Reports this morning have suggested that students currently self-isolating at Manchester Metropolitan University will be allowed to return home.
Professor Malcom Press – Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Metropolitan University – apparently spoke with BBC Radio Manchester today, confirming that “students self-isolating are allowed home and parents can pick them up”.
It comes following widespread conversation, coverage and criticism after around 1,700 students were sent an email by the university last Friday telling them they must self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days.
This was in a bid to help contain an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the University.
It’s believed that 127 positive cases were confirmed in connection with both the Birley campus and Cambridge halls of residence.
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Some students residing within the aforementioned accommodation however were reportedly caught by surprise at the announcement and apparently only found out about the need to self-isolate when they encountered security guards at the gates who told them they were not permitted to leave.
This then raised questions among members of the public and legal commentators online as to what authority MMU or Manchester City Council has to impose such measures.
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Geograph / Gerald England
Manchester Metropolitan University officials have previously stated that following the short-notice instruction to self-isolate for 14 days, they are “unable to prevent our students from leaving the halls”.
They did however urge students to “do the right thing”.
In the statement published on the Manchester Metropolitan University website on Sunday, Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcom Press said: “I recognise the impact that this situation is having on our students, particularly given the extremely short period of time we had to inform them of the decision.
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“Many of them are away from home for the first time and still finding their feet. Their welfare is our top priority and that is why we have been working hard with organisations around the city since Friday evening to put in place support to help during this 14-day period.
“We are urgently preparing a care package which we hope will ensure students will have the essentials they require in halls, plus financial support to assist them through this challenging period.
“We expect students to follow the guidance for self-isolation set out by the Government and Public Health England and our staff are on hand 24 hours a day to provide support, guidance and deal with concerns.
“We are unable to prevent our students from leaving the halls, but our students are bright young adults and we trust that they will do the right thing.”
Manchester Metropolitan University
David Regan – Manchester’s Director of Public Health – has also previously confirmed to the MEN that the ‘lockdown’ at the Birley and Cambridge halls is currently optional.
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He said: “We have currently not used any legal measures to enforce the additional requests,”
“We hope our students can understand the rationale for these actions and will support us in helping to contain infection and reduce further spread either amongst the students themselves or into the wider community. The rising weekly incidence rate and increase in the number of COVID hospital admissions at the Manchester Royal Infirmary reinforces why this is so important.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also said that he is “keeping a close eye” on developments at MMU and has reportedly spoken to police to check “everything is in order”.
Superintendent Chris Hill of Greater Manchester Police’s Manchester city centre divison added that they “will continue to work with MMU and local authorities to engage with students and offer advice surrounding the re-opening of universities and staying safe in the current climate” and they understand that “this situation provides a number of challenges for all involved”.
It was also announced yesterday that Manchester Metropolitan University has moved all first and foundation year learning – including all lectures, seminars and classes / workshops – to online and virtual instruction only.
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In the meantime, any students self-isolating will be permitted to return home to continue isolation with their families.
The Manc has contacted Manchester Metropolitan University for comment.
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A list of all the best freebies you can get at this year’s Manchester Marathon
Lydia Mastrolonardo
It’s that time of the year again to brace yourselves for Strava-plastered Instagram stories and road closures – that’s right, it’s one of the UK’s biggest running events: the adidas Manchester Marathon, which also means it’s time for lots of well-earned freebies.
Even if you’re not participating this year, don’t miss out on the opportunity to come down to support our fellow Mancunians, many of whom will be running for a great cause and immerse yourself in the infectiously positive atmosphere here on marathon day in the city centre.
Now, for all of you runners, after all of that training and hard work, it’s time to kick back, relax and let us do this last leg of the race for you. 26.2 miles is no small feat, so make sure you look after yourselves inside the celebration zone before moving on to the much-deserved freebies further afield.
Whether you’re set on gaining a new PB or are just focusing on surviving to the finish line, we believe that you all deserve to unwind properly. So, find out all the free things you can get your hands on after the 2026 Manchester Marathon.
20 Manchester Marathon freebies for 2026
FYI: All deals below are only validated by showing your 2026 Adidas Manchester Marathon medal upon entry – no medal, no free stuff!
1. ERDINGER ‘Alkoholfrei’
First stop is to rehydrate and recover, with an isotonic celebration (and your first ‘bev’ of the day).
Go and grab your FREE drink in the adidas Celebration Zone, packed with B-vitamins and minerals to replenish your body with all that it needs post-marathon.
2. High5
Before you leave the Celebration Zone, collect your Vanilla Chocolate-flavoured HIGH5 Recovery Protein Bar, packed with carbohydrates and proteins to help with recovery and build your energy stores back up, so you’re able to go and explore the next deals.
