Chris Slater

Manchester Arena bombing survivor Paul Price says the process of seeking compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority became an additional trauma after he suffered catastrophic injuries and lost his partner, Elaine McIver. A Survivors Against Terror report says terrorism victims face fragmented financial support, delays, repeated demands for evidence and inadequate access to legal advice. Only 9% of surveyed survivors considered the claims process reasonable and 7% found it sympathetic. The report acknowledges progress in personal and psychological support but calls the compensation system a major failure, prompting demands for reform, accountability and formal recognition for victims.

An easyJet flight from Manchester to Dalaman was cancelled after the pilot reported a smell of fumes in the cockpit while the aircraft was being pushed back. Fire engines and other emergency services attended as a precaution, although no fire was found. Passengers were taken off the Airbus A321, provided with hotel accommodation and meals where needed, and scheduled to continue their journey on a replacement aircraft the following day. A separate terminal fire alarm was reportedly unrelated and false.

Dovestone nature reserve and its car park have reopened after extensive wildfires in July and August affected an area equivalent to around 1,250 football pitches. The RSPB, which manages the reserve with landowner United Utilities, said fresh vegetation, returning wildlife and surviving rewetted peatland indicate early recovery. Authorities warned that wildfire risk remains, with visitors urged to report smoke or suspicious activity, take litter home and comply with a Public Spaces Protection Order.

Greater Manchester Police has ruled out murder as a line of inquiry into the death of 31-year-old Nathan Haigh, who was found unresponsive at a flat near Wardle on August 11 and later pronounced dead. A 37-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been released and remains on bail for assault. Detectives are awaiting the full post-mortem results, while police say there is no wider risk to the public. Haigh's mother, Keeley Greenwood, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help fund his funeral.

Metrolink services on the Manchester Airport line were suspended between Wythenshawe Town Centre and Manchester Airport after a light-coloured hatchback entered the tram tracks near Peel Hall at about 4:15 p.m. Firefighters and police attended, and local bus services accepted tram tickets while the vehicle was removed. Services resumed around 5:30 p.m., although minor delays continued.

Mohammed Al Masri, 25, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted by a majority jury verdict of raping an intoxicated young woman in east Manchester in December 2025. He followed her after a night out, falsely offered to arrange an Uber home, and took her to his HMO instead. The victim shared her live location via WhatsApp, allowing her boyfriend to alert police, who arrested Al Masri shortly after the attack. The court found that she was too vulnerable to consent and identified elements of abduction. Al Masri was also made subject to lifetime notification requirements, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order; possible deportation will be decided by immigration authorities.

Ashley Crowder was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years, less time served, for murdering Graham Cox in Bolton in March 2024. Court evidence showed that Crowder exploited Cox’s vulnerabilities, stole his benefits, held him effectively captive and repeatedly assaulted him before strangling him. Crowder repeatedly refused to attend court, prompting criticism from the judge and Cox’s family. Greater Manchester Police released body-camera footage showing officers discovering Cox’s body and arresting Crowder, while police said the sentence provided some measure of justice for Cox’s family.

Blossoms marked the tenth anniversary of their debut album with an intimate, sold-out-style performance for 250 fans at Manchester's Deaf Institute. The Stockport band played the debut record in full, added older deep cuts and showcased newer, more stylistically adventurous songs, including collaborations with Declan McKenna. The performance was praised as proof that Blossoms have matured into major figures in Greater Manchester's music scene ahead of their forthcoming arena tour and album release.

Former easyJet cabin crew member Lyren Maddix admitted stealing more than £30,000 worth of Amber Leaf tobacco from Manchester Airport on 26 occasions between August 2024 and January 2025 to fund cocaine use and drug debts. Manchester Crown Court heard that he exploited his uniform and security pass to access restricted airport areas and an aircraft. Maddix, who has a depressive disorder and a history of attempted suicide, received a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 250 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements and £300 in costs. He now works at Tesco, which his solicitor said has provided greater support.

Deborah Swift, 54, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison after being convicted of stealing more than £5,000 from Haydock Park Golf Club and more than £20,000 from Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre. The court heard she made unauthorized payments to herself, falsified working hours and obstructed investigations. Her defense cited childhood trauma, PTSD, alcohol dependence and significant debt, but Recorder Kristian Cavanagh concluded there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation and described her as a serial fraudster.

Harvey Symes, 23, has been charged with two counts of attempted rape and making threats to kill following two alleged attacks on women in Broadfield Park in Rochdale and Milnrow Memorial Park. Greater Manchester Police said the incidents occurred on the morning of July 25, and Symes is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court.

A suspect identified as Abdul Ballout was shot and killed by German police in West Berlin after allegedly rushing at officers with a stabbing weapon. The incident followed an attack at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day LGBTQ+ event, where a van struck people and several victims were stabbed, killing one woman and injuring at least 29 others. German officials described the incident as a likely Islamist terror attack, although police said the suspect’s specific motive remained unknown.

