News

Three children sustain ‘serious injuries’ after falling from top deck window of school bus

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 8th January 2026

Three children have sustained ‘potentially serious injuries’ after falling out of a window on the top deck of a double-decker school bus in Greater Manchester.

The shocking incident happened shortly before 4pm yesterday afternoon (7 January 2026) on Bolton Road, in the Ashton-in-Makerfield area, and according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the children sustained ‘potentially serious injuries’ in the process, although they are not thought to be life-threatening.

An investigation into the incident is currently in the early stages, but GMP Inspector Simon Barrie said in a statement that it appeared to be an ‘unfortunate accident’.

“This is a serious incident that will cause disruption,” Inspector Barrie said. “Our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don’t believe their injuries are life-threatening.

“This does appear to be an unfortunate accident at this time, but we will be making enquiries as to the circumstances and liaising with partners.”

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Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) also confirmed that said it is ‘working closely’ with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident.”: “Our thoughts are with those injured and we want to wish them a speedy recovery.

“Emergency services remain at the scene, and we are working closely with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident.”

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The road has since reopened, the BBC has reported.

It’s believed, according to Councillor Danny Fletcher, of the Ashton-on-Makerfield South ward – who posted to Facebook after speaking to police – that the young people fell from a top floor-side window of a school bus and were subsequently taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Featured Image – GMP

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Council seized £4.3m worth of counterfeit goods from Manchester’s streets in 2025

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Cheetham Hill Raids

A whopping £4.3 million of counterfeit goods were seized from Manchester’s streets in 2025, the Council has revealed.

Now that 2025 has come to end, Manchester City Council has announced that its Trading Standards Team seized and destroyed more than 43,500 counterfeit items in the last year – ranging from everything like fake handbags, trainers, and jewellery, to electronic items, sportswear, children’s toys, sunglasses, and much more.

Through ‘exemplary partnership work’ with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the Council says this criminal industry has taken a ‘substantial hit’ over the past 12 months. 

It’s also estimated that the goods seized would have lost the industry up to £43 million.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, said the Council hopes this action ‘sends a message that we will not tolerate this harmful trade.’

Rochdale counterfeit goods
The Council seized £4.3m worth of counterfeit goods from Manchester’s streets in 2025 / Credit: GMP

“The counterfeit industry was substantially embedded in our communities, but through their diligence and the support of our valued partners we have driven away some of the worst offenders and are beginning the process of regenerating the areas of Manchester that were long blighted by this sort of crime,” she added.

It’s not just counterfeit goods that’ve been targeted either, as a substantial push was also made throughout the year to crack-down on the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco.

In total, 316,625 cigarettes – which is equivalent to nearly 16,000 individual packs – were seized by the Council and police.

258kg of hand rolling tobacco was also seized, as well as more than 18,000 illegal vapes that don’t comply with UK laws or regulations. 

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Detective Chief Inspector Melanie Johnson, who is the lead coordinator of Operation Machinize for GMP, says the police takes any information it receives about counterfeit trading ‘very seriously’.

“We will continue to investigate all aspects of this criminality to protect our communities from the harms of illegal products.”

Featured Image – GMP

News

Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings

Danny Jones Danny Jones Oldham Athletic vs Notts County game postponed due to frozen pitch

Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.

We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…

Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.

Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.

Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.

“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”

As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.

They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”

Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.

Greater Manchester urged to ‘check before you travel’ as Storm Goretti sets in tonight

2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.

The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.

As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.

Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.

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Featured Images — Diego Sideburns (via Flickr)

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