themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--GMP have declared a 'critical incident' after a failed upgrade of their troubled iOPS IT system left

GMP have declared a 'critical incident' after a failed upgrade of their troubled iOPS IT system left officers recording incidents on paper

A failed upgrade of Greater Manchester Police 's troubled computer system iOPS has led to the force declaring a 'critical incident ' , the M.E.N .
can reveal .
The problem has left officers unable to input data into one half of the iOPS system known as 'PoliceWorks ' , which is used by all frontline officers and communications staff to enter and search for information .
It 's left officers having to record information on paper since the issue arose at 1.30pm on Tuesday .
The M.E.N .
has been told senior officers met at force HQ to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting on Wednesday morning .
GMP said the critical incident declaration was a standard process so the correct resources could be allocated to resolve the issue .
The recording of calls from the public , or the police 's response to them , is not being affected , a spokesman said .
GMP said in a new statement issued on Wednesday morning that robust contingency plans put in place were being 'successfully executed ' across the force .
The force admitted the situation 'does create a slight delay ' , but said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GMP has given no information about when the problems are likely to be resolved .
GMP added in Wednesday 's statement that procedures were in place to manage high-risk incidents , incidents involving vulnerable people and the management of key intelligence .
No details about what exactly those procedures are have been revealed .
One frontline police source told the M.E.N .
on Wednesday morning : `` The system is still down and everyone is working on paper as of this morning . ''
Read more of today 's top stories here GMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ System 'iOPS ' six months ago in a move intended to transform technology within the force .
GMP said in Wednesday 's statement : `` There was a planned upgrade to GMP 's computer system , PoliceWorks , yesterday , which unfortunately on implementation identified some data inputting system errors .
`` However , we have robust contingency plans in place that are being successfully executed across the force , to minimise this disruption .
`` Officers remain able to view all information in the system and contingency plans are in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation is being resolved .
`` Part of this plan includes officers using paper to record data , and although this does create a slight delay , we are managing that risk . ''
The system has a second element - known as 'ControlWorks ' - which is said to be working as it should be .
Staff were told the 'PoliceWorks ' element would be turned off at 1am on Tuesday for an essential upgrade and was expected to be switched back on at midday .
But the M.E.N has been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on at around 1.30pm , it was not linking with the other element of the system , 'ControlWorks ' , and so was switched back off again .
It has not been turned back on since .
Wednesday 's statement from GMP added : `` There is no impact to ControlWorks or our response to calls from members of the public and we still have the ability to read all information on PoliceWorks .
`` This means there is minimal impact to the service we provide to the public .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place to manage high risk incidents , incidents regarding vulnerable people and the management of key intelligence .
`` We are working closely with our suppliers and are reviewing all options in recovering the system and getting back to business as usual as quickly as possible . ''
The force said the emergency activation button on police radios has not been affected and officers were able to use the function as normal .
The situation emerged after a statement was issued on Tuesday night .
Asst Chf Con of Greater Manchester , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Police is currently working with suppliers to resolve an intermittent problem which is affecting our computer system - iOPS .
`` The issue arose following a pre-planned upgrade and has resulted in reduced functionality but has not prevented access to iOPS or critical information .
`` This has not impacted the recording of calls from the public or our response to those calls .
`` As for all systems , GMP has tried and tested plans in place to minimise disruptions of this kind , including a team of super-users and contingencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` GMP 's priority has always been protecting Greater Manchester and , most importantly , that remains unchanged and unaffected by the ongoing problem .
`` Our suppliers will work tirelessly until full functionality is restored .
We will be providing regular updates to partner agencies to maintain collaborative working . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Jen Williams, Paul Britton)

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A failed upgrade of Greater Manchester Police's troubled computer system iOPS has led to the force declaring a 'critical incident', the M.E.N. can reveal.
The problem has left officers unable to input data into one half of the iOPS system known as 'PoliceWorks', which is used by all frontline officers and communications staff to enter and search for information.
It's left officers having to record information on paper since the issue arose at 1.30pm on Tuesday.
The M.E.N. has been told senior officers met at force HQ to discuss the issue during a 'gold' command meeting on Wednesday morning.
GMP said the critical incident declaration was a standard process so the correct resources could be allocated to resolve the issue.
The recording of calls from the public, or the police's response to them, is not being affected, a spokesman said.
GMP said in a new statement issued on Wednesday morning that robust contingency plans put in place were being 'successfully executed' across the force.
The force admitted the situation 'does create a slight delay', but said the risk was being managed.
So far GMP has given no information about when the problems are likely to be resolved.
(Image: MEN)
GMP added in Wednesday's statement that procedures were in place to manage high-risk incidents, incidents involving vulnerable people and the management of key intelligence.
No details about what exactly those procedures are have been revealed.
One frontline police source told the M.E.N. on Wednesday morning: "The system is still down and everyone is working on paper as of this morning."
Read more of today's top stories here
GMP switched to the £29m Integrated Police Operating System 'iOPS' six months ago in a move intended to transform technology within the force.
GMP said in Wednesday's statement: "There was a planned upgrade to GMP's computer system, PoliceWorks, yesterday, which unfortunately on implementation identified some data inputting system errors.
"However, we have robust contingency plans in place that are being successfully executed across the force, to minimise this disruption.
"Officers remain able to view all information in the system and contingency plans are in place for the capture of all data while the situation is being resolved.
"Part of this plan includes officers using paper to record data, and although this does create a slight delay, we are managing that risk."
(Image: MEN)
The system has a second element - known as 'ControlWorks' - which is said to be working as it should be.
Staff were told the 'PoliceWorks' element would be turned off at 1am on Tuesday for an essential upgrade and was expected to be switched back on at midday.
But the M.E.N has been told that when 'PoliceWorks' was turned back on at around 1.30pm, it was not linking with the other element of the system, 'ControlWorks', and so was switched back off again.
It has not been turned back on since.
Wednesday's statement from GMP added: "There is no impact to ControlWorks or our response to calls from members of the public and we still have the ability to read all information on PoliceWorks.
"This means there is minimal impact to the service we provide to the public.
"We have proactively liaised with partners and have procedures in place to manage high risk incidents, incidents regarding vulnerable people and the management of key intelligence.
"We are working closely with our suppliers and are reviewing all options in recovering the system and getting back to business as usual as quickly as possible."
The force said the emergency activation button on police radios has not been affected and officers were able to use the function as normal.
The situation emerged after a statement was issued on Tuesday night.
Asst Chf Con of Greater Manchester, Nick Bailey, said: "Greater Manchester Police is currently working with suppliers to resolve an intermittent problem which is affecting our computer system - iOPS.
"The issue arose following a pre-planned upgrade and has resulted in reduced functionality but has not prevented access to iOPS or critical information.
"This has not impacted the recording of calls from the public or our response to those calls.
"As for all systems, GMP has tried and tested plans in place to minimise disruptions of this kind, including a team of super-users and contingencies which are being successfully executed force wide.
"GMP's priority has always been protecting Greater Manchester and, most importantly, that remains unchanged and unaffected by the ongoing problem.
"Our suppliers will work tirelessly until full functionality is restored. We will be providing regular updates to partner agencies to maintain collaborative working."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Christian Eriksen reveals why Manchester United transfer failed

Christian Eriksen said he turned down the chance to move to Manchester United because he wanted a new challenge away from the Premier League .
United were interested in the Danish midfielder as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked to strengthen his midfield and talks were held in the summer with Eriksen who was in a contract stand off with Spurs .
In the end Tottenham ending up selling Eriksen to Inter Milan during the January transfer window but the 27-year-old admitted that a move to United was on the cards at one point .
`` For a few years but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to them of course and we did hear what was possible and what was n't possible .
But , in the end , me personally , I wanted a new challenge .
To stay in the Premier League would have been an easy solution , '' Eriksen told the BBC .
`` Of course , staying at Tottenham would also have been a solution but , for me , it just came down to wanting to try a new challenge in a new country .
Once Inter came up it really was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport reported last month that Solskjaer spoke with Eriksen personally in August to gauge how receptive he would be to moving to Manchester before United passed on the playmaker .
United were uneasy about the prospect of recruiting Eriksen due to the vested interest of Real Madrid .
United sources suggested Madrid were lobbying Spurs to entertain interest from United to plunge Paul Pogba 's future into further doubt and they ultimately prioritised keeping Pogba over a belated bid for Eriksen .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk ( Charlotte Duncker)

