Stolen Transit found dumped – minus load of toxic chemicals
POLICE have launched a major investigation after toxic materials were taken from a stolen van.
Police were called to reports that a Ford Transit van containing hazardous materials had been stolen.
The van was found by officers on Leconfield Drive in Blackley.
Police say the van, which was stolen from Darwen in Lancashire, contained Talunex – an aluminium phosphide-based chemical which is commonly used to control vermin.
The chemical has been described as ‘very toxic’ if swallowed, and emits a toxic gas if placed in contact with water and acids. Police have warned the public that Talunex should only be handled by specially-trained operators.
It is believed to be in tablet form, and the capsules are light grey, garden pea-sized spheres with a seam around the centre. The tablets were last known to be stored in a grey aluminium box. The van also contained petrol, fertiliser and pesticides.
No casualties have been reported and no arrests have been made.
Senior officers are appealing to members of the public to call 999 immediately if they see anything which may be Talunex.
Supt Rebecca Boyce, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “The removal of these hazardous materials from the van is incredibly concerning, but I would like to reassure members of the public that a major investigation is underway to find and safely recover them.
“The person/ people who removed the Talunex from the van probably did not know how very toxic the chemical is.
“I appeal directly to them to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously, and share the location of the Talunex so that specialists can safely recover it. I must stress that the Talunex should not be touched, sniffed or eaten. If this happens, please seek medical assistance immediately.
“I also appeal to members of the public to be alert and to dial 999 immediately if they have seen or do see anything which may be the Talunex or any of the other hazardous materials which have been removed from the van. Do not touch, sniff or eat it.”
Anyone with information can call police on 999, quoting log 943 of 01/07/20 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 554 111.
MANCHESTER City Council is on a mission to recruit at least 40 additional foster carers by the end of 2021 - to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children living in our region.
Although childminders, teachers, nurses, and social carers are among its pool of ideal foster carers, the council wants to hear from anyone who has a passion for looking after young people and is interested in fostering.
Foster carers come from a range of different backgrounds - married or unmarried, living with a partner or on their own, working or not working. They can be homeowners or living in rented accommodation, and of any sexuality or ethnicity.
We have spoken to carers in Greater Manchester about their fostering journey and the experience of becoming a foster parent.
“THE RIGHT CARE CAN TRANSFORM A YOUNG PERSON’S LIFE FOR GOOD”
Jane Panteli and her wife Lexi, have been fostering since December 2018. Jane is a former deputy headteacher, and Lexi is a materials scientist.
Jane said: “We signed up to become foster carers when we both decided to pursue fostering in a serious direction. We had space in our home to dedicate to a child and at the time Lexi was continuing to work full-time. I’d worked with children in the past and we both knew how the right type of care could transform a young person’s life for good.
“We’ve had a number of placements since then of children aged between 3-15 years, as well as sibling groups, for both long and short-term periods. Each placement has come with children of different backgrounds and their own challenges, but various rewards and learning experiences as well.
“When you take on a fostering placement you have to realise that every child is an individual in their own right. You may have your own interests and hobbies that you like to participate in but they can be tailored to meet the needs of the young people you take on.
“We’re very outdoorsy and some of the children we’ve looked after in the past have loved activities like dog walking, swimming, and going to parks and petting zoos with us.”
“We decided to foster with Manchester Council rather than a private agency.
Due to the size of the organisation and the amazing people who work there we’ve had a depth of support and training opportunities.
“During the 18-month period, we’ve been carers we’ve had access to social support workers and group meetings with other foster carers to talk about our own experiences and share mutually beneficial advice. The foster carer helpline also ensures there’s always someone you can talk to about any worries or concerns you might have.”
“MY GRANDPARENTS TOOK CARE OF OVER 80 CHILDREN IN THEIR LIFETIME”
Julie Adams* and her husband Rob*, have been fostering since January 2020. Julie is a PT primary school teacher, and Rob is an events manager. The carers also have two of their own children who are enjoying living in a fostering household.
Rob said: “My grandparents were foster carers and took care of over 80 children in their lifetime, so they were a big source of inspiration for me to become a foster parent myself.
“One of the children they fostered was my uncle whom they later adopted into our family. On the other hand, my wife Julie comes from a teaching background so she knew the transformative value good fostering can bring into a child’s life, it was a combination of the two that made us want to become carers.
“We first became approved carers at the end of January this year so it hasn’t been that long for us. Our first placement was a baby just five days old. Having such a young child comes with its own challenges such as meeting regular feeding, changing and nap times and we also have two young children of our own to look after.”
Julie adds: “For anyone interested in becoming a carer, I would say pick up the phone and ask. We had been thinking about fostering for around a year and if we didn’t make the initial enquiry we would still be thinking about it today.
“Manchester City Council is completely upfront and will explain the challenges that come with becoming a foster carer and help you find out whether you’re suitable for the role.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer call 0800 988 8931 (9am to 4.30pm week days) or visit: manchester.gov.uk/fostering