Officers charge two people and arrest three more in relation to Parkhills Road arson in Bury

Friday, 18 August 2023 15:45

By David Murphy

At 8.40pm on Monday 14 August 2023, GMP received calls to damage to a vehicle and smashed windows in a property on Parkhills Road in Bury.

Around five minutes later, further calls were received in relation to a suspected arson attack, also on Parkhills Road. Colleagues from GMFRS attended the address to make the property safe and secure the scene.

At 9.10pm, police received reports of four males smashing a window of a property on Clifton Street and at approximately 2.55am on Tuesday 15 August 2023, reports came in of someone throwing bricks at a house on Chesham Road. A fire was also started during this incident at the address.

In all instances, no-one was injured. All incidents are believed to be targeted attacks, linked and localised to the two communities.

Sufyan Afzal (16/8/2000) has been charged and remanded to court for violent disorder, section 18 assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

Kabir Rehman (25/4/2005) was charged and remanded to court for violent disorder. Both will appear at Salford and Manchester Magistrates tomorrow (Saturday 19 August 2023).

A 25-year-old and 27-year-old man have been bailed with strict enforceable conditions and another suspect, a 22-year-old man has this morning been arrested and remains in police custody for questioning.

There are two other identified suspects that police are pursuing.

DI Kenny Blaine, of GMP’s Bury Criminal Investigation Department, said: “I understand the concerns these incidents have caused but I want to reassure the community that we are acting proactively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“There is a lot of high-visibility patrolling taking place in the area and our officers and PCSOs are undertaking positive community engagement.

“Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester. Thank you to the members of the public who have supported us in our investigation so far.”

Information can also be passed anonymously through the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.