News
Police issue Dispersal Order for Manchester city centre
Councillor Pat Karney said he supported extra police measures due to the "disgraceful and dangerous behaviour" seen in Manchester this week.
Greater Manchester Police have issued a Dispersal Order for the city centre and parts of Ancoats after breaking up “numerous” mass gatherings this week.
The order gives officers power to remove those suspected of anti-social behaviour from a particular area – with people risking prosecution if they refuse to comply.
GMP confirmed the order would be in place until 3pm on Saturday 3 April.
Councillor Pat Karney said he supported the extra measures due to the “disgraceful and dangerous” gatherings seen in Manchester this week.
GMP had expressed initial “concerns” after an estimated 3,000 people congregated in Platt Fields Park on Tuesday (March 30); warning those who were failing to observe social distancing not “to ruin it for others”.
But hundreds congregated at Castlefield Bowl the following evening for an unsanctioned DJ set.
The rave was eventually broken up by officers who were met with initial “hostility” from the crowd.
Volunteer litter-pickers bagged up the waste left behind – filling 58 sacks with bottles, cans and food packets.
Inspector Jonathan Shilvock of GMP City of Manchester division, said an increased police presence would be seen on the streets during the Dispersal Order – with penalties issued to those found in breach.
He stated: “This week we have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour as people gather in large groups and are hostile towards our officers who attempt to engage with them and explain the coronavirus legislation which remains firmly in place even with some of the restrictions now being lifted.
“This type of irresponsible behaviour causes concern for local residents and has a negative impact within the community.
“With the bank holiday weekend and Easter holidays taking place, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of making sure your celebrations comply with the legislation.
“Please be considerate of others and remember that we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and as we work our way towards the next step in the roadmap it’s important we aim to keep virus transmissions to a minimum.”
News
Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre
Daisy Jackson
Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.
Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.
A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.
It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.
Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
Read more:
“Help us be a lifeline to organisations on the frontline,” Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity urged in it’s public appeal for donations.
You can help make sure ‘A Bed Every Night’ is a reality for all by donating here.
Featured Image – EthelRedThePetrolHead (via Flickr)
The Manc -
2nd April 2021 
