Ramazani Mwamba

Tanners Lane in Wigan was closed after severe flooding submerged the road and apparently trapped or abandoned a vehicle beneath a bridge. Wigan Council and United Utilities staff were responding, with most of the water later subsiding but the road remaining closed while investigations continued. The flooding followed a Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning covering Greater Manchester and several surrounding regions.

A woman was reportedly harassed by a man during a 192 bus journey from Stepping Hill Hospital to Mersey Square on August 4, 2026. Police say he stared at her, asked whether she was engaged, and followed her after she got off the bus, prompting her to hide in a shop. Greater Manchester Police released an image of a man they want to question and asked witnesses to contact them or Crimestoppers.

Simon Holtham, a 52-year-old father from Offerton, died after suddenly falling ill and suffering a cardiac arrest at his workplace, United Junk Skip Hire, on July 20. Despite colleagues' attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. His close friend Carl Morris remembered him as a selfless and loyal friend, while a GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly £5,000 to support Holtham's partner Amy and their four-year-old son Freddie. A celebration of his life is scheduled at Stockport Crematorium on August 28, with attendees encouraged to wear Liverpool FC or Stockport County FC shirts.

Manchester influencer Sofia Lips injected herself at home with 20 syringes of lip filler after several clinics refused further treatment, warning that her lips were already overstretched. She paid £500 for a six-week online course covering Botox and filler injections and bought the products online. Despite experiencing difficulty eating and drinking and having previously suffered a near-fatal complication from botched cosmetic surgery, Lips said she was pleased with the result and intended to inject other people. NHS England warns that dermal filler complications can include infection, nerve damage and blindness, and advises people to avoid practitioners with only short training courses.

The RSPCA is investigating after a severely malnourished and injured German Shepherd was found collapsed on Yew Tree Road in Ormskirk on July 1; the dog died after being taken to safety. Inspector Caren Goodman appealed for information to identify the owner. The case comes as the RSPCA reports a 64% rise in summer animal-cruelty calls over five years, including 6,322 emergency calls in June to August 2025.

A Salford family travelling to Egypt said a scammer impersonating On the Beach tricked Tania Rowan into paying £768 and helped trigger the cancellation of six guests’ hotel booking the day before departure. On arrival, the group was denied rooms and, despite attempts to contact On the Beach, had to arrange substantially more expensive self-catering accommodation elsewhere. The family says it spent £6,300 overall and has not been reimbursed. On the Beach expressed sympathy, said Tania had shared security and personal information with an impersonator, advised her to report the incident to her bank, and warned customers to manage bookings only through their secure account.

Contour Hair Salon founder Ralph Bowe says the 20% VAT rate and rising labour costs are putting employer-led hair salons at a competitive disadvantage against self-employed business models. He argues that stagnant turnover has left his two salons in Leigh and Bury unable to hire apprentices, contributing to the wider collapse in hair and beauty apprenticeships from 16,000 in 2016 to 6,000 in 2023. Bowe is calling for VAT to be reduced to 10% and for more support for high-street businesses, while Education Secretary Lucy Powell has raised apprenticeship barriers with the Treasury and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has indicated he may consider support for the hospitality sector.

Gary Neville awarded full UA92 scholarships to Leighton Flynn and Yasmin Baker, two 18-year-old carers who have overcome significant personal and financial challenges while pursuing education and sporting ambitions. Flynn, from Bolton, will study an accelerated Sports Coaching degree after improving his GCSE results while caring for his autistic brother. Baker, from Wigan, will study Sports Journalism while caring for an ill family member and competing as an elite shot-putter. The scholarships are intended to remove financial barriers and provide flexible support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Molly Pilkington pleaded guilty to assaulting Travellers Rest landlord Peter Coates after he refused her request to play a song late at night. The court heard that she punched him, pushed him into a table, grabbed his throat and threw a beer glass, leaving him with a golf-ball-sized lump on his head, although she disputed parts of the account. She was granted conditional bail until September 2 and will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court; the court warned that the offence had crossed the custody threshold.

Ryan Richardson was sentenced at Hull Crown Court to two years and eight months in a young offenders' institution after admitting that dangerous driving caused the death of a 68-year-old man on the eastbound M62 in East Yorkshire. Richardson, who was 18 at the time, was travelling at 59 mph when he used his phone to replay a Spotify song and failed to notice stationary traffic caused by roadworks, triggering a chain collision. He expressed genuine remorse, but was also given a six-year driving ban and must pass an extended retest before driving again.

Claire Cockayne, an NHS occupational therapist from East Yorkshire, and her partner Ben left the UK with their two young children after concluding that work and school schedules were causing them to miss important parts of their children’s childhood. After a six-week trip around Asia and Indonesia, the couple arranged Claire’s 14-month NHS career break, deregistered the children from school and began travelling while home-schooling and worldschooling them. They rented out their home, reduced expenses and developed online income streams to fund the journey. The family has travelled through several European countries, is currently in Hungary and plans to visit the United States, Mexico, South America, Asia and potentially Australia. Claire says the children are happier and more confident, although the family faces exhaustion and reduced support from grandparents.

