themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Parents won't be fined if they refuse to send their kids back to school

Parents in Oldham won ’ t be hounded to send their kids back to school until they feel it is safe to do so , bosses have confirmed .
Despite the government plan that schools should begin a phased reopening from June 1 , the town hall says that the final decision will be made by headteachers locally .
Parents who opt to keep children at home will also not be prosecuted by the local authority , Gerard Jones , the managing director of children and young people services has stated .
“ There will be no compulsory attendance or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be performance managing schools on attendance , ” he said .
“ In the end parents will make their own decision .
It ’ s really on an individual basis , we won ’ t be tracking and chasing people down .
“ Wherever we can reassure them , and it ’ s safe for them to do so , we ’ ll help them but really parents have got the final say about the safety and welfare of their children.
” As part of the government plans , three year groups within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Year 1 and Year 6 would return first as ministers say these are ‘ key transition years ’ .
Some secondary pupils in Year 10 and 12 , who have key exams next year , have also been told to prepare for ‘ some face to face contact ’ with their secondary school and college teachers .
However across Greater Manchester most councils have said they will not meet the target June 1 reopening date , with some town halls like Bury council refusing to send pupils back while ‘ high levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that schools in the borough will be in ‘ different positions ’ in terms of their ability to readmit more pupils from next month .
“ We ’ re working closely with the headteachers and it will depend on their individual risk assessments which we ’ ll work with them and support them on to decide if it ’ s the right thing for that school , ” Mr Jones said .
“ We ’ re not imposing a one size fits all approach , we ’ re really working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the schools in the borough are already open to provide support to vulnerable children , and the children of key workers .
Further opening would be an expansion of the existing arrangements , but Mr Jones admitted it would be a ‘ big step ’ for schools .
“ Headteachers and school governors have got the primary legal responsibility for health and safety in their schools , ” he added .
“ Actually we think for most children this will be a good thing if we do it safely because they really need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged .
“ There are family pressures that are also rising that this will help with.
” Year six is being considered the most ‘ realistic option ’ to get back to school first rather than earlier years , according to leaders .
Oldham chief executive , Carolyn Wilkins added : “ We need to be really sensitive to individual school circumstances but recognise that some of coming out of lockdown is about confidence .
“ And it ’ s entirely natural that people have feelings of anxiety .
”

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Parents in Oldham won’t be hounded to send their kids back to school until they feel it is safe to do so, bosses have confirmed.
Despite the government plan that schools should begin a phased reopening from June 1, the town hall says that the final decision will be made by headteachers locally.
Parents who opt to keep children at home will also not be prosecuted by the local authority, Gerard Jones, the managing director of children and young people services has stated.
“There will be no compulsory attendance or fines, the DfE won’t be performance managing schools on attendance,” he said.
“In the end parents will make their own decision. It’s really on an individual basis, we won’t be tracking and chasing people down.
“Wherever we can reassure them, and it’s safe for them to do so, we’ll help them but really parents have got the final say about the safety and welfare of their children.”
As part of the government plans, three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised; reception, Year 1 and Year 6 would return first as ministers say these are ‘key transition years’.
Some secondary pupils in Year 10 and 12, who have key exams next year, have also been told to prepare for ‘some face to face contact’ with their secondary school and college teachers.
However across Greater Manchester most councils have said they will not meet the target June 1 reopening date, with some town halls like Bury council refusing to send pupils back while ‘high levels’ of COVID-19 remain.
(Image: Getty Images)
Oldham council states that schools in the borough will be in ‘different positions’ in terms of their ability to readmit more pupils from next month.
“We’re working closely with the headteachers and it will depend on their individual risk assessments which we’ll work with them and support them on to decide if it’s the right thing for that school,” Mr Jones said.
“We’re not imposing a one size fits all approach, we’re really working with the schools.”
He added that most of the schools in the borough are already open to provide support to vulnerable children, and the children of key workers.
Further opening would be an expansion of the existing arrangements, but Mr Jones admitted it would be a ‘big step’ for schools.
“Headteachers and school governors have got the primary legal responsibility for health and safety in their schools,” he added.
“Actually we think for most children this will be a good thing if we do it safely because they really need to be back at school and back engaged.
“There are family pressures that are also rising that this will help with.”
Year six is being considered the most ‘realistic option’ to get back to school first rather than earlier years, according to leaders.
Oldham chief executive, Carolyn Wilkins added: “We need to be really sensitive to individual school circumstances but recognise that some of coming out of lockdown is about confidence.
“And it’s entirely natural that people have feelings of anxiety.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--The partner of an unarmed robbery suspect shot dead by police has spoken out

A decision not to discipline the police marksman who shot dead unarmed robbery suspect Anthony Grainger in 2012 has been slammed by his partner .
Gail Hadfield-Grainger said the ruling by the police watchdog meant armed officers had been given a 'free rein ' to act with impunity .
She spoke out after the Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) ruled the officer , known only as Q9 , should not be disciplined by Greater Manchester Police as he had acted 'honestly ' .
Q9 killed Mr Grainger , a Salford-raised father-of-two , by firing a single bullet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun .
Mr Grainger was behind the wheel of a stolen red Audi in a car park in the village of Culcheth , near Warrington , where police suspected they were about to rob a supermarket .
A 2019 public inquiry into the shooting revealed that Q9 had been presented with seriously inaccurate intelligence , which exaggerated the risk posed by Mr Grainger , a convicted criminal who had served time in prison .
On Wednesday the IOPC announced it had reviewed evidence gathered by its own investigation and the subsequent public inquiry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
IOPC director of major investigations Steve Noonan said : `` There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Q9 ’ s reason for using lethal force was honestly held , and there is no case to answer in respect of their conduct .
“ We have informed Mr Grainger ’ s family and the firearms officer of this outcome .
We would like to thank all parties for their patience and understanding as we ’ ve carried out this necessary additional work . ''
Ms Hadfield-Grainger , from Bolton , told the M.E.N @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the timing ' of the ruling , which came 24 hours after a government report had said lessons had been learned by GMP in the wake of the damning public inquiry into fatal shooting .
The government report published on Tuesday said said progress had since been made by the force on nine recommendations made by the inquiry , but there was no room for complacency .
Ms Hadfield-Grainger , 37 , said : `` The fact is the person who pulled the trigger and fired the fatal shot that killed Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pension , a home and his family and he is n't going to face a misconduct hearing .
This makes the public think they are doing something and really there 's nothing going on behind closed doors .
`` It 's a really bad example for the rest of the police that if you take somebody 's life on purpose and you had an honestly held belief it just gives them free rein , to know that if somebody was to do something there 's going to be no disciplinary action .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets a very bad example . ''
She said she disagreed with the IOPC 's finding that Q9 acted 'honestly ' and added that the officer had 'contributed ' to fears that were 'going up against somebody armed and dangerous ' .
The public inquiry revealed that Q9 made a last-minute decision to stay in his police car and point his weapon at the targets from the passenger window , rather than get out as originally planned .
The marksmen told the inquiry he fired to protect colleagues .
He said he saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unseen gun , although no weapon was ever found .
Mr Grainger ’ s passenger David Totton claimed they were simply there to collect a debt from ‘ Fenton ’ .
Mr Totton , giving evidence to the inquiry , claimed in court he was simply a car thief who was there to provide some muscle .
The third person in the car , rear-seat passenger Joseph ‘ Joey ’ Travers , did n't turn up to give evidence .
Mr Grainger had reversed his powerful , stolen red Audi A6 estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner of a car park off Jackson Avenue at 6.45pm on Saturday , March 3 , 2012 .
Mr Totton said they listened to the radio and were simply looking for ‘ Fenton ’ who they insisted would drink in the Cherry Tree pub nearby .
The three men were unaware they had been under surveillance all day .
Their team had been watched making the same trip to Culcheth over the previous three days .
Operation Shire had been going for six months , investigating a gang of Salford men suspected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Anthony Grainger Public Inquiry was concluded in July 2019 .
The 345-page report found that the shooting was not unlawful and stopped short of recommending any further action to be taken against any of the police officers involved .
But it detailed how the operation was based on intelligence which contained 'serious inaccuracies , presenting a distorted and in some respects exaggerated picture of the threat Mr Grainger presented ' .
It also stated that commanding officers 'lacked the requisite level of professional competence ' , and planning was 'inadequate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public inquiry , GMP referred several 'conduct ' matters to the IOPC arising from Mr Justice Teague QC ’ s inquiry report .
The IOPC is continuing with three yet-to-be-finalised investigations concerning the conduct of six officers involved in the operation .
The first investigation is looking at the conduct of former Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney , former Superintendent Mark Granby and a former Chief Inspector and their 'command and control ' of the 2012 operation .
All three former officers are retired and each has been informed that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second investigation is examining GMP ’ s acquisition of a 'dangerous ' CS grenades which had not been approved by the Home Office nor tested .
One was used in the 2012 swoop .
A third investigation is examining the conduct of a serving GMP officer regarding their management of two firearms officers ’ training records .
Both officers - known as X7 and Z15 during the public inquiry - were present during the police operation in which Mr Grainger was shot .
The inquiry revealed they had failed training course a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer , former Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood , is facing a disciplinary hearing over his role in the swoop - he oversaw the operation - and the evidence he gave to the public inquiry .
As a retired officer , he is not obliged to attend .
Inquiry chairman Judge Thomas Teague criticised senior officers ' 'highly improper ' attempts to reconstruct official logs of the event .
Read more of today 's top stories here Mr Heywood was forced to apologise to the the judge after it emerged the officer kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back into it after the mission ended in tragedy in order to add extra detail he could not have known at the time and which beefed up the argument that armed police were required .
The M.E.N .
informed police bosses of Ms Hadfield-Grainger 's views and invited them to comment .
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said : `` We have received the IOPC ’ s findings into the conduct of firearms officer Q9 .
Our thoughts remain with Mr Grainger ’ s family and partner following the loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester branch of the Police Federation , the police 'union ' which represents rank-and-file officer , declined to comment .

