News

Three arrested after woman is robbed at knifepoint near Manchester Christmas Markets

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 17th November 2022

Three people have been arrested after a woman was robbed at knifepoint in Manchester city centre yesterday afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that three arrests have been made after a woman was approached at around 4:10pm on yesterday (16 November) on New Cathedral Street in the heart of the city centre – an area which is currently housing part of the annual Manchester Christmas Markets.

After being approached, the woman was then threatened with a knife and had her mobile phone stolen.

Following what was described as a “large and quick response” from GMP’s city centre policing team and armed response unit, it has been confirmed that a man and under-18s were located and arrested.

The three remain in police custody for questioning.

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“Thankfully the victim wasn’t seriously injured,” explained Chief Inspector Wignall – of GMP’s City of Manchester Central Division,

“Following a swift response by GMP officers, the suspects were arrested and the phone recovered, [but] personal robbery can have a huge effect on victims so I am pleased we have these men in custody.

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“The city centre will become increasingly busy over the coming weeks and we want people to enjoy the Christmas period, so there will be an increased police presence throughout the Christmas period to keep people safe.”

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It comes after GMP confirmed ahead of the Markets starting that it will ensure an “increased visibility of officers” is in place – with additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs on duty, as well as plain-clothed officers and firearms officers.

Drones will also be used as “eyes across the city centre”.

Featured Image – Geograph

News

Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre

Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.

Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.

A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.

Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.

It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.

As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.

Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.

The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.

Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.  

Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.

The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.

Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.

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“Help us be a lifeline to organisations on the frontline,” Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity urged in it’s public appeal for donations.

You can help make sure ‘A Bed Every Night’ is a reality for all by donating here.

Featured Image – EthelRedThePetrolHead (via Flickr)

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