Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after a string of arson attacks were carried out on four streets in Bolton over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, between 12am and 1am yesterday morning (Sunday 16 April), officers and several other emergency service response teams were called to reports of multiple arson attacks on properties across the Great Lever and Farnworth areas of Bolton.
The fires were said to have been “extinguished quickly” by local residents and emergency services, and no injuries have been reported.
Two men, aged 31 and 28, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, according to GMP, and a Section 60 stop and search was also enforced in the local area and remains in place until midnight tonight.
Police say they are currently treating the fires as “targeted arson attacks”.
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The attacks resulted in criminal damage of multiple properties and one vehicle – with enquiries remaining ongoing and scenes still in place, GMP confirms.
“The arson attacks across the Farnworth and Great Lever areas are shocking displays of violence and aggression and have put innocent members of the public at risk,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Peter Morley of GMP Bolton’s district.
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“Thankfully nobody was injured, and the incident is believed to be a targeted attack – but these were reckless attacks and will not be tolerated in our communities.
“Two males have already been arrested on suspicion of these attacks and we are continuing our extensive enquiries to locate any other possible suspects involved in these incidents.
“We remain committed to locating, arresting, and bringing justice to these offenders and the victims of these attacks.”
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Urgent appeal for information after string of ‘targeted’ arson attacks on four Bolton streets / Credit: GMP
GMP is asking that anyone with any information that could help with enquiries to “get in touch as soon as possible”, no matter how small it may seem as this “could be the missing piece we need to locate these offenders and bringing them to justice”.
Anyone with any information or footage of this incident should contact GMP on 0161 856 5757 or 101 quoting log 3979 of 15/04/2023.
Alternatively, report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Pxfuel
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
17th April 2023 