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Christian Eriksen said he turned down the chance to move to Manchester United because he wanted a new challenge away from the Premier League.
United were interested in the Danish midfielder as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked to strengthen his midfield and talks were held in the summer with Eriksen who was in a contract stand off with Spurs.
In the end Tottenham ending up selling Eriksen to Inter Milan during the January transfer window but the 27-year-old admitted that a move to United was on the cards at one point.
"For a few years but it was never really likely. We did speak to them of course and we did hear what was possible and what wasn't possible. But, in the end, me personally, I wanted a new challenge. To stay in the Premier League would have been an easy solution," Eriksen told the BBC.
"Of course, staying at Tottenham would also have been a solution but, for me, it just came down to wanting to try a new challenge in a new country. Once Inter came up it really wasn't a difficult choice."
MEN Sport reported last month that Solskjaer spoke with Eriksen personally in August to gauge how receptive he would be to moving to Manchester before United passed on the playmaker.
United were uneasy about the prospect of recruiting Eriksen due to the vested interest of Real Madrid. United sources suggested Madrid were lobbying Spurs to entertain interest from United to plunge Paul Pogba's future into further doubt and they ultimately prioritised keeping Pogba over a belated bid for Eriksen.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Grinning sex fiend back behind bars for attacking women at Trafford Centre just months after being f

Grinning sex fiend back behind bars for attacking women at Trafford Centre just months after being freed early from jail

A serial sex fiend serving life for attempted rape was back behind bars today for attacking a string of women in a shopping mall after being freed early from jail .
Mel Orme , 55 , prowled the Trafford Centre shopping centre looking for new victims just five months after parole officers deemed him fit to be released .
He followed one woman to the car park where he groped her bottom before grinning at her and walking away .
Hours later he followed another woman around the complex and attempted to grab her .
A third woman out enjoying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had sat down on a bench when she spotted Orme watching her from behind a plant pot .
As she walked away he grabbed her by the arm and bottom , before pushing himself against her .
She quickly moved away but has said the incident has caused her to have heart palpitations and she has not returned to the Trafford Centre since .
Read more of today 's stories here Orme , from Eccles , near Salford , who has a string of convictions for sexual offences , had just five months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locked up for life for the attempted rape of a girl of 16 in 1998 .
At Minshull Street Crown Court , he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was jailed for a further 32 months and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years .
The offences began on October 19 last year , when a woman in her 50s was leaving the Trafford Centre with her elderly mother .
Prosecutor Helen Longworth said : “ At midday they were ready to leave and were on the escalator to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not known to her , who was looking at her and smiling .
He was about four steps behind her on the escalator .
“ He followed them into the carpark and seemed close to the two women but behind them .
As they reached their car he walked towards her to the drivers side .
As she got there she felt he firmly couldn ’ t her left buttock then her right , then moved his finger between her two buttocks .
''He didn ’ t attempt to remove her clothing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he started grinning at her , so she looked away and he left .
“ A few hours later after that , he was moving around the Trafford Centre following another different woman .
He was seen on CCTV reaching for another woman ’ s buttocks but she has never been identified .
“ Another woman went to the Trafford Centre with her daughter to meet some friends , spend the afternoon shopping , eating and drinking coffee .
`` She sat down on a bench as she has arthritis at between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to where she was sitting .
When her friends joined her he moved .
She could see him watching her from a plant pot as she got up to leave .
“ As she walked past he grabbed her bottom and arm , she looked at him and walked away .
She said she felt someone come very close to her and felt him push his penis against her and felt his hand touch her bottom .
''He then said to her : ' I ’ m very sorry , sorry ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was interviewed on October 22 where he answered no comment to the questions put to him .
“ The first woman declined to give a statement , but the second woman did .
She said : ' I have suffered with depression and anxiety and I can go from feeling anxious to have a panic attack .
`` ' I suffer heart problems and when I think about what happened I get heart palpitations .
I was having a good day .
This has affected my health and I didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre for a while'.
” Orme , who remained emotionless , was unrepresented at the hearing .
He declined to give an explanation to the court when asked by the sentencing Judge .
He had 30 convictions dating back to 1979 when he was convicted of indecent assault on a female under 16 .
He also had convictions for attempted rape , rape and indecent assault and his last conviction was in 1998 for two offences of attempted rape , to which he was handed life imprisonment .
Sentencing him , Judge Tina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to two offences of sexual assault , both occurred on October 19 last year .
“ The first was when a woman leaving the Trafford Centre noticed you following her on the escalator , you followed her out to the main car park and to her car .
As she was about to enter her car you held her buttocks and put your finger between her buttocks .
After this you were following another woman who has not been identified .
“ Following this you located another woman who you had targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabbing her on her arm and bottom , but she moved away .
But that did not deter you as you pushed your penis against her bottom which caused her considerable distress .
You are entitled to full credit for your guilty plea .
“ The sentence is aggravated by your previous convictions for sexual offences .
You were subjected to a life sentence , and having been released on May 22 you were attending probation appointments .
“ You are a prolific sex offender and despite attempts of rehabilitation where you attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwilling or unable to change your behaviour .
There is no mitigation in your case save for your guilty plea .
“ Only a custodial sentence can be justified in your case .
There is a significant risk you will commit further offences .
I must pass a determinate sentence and you will not be released unless the parole board is satisfied it is safe to do so.
” Orme is currently on the Sex Offenders Register for life .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Amy Walker, John Shammas)

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A serial sex fiend serving life for attempted rape was back behind bars today for attacking a string of women in a shopping mall after being freed early from jail.
Mel Orme, 55, prowled the Trafford Centre shopping centre looking for new victims just five months after parole officers deemed him fit to be released.
He followed one woman to the car park where he groped her bottom before grinning at her and walking away.
Hours later he followed another woman around the complex and attempted to grab her.
A third woman out enjoying the afternoon with her daughter and friends had sat down on a bench when she spotted Orme watching her from behind a plant pot.
As she walked away he grabbed her by the arm and bottom, before pushing himself against her. She quickly moved away but has said the incident has caused her to have heart palpitations and she has not returned to the Trafford Centre since.
(Image: Mark Waugh)
Orme, from Eccles, near Salford, who has a string of convictions for sexual offences, had just five months earlier been released from jail despite being locked up for life for the attempted rape of a girl of 16 in 1998.
At Minshull Street Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was jailed for a further 32 months and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
The offences began on October 19 last year, when a woman in her 50s was leaving the Trafford Centre with her elderly mother.
Prosecutor Helen Longworth said: “At midday they were ready to leave and were on the escalator to the carpark when she noticed a man not known to her, who was looking at her and smiling. He was about four steps behind her on the escalator.
“He followed them into the carpark and seemed close to the two women but behind them. As they reached their car he walked towards her to the drivers side. As she got there she felt he firmly couldn’t her left buttock then her right, then moved his finger between her two buttocks.
''He didn’t attempt to remove her clothing. She asked him what he was doing and he started grinning at her, so she looked away and he left.
“A few hours later after that, he was moving around the Trafford Centre following another different woman. He was seen on CCTV reaching for another woman’s buttocks but she has never been identified.
“Another woman went to the Trafford Centre with her daughter to meet some friends, spend the afternoon shopping, eating and drinking coffee.
(Image: MEN MEDIA)
"She sat down on a bench as she has arthritis at between 5pm and 6pm, and the defendant went to where she was sitting. When her friends joined her he moved. She could see him watching her from a plant pot as she got up to leave.
“As she walked past he grabbed her bottom and arm, she looked at him and walked away. She said she felt someone come very close to her and felt him push his penis against her and felt his hand touch her bottom.
''He then said to her: 'I’m very sorry, sorry'. The defendant was arrested that day and was interviewed on October 22 where he answered no comment to the questions put to him.
“The first woman declined to give a statement, but the second woman did. She said: 'I have suffered with depression and anxiety and I can go from feeling anxious to have a panic attack.
"'I suffer heart problems and when I think about what happened I get heart palpitations. I was having a good day. This has affected my health and I didn’t feel able to come to the Trafford Centre for a while'.”
Orme, who remained emotionless, was unrepresented at the hearing. He declined to give an explanation to the court when asked by the sentencing Judge. He had 30 convictions dating back to 1979 when he was convicted of indecent assault on a female under 16.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He also had convictions for attempted rape, rape and indecent assault and his last conviction was in 1998 for two offences of attempted rape, to which he was handed life imprisonment.
Sentencing him, Judge Tina Landale said: “You have pleaded guilty to two offences of sexual assault, both occurred on October 19 last year.
“The first was when a woman leaving the Trafford Centre noticed you following her on the escalator, you followed her out to the main car park and to her car. As she was about to enter her car you held her buttocks and put your finger between her buttocks. After this you were following another woman who has not been identified.
“Following this you located another woman who you had targeted and followed, eventually touching her by grabbing her on her arm and bottom, but she moved away. But that did not deter you as you pushed your penis against her bottom which caused her considerable distress. You are entitled to full credit for your guilty plea.
“The sentence is aggravated by your previous convictions for sexual offences. You were subjected to a life sentence, and having been released on May 22 you were attending probation appointments.
“You are a prolific sex offender and despite attempts of rehabilitation where you attended several courses, you have shown yourself unwilling or unable to change your behaviour. There is no mitigation in your case save for your guilty plea.
“Only a custodial sentence can be justified in your case. There is a significant risk you will commit further offences. I must pass a determinate sentence and you will not be released unless the parole board is satisfied it is safe to do so.”
Orme is currently on the Sex Offenders Register for life.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Ryan Giggs names perfect partner for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford

Ryan Giggs says Marcus Rashford would be a dream partner for Eric Cantona , as he imagined how the current Manchester United striker and iconic Frenchman would look like in the same team .
Giggs and Rashford were discussing the similarities and differences between their progressions to the United first team and how the pair adapted to first team football .
Club legend Giggs made his debut in 1991 as a 17-year-old , and went on to make a club record 926 appearances .
Rashford was 18 when he made his first appearance against Midtjylland in the Europa League , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
In a chat between the two players for B/R Football , Rashford asked Giggs what it was like being called up to the first team with senior players he had previously admired - and in particular Rashford wanted to know what Cantona was like to play alongside .
`` He was just different , '' Giggs explained .
`` You see him there , look how big he is .
People do n't realise how big and strong he was .
He was like a target man but also he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned to Rashford , explaining how his pace would have been a perfect complement to Cantona 's distribution .
`` For you he would have been a dream , '' Giggs continued .
`` Because you know when you make those runs , he would always find you , and you would n't have to break stride .
You know sometimes in a game , you make runs , you make runs , but no-one 's finding you ?
As soon as he got the ball , he was n't interested in scoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he got as much pleasure out of making assists .
He was brilliant to play with . ''
But it was n't just Cantona 's quality on the ball that impressed Giggs when he reached the first team , as the Frenchman 's workrate stood out to the Welshman .
He added : `` Just the way that he trained .
You must have seen coming up to the first team , players you 've looked up to , training hard .
You watch them and how they train and conduct themselves .
@

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Ryan Giggs says Marcus Rashford would be a dream partner for Eric Cantona, as he imagined how the current Manchester United striker and iconic Frenchman would look like in the same team.
Giggs and Rashford were discussing the similarities and differences between their progressions to the United first team and how the pair adapted to first team football.
Club legend Giggs made his debut in 1991 as a 17-year-old, and went on to make a club record 926 appearances. Rashford was 18 when he made his first appearance against Midtjylland in the Europa League, with Giggs the assistant manager at the time.
In a chat between the two players for B/R Football, Rashford asked Giggs what it was like being called up to the first team with senior players he had previously admired - and in particular Rashford wanted to know what Cantona was like to play alongside.
"He was just different," Giggs explained.
"You see him there, look how big he is. People don't realise how big and strong he was. He was like a target man but also he had them little touches."
Giggs then turned to Rashford, explaining how his pace would have been a perfect complement to Cantona's distribution.
"For you he would have been a dream," Giggs continued.
"Because you know when you make those runs, he would always find you, and you wouldn't have to break stride. You know sometimes in a game, you make runs, you make runs, but no-one's finding you? As soon as he got the ball, he wasn't interested in scoring - he wanted to score - but he got as much pleasure out of making assists. He was brilliant to play with."
But it wasn't just Cantona's quality on the ball that impressed Giggs when he reached the first team, as the Frenchman's workrate stood out to the Welshman.
He added: "Just the way that he trained. You must have seen coming up to the first team, players you've looked up to, training hard. You watch them and how they train and conduct themselves."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-06--Get your entries into this year's M.E.N Business Awards 2020

The 2020 Manchester Evening News Business Awards is now open for entries .
The event , which is in its 28th year , will take place on November 19 in Manchester ’ s Principal Hotel .
Business editor Shelina Begum said : “ We are extremely excited to launch the 2020 Manchester Evening News Business Awards .
“ The M.E.N .
has a long history of supporting and recognising those who are leading the way in business and it is great to get out there , meet entrants and see first hand some of the excellent work that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to achieve great things and we look forward to catching up with the 2019 prize winners in the coming weeks to see what winning has meant to them and the opportunities it has delivered .
“ I urge as many of you as possible to enter this year ’ s awards.
” The event celebrates excellence in firms of all sizes and sectors , from long-established multi-nationals to start-ups .
The full list of categories are : All businesses submitting entries will be considered for the Mitchell Henry and International Trade & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the judging panel .
For the head office outside Greater Manchester category , businesses must show evidence of their contribution and positive impact within the Greater Manchester region .
Businesses which enter must have their headquarters and management functions in the M.E.N ’ s circulation area and have their latest financial figures available .
Representatives of the judging panel will visit each entrant - except for those entering the turnover under £1m category .
A shortlist of finalists will be drawn up before the final judging day which will be held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Year Awards is free to enter and the deadline is Friday , March 6 .

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The 2020 Manchester Evening News Business Awards is now open for entries.
The event, which is in its 28th year, will take place on November 19 in Manchester’s Principal Hotel.
Business editor Shelina Begum said: “We are extremely excited to launch the 2020 Manchester Evening News Business Awards.
“The M.E.N. has a long history of supporting and recognising those who are leading the way in business and it is great to get out there, meet entrants and see first hand some of the excellent work that they are doing.
“Former winners have gone on to achieve great things and we look forward to catching up with the 2019 prize winners in the coming weeks to see what winning has meant to them and the opportunities it has delivered.
“I urge as many of you as possible to enter this year’s awards.”
The event celebrates excellence in firms of all sizes and sectors, from long-established multi-nationals to start-ups.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
The full list of categories are:
CMS Head office outside Greater Manchester turnover £100m+
PwC Turnover £100m+
Robert Walters Turnover £50m - £100m
Brewin Dolphin Turnover £25m - £50m
Manchester Evening News Turnover £10m - £25m
BusinessLive Turnover £5m - £10m
Manchester Evening News Turnover £1m - £5m
Bolton School Turnover under £1m
LDC Mitchell Henry Prize
Manchester Airport Award for International Trade & Export
All businesses submitting entries will be considered for the Mitchell Henry and International Trade & Export award. Winners will be decided by the judging panel.
For the head office outside Greater Manchester category, businesses must show evidence of their contribution and positive impact within the Greater Manchester region.
Businesses which enter must have their headquarters and management functions in the M.E.N’s circulation area and have their latest financial figures available.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Representatives of the judging panel will visit each entrant - except for those entering the turnover under £1m category.
A shortlist of finalists will be drawn up before the final judging day which will be held in the autumn.
Executive sponsors are Manchester Airport, PwC, Robert Walters, Brewin Dolphin, CMS and LDC. Category sponsors include Bolton School.
The M.E.N. Business of the Year Awards is free to enter and the deadline is Friday, March 6.
To enter visit www.menbusinessoftheyearawards.co.uk


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Liam Gallagher walks off stage and cancels gig in Germany after just four songs

Liam Gallagher walked off stage and cancelled a gig in Germany after just four songs tonight .
Fans in Hamburg were left devastated when the former Oasis frontman cut his performance short .
According to German publication Mopo , Liam said he was struggling with his voice but promised fans they would 'get their money at the door ' .
Videos posted online showed Liam , 47 , suddenly walking away from the microphone and making hand gestures midway through a song .
He later posted a message on Twitter which read : `` Sorry to everybody who came to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not there and if I 'd have carried on I 'd done more damage to it .
`` I love you all and hope you understand I 'll make it up to you LG x' Liam is currently in the middle of a busy European tour and has another nine gigs in February including shows on Friday 7 in Amsterdam , Saturday 8 in Brussels and Monday 10 in Cologne .
Fans sent their best wishes for the singer and expressed concern at the number of gigs he is performing .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liam .
I 'm sure you 're more disappointed by these circumstances than your fans .
I 'm sure your fans understand your voice/health comes first . ''
Earlier this week , Liam claimed on Twitter he and his brother Noel Gallagher were offered £100million to reform Oasis .
`` We 've been offered 100 million pounds for a tour still not enough for the greedy soul oh well stay young LG , '' he tweeted .
The brothers have repeatedly bad-mouthed one another ever since the band 's acrimonious split in 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` To whoever might be arsed : I am not aware of any offer from anybody for any amount of money to reform the legendary Mancunian Rock ' n'Roll group Oasis .
`` I am fully aware though that someone has a single to promote so that 's maybe where the confusion lies . ''

