News
Woman arrested after four-year-old girl dies in Manchester house fire
An investigation is ongoing.
An arrest has been made after a four-year-old girl tragically died in a house fire near Rusholme at the weekend.
Emergency services were called to a fire at a property on Gateshead Close at around 12.35pm on Sunday.
The fire was quickly extinguished and the girl brought out of the property.
Sadly she had suffered serious injuries in the incident and died in hospital a short time after the blaze.
Police have now confirmed that a woman, aged 44, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.
Officers say that the woman is known to the child and that there is no wider threat to the community.
A scene remains in place around Gateshead Close as specialist officers continue to investigate the full circumstances.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family. Numerous emergency services attended the scene and all did their utmost best to save her.
“A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child. There is no wider threat to the community and no one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation.
“These tragic incidents will of course naturally cause concern, but I want to reassure the public that we are fully investigating all circumstances of the fire, and will leave no stone unturned as we carry out this work.
“As this continues, I would ask anyone with any information about today’s events to please get in touch with officers. You can do this via 101, or on our Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1314 of 02/03/25. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Ben Levy, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager, said: “Today (Sunday, 2 March), crews from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford, and Withington Fire Stations attended a fire at a house on Gateshead Close, Manchester.
“I want to pass on the condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to the family and friends of the young girl who tragically lost her life following this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time.
“We will work closely with Greater Manchester Police to support their investigation into this tragic incident.”
Read more
Featured image: Google Maps
News
Two teens arrested after stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
In case you need bringing up to speed first, at around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Police conceded that this will ‘understandably’ cause concern in the community, but has assured the public that they believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
And now, it has been confirmed that two teenage boys, also aged 14, were arrested on Sunday night (18 October) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and tat this time, they are currently in custody for questioning.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation as well as the passersby who helped the victim following this incident,” commented Detective Inspector Sean McFadden, of GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.
Read more:
“Officers worked quickly and arrested two juveniles on Sunday, and they currently remain in custody for questioning.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
- Engage with the person
- Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
- Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Read more:
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Featured Image – Northern
Daisy Jackson -
3rd March 2025 