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A decision not to discipline the police marksman who shot dead unarmed robbery suspect Anthony Grainger in 2012 has been slammed by his partner.
Gail Hadfield-Grainger said the ruling by the police watchdog meant armed officers had been given a 'free rein' to act with impunity.
She spoke out after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ruled the officer, known only as Q9, should not be disciplined by Greater Manchester Police as he had acted 'honestly'.
Q9 killed Mr Grainger, a Salford-raised father-of-two, by firing a single bullet from his Heckler and Koch MP5 sub-machine gun.
Mr Grainger was behind the wheel of a stolen red Audi in a car park in the village of Culcheth, near Warrington, where police suspected they were about to rob a supermarket.
A 2019 public inquiry into the shooting revealed that Q9 had been presented with seriously inaccurate intelligence, which exaggerated the risk posed by Mr Grainger, a convicted criminal who had served time in prison.
On Wednesday the IOPC announced it had reviewed evidence gathered by its own investigation and the subsequent public inquiry and found no grounds to discipline Q9.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
IOPC director of major investigations Steve Noonan said: "There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Q9’s reason for using lethal force was honestly held, and there is no case to answer in respect of their conduct.
“We have informed Mr Grainger’s family and the firearms officer of this outcome. We would like to thank all parties for their patience and understanding as we’ve carried out this necessary additional work."
Ms Hadfield-Grainger, from Bolton, told the M.E.N. told police she was 'absolutely disgusted at the timing' of the ruling, which came 24 hours after a government report had said lessons had been learned by GMP in the wake of the damning public inquiry into fatal shooting.
The government report published on Tuesday said said progress had since been made by the force on nine recommendations made by the inquiry, but there was no room for complacency.
Ms Hadfield-Grainger, 37, said: "The fact is the person who pulled the trigger and fired the fatal shot that killed Anthony has still got a job, a pension, a home and his family and he isn't going to face a misconduct hearing. This makes the public think they are doing something and really there's nothing going on behind closed doors.
"It's a really bad example for the rest of the police that if you take somebody's life on purpose and you had an honestly held belief it just gives them free rein, to know that if somebody was to do something there's going to be no disciplinary action. It gives them free rein.
"It sets a very bad example."
She said she disagreed with the IOPC's finding that Q9 acted 'honestly' and added that the officer had 'contributed' to fears that were 'going up against somebody armed and dangerous'.
No gun was found.
The public inquiry revealed that Q9 made a last-minute decision to stay in his police car and point his weapon at the targets from the passenger window, rather than get out as originally planned.
The marksmen told the inquiry he fired to protect colleagues. He said he saw Mr Grainger lower his left hand to an unseen gun, although no weapon was ever found.
Mr Grainger’s passenger David Totton claimed they were simply there to collect a debt from ‘Fenton’.
Mr Totton, giving evidence to the inquiry, claimed in court he was simply a car thief who was there to provide some muscle. The third person in the car, rear-seat passenger Joseph ‘Joey’ Travers, didn't turn up to give evidence.
Mr Grainger had reversed his powerful, stolen red Audi A6 estate into a parking space right in the corner of a car park off Jackson Avenue at 6.45pm on Saturday, March 3, 2012.
Mr Totton said they listened to the radio and were simply looking for ‘Fenton’ who they insisted would drink in the Cherry Tree pub nearby.
The three men were unaware they had been under surveillance all day.
Their team had been watched making the same trip to Culcheth over the previous three days. Operation Shire had been going for six months, investigating a gang of Salford men suspected of committing armed robberies across the north west.
The Anthony Grainger Public Inquiry was concluded in July 2019.
The 345-page report found that the shooting was not unlawful and stopped short of recommending any further action to be taken against any of the police officers involved.
But it detailed how the operation was based on intelligence which contained 'serious inaccuracies, presenting a distorted and in some respects exaggerated picture of the threat Mr Grainger presented'.
It also stated that commanding officers 'lacked the requisite level of professional competence', and planning was 'inadequate and ineffective'.
As a result of the public inquiry, GMP referred several 'conduct' matters to the IOPC arising from Mr Justice Teague QC’s inquiry report.
The IOPC is continuing with three yet-to-be-finalised investigations concerning the conduct of six officers involved in the operation.
The first investigation is looking at the conduct of former Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, former Superintendent Mark Granby and a former Chief Inspector and their 'command and control' of the 2012 operation.
All three former officers are retired and each has been informed that they are under investigation for gross misconduct.
The second investigation is examining GMP’s acquisition of a 'dangerous' CS grenades which had not been approved by the Home Office nor tested. One was used in the 2012 swoop.
A third investigation is examining the conduct of a serving GMP officer regarding their management of two firearms officers’ training records.
Both officers - known as X7 and Z15 during the public inquiry - were present during the police operation in which Mr Grainger was shot. The inquiry revealed they had failed training course a month before the operation.
A further senior officer, former Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood, is facing a disciplinary hearing over his role in the swoop - he oversaw the operation - and the evidence he gave to the public inquiry. As a retired officer, he is not obliged to attend.
Inquiry chairman Judge Thomas Teague criticised senior officers' 'highly improper' attempts to reconstruct official logs of the event.
Mr Heywood was forced to apologise to the the judge after it emerged the officer kept a log of the mission but admitted going back into it after the mission ended in tragedy in order to add extra detail he could not have known at the time and which beefed up the argument that armed police were required.
The M.E.N. informed police bosses of Ms Hadfield-Grainger's views and invited them to comment.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We have received the IOPC’s findings into the conduct of firearms officer Q9. Our thoughts remain with Mr Grainger’s family and partner following the loss of their loved one."
The Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation, the police 'union' which represents rank-and-file officer, declined to comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Gtr Mcr STILL doesn't know how many people are testing positive for COVID-19

