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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Volunteers from across Greater Manchester help clean up Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield. Around 3000 people gathered, neighbours report no social distancing or facemasks. Hundreds queued to urinate and defecate against residents garden fences. pic.twitter.com/fmx4jEgvY6
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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Following the upturn in weather, we've received reports of large groups of people gathering in Platt Fields Park. We continue to work in line with the 4 E's, so engaged & explained to those believed to be in breach of current restrictions. Details here: https://t.co/ACmcvpC53Cpic.twitter.com/4t4w7HFHuw
— Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme Police (GMP) (@GMPFallowfield) March 31, 2021
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.
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.
Police appeal after Salford woman, 95, threatened by window cleaner in her own home
Emily Sergeant
Police are appealing for information after an elderly woman was threatened inside her own home during an attempted robbery.
Around 11am yesterday morning (27 January), officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Salford division responded to reports that a woman had cash demanded from her at an address on Belcroft Drive in Little Hulton.
It is believed that a man entered the property after offering to clean the woman’s – who police have confirmed is 95-years-old – windows, before tying her hands together, and then demanding her cash and purse.
The man’s efforts were disrupted when another woman who knew the victim arrived at the house, and thankfully because of this, no injuries were reported and the victim is being supported by officers.
The man fled the scene, and no arrests have been made at this time.
This is why police are now appealing to the public for any information that they may have that could help with their investigation while extensive enquires are ongoing – including any CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from around the area at the time.
Investigators attended the scene and gathered evidence, which is currently being assessed and acted upon, but are also keen to speak to anyone who saw anything ‘suspicious’.
The man who committed the offence was described as white male, approximately in his late 60s or early 70s, with short mousy brown hair combed back, no facial hair, glasses, appeared well-kempt, and was wearing a dark raincoat jacket, jeans, and dark-coloured shoes.
“This was a vile incident in which a woman was tied up and threatened, and we are determined to locate the man responsible,” commented Detective Inspector Paul Davies, from GMP’s Salford district.
“Thankfully, this was not a more serious situation and we commend the brave actions of the lady’s friend who confronted the man and called officers. As we progress this investigation, we are appealing for anyone with any information to please come forward.”
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1082 of 27/01/26, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
NHS launches new AI and robot cancer detection pilot offering ‘glimpse into future’
Emily Sergeant
The NHS has launched a ‘trailblazing’ new AI and robot pilot to help spot cancers sooner.
Patients who are facing suspected lung cancer could get answers sooner under the new pilot that makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technology to help doctors reach hard-to-detect cancers earlier, and all without with fewer tests too.
At the moment, patients are faced with weeks of repeat scans and procedures to come to a diagnosis.
But this could soon be replaced with a single, half-hour cancer biopsy – reducing prolonged uncertainty, and avoiding more invasive surgery.
According to the NHS, the new approach uses AI software to rapidly analyse lung scans and flag small lumps that are most likely to be cancerous, before a robotic camera is then used to guide biopsy tools through the airways with much greater precision than standard techniques.
A new NHS pilot using AI and robotic technology will help doctors reach hard-to-detect lung cancers earlier.
Weeks of scans and procedures could be replaced with a single biopsy, reducing uncertainty and avoiding more invasive surgery.
The robot can reach nodules as small as 6mm – which is around the size of a grain of rice – that are hidden deep in the lung and are often deemed too risky or difficult to access using existing methods, and once AI has highlighted higher-risk areas, doctors can then take a precise tissue sample, which is sent to specialist laboratories and reviewed by expert cancer teams to confirm or rule out cancer.
The NHS’s top cancer doctor hailed the pilot – which is currently being carried out at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – as ‘a glimpse of the future of cancer detection’.
“Waiting to find out if you might have cancer is incredibly stressful for patients and their families,” admitted Professor Peter Johnson, who is NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer.
The NHS has launched a new AI and robot cancer detection pilot that’s offering a ‘glimpse into future’ / Credit: rawpixel
“Our lung cancer screening programme means that we are picking up more cancers at an early stage than ever, and by bringing AI and robotics together in this trailblazing NHS pilot, we’re bringing in the very latest technology to give clinicians a clearer look inside the lungs and support faster, more accurate biopsies.
“This is a glimpse of the future of cancer detection.
“Innovation like this is exactly how we can help diagnose more cancers faster, so treatment can be most effective, and why the NHS continues to lead the way in bringing new technology safely into frontline care.”
The Manc -
1st April 2021 
