Warnings have been issued about horseflies this summer, as walkers report being ‘chased out’ of nature spots.
The insects can issue a nasty, painful bite that risks becoming infected, sometimes leading to cellulitis.
So-called ‘Dracula’ horseflies are even capable of biting people through their clothes with their strong mandibles, or fangs.
Horseflies are sanguivorous, meaning they feed on blood, so they will chase and bite humans at speeds up to 15mph.
Several walkers have reported being chased by swarms of the pests at beauty spots in Greater Manchester, including Quarry Bank Mill in Stockport.
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One dog-walker told The Manc it was the ‘worst walk I’ve ever been on’.
They said: “It was awful. We went for an ebening walk to take the dogs, and the weather was nice and cool. We were wondering why we had the entire place to ourselves.
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“And out of nowhere, a huge swarm of horseflies appeared and chased us around the entirety of Quarry Bank.
Horseflies have been swarming in the woods around Quarry Bank Mill. Credit: SuppliedHorseflies have been swarming in the woods around Quarry Bank Mill. Credit: Supplied
“Every now and then they’d disappear and we thought we were safe, and then they’re return and be biting us through our clothes.
“We ended up giving up on our walk and being chased out of the park by evil horseflies. It was awful. I was sad and very distressed.”
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Another person wrote on TripAdvisor: “Be extra vigilant of the Horse Flies that are around the large cow pen, my wife and myself got bitten a total of eight times!”
The BCPA warned of horseflies: “Literally designed to eat a horse, their bite is both impressive and painful. The horsefly is a sanguivorous insect and therefore wants to bite you.
“They can persistently chase you at a flying speed of around 15mph, and it’ll bite right through clothes. It has mandibles that can rip and tear flesh apart.”
What to do if you get bitten by a horsefly
The NHS warns that ‘horsefly bites are large, painful and may bleed. They often become infected’.
If you are bitten, you should dab your horsefly bites with antiseptic and cover the wound with an ice pack in order to avoid infection or swelling.
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You can see the full advice – including when to ring 999 – on the NHS website here.
Murder investigation launched as man dies two years after ‘life-changing’ Oldham attack
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was attacked two years ago in Oldham.
Ramon Logan was left seriously injured following the assault, which took place in Oldham back in July 2024, resulting in life-changing injuries, and a man was even jailed following the attack while Ramon continued to fight for his life.
Sadly, Ramon died on 30 June at the age of 42.
A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and further reviews are being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Following this and further enquiries that have been carried out, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that officers have now launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Speaking as the murder investigation has been launched, Detective Inspector Andy Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We know how difficult and painful the last two years have been for Ramon’s family, and we are continuing to support them following his death last week.
“We have now launched a murder investigation, and are keeping his family updated as we progress our enquiries. We are assessing all available material and will be making further reviews in due course.”
Ramon’s wife, Charlotte, has also paid tribute to him: “It is with a broken heart I announce the passing of my beautiful husband, Ray Logan, on 30th June. Ray was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, and will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him.
“Ray was a part of so many people’s lives, and as much as we all have our existing memories to remember him by, it is heart-breaking that we won’t get to make any new ones.
“Ray never stopped fighting to get better for the last two years, all we can wish for now is that he gets the justice he deserves.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
Daisy Jackson -
30th June 2023 
