Police are urgently appealing for information and witnesses following several people being stabbed in Bury town centre earlier this week.
It comes after three teenagers have been arrested following the distressing incident.
In case you hadn’t heard about the series of events, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports that three males had been stabbed in Bury town centre, close to the world-famous Bury Markets site.
The shocking incident happened in broad daylight at around 12:15pm on Monday afternoon (11 March 2024).
Police issue urgent appeal after three teens are arrested following Bury town centre stabbings / Credit: GMP
Once emergency services arrived on the scene, they did, indeed, find three males who’d sustained stab wounds, and they were subsequently rushed to hospital shortly after – although thankfully, their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
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Two of the three males have since been released from hospital, police have confirmed, but the third is still being kept in.
Since the incident, officers from GMP’s Bury district have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of Section 18 assault, who has since been released with no further action, while another 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old male have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and are still in police custody.
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#ARREST | At around 12.15pm yesterday afternoon (Monday 11 March 2024), officers were called to reports that three males had been stabbed in #Bury town centre.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
Section 60 powers are also currently in place until 6:30pm this evening (13 March) covering areas of the town centre to help prevent further incidents, meaning officers will be able to stop and search anyone without suspicion in these areas during this time.
Police have revealed they believe the incident was a “targeted attack”.
“We believe this incident was a targeted attack, and thankfully no one has suffered life-threatening injuries,” commented Detective Chief Inspector John Charlton, of GMP’s Bury division.
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Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers are currently in place in the above area until 6:30pm this evening / Credit: GMP
He continued: “There is not a threat to the wider public, and we also believe this was an isolated incident. You may see heightened patrols in the local area, but don’t be alarmed by this, as our officers are there to help, support and reassure the wider community.”
With a police investigation having now been opened and enquiries ongoing, GMP has issued an urgent public appeal, and is asking anyone with information to make a report to police – with this also extending to anyone who may have relevant footage, including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell, or dashcam footage.
You can make a report by calling 101 and quoting 1338 of 11/03/2024.
Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Manchester United youngster Jack Fletcher apologises after red card for offensive language
Danny Jones
Manchester United academy player Jack Fletcher has issued an apology following his red card last autumn, having been sent off for using offensive language.
Jack – one of the two Fletcher twins and son of former Man United player and current coach, Darren – has been slapped with a six-match ban for a homophobic insult uttered on the pitch back in October.
The youngster and England youth player, who made his senior debut this past December, has also been fined £1,500 for calling another player “gay boy” in the under-21s side’s 5-2 defeat to Barnsley FC in the EFL Trophy.
Fletcher, 18, must now attend a mandatory face-to-face education as well. Following confirmation of the reasoning behind the dismissal, which was initially unclear, he has also shared an official statement apologising for his behaviour.
🚨 Jack Fletcher banned for SIX games following his red card at Barnsley in the EFL Trophy earlier this season.
He admitted to a charge that he acted in an improper manner/and or used abusive/and or insulting words to the match official.#MUFC
As shared via the Football Association (FA) and Man United, Fletcher said: “I am truly sorry for the offensive word I used in the heat of the moment. “I completely understand [that] such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.”
He also went on to say that “a momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values”, insisting that he meant no offence to the queer community in the moment.
Fletcher told the FA that he’d been thrown to the floor in the fixture and that his Achilles had been ‘stamped on’ by the same opponent earlier in the knockout clash.
The disciplinary commission accepted his response, but still believed the six-match ban was required as sufficient punishment, which will be served in the youth ranks.
Should he ‘reoffend’ or fail to complete the compulsory training issued by the FA, he will face further suspension and more serious penalties.
In the aftermath of his apology, United’s officially recognised LGBTQIA+ fan group have also shared a reply of their own, adding: “We hope Jack learns from this and grows as a person and a player,” it said. His immediate regret and guilty plea suggest that he will.”
As for his employers, the club wrote online: “Manchester United has worked with Jack to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and why it is harmful.
“In addition to his ongoing participation in regular Academy programmes on diversity and inclusion, Jack will also take part in educational training through the FA.”
With Jack’s brother, Tyler, also having featured in the matchday squad for the men’s first team, and his dad, Darren, still currently coaching the U18s team, you can most likely still expect all the Fletcher boys to remain in United’s future plans.
Manchester reveals FREE programme of events to mark International Women’s Day 2026
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to mark International Women’s Day this weekend with a packed programme of free events.
In case you didn’t know, this Sunday (8 March) is International Women’s Day, with cities worldwide will be marking the important day in a series of different ways – and Manchester is no different.
Just as it chose to last year, the city has once again decided not to host its popular and once-annual ‘Walk For Women’ event, that used to see hundreds parade through the city centre in the name of equality, and instead organise a programme of events that both honour the importance of the event globally and this year’s theme.
Each year, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, whilst also marking a call-to-action for accelerating gender equality.
Join us on Saturday 7 March at Central Library to celebrate International Women’s Day. 💜
Expect storytelling, performances, creative workshops, women’s history exhibitions, a keynote speech and more.
This year in Manchester, Manchester City Council is encouraging everyone to join for a community celebration co‑designed by local women, offering a space to appreciate women’s contributions, meet new people committed to lifting each other up, learn something new, get creative, and ultimately, find inspiration for the future.
Some of the events organised throughout the day – which will all take place at Manchester Central Library the day before IWD 2026 on Saturday 7 March – include a storytelling activity for women to share their personal stories, a special spoken word piece performed by a member of the IWD Co-design group, choirs and poetry performances, and even fireside ‘chats’ among other things.
There’ll also be a range of different events designed especially for mums and children, like the ‘Mums Matter’ wellbeing workshops, offering time to focus on your emotional wellbeing and mental health, and children’s drop-in sessions.
Manchester Central Library is hosting a wide range of IWD 2026 events this weekend / Credit: The Manc Group
You can also expect a selection of stalls by commissioned services and partner organisations promoting different services, and a period product donation point to tackle period poverty across Greater Manchester.
Everybody is invited to celebrate International Women’s Day in Manchester, not just women, and even children are able to attend some of the events too, as people of all ages are welcome.
Manchester’s International Women’s Day 2026 celebrations are taking place throughout the day on Saturday 7 March, and you can find out more and book here.
Emily Sergeant -
13th March 2024 
