Greater Manchester Police has issued a statement addressing the “concerns” it has around crowds gathering at one of the city’s most popular green spaces.
Images of hoards of crowds gathered were seen posted to social media.
Although it still remains unconfirmed, police estimated that up to 3,000 people could have gathered there on just Tuesday alone, as the mini heatwave saw crowds continue to grow throughout the day.
After images and footage of crowds gathering began to emerge, many local residents took to social media to express their opinions.
Opinions were voiced from a number of perspectives.
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While many pointed out that the gathering of socially-distanced groups is permitted now that up to six people from various households can meet outside, others were not suitably satisfied that necessary restrictions were being stuck to.
Most of the complaints and issues voiced by local residents at The Manc audience alike, however, were in relation to the litter strewn across the park that was left behind by revellers.
Amongst the piles of litter were said to be beer bottles, canisters and disposable BBQs.
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Now, officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme & Burnage team have spoken out about the concerns raised in a statement issued yesterday afternoon.
Superintendent Richard Timson said: “Following the upturn in weather, we have received reports of large groups of people gathering in Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield.
“We continue to work in line with the 4 Es, so engaged and explained to those who were believed to be in breach of the current COVID restrictions, and no FPN’s were issued.
“Despite the easing of rules earlier this week, restrictions remain in place… [and] this is to ensure the reducing infection rate does not, once again, rise and mean that the lockdown period has to be extended further than the dates already provided.
“We understand that people will want to head outdoors to parks and other public spaces to enjoy the weather – especially those that don’t have access to a private garden – and that the continuing restrictions can be difficult and discouraging, however, what might seem like an innocent outdoor gathering could lead to the spread of the virus”.
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He continued: “It is also important to be mindful of those around you, and the local communities.
“We have all sacrificed so much as a result of the restrictions, and we don’t want all this to be undone. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the easing of restrictions, but we must do so in line with the current rules, and as not to let those few who have complete disregard for these to ruin it for others.
“Over the coming weeks on warmer days and lighter evenings, please avoid gathering outside in groups of more than six people (from separate households) or two different households (linked households are counted as one).
“Fines are still being issued for people who those that show a blatant disregard for the regulations.
“We’d like to thank the vast majority of people who continue to follow the restrictions in place – it’s really important we all continue to work together to keep our communities safe and ensure we can continue with the further easing of the restrictions”.
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Elsewhere across Manchester, reports of large crowds gathering at Castlefield Bowl in the city centre yesterday evening began emerging, with footage posted to social media showing hoards of people sing and dancing on the concrete steps, while a live DJ and soundsystem played popular dance tunes.
Speaking on social media last night, one local resident said: “There is currently an actual DJ set at Castlefield Bowl. I wish I was joking.”
It’s believed that around 10.20pm, police began breaking up the party.
Witnesses said the crowd dispersed fairly peacefully, apart from some throwing laughing gas cannisters and shouting insults at the police.
Greater Manchester Police is yet to issue a formal statement on this matter.
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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.
Man United broadcaster FlexUTD responds after suffering ‘awful’ racist abuse on camera
Danny Jones
Manchester United content creator, YouTuber and digital presenter, FlexUTD, has shared a disappointed but defiant response following a racist incident captured during a video after the game this weekend.
Flex – real name Flex Alexander – is a familiar face among Man United fans and a well-known personality across the online English football culture, having previously worked with another popular fan channel in The United Stand before founding his own brand, United View.
Whilst recording his regular post-match analysis outside Old Trafford after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, the social media influencer was interrupted by a woman and fellow United supporter.
After seemingly giving someone a quick shout-out, she then proceeds to wander out of frame before appearing to utter a racial slur off-camera in the form of an offensive twist on the fan base’s famous anti-Glazer chant.
In the video shared to the official YouTube channel, he is visibly stunned by the racist outburst and members of the crew behind the camera can also be heard asking, “Did you just see what I think you said?”, adding “There’s always one or two.”
The identity of the female United fan is still unknown and although her face remains blurred for legal reasons, Flex himself did come out on social media to ask people to “find this woman” in order for the club to identify her and the authorities to punish her accordingly.
Still taken aback by the racial slur, Flex simply goes on to describe the off-hand abuse as “crazy” before insisting that the moment will be staying the full edit so as not to let the incident go unnoticed.
Ever since the video was released, other Reds, football fans and content creators alike have been sharing their support online.
One person wrote, “It’s 2024 and we’re still seeing people saying racist things and they think they can get away with it. Hope Flex gets justice for this.”, while another tagged the club and added: “Can’t be having these type of fans enter the stadium.”
Flex has since responded online in a separate video, thanking people for their heartfelt messages, but despite assuring that he has a “thick skin”, he quite rightly went on to add that people of colour shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of intolerable behaviour and he is simply “tired”.
Disgraceful. Hope your ok @FlexUTD we are all united together ❤️
Retired striker and former United coach Benni McCarthy also reached out online to offer some kind words, writing: “Hi mate, hope you [are] ok. That was absolutely unnecessary and you shouldn’t have to deal with such behaviour. Stay strong bro and behind you all the way.”
The club themselves are yet to issue a statement regarding the incident but with both current players and former staff responding, it likely won’t be long before the individual is identified and issued with a ban. United had to deal with similar incidents regarding racism and homophobia last season.
It goes without saying that we condemn discrimination in all its forms; our thoughts go out to Flex and everyone else affected by the incident and hope the incident is dealt with swiftly. The beautiful game is for everyone and there’s no room for racism in any walk of life. #KickItOut.
You can watch Flex’s full video addressing the situation, in which he urged people to “stay strong, keep fighting” and “stick together”, down below:
FlexUTD’s full response following the appalling racist incident on 4/11/2024.
Featured Images — United We Stand (via YouTube)/FlexUTD (via X)
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Family pays tribute to ‘big family man’ found dead 10 days after going missing
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who was found dead in Wigan 10 days after he was reported missing have now paid a touching tribute to him.
David Edmonds, 55, has been described by his loved ones as a ‘big family man’ who loved sports, travel and his family.
David had been missing for nine days after last being seen in the Bodmin Drive area of Platt Bridge at around 11pm on Sunday 20 October.
Tragically after extensive searches, on Wednesday 30 October police found a body, later confirmed as David.
His wife has now released a statement on behalf of his family, describing him as a ‘happy chap’ who was well-loved by his family, friends and colleagues.
She said: “He was a hard worker and worked all his life. His first job was with his father at a local factory, and he worked there from a young age up until recently.
“He was a big Everton supporter and loved going to the matches. He held season tickets since he was a child. David liked all sports and watching anything with a ball, cricket, football, and rugby, especially Wigan rugby.
“He also liked horse racing; we would go to the races in York every year.
“He loved going on holiday and we travelled a lot together, we went to Australia, New York, Tenerife, and Benidorm.
“David was a big family man and adored his three nephews. He will be missed by all of us, he was so loved.
“We would like to thank the police and everyone who shared appeals on social media or went out searching for David.”
David’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve his loss.