Credit: The Manc Group
3. Vita Coco
Next, head over to the Vita Coco Refresh Zone to collect your free Vita Coco Coconut Water. With high levels of Vitamin C and potassium, it’s guaranteed to refuel and hydrate your body.
Ensure you collect your ‘Feel Good Fuel,’ before moving on to your next treats.
4. HARIBO
Time for a sweet treat, after all, you’ve earned it.
Go and visit the HARIBO Activation Zone to collect some energy-filled sweets. They will have a selection of Starmix, Supermix, Tangfastics and GIANT Strawbs available to both runners and spectators, so there’s something for everyone!
5. Circolo Popolare
One of Manchester city centre’s finest Italian restaurants is offering a free margherita pizza.
Again, all you have to do is present your finisher’s medal to secure some free slices. It’s also worth noting that you can claim this at any time between race day on Sunday and the following Wednesday.
It’s a very popular place, of course, so it’s definitely worth trying to book ahead if you can, which you can do so right HERE.
Next up is Blackbird over at beloved bar, kitchen and small-cap gig venue, Gorilla, who will be offering a free dessert on them with a dining reservation.
T&Cs apply, of course – pre-booked tables only as stipulated and one dessert per medal etc. – but it’s pretty much as simple as that.
Following last year’s success, Circle Square will again be transformed into an all-day bustling free Manchester Marathon Fan Zone with big screens, food and drink stalls and a schedule of family-friendly activities, only a short distance from the marathon’s finish line on Oxford Road.
This area will be a supporters’ hub from 9am-5pm, supplying a vibrant space for spectators to rally support throughout the day, as well as a meeting point for runners to reconvene with family and friends after the race.
Activities will include arts and crafts, dance experiences, children’s sport sessions and performances from a youth-led percussion and dance band. Restart Pilates will be hosting free guided ‘stretch and recovery’ sessions all afternoon for marathon finishers in Symphony Park.
Jetts Gym are also set to deliver outdoor fitness classes throughout the day, with ‘sports massage and physio support’ on hand and evening classes dedicated to ‘stretching and light movement,’ to cool down post-marathon.
Proudly part of the running route and one of our favourite strips to run during the Manchester Marathon track, The Deansgate pub is offering finishers a drink on the house.
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They’re doing the same for the TSC London Marathon as well, and the Greene King pub group in general will be extending that bit of kindness to runners turned punters.
Upon leaving the Adidas Celebration Zone, after soaking up the atmosphere and music, head on over to The Grosvenor’s unofficial after party for your reward.
All medal holders are entitled to a free pint of BrewDog Cold Beer, and both runners and the public will have the opportunity to try the brand-new Jagermeister Orange.
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There’s nothing quite like that first sip of an ice-cold pint after a run, and with it located so close to the finish zone, even if your legs are like jelly, it’s only a few steps to stumble to – it would be rude not to.
Not to mention, they will also be hosting entertainment throughout the day, with lots of huge giveaways.
Now this one is great, not just for runners but volunteers too, as both are entitled to a free burger on Sunday, 19 April.
All you have to do is show your medal/volunteer pass, purchase a single drink, and then you can reserve your well-earned meal.
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Only available at their Spinningfields and Trafford restaurants, take your pick!
12. Chotto Matte Manchester
Chotto Matte is also inviting participants to unwind with a drink and celebrate with family or friends, high above the Manchester skyline.
Marathon runners are invited to enjoy a complimentary pint or glass of Prosecco, in Claude’s Skyview Bar between 12 and 6pm.
Simply flash your medal at reception to collect your token, and then it’s time to relax. To accommodate the occasion, a relaxed dress code is in place to facilitate runners straight from crossing the finish line.
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This offer is available to walk-ins only, so don’t wait around. Head on up and enjoy the views across the city, you could even try and see if you can spot where you just ran.
To celebrate in style, head over to the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel to receive another complimentary glass of prosecco for all marathon runners.
Not to mention 26% off your table for those 26.2 miles you ran. Very well deserved, we think! Walk-ins are welcome all day.
14. Mollie’s Motel
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If you’re getting in need of a bit of food by this point, Mollie’s is celebrating this amazing day with unlimited fries for all runners and friends. Yes, you heard right: come and get your post-run fix of carbs for free, available with any main item order.
Can your day get any better? If you thought you received kudos for your run before, just you wait until they find out that every runner can share their hours of endless fries with their group of supporters.
Everyone will want to be your best friend even more, and the kudos will know no bounds – if you think about it, it’s a reward for everyone involved.
