A BBC documentary is highlighting the devastating grip criminal gangs have on their town. Tonight's episode of The Detectives shows in terrifying detail the control that Rochdale's underworld have on their victims.
The doc follows specialist Greater Manchester Police officers as they try to take down the notorious 'Adam' organised crime group. Its first episode aired yesterday, and included a shocking 999 call from a tree surgeon who had seen crooks attack a workmate with an axe, Manchester Evening News reports.
Following a road rage incident, the gang hacked at Cameron Brooksbank's armpit and wrist, partially severing his hand. It was reattached but the 18-year-old needed five further surgeries in two years just to maintain 60 percent use of his arm.
The incident led Detective Sergeant Martin Soutter and his unit to uncover a dark underworld, where hoods groomed children, bribed witnesses, and used extreme violence to dominate the Newbold Estate.
In tonight's episode of The Detectives, the specialist officers continue their investigation and viewers will see Mr Brooksbank get his day in court. But it is another 999 call that is the episode's most disturbing moment.
A distressed wife and mother can be heard pleading down the phone: "They are going to f***ing kill my husband. They have my son… they are going to kill him. Give me back my son, I beg you.”
The chilling call came from the partner of a man who had previously dealt drugs for the OCG before stopping. Gang members, who had just put a £5,000 bounty on his head, kidnapped the man and his three-year-old boy from a barbershop.
They used his phone to ring his wife and tell her they had forced her two loved ones into a car. In the call excerpt, one hood says: “Listen, your kid is at the end of the road. Come pick him up at the end of the street. [Your husband] is sorting some things out and he needs to pay it back.”
Top UK & World stories today
The wife replies: “What do you mean he is at the end of the street? What the f*** are you doing?” The gang member replies: “There’s been a problem,” before the woman interjects with: “Where are you now?!”
After being given the location, the woman can be heard running towards the car as she tells her mum to ring the police. She then says: “Just give me back my son. Give me my f***ing kid. I beg you! Don’t put him in the road like that you b******s!”
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The gang had dumped the toddler in the road but, fortunately, he was found unharmed. A police helicopter was launched and helped locate the car.
The man was still inside, and he was brought back to safety, while four men within the vehicle were arrested. The episode also reveals the team have secured some criminal convictions against minor members of the gang — but its big bosses are yet to be lifted.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.
