The urgent appeal has been issued after the incident in question – which happened at around 4pm on Wednesday (26 July) – where police became aware of a moped driving erratically, and subsequently attempted to stop the vehicle, before it eventually made off.
Not long after this, the moped was then found by police near the junction of Wood Road and Upper Chorlton Road in South Manchester, where it had been left after having been involved in a road traffic collision.
While the two officers were responding to this incident, another man – who GMP has revealed is, at this time, being treated as “possibly unconnected to collision” – approached the officers, and is reported to have then proceeded to “assault” the two officers with a knife.
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A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a serious assault of both officers, GMP confirmed in a statement issued yesterday.
He remains in police custody for questioning.
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The scene where two police officers were assaulted with a knife / Credit: Google Maps
Following the distressing incident, detectives are now appealing for witnesses who were in the vicinity of Wood Road, as well as to anyone who may have any CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage, to come forward and aid with ongoing investigations.
Detective Inspector Gary Kelly, who is leading the investigation, started out his appeal by reassuring the public that police believe this is an isolated incident, and they are “confident” there is no wider risk to the community.
He continued: “The officers involved in this unprovoked attack have received injuries, which are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
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“[Now that] they have been treated by healthcare professionals, and are being supported by specialist officers, we are trying to establish a timeline of events of the suspects movements, and we are exploring all lines of enquiry to to understand why this incident happened.”
GMP is asking that any witnesses, or anyone with any footage of the incident, get in touch by calling either 0161 856 6063, via 101.
You can also make reports to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP (via Facebook)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Featured Images — CGI (via Arrowsmith Management)/Gerald England (via Geograph)
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Avanti staff at Manchester Piccadilly to strike tomorrow over ‘unfair dismissal’ of colleague
Emily Sergeant
Avanti West Coast staff based at Manchester Piccadilly are set to stage strike action tomorrow.
Due to what has been described as the ‘unfair dismissal’ of a colleague, rail union RMT has announced that Avanti West Coast members at Manchester Piccadilly station are set to walk out tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) – with several other strikes also planned later in the year.
Despite taking industrial action against sacking – which was based on anonymous allegations – RMT says the company has decided to ‘ignore’ the workforce and uphold the sacking at an appeal hearing.
As well as the 24-hour strike tomorrow, two other strikes have also been announced for future dates – 29 August, and 10 October.
Avanti staff at Manchester Piccadilly are striking over the ‘unfair dismissal’ of a colleague / Credit: Network Rail
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that the sacking was ‘extremely disappointing’.
He claimed the worker had ‘clearly’ been the victim of a toxic workplace culture which encouraged anonymous and unsubstantiated complaints.
“This member has been made a scapegoat for multiple management failings, including the company’s inability to manage its employees to an acceptable standard within the workplace,” commented RMT general secretary, Eddie Dempsey.
“This union is sending the clearest possible message to Avanti West Coast that there will be no let-up until this unfair dismissal is overturned and the issues at the heart of this dispute are resolved.”
Emily Sergeant -
28th July 2023 
