Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has donated hundreds of pairs of trainers seized during a money-laundering investigation to charity.

The force’s economic and cyber crime unit seized the trainers last year but as the suspects involved in the case failed to confirm ownership they have been treated as potential proceeds of crime to be redistributed to good causes.

Among charities to receive the trainers is Manchester based Causeway, which supports survivors of trafficking.

Mary Tear from the charity said the donated trainers will be offered to its beneficiaries for free through its online shop.

“Service users can log in and look at the items we have in stock and choose anything that they would like - this encourages independence and gives them autonomy over the donations they are choosing,” she said.

Another charity to benefit is Medaille Trust, which supports modern slavery survivors.

"Each year we support more than 500 survivors to begin their path to safety and recovery,” said its chief operating officer Ben Ryan.

“A major part of the recovery process for many survivors is restoring a sense of dignity and agency.

“The ability to pick your own clothes and style, for people who have experienced coercion, abuse and destitution, is an important part of that and this donation will be offered to our Manchester based survivors to help build their confidence and self-esteem.”

GMP’s detective inspector Sarah Langley said: “Rather than allowing the seized trainers to remain unused in storage, we sought to identify deserving recipients within the community.

She added: “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the proceeds of crime are redirected to support those in need. It’s a practical example of how enforcement and community engagement can work hand in hand.”

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