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Liam Gallagher walked off stage and cancelled a gig in Germany after just four songs tonight.
Fans in Hamburg were left devastated when the former Oasis frontman cut his performance short.
According to German publication Mopo, Liam said he was struggling with his voice but promised fans they would 'get their money at the door'.
Videos posted online showed Liam, 47, suddenly walking away from the microphone and making hand gestures midway through a song.
He later posted a message on Twitter which read: "Sorry to everybody who came to the gig tonight in Hamburg my voice was not there and if I'd have carried on I'd done more damage to it.
"I love you all and hope you understand I'll make it up to you LG x'
Liam is currently in the middle of a busy European tour and has another nine gigs in February including shows on Friday 7 in Amsterdam, Saturday 8 in Brussels and Monday 10 in Cologne.
Fans sent their best wishes for the singer and expressed concern at the nu mber of gigs he is performing.
One wrote on Twitter: "Oh no Liam. I'm sure you're more disappointed by these circumstances than your fans. I'm sure your fans understand your voice/health comes first."
Earlier this week, Liam claimed on Twitter he and his brother Noel Gallagher were offered £100million to reform Oasis.
"We've been offered 100 million pounds for a tour still not enough for the greedy soul oh well stay young LG," he tweeted.
The brothers have repeatedly bad-mouthed one another ever since the band's acrimonious split in 2009.
In response, Noel tweeted: "To whoever might be arsed: I am not aware of any offer from anybody for any amount of money to reform the legendary Mancunian Rock'n'Roll group Oasis.
"I am fully aware though that someone has a single to promote so that's maybe where the confusion lies."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Former Coronation Street star Tisha Merry says anaemia caused her hair to fall out

Former Coronation Street star Tisha Merry says she was concerned after anaemia caused her hair to fall out .
The ex Corrie actress says the situation became so bad her hair would cause the shower to flood after just a single wash. Tisha , who played Steph Britton in the soap , opened up to fans on her own YouTube channel about how she stopped her hair loss from anaemia , a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to fewer red blood cells and tissues and organs in the body may not be able to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago I found out I was anaemic so I realised my lips were like a funny colour , I was dizzy a lot , really tired but the main thing I noticed , the biggest symptom , was the loss of hair , '' Tisha explained .
“ I noticed that my hair was thinning an incredible amount .
`` I know hair does clog showers but after one wash the shower was flooded .
“ And I was so paranoid about it and I was trying all sorts of different things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Tisha , 26 , who is dating fellow Corrie favourite Alan Halsall , 37 , who has undergone two hair transplants , says taking the vitamin supplement biotin , which helps the body convert food into energy , has helped her greatly .
“ So obviously I was on iron tablets from being anaemic but I came across biotin , '' she said .
`` I think I went on forums and started researching what supplement helped hair growth and the thing I noticed that was in every product was biotin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor before I did all this and he gave me the okay .
`` I take one biotin tablet every other day and it seems to work perfectly for me .
`` Biotin is key in stimulating hair growth , your skin , your nails .
I 've been taking this for about three months .
“ Last month I noticed huge , huge difference in my hair growth .
It was thicker , I had new hair growth it was just glossier .
`` It has been a saviour . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy that I found out about this .
I am so happy I gave it a try .
I feel so much more confident now .
It ’ s just amazing .
“ It ’ s such a horrible feeling when your hair is falling out for both men and women .
`` It ’ s hugely important to us and its good to find something that actually works , no gimmicks , no nothing . ''
In May last year she and Alan went public with their romance , sharing a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam Aston 's wedding .
Alan has a daughter Sienna-Rae , six , with his ex wife Lucy-Jo Hudson .
In August Lucy-Jo revealed that she was expecting a baby with her partner Lewis Devine .

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Former Coronation Street star Tisha Merry says she was concerned after anaemia caused her hair to fall out.
The ex Corrie actress says the situation became so bad her hair would cause the shower to flood after just a single wash.
Tisha, who played Steph Britton in the soap, opened up to fans on her own YouTube channel about how she stopped her hair loss from anaemia, a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to fewer red blood cells and tissues and organs in the body may not be able to get enough oxygen.
“Now about two years ago I found out I was anaemic so I realised my lips were like a funny colour, I was dizzy a lot, really tired but the main thing I noticed, the biggest symptom, was the loss of hair," Tisha explained.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
“I noticed that my hair was thinning an incredible amount.
"I know hair does clog showers but after one wash the shower was flooded.
“And I was so paranoid about it and I was trying all sorts of different things to kind of thicken it up again."
Tisha, 26, who is dating fellow Corrie favourite Alan Halsall, 37, who has undergone two hair transplants, says taking the vitamin supplement biotin, which helps the body convert food into energy, has helped her greatly.
(Image: Tisha Merry YouTube)
“So obviously I was on iron tablets from being anaemic but I came across biotin," she said.
"I think I went on forums and started researching what supplement helped hair growth and the thing I noticed that was in every product was biotin.
"So I checked with my doctor before I did all this and he gave me the okay.
"I take one biotin tablet every other day and it seems to work perfectly for me.
"Biotin is key in stimulating hair growth, your skin, your nails. I've been taking this for about three months.
(Image: Alan Halsall Instagram)
“Last month I noticed huge, huge difference in my hair growth. It was thicker, I had new hair growth it was just glossier.
"It has been a saviour."
She added: "I’m so happy that I found out about this. I am so happy I gave it a try. I feel so much more confident now. It’s just amazing.
“It’s such a horrible feeling when your hair is falling out for both men and women.
"It’s hugely important to us and its good to find something that actually works, no gimmicks, no nothing."
(Image: ITV)
Tisha played waitress Steph from 2013 to 2017.
In May last year she and Alan went public with their romance, sharing a photo of the couple laughing together at co-star Sam Aston's wedding.
Alan has a daughter Sienna-Rae, six, with his ex wife Lucy-Jo Hudson.
In August Lucy-Jo revealed that she was expecting a baby with her partner Lewis Devine.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Manchester United players Hannibal Mejbri and Teden Mengi send Solskjaer a message vs Leeds

They sang about ' p -- -- -- all over Georgie Best ' , chanted United a 's -- - Salford City ' , 'soft scum b -- -- -- 's , Manchester is ' w -- - ' , and 'Beckford at the Stretford End ' .
United supporters air their hatred of Leeds in just about every game and this was a reminder why .
Leeds supporters - all 1,800 of them - were back at Old Trafford for the first time in 10 years ( unless you count the rugby league denizens ) and the Old Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 16 years .
The Scoreboard End was completely unoccupied and the nearest United fans to the Leeds contingent were in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand .
There was mounted police outside the stadium .
A coterie of youths stood at the back of the first tier sang 'we all hate Leeds scum ' and aired their paean to Eric Cantona .
Yet many United fans would love Leeds back in the Premier League .
`` I 've been to many Leeds games from when I was younger with my uncle , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Elland Road a good few times as a younger kid , '' Nicky Butt told the MEN .
`` I did n't need explaining what the rivalry is !
`` But it 's a healthy rivalry ; Leeds are a great club , a massive club and I ca n't wait for them to get back into the Premier League , if I 'm honest .
Because it 's part of a healthy , really good rivalry we have . ''
The United left winger Shola Shoretire was five when Beckford silenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Under-18s avoided their own upset .
Dillon Hoogewerf claimed his third goal in three FA Youth Cup games and United are in the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in eight years .
Their victory was underpinned by the polished passing of 17-year-old Charlie McCann , recruited from Coventry two years ago , and the imperious captain Teden Mengi , still just 17 .
The latter was an unused substitute in the first-team 's Europa League trip to Astana and has used it as a launching pad towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dismissed Henri Kumwenda .
Every triumphant United Youth Cup side has produced at least one player who has made at least 50 appearances for the club .
Stronger United sides have departed the competition at the first hurdle ( Gerard Pique , Jonny Evans , Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson started in 2005 ) and silverware is not an accurate barometer of first-team prospects .
Butt will keep those who played at Old Trafford for the first time in check .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , sat in the directors ' box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scored twice at Elland Road in 2002 and the year before an incendiary banner was unfurled in the away end referring to the death of two Leeds fans in Istanbul .
None of the 22 starters on Wednesday night had been born then but United staff held meetings this week to educate the youngsters on the tribalism .
Harvey Neville , a substitute , was not recognised by the Yorkies who chorused caustically about his uncle .
United were effectively at full strength minus the Hyde-born centre half Will Fish in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trafford fixture since Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong figured against Southampton in December 2016 .
Leeds wasted their only opening in the 20th minute when United midfielder Mark Helm was caught cold in the 20th minute but bailed out by goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny , a recent participant in first-team training .
After that aberration , the disparity in talent between the teams widened .
Helm almost atoned on 32 minutes with a free-kick that pinged the crossbar and Hannibal Mejbri could blame no one but himself when he meekly finished after a charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butt as one of the emerging teenage 'leaders ' at the academy , was not the first United Frenchman to be booed by Leeds fans .
Nor was he cowed by them or the budding hatchet men .
Hoogewerf , the other summer arrival from abroad , flicked in Reece Devine 's drifted cross just short of the hour mark and Kumwenda was soon expelled for a second bookable offence .
Leeds fans ended it with a rendition of 'dirty Leeds ' with Mejbri reeling from a rumbustious foul and a ball boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leeds youngster .
Not everyone would love Leeds back .

