Operation Ireby
Greater Manchester Police have today, Thursday 15 March 2012, made arrests following the murder of a man in Rochdale.
In the early hours of this morning 22 warrants were executed at addresses in Moston, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Davyhulme, Urmston, Newton Heath, Blackley, Harpurhey, Beswick, Bolton and Hyde.
Eight men aged between 20 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of murder and violent disorder.
At about 2.40am on Sunday 25 December 2011, police were called to Sinclair's Bar on Drake Street, Rochdale, following reports of a large disturbance.
Officers attended and discovered a man had been stabbed.
John Lee Barrett, 31, was taken to hospital but died, Tuesday 27 December 2011.
A post mortem examination concluded he died from a stab wound to the back.
It is also believed he had been hit over the head with a glass or bottle.
Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: "By conducting this operation, we have sent out a firm message to those who think they can travel across Greater Manchester and commit crime in other areas that we will catch up with them.
"We have demonstrated that if you commit crime as part of a pack, you will be arrested and dealt with as a pack.
"I would also reassure residents within the local communities that there will be an extra police presence in their area and if anyone has any concerns, please speak to your local officer.
"We are working very hard to ensure their neighbourhoods are safer and we will not tolerate offenders who think they can get away with their actions and break the law."
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Jackson from the Major Incident Team said "The warrants have been part of a lengthy and complicated investigation.
Hours of CCTV have been studied and the club has been forensically examined by a team of highly experienced officers.
"However, despite these warrants, the investigation is still ongoing and we are still keen to hear from anyone who was at Sinclair's Bar on the night of the attack.
"We have interviewed a number of people who have helped us piece together what may have happened in the early hours of Christmas Day but I would still urge others who we haven't spoken with to get in touch - your information could be vital.
"I would urge anyone who may have information about what happened that night to contact police on 0161 856 3691 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. The information you supply will be treated with the strictest of confidence."
For information about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Operation Ireby
Greater Manchester Police have today, Thursday 15 March 2012, made arrests following the murder of a man in Rochdale.
In the early hours of this morning 22 warrants were executed at addresses in Moston, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Davyhulme, Urmston, Newton Heath, Blackley, Harpurhey, Beswick, Bolton and Hyde.
Eight men aged between 20 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of murder and violent disorder.
At about 2.40am on Sunday 25 December 2011, police were called to Sinclair's Bar on Drake Street, Rochdale, following reports of a large disturbance.
Officers attended and discovered a man had been stabbed.
John Lee Barrett, 31, was taken to hospital but died, Tuesday 27 December 2011.
A post mortem examination concluded he died from a stab wound to the back.
It is also believed he had been hit over the head with a glass or bottle.
Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: "By conducting this operation, we have sent out a firm message to those who think they can travel across Greater Manchester and commit crime in other areas that we will catch up with them.
"We have demonstrated that if you commit crime as part of a pack, you will be arrested and dealt with as a pack.
"I would also reassure residents within the local communities that there will be an extra police presence in their area and if anyone has any concerns, please speak to your local officer.
"We are working very hard to ensure their neighbourhoods are safer and we will not tolerate offenders who think they can get away with their actions and break the law."
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Jackson from the Major Incident Team said "The warrants have been part of a lengthy and complicated investigation.
Hours of CCTV have been studied and the club has been forensically examined by a team of highly experienced officers.
"However, despite these warrants, the investigation is still ongoing and we are still keen to hear from anyone who was at Sinclair's Bar on the night of the attack.
"We have interviewed a number of people who have helped us piece together what may have happened in the early hours of Christmas Day but I would still urge others who we haven't spoken with to get in touch - your information could be vital.
"I would urge anyone who may have information about what happened that night to contact police on 0161 856 3691 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. The information you supply will be treated with the strictest of confidence."
For information about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.