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50-person fight and officers verbally abused at lockdown party in Beetham Tower

GMP have published footage of the incident, which appears to show officers being verbally abused by some guests, with one accusing officers of "spoiling" the event.

The Manc The Manc - 16th February 2021
Beetham Tower / Image: Stephen Richards

Greater Manchester Police broke up a lockdown party at Beetham Tower last weekend which involved a mass brawl and guests verbally abusing officers.

GMP are looking into the prospect of issuing a £10,000 fine to the organiser of the gathering on Deansgate – which saw dozens of people in attendance.

Police were contacted following reports of a fight at the property involving as many as 50 people.

A review into the incident is ongoing.

GMP have also published footage of the party (below) – which appears to show officers being criticised by some guests.

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One man is heard accusing police of “spoiling” the event.

Other attendees, aged in their 20s and 30s, apparently dispersed when officers arrived at the apartment at 2.50am on Saturday (13 February).

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The gathering at Beetham Tower was just one of 74 incidents attended by GMP over the weekend.

Officers issued a total of 185 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) between Friday (12 February) and Sunday (14 February) – including several £800 fines after breaking up an 18th birthday party in Newton Heath and a staff party in Salford.

GMP also fined seven people in Oldham after attending a reported wedding. Some guests fled when police arrived.

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More than 3,700 Fixed Penalty Notices have now been issued in Greater Manchester since 31 July 2020.

The region has one of the worst COVID breach records in England.

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The 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season has been delayed

Danny Jones Danny Jones Premiership Women's Rugby season 25/26 delayed

The next Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season has been officially delayed by nearly three weeks.

Announced on Tuesday, 21 January, the decision has been taken in an effort to help promote the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC), the proximity of which is rather close to the national union championship competition.

With sporting bodies also trying to nurture a growing interest in female rugby, the start of the next PWR season will be pushed back not only to give players more time to rest but in an effort to drive a larger audience to the WRWC as well, the final of which is being played here in England.

The hope is that it will also better the Red Roses’ chances of winning the international tournament in turn – fingers firmly crossed.

The conclusion of the international tournament is taking place at Twickenham Stadium in London on 27 September, just days before the 2025/26 Premiership season was due to start.

Local side Sale Sharks are sadly at the bottom of the table this current campaign, which kicked off on 5 October 2024 and ends this March, but with eyes already on the WRWC the focus for lots of players in the division will no doubt already be shifting.

Not only is the domestic women’s rugby season being delayed by nearly three whole weeks – meaning the first games won’t happen until 25 October – but this comes after the current schedule of fixtures was also reduced with player recovery in mind ahead of the World Cup.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the PWR’s operations manager, Amy Walmsley, said: “The Rugby World Cup is a generational moment for women’s rugby and will create a huge opportunity for both PWR and our clubs to grow and celebrate with their fans.

“The optimum time between the Rugby World Cup Final and our first league match will ensure we capitalise on what we already know will be the biggest and best World Cup ever, while also ensuring player welfare with adequate rest across the season.”

The stats back it up too as 2024 saw numerous milestones for the women’s game; in addition to record crowds at the Olympics, last year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations was the most viewed on record with 8.1 million fans tuning in, not to mention an increased interest among 18-24-year-olds.

You can find the run-down of the Sale Sharks Women fixtures below:

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As for the final of the Premiership Women’s Rugby, the date has been reverted to its usual window in June, which should also fit within what congestion remains.

Nevertheless, with the Women’s Six Nations in late April and England – who have won all but one of their last 51 games – set to begin their World Cup on 22 August, the margins are still going to be somewhat fine if they are to head into the tournament in the best shape possible.

With the tickets selling extremely well, the expectation is that the Rugby World Cup final break is set to break the world record for the best-attended women’s rugby fixture in history.

In the meantime, Greater Manchester is gearing up for the men’s action as the Six Nations gets underway at the end of this month and the city is boasting the perfect place to watch it.

Freight Island is hosting the UK’s biggest Six Nations fan zone

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Sale Sharks (via X)

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Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Digital driving licences are set to be introduced across the UK later this year, it has been announced.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today that, before 2025 is out, Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving their right to drive.

A mobile driver’s licence is set to be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK wallet app that’s being launched later this year.

The new wallet will allow users to securely store Government-issued documents on their phone, such as DBS checks, Veteran Cards, and loads more, as well as driving licences, and use them easily when needed by making use of a range of security features that are built into modern smart phones – including facial recognition checks.

According to the Government, the new service means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost. 

Traditional physical documents will still remain available, however.

Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year / Credit: GDS

The mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all Government services will have to offer a digital alternative, alongside paper or card credentials, by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital Government.

“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.

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“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”

Featured Image – Pxhere

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