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They sang about 'p------ all over Georgie Best', chanted United a 's--- Salford City', 'soft scum b------'s, Manchester is 'w---', and 'Beckford at the Stretford End'. United supporters air their hatred of Leeds in just about every game and this was a reminder why.
Leeds supporters - all 1,800 of them - were back at Old Trafford for the first time in 10 years (unless you count the rugby league denizens) and the Old Trafford stewards doubtless hope their top-flight absence ticks past 16 years. The Scoreboard End was completely unoccupied and the nearest United fans to the Leeds contingent were in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. There was mounted police outside the stadium.
A coterie of youths stood at the back of the first tier sang 'we all hate Leeds scum' and aired their paean to Eric Cantona. Yet many United fans would love Leeds back in the Premier League.
"I've been to many Leeds games from when I was younger with my uncle, my cousin and my dad and I went to Elland Road a good few times as a younger kid," Nicky Butt told the MEN. "I didn't need explaining what the rivalry is!
"But it's a healthy rivalry; Leeds are a great club, a massive club and I can't wait for them to get back into the Premier League, if I'm honest. Because it's part of a healthy, really good rivalry we have."
The United left winger Shola Shoretire was five when Beckford silenced the Stretford End in January 2010 and the United Under-18s avoided their own upset. Dillon Hoogewerf claimed his third goal in three FA Youth Cup games and United are in the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in eight years.
Their victory was underpinned by the polished passing of 17-year-old Charlie McCann, recruited from Coventry two years ago, and the imperious captain Teden Mengi, still just 17. The latter was an unused substitute in the first-team's Europa League trip to Astana and has used it as a launching pad towards the first-team squad. Mengi cockily waved goodbye to the dismissed Henri Kumwenda.
Every triumphant United Youth Cup side has produced at least one player who has made at least 50 appearances for the club. Stronger United sides have departed the competition at the first hurdle (Gerard Pique, Jonny Evans, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson started in 2005) and silverware is not an accurate barometer of first-team prospects. Butt will keep those who played at Old Trafford for the first time in check.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, sat in the directors' box alongside the former kit man Albert Morgan, scored twice at Elland Road in 2002 and the year before an incendiary banner was unfurled in the away end referring to the death of two Leeds fans in Istanbul. None of the 22 starters on Wednesday night had been born then but United staff held meetings this week to educate the youngsters on the tribalism. Harvey Neville, a substitute, was not recognised by the Yorkies who chorused caustically about his uncle.
United were effectively at full strength minus the Hyde-born centre half Will Fish in what was the youth team's first Old Trafford fixture since Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong figured against Southampton in December 2016. Leeds wasted their only opening in the 20th minute when United midfielder Mark Helm was caught cold in the 20th minute but bailed out by goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny, a recent participant in first-team training.
After that aberration, the disparity in talent between the teams widened. Helm almost atoned on 32 minutes with a free-kick that pinged the crossbar and Hannibal Mejbri could blame no one but himself when he meekly finished after a charge by Mengi.
Mejbri, identified by Butt as one of the emerging teenage 'leaders' at the academy, was not the first United Frenchman to be booed by Leeds fans. Nor was he cowed by them or the budding hatchet men. Hoogewerf, the other summer arrival from abroad, flicked in Reece Devine's drifted cross just short of the hour mark and Kumwenda was soon expelled for a second bookable offence.
Leeds fans ended it with a rendition of 'dirty Leeds' with Mejbri reeling from a rumbustious foul and a ball boy tossed the ball away from an anxious Leeds youngster. Not everyone would love Leeds back.
United: Ondrej Mastny, Lukasz Bejger, Teden Mengi, Ben Hockenhull, Reece Devine, Charlie McCann, Charlie Wellens (Connor Stanley, '80), Mark Helm, Dillon Hoogewerf (Omari Forson, '76), Hannibal Mejbri, Shola Shoretire (Ayodeji Sotona, '70)


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Manchester United 1-0 Leeds United U18s highlights as Dillon Hoogewerf header wins FA Youth Cup tie

Manchester United 's Under-18s edged out Leeds United in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup , thanks to @ @ @ @ @ header .
United have a good record in the prestigious youth tournament , but have @ @ @ @ @ Pogba and Jesse Lingard 's Class of 2011 .
After beating Lincoln and Norwich so @ @ @ @ @ Neil Ryan 's young side overcame a more stern test in the shape of Leeds @ @ @ @ @ half in which Hannibal Mejbri missed a gilt-edged chance and Mark Helm hit the crossbar @ @ @ @ @ opponents - United then took control after the break .
Forward Hoogewerf rose highest with @ @ @ @ @ the hour mark , which proved to be enough for a 1-o victory .
United @ @ @ @ @ a quarter final tie against Wigan Athletic , as their excellent cup run continues .
@ @ @ @ @ on our live blog below .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Samuel Luckhurst, Dominic Booth)

Manchester United's Under-18s edged out Leeds United in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, thanks to Dillon Hoogewerf's second half header.
United have a good record in the prestigious youth tournament, but have not won it since Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard's Class of 2011. After beating Lincoln and Norwich so far in the competition, Neil Ryan's young side overcame a more stern test in the shape of Leeds.
After a goalless first half in which Hannibal Mejbri missed a gilt-edged chance and Mark Helm hit the crossbar - but Leeds proved stubborn opponents - United then took control after the break.
Forward Hoogewerf rose highest with a well aimed header on the hour mark, which proved to be enough for a 1-o victory.
United then held on to secure a quarter final tie against Wigan Athletic, as their excellent cup run continues.
Recap how the game unfolded on our live blog below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Manchester United evening headlines: Ighalo gives first interview, Nicky Butt exclusive, Jadon Sanch

Manchester United evening headlines: Ighalo gives first interview, Nicky Butt exclusive, Jadon Sancho boost

Here 's a round-up of the top Manchester United stories from February 5 .
Odion Ighalo has revealed he took a pay-cut to secure a dream move to Manchester United in the January transfer window .
The Nigerian international signed for United on transfer deadline day after agreeing to return to the Premier League on a five-month loan deal .
Ighalo 's return to English football materialised late into the window after United had seen a bid rejected for Joshua King and opted against a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani .
The 30-year-old finally agreed terms to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the January window , and now he has lifted the lid on how the move came about .
Read what he had to say here .
• Find out why Ighalo chose the No.25 jersey here • Read the message he has sent to the fans here • And , finally , find out what he thinks he can bring to the team here Butt explains why two midfielders did n't leave on loan Nicky Butt says midfielders James Garner and Dylan Levitt need to spend more time with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan moves next season .
United received offers to take Garner , 18 , on loan in the January transfer window and Levitt , 19 , has been regularly called up to the Wales senior squad this season .
Levitt was unwell during the festive fixture period and it is understood that partly prevented him from leaving on loan .
Garner made his debut last season and started in three of United 's Europa League group games , while Levitt partnered Garner in the 2-1 defeat at Astana in what is his only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under-23s on deadline day and United reinforced their midfield with the £46.5million addition of Bruno Fernandes last week , and Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay could return later this month .
Butt feels it still would have been a mistake to fix belated loans for Garner and Levitt .
`` I think I 'd probably be the same if I was 18 or 19 and not getting in the first-team , '' Butt told the MEN .
`` I 'd want to go and play men 's football as well , because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserves where you bypass that and it does become too easy for you , and it becomes a bit lethargic and you also want to push the younger ones up . ''
Read the full story here - and read our exclusive wide-ranging interview with Butt here .
Manchester United have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho after Borussia Dortmund 's sporting director refused to make any assurances over the player 's future in Germany .
Sancho is a long-term United target and the Reds could firm up their interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopens in the summer .
The youngster has been in stunning form for Dortmund over the previous two-and-a-half months , scoring nine goals and notching seven assists in his last nine Bundesliga appearances .
United would most likely have to break their record transfer fee to recruit Sancho and Michael Zorc has admitted Dortmund may not be able to keep hold of him for another season .
See what Zorc had to say here .

