themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Major incident declared as Greater Manchester Covid rates continue to rise

A major incident has been declared in Greater Manchester after Covid infection rates continued to climb into the end of the week - including particularly big spikes in Manchester and Tameside , plus a sustained steep rise in Oldham .
Gold command meetings of senior figures from the police , local authorities and other agencies have been taking place over the weekend amid concerns that numbers are still going up in the wake of stricter lockdown measures being announced on Thursday night .
Infection rates for the week to July 29 show cases per 100,000 people rising in every part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Manchester and Tameside have more than doubled in seven days , while Oldham 's remain the highest and the fastest-growing .
Click on the council names or the lines of this interactive graph for details of infection rates in each area Provisional figures for the week to July 30 , which will be revised by Public Health England in the coming 24 hours , suggest that trend then continued upwards .
Previously , data for the seven days to last Monday had already prompted the new restrictions for Greater Manchester announced later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national leaders became worried about the trend .
The latest figures appear to show that pattern has continued , although sources note that the public health measures announced on Thursday night will take some time to take effect .
Manchester council 's leader said the major incident declaration should not be a cause for alarm , but was designed to ensure all parts of the system could ramp up their response .
Provisional numbers for the week to Thursday do suggest rates in Bury may have started to level off , while in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However Oldham had 31 confirmed cases on July 28 , which is the highest in a single day since May 9 .
There have only been seven days since the start of the pandemic that Oldham has recorded more than 31 cases in a single day .
Even during the peak month of April there were just five days when more than 31 cases were reported .
Manchester had 178 confirmed cases in the week up to July 31st , which is the biggest since 24 May .
But at the height of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers - at its height was 366 in a week .
Rochdale 's figures are continuing to fall in the wake of targeted measures introduced more than a fortnight ago .
The major incident has been declared due to the overall picture , ahead of a further review of the data tomorrow morning .
That move - in line with the region ’ s ‘ outbreak ’ strategy - is the same as would be declared in the event of a terror attack or major flood and means the region can access extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police need extra help in enforcement , it is understood the army could be drafted in to support them .
Some public health officials also hope it will concentrate minds at a time when there are fears people do not understand - and are not following - the extra limits on household mixing announced by Matt Hancock .
The declaration is expected to lead to greater police enforcement of the latest measures , including in bars , although new legislation promised by the government on Friday has not yet materialised .
Insiders say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eid , which only began on Friday so can not realistically have contributed to the rise .
One said mosques have been compliant with the new measures and that the rise is down to continued household transmission across all communities , as well as younger people not observing social distancing measures .
In Manchester , the highest number of cases is understood to be in Crumpsall .
Hospital admissions are said to remain stable regionwide , however , with one official describing them as ‘ really low across GM ’ .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ill enough to be in hospital , ” they said of those testing positive .
Senior figures hope that the move to a major incident will be enough to avoid a Leicester-style full-on lockdown of the economy , which can only be implemented by the health secretary .
Several said that was not currently on the horizon , but conceded it would depend on how the picture plays out .
“ If the situation worsens , then clearly other measures will have to be urgently considered , ” said one .
Gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact with the Cabinet Office and the Joint Biosecurity Centre on the issue .
There is a growing concern about the testing situation in care homes , however .
Government had promised to provide regular testing of all staff and residents across the sector throughout the summer , but this morning it emerged that pledge had been abandoned .
That is now not said to be possible until September .
The M.E.N .
is aware of at least one care home here that has been told to stop testing because the wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process the tests , a message that is thought to have been reiterated to others too .
One source said this was the reason Greater Manchester has been pushing for full control of the testing regime in the conurbation , as well as more involvement in the national contact tracing system , which is currently said to be reaching little more than half of the more straightforward cases it should be .
Sir Richard Leese , Leader of Manchester City Council , said people 'should not be alarmed ' that a major incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard practice for complex situations which require a multi-agency response , '' he said .
`` Although the council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year , declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further .
`` It allows the establishment of a central command structure to oversee the response and enables agencies involved to draw on extra resources .
`` Following last week 's Government announcement of preventative public health measures across Greater Manchester to address rising numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect us to give this situation our concerted collective attention .
That , with a view to enabling these restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible , is exactly what we are doing . ''
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey , chair of the Local Resilience Forum , said : “ The Strategic Coordination Group met on Saturday , 1 August 2020 to discuss regulations in response to the new Covid-19 restrictions across Greater Manchester , declared by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday evening .
`` Recognising that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in infection rates , the group reviewed learning from other recent areas , including Leicester , and its own learning from across the partnership and have taken the decision to declare this a major incident in order to respond as effectively as possible .
`` This will enable us to maximise the capability of agencies across Greater Manchester , including additional resources if required , to instigate a prompt and positive change in direction .
`` It is part of our desire to protect the population of Greater Manchester and provide them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing all they can to reduce infection rates and bring Greater Manchester back to as near a state of normality as current times allow.
’ ’ A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said : “ The public should be reassured that the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged .
`` This move by Greater Manchester ’ s Strategic Coordination Group is simply to enable our public agencies to access any additional resources they need as quickly and efficiently as possible .
`` This is no more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a challenging time for people in our city-region .
It is absolutely appropriate for us to maximise our resources in the drive to reverse the spike in infection which we have witnessed in the last seven to 10 days .
“ The more we stick to the new guidelines and drive the R rate down , the quicker they will be removed .
Please do not visit someone else ’ s home or garden unless you have formed a support bubble .
`` Do not meet outdoors in groups of more than six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as often as possible .
Let ’ s not act selfishly and instead keep the health of our loved ones and neighbours in mind at all times.
’ ’ This article has been corrected .
It originally referenced the latest rates as being to last Thursday and the latest provisional rates as being to last Friday .
It should have read Wednesday ( July 29 ) and Thursday ( July 30 ) respectively .

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

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A major incident has been declared in Greater Manchester after Covid infection rates continued to climb into the end of the week - including particularly big spikes in Manchester and Tameside, plus a sustained steep rise in Oldham.
Gold command meetings of senior figures from the police, local authorities and other agencies have been taking place over the weekend amid concerns that numbers are still going up in the wake of stricter lockdown measures being announced on Thursday night.
Infection rates for the week to July 29 show cases per 100,000 people rising in every part of the conurbation bar Rochdale. Those in Manchester and Tameside have more than doubled in seven days, while Oldham's remain the highest and the fastest-growing.
Click on the council names or the lines of this interactive graph for details of infection rates in each area
Provisional figures for the week to July 30, which will be revised by Public Health England in the coming 24 hours, suggest that trend then continued upwards.
Previously, data for the seven days to last Monday had already prompted the new restrictions for Greater Manchester announced later in the week, as local and national leaders became worried about the trend.
