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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
#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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
News
Kids can now travel on Greater Manchester buses for FREE all summer long
Emily Sergeant
Young people across Greater Manchester will benefit from unlimited free bus travel this summer.
As part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign – which was announced back in May – Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has revealed that all children aged five to 15 can travel for free in England, including on Bee Network bus services, during the school summer holidays throughout August.
Not only that, but 16-year-olds will be able to activate their ‘Our Pass’ one month earlier (from 1 August instead of 1 September), giving them an extra month of free bus and cheaper tram travel.
The move means that all young people in Greater Manchester will be entitled to free bus travel for the whole month.
Children under five already get to travel for free on the Bee Network all year round.
From 1-31 August, children aged 5-15 can travel FREE on all #BeeNetwork buses across Greater Manchester as part of the government’s Great British Savings scheme.
And if you’re turning 16? You can activate your @OurPassGM a month early from 1 August, unlocking free bus travel and… pic.twitter.com/BM9vIEnNfH
The Great British Summer Savings scheme has introduced a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – on things like travel, children’s meals in restaurants, and family leisure activities over the summer period.
The Government says the aim of the initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
No registration or sign-up is required to benefit from the Summer Savings scheme on the Bee Network, TfGM confirmed, with anyone aged between five and 15 instructed to just ask the driver for a free ticket as they board the bus.
“We’re pleased to be taking part in the Greater British Summer Savings scheme which will mean free bus travel on the Bee Network for everyone aged five to 15 in August,” commented Fran Wilkinson, who is the Customer and Growth Director at TfGM.
“This will help make days out more affordable for families this summer.
“The Bee Network is all about making it easier and more affordable to get around Greater Manchester and this national scheme will help us do just that.”
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Andy Burnham announces ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system
Emily Sergeant
The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.
Andy Burnham says he is ‘determined’ to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path to ensure there are no so-called ‘dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system by providing them high-quality alternative routes that are valued and respected by students, parents, and employers alike.
The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with ‘valuable’ early access to technical skills, work experience, and connections with local employers.
Building on successful local initiatives – such as the MBacc, launched by Andy Burnham here in Greater Manchester when he was Mayor – the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare, and digital technology.
It will aim to ‘skill them up’ with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.
Andy Burnham has announced ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
So, how will it all work then? Well, when students enter Year 10, they will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, Maths, and Science – with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area.
During these courses, students will be able to spend time with employers and gain valuable real-world experience.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges, and employers will work together to shape these new technical education pathways, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system.
To support this, the Government says it will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work, and will also change the way school performance is measured so that inspectors recognise the schools support young people to develop the skills, experience, and confidence employers want.
This way, no matter whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education, or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will able to see a clear route from education into employment.
“For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected,” explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
Emily Sergeant -
13th March 2024 
