The people's voice of Greater Manchester

Sandwich Technician

AJ Handley-Rowe - 10th November 2021

Man charged with rape of 17-year-old girl near Piccadilly Gardens

Emily Sergeant

A man is due to appear in court today after being charged with the rape of a 17-year-old girl near Piccadilly Gardens last month.

A 24-year-old Afghan man, who has been formally named by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as Abdul Shinwari, of no fixed abode, has been charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, and possession with intent to supply.

He was charged following reports of the rape of a 17-year-old girl on Hope Street, near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre.

The shocking incident happened at around 1:30am on Tuesday 14 July 2026, and specialist safeguarding officers have been continuing to support the victim ever since.

Shinwari was remanded in custody following his arrest, and is now due to appear at Manchester Crown Court today (25 August 2026).

There have been no further police statements on the matter at this time.

News of this incident comes after it was announced earlier this year that a new police hub was to set to be established in Piccadilly Gardens.

Local leaders said at the start of 2026 that their ambition for the year was to maintain a ‘high-performing’ police service by tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, and protecting residents and businesses along the way.

And part of this ambition was to increase police visibility in Piccadilly Gardens, which is a much-maligned part of the city centre, by launching a new ‘prominent’ police hub.

You can read more about that here.

Featured Image – GMP

Award-winning cocktail bar in Manchester announces shock closure

Daisy Jackson

Red Light, award-winning cocktail bar in Manchester announces shock closure

Red Light, a Manchester cocktail bar that’s been named as one of the best in the UK, has announced its shock closure.

The beautiful bar on the cobbled Little David Street has said that ‘this Pride will be our last’, with the doors set to close for good on Sunday.

Red Light opened its doors at Kampus in 2023, an inclusive space with great drinks, events, and DJs.

The bar was the brainchild of Deana Ferguson, an adopted Manc originally hailing from Belfast, who created a cosy, welcoming space with a fantastic martini.

But now, the Red Light team have announced that they have just days remaining in their home.

They wrote that ‘sustained financial headwinds’ are partly to blame, along with the challenges presented by operating a late-night venue in a residential area.

Red Light in Manchester has announced its closure

The beautiful bar is on Little David Street at Kampus in Manchester — Red Light in Manchester has announced its closure

In a heartbreaking statement, Red Light wrote: “For so many years, this bar has been more than a place to drink. It has been a home, a dance floor, a refuge, and a place where people could find friendship, freedom, love, and themselves.

“We are immensely proud of the community that has grown within these walls, and grateful to every person who has been part of it.”

The statement went on to thank the DJs, performers, neighbours and friends who ‘made this bar what it was’.

Red Light added: “We want our final Pride to celebrate everything we have created together. Come raise a glass, fill the dance floor, and help us give this place the joyful, unapologetically queer farewell it deserves.

“We hope to see you over the weekend, for one last Pride together.”