A BUSINESSMAN died trying to protect a storage unit he rented out - which contained £800,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes - after a violent gang targeted it in a burglary. 

On the evening of October 28, 2020, police were told by a security guard at Callop Gate Farm in Heywood that eight men tried to break into one of the secure storage containers, which was later found to have large haul of cigarettes inside.

Businessman Peter Cordwell, 49, rented out the storage units to firms.

The gang removed the locked gates into the farm and drove in two vehicles.

On being alerted to the break-in, Peter drove to the scene in an attempt to thwart the offenders.

Also in attendance was Peter's son who blocked the exit of the unit before he and the security guard were violently attacked.

They sought to seek refuge in Peter's car, which was also attacked with the defendants smashing the windscreen with weapons.

Fearing for their lives, Peter drove away from the scene where he tragically suffered a heart attack and died nearby, while the defendants fled the scene.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched Operation Orchid to investigate Peter's death.

Following a number of enquiries carried out by a team of detectives from GMP's Challenger and Major Incident Support Units, including telephone enquiries, ANPR checks, media appeals and identification parades, four men were arrested and later charged.

Four men appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, where they were jailed after all pleading guilty to aggravated burglary and conspiracy to burgle.

Ahmad Mirza, 37, of Norris Street, Lincoln, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

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Ahmad Mirza

Kurdistan Hamid, 40, of Norris Street, Lincoln, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison.

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Kurdistan Hamid

Saman Ali, 31, of Belmont Avenue, Blackpool, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

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Saman Ali

Ali Karimi, 38, of Fir Grove, Blackpool, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

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Ali Karimi

Senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe, of the Serious Crime Division, said: "This was a burglary gone wrong, which tragically concluded with an innocent man later losing his life and our thoughts are very much with Peter's loved ones today.

"The defendants formed part of a national organised crime group who would sell counterfeit cigarettes before then locating where they had been stored by the buyer and stealing them back into their possession.

"The violence they used towards the victims that evening was deplorable and shows their ruthless and dangerous mind set.

"We have been committed from day one in ensuring that these people faced justice and we will continue to crack down on organised crime in Greater Manchester."