Police have arrested two men this week in connection with a drive-by shooting which took place in Newton Heath.
A gun was discharged in the Briscoe Lane area during the afternoon of 19 January 2021 and has led to eight arrests so far.
One individual has already been charged with possession of a shortened shotgun.
The Central Park CID’s investigation has now resulted in two further arrests – with six warrants executed across addresses in north Manchester and Failsworth on Tuesday (14 July).
Police confirmed they have arrested two men – aged 31 and 39 – who have been taken into custody to be questioned on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
GMP have arrested eight people in connection with the drive-by shooting in Newton Heath / Image: GMP
Detective Inspector Claire Moss, of GMP’s City of Manchester North, said that the incident caused “great concern in the community at the time”.
“We were committed to ensure that we were able to catch those responsible for this recklessness and prevent this incident from escalating,” the DI added.
“Our team of detectives have worked tirelessly in order to gather further evidence and progress this investigation to the point of these arrests, where we have been able to detain two men and speak to them about what was an incredibly dangerous daylight shooting.
“It is not too late for anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward to police or Crimestoppers anonymously and I encourage you to come forward with any information you may have.”
A firearm was discharged on Briscoe Lane in Newton Heath back in January / Image: GMP
Anyone with information should call 0161 856 1146 quoting incident 1373 of 19/01/2021.
Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Manchester
Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’
Danny Jones
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.
Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.
“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”
There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.
Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.
The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.
His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”
énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.
“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.
“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.
Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.
#TRIBUTE | The family of Ricky Hatton have paid tribute to him following his death at the weekend.
They have asked for their privacy as they grieve the man 'who had a heart as big as his smile.'
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
Manchester will host the 2026 MOBO Awards, with city-wide takeover planned
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will be the host of the 2026 MOBO Awards for the very first time, as the influential awards heads north for its 30th anniversary celebrations.
The MOBO Awards are the biggest celebration of Black music and culture in Europe, and has travelled the length and breadth of the UK since 2009.
But this is the first time Manchester will have the honour of hosting the MOBO Awards, for an unforgettable night at Co-op Live of live entertainment, tributes, recognition and celebration.
It’s yet another major cultural event choosing our city and putting Manchester on a global stage, following the MTV EMAs last year, the upcoming Brit Awards, and the Chanel Metiers D’art show.
Set to take place on Thursday 26 March, the MOBO Organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations will also include a city-wide takeover of the city.
MOBO is working with Manchester City Council to deliver the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long celebration of music, culture and creativity.
That’ll include industry panels, talent showcases, live performances, workshops, and loads more, all designed to engage the local community and the next generation of talent.
When a similar event was hosted in Newcastle last year, it attracted thousands of attendees and delivered an estimated £1m plus in combined economic and social impact for the city and wider North East region.
Scorcher at MOBO 2024. Credit: Nick Redman
MOBO will be welcoming back both Prostate Cancer UK and got2b as returning partners, with the former sponsoring the Best Male Act category, raising lifesaving awareness of Black men’s higher risk of prostate cancer and campaigning to fight health inequalities across the UK.
Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “For 30 years, MOBO has been more than an awards show – it has been a movement, shaping culture, championing creativity, and opening doors for generations of talent.
“This milestone is a reminder that when you celebrate culture, you don’t just preserve history – you shape the future.
“Three decades on, the MOBO Awards remain a powerful reminder of how music can inspire, unite, and transform lives. Manchester has always been a city of music and movement, and now, together with MOBO, we will write the next chapter of cultural history.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We’re honoured to have been chosen by MOBO to host their awards in what is such a special year for them as they mark an incredible 30 years of celebrating Black music and culture.
The MOBO Awards are coming to Manchester
“As a proudly diverse city that is known the world over as a city of music, creativity and talent, the MOBOs and Manchester are made for each other.
“We have a lot of expertise as a city in delivering world class events with a global reach, and together with our partners at Co-op Live and across the city we’re determined to do everything we can to support MOBO in making sure next year’s event hits all the right notes and is the very best one yet.
“Recognising and supporting emerging talent and our grassroots music scene in Manchester is also really important to us and we’re looking forward to collaborating with MOBO on the MOBO Fringe Festival which is set to provide some amazing and unmissable opportunities for young musicians and others to gain experience, learn from, get involved in and enjoy.”
MOBO has been proudly celebrating and elevating Black music and culture for 30 years, across genres including rap, hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, drill, gospel, jazz, reggae, African music, electronic, alternative, and beyond.
Notable winners over the years have included Stormzy, Little Simz, Rihanna, Central Cee, Beyonce, Jay Z, RAYE, and Janet Jackson, along with countless rising stars.
It’s expanded beyond music and celebrated excellence across the arts too, honouring talent including Idris Elba, Steve McQueen, and Damson Idris.
The MOBO Awards will take place in Manchester on Thursday 26 March 2026 at Co-op Live.
Fans can register now at mobo.com/awards to be the first in line for updates and priority access when tickets go on sale in December.