Latest news with #Oldham
The Independent
an hour ago
- General
- The Independent
Nearly 300 historic child grooming gang cases to be looked at again
Hundreds of historic child sex abuse cases could be re-opened after police forces carried out reviews ordered by the Home Secretary to tackle grooming gangs. Some 287 closed cases have been identified so far by police to be looked at again by a national task force on child sexual exploitation, Yvette Cooper told a committee of MPs on Tuesday. In January, the Home Secretary urged chief constables in England and Wales to reopen cold case investigations, as she also announced a rapid review by Baroness Casey to look at the nature and scale of gang-based exploitation across the country. Ms Cooper has also vowed for at least five local inquiries to take place, including in Oldham, Greater Manchester where work is 'under way already'. The series of announcements to tackle child grooming gangs came as the Government faced pressure over the issue, including criticism from billionaire X owner Elon Musk. Ms Cooper told the Home Affairs Select Committee half of police forces have reported back to the Home Office after reviewing past investigations. 'As you will know, I have also always said the most important thing is to get perpetrators behind bars and to make sure that they face justice for these horrendous crimes,' she said. 'I did ask all police forces to review historic cases. 'We've asked them to review cases that were closed, where no further action was taken and where there are cases, to then work with the police child sexual exploitation task force … which has considerable expertise, to then review those cases and to look to reopen and pursue any new lines of inquiry that have not been properly pursued.' Of half of the forces who have reported back, she said: 'For those forces, 287 historic cases have been identified for review by the police child sexual exploitation task force.' The move comes after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay, found institutional failings and tens of thousands of victims across England and Wales. The seven-year probe made 20 recommendations in the final report published in 2022, as it described child sexual abuse as an 'epidemic' across the two nations. The Government had knocked back calls for a national review in favour of locally led inquiries, saying it was focused on implementing recommendations from Prof Jay's report. Ms Cooper also told the committee Baroness Casey has asked for a short extension to complete the national audit, before the Government can set out next steps for local inquiries and how they will run. 'Once the Casey review and the Casey audit has reported back to us, we will set out those next steps, both about how we will then expect local inquiries to be taken forward, and also the funding support that we will give,' she said. It was previously announced a funding pot of £5 million would be available for local authorities to support locally led work on grooming gangs.
ITV News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Oldham Athletic fans celebrate historic return to the Football League with homecoming party
Thousands of supporters poured into Boundary Park on Monday night to celebrate the club's dramatic return to the English Football League. Music, fireworks, a trophy parade, and plenty of emotion filled the air as the Latics marked the end of a long and difficult chapter in their history. Just 24 hours earlier, Oldham pulled off a stunning 3-2 win over Southend United at Wembley in the National League play-off final. They came from behind twice, equalising with a second-half penalty before clinching the win with two late goals in extra time. It was their first promotion in 34 years, and it sent more than 21,000 travelling fans into complete euphoria. For many, the Wembley trip was a throwback to 1994, the last time Oldham played at the national stadium in an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. But this win meant even more, a return to League Two after three years out of the EFL, and a full-circle moment after what fans have called "three dark decades" of decline. Monday's celebrations began with a civic reception at the town hall, before everyone made their way to Boundary Park. The stadium was packed, with a big screen in the Joe Royle Stand making sure no one missed out. Players, coaches, and club officials joined supporters on the pitch for speeches, cheers, and an emotional trophy lift. After falling out of the Football League in 2022, the first Premier League side to do so, many feared Oldham might never return. But under new owner Frank Rothwell, who took over that same year, the club has been rebuilt from the ground up. As fireworks lit up the night sky, it wasn't just about promotion. It was about pride, resilience, and a belief that Oldham Athletic is back where it belongs.
BBC News
17 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
'Oldham parenting group changed my life and made me a better person'
A mother-of-four was in tears as she finished a parenting course as she praised it for helping to change her completed a 10-week programme designed to show parents how to manage feelings and behaviours to cope in difficult said the "insightful" sessions run by Oldham Council's parenting team had "made me a better person". "I used to cry all the time but now I don't cry all the time like I used to," said Louise. Louise said the Family Links Nurture Programme had provided the support and guidance she was looking for. "I've been going to so many different parenting groups and this one has actually helped and I'm a much better of a person for it," she said."I cried on the last day as it had been really insightful and really helpful. "It's helped changed my life and my family's life." 'Toolkit to cope' Eleven parents recently completed the course held at Oldham included Kamila, who said she was scared that she would be judged by taking part."That is the biggest thing," she said. "This just goes to show that there's nothing to be scared of."She added that she had already seen the benefit of the strategies she had learned and the friendships that she had made."This group makes you feel that you are never alone in your journey," she said."It has helped a lot in gaining strategies about how to manage my child's behaviour and how to self-regulate myself." Carli Keane, parenting officer at the council, said: "There's a big stigma attached with parents actually accessing these groups because they think it's kind of a negative."But they're actually all good parents as they're actually committing to two hours every week for 10 weeks."Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, cabinet member for children and young people, said the course helped "to give their children the best start in life"."It is providing our parents with a toolkit to cope, creating a calmer, nurturing household, while making friendships and forming bonds to continue an emotional support network," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"I haven't been home in four days" - Oldham Athletic fans celebrate promotion to Football League
