Chief Constables from the five North West police constabularies have issued an open letter this morning warning residents will “face the consequences of greater levels of enforcement” should they not comply with national lockdown restrictions.
The statement – signed Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, along with CCs from Lancashire Constabulary, Merseyside Police, Cheshire Constabulary, and Cumbria Constabulary – said they would “collectively target” the minority of the public who flout rules by holding large gatherings, music events, parties, and so on.
The senior officers also said they were seeking support from the government and judiciary to consider how they can rapidly bring to justice those who choose to ignore coronavirus (COVID-19)-related fines.
The statement comes ahead of the four-week national lockdown in England – announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a direct address to MPs in the House of Commons last Saturday evening – which is due to be voted on in Parliament today and will take effect from 0.01 GMT on Thursday 5th November.
The Chief Constables said they had seen first hand “the misery the pandemic has caused”.
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They said they had received “great support from the majority of our communities” so far, but have sadly seen “a minority right across the North West who seem incapable of demonstrating any civic responsibility and complying with regulations,”.
Awareness of the public’s calls for a “consistent and robust” approach to enforcement was also acknowledged.
The letter also detailed the police forces’ response to the last national lockdown, stating that officers had taken a “very measured” approach to enforcement and used a model of “engage, explain, encourage and only as a last resort, enforce” in relation to issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN).
The statement then went on to urge the public to continue complying with COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the pending national lockdown.
It reads: “We know how hard this is, but we need to maintain that shared purpose we had in the first lockdown to defeat the virus and, ultimately, save lives.”
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“[But] to the minority who feel the restrictions don’t apply to them, be prepared to face the consequences of greater levels of enforcement.
David Dixon / Geograph
“We will collectively target those who flout the restrictions, particularly those organising large gatherings and music events, repeatedly holding parties or deliberately causing harm to our communities by not following the restrictions such as self-isolating where necessary.
“Where we have issued Fixed Penalty notices a significant proportion of recipients think they can ignore them.
“We are therefore seeking support from government and the Judiciary to consider how we bring these people to justice rapidly.”
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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The cause of fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium confirmed
Danny Jones
The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium earlier this week has now been revealed.
Man City‘s European fixture against Club Brugge was at risk of being postponed on Wednesday night after a stand inside a merch kiosk set alight whilst fans were still waiting outside the ground.
Footage of the small fire which soon turned into a significant blaze was shared countless times across social media almost immediately, naturally causing plenty of concern for supporters and the club alike.
The incident also saw people speculating as to what sparked it and now a couple of days after the fact, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has confirmed the cause of the fire.
Although many were all too quick to blame the travelling opposition fans, with some even suggesting that supporters from a rival club had intentionally set the fire, arson has been ruled out by GMFRS.
Issuing an official statement to media outlets, the emergency service said: “At around 6pm on Wednesday 29 January, two fire engines from Blackley and Phillips Park fire stations were called to an incident involving a fire and a merchandise unit at the Etihad Stadium, Rowsley Street.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire which was caused by some clothing accidentally falling onto an electric heater. Crews left the scene after approximately 75 minutes.”
Fortunately, the area was sufficiently cleared as soon as the fire was detected and no one was harmed during the incident.
The aftermath of the fire outside the Etihad Stadium tonight.
The fire also wasn’t severe enough to delay the start of the game either, with the Blues going on to notch a crucial 3-1 win to make it into the Champions League playoff.
City will now face either 15-time UCL victors Real Madrid or Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich – who also have half a dozen to their name – in the next round.
Whether they or not they make it past that point into the remainder of the knockout phase, we’ll have to wait and see but the quadruple-winners look to be regaining their form.
If you still have watched the game back, you can find the highlights from the game down below:
The Etihad fire didn’t cause any problems on the pitch – Pep Guardiola’s side looked to get back on track in the second half.
Featured Images — Harry Newton (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Ex-England stars Jill Scott and Gary Lineker receive 2025 Legends of Football Awards
Danny Jones
Former England stars Jill Scott and Gary Lineker have been selected as the recipients of this year’s Legend of Football Awards.
The retired footballers turned pundits and presenters have 241 international caps and a combined 34 years of senior playing days between them, not to mention countless appearances at club level throughout their respective careers.
Confirmed on Thursday, 30 January, the pair joined the ranks of Pele, Wayne Rooney, the late Dennis Law; David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, BBC colleague Alan Shearer and several other iconic names to have been chosen in the past.
The MBE and OBE duo will receive their awards at a special ceremony at the JW Marriot Grosvenor House in London this Fall.
Our annual charity fundraising night is hosted in aid of @nordoffrobbins – it has raised a staggering £8.5 million to date.
The Legends of Football Awards ceremony has been every year since it was founded back in 1996, with some of the biggest characters in English, European and world football having received the recognition over the years.
On the announcement of her award, Manchester City and Lionesses legend Jill Scott said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the 2025 Legends of Football award.
“It’s truly an honour to follow in the footsteps of my former international teammates, Fara Williams and Ellen White, who have also been recognised in recent years.
“The incredible work Nordoff and Robbins do cannot be overstated”, says the Women’s Euro 2022 winner. “Seeing the charity’s incredible impact through its use of music therapy to transform the lives of people with life-limiting conditions has been inspiring.
“I’m really looking forward to the evening and excited to raise money for Nordoff and Robbins.”
As for ex-Spurs, Everton, Leicester and Barcelona star, Lineker, the 64-year-old added: “This acknowledgement is an honour and would not be possible without the support of my former managers and teammates.
“I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible evening that celebrates football and music, all in support of Nordoff and Robbins. Their work is vital in transforming lives through the power of music. Music therapy offers an extraordinary means of helping individuals express themselves and connect with others.”
Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best night in the football social calendar”, the Legends of Football event is an annual charity fundraising night, supported by the Premier League, in aid of music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins.
Also the hosts and lead sponsor of the Northern Music Awards, the organisation champions music therapy charity that uses music as a key tool for those diagnosed with disabilities, living with illness or dealing with trauma, aiding expression and communication with others.
Up to now, the annual event has raised over a staggering £8.5 million to date since John Charles CBE was made the first recipient in its inaugural year. Incredible stuff.
The Manc -
4th November 2020 
