A video has emerged on social media of a police officer apparently seen punching a worker outside a cafe where dozens of people were said to be dining.
The incident was confirmed to have taken place at the Kate & Luc Cafe Restaurant in Burnage yesterday.
The cafe was allegedly operating in breach of the rules of England’s third national lockdown, which permits hospitality businesses to provide collection / takeaway and delivery services, but does not allow patrons to sit inside the premises.
As well as the initial video footage which appears to show the assault taking place – posted by Twitter user @88gaz88, and amassing over 4K interactions and comments – a second video from the scene shows the staff member being led outside by Greater Manchester Police officers, with customers jeering and clapping.
Many of those same customers then followed the scene outside.
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Throughout both of the clips posted to Twitter, people can be heard shouting at the officers “He’s trying to earn a living”, “You will pay for this”, and “You will get what you deserve, have you got children?”.
The owners of the cafe have posted regularly on their Facebook page about remaining open, despite the current lockdown rules, and a further video released from the scene – which looks to have been filmed inside the cafe – shows children among the crowd of people sitting at tables, the majority of whom appear to not be social distancing or wearing masks.
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An eyewitness present at the scene provided an insight into the context of the incident, stating that: “[The cafe] has been open for takeaways, but recently we’ve seen people sitting inside [and] today there were about 50 or 60 people inside and outside.
“No-one was wearing a mask [and] it was like they were protesting [against the lockdown].
Greater Manchester Police confirmed it is “aware of the footage” from the incident circulating online and are “continuing to assess the circumstances of the incident”.
A police spokesperson said: “Police were responding to reports of non-compliance with COVID-19 restrictions by a café on Burnage Lane in Manchester,”
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“Officers attended and in line with procedure, attempted to engage with individuals and disperse attendees.
“This resulted in an officer being assaulted.
“GMP are aware of the footage circulating online and are continuing to assess all the circumstances of the incident, including this footage as well as other footage obtained, at what remains an early stage in the investigation.”
GMP is aware of a video circulating online involving a man who appears to be struck by a police officer.
This incident happened whilst a 38-year-old man was being arrested on suspicion of assault of an emergency worker and resisting arrest. pic.twitter.com/nI9MZa5UET
The force also confirmed that one of their officers sustained injuries during the altercation – which took place shortly after 12pm yesterday – but did not require hospital treatment.
Officers issued a total of 14 fixed penalty notices.
News
Iconic Salford music venue The White Hotel to reopen under new ownership from 2027
Clementine Hall
After announcing plans to close at the end of the year, famed Manchester club The White Hotel is changing hands.
Just a couple of months ago back in May, it was announced that one of Greater Manchester’s most cutting-edge and best-loved nightlife venues would be closing its doors for good.
Despite ‘continuing to draw full houses’, co-founder Ben Ward told The Guardian that the venue had found itself in a flood-risk zone, saying: “Basically, it’s a swamp.”
He added that it was better ‘to go out on our own terms, long before we became a museum’.
But it seems the swamp may live on…and although it is the end for the cult favourite nightclub as we know it, the former garage in Salford will be reopening in new ownership from 2027.
From January onwards, the disused Dickinson Street space will be known as BASTION according to a social media post shared to Instagram yesterday.
It will be run by the team who operate neighbouring venue The Bag Factory and will be supported by the Strange Art Collective CIC.
Images: The Manc
The Bag Factory shared a black and white illustration of the iconic White Hotel’s exterior, along with coordinates to the venue, stating: “The underground has a new stronghold”.
Rather cryptic we must say, and although we hope The White Hotel that we know and love could stick around forever – we hope the new owners will keep some of its magic alive.
‘Own a landmark, create a legacy’ – Historic chimney goes on sale for £300k in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
How would you like to live in a big chimney?
I know that might sound like an odd question, and in some respects, it is… but we’re being 100% genuine, as over in Bolton there is currently a historic local landmark on the market with planning permission to make it into your new home, and it’ll only set you back £300,000.
‘Only’ is a bit of a stretch, but when you consider the magnitude of this property, it’s surprising that you’re able to get your hands on it for such a reasonable price.
This is Barrow Bridge Chimney.
Rising above the tranquil stone cottages and wooded valley of the stunning model village that is Barrow Bridge, this striking Victorian chimney stands as a lone sentinel of Bolton’s proud industrial past – and now, with full planning permission secured, estate agents say it offers an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ to reimagine history as a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A historic chimney has gone on sale for £300k in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Originally built in the early 19th century as part of the ‘ambitious’ Dean Mills complex, the chimney once crowned a thriving cotton-spinning hub founded by Thomas Bazley, who was one of the Industrial Revolution’s great innovators.
Long after the mills fell silent though, the chimney endured and remained a local landmark in Smithills visible for miles, and today this relic of the steam age is ready for its next chapter.
Approved plans for the chimney are described as being a ‘bold’ residential conversion that will honour its industrial heritage, while still creating a dramatic modern dwelling like no other in the town.
The planning permission is in place for a two-storey residence of approximately 3,939 sq ft, with a striking contemporary design blended seamlessly with practical living.
The planning permission is in place for a ‘striking’ two-storey residence / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The approved plans include three spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and a study that can easily adapted to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout to suit modern family life.
What makes this an even more attractive prospect for future buyers is that the chimney is well-connected to both amenities and nature – with both independent businesses, good local schools, and convenient transport links on the doorstep, as well as parks and tree-lined walks.
“This is your chance to own more than bricks and mortar,” estate agents Miller Metcalfe said.
“It’s a chance to live inside a landmark, to shape its story for future generations, and to call a piece of Bolton’s proud industrial heritage your own. Enquire now to discover how you can transform this iconic chimney into a legacy home that will stand for generations to come.”
Fancy it then? Take a look at the property on Rightmove here.
The Manc -
8th February 2021 
