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Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe ‘gravely ill’ with coronavirus and ‘refusing treatment’

Sutcliffe, widely known as 'The Yorkshire Ripper', tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday following a five-night stay in hospital.

The Manc The Manc - 10th November 2020

Peter Sutcliffe, one of Britain’s most infamous serial killers, is said to be ‘gravely ill’ with coronavirus.

News emerged last night that Sutcliffe, widely known as ‘The Yorkshire Ripper’, tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday following a five-night stay in hospital.

The Mirror is now reporting that Sutcliffe – who killed 13 women between 1975 and 1980 – is extremely ill due to complications caused by the virus.

He is also apparently refusing treatment – despite pre-existing health conditions and heart problems.

Sutcliffe, now 74, was jailed for 20 concurrent sentences of life imprisonment back in 1981.

He was labelled the ‘Yorkshire Ripper’ by press at the time; having been found guilty of murdering women across the north including Leeds, Bradford and Manchester.

He also attempted to kill seven others.

The High Court dismissed an appeal in 2010 – meaning Sutcliffe would serve a whole life order and never be released.

He has spent the last four years incarcerated at the Category A prison HMP Frankland in County Durham.

News

‘Mass disruption’ expected as Greater Manchester Bee Network bus drivers prepare to strike this month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

‘Mass disruption’ is expected on the Bee Network this month as thousands of bus drivers are set to stage strike action.

2,000 workers who are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester, and First Bus Rochdale – all of which are firms among those that make up the bus part of the Bee Network – will walk out in a co-ordinated strike amid an ongoing pay dispute.

Unite the Union says all the firms are ‘highly profitable’ and it’s therefore ‘disappointing’ that workers are being denied a fair wage.

At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport, and Middleton depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5%, and 1,000 Metroline Manchester members will also do the same after turning down an ‘unsatisfactory’ below-inflation pay offer.

Workers at both Metroline and Stagecoach believe the offer doesn’t address years of low pay they’ve recieved, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis.

‘Mass disruption’ is expected on the Bee Network this month / Credit: TfGM

Then, over at First Bus Rochdale, 110 members have rejected this year’s pay offer of 6%, as they feel this does not go far enough to address the fact they’ve had years of being paid less than their counterparts at other companies, and are still the lowest paid in the region.

Stagecoach, Metroline, and First Bus Rochdale, part of First Group PLC, are all firms which have seen a rise in profits in recent years.

Given the number of drivers and companies involved in the upcoming strikes, Unite says ‘travel chaos’ is expected – with many delays and cancellations of services in Manchester and the surrounding areas.

2,000 drivers are set to stage strike action / Credit: TfGM

It’s also expected to impact several events on in the city centre, including Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford, comedian Peter Kay’s gig at the AO Arena, and singer Tom Grennan’s concert at Co-op Live.

“With so many drivers across the Bee Network walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill,” admitted Unite regional officer, Colin Hayden.

“We know residents will be disappointed to hear of potential action, but this is entirely the fault of the employers involved and our members feel they have no choice but to walk out to make their voices heard.

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“Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies who need to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”

Strikes will take place this month from 19 to 22 September.

Featured Image – TfGM

News

Inside the new Pull & Bear as shoppers say new Trafford Centre megastores are ‘literally a maze’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

The trio of new fashion arrivals at the Trafford Centre is now complete, with a brand-new supersized Zara, Bershka, and Pull & Bear now open for business.

The huge new-look Pull & Bear promises an ‘interactive and visionary’ shopping experience, with modern concrete interiors and metallic finishes.

It’s a similar minimalist design to the new Zara and Bershka that opened a few weeks ago, and signals a new design movement for parent company Inditex.

Pull & Bear now spans 805.40 square metres, showcasing accessories, footwear, and clothing.

It’s an impressive space, but shoppers have started joking that the new stores are so futuristic and modern, they’re getting a little overwhelmed.

One person wrote: “I went today and had to leave it made me feel ill it was like walking in a maze.”

One shopper said it feels like stepping into ‘Kim K’s wardrobe’ and more than a few people have compared the stores to a ‘space ship’.

A viral video on TikTok showed one girl managing to lose her friend inside the maze-like retail space.

She said: “Forgive me for being dramatic but I lost my mate 10 minutes ago in the new Zara in the Trafford Centre and I genuinely can’t find her.

Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre

“Like I’ve just been walking round in circles trying to find an outfit for a party, but I’ve lost her instead, so we’re playing a game of hide and seek in the Trafford Centre. 

“Oh my god I’ve got a spinny head I’m giving myself whiplash.”

Have you been to the new Zara / Berskha / Pull & Bear yet? What do you think?

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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