Public health officials and local leaders still have no idea how many people are testing positive for Covid-19 in Greater Manchester , due to continued chaos within the national system .
Health boss Sir Richard Leese said there were an ‘ enormous number of people ’ being tested at locations such as Manchester Airport and the Etihad about whom the region has no information whatsoever .
He said they don ’ t know who they are , where they work , or whether they have tested positive .
As a result there is a 'crucial gap ' in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
The data issue has now been dragging on since May 4 and stems from the two separate testing systems currently in operation .
One involves tests carried out by the public sector , which are then processed in NHS laboratories - such as at the Manchester Royal Infirmary - and fed back to public health officials , who use them to track the pandemic ’ s pattern here and plan local infection control .
But results from the second set of testing , which is carried out through a government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airport - before being processed at private laboratories , have not been reaching local authorities since the first week in May .
Last week , the Department of Health and Social Care insisted in a statement to the Manchester Evening News it had been sharing that data with Public Health England for several weeks .
But one exasperated local source said the problem lay with the data itself , which they said can not currently be broken down to local level and therefore can not be usefully shared with councils .
Yesterday the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Greater Manchester was still in the dark as a result of the logjam .
“ We still do n't have the data from the national testing arrangements - at the Airport and the Etihad , for example , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t have the data from there , so there are an enormous number of people that are being tested but we don ’ t know who they are , where they work , we don ’ t know what their results are.
” Until that data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was impossible to get an accurate picture of where people are catching the virus .
Last week the number of new cases known to Greater Manchester was 438 , down on 737 a month earlier , but he said that was not a true gauge due to the missing data .
The lack of information has continued as the region ramps up plans to ‘ test , track , trace and isolate ’ in the next phase of the pandemic .
Asked how significant the missing data was against that backdrop , Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ crucial gap ’ in the region ’ s battle against the virus .
“ Undoubtedly there will be outbreaks of Covid-19 , but if we can identify them , localise them and contain them , then we make sure it doesn ’ t become a renewal of the epidemic , ” he said .
“ In order to do that we need to have that data .
`` So when we start talking about returning to normal and all the things that we want to do , if we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap in order to be able to provide people with the confidence that we can manage Covid-19 going forward over the next 18 months , two years.
” Public Health England have been approached for comment .
The Department of Health and Social Care said it was 'actively working on a solution to share anonymised data with our stakeholders ' , with councils a top priority .
It said it had been engaging with the Local Government Association on the issue .
It is understood Greater Manchester is now trying to persuade the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together in a partnership , so that public health departments can get hold of all the relevant results .

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Public health officials and local leaders still have no idea how many people are testing positive for Covid-19 in Greater Manchester, due to continued chaos within the national system.
Health boss Sir Richard Leese said there were an ‘enormous number of people’ being tested at locations such as Manchester Airport and the Etihad about whom the region has no information whatsoever.
He said they don’t know who they are, where they work, or whether they have tested positive. As a result there is a 'crucial gap' in the region's ability to fight the virus, he added.
The data issue has now been dragging on since May 4 and stems from the two separate testing systems currently in operation.
One involves tests carried out by the public sector, which are then processed in NHS laboratories - such as at the Manchester Royal Infirmary - and fed back to public health officials, who use them to track the pandemic’s pattern here and plan local infection control.
(Image: MEN)
But results from the second set of testing, which is carried out through a government process at various locations - including Manchester Airport - before being processed at private laboratories, have not been reaching local authorities since the first week in May.
Last week, the Department of Health and Social Care insisted in a statement to the Manchester Evening News it had been sharing that data with Public Health England for several weeks.
But one exasperated local source said the problem lay with the data itself, which they said cannot currently be broken down to local level and therefore cannot be usefully shared with councils.
Yesterday the region's health lead Sir Richard Leese said Greater Manchester was still in the dark as a result of the logjam.
“We still don't have the data from the national testing arrangements - at the Airport and the Etihad, for example,” he said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We don’t have the data from there, so there are an enormous number of people that are being tested but we don’t know who they are, where they work, we don’t know what their results are.”
Until that data is received, he said, it was impossible to get an accurate picture of where people are catching the virus.
Last week the number of new cases known to Greater Manchester was 438, down on 737 a month earlier, but he said that was not a true gauge due to the missing data.
The lack of information has continued as the region ramps up plans to ‘test, track, trace and isolate’ in the next phase of the pandemic.
Asked how significant the missing data was against that backdrop, Sir Richard said that information was currently a ‘crucial gap’ in the region’s battle against the virus.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
“Undoubtedly there will be outbreaks of Covid-19, but if we can identify them, localise them and contain them, then we make sure it doesn’t become a renewal of the epidemic,” he said.
“In order to do that we need to have that data.
"So when we start talking about returning to normal and all the things that we want to do, if we don’t have that data it is a crucial gap in order to be able to provide people with the confidence that we can manage Covid-19 going forward over the next 18 months, two years.”
Public Health England have been approached for comment.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it was 'actively working on a solution to share anonymised data with our stakeholders', with councils a top priority. It said it had been engaging with the Local Government Association on the issue.
It is understood Greater Manchester is now trying to persuade the government to merge the two testing systems together in a partnership, so that public health departments can get hold of all the relevant results.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--M&S on when clothing and homeware stores will fully reopen

This week , both Matalan and Dunelm took the decision to reopen stores , after new government guidelines allowed them to do so - classing them as 'essential ' retailers due to their homeware sections .
Following on from the store openings , many shoppers have been asking if M & S will be reopening stores across the UK .
M & S is currently only operating Foodhalls in the UK , after shutting off its clothing and homeware sections at the start of lockdown .
Some M & S cafes are also open for takeaway only .
Now Marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when shoppers can expect to see its clothing and homeware sections reopen .
A spokesperson for M & S told Manchester Evening News : `` We are working towards re-opening more space from June .
We have supported the Government on its safer workplace guidance and await further information on its re-phasing plans .
`` We ’ ve been successfully operating social distancing in our stores for some time and we will take our learning from this as we reopen our clothing business .
`` Our 290 stores that sell both clothing & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – so it means they already have a brilliant working knowledge of the necessary hygiene measures , how to manage social distancing and the flow of our customers in and out of their store . ''
You can find the latest opening times and shopping rules for your nearest M & S Foodhall on the M & S website .

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This week, both Matalan and Dunelm took the decision to reopen stores, after new government guidelines allowed them to do so - classing them as 'essential' retailers due to their homeware sections.
Following on from the store openings, many shoppers have been asking if M&S will be reopening stores across the UK.
M&S is currently only operating Foodhalls in the UK, after shutting off its clothing and homeware sections at the start of lockdown. Some M&S cafes are also open for takeaway only.
Now Marks and Spencer has given an update on when shoppers can expect to see its clothing and homeware sections reopen.
A spokesperson for M&S told Manchester Evening News: "We are working towards re-opening more space from June. We have supported the Government on its safer workplace guidance and await further information on its re-phasing plans.
"We’ve been successfully operating social distancing in our stores for some time and we will take our learning from this as we reopen our clothing business.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"Our 290 stores that sell both clothing & food are led by a single manager – so it means they already have a brilliant working knowledge of the necessary hygiene measures, how to manage social distancing and the flow of our customers in and out of their store."
You can find the latest opening times and shopping rules for your nearest M&S Foodhall on the M&S website.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Heroes ran into danger to rescue teen after knifeman killed her mum