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Here's a round-up of the top Manchester United stories from February 5.
Ighalo: I took a pay cut to join United
Odion Ighalo has revealed he took a pay-cut to secure a dream move to Manchester United in the January transfer window.
The Nigerian international signed for United on transfer deadline day after agreeing to return to the Premier League on a five-month loan deal.
Ighalo's return to English football materialised late into the window after United had seen a bid rejected for Joshua King and opted against a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani.
The 30-year-old finally agreed terms to move to United less than two hours before the end of the January window, and now he has lifted the lid on how the move came about.
Read what he had to say here.
Find out why Ighalo chose the No.25 jersey here
Read the message he has sent to the fans here
And, finally, find out what he thinks he can bring to the team here
Butt explains why two midfielders didn't leave on loan
Nicky Butt says midfielders James Garner and Dylan Levitt need to spend more time with the Manchester United first-team before embarking on potential loan moves next season.
United received offers to take Garner, 18, on loan in the January transfer window and Levitt, 19, has been regularly called up to the Wales senior squad this season. Levitt was unwell during the festive fixture period and it is understood that partly prevented him from leaving on loan.
Garner made his debut last season and started in three of United's Europa League group games, while Levitt partnered Garner in the 2-1 defeat at Astana in what is his only career appearance.
Manchester United topic page You can find all the latest United news on the MEN's United homepage.
Both started for the Under-23s on deadline day and United reinforced their midfield with the £46.5million addition of Bruno Fernandes last week, and Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay could return later this month. Butt feels it still would have been a mistake to fix belated loans for Garner and Levitt.
"I think I'd probably be the same if I was 18 or 19 and not getting in the first-team," Butt told the MEN. "I'd want to go and play men's football as well, because you do come to a point in the reserves where you bypass that and it does become too easy for you, and it becomes a bit lethargic and you also want to push the younger ones up."
Read the full story here - and read our exclusive wide-ranging interview with Butt here.
United given Sancho boost by Dortmund sporting director
Manchester United have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho after Borussia Dortmund's sporting director refused to make any assurances over the player's future in Germany.
Sancho is a long-term United target and the Reds could firm up their interest in the 19-year-old when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
(Image: Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images)
The youngster has been in stunning form for Dortmund over the previous two-and-a-half months, scoring nine goals and notching seven assists in his last nine Bundesliga appearances.
United would most likely have to break their record transfer fee to recruit Sancho and Michael Zorc has admitted Dortmund may not be able to keep hold of him for another season.
See what Zorc had to say here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--How GMP's new computer system fell over again - just a week after senior command hailed it a success

It has now been more than six months since the M.E.N .
started writing about the fraught roll-out of Greater Manchester Police ’ s £29m new computer system , known by the acronym iOPS .
At various points over that period , a trickle and at times a flood of frustrated and worried officers have been in touch with us about the implications of its launch in July , from lost records to delayed investigations , safeguarding concerns , crime backlogs , soaring costs and court chaos .
Most recently , we reported last month how Greater Manchester is unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home Office as a result of the system , leaving a major blank in the current national picture .
A report specifically on the roll-out of iOPS is due back from Her Majesty ’ s Inspectorate in the coming weeks .
Nevertheless , senior officers have lately been sounding increasingly confident about the project ’ s success .
On January 28 , at the latest meeting of the region ’ s police and crime panel - the committee tasked with scrutinising the force - Chief Superintendent Phil Davies , the programme ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillors .
At the start of December , he said , GMP had felt able to end the so-called ‘ hypercare ’ period set up for the system ’ s initial roll-out , meaning they ‘ reduced the amount of 24/7 technical support we got , based on [ the fact ] a significant number of our defects had been resolved , confidence was improving with users and we were starting to see some of the efficiencies of why we bought the system in the first place come into being ’ .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitting national targets , unlike last year , while 101 was seeing ‘ significant progress ’ , he said .
Everything in the massive crime backlog the M.E.N .
reported back in the autumn had now been assessed , he added , and numbers were back down .
Meanwhile the two key issues he identified as being most of concern to frontline staff - the stability of the system and difficulties in searching it - were also being resolved .
Part of the search function problem was actually the ‘ Google generation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type something and get what they want ’ , he added .
Admitting there were still ‘ ongoing issues ’ with performance , he said that was a ‘ complicated field to diagnose ’ due to the range of IT firms involved on the project - which include Capita and Microsoft .
He added that they were ‘ looking forward to a significant patch upgrade in the next couple of weeks which will give us some product that was owed to us and some new functionality that we ’ ve identified in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user experience , particularly in and around managing intelligence , managing crime and keeping good data quality processes ’ .
In fact , he said , other forces would eventually be able to learn a lot from GMP .
Describing last summer as the most difficult period of his career , he stressed that the force had employed good technical support and had ‘ worked through the problems ’ .
“ I think in the future people will come and look at GMP to see how we managed through that time , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country - and beyond - of IT launches that go very , very wrong and don ’ t ever recover and I think we are definitely recovering .
“ So for UK policing we would expect people to come and learn how we got through last year.
” One committee member , former police officer Mike Freeman , said GMP , the deputy mayor and the mayor had all been ‘ hammered ’ by the press over the past few months .
“ I can see there ’ s a light at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And you have spoken very eloquently and I just wish what you have said to us today could be said freely to the press and properly reported in the press.
” Chief Supt Davies said this was a ‘ difficult one ’ .
“ With any IT system change there is always negative impact and it makes a really good headline , ” he said .
“ And particularly when you ’ re talking about public service IT change and money that ’ s spent on it , it makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s really hard to put energy into that at the same time as you ’ re trying to improve service .
`` And I ’ d much rather that my team were focusing on improving public service and getting us out of hypercare than have a large team focused on trying to respond to the MEN .
“ Because they ’ re going to write what they want to write anyway .
“ I want to be in a place where I ’ ve got the data to demonstrate we did the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 we ’ ll have that.
” The committee chair , Manchester council ’ s deputy leader Nigel Murphy , thanked him for letting them ‘ look behind those headlines ’ , describing the account as ‘ really reassuring ’ .
A week later , at 9pm last night , the force issued an unexpected press release .
GMP was working with suppliers to ‘ resolve an intermittent problem ’ with iOPS , it said .
Police officers quickly got in touch to fill in the gaps .
They had had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said , because the 'patch ' upgrade that had been meant to take place overnight from Monday into Tuesday had caused the part of iOPS used by frontline officers - most of the force - to fall over as a result .
It was originally meant to be switched back on , after the upgrade , at midday yesterday .
That then drifted to 1.30pm , before a message went out telling everyone to stay off it .
A critical incident was declared and a gold meeting scheduled for first thing this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , frontline officers are still unable to enter intelligence into it or update its records and GMP says the 'intermittent problems have not been resolved ' .
Internally , it told officers this evening to 'print off/record information about ongoing incidents ' , reassuring them they would not be at risk as a result of the situation .
One extremely experienced officer got in touch for the first time to describe how worried they were , however .
Calling the system ‘ an utter shambles ’ that is ‘ not fit for purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of issues caused by the latest shutdown , adding that the system had been a problem 'from day one ' .
“ Officers can not use anything on their mobile devices , ” they said of the current situation .
“ Voluntary interviews are being cancelled .
Statements have to be done on pen and paper .
Officers now can ’ t submit crimes , ca n't submit domestic reports .
“ That ’ s the biggest issue .
And it ’ s all been done on paper which then has to then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at some point - so again you could end up with a backlog of crimes .
`` It is going to take a couple of weeks before they start being investigated , in which instance if you get a serious assault that has not been picked up initially - due to being reported later down the line - there is a high chance it wont be investigated until 3-4 weeks down the line .
“ This has massive implications in terms of CCTV.
” Supervisors now had a choice between sending officers out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them up dealing with mountains of paperwork , they said , which would then lead to more potential criminals being released under investigation rather than being dealt with .
“ Another issue is prisoner processing .
So now if you have someone in custody and the need to be charged and remanded for court in the morning officers are expected to create five copies of the file for , the defence , the court , the prosecution etc .
“ This can not be sent on police works because it is down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on paper , it takes hours to get this sorted and it has to be right because obviously in the morning it ’ s in court , if any if it ’ s wrong it gets bounced backwards and forwards.
” One officer said colleagues had been driving paperwork to the Crown Prosecution Service today instead of responding to incidents .
They added that the inability to update intelligence and records on the system also had potentially serious implications .
“ If I know Joe Bloggs down the street has a weapon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how am I going to get the message out to hundreds of cops ?
” Another junior officer was more blunt .
`` It 's f***ing sh*t , '' he said of the Policeworks part of the system , which has consistently been the element experiencing problems .
The M.E.N .
aren ’ t the only news outlet to have been contacted by angry officers about iOPS in recent months .
On BBC Radio Manchester ’ s monthly phone-in with Andy Burnham this morning , veteran presenter Mike Sweeney told the mayor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from serving police officers a few months ago , Andy , when the new iOPS system came into action and they said : 'look , Mike ' - and they had my private number - 'there ’ s chaos with this new system , we ’ re trying to raise it with our senior officers and they ’ re just blanking us on this ' .
`` We find out now that it ’ s had an upgrade , there ’ s still problems .
Last month the government published crime figures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t give them those figures .
Your reaction to that ?
” Mr Burnham said there was ‘ no getting away from ’ the fact there have been ‘ problems ’ , but said the latest issue ‘ is not a problem GMP are making ’ , but one , ‘ I have been told this morning ’ , caused by the IT firms involved .
“ I am no IT expert and I hope those who are , are feeling under pressure to put things right.
” Mike Sweeney replied that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him : “ Somebody has paid £29m for something that doesn ’ t work .
If I bought a car and it doesn ’ t work , I want my money back.
” Mr Burnham said it ‘ wasn ’ t right ’ to say the system doesn ’ t work , insisting some of the problem has been with people being unfamiliar with it .
“ I think GMP will have maybe a case against some of those who 've been implementing this system when we look back at the situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal action could eventually be launched as a result of the system ’ s problems .
At the time of writing , PoliceWorks was operating in read-only format , but officers were still unable to enter information .
An update to officers told them it was being 'switched off for a short period of time ' , adding that it is 'essential that you print off/record information about ongoing incidents ' .
No timescale for the system ’ s return has so far been issued .
Asked how the situation was looking this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Lol.
” Greater Manchester Police issued a statement this morning on the situation .
`` There was a planned upgrade to GMP 's computer system , PoliceWorks , yesterday , which unfortunately on implementation identified some data inputting system errors .
`` However , we have robust contingency plans in place that are being successfully executed across the force , to minimise this disruption .
`` Officers remain able to view all information in the system and contingency plans are in place for the capture of all data while the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this plan includes officers using paper to record data , and although this does create a slight delay , we are managing that risk . ''
This evening , it issued an update .
`` Greater Manchester Police continues to work closely with suppliers to resolve the issue with our system , iOPS , '' it said .
`` The intermittent problems have not been resolved and this remains as a critical incident .
Our contingency plans remain effective and we are managing the risks to ensure our response to the public remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tirelessly to restore the system to full functionality and we will be providing regular updates to partner agencies to maintain collaborative working . ''
What the CPS says A spokesman said : “ GMP have made us aware of some issues with Policeworks following a planned upgrade .
`` There are some tried and tested contingency arrangements in place where necessary and we continue to work closely with the police as they resolve the issues.
” What Beverley Hughes , deputy mayor for policing and crime , says “ The Mayor and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems that emerged yesterday with part of the iOPS system following a pre-planned upgrade .
I understand this has led to some officers having to use pen and paper to record data and this is clearly unacceptable .
“ These problems need to be resolved urgently .
The Chief Constable has assured us that there is a team working very hard to fix this and while it does create a delay , officers are managing that risk .
“ Keeping the public of Greater Manchester safe is our absolute priority and I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on taking calls from the public or police responding to those calls .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Jennifer Williams, Paul Britton)