A Jet2 flight carrying holidaymakers from Turkey was diverted to Manchester after Bristol Airport suspended operations because of a defect on its single runway. Passengers faced delays, cancellations and difficult onward journeys, including Luke Arnel-Cameron, who said Jet2 provided an Uber voucher but described the experience as a “flight from hell.” Another passenger, Gabrielle Butler, said her TUI flight to Morocco was cancelled and rebooked. Bristol Airport said the runway was repaired overnight and apologized, stressing that the closure was made to protect passenger and staff safety.

Joel Wolfenden and Graham Cooke, both 26, were jailed for their roles in a burglary and vehicle-theft operation targeting homes in Gorton and Levenshulme. Police said videos showed the pair driving recently stolen cars, including a Range Rover, while raids uncovered a chop shop and stolen vehicles and parts. Wolfenden received seven years and 10 months, Cooke eight years and 11 months, and Kamran Khan received a two-year suspended sentence, rehabilitation requirements and 300 hours of unpaid work for handling stolen goods. Police believe the operation was linked to at least 23 burglaries.

Greater Manchester Police are seeking information about a man believed to be able to assist with an investigation into two pedal bikes stolen near Kingsway High School in Stockport on July 2. A tracker on one bike indicated that both were taken to Harpurhey shopping precinct and sold at about 4:05 p.m. Police released an image and asked anyone with information to contact them, quoting log 2745 of 02/07/26, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for information about a man they believe may assist an investigation into an assault on Princess Street in Manchester city centre on August 2. The victim was punched in the face at about 6:40am and suffered a bloodied, possibly broken nose. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers, quoting reference 744 of 02/08/26.

The government is urgently reviewing historical grooming gang convictions to identify perpetrators who might qualify for an early-release scheme intended to ease prison overcrowding. About 5,000 prisoners are now expected to be released early after rapists and serious child-sex offenders were excluded, but concerns remain that some offenders convicted under older laws for crimes such as indecent assault could fall outside the exemptions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded that Andy Burnham ban all such offenders from release and accused the government of betraying victims. A government spokesperson said the Prime Minister had personally intervened to ensure grooming cases were properly assessed.

Anne Marie Wood, 44, from Rochdale, pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence after her dog Tilly was left with an untreated broken leg and inadequate pain relief for more than a month. Veterinary surgeons found that Tilly’s multiple orthopaedic conditions meant treatment could not restore an acceptable quality of life, so she was euthanised. Wood was banned from keeping animals for five years and received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, along with rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements.

Four people were arrested after police uncovered suspected brothels at properties on Balfour Street and Miriam Street in Oldham. Greater Manchester Police said residents had reported suspicious activity and significant disruption, including men repeatedly visiting the addresses. The court granted three-month closure orders for both properties, making entry or remaining there a criminal offence while investigations continue.

The success of Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey is presented as helping revive interest in Greek mythology-inspired baby names. Analysis of the latest Office for National Statistics data by JoJo Maman Bébé identifies Penelope as the most popular mythological name for girls in England and Wales, followed by Athena, Rhea, Persephone and Gaia; the leading boys’ names are Atlas, Ares, Apollo, Artemis and Perseus. Penelope was given to 1,174 babies in 2025, while Athena and Atlas were chosen for 519 and 355 babies respectively. Apollo and Perseus remain relatively uncommon, with 39 and eight babies recorded.

A three-vehicle crash on Shaftesbury Avenue in Altrincham, near Timperley, led to the road being closed on the evening of August 2, 2026. Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service attended. Two casualties were assessed, and one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Greater Manchester Police raided a property on Hill Cot Road in Astley Bridge, Bolton, and found a converted cannabis farm containing 113 plants. The plants and other illegal items were seized and destroyed. No arrests have been reported, and enquiries are continuing to identify those responsible. Police are appealing for information through the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Three youths allegedly robbed a 17-year-old boy at knifepoint on Norman Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, near Broadoak Oasis Primary School, at around 3:40 p.m. on August 1. One suspect reportedly carried a large machete. The offenders fled along nearby footpaths, and the bicycle was later found abandoned in Cedar Park. Greater Manchester Police is treating the incident as isolated and has released descriptions of the suspects, urging witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.

Greater Manchester Police warned that people are moving road signs and barriers to access Dovestone Reservoir, which remains closed after a devastating wildfire. Sergeant Andy Holian said officers found visitors from West Yorkshire in the car park, including one person dealt with for possessing cannabis, and later encountered three groups entering the area. Temporary traffic restrictions allow access only for emergency services and residents while Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service continue safety and firefighting operations.

A teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of burglary after several specialised bicycles were stolen from a charity cycling programme in Greater Manchester, with some reportedly sold online. Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Gorton and Levenshulme Neighbourhood Policing Team recovered and returned some of the bikes. The suspect has been bailed pending further investigation, and enquiries remain ongoing.

James cancelled its scheduled performance at Scotland’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival hours before the show after lead singer Tim Booth lost his voice while battling a viral infection. Booth apologised to fans, particularly those who had travelled to attend, and said the cancellation was made on medical advice. Razorlight stepped in to close the festival, while fans responded with messages of support. Booth also discussed James’s enthusiasm for touring and the band’s strong connection with live audiences.

Neil Jones was jailed for 51 months after admitting causing the death of 72-year-old Linda Donnelly by careless driving and committing a violent road-rage attack at Cheshire Oaks a year later. Jones had been driving at roughly 45 mph in a 30 mph area when he struck Donnelly in Bootle, and later threatened a family with a claw hammer, assaulted two men and trapped another person between vehicles. The court heard that children were visibly distressed during the attack. Judge Simon Medland KC cited Jones's previous convictions and speeding history but accepted that his remorse was genuine. Jones was also banned from driving for 51 months, ordered to take an extended retest and made subject to seven-year restraining orders.

New Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig plans to reappoint Kate Green as Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities and retain Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett as Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester. Green has held her role since 2023 and Dennett since 2021. Craig praised their contributions to community safety, policing, fire and rescue services, affordable housing, tackling inequality and securing greater devolved powers. The appointments will take effect as Craig begins her first day in office on August 3, when she is expected to outline plans on the cost of living and support for young people.

A 19-year-old man was seriously injured in a stabbing on Church Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and remains in a stable condition after hospital treatment. Greater Manchester Police arrested a man in his early 20s at Manchester Airport on suspicion of Section 18 assault and appealed for witnesses, CCTV, mobile-phone or dashcam footage.

Greater Manchester Police are increasingly concerned about the whereabouts and welfare of Leah, a 13-year-old girl from Bolton who was last seen in Farnworth at around 7pm on July 28. Officers have released a description of her clothing and appearance and are asking anyone with information to call 101, quoting log 004018-28072026.

A cyclist was taken to hospital with serious injuries after an e-bike collided with a car on Holden Road near Moss Avenue in Leigh at around 5pm on July 31. An air ambulance attended, and Greater Manchester Police closed part of the road to pedestrians, motorists and public transport while officers responded to the incident.

A 47-year-old man was arrested in Wigan on suspicion of burglary following an incident in the Worsley Hall area on July 26. The arrest formed part of Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Castle, which targets domestic burglaries. The suspect remains in police custody while enquiries continue, and residents are encouraged to report information or suspicious activity.

A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed on Church Street in Manchester city centre at about 12:50 p.m. on July 31, 2026. Greater Manchester Police said the incident appeared isolated, posed no wider risk to the community, and had resulted in no arrests. A cordon remained around Church Street and nearby Northern Quarter streets while officers investigated, with increased patrols and possible disruption to transport and pedestrian access.

Convicted fraudster Pamela Gwinnett has returned to the UK after being arrested in Tenerife for absconding while awaiting trial. She defrauded 89-year-old Joan Green of nearly £300,000 after becoming her carer and securing lasting power of attorney, isolating Green from her family and controlling her care. Gwinnett was convicted in her absence and sentenced to six years in prison, with a £300,000 repayment order; she is due to appear at Preston Crown Court after her extradition.

Police have received reports of youths starting fires around Fosters Playing Fields in Ince-in-Makerfield, Westleigh Park and near AB World Foods in Leigh during the school holidays. Greater Manchester Police says names have been provided and officers may contact the relevant parents and carers. Families are being urged to discuss the dangers and consequences of fires, trespassing and antisocial behaviour, while witnesses are asked to report incidents through police channels or call 999 in emergencies.

A 47-year-old man from Skelmersdale was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after reports of someone carrying a rifle at Beechwood Court. Armed officers and a police helicopter attended. Later, officers searching an address in Birkrig found a grenade-type device, prompting an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team response. The device was determined to be a replica, and nearby residents who had been evacuated as a precaution were allowed to return. The investigation remains ongoing.

Police and detectives remained at Spender Avenue in Cheetham Hill after a man was taken to hospital with stab wounds. Residents described the neighbourhood as shaken and called for greater security, while Greater Manchester Police said it did not believe there was any wider threat and continued its investigation.

A Fiat Punto caught fire on Gatley Road in Gatley, Stockport, at about 2:45pm on July 28. Firefighters from Wythenshawe station and Greater Manchester Police attended, extinguished the blaze and made the area safe after approximately 45 minutes. No injuries were reported.