In what is a piece of, quite frankly, unbearlievable news, police in Rochdale found a wanted car thief attempting to hide from officers inside a giant teddy bear.
No, you’ve not read that wrong.
As bizarre and implausible as it may sound, GMP Rochdale actually took to social media yesterday to share with the people of Greater Manchester and beyond, in what is understandably a now-viral post, the story of one of their latest arrests – and it genuinely did involve a criminal cutting up a teddy bear and trying to hide inside it.
GMP explained that 18-year-old Joshua Dobson, from the Spotland area of Rochdale, was wanted police after stealing a car back in May and for not paying for fuel that same day, but up until last month, his whereabouts was unknown.
That was until neighbourhood cops were tipped off to his location and went out searching for him.
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Retelling the hilarious discovery on social media, GMP Rochdale explained: “When we went to arrest him, our officers noticed a large bear breathing in the address, before finding Dobson hidden inside.
“He’s now stuffed behind bars after being sentenced last week for theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, and making off from a petrol station without payment.”
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They comically added that they hope he has “a bearable time inside”.
And the police weren’t the only ones to be cracking jokes, as not only has the post amassed thousands of likes and interactions across all social media platforms it was shared on yesterday, but the comments section was also full of witty members of the public sharing their best bear-themed puns.
Police in Rochdale found a wanted car thief attempting to hide from officers inside a giant teddy bear / Credit: GMP Rochdale
“He will only get the bear essentials in jail,” one person wrote.
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Another commented: “The bear faced cheek of him”, with a third chiming in with: “Apprehended by officers on paw patrol”, and a fourth questioning: “Did you Bungle him in the van?”
As well as all the countless bear-related jokes, one person also made sure to ask the question that a lot of us were probably all thinking too: “Can we see the officers bodycam footage? It’s not often I ask for anything but I need to see this. Please and thank you.”
While the bodycam footage is yet to be released, if you bear with them, they might get round to it.
Featured Image – GMP Rochdale
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Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th August 2022 