Two men who tried to intervene in an horrific double stabbing in which a 'loving ' mum was killed have been hailed as 'heroes ' .
Melissa Belshaw , 32 , suffered 'catastrophic ' injuries after being attacked at her home in Upholland Road , Wigan , on Wednesday afternoon .
But police say there could have been further victims had it not been for the 'brave ' pair , who were not known to Melissa or the attacker .
After hearing the commotion coming from the house , a passer-by rushed inside to rescue Melissa 's terrified 13-year-old daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 40s and is understood to be a neighbour , also tried to intervene and ended up being knifed himself .
He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries , but police say he is now in a stable condition .
After Melissa daughter 's frantically dialled 999 , officers arrived at the scene and arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder .
Police say the attacker was known to Melissa , who worked as a beautician .
At a press conference at Wigan Police Station on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district praised the men for their 'extreme bravery and courage ' .
He added : `` This was a hugely distressing scene and their actions were incredibly brave .
For them to run to danger , with no thought for their own personal safety is extremely commendable .
`` Had it not been for their intervention , we might have been looking at further victims .
The daughter could have been seriously injured as well .
`` We often overuse the word ‘ hero ’ , but I think the public would support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing short of heroic .
`` One of the men – a man in his 40s – was stabbed several times and currently in hospital .
Thankfully , it is believed that his condition is now stable and we would all like to wish him a speedy recovery . ''
Superintendent Bridge also praised the actions of Melissa 's daughter , who he said was being given specialist support following the 'horrendous ' incident .
Following Melissa 's tragic death , those close to her paid tribute to the 'caring and lovely ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to opening her own beauty salon , The Lash Room , before she was killed .
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in the village of Billinge , where a community has been left in utter shock .
Detectives believe there may have been a number of witnesses to the incident , and have urged them to come forward to assist with the investigation .
Superintendent Bridge added : “ Firstly , I would like to reiterate that our thoughts are with the woman ’ s family as they begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is a heart-breaking incident in which a young woman has lost her life in the most brutal of circumstances .
Whilst nothing can ever bring her back , I hope that our efforts will provide the woman ’ s loved ones with a measure of comfort .
We will follow every line of enquiry available to us in the pursuit of justice .
“ At this stage it is believed that woman and offender were known to each other and as such I would like to reassure the community that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider threat .
`` There will continue to be a higher police presence in the area and I would urge anyone with any concerns or questions to please speak to these officers as they are there to provide support and help with any issues people may have .
“ Whilst we have a man in custody I would continue to appeal to those who think they may hold vital information .
Read more of today 's top stories here '' It was a sunny afternoon and there were a number of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are aware that there are people who have not come forward at this time who were taking footage on their phones or other devices .
They potentially have vital evidence that could prove crucial to this investigation .
`` I would urge those people , if you have information , please come forward for the sake of this lady and her family . ''

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Two men who tried to intervene in an horrific double stabbing in which a 'loving' mum was killed have been hailed as 'heroes'.
Melissa Belshaw, 32, suffered 'catastrophic' injuries after being attacked at her home in Upholland Road, Wigan, on Wednesday afternoon.
But police say there could have been further victims had it not been for the 'brave' pair, who were not known to Melissa or the attacker.
After hearing the commotion coming from the house, a passer-by rushed inside to rescue Melissa's terrified 13-year-old daughter.
Another man, who is in his 40s and is understood to be a neighbour, also tried to intervene and ended up being knifed himself.
(Image: supplied)
He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, but police say he is now in a stable condition.
After Melissa daughter's frantically dialled 999, officers arrived at the scene and arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Police say the attacker was known to Melissa, who worked as a beautician.
At a press conference at Wigan Police Station on Thursday, Superintendent Chris Bridge, of GMPs Wigan district praised the men for their 'extreme bravery and courage'.
He added: "This was a hugely distressing scene and their actions were incredibly brave. For them to run to danger, with no thought for their own personal safety is extremely commendable.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
"Had it not been for their intervention, we might have been looking at further victims. The daughter could have been seriously injured as well.
"We often overuse the word ‘hero’, but I think the public would support me in saying that their actions were nothing short of heroic.
"One of the men – a man in his 40s – was stabbed several times and currently in hospital. Thankfully, it is believed that his condition is now stable and we would all like to wish him a speedy recovery."
Superintendent Bridge also praised the actions of Melissa's daughter, who he said was being given specialist support following the 'horrendous' incident.
Following Melissa's tragic death, those close to her paid tribute to the 'caring and lovely' mum-of-one.
They said she was looking forward to opening her own beauty salon, The Lash Room, before she was killed.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in the village of Billinge, where a community has been left in utter shock.
Detectives believe there may have been a number of witnesses to the incident, and have urged them to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Superintendent Bridge added: “Firstly, I would like to reiterate that our thoughts are with the woman’s family as they begin to come to terms with this tragedy.
"This is a heart-breaking incident in which a young woman has lost her life in the most brutal of circumstances. Whilst nothing can ever bring her back, I hope that our efforts will provide the woman’s loved ones with a measure of comfort. We will follow every line of enquiry available to us in the pursuit of justice.
(Image: supplied)
“At this stage it is believed that woman and offender were known to each other and as such I would like to reassure the community that there is not believed to be any wider threat.
"There will continue to be a higher police presence in the area and I would urge anyone with any concerns or questions to please speak to these officers as they are there to provide support and help with any issues people may have.
“Whilst we have a man in custody I would continue to appeal to those who think they may hold vital information.
"It was a sunny afternoon and there were a number of people who were in the area.
"We are aware that there are people who have not come forward at this time who were taking footage on their phones or other devices. They potentially have vital evidence that could prove crucial to this investigation.
"I would urge those people, if you have information, please come forward for the sake of this lady and her family."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--MP adds voice to those calling for deportation of grooming gang members

Chris Clarkson MP has added his voice to those calling for the urgent deportation of three Rochdale grooming gang members after it was discovered they were still living in the area .
Qari Abdul Rauf , Abdul Aziz and Adil Khan were among nine men convicted in 2012 of a catalogue of serious sex offences against vulnerable girls in Rochdale and Heywood .
The trio of dual British-Pakistani nationals had their British citizenship revoked as a result of their crimes so they could be deported - and lost an appeal against the ruling two years ago .
But the revelation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in the very town where many of their victims still live has sparked outrage .
Heywood and Middleton MP Mr Clarkson has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to secure the deportation of the three men and strip them of their British citizenship .
He wrote : “ I am sure you will recognise the obvious distress and serious concern that this raises in my constituency and the wider community and share my disgust that these people have been allowed to stay , not just in this country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so wickedly abused .
“ Please can I ask you , as a matter of urgency , to see what steps can be taken to remove these individuals from our country and give decent , law abiding people in Heywood , Middleton and Rochdale confidence their justice system is working for them.
” Mr Clarkson joins a growing chorus of fury over the situation from Rochdale and Greater Manchester figures - including Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd and Bev Hughes , Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime .
Referring to a forthcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : “ The issue of group-based child sexual exploitation has been stain on our community and I welcome this robust approach to ridding our country of these vile crimes and ensuring that victims are to recover.
” The MP added that he looked forward to working with the Home Secretary 'to make sure the victims get the justice they deserve ’ .
The Manchester Evening News reported last week how one of the gang ’ s victims was left in tears when she bumped into her abuser at Asda in Rochdale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lloyd was left ‘ furious ’ by a response from Justice Secretary Rober Buckland in which he said the Probation Service had ‘ no powers to prohibit the offender returning to live in the area in which they offended or where the victim lives ’ .
He has demanded an urgent telephone call with Mr Buckland to ask why deportation has not taken place , and ‘ to see what steps can be taken to ensure these women do not have to live in fear of bumping into their attackers in their home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the men 's continued presence in Greater Manchester was ‘ completely unacceptable ’ .
She has also called on the government to ‘ prioritise the processing of their departure from the UK as swiftly as possible ’ .
The Home Office has previously refused to explain why the three men have n't been deported .