Craig McCormick, 48, has been identified as the man who died after getting into difficulty in Sykes Reservoir in Alexandra Park, Stockport, on July 9. Emergency services recovered his body, and Stockport Coroner’s Court is due to open an inquest. Friends have paid tribute, while Greater Manchester Police continues to examine the circumstances and has warned of the dangers of open water.

Greater Manchester Police are urgently seeking information about Ayomide, a 14-year-old boy last seen in Moston, north Manchester, on July 24. He is described as black, approximately 5ft 9in tall, with short afro hair, and was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, black shorts and white Nike trainers. Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log number 3357-25072026.

Greater Manchester Police has issued an appeal to locate Brandon, a 17-year-old from Wigan who was last seen in Stockport at about 8am on July 21. Police say they are increasingly concerned for his safety and believe he may have travelled back to Wigan. He was reportedly wearing a black puffer jacket, black joggers and black trainers, and anyone with information is asked to contact GMP on 101 using reference MSP/06JJ/0001164/26.

A large waste fire broke out at an open area on Spring Mill Walk in Smallbridge, Rochdale, on the evening of July 24, 2026. Firefighters battled the blaze overnight and remained until about 1 p.m. the following day to damp down hotspots and monitor the site. Drone images showed extensive scorched ground and debris, while the Environment Agency and local council were alerted because waste was involved.

Former Manchester City and England defender Steph Houghton has announced that she and her husband, former footballer Stephen Darby, are expecting their first child later in 2026. Houghton shared the news on Instagram, while friends and fellow football figures including Alex Greenwood, Alex Scott and Helen Skelton congratulated the couple. Darby was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018, and the pair have spoken openly about adapting to his condition while supporting efforts to combat the disease, including a 178-mile charity walk for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after two linked sexual attacks were reported less than two hours apart in Broadfield Park and Milnrow Memorial Park in Rochdale. Police said the victims provided similar descriptions of the suspected attacker and that CCTV showed a suspect leaving Coco Lounge earlier that morning. The man remains in custody while Greater Manchester Police continue their investigation, and detectives are appealing for information.

Moss Bank Park Amusements at Moss Bank Park near Bolton cancelled its planned £5 unlimited-ride promotion and temporarily closed after organisers said unruly youngsters had created unsafe conditions for staff and visitors. The organisers attributed numerous anti-social behaviour incidents to the presence of a travellers' camp, citing footage that allegedly showed youths damaging an inflatable slide and entering an unattended ride. Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council were contacted for comment, while the fairground said it hoped to reopen soon and reinstate the promotion.

Forecast overnight rain is expected to assist firefighters battling the major moor fire near Tintwistle by dampening dry peat and reducing the risk of renewed spread. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were making progress while creating fire breaks, trenches and hose systems to contain the blaze and extinguish deep-seated hotspots. A separate major incident near Dovestone and Swineshaw reservoirs is also being tackled by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Officials warned that heat deep in the peat and soil could cause repeated flare-ups, meaning full control may take many weeks and sustained rainfall.

A man in his 40s remains in stable condition in hospital after suffering a serious head injury during an alleged assault on Brownley Court Road in Benchill, Wythenshawe. Police believe two men bumped into each other before one allegedly pushed the other, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm, and enquiries are continuing.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating two serious sexual assaults reported in Rochdale parks on the morning of July 25, 2026, which officers believe are linked. The victims gave similar descriptions of a Black man reportedly wearing a three-piece suit or smart black clothing, a dark coat and carrying a briefcase. CCTV identified a man matching the description leaving Coco Lounge around 5am. Police have increased patrols in Rochdale town centre, Broadfield Park and Milnrow Memorial Park and are appealing for CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile-phone footage.

Six fire engines from across Greater Manchester responded to a large open-air waste fire on Spring Mill Walk in Smallbridge, Rochdale, after it was reported shortly after 8:15 p.m. on July 24, 2026. The blaze produced a large plume of black smoke drifting across the surrounding area. Fire crews are using hose-reel jets and specialist equipment, while nearby residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled under a Quick Reaction Alert to escort Qatar Airways flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester after it caused concern to UK civil authorities. The escort was called off before the aircraft reached Manchester, and the plane landed safely at Manchester Airport at 7:45pm. Unconfirmed aviation reports suggested air traffic controllers may have lost contact with the aircraft, but the precise nature of the concern was not disclosed.

Prime Minister and Labour leader Andy Burnham received loud cheers from crowds outside Number 10 North, the government’s newly opened northern headquarters in Manchester. After spending his first day at the temporary Heron House site, Burnham thanked the public and shouted, “I love you Manchester.” He told staff the opening marked the beginning of a different way of running Britain and is expected to work from the Manchester hub at least weekly, with cabinet members also using it regularly.

