Operation Helix launches in parts of Oldham to tackle serious violent crime among young people

Greater Manchester Police's Failsworth and Hollinwood Neighbourhood Team, in partnership with the Oldham Local Authorities Community Safety Team and other agencies, has launched Operation Helix

This is a multi-agency proactive response aimed at tackling serious youth violence in the Failsworth, Hollinwood and Limeside areas of Oldham.

Through the operation, GMP and partners will be seeking to educate young people, to prevent them and other members of our communities from suffering harm at the hands of violent crime. GMP will also continue to pursue anyone involved in this kind of criminal activity.

To date, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the operation, and other incidents of serious violence.

At just after 7:30pm on Thursday 22 July 2021, police were called to reports of a stabbing which occurred on Oak Road in Limeside in Oldham.

A 14-year-old boy was approached by a large group of people who assaulted him, and he was driven to an address on Landsberg Road in Failsworth, where emergency services attended and he was taken to hospital with stab wounds to his stomach and arm.

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Prior to this assault, a dispute had taken place in which two properties and a car were criminally damaged and the windows were smashed.

Click the tweet below for info on this.

We've launched #OperationHelix in parts of #Oldham to tackle serious violent crime among young people. The operation aims to educate young people to prevent them and other members of our community from suffering harm at the hands of violent crime. More: https://t.co/jFAvPhmpXi pic.twitter.com/ctjppsflDy

— GMP Oldham (@GMPOldham) August 19, 2021

Two men aged 53 and 20, and a boy aged 14, were arrested on suspicion of affray. They remain on bail with conditions.

Today, as part of Operation Helix, a 15-year-old girl has also been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with this incident, and remains in custody for questioning.

Inspector Chris Julien from GMP's Oldham District added: 

"We are aware incidents like this will have led to some concerns among people living in the Failsworth, Hollinwood and Limeside areas, and we want to reassure them that GMP alongside partners, remains committed to tackling these issues.

Head to the Greater Manchester Police website to read more on this story.