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Chris Clarkson MP has added his voice to those calling for the urgent deportation of three Rochdale grooming gang members after it was discovered they were still living in the area.
Qari Abdul Rauf, Abdul Aziz and Adil Khan were among nine men convicted in 2012 of a catalogue of serious sex offences against vulnerable girls in Rochdale and Heywood.
The trio of dual British-Pakistani nationals had their British citizenship revoked as a result of their crimes so they could be deported - and lost an appeal against the ruling two years ago.
But the revelation they remain not just in the UK, but in the very town where many of their victims still live has sparked outrage.
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Heywood and Middleton MP Mr Clarkson has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to secure the deportation of the three men and strip them of their British citizenship.
He wrote: “I am sure you will recognise the obvious distress and serious concern that this raises in my constituency and the wider community and share my disgust that these people have been allowed to stay, not just in this country, but in the community whose trust they so wickedly abused.
“Please can I ask you, as a matter of urgency, to see what steps can be taken to remove these individuals from our country and give decent, law abiding people in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale confidence their justice system is working for them.”
Mr Clarkson joins a growing chorus of fury over the situation from Rochdale and Greater Manchester figures - including Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd and Bev Hughes, Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
Referring to a forthcoming government paper into group-based child sexual exploitation he said : “The issue of group-based child sexual exploitation has been stain on our community and I welcome this robust approach to ridding our country of these vile crimes and ensuring that victims are to recover.”
The MP added that he looked forward to working with the Home Secretary 'to make sure the victims get the justice they deserve’.
The Manchester Evening News reported last week how one of the gang’s victims was left in tears when she bumped into her abuser at Asda in Rochdale town centre.
Rochdale constituency MP Tony Lloyd was left ‘furious’ by a response from Justice Secretary Rober Buckland in which he said the Probation Service had ‘no powers to prohibit the offender returning to live in the area in which they offended or where the victim lives’.
He has demanded an urgent telephone call with Mr Buckland to ask why deportation has not taken place, and ‘to see what steps can be taken to ensure these women do not have to live in fear of bumping into their attackers in their home town’.
And Baroness Hughes has said the men's continued presence in Greater Manchester was ‘completely unacceptable’.
She has also called on the government to ‘prioritise the processing of their departure from the UK as swiftly as possible’.
The Home Office has previously refused to explain why the three men haven't been deported.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--UK begins trial for 'on the spot' coronavirus test with no wait for results

Large scale trials have begun on an 'on the spot ' coronavirus test which can provide results in 20 minutes , the Government has said .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the test , which does n't need to be sent to a lab , had already 'proven effective in early trials ' .
Earlier this week the government announced anyone over the age of five who has Covid-19 symptoms is now eligible for testing .
And speaking at today 's daily briefing Mr Hancock said if successful the test , produced by West Sussex-based Optigene , will be rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` Getting a test is improtant but getting a quick result is important too .
We 're working hard on innovative developments .
`` Working with innovative science always has its risks and not all projects come off .
Working for instance with vaccines , where we do n't know if we 'll ever get one .
`` But I am prepared to back innovative developments even if they might never happen .
I think it 's worth it and I think it 's worth it especially in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many top names to help us deliver testing with a rapid turnaround .
For example one innovative company , Optigene , has produced an early test which is being trialled from today and it is interesting to us because it is so fast .
`` It does n't need to be sent to a lab to be processed , so you get the result on the spot , typically in around 20 minutes .
It 's already proven effective in early trials and we want to find out if it will effective on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to support companies like Optigene and others to develop these sorts of innovative projects .
We 'll monitor its effectiveness very closely and if it works we 'll roll it out as soon as we can .
`` This is just one of a number of innovative testing technologies we 're pushing forward as fast as the science allows . ''
On its website Optigene says the test uses nasal and throat swabs adding a single machine can process 300 patient samples in an hour .

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Large scale trials have begun on an 'on the spot' coronavirus test which can provide results in 20 minutes, the Government has said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the test, which doesn't need to be sent to a lab, had already 'proven effective in early trials'.
Earlier this week the government announced anyone over the age of five who has Covid-19 symptoms is now eligible for testing. And speaking at today's daily briefing Mr Hancock said if successful the test, produced by West Sussex-based Optigene, will be rolled out 'as soon as we can'.
He said: "Getting a test is improtant but getting a quick result is important too. We're working hard on innovative developments.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"Working with innovative science always has its risks and not all projects come off. Working for instance with vaccines, where we don't know if we'll ever get one.
"But I am prepared to back innovative developments even if they might never happen. I think it's worth it and I think it's worth it especially in these circumstances.
"We are working with many top names to help us deliver testing with a rapid turnaround. For example one innovative company, Optigene, has produced an early test which is being trialled from today and it is interesting to us because it is so fast.
"It doesn't need to be sent to a lab to be processed, so you get the result on the spot, typically in around 20 minutes. It's already proven effective in early trials and we want to find out if it will effective on a larger scale.
"And we want to support companies like Optigene and others to develop these sorts of innovative projects. We'll monitor its effectiveness very closely and if it works we'll roll it out as soon as we can.
"This is just one of a number of innovative testing technologies we're pushing forward as fast as the science allows."
On its website Optigene says the test uses nasal and throat swabs adding a single machine can process 300 patient samples in an hour.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Man United evening headlines as Pogba and Fernandes team up

Here are the Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday , May 21 : Ed Woodward is 'optimistic ' about the Premier League ’ s resumption in June and believes an August conclusion of the Europa League can be done .
United still have the chance to win two competitions – the FA Cup and the Europa League – with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer ’ s side still battling for the top-four spot in the Premier League .
Woodward has revealed he is 'firmly optimistic ' about United becoming a top side once again , with two trophies to be won once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive said : “ While it is too soon to know with any certainty if , or when , these measures can fully be relaxed , we are optimistic that it will soon be possible to resume playing football .
“ Our men ’ s first-team has begun a phased return to training this week , with rigorous medical protocols in place to manage risks .
Subject to government and Premier League shareholder approval , including input from medical staff and players , we anticipate domestic games could restart again in June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the culmination of the Europa League could be during August .
We remain in constant dialogue with the Premier League , the FA and UEFA about the next steps towards returning to play , while continuing to protect the health of our players , staff and the wider public.
” Pogba and Fernandes arrive at training ground at same time United duo Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes arrived at Manchester United ’ s Carrington complex at very similar times ahead of a training session .
With Premier League teams all returning to training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines to try and restrict the risk of coronavirus spreading .
One of those said guidelines was to arrive at training in time-slots , and then to work in small groups and MEN understands Fernandes and Pogba both arrived at similar times on Thursday .
This could be the biggest indication yet of the two big-money signings being able to play together once the football season resumes again .
Pogba has been out with an ankle injury since Boxing Day , with Fernandes arriving at Old Trafford in January from Sporting Lisbon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 42 per cent in the first three months of the calendar year in comparison to this time last year .
United ’ s debt now stands at £429.1m – a rise of £127.4m compared to last year – and the club have explained the increase has a lot to do with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the effect it has had on the finances of the club .
In a statement , United said : “ Net Debt as of 31 March 2020 was £429.1m , an increase of £127.4m over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall decrease in cash and cash equivalents and adverse movements in the GBP : USD exchange rate .
The gross USD debt principal remains unchanged.
” You can find more about United ’ s latest financial findings here after today 's conference call .

Here are the Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday, May 21:
United reveal plans to complete season
Ed Woodward is 'optimistic' about the Premier League’s resumption in June and believes an August conclusion of the Europa League can be done.
United still have the chance to win two competitions – the FA Cup and the Europa League – with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side still battling for the top-four spot in the Premier League.
Woodward has revealed he is 'firmly optimistic' about United becoming a top side once again, with two trophies to be won once the season restarts.
The United chief executive said : “While it is too soon to know with any certainty if, or when, these measures can fully be relaxed, we are optimistic that it will soon be possible to resume playing football.
“Our men’s first-team has begun a phased return to training this week, with rigorous medical protocols in place to manage risks. Subject to government and Premier League shareholder approval, including input from medical staff and players, we anticipate domestic games could restart again in June.
“All indications from UEFA are that the culmination of the Europa League could be during August. We remain in constant dialogue with the Premier League, the FA and UEFA about the next steps towards returning to play, while continuing to protect the health of our players, staff and the wider public.”
Pogba and Fernandes arrive at training ground at same time
United duo Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes arrived at Manchester United’s Carrington complex at very similar times ahead of a training session.
With Premier League teams all returning to training this week, the clubs were given guidelines to try and restrict the risk of coronavirus spreading.
One of those said guidelines was to arrive at training in time-slots, and then to work in small groups and MEN understands Fernandes and Pogba both arrived at similar times on Thursday.
This could be the biggest indication yet of the two big-money signings being able to play together once the football season resumes again.
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Pogba has been out with an ankle injury since Boxing Day, with Fernandes arriving at Old Trafford in January from Sporting Lisbon.
United explain increase in debt
United’s net debt has risen by 42 per cent in the first three months of the calendar year in comparison to this time last year.
United’s debt now stands at £429.1m – a rise of £127.4m compared to last year – and the club have explained the increase has a lot to do with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the effect it has had on the finances of the club.
In a statement, United said: “Net Debt as of 31 March 2020 was £429.1m, an increase of £127.4m over the prior year quarter, due to an overall decrease in cash and cash equivalents and adverse movements in the GBP:USD exchange rate. The gross USD debt principal remains unchanged.”
You can find more about United’s latest financial findings here after today's conference call.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Muslims given guidance on how to celebrate the end of Ramadan this year

