A man has been arrested in Northenden following a police chase where he attempted to hide under a trampoline to evade capture.
At around 2am on Wednesday morning, officers on patrol spotted a Volkswagen Golf they believed to have been stolen in Northenden.
But after being alerted by officers, the Golf made off sharpish in an attempt to avoid the officers – leading to a short pursuit, as the vehicle shot off in the direction of terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.
Things escalated quickly as the National Police Air Service (NPAS) was deployed to track the vehicle. Before long, it was sighted travelling along Portway.
Credit: Unsplash
The driver was clearly in a panic, as the car then mounted the pavement and then collided with a wall on Harry Rowley Close, Woodhouse Park.
Following the collision, the driver made off on foot in another desperate escape attempt – but was soon spotted by NPAS in a nearby garden, hiding under a trampoline, before he again made off towards Portway.
The man was ultimately detained by a nearby officer and arrested on suspicion of burglary. He remains in custody for questioning.
The VW Golf was recovered and is believed to have been involved in a series of burglaries in the Trafford area.
This isn’t the first time that alleged burglars have used a trampoline in an attempt to evade police, either.
In 2016, a “bouncing burglar” used a trampoline to evade escape in Oldham, leaping from a window onto the child’s play apparatus in an acrobatic escape before slipping and making off across the lawn.
And further afield in 2019 in Cape Town, a suspect used a trampoline to make a leap of faith over a wall in order to evade Metro officers hot on his tail in pursuit. Reportedly, in this case officers considered impounding the trampoline for “aiding and abetting” his escape but later decided against it. You couldn’t make this stuff up.
It seems trampolines are a popular route of escape and can even be quite a successful option – if you use them to bounce on rather than to hide under, that is sort of their purpose after all.
Featured image: Pixabay / Unsplash
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Huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech to open at Quayside MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
Time to get practicing your swing, as a huge new premium indoor golf venue is opening up over in Salford this autumn.
Founded by a local PGA Professional and spanning a whopping 4,500 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, TeeClub is set to be a revolutionary new venture where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious comfort at the unique waterside destination.
TeeClub will provide a first-of-its-kind premium environment with seven high-tech Trackman simulators, taking players to more than 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.
The new venue is also launching a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so golf fans can either bring their own clubs to use on the day, or make use of TaylorMade equipment available if needed.
Resident PGA professionals will offer personalised lessons with AI-driven video analysis when the venue opens later this year, while a dedicated club fitter will make sure every swing is matched with the right equipment.
There’ll also be a club shop stocking TaylorMade gear alongside apparel from Manchester-based brand, Concrete Links Co.
The new venue is designed for both individuals and businesses alike, and will offer exclusive memberships and corporate packages, as well as semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes, making it an ideal place for team-building events or relaxed evenings with friends.
A huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech is opening at Quayside MediaCity / Credit: Supplied
There’ll also be bar on site serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and craft beers.
“Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury,” commented Nick Holmes, who is a PGA Professional and the Director of Golf at TeeClub, ahead of the venue opening this autumn.
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.”
TeeClub is set to open at Quayside this autumn, but an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Florence + The Machine announce massive Manchester gig on new tour
Daisy Jackson
Florence + The Machine are heading back out on a huge arena tour, with a massive gig here in Manchester.
Florence Welch has announced the UK and European tour dates in support of her sixth studio album, Everybody Scream.
As well as a show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, Florence + The Machine will perform in Sheffield, London and Liverpool, along with several other UK cities.
She’ll be joined by Paris Paloma as support across all 18 dates.
Last week, Florence released the album’s title track, ahead of the album’s release on 31 October. She’s worked for two years on this new music, calling on collaborators including Mark Bowen of IDLES, Aaron Dessner and Mitski.
She has said that this new album explores womanhood, partnership, aging and dying, inspired by her recovery from lifesaving surgery on the Dance Fever Tour.
Big hits of Florence + The Machine’s discography include You’ve Got The Love, Shake It Out, and Spectrum (Say My Name), and she’s collaborated with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga.
She’s famed for her high-energy, ethereal stage presence which has seen her sell out arenas for years.
Florence + The Machine will be back in Manchester in February 2026, performing at the Co-op Live on 20 February.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 5 September 2025 at 10am HERE.
There are also packages available with Seat Unique HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
1st December 2021 
