Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a public appeal for information after a woman was left “extremely shook up” following an attempted sexual assault in Manchester yesterday evening.
Officers were called just before 11:15pm to a report of an attempted sexual assault on a woman at the popular Manchester greenspace, Platt Fields Park, on Wilmslow Road.
According to a statement on the incident issued by GMP, a woman was reportedly approached by a male pretending to be a taxi driver and followed him before she was pulled into some bushes – which subsequently raised the alarm with passers-by that he was not who he claimed to be, and that he had instead attempted to assault her.
The man then away from the scene towards Yew Tree Road, and police said enquiries are on-going to trace him.
A public appeal for information and witnesses has now been issued.
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A man that officers are keen to speak to is described as an Asian male, in his 30s, with short, dark cropped hair and short, dark full beard, and wearing a black coat.
#APPEAL We're appealing for information following an attempt sexual assault at Platt Fields Park in #Manchester last night. A woman was reportedly approached by a male pretending to be a taxi driver before she was pulled into some bushes and almost sexually assaulted. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/5LVp8YjhYO
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2022
“We’re aware this will no doubt raise concerns in the community and those who attended the music event nearby,” said Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Norman – from GMP’s City of Manchester division.
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“But I would like to reassure them that we have a number officers carrying out an investigation and there are increased patrols in the area.
“This was a horrific attack on a woman who thankfully managed to raise the alarm but has been left extremely shook up and is receiving the support she needs.
“No woman should have such an incident happen to them and all women should feel safe, which is why violence against women and girls is one of GMP’s top priorities [and] a team of detectives are currently pursuing all immediate lines of enquiry.”
The attempted sexual assault on the woman occurred at Platt Fields Park last night / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“We’re now appealing to the public to come forward with any information,” he added.
“We want to bring the man responsible to justice and we can do this by hearing from anyone who may have information.”
Anyone with any information or anyone who may have seen the male described is asked to report it to Greater Manchester Police by calling 0161 856 6051 or reporting it online or via the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
