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Travel chaos across Greater Manchester as Storm Franklin cancels trains, trams and closes roads

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 21st February 2022

Greater Manchester’s transport network is struggling to cope as Storm Franklin batters the region, and people are being advised not to travel.

Trams, trains and the road network are all experience delays, cancellations and closures due to high winds.

The Met office has issued a yellow weather warning across much of the UK until 1pm today.

Many train companies are urging people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

Some of the most major disruption to travel caused by Storm Franklin today is on the M60.

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A section of the busy motorway near Trafford Park is closed in both directions due to an overturned lorry.

A deserted M60 this morning during Storm Franklin while an overturned lorry is recovered

The M60 is closed clockwise between J9 and J11, and anti-clockwise between J11 and J10, while the vehicle – which is resting on the central reservation – is recovered.

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You can check National Highways for the latest information.

The A34 Kingsway is closed in both directions near Mauldeth Road due to a fallen tree, while flooding has closed Flixton Road in Carrington and the A555 near Styal Road.

Several smaller roads across the region are also blocked by fallen trees, so avoiding travel is advised.

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On public transport, train services in and out of Manchester are facing delays and cancellations.

Northern Rail cancelled all of its services this morning.

They announced: “Due to the severe weather and numerous incidents, caused by #StormFranklin, we will be terminating all services in the North West.

“No further trains until at least 10:30, and this might be extended. Do not attempt to travel, do not head to stations as there are no alternatives.”

Services are now being reintroduced but disruption is expected to last all day.

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Disrupted services have also been reported on Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, and TransPennine Express.

Read more: Over 400 homes in south Manchester evacuated as Storm Franklin continues to hit region

Check National Rail for the latest updates.

Storm Franklin has also wreaked on Metrolink lines today, with a fallen tree near Victoria halting services on the Bury and Rochdale lines.

The tree has now been removed, but services are still experiencing delays while everything gets back up and running.

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Metrolink passengers are still able to use their tram tickets on bus services 41, 97, 98, 135 and 524 (for the Bury line) and 59, 81, 83, 181, 182 and 184 (for the Rochdale line).

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons

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Man who stabbed beloved gran to death sentenced to hospital order

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Man who stabbed beloved gran Michelle Hodgkinson to death sentenced to hospital order

The man who stabbed Michelle Hodgkinson to death in broad daylight in Tameside has been sentenced to a hospital order.

Paul Hughes, 30, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court today after his arrest on 3 June 2023 on suspicion of murder.

He was deemed too mentally unwell to stand trial – at the time of Michelle’s murder he was suffering from a schizophrenic attack at the time of the incident and still is suffering from Schizophrenia.

On 2 June 2023, Hughes brought a four-pack of kitchen knives, boarded a tram to Droylsden and headed to a canal path, where he appeared to be ‘lying in wait’ for someone to walk past him.

Tragically, that person was Michelle Hodgkinson, who walked past on her way to meet her mother.

She was followed, attacked from behind and stabbed multiple times.

The attack was captured on dashcam footage and several witnesses came forward to police with statements.

The court heart this week that despite being unwell, Hughes carefully planned the attack.

Hughes bought a pack of kitchen knives and waited down a canal path before he stabbed a stranger, a 51-year-old woman, on 2 June 2023.  

Michelle died at the scene on Edge Lane despite the best efforts of passers-by who tried to give her first aid, and the emergency services.

Detective Chief Inspector Danny Lee of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Michelle’s death has left a void in her family, and nothing will fix the pain they are feeling. I hope that they can gain some form of closure and justice from the sentence passed today.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who rushed to Michelle’s side and the first responders, both paramedics and response police officers who also attended the scene to give CPR in an attempt to give her the best possible chance of life.

“It is a moment to recognise, however, the devastation knife crime causes in our communities. Across Greater Manchester, officers and staff are working hard to fight, prevent and reduce this type of crime.

In a previous tribute to Michelle Hodgkinson, her family have said: “Everyone who knows Michelle are still in utter shock at the attack she endured and how horrific her last moments were.

“Our Shelly B was the most amazing, loving, selfless and funny daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie and most recently a nanna. It was a privilege to have been known and loved by her. She loved helping people in her community and was known for volunteering as an appropriate adult, her charity work and loved creating hampers to make people smile.

“She would be there for anyone and the day she was taken from us, she was doing just that – walking to meet her mum to take her shopping and to go for a coffee.

“Our family and friends are heartbroken. In one moment our world has crumbled and will never be the same. We will support each other, and we thank and appreciate the love and support shown by our family and friends. Please hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them and make memories.

“Words cannot describe how much she will be missed. Our biggest cheerleader, our confidant, our rock – she will never be forgotten. We love you to the moon and back!

“Love you forever and always!”

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Featured image: GMP

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10 ‘high-risk’ Manchester football fans arrested following recent violent disorder

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Several arrests have been made this week following an incident of violent disorder linked to a football match a few months back.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Specialist Operations branch were joined by colleagues from across the force – including those in Challenger teams – as they conducted several arrests around Greater Manchester this past Wednesday (13 December) in relation to violent disorder that recently took place.

The violent disorder in question occurred the day before Manchester United and faced FC Twente in the Champions League back in September.

Prior to the match, police say it is believed that a targeted and organised large-scale fight took place in the Lower Broughton area of Salford, all before the group of supporters then headed towards Manchester city centre.

As a result, 10 supporters – who are men aged between 20 and 64, and police say are suspected to be “high-risk” – are now in custody for questioning as investigations continue.

On top of this, when officers entered two properties on their search mission, two separate cannabis farms were found, and this meant that a 36-year-old woman was also subsequently arrested on suspicion of cultivation.

With the Manchester Derby now only days away, GMP says these arrests are a reminder that violence of any sort, whether it’s linked to football or not, “will not be tolerated” in our region.

Speaking ahead of the massive Premier League clash this weekend, Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, from GMP’s Specialist Operations division, commented: “With another big fixture coming this weekend, we want to send a strong message and reassurance that our specialised officers will be deployed to ensure you remain safe and peace is maintained, so you can enjoy the game.

Read more:

“On occasions when enforcement is needed, those who are intent on causing harm will have to answer for their actions.”

Featured Image – GMP

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