Andy Burnham addressed 13 English mayors at the inaugural event at Number 10 North in Manchester, alongside Chancellor John Healey and other ministers. He said the revived National Economic Council would coordinate Whitehall around economic growth and that the new northern government hub would connect regional leaders with central government, accelerate devolution and address obstacles to local development. Burnham also said similar arrangements would be developed with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while extending devolution beyond city regions to coastal and rural areas.

Greater Manchester Police is using existing resources to guard Number 10 North at Heron House in Manchester, where Prime Minister Andy Burnham opened a new Downing Street hub on 24 July 2026. Armed officers and a heavy police presence have been visible around the building, which also houses GCHQ’s Manchester and north-west hub. GMP says the cost of the additional security has not yet been determined, while talks are reportedly under way with the government about long-term funding. GMP is responsible for the building’s exterior and surrounding area, while the Prime Minister’s personal protection is funded and organized separately.

Andy Burnham has declared Number 10 North, a new Downing Street hub based at Heron House in central Manchester, open ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit on July 24. The Prime Minister is expected to spend time there weekly, while ministers including Lucy Powell, Angela Rayner and Louise Haigh may work there regularly. The hub will host the revived National Economic Council and is intended to coordinate economic growth, devolution and local investment outside Westminster. Burnham and the government say the initiative will shift power and resources toward communities across the UK, while staff from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Whitehall are being recruited to support it.

A shed fire broke out between two houses on Edilom Road in Crumpsall, north Manchester, shortly before 6:30 p.m. Three fire engines attended, residents were evacuated, and firefighters used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the blaze. North West Ambulance Service assisted at the scene, which was cleared after about an hour; no injuries were reported.

Axel Rudakubana, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years for murdering three girls and attempting to murder ten other people during the 2024 Southport dance-class attack, has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital. The Ministry of Justice said the move followed an independent medical assessment and rigorous security checks because he presented risks that could not safely be managed in prison. Officials stressed that the transfer does not change his sentence or the requirement that he serve the full 52-year minimum term. He will receive compulsory treatment and may return to prison if he no longer requires hospital care.

Three members of the Jewish community were injured after being shot with a BB gun from a passing vehicle on Leicester Road in Salford on July 20. Greater Manchester Police said the injuries were minor and, following CCTV enquiries, arrested two suspects on suspicion of aggravated common assault. Police are increasing security in Jewish communities across Greater Manchester and are appealing for further information.

Fire crews in Greater Manchester and Derbyshire are moving from intensive firefighting to longer-term containment of major moorland fires at Dovestone, Swineshaw and Tintwistle. Around 1,250 football pitches have burned, while crews are extinguishing hotspots, creating firebreaks and supplying water to remote areas. The Tintwistle operation remains active in the Arnfield sector, with about 65 firefighters involved, and the A628 Woodhead Pass is expected to remain closed until next week. Residents are advised to avoid smoky areas, keep windows closed where necessary, stay away from incident grounds and avoid activities that could start further fires.

A man's body was recovered from the River Irwell near Spinningfields in Manchester city centre after reports that he had entered the water on the evening of July 22. Firefighters, police and paramedics attended, and a rescue boat was launched. Greater Manchester Police said the death is being treated as non-suspicious and that a file will be passed to the coroner.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said she will not repay the £16,876 ministerial severance payment she received after resigning from government, arguing that she had worked in government, left office for nearly a year and was entitled to the payment. The payment followed her resignation after an ethics investigation found she breached the ministerial code over an underpaid stamp duty bill, although she later said HMRC had cleared her of wrongdoing. Rayner also declined to set a deadline for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to end long-term rough sleeping across the UK. Burnham's government has announced £340 million in new funding, alongside £3.6 billion already allocated under a national homelessness plan. Rayner praised progress in Greater Manchester but said support there had attracted people from elsewhere, requiring a coordinated national programme. She also backed expanding council housebuilding and cited £39 billion in social and affordable housing funding.

A man was kidnapped in Winsford and subjected to a 19‑hour attack involving beatings, water submersion and ammonia before escaping. His captors, Millie McGreavy, Joshua Hastie and Reece Jackson, demanded a £2,000 ransom and threatened to kill and dismember him. Police located the victim after he fled to a nearby home, later arresting all three suspects. The men pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault at Chester Crown Court and await sentencing in October, with investigators commended for strong evidence and the victim recognised for his bravery.

A man in his 30s was stabbed in the leg on Carrigart in Prestwich, prompting a large emergency response and leaving significant blood at the scene. Two people, a man and a woman in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of affray. The victim was taken to hospital and his condition is unknown. Residents described shock and fear as police, forensics and detectives worked within a taped-off cordon in the typically quiet residential area.