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18 arrested at Kill the Bill Manchester protests
Over 150 people gathered at St Peter's Square and sat down on the tram lines; causing "significant disruption to transport networks".
Police arrested 18 protestors involved in a ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstration in Manchester over the weekend – with officers lifting several demonstrators off the tram tracks.
Over 150 people gathered at St Peter’s Square on Saturday (27 March) and sat down on the Metrolink lines; causing “significant disruption to transport networks”.
Greater Manchester Police said that whilst the demonstration was “largely peaceful” and most of the crowd left by 4pm, officers were forced to physically remove those who had ignored “repeated prior warnings” to move from the area.
Chief Superintendent Andy Sidebotham said: “We have been working closely with partners and engaging with those present at the protest all afternoon to avoid any risk or disruption to the wider public in the city centre and [the] event was largely peaceful and without issue.
“However, as the day went on the remaining group caused significant disruption to the public of Greater Manchester.
“I understand the desire to peacefully protest but by blocking trams this smaller group prevented passengers from travelling to work for essential journeys, including health and care workers.
“This was clearly unacceptable and, in our duty to serve the public, we could not allow [it] to be tolerated any longer.”
Kill the Bill protests have taken place nationwide in March – expressing anger at legislation that would give police more power in preventing and dispersing demonstrations.
In Bristol on Friday (March 26), protests turned violent – with fireworks, bricks and bottles launched at officers.
One journalist has claimed he was assaulted by officers whilst they were clearing the demonstration.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the scenes “disgraceful” and said the police had his “full support.”
Featured image: BBC North West / Twitter
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Rest in peace.
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Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons
News
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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