses and the Constabulary. The Initial Investigation Team within the Constabulary’s public contact will use the portal to assess the quality of CCTV and progress the investigation accordingly - ensuring businesses are updated throughout.

Inspector Alex Cairns said: “Previously when a business has reported a crime to police where there was CCTV or other footage of the incident, we would have to send someone to physically collect the material and take a witness statement. The new online portal really will make a significant difference to the efficiency of investigating these crimes. The evidence can be uploaded and viewed at a convenient time for both the business and the police – freeing up officers time to spend more time in their communities making Cheshire even safer.”

When a crime is reported, businesses will be sent a link to the online portal where they can then submit their evidence, they will also be sent a guide on how to complete their submission.

Latest Cheshire Appeals

CCTV images released of missing man from Officers looking for a missing man from Northwich have released CCTV images showing the clothes the 50- year-old was wearing when he was last seen.

Michael Anthony Wardle, known locally as Tony, was last seen leaving The Pheasant Inn in Higher Burwardsley near Tattenhall, where he had stayed overnight. When he left the pub at around 6.50am on Monday 19 August Tony was wearing a bright blue waterproof jacket, a grey shirt, green/khaki shorts and white trainers with a black Nike tick logo and was carrying a distinctive red walking rucksack. Police searches for Tony – who is white, around 5’ 10” tall with a slim build and has short brown/ grey hair – remain ongoing. He lives in the Cuddington area of Northwich and also has links to Winsford and Crewe. Since he went missing his car has been found at The Bickerton Poacher pub car park on Wrexham Road in Bulkeley, near Malpas.

Detective Sergeant Rob Astbury, of Northwich CID, said: “It has now been several days since Tony was last seen and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare. We have released CCTV images showing what Tony was wearing when he was at The Pheasant Inn, the last place he was seen, in the hope that it facilitates reports of sightings of him since he went missing. If you think that you see Tony, or have seen him since the early hours of Monday 19 August, please get in touch. The same goes for anyone who thinks that they see, or have seen, items of clothing he was wearing or the red rucksack he was carrying that day. Tony is a keen runner and the area he was last seen in and the area where his car was found are often used by people out running or walking. I urge anyone who is out in those areas to keep an eye out for Tony and the clothes he was last seen in and the rucksack he was carrying. I would also like to appeal directly to Tony to get in touch to let us, and your family, know that you are safe.”

Anyone with any information in relation to Tony’s whereabouts is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 490688.

Appeal following attempted robbery at Ellesmere Port bookmakers Detectives are appealing for information from the public following an attempted robbery at a bookmakers in Ellesmere Port.

At around 6.30pm on Thursday 22 August an unknown man entered William Hill bookmakers on Station Road. The man walked up to the counter and passed an employee behind it a note claiming that he was armed with a gun and ordering them to empty the safe. No weapons were seen and the employee refused to hand over any money. The offender then left the bookmakers in an unknown direction. He is described between 40 and 55 years old, approximately 6’ 2” tall with a slim build with a gaunt face. The offender was wearing a long-sleeved green coat, dark bottoms, black sunglasses and a dark-coloured peaked Nike cap.He also had a blue cast on his right leg.

Detective Constable John Ellis, of Ellesmere Port CID, said: “While the offender fled empty handed, the employee that he demanded money from has been left extremely shaken up. I would like to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we can to identify the man responsible and bring him to justice. As part of our investigation into the incident want to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time it occurred and believes they may have witnessed something that may be relevant to our enquiries. I also want to hear from motorists with dashcams who were driving on Station Road between 6pm and 7pm on Thursday 22 August. If you think that you have any information that could help our investigation, no matter how small, please call the team here at Ellesmere Port CID on 101.”

Anyone with information that may be relevant to the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 493013, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage .

Appeal for witnesses after youths assault vulnerable man in Blacon Police in Chester are appealing for witnesses after a group of youths assaulted a vulnerable man.

At 9.15pm on Wednesday 21 August around six youngsters, believed to be aged in their mid to late teens, were causing anti-social behaviour on Graham Road, Blacon by repeatedly knocking on the door of a house and then running away. A 67-year-old man confronted the youths and he was assaulted. He received injuries to his face and head which required hospital treatment.

PC Dan Saxon, from Chester Local Policing Unit, said: “The behaviour of these youths not only caused distress to the family at this address but they have also attacked a vulnerable man who was trying to protect his family and his home. We have been conducting house-to-house as part of our enquiries and we are stepping up patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community. It may seem like fun to these youths but we do not treat it that way and with help from the community we will be doing everything we can to find those responsible. I would encourage anyone who may have seen a group of youths in the area around this time to get in touch with us. Also, if you have noticed any acts of anti-social behaviour in your area please speak to an officer.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 492299, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or information can be submitted through the force’s website.

Appeal to trace Warrington man wanted in-connection with driving offences Officers from Warrington Local Policing Unit are appealing to the public to help trace a wanted man who was living in the Orford area.

David Graham, of Mardale Avenue, is wanted for failing to appear at court for driving offences and being in possession of a knife. The 32-year-old is originally from Glasgow and is known to frequent Warrington town centre, the Padgate area but also still has links to Scotland. Graham is described as white, approximately 5’ 8” tall, of a proportionate build, with blue eyes and short light coloured hair. Anyone who sees Graham or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 474696. Information can also be reported using our website https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Appeal to find missing man from Northwich Officers are appealing to the public to help locate a missing man from Northwich.