The latest figures appear to show that pattern has continued, although sources note that the public health measures announced on Thursday night will take some time to take effect. Manchester council's leader said the major incident declaration should not be a cause for alarm, but was designed to ensure all parts of the system could ramp up their response.
Provisional numbers for the week to Thursday do suggest rates in Bury may have started to level off, while in Bolton they also appear relatively steady.
However Oldham had 31 confirmed cases on July 28, which is the highest in a single day since May 9.
There have only been seven days since the start of the pandemic that Oldham has recorded more than 31 cases in a single day. Even during the peak month of April there were just five days when more than 31 cases were reported.
Manchester had 178 confirmed cases in the week up to July 31st, which is the biggest since 24 May. But at the height of the pandemic it was seeing much bigger numbers - at its height was 366 in a week.
Manchester had 36 cases on 29th July.
Rochdale's figures are continuing to fall in the wake of targeted measures introduced more than a fortnight ago.
The major incident has been declared due to the overall picture, ahead of a further review of the data tomorrow morning.
That move - in line with the region’s ‘outbreak’ strategy - is the same as would be declared in the event of a terror attack or major flood and means the region can access extra national resources if necessary.
If the police need extra help in enforcement, it is understood the army could be drafted in to support them.
Some public health officials also hope it will concentrate minds at a time when there are fears people do not understand - and are not following - the extra limits on household mixing announced by Matt Hancock.
The declaration is expected to lead to greater police enforcement of the latest measures, including in bars, although new legislation promised by the government on Friday has not yet materialised.
Insiders say the continued increases are not related to Eid, which only began on Friday so cannot realistically have contributed to the rise.
(Image: PA)
One said mosques have been compliant with the new measures and that the rise is down to continued household transmission across all communities, as well as younger people not observing social distancing measures.
In Manchester, the highest number of cases is understood to be in Crumpsall.
Hospital admissions are said to remain stable regionwide, however, with one official describing them as ‘really low across GM’.
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
“It’s younger people now, and not ill enough to be in hospital,” they said of those testing positive.
Senior figures hope that the move to a major incident will be enough to avoid a Leicester-style full-on lockdown of the economy, which can only be implemented by the health secretary.
Several said that was not currently on the horizon, but conceded it would depend on how the picture plays out.
“If the situation worsens, then clearly other measures will have to be urgently considered,” said one.
Gold command are meeting daily and are in close contact with the Cabinet Office and the Joint Biosecurity Centre on the issue.
There is a growing concern about the testing situation in care homes, however.
Government had promised to provide regular testing of all staff and residents across the sector throughout the summer, but this morning it emerged that pledge had been abandoned.
That is now not said to be possible until September.
The M.E.N. is aware of at least one care home here that has been told to stop testing because the wider system does not have the capacity to process the tests, a message that is thought to have been reiterated to others too.
One source said this was the reason Greater Manchester has been pushing for full control of the testing regime in the conurbation, as well as more involvement in the national contact tracing system, which is currently said to be reaching little more than half of the more straightforward cases it should be.
(Image: MEN)
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said people 'should not be alarmed' that a major incident has been declared.
"This is standard practice for complex situations which require a multi-agency response," he said.
"Although the council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year, declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further.
"It allows the establishment of a central command structure to oversee the response and enables agencies involved to draw on extra resources.
"Following last week's Government announcement of preventative public health measures across Greater Manchester to address rising numbers of Covid-19 cases, the public would expect us to give this situation our concerted collective attention. That, with a view to enabling these restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible, is exactly what we are doing."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey, chair of the Local Resilience Forum, said: “The Strategic Coordination Group met on Saturday, 1 August 2020 to discuss regulations in response to the new Covid-19 restrictions across Greater Manchester, declared by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday evening.
"Recognising that there are multiple localities across Greater Manchester seeing rises in infection rates, the group reviewed learning from other recent areas, including Leicester, and its own learning from across the partnership and have taken the decision to declare this a major incident in order to respond as effectively as possible.
"This will enable us to maximise the capability of agencies across Greater Manchester, including additional resources if required, to instigate a prompt and positive change in direction.
"It is part of our desire to protect the population of Greater Manchester and provide them with the highest levels of assurance that agencies are doing all they can to reduce infection rates and bring Greater Manchester back to as near a state of normality as current times allow.’’
(Image: University of Bolton)
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said: “The public should be reassured that the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged.
"This move by Greater Manchester’s Strategic Coordination Group is simply to enable our public agencies to access any additional resources they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"This is no more than a boost to our capabilities at what is a challenging time for people in our city-region. It is absolutely appropriate for us to maximise our resources in the drive to reverse the spike in infection which we have witnessed in the last seven to 10 days.
“The more we stick to the new guidelines and drive the R rate down, the quicker they will be removed. Please do not visit someone else’s home or garden unless you have formed a support bubble.
"Do not meet outdoors in groups of more than six. Please wash your hands thoroughly and as often as possible. Let’s not act selfishly and instead keep the health of our loved ones and neighbours in mind at all times.’’
This article has been corrected. It originally referenced the latest rates as being to last Thursday and the latest provisional rates as being to last Friday. It should have read Wednesday (July 29) and Thursday (July 30) respectively.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--In 1997 someone stabbed this gentle joiner 18 times in his own hallway

As autumn mists descend she makes a visit every year .
For more than two decades on September 18th Vera McGrath has made her way through fallen leaves to the same plot .
There she places red and white roses on the grave of her son - the colours of his beloved Manchester United - to mark his birthday and remember his short life .
Then she waits - for justice .
Justice , which she once thought was in her grasp .
Paul McGrath , known as `` Maggie '' was murdered just after midnight on April 7th 1997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gentle , quiet man , a keen birdwatcher , whose terraced house was brimming with ornithology magazines and books .
In a frenzied attack he was stabbed 18 times in the hallway of his own home in Denton .
Police say he died purely because he was a friend of someone the killers were after .
Two men were later charged with his murder .
But after a trial in 1998 they were both cleared .
Paul 's father , Ronnie , never saw anyone convicted for taking his son 's life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 82 .
But Paul 's sisters , Gillian , and Debra , are determined the same fate will not befall his mother .
Gillian said : `` My mum needs to know that the truth will come out .
She is 81 and fabulous .
But she lost a child .
To see a parent bury a child is the worst thing in the world .
`` To see my mum on Paul 's birthday go into the cemetery with flowers for the last 23 years is horrendous .
My mum needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful , lovely woman , who has never harmed a fly and she has had to live with this .
All this needs to end . ''
Paul lived in Holland Street Denton alone , but had a girlfriend , and was planning to settle down .
