News

Police appeal for information following the murder of a man in Leigh

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Thomas Williamson died at the scene.

The Manc The Manc - 27th September 2021

Police are asking for the public’s help as they continue to investigate the murder of 30-year-old Thomas Williamson.

Officers were called just before 1:30am on Saturday 25 September to reports of a concern for welfare. A short time later, Thomas was found on Charles Street, near Charlston Court in Tyldesley, by officers with a number of serious injuries.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death, and are keen to hear from anyone who may have information relating to what happened.

Detective Inspector Gareth Davies, from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “Our thoughts go out to Thomas’s family, as they continue to be supported by our specialist officers. They have asked that their privacy please be respected at this distressing time.

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“This is an horrific incident, in which Thomas tragically lost his life, and we’re following a number of lines of enquiry to determine exactly what happened, and to bring those responsible to justice.

“But we can’t do it alone – we’re urging anyone who may have heard anything, or has CCTV in the area to please get in touch.

“Any information, no matter how small, could help. You can contact us via LiveChat on our website, www.gmp.police.uk, through this portal; https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21L18-PO1 or call 101 quoting log number 280 of 25/09/2021. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Thank you.”

News

One in five northerners reverts back to smoking following the disposable vape ban

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Person smoking a cigarette

A shocking new study has claimed that one in five vapers in the North West have reverted back to smoking following the disposable vape ban.

With the ban on single-use disposable vapes now in full force across the UK after taking effect from 1 June, one in five (16%) North West residents who used to vape have hinted that they’ll now go back to smoking cigarettes, according to some eye-opening new research by the life insurance experts at Confused.com.

While the study did reassuringly find that that more than a third (34%) of survey respondents planned to quit vaping after the ban, this doesn’t tell the full story.

Worryingly, more people than not say they plan to keep vaping, with 21% claiming the ban on disposables will actually encourage them to switch to refillable vapes instead, rather than give up all together.

One in five northerners plans to revert back to smoking following the disposable vape ban / Credit: Pxhere

According to Confused.com’s latest data, there has been a 44% increase in the number of people declaring they smoke or vape on their life insurance policy since 2019, but if these survey results are anything to go by, we can expect these figures to be higher in the years to come.

Almost a third of North West vapers (27%) said they started between the ages of 18-25.

Around one in 10 (4%) said they were under 18 when they started vaping, and then at the other end o the spectrum, a third (33%) apparently started at 41 or older. 

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The single-use vape ban came into force across the UK on 1 June 2025 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Despite the more concerning findings, Confused.com is choosing to look on the more positive side of things, with Tom Vaughan, who is one of the life insurance experts at Confused.com, commenting: “It’s refreshing to see that many people who vape are using the ban as a springboard to try to quit for good, particularly with the financial and health implications of maintaining the habit.

“We’ve had a significant increase in smokers’ policies for life insurance, which are extremely important for family security and future prospects.

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“So when applying for life insurance, it’s important that smokers or vapers declare their habit, as it could impact policies due to the long-term health impact.”

Featured Image – Lil Artsy (via Pexels)

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Pep Guardiola has been given an honorary degree by the University of Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Pep Guardiola awarded honorary degree by University of Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been presented with an honorary degree by the University of Manchester.

The Man City boss and club legend was given the accolade in a ceremony this week in recognition of the “extraordinary contribution” to local sport and the city in general.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium nearly a decade ago, the Catalan head coach has overseen the most decorated period in the team’s history, broken a litany of records and changed how the English game is played significantly.

His time at City has also seen their success and revenue generation spill over into East Manchester as a whole, too, with the area being significantly developed and regenerated. He was presented with the degree by the University’s Chancellor, Nazir Afzal.

Speaking via the institution, he said, “I have lived the best moments of my life, I would say”, right here in Greater Manchester and even admitted he’s come to “love the rain and the dark days and nights.”

Damn right.

“I know how important the University of Manchester is to our city. It’s the home to a lot of research, and it has a history of discovery. So, honestly, to be honoured in this way by such an esteemed institution is an amazing feeling.

“I want to thank everyone at the University of Manchester for this moment – and I want to thank everyone at Manchester City for their constant support.”

Addressing the audience inside Manchester’s beautiful Whitworth Hall, he described being recognised with the award as an “amazing feeling”, going on to express just how much the city and the community mean to him.

“I have spent nine years here and it has become home. The people, the culture, my incredible football club, my colleagues… it is all so special to me and my family.

“When I arrived here in 2016, I did not know how long I would spend here. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful.”

The 45-year-old also took time to speak on important issues like the Ukraine war, suffering in Sudan and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Touching on the latter, specifically, he added: “It’s so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts all [of] my body. Let me be clear; it’s not about ideology, about I’m right and you’re wrong. Come on, it’s just about the love of life, the care of your neighbour.”

He also went on to cite ‘The Brave Little Parrot‘ (sometimes simply referred to as ‘The Bird in the Forest here in the West’) – one of the famous Jātaka Tales taken from the original collection of 550 morality stories from centuries-old Buddhist literature.

Unsurprisingly, the Spaniard has been heaped with praise for using his platform for good and shedding light on humanitarian crises; as for UoM itself, you can read what they had to say about him in full HERE.

So, while he may have finally spent a season without silverware – although his side could still go on to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – he’s still managed to walk away with another impressive personal achievement.

Congratulations to Pep Guardiola on his honorary degree, but it’s worth noting he’s not the only City icon being celebrated this week either…

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Featured Images — University of Manchester

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