Two teenage girls were arrested in Manchester city centre over the weekend after calling 999 to ask for a lift home when they’d “ran out of money”.
While contacting emergency services in cases that are not considered emergencies is never the right thing to do, this is not actually what the pair were arrested for, however, as Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that the two females, aged 16 and 17, were wanted in connection with a previous criminal damage offence.
GMP explained that, at around 2:30am this past Saturday (27 May), emergency services received said 999 call, and officers responded to the call shortly after.
Officers said they were “concerned for the welfare of the pair” in Manchester city centre.
TAXI – 999 call from 2 females wanting a lift home, as they didn't have any money & mum wouldn't pick them up. We were more than happy to offer our finest taxi, free of charge, as it turned out they were both wanted for criminal damage, both taken into police custody.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) May 28, 2023
When police arrived on the scene, they subsequently arrested the two females on suspicion of criminal damage in relation to an incident at Manchester Piccadilly station back in February.
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The 16-year-old has been charged with criminal damage, while the 17-year-old has been released under investigation, GMP confirmed.
“GMP receives around 5,000 calls a day,” explained Chief Inspector Matthew Jackson, who is the Head of Dispatch at GMP’s Force Contact, Crime, and Operations branch.
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“2,000 of which are 999 calls with the vast majority from people in a genuine emergency.
Teens who ‘ran out of money’ arrested in Manchester after calling 999 to ask for a taxi / Credit: GMP
“However, people ringing 999 for inappropriate reasons are potentially putting lives at risk by taking call handlers’ time away from genuine emergency calls, keeping people in danger waiting for longer and putting lives at risk.”
CI Jackson emphasised that the 999 system is “for emergencies only”.
He urged the public to make use of the alternative contact channels GMP has available instead – which include reporting online or via the force’s dedicated LiveChat, or by calling either 101 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, which even lets people report information anonymously.
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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
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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 -
30th May 2023 
