A mother has spoken of her fear after a man named Mestafa Salim wearing an electronic ankle tag subjected her and her two young daughters to a terrifying harassment incident on a Bolton street before being arrested by police — with officers reportedly telling her he faces court and likely deportation.
The woman was walking along Bury Road in Bolton with her ten-year-old daughter Laylah and toddler Millie in a pram on Saturday morning when the man approached and began behaving in an intimidating manner. According to her account, he got in her face, asked personal questions including whether she had a husband, mumbled at her, followed them along the street, waved and laughed in a way she described as terrifying. She screamed at him to leave them alone.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Mestafa Salim, born 18 October 1997, of no fixed abode, has been charged with common assault following an incident on Bury Road, Bolton on Saturday 2 May. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today.
Her partner Liam later spotted the same man further along the road while driving past, enabling him to call Greater Manchester Police. Officers arrived and arrested the man. Photos and videos of the arrest circulating widely on social media clearly show a black electronic ankle tag on the man’s leg. He is reported to have shouted about his visa during the arrest.
The mother said police informed her the man would face court and was likely to be deported following proceedings. She has since posted about her fears for her children’s safety on local streets and urged others in the area to remain vigilant.
Electronic ankle tags are used in the United Kingdom for a range of purposes including immigration enforcement, monitoring of asylum seekers on bail and the supervision of individuals subject to removal proceedings. The visible presence of the tag at the time of the arrest has prompted widespread discussion on social media about how the man came to be at liberty in the area.
Salim is before magistrates this morning.
