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Matt Hancock confirms a ‘new variant’ of coronavirus has been detected in the UK

He made the confirmation to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon.

The Manc The Manc - 14th December 2020
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It has been confirmed by government and public health officials this afternoon that a “new variant” of coronavirus has been identified in the UK.

This variant is believed to be causing the faster spread in the South East of England.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the confirmation of the new variant during a direct address to MPs in the House of Commons a few moments earlier, and stated that the spread of this new variant is growing faster than the existing variant, with over a thousand identified cases.

There have been reports of this new variant in 60 local authority areas at present.

Mr Hancock also stated that the variant is believed to be similar to that found in other countries over the last few months.

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He told MPs that there is currently “nothing to suggest” this variant will cause serious disease however, and added that it is highly unlikely that it won’t respond to a vaccine.

More information is expected in due course.

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This is a BREAKING NEWS story – More to follow.

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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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‘Groundbreaking’ new police team launches on Bee Network to make it one of the safest in the world

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A ‘groundbreaking’ new policing model aimed at making the Bee Network one of the safest public transport networks in the world has launched.

Described as being ‘pioneering’, the first-of-its-kind approach – named the Transport Policing and Crime Command (TPACC) – will bring Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) even closer together to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour, and safety issues across the region’s transport network.

So, how will it work then? Well, according to TfGM, the command will ‘effectively establish’ the Bee Network as GMP’s eleventh policing district.

It will bring together up to 300 personnel, including new police officers, who are all involved in keeping the network safe and providing greater reassurance to passengers travelling across the region.

Efforts to keep passengers safe on buses, trams, active travel routes, and roads across Greater Manchester will be ‘strengthened’ through the new team – improving co-ordination in response to incidents, and helping to reassure communities.

A ‘groundbreaking’ new police team has launched on the Bee Network to make it one of the safest in the world / Credit: TfGM

The new team will also incorporate the existing Roads Policing Unit within GMP that includes specialist functions such as the Central Ticket Office, the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, the motorbike unit, the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, and more.

Overall, the key focus of TPACC is to:

  • Increase public confidence on safety across the transport network
  • Reduce violence, antisocial behaviour and criminality across the transport network
  • Increase the number of users of the Bee Network across Greater Manchester

The launch of TPACC is said to represents ‘the next phase’ of Greater Manchester’s commitment to creating a ‘safer, more secure, and more welcoming’ transport network for everyone who lives, works, and travels across the region.

“I want a world-class Bee Network where everyone feels safe,” commented Greater Manchester Mayor, Bev Craig.

“Our new dedicated transport policing command will bring together more than 300 police and safety officers, with high-profile patrols across our roads and the Bee Network. It means a stronger presence in our communities and faster action when people need help.

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“TPACC will also crack down on dangerous driving to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, which have devastating consequences for families and communities.”

Featured Image – TfGM

News

Two arrested after assaulting and burgling 90-year-old woman in Stockport suburb

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Two people have been arrested following reports of an assault and burglary at a 90-year-old woman’s home in a Stockport suburb.

While en-route to the incident in Heald Green – which was reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at around 2:30am on 29 October – officers located the victim’s vehicle being driven by an unknown man.

The stolen vehicle made off from police before it lost control, went up a grass verge, and collided with a stationary vehicle.

Police confirmed that a white British man, aged 41, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a burglary and serious assault, while a white British woman, aged 47, was also later arrested on suspicion of burglary and serious assault – with both remaining in custody for questioning.

The victim, a 90-year-old woman, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being supported by specialist officers, although luckily, her injuries are not life-threatening.

Enquiries are now ongoing, and officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the shocking incident.

“This was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the victim, and we have specialist officers supporting her through this investigation,” explained Detective Inspector Craig Turner, from Stockport CID. 

“This was a violent burglary and thanks to the brave victim reporting it, our officers made two swift arrests with the suspects taken into police custody to be interviewed.

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“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider risk to the community. Extra patrols of officers have been deployed to the area to offer reassurance to members of the community. Please let them know if you have any concerns.

“We are committed to tackling dangerous offenders and keeping our communities safe from harm.”

Featured Image – Rawpixel

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