A hero police dog who was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017 has died following three years of “happy retirement”.
The sad news of PD Mojo’s death was confirmed on social media this morning.
In a statement to Twitter, the British Transport Police said: “We’re so sad to say the incredible RPD Mojo has passed away, following three happy years of retirement.
“He was the first dog on scene at the Manchester Arena attack and later honoured by Crufts for his bravery.
“We’ll never forget your service, Mojo – a true BTP legend”.
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We’re so sad to say the incredible RPD Mojo has passed away, following three happy years of retirement 🌈
He was the first dog on scene at the Manchester Arena attack and later honoured by Crufts for his bravery.
PD Mojo – who worked as part of the British Transport Police – was the first to arrive at the scene of the atrocity on 22nd May 2017, and worked throughout the night alongside his handler PC Phil Healy.
PD Mojo and PC Healy had just arrived home after an early shift, but returned to work after news came through of an explosion at the Ariana Grande concert.
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Mojo immediately started searching the concourse at Manchester Victoria train station upon his arrival to make sure the area was safe, and searched around injured victims to make sure the area was safe and that there were no further explosives.
The pair then moved into the Arena itself and the site of the explosion to check for any secondary devices so that other emergency teams could work in safety.
PDSA Press
PD Mojo was awarded a PDSA Order of Merit in 2018 for his devotion on duty.
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Speaking on the awarding of the animal OBE in 2018, PC Healy said: “There is no doubt that what Mojo experienced that night had a lasting effect on him, as it has all of us [and] his receiving the PDSA Order of Merit is a fitting way to recognise his actions.
“I am extremely proud of him”.
Jan McLoughlin – Director General at PDSA – also added at the time: “PD Mojo worked tirelessly through unimaginable scenes of destruction and utter chaos [and] his role on the night was to make others safe.
“His dedication to duty, despite clearly being distressed by what he saw, makes him a deserving recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit”.
Today I say goodnight to my work partner, my loyal companion, my sounding board. You stood tall when I needed you most, at times I put all my trust in you and you never failed me. RPD Mojo stand down you served your time, rainbow bridge is ahead. Come-by x pic.twitter.com/lfdCzBrvco
Having worked for the force since he was 12-months-old, PD Mojo retired from British Transport Police duties in 2018 at aged eight, and despite suffering from stress-related alopecia in the aftermath of the bombing, he was said to have had a “happy” three years of retirement living with PC Healy before he died.
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Tributes to PD Mojo have since been pouring in on social media, with many expressing their kind words and praising his service.
PC Healy took to Twitter this morning to say: “Today I say goodnight to my work partner, my loyal companion, my sounding board. You stood tall when I needed you most, at times I put all my trust in you and you never failed me.
“RPD Mojo stand down you served your time, rainbow bridge is ahead”.
Rest in Peace, PD Mojo.
Featured Image – PDSA Press
UK News
More than £2 million in compensation received by underpaid workers in the North West
Danny Jones
More than £2 million is said to have been dished out in compensation to workers in the North West alone, as the UK government is continuing to crack down on employers underpaying their staff.
Employees from nearly 500 different companies across the region have received the money they owed following a raft of fines in excess of £2.7 million.
Covering the likes of Greater Manchester and beyond, the companies responsible have been revealed by the government as part of the new Fair Work Agency (FWA), which is tasked with shoring up workers’ rights moving forward.
The FWA is part of Labour’s wider ‘Plan For Change’, and hopes not only to correctly reimburse those short-changed but also, with the clear threat of swift action, deter others from trying to do the same in the future.
Matthew Taylor CBE has been appointed Chair of the Fair Work Agency, a new body that will transform how employment rights are enforced across the UK.
How? By tackling exploitation, supporting businesses doing the right thing, and helping to build a fairer labour market. pic.twitter.com/duEeNlwDHr
— Department for Business and Trade (@biztradegovuk) October 14, 2025
Released publicly last Friday, 17 October, 80 companies that failed to properly pay approximately 19,000 workers in and around the North West have now been repaid by their employers.
Perhaps most concerningly is that the fines sweep across multiple sectors and sizes, from local independents and SME to well-known high street brands.
From April 2026 onwards, the updated Employment Rights Bill (which also includes the FWA) grants more powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to fulfil both holiday and sick pay.
This announcement also comes after the National Minimum Wage rate was increased earlier this year, with millions getting a pay rise and those working full-time on the National Living Wage seeing their families supported by an extra £1,400 per year.
Under the ‘Make Work Pay’ initiative set out by the Labour Party, more than 15 million Brits are expected to benefit from the new measures.
Overall, roughly £6 million has been put back into the pockets of underpaid workers up and down the country following these fines, which are said to have totalled roughly £10.2m. The full list of companies in question can be seen HERE.
Speaking on the news, Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said: “This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they’ve earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones.
“We’re proud to have delivered a strong minimum wage, and enforcing it thoroughly is crucial in our mission to put pounds back in your pocket. I know this news will be welcomed by brilliant businesses across the country, those who know that happy, well-paid staff are at the heart of building a successful company.
“With our new Fair Work Agency and the coming Employment Rights Bill, this government is keeping our promise to Britain to make work pay again.”
If you fear you might be suffering from underpayment by your employer, you can check that your wages are correct online; alternatively, you can call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or contact their website for more information right HERE.
Salford Red Devils have been dropped from the Super League
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils RLFC have been officially relegated and dropped from the next Betfred Super League season following months of uncertainty both on and off the field.
It’s a nightmare scenario for supporters, but not entirely surprising given their struggles of late.
Revealing the decision this week, the Super League announced that Salford Red Devils will not be competing in the top tier next term, with the upcoming adjusted campaign getting underway in 2026.
Confirming that their IMG grading had been reduced as expected in the wake of recent events, the Greater Manchester side shared an official statement with the fans on Thursday morning, 16 October.
The reaction has obviously been one of deep frustration from a fan base that has been put through the ringer over the past year or so.
Die-hard Red Devil, Andy Roberts, commented in the numerous replies underneath Salford’s post on X: “I’m sorry, but this statement is a complete disgrace. Patronising fans, ignoring the huge elephant in the room. RELEGATION!”
Even neutrals got involved, with one person writing: “I hope someone comes in and saves you. No gloating here, we’re all part of the RL [rugby league] family, and I’ve lost my club before – wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Best of luck getting sorted.”
Another added that he believes this “Has to be the worst piece of comms from any club ever. Might have been better to start with a ‘really sorry we won’t be part of Super League next season’ line.”
Most notably, their dismissal from the division for now has also made way for the return of Bradford Bulls, who haven’t featured in the tournament since 2014, ultimately limping towards liquidation and eventual relegation themselves. Safe to say Salfordians fear the same.
It’s also worth noting that Salford Red Devils’ relegation also comes in tandem with the Super League actually expanding in terms of participants, with 14 teams set to face off in 2026; a dozen are automatically included via the aforementioned gradings system.
The Bulls were restored to the ranks after finishing 10th in the overall IMG rankings, while SRDLFC’s 0.25 point reduction to their total score proved enough to see the Yorkshiremen take their place after more than a decade.
Another two of clubs are still waiting to be named in the roster for next year, with an independent selection panel scheduled to verify their picks this Friday, 17 October.
You can see the club’s ‘divisive’ (to say the least) statement in full HERE and, in the meantime, find out more on the latest twist in this unfortunate tale that went on somewhat behind the scenes down below.
Emily Sergeant -
19th May 2021 