Muslims in the UK have been told to celebrate the end of Ramadan at home and virtually this weekend .
Known as Eid al-Fitr , the festival is held at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is traditionally marked with prayers at mosques , visits to the homes of friends and family to eat food and exchange gifts .
Subject to the sighting of a new moon , Eid will be on May 24 .
Last year it was estimated that nearly 6,000 people attended an event held in Platt Fields Park , in Fallowfield , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak , this will not be possible this year .
In what will be a first for many Muslims across the country , the Muslim Council of Britain has urged people to celebrate the festival from home and virtually with friends and family instead .
With lockdown restrictions varying between England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , the council has developed specific guidance for each nation in partnership with the Muslim councils of each country .
Muslims in England who are not self-isolating are encouraged to go outdoors with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the updated lockdown restrictions in England while Muslims in Wales , Northern Ireland and Scotland are to remain indoors .
People in England are also advised to not visit family and friends who they do not live with and to not gather in groups of two or more with people who are not from their household .
The council has also advised people to not go to mosques and to pray at home instead , and to only share presents with members of their household .
Secretary General of the Muslim Council of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ resolve ’ of Muslims observing Ramadan during the pandemic and said being away from loved ones during Eid will be a ‘ source of sadness ’ in the community .
Mr Khan said : “ Muslims have shown great resolve throughout Ramadan and this pandemic , adapting to a different way of life and making the best out of the month , by attending virtual iftars with friends and family , and live streaming religious services to their homes .
“ Whilst Eid away from the mosques and from our loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of great sadness in communities across the country , Muslim communities will adapt and find the best way to still celebrate this holy day whilst aligning to the latest guidance .
`` Some will pray Eid prayers in families within their households , and virtual gatherings can be arranged to still connect with loved ones .
“ As ever , everyone ’ s number one priority must be to help save lives and celebrating Eid at home is the best way to do this .
We use this holy day to pray for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key workers and a swift end to this pandemic .
”

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Muslims in the UK have been told to celebrate the end of Ramadan at home and virtually this weekend.
Known as Eid al-Fitr, the festival is held at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is traditionally marked with prayers at mosques, visits to the homes of friends and family to eat food and exchange gifts.
Subject to the sighting of a new moon, Eid will be on May 24.
Last year it was estimated that nearly 6,000 people attended an event held in Platt Fields Park, in Fallowfield, to celebrate Eid. But, due to the coronavirus outbreak, this will not be possible this year.
In what will be a first for many Muslims across the country, the Muslim Council of Britain has urged people to celebrate the festival from home and virtually with friends and family instead.
With lockdown restrictions varying between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the council has developed specific guidance for each nation in partnership with the Muslim councils of each country.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Muslims in England who are not self-isolating are encouraged to go outdoors with other members of their household due to the updated lockdown restrictions in England while Muslims in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are to remain indoors.
People in England are also advised to not visit family and friends who they do not live with and to not gather in groups of two or more with people who are not from their household.
The council has also advised people to not go to mosques and to pray at home instead, and to only share presents with members of their household.
Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Harun Khan, praised the ‘resolve’ of Muslims observing Ramadan during the pandemic and said being away from loved ones during Eid will be a ‘source of sadness’ in the community.
Mr Khan said: “Muslims have shown great resolve throughout Ramadan and this pandemic, adapting to a different way of life and making the best out of the month, by attending virtual iftars with friends and family, and live streaming religious services to their homes.
“Whilst Eid away from the mosques and from our loved ones is unprecedented and will be a source of great sadness in communities across the country, Muslim communities will adapt and find the best way to still celebrate this holy day whilst aligning to the latest guidance.
"Some will pray Eid prayers in families within their households, and virtual gatherings can be arranged to still connect with loved ones.
“As ever, everyone’s number one priority must be to help save lives and celebrating Eid at home is the best way to do this. We use this holy day to pray for the safety of our communities and our key workers and a swift end to this pandemic.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Police called to 100-person gathering arrest drunk after 'things went sour'

A man who coughed at a police officer and said 'coronavirus ' after he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly has been put behind bars .
Otis Smith , 31 , was also convicted of resisting arrest after officers had to deploy CS spray following an incident in the city centre on Wednesday night .
Police had been called to Castlefield Bowl shortly before 10pm on May 20 , to reports that around 100 people were gathered there .
Officers asked the crowd to disperse , and while most complied , Smith , who was holding a bottle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off ' .
They asked him to leave and attempted to take the bottle of rum out of his hands , at which point , the situation was described in court as 'having gone sour ' .
Officers attempted to arrest Smith for being drunk and disorderly , but he resisted .
They eventually had to use CS spray in order to place him in handcuffs .
Smith was taken to a police station , which was not named in court .
While at the front desk , he coughed in the direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing two metres away , and said 'coronavirus ' .
Smith admitted assaulting an emergency worker , resisting arrest and being drunk and disorderly when he appeared at Manchester Magistrate 's Court on Thursday .
The court heard that Smith , who was on bail for other offences at the time , felt he was being treated differently to other people , because officers recognised him from dealing with him previously .
Sentencing , District Judge John Temperley said the offences were aggravated by Smith 's record , which is 'littered with offences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulting a security guard in Primark who challenged him about drunken behaviour .
He said : `` Any offence involving coughing , spitting and the like , particularly making reference to the current coronavirus pandemic , warrants immediate custody . ''
The officers were left with bruising following Smith 's arrest .
In a victim impact statement to the court , the officer who was coughed at said Smith was more resistant to arrest than anyone he had ever come across in his career .
He described how he is living apart from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he carries out his job .
He said : `` As a police officer , I am aware of the risk involved , but I should be able to carry out my duties without risk of violence . ''
Smith , of Wilmslow Road , Manchester , was given 20 weeks custody for assaulting an emergency worker and a consecutive three week sentence for resisting arrest .
District Judge Temperley also revoked a community order which had previously been imposed for an offence in January and instead added an additional three weeks to @ @ @ @

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A man who coughed at a police officer and said 'coronavirus' after he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly has been put behind bars.
Otis Smith, 31, was also convicted of resisting arrest after officers had to deploy CS spray following an incident in the city centre on Wednesday night.
Police had been called to Castlefield Bowl shortly before 10pm on May 20, to reports that around 100 people were gathered there.
Officers asked the crowd to disperse, and while most complied, Smith, who was holding a bottle of rum, told officers to 'f**k off'.
They asked him to leave and attempted to take the bottle of rum out of his hands, at which point, the situation was described in court as 'having gone sour'.
Officers attempted to arrest Smith for being drunk and disorderly, but he resisted. They eventually had to use CS spray in order to place him in handcuffs.
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Smith was taken to a police station, which was not named in court. While at the front desk, he coughed in the direction of a police officer, who was standing two metres away, and said 'coronavirus'.
Smith admitted assaulting an emergency worker, resisting arrest and being drunk and disorderly when he appeared at Manchester Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
The court heard that Smith, who was on bail for other offences at the time, felt he was being treated differently to other people, because officers recognised him from dealing with him previously.
Sentencing, District Judge John Temperley said the offences were aggravated by Smith's record, which is 'littered with offences of a similar nature', including assaulting a security guard in Primark who challenged him about drunken behaviour.
He said: "Any offence involving coughing, spitting and the like, particularly making reference to the current coronavirus pandemic, warrants immediate custody."
The officers were left with bruising following Smith's arrest.
In a victim impact statement to the court, the officer who was coughed at said Smith was more resistant to arrest than anyone he had ever come across in his career.
He described how he is living apart from his family to keep them safe while he carries out his job.
He said: "As a police officer, I am aware of the risk involved, but I should be able to carry out my duties without risk of violence."
Smith, of Wilmslow Road, Manchester, was given 20 weeks custody for assaulting an emergency worker and a consecutive three week sentence for resisting arrest.
District Judge Temperley also revoked a community order which had previously been imposed for an offence in January and instead added an additional three weeks to Smith's sentence.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Boohoo.com founder teams up with lab creating home COVID-19 testing kit