Thousands of Oldham Athletic faithfuls were in full voice as they celebrated the club's return to the Football League. Just over 8,000 fans were at Boundary Park for their play-off final win parade this evening (June 2). Yesterday, The Latics booked their spot in League 2 in a 3-2 victory over Southend United at Wembley in the final of the National League play-offs. The win means promotion to League 2, after three years away. In 2022 the club claimed the unwanted honour of becoming the first former Premier League side to drop into non-league football. READ MORE: Two Brit gangsters shot dead outside Costa del Sol bar READ MORE: 'RIP Tricky': Tributes to Mick Martindale flood in as popular ex-rugby player named as man at centre of Oldham murder investigation The win caps a remarkable turnaround in fortunes under their new owner, charismatic local businessman Frank Rothwell, who took over the club in the summer of 2022. Around 21,000 Oldham fans made the trip to Wembley for what was their first visit to the national stadium for over 30 years, since their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United in 1994. Following the heroics, a free party was held at Boundary Park where supporters showered the players with adoration as they made a lap around the pitch, reciprocating the love. Phil Harrop, 50, was at Wembley on Sunday, and despite being back in Oldham and at Boundary Park with his wife Nicola for the parade, he hasn't been home yet. "I bought this t-shirt on Wednesday, and I thought I better wear it because I might never wear it again after Sunday. I've had it on for four days now." He explained to the M.E.N. "I went to London, stayed in Watford, went to the game, drove back from Watford, went to the Fox and Pine in Oldham and then I came straight here. "This means so much to the town. It means so much for anybody who bothers to support Oldham Athletic." Adam Kershaw was also at Wembley with his family, he told the M.E.N: "I just wanted to have a day out at Wembley. I just wanted to experience that with my son and wife. "It was the best feeling in the world walking down Wembley Way with your eight-year-old lad, honestly, the best feeling in the world. "He's only ever known us in non-league so it felt special. It was kind of a big two fingers up to his mates who support United and City. "He went into school this morning with a scarf, bragging about how he's been to Wembley." Jack Lusty, 29 and his mate Liam Paull, 30, could barely speak with their voices still recovering from the weekend. Nonetheless, they stressed how important the win was for the town. Liam said: "We've been nothing since I've started supporting Oldham, it's been thirty years of misery. "I didn't cry when my child was born, but I shed a few tears. When we won, I was full of tears! "What's massive about the win is, if you look around, it's the amount of children. All they know is that Oldham have just done that. These children will be coming here now instead of City or United." "No one will understand the journey we've been on to get that moment." Added Jack. "That's what makes it so special. "Hopeful it's the first of many now and we're back on our way up."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Former rugby league star, 50, named as 'murder victim' after he was found dead at a flat in a Manchester estate
A former rugby league star has been named as a 'murder victim' after he was found dead at a flat in a Manchester estate. The body of Mick Martindale, 50, was discovered at the property on May 28 with police arresting a 64-year-old man, who was later bailed, on suspicion of murder. A murder inquiry was launched immediately with the cause of the popular ex Oldham player's death 'undetermined' but being treated as 'suspicious' by Greater Manchester Police. An inquest will be opened into the loose forward's death in due course, a spokesperson for Rochdale Coroners' Court confirmed. Mr Martindale's family is currently being given support by specially-trained officers, Manchester Evening News reports. Meanwhile, police have been going door-to-door on the estate to make enquiries and offer 'community reassurance' to those living there. Detective Inspector Andrew Barrett, from Oldham CID, said on Saturday: 'We are working hard to understand what has happened and get the answers his family deserve. 'At the moment, the man's cause of death is undetermined, but enquiries are ongoing, and we have made an arrest to progress this investigation forward. 'We have already spoken to several people living in the area, but house to house enquiries are continuing throughout the day. 'We would ask anyone who may have any information about the incident to please pass this onto officers, as it could be of great assistance.' MailOnline has approached Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Coroners' Court for comment. Mr Martindale played for Oldham Rugby League Football Club in the late 90s and the team's Heritage Trust said he started out for Halifax Panthers as a teenager, before heading to Wakefield and then Oldham and Rochdale. The star lifted the National Cup while at Oldham St Anne's, who he later coached after retiring as a player. Tributes soon started pouring in for the sportstar, known as 'Tricky', following the tragic news. Oldham RLFC said: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Mick Martindale. 'Mick wore the Oldham shirt with pride in the late 90s, and was a well-known face throughout our community game, as well as in his coaching roles at Oldham St Anne's. The club sends its condolences to Mick's family and friends. RIP Tricky.' Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust gave a biography of his career in an emotional Facebook post and added that Mick was a 'larger than life character gone far too soon', and recalled that he had 'remained a popular and well known figure in the amateur game'. Meanwhile, Waterhead Warriors ARLC posted: 'Waterhead are saddened to hear the passing of Mick Martindale. Sending condolences to Mick's family and everyone at St Anne's rugby club.' His boyhood club Halifax Panthers added: 'Halifax Panthers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mick Martindale over the weekend. 'Mick made his debut for Halifax as a teenager back in 1994, going on to make 7 first team appearances in blue and white Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time. RIP' Saddleworth Rangers posted: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Martindale. 'We send our condolences to all his family, friends and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.' Former player Mickii Edwards said: 'Absolutely loved Mick Martindale and what a player he was. Much loved by everyone... you will be greatly missed.'