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It has now been more than six months since the M.E.N. started writing about the fraught roll-out of Greater Manchester Police’s £29m new computer system, known by the acronym iOPS.
At various points over that period, a trickle and at times a flood of frustrated and worried officers have been in touch with us about the implications of its launch in July, from lost records to delayed investigations, safeguarding concerns, crime backlogs, soaring costs and court chaos.
Most recently, we reported last month how Greater Manchester is unable to submit its crime figures to the Home Office as a result of the system, leaving a major blank in the current national picture. A report specifically on the roll-out of iOPS is due back from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate in the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, senior officers have lately been sounding increasingly confident about the project’s success.
On January 28, at the latest meeting of the region’s police and crime panel - the committee tasked with scrutinising the force - Chief Superintendent Phil Davies, the programme’s technical lead, set out to reassure councillors.
At the start of December, he said, GMP had felt able to end the so-called ‘hypercare’ period set up for the system’s initial roll-out, meaning they ‘reduced the amount of 24/7 technical support we got, based on [the fact] a significant number of our defects had been resolved, confidence was improving with users and we were starting to see some of the efficiencies of why we bought the system in the first place come into being’.
(Image: MEN)
The force’s 999 calls are now hitting national targets, unlike last year, while 101 was seeing ‘significant progress’, he said. Everything in the massive crime backlog the M.E.N. reported back in the autumn had now been assessed, he added, and numbers were back down.
Meanwhile the two key issues he identified as being most of concern to frontline staff - the stability of the system and difficulties in searching it - were also being resolved.
Part of the search function problem was actually the ‘Google generation’ of staff ‘who expect just to type something and get what they want’, he added.
Admitting there were still ‘ongoing issues’ with performance, he said that was a ‘complicated field to diagnose’ due to the range of IT firms involved on the project - which include Capita and Microsoft.
He added that they were ‘looking forward to a significant patch upgrade in the next couple of weeks which will give us some product that was owed to us and some new functionality that we’ve identified in the last six months that will improve the user experience, particularly in and around managing intelligence, managing crime and keeping good data quality processes’.
In fact, he said, other forces would eventually be able to learn a lot from GMP.
Describing last summer as the most difficult period of his career, he stressed that the force had employed good technical support and had ‘worked through the problems’.
“I think in the future people will come and look at GMP to see how we managed through that time, because there are plenty of examples around the country - and beyond - of IT launches that go very, very wrong and don’t ever recover and I think we are definitely recovering.
(Image: MEN)
“So for UK policing we would expect people to come and learn how we got through last year.”
One committee member, former police officer Mike Freeman, said GMP, the deputy mayor and the mayor had all been ‘hammered’ by the press over the past few months.
“I can see there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “And you have spoken very eloquently and I just wish what you have said to us today could be said freely to the press and properly reported in the press.”
Chief Supt Davies said this was a ‘difficult one’.
“With any IT system change there is always negative impact and it makes a really good headline,” he said.
“And particularly when you’re talking about public service IT change and money that’s spent on it, it makes a really good headline. And it’s really hard to put energy into that at the same time as you’re trying to improve service.
"And I’d much rather that my team were focusing on improving public service and getting us out of hypercare than have a large team focused on trying to respond to the MEN.
“Because they’re going to write what they want to write anyway.
“I want to be in a place where I’ve got the data to demonstrate we did the right thing and I’m convinced in 2020 we’ll have that.”
The committee chair, Manchester council’s deputy leader Nigel Murphy, thanked him for letting them ‘look behind those headlines’, describing the account as ‘really reassuring’.
A week later, at 9pm last night, the force issued an unexpected press release. GMP was working with suppliers to ‘resolve an intermittent problem’ with iOPS, it said.
Police officers quickly got in touch to fill in the gaps. They had had to go back to pen and paper, they said, because the 'patch' upgrade that had been meant to take place overnight from Monday into Tuesday had caused the part of iOPS used by frontline officers - most of the force - to fall over as a result.
It was originally meant to be switched back on, after the upgrade, at midday yesterday. That then drifted to 1.30pm, before a message went out telling everyone to stay off it.
A critical incident was declared and a gold meeting scheduled for first thing this morning. At the time of writing, frontline officers are still unable to enter intelligence into it or update its records and GMP says the 'intermittent problems have not been resolved'.
Internally, it told officers this evening to 'print off/record information about ongoing incidents', reassuring them they would not be at risk as a result of the situation.
One extremely experienced officer got in touch for the first time to describe how worried they were, however.
Calling the system ‘an utter shambles’ that is ‘not fit for purpose’, they reeled off a list of issues caused by the latest shutdown, adding that the system had been a problem 'from day one'.
(Image: MEN)
“Officers cannot use anything on their mobile devices,” they said of the current situation.
“Voluntary interviews are being cancelled. Statements have to be done on pen and paper. Officers now can’t submit crimes, can't submit domestic reports.
“That’s the biggest issue. And it’s all been done on paper which then has to then be copied from paper onto the system at some point - so again you could end up with a backlog of crimes.
"It is going to take a couple of weeks before they start being investigated, in which instance if you get a serious assault that has not been picked up initially - due to being reported later down the line - there is a high chance it wont be investigated until 3-4 weeks down the line.
“This has massive implications in terms of CCTV.”
Supervisors now had a choice between sending officers out on response to incidents, or tying them up dealing with mountains of paperwork, they said, which would then lead to more potential criminals being released under investigation rather than being dealt with.
“Another issue is prisoner processing. So now if you have someone in custody and the need to be charged and remanded for court in the morning officers are expected to create five copies of the file for, the defence, the court, the prosecution etc.
“This cannot be sent on police works because it is down.
“It all has to be done on paper, it takes hours to get this sorted and it has to be right because obviously in the morning it’s in court, if any if it’s wrong it gets bounced backwards and forwards.”
(Image: Mark Waugh)
One officer said colleagues had been driving paperwork to the Crown Prosecution Service today instead of responding to incidents.
They added that the inability to update intelligence and records on the system also had potentially serious implications.
“If I know Joe Bloggs down the street has a weapon and I can’t update it, how am I going to get the message out to hundreds of cops?”
Another junior officer was more blunt. "It's f***ing sh*t," he said of the Policeworks part of the system, which has consistently been the element experiencing problems.
The M.E.N. aren’t the only news outlet to have been contacted by angry officers about iOPS in recent months.
On BBC Radio Manchester’s monthly phone-in with Andy Burnham this morning, veteran presenter Mike Sweeney told the mayor and listeners: “I got phone calls from serving police officers a few months ago, Andy, when the new iOPS system came into action and they said: 'look, Mike' - and they had my private number - 'there’s chaos with this new system, we’re trying to raise it with our senior officers and they’re just blanking us on this'.
"We find out now that it’s had an upgrade, there’s still problems. Last month the government published crime figures and here in Greater Manchester, we couldn’t give them those figures. Your reaction to that?”
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Mr Burnham said there was ‘no getting away from’ the fact there have been ‘problems’, but said the latest issue ‘is not a problem GMP are making’, but one, ‘I have been told this morning’, caused by the IT firms involved.
“I am no IT expert and I hope those who are, are feeling under pressure to put things right.”
Mike Sweeney replied that the mayor is in charge, telling him: “Somebody has paid £29m for something that doesn’t work. If I bought a car and it doesn’t work, I want my money back.”
Mr Burnham said it ‘wasn’t right’ to say the system doesn’t work, insisting some of the problem has been with people being unfamiliar with it.
“I think GMP will have maybe a case against some of those who've been implementing this system when we look back at the situation,” the first time he has suggested legal action could eventually be launched as a result of the system’s problems.
At the time of writing, PoliceWorks was operating in read-only format, but officers were still unable to enter information. An update to officers told them it was being 'switched off for a short period of time', adding that it is 'essential that you print off/record information about ongoing incidents'.
No timescale for the system’s return has so far been issued.
Asked how the situation was looking this afternoon, one mid-ranking officer simply replied: “Lol.”
(Image: PA)
What GMP say
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement this morning on the situation.
"There was a planned upgrade to GMP's computer system, PoliceWorks, yesterday, which unfortunately on implementation identified some data inputting system errors.
"However, we have robust contingency plans in place that are being successfully executed across the force, to minimise this disruption.
"Officers remain able to view all information in the system and contingency plans are in place for the capture of all data while the situation is being resolved.
"Part of this plan includes officers using paper to record data, and although this does create a slight delay, we are managing that risk."
This evening, it issued an update.
"Greater Manchester Police continues to work closely with suppliers to resolve the issue with our system, iOPS," it said.
"The intermittent problems have not been resolved and this remains as a critical incident. Our contingency plans remain effective and we are managing the risks to ensure our response to the public remains unchanged.
"Our suppliers are working tirelessly to restore the system to full functionality and we will be providing regular updates to partner agencies to maintain collaborative working."
What the CPS says
A spokesman said: “GMP have made us aware of some issues with Policeworks following a planned upgrade.
"There are some tried and tested contingency arrangements in place where necessary and we continue to work closely with the police as they resolve the issues.”
What Beverley Hughes, deputy mayor for policing and crime, says
“The Mayor and I have been kept fully informed of the problems that emerged yesterday with part of the iOPS system following a pre-planned upgrade. I understand this has led to some officers having to use pen and paper to record data and this is clearly unacceptable.
“These problems need to be resolved urgently. The Chief Constable has assured us that there is a team working very hard to fix this and while it does create a delay, officers are managing that risk.
“Keeping the public of Greater Manchester safe is our absolute priority and I am assured by GMP that there is no impact on taking calls from the public or police responding to those calls.”
- Capita declined to comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--National Lottery results draw LIVE: Winning Lotto numbers for Wednesday February 5

