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Piccadilly Gardens cordoned off by police following ‘serious incident’

Sam Ridgway Sam Ridgway - 10th January 2020

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Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run

Danny Jones Danny Jones Keely Hodgkinson Great Manchester Run official starter 2025

One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.

Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.

Still just 23, last year’s BBC Sports Personality winner hasn’t been resting on her laurels since her Olympic success either, having set up her own ‘Keely Classic’ running event and is now setting her sights on a world-record attempt later this year.

We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.

Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”

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Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.

Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.

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Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.

2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…

Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?

Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.

There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.

You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.

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Featured Images — Erik van Leeuwen (via Wikimedia Commons)/Supplied

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Murder investigation launched after 93-year-old woman found dead in Stockport suburb

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A murder investigation has been launched after a 93-year-old woman was found dead at a property in a popular Stockport suburb.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called to an address on Altrincham Road at 9:38am yesterday morning (Wednesday 16 April), but when they arrived at the scene, a 93-year-old woman was sadly found deceased in the property.

Following the discovery of the body, police proceeded to carry out initial enquiries, and a scene is still in place whilst this continues.

At this time, police say this is an isolated incident, with a 39-year-old woman having been swiftly arrested on suspicion of murder and remaining in police custody.

Due to previous contact with the woman found dead, GMP has confirmed that a mandatory referral of this incident to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has been made, but following an initial assessment by GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate, it has been concluded that all officers remain fully operational.

“The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim,” explained Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen, who is a Senior Investigating Officer on the case.

Altrincham Road in Gatley
Altrincham Road in Gatley, where the murder took place / Credit: Google Maps

“We recognise that this investigation may cause concern within the local community, but I want to assure the public that this is an isolated incident, with a swift arrest made, and no wider threat.

“You will notice an increased presence in the area today whilst we conduct enquiries, but also across the coming days as the local neighbourhood team look to provide reassurance to those living close by.”

Police are also appealing to the public for information.

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Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact police on 101, quoting the log number 726 of 16/04/25, or reporting it online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

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