Michael Anthony Wardle, known locally as Tony, lives in the Cuddington area of the town. The 50-year-old also has links to the Winsford and Crewe areas. He was reported missing by a family member on Tuesday 20 August. Tony was last seen at approximately 6.50am on Monday 19 August, at the Pheasant pub near Tattenhall. His car has since been found near to the Bickerton Poacher and searches to locate him are currently ongoing. Tony is described as white, around 5’ 10” tall with a slim build and short brown/grey hair.

Chief Inspector Fez Khan said: “It has been over 24 hours since Tony was last seen and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare. He was last seen in the Bickerton area, which is often used by people out walking. I urge anyone who is out in the area to keep an eye out for Tony. I would also like to appeal directly to Tony to get in touch to let us, and your family, know that you are safe.”

Anyone with any information in relation to Tony’s whereabouts is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting incident IML 490688.

Appeal for information after burglary at Widnes pub days after landlord murdered Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after heartless thieves targeted a pub in Widnes just days after its landlord was murdered.

Some time between 6pm on Friday 16 August and lunchtime on Sunday 18 August unknown offenders broke into the Hammer and Pincer public house on Liverpool Road. Once inside they searched the pub and stole a quantity of cash from fruit machines and the staff tip jar. The offenders also took the keys to a van parked outside the premises. The vehicle belonged to landlord Christian Thornton, who was tragically murdered on Sunday 11 August. The white Ford Transit has since been found abandoned on Cherry Sutton, Widnes. The burglary came to light when Christian’s family visited the pub after discovering his van had been found abandoned.

Detective Sergeant Roberts, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “To burgle a pub just days after its landlord was murdered is quite simply sickening. Christian’s family have been left devastated by his death and the last thing they needed was to find out that the pub, to which he had devoted the last 16 years of his life, had been targeted by callous thieves. Following Christian’s death there has been an outpouring of grief from the local community and I am now appealing to them for any information which may help in our investigation. I would like to hear from anyone who believes that they have seen anyone acting suspiciously near to the Hammer and Pincer on Friday 16 or Saturday 17 August. I also want to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen Christian’s van, a white Ford Transit Connect with a distinctive large red poppy on the front, being driven around. I urge anyone with any footage or information that may be relevant to our investigation, no matter how small, to get in touch with the team here at Widnes.” A 36-year-old local man has since been arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Roberts, added: “This is very much an ongoing investigation and we request that the public remain patient and allow us to conduct our enquiries to ensure the people responsible are brought to justice.”

Anyone with information that may aid detectives with their investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 489972, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.

A 36-year-old local man has since been arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Appeal following robbery at Ellesmere Port convenience store Detectives are urging witnesses to come forward following a robbery at a convenience store in Ellesmere Port.

At around 10.00pm, on Sunday 18 August, two unknown men approached the Go Local Store on Princes Road. One of the men waited outside, while the second man entered the shop and approached the store worker, who was in the process of closing. The man then threatened the woman and demanded that she opened the safe, he then stole a quantity of cash. Both of the men then left the store on foot, travelling along Princes Road in the direction of Overpool Road.

The offender who entered the store is described as a man, around 5’ 10” tall. He was wearing a grey top, black bottom and white trainers. He also had a skull mask which covered his face. The offender who waited outside is described as a man of average build. He was wearing dark trousers, black and white trainers and a black North Face jacket, with his hood up covering his face.

Detective Constable Phill Hunt said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the store worker and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the men responsible. The investigation is currently in the very early stages and we are following a number of lines of enquiry. As part this I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and witnessed anything that may be relevant to our investigation. I would also like to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen the offenders after they fled the store and ran down Princes Road towards Overpool Road. The same goes for any motorists with a dashcam who were driving in the area around the time of the incident and believes that they may have footage of the offenders. I urge anyone with any footage or information that may be relevant, no matter how small, to get in touch with the team here at Ellesmere Port.”

Anyone with information that may aid detectives with their investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 489592, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage .

Appeal for information following suspicious activity on Wigg Island Police are appealing for information from the public after multiple reports of suspicious activity on Wigg Island.

The first incident occurred on Tuesday 16th July at approximately 11:45am, a man in his 60’s exposed himself to a woman in her 80s as she walked her dog along a path heading towards the Mersey Gateway. Then, at approximately 12pm on Tuesday 13 August, a man was walking on the opposite side of the canal with his dog when he spotted a man in his 60’s behaving inappropriately in the same area as he first incident. The suspect is described as being in his 50s or 60s with grey hair and approximately 5' 6" to 5' 7" tall. He was last seen wearing a green PVC jacket, green baseball cap and brown loafers. A part of the investigation officers are appealing for the help of the public to help establish the movements of the suspect before and after the offences. They would also like to hear from anyone who believes they may have been approached by the suspect in similar circumstances while walking on Wigg Island or around this area.

Any further sightings or information in relation to the suspect can be reported to Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 457760. Information can also be passed anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To find out further information about the Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association, to log into your account or for Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Literature please visit our website: http://cheshire.ourwatch.org.uk/