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The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium has been confirmed

It was put out in a little over an hour.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 31st January 2025

The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium earlier this week has now been revealed.

Man City‘s European fixture against Club Brugge was at risk of being postponed on Wednesday night after a stand inside a merch kiosk set alight whilst fans were still waiting outside the ground.

Footage of the small fire which soon turned into a significant blaze was shared countless times across social media almost immediately, naturally causing plenty of concern for supporters and the club alike.

The incident also saw people speculating as to what sparked it and now a couple of days after the fact, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has confirmed the cause of the fire.

Although many were all too quick to blame the travelling opposition fans, with some even suggesting that supporters from a rival club had intentionally set the fire, arson has been ruled out by GMFRS.

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Issuing an official statement to media outlets, the emergency service said: “At around 6pm on Wednesday 29 January, two fire engines from Blackley and Phillips Park fire stations were called to an incident involving a fire and a merchandise unit at the Etihad Stadium, Rowsley Street.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire which was caused by some clothing accidentally falling onto an electric heater. Crews left the scene after approximately 75 minutes.”

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Fortunately, the area was sufficiently cleared as soon as the fire was detected and no one was harmed during the incident.

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The fire also wasn’t severe enough to delay the start of the game either, with the Blues going on to notch a crucial 3-1 win to make it into the Champions League playoff.

City will now face either 15-time UCL victors Real Madrid or Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich – who also have half a dozen to their name – in the next round.

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Whether they or not they make it past that point into the remainder of the knockout phase, we’ll have to wait and see but the quadruple-winners look to be regaining their form.

If you still have watched the game back, you can find the highlights from the game down below:

The Etihad fire didn’t cause any problems on the pitch – Pep Guardiola’s side looked to get back on track in the second half.

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Featured Images — Harry Newton (supplied)/The Manc Group

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Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.

Last year saw Elbow become the first act to play the arena, and now they’re teaming up with Co-op Live to offer equipment to glorious city centre venues.

The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.

All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.

Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.
Credit: Supplied

This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.

Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.

The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.

Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.

The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester's largest indoor arena.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.
Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.
Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.
Credit: Audio North/Supplied

Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.

As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.

Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”

“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”

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Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”

“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”

Love it.

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Featured Image — Supplied (via Publicity Picture)

News

Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.

The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.

A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.

No arrests have been made as of yet.

Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.

“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.

“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”

Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps

In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.

Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”

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Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

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