The moment a heartless thief stole flowers laid to commemorate the death of a Manchester teen has been captured on CCTV.
A number of bouquets were snatched from the Canal Street memorial at around 5.50am on Saturday February 7, set up in honour of 18-year-old Jack Essex, who had died only a week earlier after being hit by a lorry on Portland Street in Manchester city centre.
Described as a ‘lovely bright boy’ by his mum in an emotional tribute after his death, Jack died after suffering serious head injuries in the tragic accident.
It was Jack’s partner Tony Cooper, who runs Via Vossa bar, who noticed that some of the flowers were missing and alerted the police.
Now GMP have released video footage that shows a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
GMP Inspector Phil Spurgeon said: “This was a deplorable act, stealing flowers laid in tribute to a young man who had been tragically killed only a few days earlier.
“We are determined to catch the person responsible.”
In the CCTV footage, the suspect appears to steal bunches of flowers left by mourners before walking off up Canal Street and towards Sackville Street.
He then flagged for a taxi and drove off.
The man is described as white, around 5ft 10 tall and of medium build with short brown hair. He was wearing a black leather jacket, jeans and black shoes.
“Some images have already been released of the man involved, but we are yet to identify him,” said Inspector Spurgeon.
“We are hoping that someone will recognise him from this new CCTV footage, or that he will do the honourable thing and contact us himself.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks.