Billionaire Boohoo boss Mahmud Kamani has teamed up with a Cambridge-based biotech firm developing a 10-minute home saliva test for COVID-19 .
Designed to give a result in 10 minutes , the simple test strip , which is yet to be licensed , has been described as being 'like a pregnancy test ' but for saliva .
The current NHS home testing swabs have to be used on the tonsils and nostrils and can cause discomfort .
They also have to be sent to labs for results .
There have also been issues with some tests sent away to labs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at drive-throughs and other privately-run stations said to be missing due to a 'log jam ' .
Avacta , the Cambridge-based firm developing the antigen test have struck an exclusive sales and distribution deal with Medusa19 , newly-established by Boohoo.com founders Mr Kamani and Richard Hughes , former non-executive director of the online fashion brand .
The Manchester-based firm says the test will be for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people and can be used before antibodies have been generated by the body .
They forsee it being used in airports , offices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost understood to be in the region of around £25 although Avacta said they could 'not commit ' to a final price yet .
It will be available on a website set up by Medusa19 as well as in shops .
Mr Kamani and Mr Hughes , who are also shareholders in Avacta and will get a profit-share for their involvement , are hoping to build Medusa19 into a global self-testing business , starting with the COVID-19 enterprise .
Avacta are seeking regulatory approval in both Europe and the US .
A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid antigen tests , which will be critical to lockdown exit strategies around the world in order to get healthy , non-contagious people back to work , could be many millions of tests per month .
`` There will also be an ongoing need for several years for this type of testing as the disease recurs . ''
Avacta is looking for further manufacturing partners in expectation of 'very high demand ' for the COVID-19 antigen test .
In a statement , Richard Hughes and Mahmud Kamani said : `` We immediately recognised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unique saliva-based COVID-19 rapid test being developed by Avacta based on their unique and powerful Affimer platform . ''
They said they were looking to sell the tests globally subject to regulatory approval and that they were creating 'robust and scalable ' platform to cope with demand for 'hundreds of millions of tests ' , adding : `` We look forward to working with Alastair and his team and to distributing other Avacta products as they become available in due course . ''
Dr Alastair Smith , CEO of Actava Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have entered into this distribution agreement with Medusa19 , which will provide a global route direct-to-consumer for Avacta ’ s rapid point-of-care COVID-19 antigen test .
`` The potential size of this market , and the expected demand from businesses for workforce screening , is substantial .
`` The significant investment that Medusa19 is making in conjunction with the track records of the Medusa19 team , gives me great confidence in the rapid growth of direct-to-consumer sales of the Avacta COVID-19 test across the United Kingdom , European Union and the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I expect the commercial impact of this partnership to be very significant to Avacta.
!
There is already a saliva test on the market in the US .
Earlier this month , the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorisation for a test kit developed by Rutgers University laboratory .
The tests must be ordered by a doctor but can be used at home .
However , this test must then be sent back to a lab for results .

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Billionaire Boohoo boss Mahmud Kamani has teamed up with a Cambridge-based biotech firm developing a 10-minute home saliva test for COVID-19.
Designed to give a result in 10 minutes, the simple test strip, which is yet to be licensed, has been described as being 'like a pregnancy test' but for saliva.
The current NHS home testing swabs have to be used on the tonsils and nostrils and can cause discomfort. They also have to be sent to labs for results. There have also been issues with some tests sent away to labs - with data from tests carried out at drive-throughs and other privately-run stations said to be missing due to a 'log jam'.
Avacta, the Cambridge-based firm developing the antigen test have struck an exclusive sales and distribution deal with Medusa19, newly-established by Boohoo.com founders Mr Kamani and Richard Hughes, former non-executive director of the online fashion brand. The Manchester-based firm says the test will be for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people and can be used before antibodies have been generated by the body.
They forsee it being used in airports, offices, factories and in homes, with the cost understood to be in the region of around £25 although Avacta said they could 'not commit' to a final price yet.
It will be available on a website set up by Medusa19 as well as in shops. Mr Kamani and Mr Hughes, who are also shareholders in Avacta and will get a profit-share for their involvement, are hoping to build Medusa19 into a global self-testing business, starting with the COVID-19 enterprise.
Avacta are seeking regulatory approval in both Europe and the US.
A spokesman said: "The global demand for rapid antigen tests, which will be critical to lockdown exit strategies around the world in order to get healthy, non-contagious people back to work, could be many millions of tests per month.
"There will also be an ongoing need for several years for this type of testing as the disease recurs."
(Image: boohoo.com)
Avacta is looking for further manufacturing partners in expectation of 'very high demand' for the COVID-19 antigen test.
In a statement, Richard Hughes and Mahmud Kamani said: "We immediately recognised the global opportunity to distribute the simple and unique saliva-based COVID-19 rapid test being developed by Avacta based on their unique and powerful Affimer platform."
They said they were looking to sell the tests globally subject to regulatory approval and that they were creating 'robust and scalable' platform to cope with demand for 'hundreds of millions of tests', adding: "We look forward to working with Alastair and his team and to distributing other Avacta products as they become available in due course."
Dr Alastair Smith, CEO of Actava Group, said: "I am delighted to have entered into this distribution agreement with Medusa19, which will provide a global route direct-to-consumer for Avacta’s rapid point-of-care COVID-19 antigen test.
(Image: PA)
"The potential size of this market, and the expected demand from businesses for workforce screening, is substantial.
"The significant investment that Medusa19 is making in conjunction with the track records of the Medusa19 team, gives me great confidence in the rapid growth of direct-to-consumer sales of the Avacta COVID-19 test across the United Kingdom, European Union and the United States subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
"I expect the commercial impact of this partnership to be very significant to Avacta.!
There is already a saliva test on the market in the US. Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorisation for a test kit developed by Rutgers University laboratory.
The tests must be ordered by a doctor but can be used at home. However, this test must then be sent back to a lab for results.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-21--Parents protest outside Manchester Piccadilly against schools reopening

Protesters gathered in Manchester this evening to object to schools reopening on June 1 .
The date is when the government is proposing to begin a phased return for pupils , starting with children in Nursery , Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
It hopes to get the ' key transition years ' back first , with a wider plan to see all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays - 'for a month if feasible ' .
While insisting the scientific and medical evidence is on their side , the government says that - providing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - it will be safe to send children back .
But there 's been widespread opposition to the plan and protesters gathered at Piccadilly Station Approach in Manchester city centre on Thursday evening to object to the plans .
Health workers joined parents and grandparents to spread the ‘ no return to unsafe schools ’ message , supporting the campaign by teachers ’ unions who have rejected the plans for the phased reopening of schools in England as 'wildly optimistic to the point of being irresponsible ' .
Keeping a safe social distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group held up their ‘ No Back to School Until It ’ s Safe ’ posters , which have been attached to railings and trees , outside parks , hospitals and schools across Greater Manchester .
Mum Charlotte Smith , from Gorton , helped organise the protest and said : `` June the 1st is not the time for our children to be going back to school .
My concern is the risk of spreading the virus .
It is not the right time and the testing and tracing is not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They say that schools should open up on June 1st so that the ‘ most vulnerable children ’ do not fall behind in their learning .
Our schools are already open for vulnerable children . ''
Julie Reid is a Labour Councillor for the Manchester Gorton and Abbey Hey ward and is also a teacher .
She said : “ I can not see how schools opening up for Reception and Year 1 classes on June 1st could work .
For this age group social distancing could lead to mental distress with children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to a lot of parents and they are saying to me , ‘ I am not sending my children back to school ’ . ''
And health worker Karen Reissmann , who also joined the protest , said : `` Schools should only open when they are safe . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says 'the latest scientific advice indicates it will be safe for more children to return to school from 1 June ' , but says the government will continue to limit the overall numbers in school and 'introduce protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Commons last week , Mr Williamson defended the government 's plan and sought to assure parents over the safety of children returning with phased reopenings .
Asked by Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran whether getting parents back to work had been 'the main driver ' behind the decision , he stressed that they are doing what is best for children 's education and well-being .
He told the Commons : `` When you have medical and scientific advice that is saying it ’ s the right time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and controlled manner , it seems only the right thing to do and the only responsible thing to do.
” The Department for Education has published practical guidance for headteachers about how schools can function safely , suggesting protective measures that can be put in place in education and childcare settings .
Do you think children should return to school ?
Is your child in one of the priority year groups that could return on June 1 ?
Let us know your views in the comments , or on our Manchester Family Facebook @ @

