News

Police appeal after teenage girl reports being sexually assaulted in a Stretford park

A police investigation is underway.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 23rd July 2026

An urgent appeal for information has been issued after a teenage girl reported being sexually assaulted in a park in Stretford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers attended Victoria Park, in the Stretford area, earlier this week on Tuesday night (21 July) following reports that a teenage girl had been sexually assaulted.

The incident is reported to have happened between 5:30pm and 5:44pm, and the offender is described to be an older white male of a large build who was wearing a black t-shirt.

No arrests have been made at this time, GMP confirmed, and enquiries are ongoing.

As police continue their investigation at pace, a public appeal for information has been issued in the hopes that someone can come forward and provide the details needed to track down the offender.

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“Detectives are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and the victim is being fully supported by specially trained officers,” explained Detective Superintendent Suzanne Keenaghan, from GMP’s Trafford district.

“There will be an increased police presence in and around Victoria Park while officers continue their investigation and provide reassurance to the local community.”

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Police say they are ‘particularly keen’ to hear from anyone who was in the park at the time, or who may have CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area.

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Anyone with information can speak to police officers at the scene, call 101, or contact GMP via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3029 of 21/07/26.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

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Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues to be slashed by 20% next year

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Live music crowd

Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues across England are set to be slashed by 20% next year.

Continuing on with his week of, seemingly, introducing a new measure a day amid the cost of living crisis, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now announced that he has taken action to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues across England from April next year.

It’s expected that these new business rate cuts will benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.

“For too long, the pubs, social clubs, and live music venues that form the backbone of local high streets have been replaced by boarded up windows and for sale signs,” the Government said in a statement as the cuts were announced today.

Andy Burnham is slashing business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues by 20% next year / Credit: John Arano (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons

These changes are set to be fully funded by the Government – including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops for example.

The Government says it also plans to crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations, which therefore puts them at an unfair advantage over businesses that do play by the rules. 

“Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK,” explained Chancellor John Healey. “They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets, and town centres busy, which is why we will back them all the way. 

“We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “For too long, Governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.

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“This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets, and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”

Featured Image – Alex Bracken (via Unsplash)


News

An iconic vintage train is set to pass through Greater Manchester this summer

Danny Jones Danny Jones Vintage 125 Inter-City train passing through Greater Manchester August 2026

Calling all railway enthusiasts: another historic vintage locomotive is set to visit two Greater Manchester train stations this summer.

Whether you’re a passionate trainspotter or just a nearby resident curious to see what all the fuss is about, the cult favourite retro carriages will pass through the pair of Manc boroughs and surrounding areas early next month.

Despite an adjustment in the initial plans, locals will still be able to witness and board the train at multiple stops along the way in the Stockport (Reddish South station) and Rochdale areas.

So, if you consider yourself a bit of a ‘Francis Bourgeois’ figure, or a general public transport connoisseur, pay attention.

The retro train in question is an iconic throwback: the Inter-City 125 ‘Summer Riviera’ HST service, originally manufactured during the 1970s.

Designed by Sir Kenneth Granger and officially launched back in 1976, the fleet was named as such after the top speed of 125mph – simple as that.

Once again, it’s worth noting that the originally proposed route and stops have now been changed due to issues with Network Rail.

As a result of there currently being no standing approval to use the connection from Paignton to Bury on the East Lancs Railway line, they have been forced to change the start and terminus points.

Writing on the dedicated 125Group website, they say: “We are reviewing our options to start as close as possible to the advertised departure point, and it seems likely that Rochdale will become the start and finish point, with all other previous pick-ups retained.

“For those in the far south west, we are looking to see whether we can offer an Exeter to Paignton return – subject to availability of space. We will add this to the booking site shortly, although we may have to limit numbers sold until we are more certain of booking levels to Bristol and Exeter.”

Two 125s, including ‘The Mancunian Princess’, travelled through the SK region earlier this year.

They have reassured that the journey will still be going ahead and have simply advised those hoping to catch it to keep their eyes peeled on the website and their socials for the latest updates.

Kids’ tickets start from just a tenner, and standard passes for the full tour cost £99, with first-class the class option priced at £149 (there’s also a table for two supplement available for £50).

You can see the full map, find out more information, and grab your seats right HERE.

Bet the internet signal on this relic isn’t far off the current standard either, to be fair…

Internet signals reportedly ‘100x faster on the moon’ than on some UK trains
Give us (signal) strength.

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Featured Images — David Hitchbone (via Geograph)/MaltaGC (via Wikimedia Commons)

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