Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a “targeted assault” on a family in Stockport last week.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the shocking incident took place on Blandford Road in Stockport at around 9pm last Friday (24 November), and has been described as a “targeted attack on a family of four” – with two young children involved.
The assault happened while the family were inside their vehicle, a GMP spokesperson explained, and while injuries were “sustained” during the incident, they were thankfully not life-threatening.
The two suspects, who are believed to be males, used weapons to damage the vehicle before leaving the scene towards Green Lane in a dark-coloured car.
#APPEAL | Detectives want the local community to help them after a targeted attack on a family in #Stockport on Friday night at Blandford Road.
Were you driving in the area that day? You may have that crucial bit of detail or footage they need.
No arrests have been made at this stage, GMP has confirmed.
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Now, with a police investigation having been opened and currently ongoing, GMP has issued a public appeal for more information and additional footage, and is also seeking witnesses to the incident in a bid to fully establish what happened.
“We have spent all weekend investigating a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for committing a reckless act which could have had far more serious consequences,” explained Detective Constable Lauren Snook, of GMP’s Stockport CID.
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Police are appealing for information following a ‘targeted assault’ on a family in Stockport / Credit: GMP
“We are determined to bring these offenders to justice for the shocking actions that has left a family understandably upset and worried.
“They are being supported throughout but we are hoping the local community can assist us further, as any bit of detail, however small, could be the key bit of evidence we need to take this further.”
DC Snook explained that GMP is keen to anyone who may have dashcam or doorbell footage “in the moments leading up to, during, or after the attack”, especially around the Norris Hill Drive or Blandford Road area, adding that: “Our enquiries suggest the offenders in their vehicle were parked on Blandford Road from around 4:30-7:15pm, before returning at around 9pm.
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“This means we believe people might have dashcam footage when on their journeys that could assist with our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call GMP on 0161 856 9821 or 101, quoting incident 3519 of 24/11/2023, or alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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News
Award-winning Manchester restaurant Another Hand announces closure with ‘immediate effect’
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular intimate restaurants has sadly announced that it’ll be closing its doors with ‘immediate effect’.
Another Hand – which can be found tucked away up on Deansgate Mews – opened back in 2022 to acclaim from critics and customers, as well as scooping up several awards along the way like Best Newcomer at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, and places in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide along the way.
Not only that, but the 24-seater intimate casual dining restaurant was also named as one of the best restaurants in Manchester merely three weeks ago by respected publication, Time Out.
Launched by the team behind 3 Hands Deli – which operated from a site two units down – Another Hand was known and loved for focusing on sharing plates made with produce from local ethical growers.
And it seemed to be going from strength to strength, but sadly, the restaurant took to social media yesterday to announce its decision to close ‘with immediate effect’.
Another Hand said in its statement on Instagram: “With heavy hearts we are sad to announce that after five years Another Hand will be closing its doors with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, as most of us know, the current economic climate for the hospitality sector is facing steep challenges, sadly a familiar story. And after five years of operating within this increasingly challenging environment, we feel it’s time for us to step away.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but it feels like the right time to bring this chapter to an end.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here. From the people who have worked alongside us, to the producers and suppliers who have supported us; and most importantly, everyone who has come through the door and eaten with us…. thank you.
How will the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales work?
Emily Sergeant
All licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone – helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you’re buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you’ve left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that ‘it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]’ and that physical ID will ‘still remain a valid way’ for customers to prove their age.
“This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out,” she concluded.
Emily Sergeant -
27th November 2023 
