Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a shooting in Cheetham Hill left a man with “life-threatening injuries”.
Just before midnight on Wednesday night (21 June), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it received “numerous reports” of gun shots heard on Ermington Drive in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, and subsequently deployed officers to the scene.
On arrival at the scene, officers found an unconscious man in the street.
The man had sustained a serious head injury, and after receiving initial treatment, was quickly taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) – where his injuries were described by medical professionals as “life-threatening”.
Following the alarming incident, GMP says a scene is still in place and investigations are ongoing.
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#APPEAL | GMP are appealing for witnesses following the attempted murder of a man on Ermington Drive in Manchester around midnight last night.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 22, 2023
With an attempted murder investigation now underway, detectives have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses who were in the vicinity of Ermington Drive to come forwards, and are asking anyone who may have any CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage to provide this and assist with investigations.
GMP’s Major Incident Team – which is leading the investigation – has assured the local communities in Cheetham Hill and surrounding areas that the force’s “primary aim is to protect you”.
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“We appreciate how concerned you must be,” admitted DCI Nicola McCulloch.
“But can reassure you that this was a targeted attack, albeit one which has left a young man with extremely serious injuries. Firearms discharges within Greater Manchester will not be tolerated, and as such, we are working round the clock to locate and lock up the offender(s) responsible for this shooting”.
Police appeal after Cheetham Hill shooting leaves man with ‘life-threatening injuries’/ Credit: GMP
GMP has confirmed that an “increased police presence” will be in the Cheetham Hill area in the coming days.
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“If you have any information at all that may be able to assist us, I urge you to go and speak to one of the officers, who are there to listen,” DCI McCulloch concluded.
Anyone with any information or footage in relation to the incident is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 0110, or via calling 101.
Reports can also be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd June 2023 