A hard worker , he was employed by Manchester city council as a joiner based at Openshaw .
Gillian , 58 , said : `` He was a most decent person , no one has ever had a bad word to say about my brother .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong .
`` He was caring and a family man .
He loved his mother particularly .
He was a great brother to my sister and I and adored his nieces and nephews .
`` He left school at 16 and was a time served joiner , and worked six days a week .
He had recently got into a new relationship with a lovely woman and they were planning a future together .
`` He would very much have liked to have children of his own .
He was wonderful with mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would have happened and he has been robbed of that . ''
On the evening of April 6th 1997 Paul had been visiting local pubs with friends , including the Stamford Arms in Denton Road , Audenshaw , the Dog and Partridge in Ashton Road , Denton , and the Silver Springs pub in the town .
Gillian said : `` It was a Sunday , it was quite nice weather .
He had bumped into my dad in one of the local pubs and had a chat with him .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went home alone because his girlfriend had got to get up early the next day for work .
`` He got his stuff ready for work the next day - that was all laid out .
He had gone to bed and then at approximately 1am two men knocked at his door - hammered his door .
`` Paul , innocently , got out of bed in his boxer shorts , turned the burglar alarm off , and answered the door , and the two men brutally stabbed him to death .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatsoever .
What we think is that he had a friend to whom he was very loyal who was in a family dispute - a vendetta that got out of hand - it had nothing at all to do with Paul .
`` Paul was not involved at all and we can only believe they were looking for that person . ''
Gillian said : `` It was horrendous , none of my family had ever been to a court house before .
When we arrived at Ashton Magistrates Court there were armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most intimidating , frightening experience .
`` But we had every confidence at that stage that justice would prevail . ''
In March 1998 two men went on trial at Manchester Crown Court .
Prosecutor , Howard Bentham QC , claimed that a long-running feud led to the attack on Paul .
He alleged that John Andrews , 54 , and Michael White , 29 , had killed Paul .
Both denied murder .
Mr Bentham claimed that a dispute between Mr Andrews and another man lay at the heart of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife , and lodger , Mr White , in Denton , a mile away from where the man he was in dispute with lived in Holland Street , Denton , a few doors away from his friend , Mr McGrath .
Bad blood had erupted between Mr Andrews and the other man - after Mr Andrews ' daughter went to live with the other man , Mr Bentham claimed .
He said Mr Andrews did not approve of the man .
It was claimed in court that matters came to a head when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White were entering a club at the same time as a party including the man were leaving .
Mr Bentham told the court : `` Fuelled by alcohol and hatred they resolved to do something about it . ''
The prosecution claimed Mr Andrews and Mr White went to Holland Street arriving soon after midnight and began kicking and banging on Mr McGrath 's door .
Mr Bentham claimed a tiny fragment of the kitchen knife used in the murder was found at the scene .
It matched a set found at Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that footprints at the scene matched those of trainers being worn by Andrews and White .
However a jury cleared Mr White and Mr Andrews of murder .
Gillian said the jury returned its verdict after half an hour of deliberation .
`` My family has been devastated and torn apart .
My mum , after the verdict , did not get out of bed for days .
To see a mother go through such pain and anguish was heartbreaking .
`` My father never got over it .
He carried it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt it was his duty to protect his children , and he felt he had let Paul down , that he could n't protect him .
`` My dad carried that with him always and Paul 's nieces and nephews were all very damaged by it .
How do you explain to young children that their beloved uncle has been murdered .
`` They were terrified that every time I left the house the same would happen to me .
The consequences were so widespread that we have never got over it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas , there is just that empty chair in the room .
It just does n't go away . ''
`` I have tried to talk publicly about this for years .
I feel we have had obstacles put in our way .
`` It is through myself and my sister continuously pushing this that we are able to make this appeal .
`` We are grateful , however , that GMP are doing this and putting up a reward that will be life-changing to someone . ''
`` Two decades have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain , this family is still hurting .
`` There are people out there who can tell police in minute detail what happened .
I hope their consciences will allow them to do this - tell the truth .
`` Let 's put an end to this for my mum . ''
Paul was a pupil at Egerton Park Comprehensive in Denton , before obtaining a City and Guilds qualification in joinery at Tameside College of Technology .
Gillian said : `` He was quite a quiet man really .
His interest was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every bird in the UK .
His house was full of bird magazines and he loved travelling and experiencing different cultures .
He went abroad watching United .
`` If my sister or I needed a door hanging or any joinery he would come round to do it .
He was extremely generous - kind , loyal , and lovely .
We miss him every single day . ''
Martin Bottomley , Head of Greater Manchester Police 's Cold Case Unit , said Paul 's body was found at 7.30am .
`` Workmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door ajar .
Inside the hallway he had been savagely attacked .
Justice has not been done in this case and we need to see it done .
`` Two men were later acquitted of Paul 's murder .
One has died .
`` What we need from the public or from forensic evidence , and we are still doing a forensic review - is new evidence .
`` My appeal is for someone who knows exactly what happened to come forward . ''
The initial investigation was marked by an astonishing element @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of circumstances relating to murder - then withdrew their statement .
A £50,000 reward is on offer from GMP in a bid to catch the killers .
Several weeks before Paul 's murder another friend of the man that Mr Andrews was in dispute with was attacked with a snooker ball placed in a sock , but the incident was never formally reported to police .
Mr Bottomley said : `` There are people who know exactly what has happened .
Those responsible will have told family , and friends - and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul had no gripe with anybody .
Paul was completely innocent of all of this .
There was another tragic outcome of Paul 's murder .
He doted on his nephew , Kieron , taking him to football training every week at Hyde United , and occasionally to watch Manchester United .
Kieron 's mother , Debra , said : `` Every week he would take his eldest nephew , Kieron to football training , and every Sunday morning to the matches , he never missed it .
`` People did think he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that much time with him . ''
Debra , 54 , said : `` I think as a consequence of this he turned to drink .
He was 12 going on 13 when Paul died .
It hit him most .
They were very close .
`` Kieron played for Hyde United from the age of about five .
No matter what the weather was Paul would be there for him . ''
Gillian said : `` They not only robbed us of Paul , but also my sister 's son . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can call GMP 's Cold Case Unit on 0161 856 5978 .

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As autumn mists descend she makes a visit every year.
For more than two decades on September 18th Vera McGrath has made her way through fallen leaves to the same plot.
There she places red and white roses on the grave of her son - the colours of his beloved Manchester United - to mark his birthday and remember his short life. Then she waits - for justice.
Justice, which she once thought was in her grasp.
Paul McGrath, known as "Maggie" was murdered just after midnight on April 7th 1997. He was 34.
He was a gentle, quiet man, a keen birdwatcher, whose terraced house was brimming with ornithology magazines and books.
