Brave members of the public have been praised for their efforts in helping detain a man who tried to kidnap a child on a busy street in Bolton.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that at around 6:30pm on Tuesday (21 February), police were called to reports of an attempted abduction on Mayor Street in Bolton – where a woman was walking with her child when she was approached by an unknown man who snatched her child from her and attempted to make off.
The child was said to have received “serious injuries”, of a nature not disclosed, during what police have described as an “incredibly distressing incident”.
Police have now thanked the “quick work and bravery” of intervening members of the public who assisted in detaining the man – who was later arrested by officers, and taken into custody for questioning.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, GMP confirmed.
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“This was an incredibly distressing incident during which a child received serious injuries,” explained Detective Inspector Tony Lunt, of GMP Bolton CID.
“Although these are thankfully not life-threatening, the mother of the child was understandably very shaken by the incident and is receiving support from specialist officers at this time.
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“I understand the concerns it will raise in the community but I would like to reassure you that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the community. You will see increased patrols in the local area throughout the next few days so please approach our officers with any questions or concerns you may have.
“Whilst we have a man in custody, I want to assure you that our investigation does not stop here.”
Police thank public for helping detain a man who tried to kidnap a child in Bolton / Credit: GMP
Following the incident, GMP has now issued a public appeal for information and is asking that any witnesses or anyone with information gets in touch as a matter of urgency.
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“We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the area of Mayor Street in Bolton between 6:20pm and 6:40pm and who may have seen someone behaving suspiciously, but we’re also interested in any footage, including CCTV or dashcam, that you might have in relation to this incident.”
Think you may be able to help? You can get in touch by calling police on 0161 85 65757 quoting 2896 of 21/02/2023, or you can also make a report via the Live Chat function on GMP’s website here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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News
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd February 2023 
