GMP and VRU support campaign to reduce ‘One Punch’ homicides

A national campaign has been launched intent on educating and empowering men to ‘Walk Away’ from escalating situations whilst on nights out, which could lead to violence, or in extreme cases, death.

In the last five years in Greater Manchester, nine men have lost their lives from a single punch or shove. In the same time frame, there have been 92 cases of grievous bodily harm where a single punch has caused serious, but thankfully survivable, injuries.

All these incidents, and the damage they caused to the victims and their loved ones, were totally avoidable.

Here, Detective Superintendent Chris Bridge, speaks about what the campaign is trying to achieve:

Greater Manchester Police, the Violence Reduction Unit, and partners, such as licensing teams, are supporting the campaign as part of the ongoing commitment to tackling serious violence and reducing homicide across the region.

The campaign has also been endorsed locally by Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Advisor.

The public can expect stepped up visible and plain clothed patrols across the next few weeks in hotspot areas, as pubs, bars and clubs see increased numbers of patrons enjoying the festivities, and then bringing in the new year.

Last year, GMP sat down with Debbie Wood, the wife of Kevin Wood who tragically lost his life after being punched outside The Printworks in central Manchester. Kevin was the victim of an unprovoked attack, with his attacker high on cocaine at the time. Here, Debbie encourages people to think about their decisions and the impact those can have on others.

Collectively, everyone can help keep Greater Manchester’s thriving night time economy safe for all to enjoy.

For more information on the campaign, visit the dedicated website www.wewalkaway.uk.