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
In a frenzied attack he was stabbed 18 times in the hallway of his own home in Denton.
Police say he died purely because he was a friend of someone the killers were after.
Two men were later charged with his murder. But after a trial in 1998 they were both cleared.
Paul's father, Ronnie, never saw anyone convicted for taking his son's life. He died five years ago, aged 82.
But Paul's sisters, Gillian, and Debra, are determined the same fate will not befall his mother.
Gillian said: "My mum needs to know that the truth will come out. She is 81 and fabulous. But she lost a child. To see a parent bury a child is the worst thing in the world.
"To see my mum on Paul's birthday go into the cemetery with flowers for the last 23 years is horrendous. My mum needs to have justice. She is a beautiful, lovely woman, who has never harmed a fly and she has had to live with this. All this needs to end."
Paul lived in Holland Street Denton alone, but had a girlfriend, and was planning to settle down.
A hard worker, he was employed by Manchester city council as a joiner based at Openshaw.
Gillian, 58, said: "He was a most decent person, no one has ever had a bad word to say about my brother. He knew the difference between right and wrong.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"He was caring and a family man. He loved his mother particularly. He was a great brother to my sister and I and adored his nieces and nephews.
"He left school at 16 and was a time served joiner,and worked six days a week. He had recently got into a new relationship with a lovely woman and they were planning a future together.
"He would very much have liked to have children of his own. He was wonderful with mine and my sister's children.
"That would have happened and he has been robbed of that."
On the evening of April 6th 1997 Paul had been visiting local pubs with friends, including the Stamford Arms in Denton Road, Audenshaw, the Dog and Partridge in Ashton Road, Denton, and the Silver Springs pub in the town.
Gillian said: "It was a Sunday, it was quite nice weather. He had bumped into my dad in one of the local pubs and had a chat with him.
"At the end of the evening Paul went home alone because his girlfriend had got to get up early the next day for work.
"He got his stuff ready for work the next day - that was all laid out. He had gone to bed and then at approximately 1am two men knocked at his door - hammered his door.
"Paul, innocently, got out of bed in his boxer shorts, turned the burglar alarm off, and answered the door, and the two men brutally stabbed him to death.
"There is no motive to kill Paul whatsoever. What we think is that he had a friend to whom he was very loyal who was in a family dispute - a vendetta that got out of hand - it had nothing at all to do with Paul.
"Paul was not involved at all and we can only believe they were looking for that person."
Within ten days police had made arrests.
Gillian said: "It was horrendous, none of my family had ever been to a court house before. When we arrived at Ashton Magistrates Court there were armed police on the stairwells, it was the most intimidating, frightening experience.
"But we had every confidence at that stage that justice would prevail."
In March 1998 two men went on trial at Manchester Crown Court.
Prosecutor, Howard Bentham QC, claimed that a long-running feud led to the attack on Paul.
He alleged that John Andrews, 54, and Michael White, 29, had killed Paul. Both denied murder.
Mr Bentham claimed that a dispute between Mr Andrews and another man lay at the heart of the matter.
Mr Andrews lived with his wife, and lodger, Mr White, in Denton, a mile away from where the man he was in dispute with lived in Holland Street, Denton, a few doors away from his friend, Mr McGrath.
Bad blood had erupted between Mr Andrews and the other man - after Mr Andrews' daughter went to live with the other man, Mr Bentham claimed.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
He said Mr Andrews did not approve of the man.
It was claimed in court that matters came to a head when a group including Mr Andrews and Mr White were entering a club at the same time as a party including the man were leaving.
Mr Bentham told the court: "Fuelled by alcohol and hatred they resolved to do something about it."
The prosecution claimed Mr Andrews and Mr White went to Holland Street arriving soon after midnight and began kicking and banging on Mr McGrath's door.
Mr Bentham claimed a tiny fragment of the kitchen knife used in the murder was found at the scene. It matched a set found at Mr Andrews' home.
He also claimed that footprints at the scene matched those of trainers being worn by Andrews and White.
However a jury cleared Mr White and Mr Andrews of murder.
Mr Andrews died in 2015.
Gillian said the jury returned its verdict after half an hour of deliberation.
"My family has been devastated and torn apart. My mum, after the verdict, did not get out of bed for days. To see a mother go through such pain and anguish was heartbreaking.
"My father never got over it. He carried it with him. As a father he always felt it was his duty to protect his children, and he felt he had let Paul down, that he couldn't protect him.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"My dad carried that with him always and Paul's nieces and nephews were all very damaged by it. How do you explain to young children that their beloved uncle has been murdered.
"They were terrified that every time I left the house the same would happen to me. The consequences were so widespread that we have never got over it.
"Whether it is birthdays, or Christmas, there is just that empty chair in the room. It just doesn't go away."
"I have tried to talk publicly about this for years. I feel we have had obstacles put in our way.
"It is through myself and my sister continuously pushing this that we are able to make this appeal.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"We are grateful, however, that GMP are doing this and putting up a reward that will be life-changing to someone."
"Two decades have gone by. This family is still in pain, this family is still hurting.
"There are people out there who can tell police in minute detail what happened. I hope their consciences will allow them to do this - tell the truth.
"Let's put an end to this for my mum."
Paul was a pupil at Egerton Park Comprehensive in Denton, before obtaining a City and Guilds qualification in joinery at Tameside College of Technology.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Gillian said: "He was quite a quiet man really. His interest was birdwatching - he knew the identity of every bird in the UK. His house was full of bird magazines and he loved travelling and experiencing different cultures. He went abroad watching United.
"If my sister or I needed a door hanging or any joinery he would come round to do it. He was extremely generous - kind, loyal, and lovely. We miss him every single day."
Martin Bottomley, Head of Greater Manchester Police's Cold Case Unit, said Paul's body was found at 7.30am.
"Workmen on a Monday morning found Paul's door ajar. Inside the hallway he had been savagely attacked. Justice has not been done in this case and we need to see it done.
"Two men were later acquitted of Paul's murder. One has died.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"What we need from the public or from forensic evidence, and we are still doing a forensic review - is new evidence.
"My appeal is for someone who knows exactly what happened to come forward."
The initial investigation was marked by an astonishing element. One witness gave a detailed statement of circumstances relating to murder - then withdrew their statement.
A £50,000 reward is on offer from GMP in a bid to catch the killers.
Several weeks before Paul's murder another friend of the man that Mr Andrews was in dispute with was attacked with a snooker ball placed in a sock, but the incident was never formally reported to police.
Mr Bottomley said: "There are people who know exactly what has happened. Those responsible will have told family, and friends - and they need to search their consciences.
"Paul had no gripe with anybody. Paul was completely innocent of all of this.
