Robbery at Manchester Restaurant Leaves Brothers of Football Stars Injured
Two men face multiple charges after a violent robbery targeting Dane Rashford and Tyler Alexander-Arnold, brothers of famous footballers Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The attack occurred at Little Rock, a Caribbean restaurant in Manchester's Moss Side, on January 12, 2019. The men, both sports agents, were confronted by a gang wielding a shotgun and a machete who forced them to hand over wallets, watches, and other valuables.
Details of the Shocking Incident
Dane Rashford, 29, and his friend Tyler Alexander-Arnold were having breakfast when a gang of men stormed into the restaurant and began demanding their valuables. Alongside the pair, three friends were also targeted as the assailants forcibly took belongings, including Rashford’s watch and Alexander-Arnold’s wallet. The attackers continued to steal clothing, wallets, and other personal items before making their getaway in Alexander-Arnold’s white Range Rover.
Aftermath of the Violent Attack
Following the robbery, Rashford and Alexander-Arnold, who had planned to travel to Brighton to watch a Liverpool game, were quickly taken to Manchester’s Royal Infirmary Hospital. Both sustained injuries that required medical attention, although the extent of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed. Their three friends, also victims in the robbery, were treated for minor injuries.
The stolen Range Rover was later located in the nearby area of Fallowfield, abandoned by the perpetrators as they fled. Greater Manchester Police quickly launched an investigation, seeking justice for the victims and recovery of the stolen valuables.
Arrests and Charges Following the Incident
The investigation led to the arrests of Romario Harmer, 20, from Old Trafford, and Talleko Lemonious, 26, from Wythenshawe. Both men now face five counts of robbery along with serious weapons charges, including the possession of a Fabarm double-barrelled 12-gauge shotgun, unlawful possession of a baseball bat, and carrying a machete in a public space. The incident has sparked concern due to the use of such weaponry in a public place and the targeting of individuals based on perceived wealth.
At the preliminary hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Harmer appeared dressed in a grey jacket, dark blue jeans, and Nike trainers. He confirmed his identity before being released on unconditional bail pending a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April. Lemonius, however, did not appear in court due to undisclosed reasons.
Impact on the Victims and Restaurant Staff
The other three victims, identified as Tre Gill, Jacob Dunne-Simon, and Daniel Payne, also had valuables taken during the robbery. Gill and Dunne-Simon had their watches stolen, while Payne was forced to surrender his wallet and coat. Though the exact value of the stolen items remains unknown, the traumatic nature of the incident has had lasting effects on all involved.
Samuel Francis, the owner of Little Rock restaurant, expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident. Describing his experience, he said, “The staff and I were left shaken by what happened. Dane and Tyler are regular guests, and I feel they may have been deliberately targeted, with their cars previously seen around the restaurant.” Francis went on to mention his close ties with the victims, sharing friendly banter with Tyler Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool supporter, despite being a Manchester United fan himself.
The incident not only affected the guests but also left the restaurant’s staff and other patrons disturbed. “This sort of event is a rarity here, and it has affected us all. I just hope everyone involved can recover from it,” Francis added.
Police Response to the Armed Robbery
In response to the robbery, Greater Manchester Police intensified their presence in the Moss Side area, urging the public to remain vigilant. Superintendent Mark Dexter, representing Greater Manchester Police, emphasized that, while none of the victims were severely injured, the psychological impact on them is significant. “Though we are grateful that no life-threatening injuries occurred, we recognize the emotional toll this has taken on the victims. We will continue to ensure that the offenders are brought to justice,” he stated.
Conclusion
The January 12 incident has left the victims, their families, and the broader Manchester community shaken. Targeting high-profile individuals within a local establishment has amplified the public’s awareness of violent crime, highlighting the need for vigilance and swift justice. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is for greater security and reassurance in community spaces like Little Rock, where patrons and staff alike were caught off guard by the unexpected violence.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent risks in urban areas and the importance of proactive safety measures for both businesses and patrons.
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