A man who is suspected of attacking and robbing a pensioner in Piccadilly Gardens has been arrested after being found hiding inside a wardrobe.
The 32-year-old was arrested during the early hours of yesterday morning (23 January) after officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) ‘Operation Vulcan’ Piccadilly team set out on a man-hunt in search of the suspect.
The arrest was made in connection with a robbery in Piccadilly Gardens on Monday 15 January 2024.
During the distressing incident, that took place at around 7pm, a 76-year-old man was assaulted and robbed of a quantity of cash, after it was said he came to Manchester city centre to withdraw his pension and disability benefits.
#VulcanPiccadilly | ⬇️ Morning man-hunt for suspected Piccadilly Gardens robber after elderly man is attacked and robbed of pension money
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) January 23, 2024
After police investigating the incident received some significant intel on the whereabouts of the potential suspect, three warrants were then executed in quick succession at Sheridan Court on Ridgewood Avenue, Isca Street in Manchester, and on Kilmington Drive in Cheetham Hill.
ADVERTISEMENT
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery after he was found by police hiding in a wardrobe at the Kilmington Drive address.
On top of this, a 36-year-old man was also arrested after drugs and ammunition were found at the address on Isca Street, but according to GMP, this additional arrest was “unconnected” to the robbery in Piccadilly Gardens.
ADVERTISEMENT
A man suspected of robbing a pensioner in Piccadilly Gardens has been arrested / Credit: GMP
PC Antony Rushton, of GMP’s Operation Vulcan team, called this a “cowardly” attack on a “vulnerable and elderly” man.
He continued: “I hope that our relentless pursuit of the suspect sends a strong message that anyone who comes to the Piccadilly Gardens to commit robbery, violence, or any other type of crime, will be dealt with severely.
“Operation Vulcan Piccadilly takes a zero-tolerance approach to robbery.
“We will continue drawing on the support of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team, other force resources and dedicated partners to protect victims of crime, pursue offenders and ensure the Gardens continues to be a safe and attractive place to visit in the heart of our city.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
24th January 2024 
