Greater Manchester Police has this morning released a statement in relation to concerns on social media around “unlawful posters” in the Manchester area.
It is believed to be in response to displays seen in the windows of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Birley and Cambridge halls of residence – where 1,700 students are currently self-isolating due to 99 students having tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) – and comes after the University stated it had been requested by the constabulary that “the posters must not break the law or they’ll have to be removed”.
The constabulary’s Superintendent from the City of Manchester policing team – who also heads up Operation Student Safe – made the statement addressing this on social media this morning.
He confirmed that GMP is yet to receive any reports concerning the matter.
It comes after Manchester Metropolitan University and Student Living were believed to have contacted the students currently self-isolating in the Birley and Cambridge halls of residence asking them to remove a the signs in an email that read: “We are contacting you all today to ask for the signs which are on display on the windows in your flat need to removed.
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“Please ensure these are removed asap.”
Thousands of students in lockdown in Manchester— and can't leave for exercise or food
Now they're told to ignore media and (below) remove signs such as "Let Us Out" and "Cheers Bojo"
Silencing students doesnt feel like fair response to the predictable disaster that is unfolding pic.twitter.com/4U1o2SAfFS
Posters, signs and arrangements of post-it notes displayed in windows were visible from the streets, and photographs of which have been widely circulated throughout mainstream and social media over the weekend.
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They were seen reading messages such as “HMP MMU”, “9k 4 What?”, “F*** Boris”, and “Tories out” among others.
Reuters
After the request to remove the displays went onto receive widespread criticism by the students themselves and members of the public, MMU then took to social media yesterday evening to issue a public apology.
They stated the that the message “didn’t reflect the University’s view”.
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The University said: “We apologise for the message sent to our students last night about posters in windows, it didn’t reflect the University’s view. We respect the rights of students to express themselves, but as requested by [Greater Manchester Police], the posters must not break the law or they’ll have to be removed.”
We apologise for the message sent to our students last night about posters in windows, it didn't reflect the University's view. We respect the rights of students to express themselves, but as requested by @gmpolice the posters must not break the law or they'll have to be removed.
This then prompted calls on social media by many questioning how posters or the arrangement of post it notes could be seen as “break[ing] the law”.
It was also noted at the time that Greater Manchester Police were yet to make a public statement on the matter.
Now, an official statement response by Superindendent Richard Timson – in charge of Operation Student Safe – has been issued on social media this morning. It reads: “As far as we are aware, there have currently not been any reports made to GMP in regards to unlawful posters in the Manchester area.
“If this matter is reported to GMP, the content of posters would be reviewed with consideration made around whether any offences have been committed under the Public Order Act 1986.”
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
The Manc -
28th September 2020 
