A 51-year-old woman who was stabbed to death in broad daylight last week has been named as Michelle Hodgkinson, as her family issue a heartbreaking tribute.
She has been described as ‘the most amazing, loving, selfless and funny daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie and most recently a nanna’.
Michelle, or ‘our Shelly B’ had been walking along Edge Lane on Friday 2 June when she was approached by a male and stabbed.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but tragically, Michelle died at the scene.
She had just been going about her day, walking to meet her mum so that she could take her shopping.
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A 28-year-old man has been arrested arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Michelle was a community-driven individual with a long history of charity work and volunteering, as well as being her family’s ‘biggest cheerleader’.
In tribute to her issued through GMP, Michelle’s family said: “Everyone who knows Michelle is 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.
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“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! We’ll do everything we can to get justice. Love you forever and always!”
A police investigation is ongoing.
Featured image: GMP
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Firefighters to now wear cameras after Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations
Emily Sergeant
Firefighters in Greater Manchester are to now start using body-worn cameras following recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has says the Inquiry ‘highlighted the importance’ of capturing clear information and recording decision-making during major incidents, particularly when multiple emergency services are required to respond to ‘complex and fast-moving’ situations, as was, of course, the case with the Manchester Arena attack back in 2017.
The introduction of body-worn cameras will support this by providing a real-time record of what crews see, hear, and communicate while attending incidents.
A total of 233 cameras will be rolled out across the service, giving firefighters the ability to record high-definition video and audio while attending incidents.
We’re rolling out body‑worn video cameras across our Service following Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations.
The technology will support operational learning, transparency and real‑time decision‑making – helping our firefighters and officers provide the best possible… pic.twitter.com/aoHezIXWEv
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) April 11, 2026
The devices can also livestream footage in real time, so that senior officers can view incidents as they unfold and provide additional support when it’s needed most.
Frontline officers who attend incidents will be the first to receive the cameras, followed by prevention and protection teams, and then the incident command academy as the rollout continues.
Following a successful pilot trial back in May 2025, when the cameras were tested in real incident conditions, the cameras will now be used at a wide range of incidents – from house fires and road traffic collisions, to larger and more complex emergencies.
Firefighters to now wear cameras after Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations / Credit: GMFRS
Footage will help crews to review how incidents were handled, improve training, and strengthen safety for both firefighters and the public.
“Introducing body worn cameras is a significant step forward for our service,” commented Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Carlos Meakin. “It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents, while also helping to protect our crews by providing a clear record of the challenges they face on the frontline.
“The ability to livestream footage and review it afterwards will strengthen how we support crews on the ground, improve training, and enhance how we respond to major emergencies.
“This investment reflects our commitment to learning from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and continuing to strengthen how we respond to incidents across Greater Manchester.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
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Endangered baby giant otter triplets have been born at Chester Zoo
Emily Sergeant
This calls for celebration, as Chester Zoo has welcomed baby giant otter triplets in what is huge news for the endangered species.
It’s been a really exciting start to 2026 at Chester Zoo, as it was only a couple of days ago we got to see Dotty the baby Kirk’s dik-dik – which is one of the smallest antelopes in the world – take her first steps, and now it’s time to say hello to three new arrivals in the form of giant otter pups.
The trio are the first of their kind to be born at the zoo in several years, and arrive as part of an international conservation effort to boost numbers.
Arriving to first-time parents Bonita and Manu, up until now, the three giant otter pups have remained tucked away in their cosy holt with mum feeding them regularly until they more than tripled in size – but now, they’ve officially entered into the big wide world.
Following their first health check-up with the zoo’s veterinary team, conservationists have revealed the sex of the pups to be two males and a female
Their names are yet to be chosen, so keep your eyes peeled.
Endangered baby giant otter triplets have been born at Chester Zoo / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has described this triple birth as a ‘rare boost’ for one of the world’s most endangered species, as there are thought to be fewer than 5,000 giant otters surviving in the wild right now.
Giant otters are the world’s largest species of otter, with a powerful build, sharp teeth, and a highly social nature. As one of the apex predators in the waterways where they live, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems.
But sadly, experts say the species faces ‘an uncertain future’, with their decline largely driven by deforestation, water pollution, and illegal hunting, leading them to be listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning they face a very-high risk of extinction without urgent conservation action.
“The arrival of these three giant otter pups is a hugely special moment and marks the first time the species has been born here in seven years,” explained Rachael Boatwright, who is the Assistant Team Manager of carnivores at Chester Zoo.
“The pups recently had their very first health check-up at eight weeks old, where they were weighed and had their heart, teeth and overall condition assessed by the zoo’s vets. We’re delighted to confirm that all three are healthy and thriving – and that we have two males and one female pup.
“At eight weeks old, the pups will now start to venture outside alongside parents Bonita and Manu, who will start introducing them to the water and all of the essential skills they’ll need as they grow.”
Daisy Jackson -
5th June 2023 
