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.
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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.
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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.
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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
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Georgina Pellant -
1st December 2021 