There was another tragic outcome of Paul's murder.
He doted on his nephew, Kieron, taking him to football training every week at Hyde United, and occasionally to watch Manchester United.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Kieron's mother, Debra, said: "Every week he would take his eldest nephew, Kieron to football training, and every Sunday morning to the matches, he never missed it.
"People did think he was his dad, because he spent that much time with him."
Kieron died, aged just 22.
Debra, 54, said: "I think as a consequence of this he turned to drink. He was 12 going on 13 when Paul died. It hit him most. They were very close.
"Kieron played for Hyde United from the age of about five. No matter what the weather was Paul would be there for him."
Gillian said: "They not only robbed us of Paul, but also my sister's son."
Anyone with information on Paul's murder can call GMP's Cold Case Unit on 0161 856 5978.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Can my boss make me go back to the office? Employment rights explained

The government guidance on working from home changes from this weekend .
The previous messaging of ‘ work from home if you can ’ no longer applies as of yesterday , Saturday August 1 , despite the postponement of other lockdown easing measures .
Instead , employers have more discretion to ask staff to return to the workplace if it is safe to do so .
All businesses that ask their employees to return to work have been told they need to undertake a risk assessment and put in place various measures to protect their employees from contracting coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about returning to work or simply prefer not being in the workplace .
A recent YouGov survey showed the majority of employees working from home for the first time due to coronavirus hope to continue doing so in the future .
According to a study of 4,002 adults , nearly seven in 10 workers said they would like to carry on working this way when the crisis is over .
Having greater flexibility with working hours , having more time in the day due to no longer commuting , and being around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most popular advantages to being away from the office .
Laura Kearsley , partner in law firm Nelson 's employment team , has answered some questions and concerns that employees may have on returning to work amid coronavirus .
Can my boss make me come back ?
“ If you have been asked to return to work then you will be deemed to be absent without authorisation if you don ’ t show up .
You are unlikely to get paid for this and it may also be considered a disciplinary offence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do have a right under health and safety rules to protect themselves from danger , but it will be much more reasonable to discuss concerns with your employer and seek reassurance rather than just failing to attend.
” What measures should my employer be taking to keep me safe ?
“ Employers should ensure employees are observing the one metre plus social distancing rule .
They should also implement one-way systems to minimise contact and adopt frequent cleaning regimes.
” My employer is re-ope ning my workplace , but I 'm concerned there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do I have to go back if I have health and safety concerns ?
“ The government is urging employers and employees to discuss concerns they might have and approaches to ensuring that workplaces are safe .
`` The government has issued extensive guidance for employers to ensure that workplaces are 'Covid-19 secure ' and this includes completing a risk assessment .
“ Employees should offer suggestions to their employer if they think there are other measures that could be taken to protect the workforce .
We recommend trying to maintain an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their safety is being taken seriously .
“ Ultimately , if you do not attend work because of safety concerns , your employer could treat your absence as unauthorised and follow its disciplinary process .
“ Employees do have legal rights not to be dismissed for raising health and safety claims but in the current climate , it would be preferable to try everything to resolve the situation without resorting to litigation , which could take many months.
” I have colleagues that don ’ t adhere to the social distancing rules at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You should make your employer aware straight away and they should deal with this issue , potentially under the disciplinary policy.
” I have been shielding , can I refuse to go back to work ?
“ From August 1 , those in shielding categories are no longer required not to attend work .
Therefore , this will not be a valid reason for you or members of your household not to attend work .
`` You should discuss any concerns with your employer as they may be able to reassure you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this is Blackburn with Darwen , where shielding continues .
My workplace has re-opened but I don ’ t have childcare yet , where do I stand ?
“ If you don ’ t have childcare , returning to work might not be an option for you .
You can discuss with your employer whether you can be furloughed ( or remain on furlough for now ) or whether you can work from home in some capacity .
“ The Prime Minister has urged employers to protect parents and guardians that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no strict legal protection in place for anyone in this position.
” Can I ask to continue to be furloughed ?
“ Furlough requires the agreement of both parties ( employer and employee ) , so employees would need to seek agreement from their employer for any period of furlough to continue .
`` Employers will have to contribute to the costs of furloughed staff from August 1 , so they are less likely to agree to do this – especially if they have work for their staff to do .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees have childcare issues , employers can consider continuing furlough or moving to flexible furlough instead , so it ’ s worth discussing this with your employer.
” Should my employer provide me with PPE ?
“ There is no blanket requirement that all employees who attend work need PPE .
The guidance is specific to different industries/sectors and generally , if social distancing can be maintained , PPE will not be compulsory .
You should discuss any specific concerns or requirements with your employer.
” I have raised concerns with my employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they aren ’ t listening , what else should I do ?
“ If you have raised concerns with senior management but you don ’ t feel they have been addressed , you can consider whether to contact the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) about your concerns .
It is the government body with responsibility for safety in the workplace and can take enforcement action against employers who are lacking .
“ If you are in a dispute with your employer , you could also consider contacting ACAS , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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The government guidance on working from home changes from this weekend.
The previous messaging of ‘work from home if you can’ no longer applies as of yesterday, Saturday August 1, despite the postponement of other lockdown easing measures.
Instead, employers have more discretion to ask staff to return to the workplace if it is safe to do so.
All businesses that ask their employees to return to work have been told they need to undertake a risk assessment and put in place various measures to protect their employees from contracting coronavirus.
Despite this, many people are still concerned about returning to work or simply prefer not being in the workplace.
(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
A recent YouGov survey showed the majority of employees working from home for the first time due to coronavirus hope to continue doing so in the future.
According to a study of 4,002 adults, nearly seven in 10 workers said they would like to carry on working this way when the crisis is over.
Having greater flexibility with working hours, having more time in the day due to no longer commuting, and being around family more are cited as some of the most popular advantages to being away from the office.
Laura Kearsley, partner in law firm Nelson's employment team, has answered some questions and concerns that employees may have on returning to work amid coronavirus.
Can my boss make me come back?
“If you have been asked to return to work then you will be deemed to be absent without authorisation if you don’t show up. You are unlikely to get paid for this and it may also be considered a disciplinary offence," she said.
“Employees do have a right under health and safety rules to protect themselves from danger, but it will be much more reasonable to discuss concerns with your employer and seek reassurance rather than just failing to attend.”
What measures should my employer be taking to keep me safe?
“Employers should ensure employees are observing the one metre plus social distancing rule. They should also implement one-way systems to minimise contact and adopt frequent cleaning regimes.”
My employer is re-ope ning my workplace, but I'm concerned there isn't space for social distancing. Do I have to go back if I have health and safety concerns?
“The government is urging employers and employees to discuss concerns they might have and approaches to ensuring that workplaces are safe.
