Tram track is a no-go zone

STEER clear . . . CCTV warning signs at the Mumps Metrolink station

A METROLINK area of Oldham has become a no-go zone after a string of violent attacks on passengers.

A “footpath of fear”, which runs close to Oldham Mumps tram station and has become a hotspot of violent crime, prompting police, Metrolink bosses and Oldham Council to warn people away.

Metrolink bosses, at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), are now advising people not to use the path at all.

The most recent incident was on Friday night, when a man was assaulted. Seven attackers struck around midnight after arriving on a late-night tram. The man was kicked and punched before the gang stole a bag with money and two mobile phones. The victim escaped by rolling down an embankment.

The incident follows several attacks last month in which passengers were threatened with handguns and violence on the footpath between the tram stop and nearby Hamilton Street and Southlink business park.

A Sakura scooter was also reported stolen from the Alexandra Retail Park end of the footpath and a robbery reported at the other end within 35 minutes apart.

Oldham council has since cut back foliage and checked lighting along the path, and has now had cotracors open a second route to the station from Lees Road.

Insp John Morris of Oldham Police said officers are monitoring the area.

Anyone with information about the incidents can call police on 101.



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