Morning man-hunt for suspected Piccadilly Gardens robber after elderly man is attacked and robbed of pension money

In the early hours of this morning (23 January 2024), officers from Operation Vulcan Piccadilly set out in search of a suspect connected to a robbery of an elderly man in Piccadilly Gardens.

Three warrants were executed in quick succession at Sheridan Court on Ridgewood Avenue, Isca Street in Manchester and Kilmington Drive in Cheetham Hill.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery after he was located hiding in a wardrobe at the Kilmington Drive address.

A 36-year-old man was also arrested after drugs and ammunition were found at the address on Isca Street. This additional arrest was unconnected to the robbery in Piccadilly Gardens.

The robbery which took place at around 7pm on Monday 15 January 2024, saw a 76-year-old man assaulted and robbed of a quantity of cash, after he came to Manchester City Centre to withdraw his pension and disability benefits.

PC Antony Rushton of GMP’s Operation Vulcan said: "Operation Vulcan Piccadilly was launched to ensure the Piccadilly Garden’s area is safe for all visitors, residents and businesses. This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable and elderly man and I hope that our relentless pursuit of the suspect sends a strong message that anyone who comes to the Garden’s to commit robbery, violence or any other type of crime will be dealt with severely. It should also serve as a reminder that Vulcan Piccadilly is not contained to Piccadilly Gardens.

“Operation Vulcan Piccadilly takes a zero-tolerance approach to robbery and we will continue drawing on the support of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team, other force resources and dedicated partners to protect victims of crime, pursue offenders and ensure the Garden’s continues to be a safe and attractive place to visit in the heart of our city.”