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Protesters gathered in Manchester this evening to object to schools reopening on June 1.
The date is when the government is proposing to begin a phased return for pupils, starting with children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
It hopes to get the ' key transition years ' back first, with a wider plan to see all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays - 'for a month if feasible'.
While insisting the scientific and medical evidence is on their side, the government says that - providing the transmission rate of Covid-19 remains low enough - it will be safe to send children back.
But there's been widespread opposition to the plan and protesters gathered at Piccadilly Station Approach in Manchester city centre on Thursday evening to object to the plans.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Health workers joined parents and grandparents to spread the ‘no return to unsafe schools’ message, supporting the campaign by teachers’ unions who have rejected the plans for the phased reopening of schools in England as 'wildly optimistic to the point of being irresponsible'.
Keeping a safe social distance, wearing face masks and gloves, the group held up their ‘No Back to School Until It’s Safe’ posters, which have been attached to railings and trees, outside parks, hospitals and schools across Greater Manchester.
Mum Charlotte Smith, from Gorton, helped organise the protest and said: "June the 1st is not the time for our children to be going back to school. My concern is the risk of spreading the virus. It is not the right time and the testing and tracing is not in place."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Ameen Hadi represents schools staff in Salford Unison.
He said: "They say that schools should open up on June 1st so that the ‘most vulnerable children’ do not fall behind in their learning. Our schools are already open for vulnerable children."
Julie Reid is a Labour Councillor for the Manchester Gorton and Abbey Hey ward and is also a teacher.
She said: “I cannot see how schools opening up for Reception and Year 1 classes on June 1st could work. For this age group social distancing could lead to mental distress with children having to be kept apart. I speak to a lot of parents and they are saying to me, ‘I am not sending my children back to school’."
And health worker Karen Reissmann, who also joined the protest, said: "Schools should only open when they are safe."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says 'the latest scientific advice indicates it will be safe for more children to return to school from 1 June', but says the government will continue to limit the overall numbers in school and 'introduce protective measures to prevent transmission'.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Speaking in the House of Commons last week, Mr Williamson defended the government's plan and sought to assure parents over the safety of children returning with phased reopenings.
Asked by Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran whether getting parents back to work had been 'the main driver' behind the decision, he stressed that they are doing what is best for children's education and well-being.
He told the Commons: "When you have medical and scientific advice that is saying it’s the right time to start bringing schools back in a phased and controlled manner, it seems only the right thing to do and the only responsible thing to do.”
The Department for Education has published practical guidance for headteachers about how schools can function safely, suggesting protective measures that can be put in place in education and childcare settings.
Do you think children should return to school? Is your child in one of the priority year groups that could return on June 1? Let us know your views in the comments, or on our Manchester Family Facebook page.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-22--Grandparents can get paid for online childcare during Covid-19

Grandparents can get paid for helping to occupy their grandchildren online or on the phone during the coronavirus pandemic .
In the UK , thousands of grandparents claim credits worth around £260 a year for helping parents with childcare .
This money goes towards their state pension and ensures they get the full amount - or as much as they can - in retirement .
However , lockdown has meant many have had to sacrifice this support , as elderly people self-isolate during the pandemic .
But now the government has revised these rules to cover those who help with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chat .
The move , which could help parents struggling to juggle home schooling with work commitments , means grandparents can carry on applying for or claiming credits if they are keeping children occupied in new ways during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years , reports the Mirror .
The full state pension is currently £175.20 a week , or around £9,100 a year .
You need 35 credits to get this full amount - equivalent to £260 a year .
If a grandparent is no longer working , they can top up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This means they will be financially better off in the long term .
Steve Webb , partner at pension consultants LCP , said : `` The system of allowing grandparents to claim National Insurance credits where they help a son or daughter back to work is a valuable way of recognising the importance of grandparental care .
`` Face-to-face contact between grandparents and grandchildren is difficult in the current environment , but a grandparent who amuses their grandchildren over the internet for an hour a day can still free up a parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think the government was right to take a relatively relaxed approach in the current situation as otherwise lots of grandparents could have found themselves with NI credits for only part of a year , either before or after lockdown , and as a result could miss out on a full year towards their pension . ''
Kate Smith , head of pensions at Aegon , added : `` Grandparents play a crucial role in helping to look after their grandchildren so parents can go to work .
`` During the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to carry out this role face to face , but have continued to provide vital care and support by phone , Facetime , Zoom or other video services . ''
To be eligible for credits , the child or at least one of the children being looked after must be aged under 12 .
Anyone applying now can have credits backdated to 2011 when the scheme was introduced .
Aunts , uncles , siblings and other family members helping with childcare can also claim the officially named 'Specified Adult Childcare ' credits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per year , and they must be under state pension age .
You can find out how apply for it here .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Emma Gill, Emma Munbodh)

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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Grandparents can get paid for helping to occupy their grandchildren online or on the phone during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the UK, thousands of grandparents claim credits worth around £260 a year for helping parents with childcare.
This money goes towards their state pension and ensures they get the full amount - or as much as they can - in retirement.
However, lockdown has meant many have had to sacrifice this support, as elderly people self-isolate during the pandemic.
But now the government has revised these rules to cover those who help with childcare over the phone or by video chat.
The move, which could help parents struggling to juggle home schooling with work commitments, means grandparents can carry on applying for or claiming credits if they are keeping children occupied in new ways during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years, reports the Mirror.
The full state pension is currently £175.20 a week, or around £9,100 a year. You need 35 credits to get this full amount - equivalent to £260 a year.
If a grandparent is no longer working, they can top up these credits by looking after their grandkids. This means they will be financially better off in the long term.
Steve Webb, partner at pension consultants LCP, said: "The system of allowing grandparents to claim National Insurance credits where they help a son or daughter back to work is a valuable way of recognising the importance of grandparental care.
"Face-to-face contact between grandparents and grandchildren is difficult in the current environment, but a grandparent who amuses their grandchildren over the internet for an hour a day can still free up a parent to get work done from home.
"I think the government was right to take a relatively relaxed approach in the current situation as otherwise lots of grandparents could have found themselves with NI credits for only part of a year, either before or after lockdown, and as a result could miss out on a full year towards their pension."
Kate Smith, head of pensions at Aegon, added: "Grandparents play a crucial role in helping to look after their grandchildren so parents can go to work.
"During the coronavirus crisis most grandparents have been unable to continue to carry out this role face to face, but have continued to provide vital care and support by phone, Facetime, Zoom or other video services."
To be eligible for credits, the child or at least one of the children being looked after must be aged under 12. Anyone applying now can have credits backdated to 2011 when the scheme was introduced.
Aunts, uncles, siblings and other family members helping with childcare can also claim the officially named 'Specified Adult Childcare' credits.
Only one person can do so per year, and they must be under state pension age. You can find out how apply for it here.