15 people have been arrested on suspicion of various offences following the Manchester Derby last weekend, it has been confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the arrests, as it thanked football fans for a “successful” match – which saw the city painted blue after Manchester City clinched the win with a 3-1 result over local cross-town rivals, Manchester United.
53,000 people were in attendance at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday afternoon (3 March) for what was the second Manchester derby of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
GMP says officers worked hard to “ensure the safety and enjoyment” of all spectators and the public, not only at the Etihad Stadium, but also on travel networks, and in Manchester city centre and other key locations where people gathered to watch.
Of that number of fans in attendance at the stadium, a total of 15 people were arrested, with two dearrested, and 13 then taken into police custody for different offences.
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15 people were arrested for various offences at the Manchester derby last Sunday / Credit: GMP
The offences were as follows:
Five on suspicion of drug offences
Five on suspicion of assault
Two on suspicion of ‘tragedy chanting’
One fan was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firework/flare at a sporting event, and throwing a missile onto a football playing area – but he was charged with this offence on Monday (4 March), and bailed with conditions.
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Despite the arrests made, GMP has been quick to thank and express gratitude to the “vast majority” of fans for their cooperation on the day.
#THANKYOU | GMP would like to thank football fans for a successful Manchester derby.
Of the 53,000 people in attendance on Sunday (March 3), 15 people were arrested, with 2 dearrested and 13 taken into custody.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) March 6, 2024
Speaking this week following the Manchester derby, Superintendent Gareth Parkin, who is GMP’s commander for the event, said: “On behalf of GMP, I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters of both teams who enjoyed their day responsibly and safely.
“Most of the arrests this weekend were the result of proactive policing, and members of the public reporting incidents to us.
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“A thorough policing operation was in place and GMP worked closely with partner agencies, including local authorities, British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, and both football clubs, to ensure the safety of all spectators and supporters who watched the match.
“Finally, I want to thank our partners who were involved in months of planning and helped organise a successful event.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Beloved local comedian Justin Moorhouse pays touching tribute to son Barney
Daisy Jackson
Justin Moorhouse has shared a touching tribute to his son, after announcing over the weekend that Barney had passed away.
The much-loved Tameside comedian wrote that the family are ‘besides themselves with grief’, before later sharing some of his favourite memories of his son, who was in his 20s.
Justin Moorhouse, who starred in Phoenix Nights and just recently performed at the Manchester Opera House on his ‘The Greatest Performance of My Life’ tour, described his son as ‘the sweetest, kindest soul’.
He wrote that Barney ‘just went to sleep and didn’t wake up’.
Following the heartbreaking news, Justin shared three of his fondest memories with his son, including a Flaming Lips gig in Leeds, Bleachers at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, and a trip to the US.
He wrote: “Some of my favourite memories of Barney are music gigs. I am so lucky to have enjoyed loads of stuff he did and obviously hates loads too!
“Luckily, he didn’t think I was too awkward to hang out with at gigs… How lucky I’ve been to have him.”
On Saturday, Justin Moorhouse shared: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you our beautiful boy Barney has passed away. Me, his mum and step mum, his sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and his gorgeous friends are besides ourselves with grief.
“I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him.
“He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul.
“He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up.
“I can’t imagine how the next days and weeks will unfold but I know we are able to cope – love always helps.
“I am him and he is me. Sleep tight Barney. Dad x
“Appreciate your kindness and sensitivity towards the family at this time.”
Government officially approves Eton’s plan to ‘remove barriers’ and open new FREE college in Oldham
Emily Sergeant
Eton’s plans to open a new free college in Oldham will officially go ahead following Government approval this week.
In case you need bringing up to speed a bit, plans for three new post-16 colleges – with the other two being in Dudley and Middlesborough – that are designed to help give young people who’ve done well in their GCSEs the opportunity to achieve the A-Levels they need to go to Oxbridge and other elite universities across the world were first announced back in March 2022, and then given the green light in August 2023.
Eton has partnered with Star Academies – which is said to be the highest-performing state school trust in the country – for the new colleges.
The colleges will aim to recruit ‘dynamic young people from deprived communities’, including in Oldham, and provide them with a ‘rigorous and rounded education’ that supports their ambitions to achieve places at ‘the very best universities’.
Oldham Council has welcomed the news that the new college – set to be named Eton Star Oldham – will go ahead, after the Government confirmed the conclusion of its national review into the proposals.
The decision means that Oldham will become one of the first places in the country to offer this new education model that combines high standards with strong partnerships and expanded opportunities for local young people.
The Government has officially approved Eton’s plan to open a new free college in Oldham / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Approval means pupils from every background will soon have access to the ‘very best’ opportunities.
Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Coucil, said this is ‘great news’ for Oldham, adding: “Eton Star Oldham will give our young people access to life-changing opportunities, no matter their background or where they start in life.
“We have been clear throughout that this must be a college shaped with our young people, our parents and our communities.
“Now that the Government has confirmed it will go ahead, we will work closely with Eton College and Star Academies to make sure this delivers for Oldham’s children and opens doors for generations to come.”
Emily Sergeant -
7th March 2024 
