News

Man arrested after damaging tributes left for Manchester Arena attack victims

Police are appealing for information.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 26th November 2024

A man has been arrested after causing criminal damage around the Manchester Victoria area yesterday afternoon.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of a man damaging property around the AO Arena car park at around 3:40pm yesterday (24 November) – including breaking glass and a traffic cone.

Not long after this, damage was then reported to some of the tributes left for victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

Officers from GMP’s City Centre divison responded to the reports, and a 20-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.

He remains in custody for questioning at this time.

Following the arrest, the damaged items were cleaned up and the area was “respectfully tidied”, GMP confirmed, while relatives of victims of the attack have been contacted by officers regarding the nature of the incident.

GMP is now appealing to the public for information, and for any witnesses to come forward and assist with ongoing investigations.

“Criminal damage and behaviour that disrupts the lives of people going about their daily business is never acceptable,” commented Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris, from GMP’s Manchester district. “And the fact that this incident involved damage to tributes to victims of the arena attack is particularly disgusting, and is something that we have zero tolerance for.

“I want to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances and I am glad a quick arrest was made.

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“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with our work and enquires are ongoing.

If you saw anything or believe you may have information that could assist the investigation, you can contact police via 101, or by heading to gmp.police.uk quoting log 2049 of 24/11/24.

Featured Image – Google Maps

News

Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.

Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.

So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.

The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.

The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.

The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.

Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic

Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.

Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.

The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.

Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.

The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels

“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.

“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity

“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.

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“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”

Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)

News

A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Japan Week Manchester events 2025

An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.

Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.

Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.

We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.

On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.

With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.

This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.

Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.

More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.

manchester city centre japanese festival
japan week 2025
(Credit: Manchester Japan 2025)

Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.

You can find out more information HERE.

See you there, or should we say, ‘また会いましょう‘

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Featured Images — Press shots (via Japan Week website)

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