"The government has issued extensive guidance for employers to ensure that workplaces are 'Covid-19 secure' and this includes completing a risk assessment.
“Employees should offer suggestions to their employer if they think there are other measures that could be taken to protect the workforce. We recommend trying to maintain an open dialogue so employees can get reassurance that their safety is being taken seriously.
“Ultimately, if you do not attend work because of safety concerns, your employer could treat your absence as unauthorised and follow its disciplinary process.
“Employees do have legal rights not to be dismissed for raising health and safety claims but in the current climate, it would be preferable to try everything to resolve the situation without resorting to litigation, which could take many months.”
I have colleagues that don’t adhere to the social distancing rules at work – what shall I do?
“You should make your employer aware straight away and they should deal with this issue, potentially under the disciplinary policy.”
I have been shielding, can I refuse to go back to work?
“From August 1, those in shielding categories are no longer required not to attend work. Therefore, this will not be a valid reason for you or members of your household not to attend work.
"You should discuss any concerns with your employer as they may be able to reassure you about measures in place.”
The exception to this is Blackburn with Darwen, where shielding continues.
My workplace has re-opened but I don’t have childcare yet, where do I stand?
“If you don’t have childcare, returning to work might not be an option for you. You can discuss with your employer whether you can be furloughed (or remain on furlough for now) or whether you can work from home in some capacity.
“The Prime Minister has urged employers to protect parents and guardians that can’t return to work but there is no strict legal protection in place for anyone in this position.”
(Image: PA)
Can I ask to continue to be furloughed?
“Furlough requires the agreement of both parties (employer and employee), so employees would need to seek agreement from their employer for any period of furlough to continue.
"Employers will have to contribute to the costs of furloughed staff from August 1, so they are less likely to agree to do this – especially if they have work for their staff to do.
“If workloads have not picked up or employees have childcare issues, employers can consider continuing furlough or moving to flexible furlough instead, so it’s worth discussing this with your employer.”
Should my employer provide me with PPE?
“There is no blanket requirement that all employees who attend work need PPE. The guidance is specific to different industries/sectors and generally, if social distancing can be maintained, PPE will not be compulsory. You should discuss any specific concerns or requirements with your employer.”
I have raised concerns with my employer that I don’t feel safe but they aren’t listening, what else should I do?
“If you have raised concerns with senior management but you don’t feel they have been addressed, you can consider whether to contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about your concerns. It is the government body with responsibility for safety in the workplace and can take enforcement action against employers who are lacking.
“If you are in a dispute with your employer, you could also consider contacting ACAS, the government body that conciliate employment disputes.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--End of an era as closure of Belle Vue greyhound stadium confirmed

The historic Belle Vue greyhound stadium will close permanently , it 's been confirmed .
Belle Vue is believed to be the biggest and oldest dog track in the country .
They said there was 'no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium ' and the national coronavirus lockdown 'has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue , with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business ' .
All staff will be made redundant as a result , the statement added .
The stadium in Gorton - which dates back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind in the north west - was previously home to speedway team Belle Vue Aces .
It still hosted greyhound and stock car racing .
Councillors last year approved controversial plans for houses and flats at the site on Kirkmanshulme Lane .
The decision followed a long-running campaign led by trainers and others to save the venue , although animal rights groups backed the housing proposals .
The owners said every avenue had been explored , but the 'significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that ... there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
Remaining Belle Vue trainers will receive welfare support payments until the end of September .
The statement said : `` Arena Racing Company can today confirm the outcome of a consultation process regarding Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium .
`` The decision has been made that there is no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium and employees of the site will be made redundant .
`` As a stadium that relies heavily on attendance , catering and hospitality , the national lockdown has had a particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business .
`` The significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that , despite exploring every avenue , there is no choice but to confirm closure . ''
Director of ARC 's Racing Division , Mark Spincer , said : `` The closure of Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium has been an incredibly difficult one to make , especially given the history associated with the stadium , but our consultation on options moving forward could not see a manner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As stated previously , the effects of the national lockdown , alongside the significant uncertainty over when , and in what manner , crowds may be able to return has had a huge impact on Belle Vue in particular , given its reliance on public attendance .
`` We will continue to provide welfare support payments to the remaining Belle Vue trainers , not currently racing at other stadia , until the end of September , and assist with any homing requirements during that time .
`` It goes without saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the staff at Belle Vue and everyone associated to the site for their hard work and loyalty over the years and throughout this process . ''

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The historic Belle Vue greyhound stadium will close permanently, it's been confirmed.
Belle Vue is believed to be the biggest and oldest dog track in the country.
Owners Arena Racing Company issued a statement which confirmed the closure.
They said there was 'no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium' and the national coronavirus lockdown 'has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue, with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business'.
All staff will be made redundant as a result, the statement added.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
The stadium in Gorton - which dates back to 1926 and is the last of its kind in the north west - was previously home to speedway team Belle Vue Aces.
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
It still hosted greyhound and stock car racing.
Councillors last year approved controversial plans for houses and flats at the site on Kirkmanshulme Lane.
The decision followed a long-running campaign led by trainers and others to save the venue, although animal rights groups backed the housing proposals.
The owners said every avenue had been explored, but the 'significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that... there is no choice but to confirm closure'.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Remaining Belle Vue trainers will receive welfare support payments until the end of September.
The statement said: "Arena Racing Company can today confirm the outcome of a consultation process regarding Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium.
"The decision has been made that there is no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium and employees of the site will be made redundant.
"As a stadium that relies heavily on attendance, catering and hospitality, the national lockdown has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue, with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business.
(Image: Manchester Local Image Collection)
"The significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that, despite exploring every avenue, there is no choice but to confirm closure."
Director of ARC's Racing Division, Mark Spincer, said: "The closure of Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium has been an incredibly difficult one to make, especially given the history associated with the stadium, but our consultation on options moving forward could not see a manner in which the business could support itself.
"As stated previously, the effects of the national lockdown, alongside the significant uncertainty over when, and in what manner, crowds may be able to return has had a huge impact on Belle Vue in particular, given its reliance on public attendance.
"We will continue to provide welfare support payments to the remaining Belle Vue trainers, not currently racing at other stadia, until the end of September, and assist with any homing requirements during that time.
"It goes without saying that we are very grateful to all of the staff at Belle Vue and everyone associated to the site for their hard work and loyalty over the years and throughout this process."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Man United great Vidic names unsung hero behind Ferdinand partnership

Nemanja Vidic has hailed the unseen impact of Edwin van der Sar on his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Manchester United defence .
Vidic and Ferdinand struck up an iconic partnership in the United backline under Sir Alex Ferguson , winning five Premier League titles together and making a combined 755 appearances for the club .
