Police are trying to track down a pedestrian believed to have witnessed a fatal accident that left two people dead.
They believe the passer-by will have vital information about the collision that would aid Greater Manchester Police’s investigation, but haven’t come forward.
The collision occurred at around 7am on Sunday 4 December on Devonshire Road North in Ardwick.
A silver Vauxhall Corsa (registration number DV61 AOG) was travelling south, but the driver lost control of the vehicle, collided with a number of bicycle racks and a tree, before coming to rest outside Universal Square.
Tragically, one of the people in the car died shortly after the crash and the driver died in hospital on Saturday 10 December.
ADVERTISEMENT
Saadat Shah. Credit: GMP
The man who died on 4 December has been named as 26-year-old Saadat Shah.
His family said in a statement released through GMP: “Saadat was a much-loved brother, son, and great human being. His life was just starting, and he just came back from Paris for his birthday last week.
ADVERTISEMENT
“He had so many plans and was going to get married soon. He was very close with all members of his family, and he greatly loved everyone.
“A sensitive soul, he will be dearly missed by everyone forever. RIP.”
The other victim has been named as Husnain Akram, 23.
ADVERTISEMENT
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now trying to find more information about the collision.
Officers have already secured CCTV footage of the incident itself, which has revealed a pedestrian walking nearby.
The person remained at the scene for a short time, but then continued walking.
Police now hope to trace and speak to this person.
ADVERTISEMENT
Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) on 0161 856 4741 quoting Log 713 of 04/12/22.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: GMP
News
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.
Daisy Jackson -
21st December 2022 