Whether they’ve been there for you through the highs and lows of training or have spent their day standing on the sidelines, everyone deserves a little reward in potato form at Mollie’s.
15. YES
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Alternatively, head over to YES for free slices of arguably some of the best pizza in town.
Go and make the most out of their deal of a free slice of pizza with every pint bought, for all marathon finishers. Can you think of a better way to celebrate?
YES is a fantastic bar and event space located on Charles St. It is stretched over multiple floors with a gorgeous roof terrace and outdoor area, offering live music, food and cheap drinks. Don’t believe us? Go on down and see for yourself.
Ideal on that terrace if we get perfect race day weather. (Credit: The Manc)
16. Dishoom
Next stop is Dishoom, grab a table and claim your free 330ml Kingfisher or Kingfisher Zero (0.0%) beer for anyone dining with a finisher’s medal.
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Serving Indian-inspired dishes, this would be another amazing option to stop off for some class food.
17. Motley
There is a FREE pint or non-alcoholic ‘Nojito’ waiting for you at Motley, and in their words, it’s time to ‘run like a saint… celebrate like a sinner!’
With a choice of either a free pint of Motley Brew, a locally produced craft Pilsner from Seven Bro7hers Brewery or for those more ‘saintly’ runners, there is a non-alcoholic spin on a Mojito waiting to quench your thirst. Simply present your medal at the bar to collect your refreshing reward.
Located in Deansgate, Motley is best known for having a laid-back community atmosphere, serving both seasonal food and inventive cocktails. This isn’t one to miss.
18. Society
If you’ve got any stamina left, you might as well make it a crawl – next stop for a free pint is Society, located on Barbirolli Square. After 26.2 miles and all of that gruelling training, you deserve it.
Society prides itself on its relaxing atmosphere, perfect for recovering post-run, with the city’s ‘biggest beer collection’ and five fantastic, independent, street food stalls to refuel with.
Not to mention all of those with a medal will be able to collect a refreshing post-run free pint of hazy pale ale, created in partnership with the Manchester brewery Sureshot, but don’t delay, as they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Every year, plenty of people stretch out their marathon celebrations by treating themselves to a bit of posh scran, and many of them eye up a steak at Gaucho – especially when it’s free.
With a choice from any of their signature cuts, it’s a great choice and gets that protein in.
Unlike the others on the list, this deal is available from 19 – 23 April, so if you want to celebrate after some sleep, that’s absolutely fine, just don’t forget to bring along your medal to redeem your steak!
Why not end the night with a game of shuffleboard?
All marathon finishers are entitled to a free glass of house wine (175ml), a glass of prosecco (125ml) or a soft drink.
On Sunday, 19 April, Electric Shuffle will also be hosting a Bottomless Brunch from 12-2pm and 2:30-4:30pm. Expect sets from the resident DJ, four beers or a bottle of prosecco for each guest, unlimited sourdough pizza and one hour of shuffleboard! Find out more and book HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/adidas Manchester Marathon
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Worsley man, 81, jailed after ‘terrifying’ attempted robbery of elderly woman’s home
Emily Sergeant
An 81-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after attempting to rob an elderly woman’s home in broad daylight earlier this year.
Edwin Morrison, of Manchester Road in Worsley, was sentenced yesterday (15 April) at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to attempted robbery at an earlier hearing.
The incident in question occurred at around 11am on Tuesday 27 January, when Morrison knocked on the door of the 95-year-old woman’s home and told her he wanted to discuss the new bin collection date.
Without invitation, Morrison then stepped inside under the guise of ‘discussing things further’, and once inside the property, he proceeded to put his hands on the woman’s throat in an attempt to strangle her while repeatedly asking for her money and purse, before zip-tying her hands together, and grabbing and squeezing her throat further.
Thankfully, the victim’s hairdresser arrived at the property and entered the house, where she came across the scene and was alerted to call the police.
Morrison then left the property, taking the keys and locking the front door behind him.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) immediately launched an investigation once they were called, with specialist officers attending the scene and completing forensic analysis of the home and room, before going on to conduct ‘comprehensive’ CCTV and ANPR enquiries which led them to Morrison’s address, where he was arrested.
When Morrison was arrested and taken into custody for questioning, he provided no comment answers about the offence, and was later charged with his offence.
Morrison was this week sentenced to seven years in prison.
Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Paul Davies, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “When this incident first came in, we were all shocked by the very nature of it, and we immediately launched a full investigation into the circumstances.
“It was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and Morrison’s actions of targeting a woman in her own home were shocking.
“Her resilience and strength following this vile crime have been truly inspirational and I am glad that the investigative team have been able to get her the justice she deserves.”
The Manc -
29th September 2020 