But the Serb insists they were only as good as they were because of the performances of the Dutch goalkeeper behind them and his ability to make his central defenders feel at ease .
`` So much is said about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I have to mention the role that Edwin played in our relationship .
He was a big part of it , '' Vidic told the United website .
`` He was experienced , really good on the ball and he was always there as well .
He could see the whole pitch and he was there to help .
If I didn ’ t see something or Rio didn ’ t see something , he was there to help .
`` What ’ s important with Ed , he was 34 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think , so he already had so much experience .
What ’ s important for us as defenders is to trust your goalkeeper , and we trusted Ed .
`` It doesn ’ t matter where the player is shooting from .
If he ’ s outside the box , you ’ re not worried that much .
You let him shoot because you know Ed will cover that .
`` We worked on that too and Ed was good at it , especially in the beginning when we started .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need in certain situations and Ed was great at it . ''
Van der Sar signed for United in 2005 and went on to make 266 appearances for the club , with Vidic hailing his communication and positioning as vital attributes .
`` Communication and calmness was a huge part of Ed ’ s game .
He would always put himself in the position where he had to be .
He really was great at that , '' he said .
`` With the size of him , if he put himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s very difficult to score against him .
He ’ s not a small goalkeeper who ’ s going to fly two metres to keep out shots in the corner – he did do that sometimes , in the Champions League especially – but almost all the time he ’ s the person who ’ s going to be in the right position at the right time .
`` He was a big part .
A lot of people forget how good he was and how important he was for our team at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rio . ''

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Nemanja Vidic has hailed the unseen impact of Edwin van der Sar on his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
Vidic and Ferdinand struck up an iconic partnership in the United backline under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning five Premier League titles together and making a combined 755 appearances for the club.
But the Serb insists they were only as good as they were because of the performances of the Dutch goalkeeper behind them and his ability to make his central defenders feel at ease.
"So much is said about the partnership Rio and I had, but I have to mention the role that Edwin played in our relationship. He was a big part of it," Vidic told the United website.
"He was experienced, really good on the ball and he was always there as well. He could see the whole pitch and he was there to help. If I didn’t see something or Rio didn’t see something, he was there to help.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"What’s important with Ed, he was 34 or 35 when he came to United, I think, so he already had so much experience. What’s important for us as defenders is to trust your goalkeeper, and we trusted Ed.
"It doesn’t matter where the player is shooting from. If he’s outside the box, you’re not worried that much. You let him shoot because you know Ed will cover that.
"We worked on that too and Ed was good at it, especially in the beginning when we started. Those experienced players give you that calmness that you need in certain situations and Ed was great at it."
Van der Sar signed for United in 2005 and went on to make 266 appearances for the club, with Vidic hailing his communication and positioning as vital attributes.
"Communication and calmness was a huge part of Ed’s game. He would always put himself in the position where he had to be. He really was great at that," he said.
"With the size of him, if he put himself in a good position then it’s very difficult to score against him. He’s not a small goalkeeper who’s going to fly two metres to keep out shots in the corner – he did do that sometimes, in the Champions League especially – but almost all the time he’s the person who’s going to be in the right position at the right time.
"He was a big part. A lot of people forget how good he was and how important he was for our team at that time, and especially for me and Rio."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Another eight UK coronavirus deaths reported in last 24 hours

A further eight coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in the UK - bringing the UK death toll to more than 46,200 .
According to figures published on the Public Health England ( PHE ) data dashboard on Sunday , an additional eight deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours , and a further 744 coronavirus tests came back positive .
This brings the total UK death toll provided by the government to 46,201 - up from 46,193 on Saturday .
The death toll includes deaths in hospitals , care homes and the wider community .
As of Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK stands at 304,695 .
A further five people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,347 , NHS England said .
Patients were aged between 52 and 86 years old , and all had known underlying health conditions .
The Department of Health has paused the publication of its daily death figures while a review is conducted into how the data is compiled by PHE .
Today 's daily figures follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , and another 771 lab-confirmed cases in the UK .
In a press briefing on Friday , the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) had reported that the prevalence of the virus in the community in England was likely to be rising for the first time since May .
He said that the ONS estimates there are now 4,900 new infections every day , up from around 3,000 per day on July 14 and 2,000 a day at the end of June .
The latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that an infected person passes the virus on to - is estimated to be between 0.8-0.9 , with a higher figure in the North West of between 0.8-1.1 .
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) more than 56,400 coronavirus-related deaths have been registered in the UK .

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A further eight coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in the UK - bringing the UK death toll to more than 46,200.
According to figures published on the Public Health England (PHE) data dashboard on Sunday, an additional eight deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, and a further 744 coronavirus tests came back positive.
This brings the total UK death toll provided by the government to 46,201 - up from 46,193 on Saturday.
The death toll includes deaths in hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
As of Sunday, August 2, the total number of lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK stands at 304,695.
A further five people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,347, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 52 and 86 years old, and all had known underlying health conditions.
The Department of Health has paused the publication of its daily death figures while a review is conducted into how the data is compiled by PHE.
Today's daily figures follow a further 74 Covid-19 deaths confirmed on Saturday, and another 771 lab-confirmed cases in the UK.
In a press briefing on Friday, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Office for National Statistics (ONS) had reported that the prevalence of the virus in the community in England was likely to be rising for the first time since May.
He said that the ONS estimates there are now 4,900 new infections every day, up from around 3,000 per day on July 14 and 2,000 a day at the end of June.
The latest R rate - the average number of people that an infected person passes the virus on to - is estimated to be between 0.8-0.9, with a higher figure in the North West of between 0.8-1.1.
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) more than 56,400 coronavirus-related deaths have been registered in the UK.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--The families confused about new shielding guidance

Families who have been shielding throughout lockdown have spoken of their fears around the lifting of measures despite Greater Manchester 's rising infection rates .
The Prime Minister has said that shielding will still end this weekend despite the local lockdown - for everyone except those in Blackburn or Darwen and other high risk areas of the country .
But people in Greater Manchester who have been shielding told the Manchester Evening News they would either continue as they were - or venture out reluctantly only because they no longer have the Government 's protection and have to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said those who are clinically vulnerable will still be allowed out as planned , despite the limited new restrictions .
This is because , the government says , they know how the virus has spread and in what situations - hence the 'specific and limited ' measures .
The government site reads : `` Clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer have to follow the shielding guidance from the 1 August , unless they live in Blackburn with Darwen in the North West and other local affected areas across England where shielding continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been shielding make of it all ?
The Manchester Evening News spoke to some of those who have been shielding throughout the crisis .
Amid the rising infection level , some families will continue shielding despite the lifting of official guidance .