We have hit the half way point of the week and the weekend is finally in sight .
And what @ @ @ @ @ that weekend with a lot of money in the bank .
That could be the @ @ @ @ @ a ticket for tonight 's Lotto draw where there is a life-changing £2m up for @ @ @ @ @ what you would do with that amount of cash ?
From luxury holiday and flash @ @ @ @ @ those pesky bills that have n't quite shifted since Christmas .
Dreams could become reality @ @ @ @ @ the matching numbers on your ticket tonight .
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You @ @ @ @ @ National Lottery website here up until 7.30pm on the day of the draw .

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Do you know what you would do with that amount of cash?
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themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--How Wayne Rooney is approaching Manchester United FA Cup reunion

Derby County boss Philip Cocu has promised that Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney will be ready to face his former club in a `` special '' FA Cup fifth round tie .
Rooney 's penalty helped Derby overcome Northampton Town 4-2 in their fourth round replay , to set up the tie against United at Pride Park on March 5 .
The former United striker scored a record 253 goals in 559 appearances for the club over a 13-year stint , overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton 's tally of goals for the Old Trafford club .
He 's now back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Everton and MLS side DC United since leaving United in 2017 .
`` I ’ m sure he will be ready , '' said Cocu on the United reunion .
`` He ’ s [ Rooney ] going to face the club where he had a wonderful career so , of course , it is special .
`` He comes back from the States , joins us and now plays his old club where he had a great career .
`` It will be a beautiful game not just for Wayne , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a great game to look forward to and we will also try to win it .
Nothing is impossible in football .
If you play them six times you lose five times but maybe one time you can win – we have to make sure that time is in March . ''
United booked their spot in the fifth round with a 6-0 thrashing of Tranmere .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side wo n't be back in competitive action until February 17 when they travel to Chelsea in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter break .

Derby County boss Philip Cocu has promised that Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney will be ready to face his former club in a "special" FA Cup fifth round tie.
Rooney's penalty helped Derby overcome Northampton Town 4-2 in their fourth round replay, to set up the tie against United at Pride Park on March 5.
The former United striker scored a record 253 goals in 559 appearances for the club over a 13-year stint, overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton's tally of goals for the Old Trafford club.
He's now back in English football with Derby, having played for Everton and MLS side DC United since leaving United in 2017.
"I’m sure he will be ready," said Cocu on the United reunion. "He’s [Rooney] going to face the club where he had a wonderful career so, of course, it is special.
"He comes back from the States, joins us and now plays his old club where he had a great career.
"It will be a beautiful game not just for Wayne, but everyone at the club. It’s a great game to look forward to and we will also try to win it. Nothing is impossible in football. If you play them six times you lose five times but maybe one time you can win – we have to make sure that time is in March."
United booked their spot in the fifth round with a 6-0 thrashing of Tranmere. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side won't be back in competitive action until February 17 when they travel to Chelsea in the Premier League, as they're currently on a winter break.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-05--Corrie fans think Yasmeen could leave the cobbles to start a new life away from Geoff

Coronation Street fans think brave Yasmeen Nazir could be the one to decide to leave the cobbles during the 10,000th episode .
Yasmeen has been pushed to the limit by her abusive husband Geoff Metcalfe on Corrie .
For months he 's been bullying and controlling Yasmeen , and the penny appears to have dropped this week after his magic act went horribly wrong and he 's since been punishing his wife for it .
On our Coronation Street Facebook page fans have been discussing the storyline and agree that Yasmeen could be the one to leave .
`` Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going like the clappers omg , '' said one fan .
`` How much more of this stuff ?
I think we 've all got the message enough is enough ? ''
`` It 's getting so hard to watch Geoff 's behaviour , '' said another .
`` I think she is starting to realise , '' said another fan .
Fans are already aware that one character decides to leave for 'pastures new ' during a trip to Blackpool on Friday , but their identity has n't been revealed yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday night 's episode after Geoff continued the row from Monday night 's magic show by throwing away her breakfast and making a disgusting jibe at her appearance .
`` I do n't say this to be hurtful but you could do with losing a few pounds , '' he sniped .
`` You do n't want people saying 'oh here she is fat Yas , thunder thighs , the amazing wonder wobble denting viaducts with every step . '
'' He later locked her in a box after she questioned his sacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into taking part in his magic show instead .
`` Is this what love should really feel like ? ''
she asked him when freed from the box .
But twisted Geoff once again manipulated Yasmeen by breaking down so that she had to comfort him .
Want to talk about Corrie with other fans ?
Join our Coronation Street Fan chat group on Facebook where you 'll also get updates , spoilers and more .

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Coronation Street fans think brave Yasmeen Nazir could be the one to decide to leave the cobbles during the 10,000th episode.
Yasmeen has been pushed to the limit by her abusive husband Geoff Metcalfe on Corrie.
For months he's been bullying and controlling Yasmeen, and the penny appears to have dropped this week after his magic act went horribly wrong and he's since been punishing his wife for it.
On our Coronation Street Facebook page fans have been discussing the storyline and agree that Yasmeen could be the one to leave.
"Just watched Monday's Corrie. My heart is going like the clappers omg," said one fan.
(Image: Coronation Street ITV)
"How much more of this stuff? I think we've all got the message enough is enough?"
"It's getting so hard to watch Geoff's behaviour," said another.
"I think she is starting to realise," said another fan.
Fans are already aware that one character decides to leave for 'pastures new' during a trip to Blackpool on Friday, but their identity hasn't been revealed yet.
Yaseen was left in tears in Wednesday night's episode after Geoff continued the row from Monday night's magic show by throwing away her breakfast and making a disgusting jibe at her appearance.
(Image: ITV)
"I don't say this to be hurtful but you could do with losing a few pounds," he sniped.
"You don't want people saying 'oh here she is fat Yas, thunder thighs, the amazing wonder wobble denting viaducts with every step.'"
He later locked her in a box after she questioned his sacking of assistant Emma Brooker, cajoling her into taking part in his magic show instead.
"Is this what love should really feel like?" she asked him when freed from the box.
But twisted Geoff once again manipulated Yasmeen by breaking down so that she had to comfort him.
Want to talk about Corrie with other fans? Join our Coronation Street Fan chat group on Facebook where you'll also get updates, spoilers and more.