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Tributes paid to ‘star’ girl, 4, who died in Manchester house fire

She's been named as Lesma-Rose Wibier.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 7th March 2025

The young girl who tragically died in a house fire in Rusholme last week has been named, as her family pay tribute to their ‘star’.

Lesma-Rose Wibier, just four years old, lost her life in the blaze on Gateshead Close on Sunday 2 March.

Paying tribute to Lesma-Rose, her heartbroken family described her as a ‘smart and intelligent girl’.

A 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson last week, and was later re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

The woman, who was known to the girl, has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.

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Paying tribute to Lesma-Rose, her family said: “Lesma-Rose was the star of the family. Anyone who knew her knew she was the most beautiful girl inside and out.

“She always had a smile on her face and could put the same on others. She was such a smart and intelligent girl in her own unique ways, and she will be deeply missed by anyone who was blessed to meet her.”

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On Monday 3 March, Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family.

“Numerous emergency services attended the scene and all did their utmost best to save her.

“A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child. There is no wider threat to the community and no one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation.

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“These tragic incidents will of course naturally cause concern, but I want to reassure the public that we are fully investigating all circumstances of the fire, and will leave no stone unturned as we carry out this work.”

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Featured image: GMP

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Labrador puppy dies after being ‘deliberately thrown’ into Greater Manchester marina

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Labrador puppy Peggy dies after being 'deliberately thrown' into Greater Manchester marina

A five-month-old Labrador puppy has died after being ‘deliberately thrown’ into a marina in Greater Manchester last week, suffering ‘multiple fractures’.

The tiny pooch was initially pulled to safety by a passing member of the public, who found her struggling in the water between two boats.

The black puppy, who was nicknamed Peggy by RSCPA staff, had suffered such severe breaks to her jaw that she would have been unable to eat or drink and was humanely put to sleep.

The RSPCA is now urging local businesses to check their CCTV for any information relating to this shocking incident, and for any witnesses or people who recognise Peggy to come forward.

The puppy was thrown into the water at the Portland Basin Marina in Ashton-under-Lyne last Wednesday 12 March, and was pulled from the water by a passer-by at around 3.20pm.

Peggy was found near the steel footbridge with no sign of anyone nearby.

When Peggy was found, she was lethargic and extremely cold, and though she was stabilised and transferred to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital later that day, her serious and inoperable injuries led to her being put to sleep.

Her jaw appeared to have been prised open, leaving her tongue hanging out and the poor puppy suffering.

Peggy was not microchipped and it’s not known if her injuries happened as a result of the fall, or if they occurred beforehand.

Labrador puppy Peggy dies after being 'deliberately thrown' into Greater Manchester marina
Labrador puppy Peggy dies after being ‘deliberately thrown’ into Greater Manchester marina. Credit: RSPCA

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kate Sargent, who is investigating, said: “Everyone who has been involved in this terrible incident has been left feeling shocked and saddened by what happened to Peggy.

“It’s hard to understand how anyone could do something like this to such a young dog. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the kind people who got her out of the water and sought help, and to the veterinary teams who saw her.

“We’d appeal to anyone who recognises Peggy or who was at the marina at the time to get in touch so we can progress this investigation further. We are also asking nearby businesses and homes in the surrounding area to check their CCTV and video doorbells.”

Anyone with first-hand information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeals line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01467665.

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Featured image: RSPCA

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NHS slam ‘unacceptable’ rise in physical violence and sexual assault towards frontline staff

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Frontline NHS staff are facing a rise in physical violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, and discrimination at the hands of members of the public.

According to the shocking revelations from the latest annual NHS staff survey published last week, around one in seven NHS staff (14.38%) experienced some from of physical violence directed at them from patients, their relatives, or other members of the public in 2024.

The report revealed that the number of attacks on staff has increased by nearly 14% since 2023.

Staff experiencing discrimination at work reached also reached its highest level in five years, with more than half (54%) saying the discrimination they received from patients and the public was based on their ethnic background.

One in 12 (8.82%) NHS workers experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in 2024, which included offensive comments, touching, and even assault.

Patient in a hospital bed
Frontline NHS staff are facing a rise in physical violence at the hands of the public / Credit: Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)

On top of these findings from the staff survey, the national education and training survey – which was also published last week, and seeks to hear the thoughts and experiences of those currently training within the medical field – found that 13% of learners said they experienced or witnessed forms of ‘unwanted, harmful, or inappropriate’ sexual behaviour by patients.

A whopping 744,358 NHS staff members took part in the 2024 survey, which is the highest ever level in staff in its 20-year history.

The survey gives a snapshot of what it’s like to work in the NHS, right from the beginning of a career, throughout their working lives, and into retirement, and are used by NHS organisations to ‘make things better’ for staff and patients.

They’re also being subjected to inappropriate sexual behaviour and discrimination / Credit: rawpixel

“It’s totally unacceptable that NHS staff are facing physical violence, sexual assault, and discrimination from patients and the public while at work,” commented Dr Navina Evans, who is the Chief Workforce, Training and Education Officer for NHS England, as the survey findings were published.

“We know that the most important way to stamp out incidents of unacceptable behaviour is to give people the confidence to report it, and it is important that the voice of every member of NHS staff is heard through these surveys and acted upon.

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“The NHS sexual safety charter has also now been adopted by every integrated care board and NHS trust in England to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to letting unwanted behaviours go unaddressed”.

Featured Image – Pxhere

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