Dramatic photos released by the fire service show the scale and aftermath of a devastating blaze ripping through a primary school in Bolton yesterday.
With only a few weeks of the summer holidays left to go, and thousands of children across Greater Manchester gearing up to start a new school year at the start of September, the return for a new term may sadly look a little different for the pupils and parents of S S Simon & Jude C of E Primary School in Bolton.
It comes after the popular primary school caught fire yesterday morning (17 August) at around 8:30am, and saw a significant blaze rip through the building.
Plumes of thick smoke were reportedly seen by local residents for miles.
🚒 GMFRS crews have worked tirelessly throughout the day to extinguish a major fire at a primary school in Bolton. At the height of the response, 17 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were in attendance.
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) August 17, 2023
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that crews from 10 different branches and a total of 17 fire engines from across the region attended the scene at the Great Lever-based school once the first reports came in, and got straight to work battling the blaze and eventually managing to bring the situation under control.
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Several surrounding streets were cordoned off for a number of hours while crews tackled the blaze, with locals urged to stay away.
GMFRS said in statement that crews “worked tirelessly throughout the day”.
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Photos released by the fire service also show the shell of the school building as the blaze was close to being fully extinguished.
The shell of S S Simon & Jude C of E Primary School after the blaze took hold / Credit: GMFRS
Sharing the shocking drone pictures with the public on social media yesterday, GMFRS explained in a statement: “Our crews have worked tirelessly throughout the day to extinguish a major fire at a primary school in Bolton.
“At the height of the response, 17 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were in attendance.
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“The fire was brought under control by late afternoon [and] crews will be at the scene overnight damping down any remaining hot spots.”
Parents of pupils at the school – which converted to Academy status in 2012, and is now operated by The Vantage Academy Trust – were said to be “devastated” by the fire, and understandably left concerned about the near future and the return for the new school year.
The front of S S Simon & Jude C of E Primary School in Great Lever, Bolton / Credit: Google Maps
The Vantage Academy Trust reassured parents that they will be continuously updated moving forward.
In a public statement shared online on Thursday evening, the Vantage Academy Trust wrote: “We would like to reassure everyone who’s seen the fire at SS Simon and Jude CE Primary, Bolton, today that no one has been hurt.
“Firefighters have worked tirelessly to bring it under control.
“The Principal will keep in touch with parents with further updates – school can be reached if needed via the office email.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
