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.
Featured Image – Google Maps
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Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Emily Sergeant -
27th November 2023 
