24/02/2018
A chilling wave of violence has gripped the streets of Manchester as a crew of violent teenage thugs unleashed a terrifying armed robbery spree, specifically targeting schoolchildren. The gang, armed with machetes, knives, and BB guns, instilled fear as they stalked their young victims, often wearing balaclavas and hoods to conceal their identities. The audacious attacks, described as 'planned', left several youngsters with horrific injuries, including one boy who was left in intensive care and 'unrecognisable' to his family after a brutal assault.
The Reign of Terror
Between March 2021 and May 2022, a coordinated group of young offenders, including Harley Whipday and Nia Razawa (both 20), and five 17-year-old boys who cannot be named for legal reasons, embarked on a series of terrifying robberies. Their modus operandi involved approaching unsuspecting children as they made their way home from school, demanding their mobile phones, and then selling the stolen devices in Cheetham Hill. The sheer brutality of their actions, which included 'pistol whipping' with a BB gun and slashing a victim's torso with a machete, sent shockwaves through the community.
Brutal Attacks and Devastating Consequences
The extent of the gang's violence is starkly illustrated by the impact on their victims. In one particularly harrowing incident, a teenager was left with a severe skull fracture, bleeding on the lung, bleeding on the spleen, and a broken eye socket. The severity of his injuries meant he had to relearn basic life skills, including walking. His mother, in a deeply moving statement, described him as being left 'unrecognisable' and that his life would 'never be the same again'. He would miss crucial GCSE exams and the simple joys of teenage life, a constant reminder of the ordeal he endured.
Another victim, a 16-year-old boy, was targeted as he stood alone outside a corner shop. Mistakenly believed to be linked to a rival gang, he was punched and then stabbed in the torso with a machete. He collapsed, struggling to breathe, as the attackers made their escape. The psychological toll on victims was also significant, with one child reportedly refusing to wear branded clothing for fear of being robbed again and requiring counselling to cope with the trauma of walking down the street.
Targeting the Vulnerable: The Scooter Incident
One of the most alarming incidents involved a stolen Ford Focus being driven at two teenagers travelling on an electric bike and an electric scooter. The car clipped the scooter, causing the rider to fall, and then collided with the bike. The scooter became lodged under the bonnet of the car as it sped off. While the cyclist sustained minor injuries, the boy on the scooter was rushed to intensive care with life-threatening injuries. The family's anguish was palpable as they waited for news, unsure if their son would survive.
The Legal Ramifications and Sentences
Following a meticulous investigation by GMP's Operation Valiant team, the perpetrators finally faced justice at Minshull Street Crown Court. The evidence, including CCTV footage, phone analysis, and forensic work, painted a clear picture of the gang's organised and violent activities.
Sentencing Breakdown:
| Offender | Age | Charges | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harley Whipday | 20 | Assisting an offender, Perverting the course of justice | 30 months imprisonment (likely immediate release due to time served) |
| Nia Razawa | 20 | Robbery | 54 months imprisonment |
| Boy A | 17 | Possession of a bladed article, Affray, Conspiracy to rob | Five years detention in a young offender institution |
| Boy B | 17 | Conspiracy to commit robbery, Wounding, Possession of a bladed article | Four years detention in a young offender institution |
| Boy C | 17 | Two counts of robbery | Two years detention |
| Boy D | 17 | Conspiracy to commit robbery | Two-year detention and training order |
| Boy E | 17 | Conspiracy to commit robbery | Two-year youth rehabilitation order |
Detective's Statement and Community Safety
Detective Constable Leon Cawley-Bowyer of GMP's Operation Valiant team highlighted the violent and terrifying nature of these robberies, emphasising their lasting impact on the victims. He expressed confidence that the streets of Greater Manchester are now safer with these individuals brought to justice. The complex investigation involved extensive CCTV trawls, forensic analysis, and phone data, crucial in securing convictions for the entire group. The aggression and violence displayed by the gang were a clear indicator of their dangerousness, and GMP remains committed to ensuring public safety and preventing citizens from living in fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was the primary motive for the robberies?
The primary motive appeared to be the theft of mobile phones, which were then sold for profit. However, some attacks were also linked to perceived rivalries between youth groups.
Q2: What weapons were used by the gang?
The gang was armed with machetes, knives, and BB guns.
Q3: What were the most severe injuries sustained by a victim?
One victim suffered a severe skull fracture, bleeding on the lung, bleeding on the spleen, and a broken eye socket, requiring intensive care and a long period of rehabilitation.
Q4: Why are the 17-year-old boys not named?
Under UK law, individuals under the age of 18 cannot be publicly identified for legal reasons.
Q5: What is GMP's Operation Valiant?
Operation Valiant is a Greater Manchester Police initiative focused on tackling serious youth violence and knife crime across the force.
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