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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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2023 