Connor Shaw , 20 , from Chorlton , was born with a congenital heart condition which means only half his heart was developed .
Aged just three , he suffered multiple organ failure and was given just days to live before a heart transplant saved his life .
Maria Chebrika-Shaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further complications led to him fearing they would lose their son 'many times ' .
Now 21 , Connor and his family have had to be incredibly cautious throughout lockdown - and plan to continue shielding despite the official guidance .
Maria , 53 , told the Manchester Evening News : `` To be honest we had presumed we would have to keep shielding - it 's all so confusing - and we will be carrying on .
Connor wo n't be going anywhere .
`` He does n't want to venture out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It means Connor will spend his 21st birthday at home - and without the relatives who had been invited to visit him in the garden .
Maria added : `` Our next trip will be on August 17 to Newcastle for his transplant clinic . ''
The family is not happy about how the local lockdown was communicated .
Maria added : `` I think if they 'd have come out and explained everything properly as opposed to the night before it would n't have left everyone so confused .
`` To be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much different anyway .
We are always cautious with Connor .
It 's just learning to cope and live with it .
`` We were always cautious anyway with anyone coming to the house because his immune system is so low . ''
Doreen Renshaw , 60 , and her son Lee , 32 , who has Down 's Syndrome , also plan to carry on shielding despite the Government guidance .
Doreen , who lives in Failsworth , said : `` We will continue to shield .
Lee has had a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital so I 'm not ready to let him back out to anywhere yet .
`` I 'm not ready .
A lot of children with Down 's will give each other infections - they do n't realise how to social distance .
`` We have got used to staying in now , it 's been five months .
I think the new measures are for the best because the virus has risen .
I 'm very scared about getting it and very scared about Lee getting it . ''
Some families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work - despite their fears over contracting Covid-19 .
One dad , 55 , from Walkden , who has asked not to be named , has been shielding his son , 14 , since the start of the outbreak because he has a serious medical condition .
Next week , he will have to return to work as a support worker .
He said : `` They only extended shielding in Blackburn and Darwen and if I do n't go back to work I 'm not going to get paid because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My work has been brilliant as I 've been off since the start but I have no choice now but to go back .
`` I am worried .
I work in an environment where Covid-19 `` is quite high risk . ''
He said he would be wearing PPE and taking all precautions he could .
Cathy McLoughlin , 58 , from Moss Side , who lives with her partner , has been shielding since April 8 because she has had breast cancer , chemotherapy and lives with an auto-immune condition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would have had to return to work today because of the eased shielding measures .
However , she is so concerned about that high-risk environment she has obtained a four-week sick note from her GP .
She added : `` I think they should keep the shielding in line with the levels of infection .
`` They were supposed to be pausing shielding in case the levels rose but it has risen and yet they are pausing shielding .
It obviously will be putting people in danger or they would n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to someone 's garden or household .
`` It does n't make sense .
For me it 's more of a mental health thing .
I do n't want to go back to work because I 'm transporting patients - it 's exactly the place where people have Covid-19 . ''
But Cathy recognises that she can not put off a return to work indefinitely .
She added : `` It 's the not knowing - nobody knows what 's going to happen .
If in four weeks we are n't back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and suffer the consequences . ''

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Families who have been shielding throughout lockdown have spoken of their fears around the lifting of measures despite Greater Manchester's rising infection rates.
The Prime Minister has said that shielding will still end this weekend despite the local lockdown - for everyone except those in Blackburn or Darwen and other high risk areas of the country.
But people in Greater Manchester who have been shielding told the Manchester Evening News they would either continue as they were - or venture out reluctantly only because they no longer have the Government's protection and have to go to work.
It comes as the Government said those who are clinically vulnerable will still be allowed out as planned, despite the limited new restrictions.
This is because, the government says, they know how the virus has spread and in what situations - hence the 'specific and limited' measures.
The government site reads: "Clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer have to follow the shielding guidance from the 1 August, unless they live in Blackburn with Darwen in the North West and other local affected areas across England where shielding continues."
But what do those who have been shielding make of it all? The Manchester Evening News spoke to some of those who have been shielding throughout the crisis.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Amid the rising infection level, some families will continue shielding despite the lifting of official guidance.
Connor Shaw, 20, from Chorlton, was born with a congenital heart condition which means only half his heart was developed.
Aged just three, he suffered multiple organ failure and was given just days to live before a heart transplant saved his life.
Maria Chebrika-Shaw, Connor's mum, has said further complications led to him fearing they would lose their son 'many times'.
Now 21, Connor and his family have had to be incredibly cautious throughout lockdown - and plan to continue shielding despite the official guidance.
Maria, 53, told the Manchester Evening News: "To be honest we had presumed we would have to keep shielding - it's all so confusing - and we will be carrying on. Connor won't be going anywhere.
"He doesn't want to venture out - it's too soon."
It means Connor will spend his 21st birthday at home - and without the relatives who had been invited to visit him in the garden.
Maria added: "Our next trip will be on August 17 to Newcastle for his transplant clinic."
The family is not happy about how the local lockdown was communicated.
Maria added: "I think if they'd have come out and explained everything properly as opposed to the night before it wouldn't have left everyone so confused.
"To be fair we won't be doing anything much different anyway. We are always cautious with Connor. It's just learning to cope and live with it.
"We were always cautious anyway with anyone coming to the house because his immune system is so low."
Doreen Renshaw, 60, and her son Lee, 32, who has Down's Syndrome, also plan to carry on shielding despite the Government guidance.
Doreen, who lives in Failsworth, said: "We will continue to shield. Lee has had a very bad stomach bug and he's been to hospital so I'm not ready to let him back out to anywhere yet.
"I'm not ready. A lot of children with Down's will give each other infections - they don't realise how to social distance.
"We have got used to staying in now, it's been five months. I think the new measures are for the best because the virus has risen. I'm very scared about getting it and very scared about Lee getting it."
Some families now have no choice but to return to work - despite their fears over contracting Covid-19.
One dad, 55, from Walkden, who has asked not to be named, has been shielding his son, 14, since the start of the outbreak because he has a serious medical condition.
Next week, he will have to return to work as a support worker.
He said: "They only extended shielding in Blackburn and Darwen and if I don't go back to work I'm not going to get paid because they have had me on furlough.
"My work has been brilliant as I've been off since the start but I have no choice now but to go back.
"I am worried. I work in an environment where Covid-19 "is quite high risk."
He said he would be wearing PPE and taking all precautions he could.
Cathy McLoughlin, 58, from Moss Side, who lives with her partner, has been shielding since April 8 because she has had breast cancer, chemotherapy and lives with an auto-immune condition.
Cathy, who works in hospital transport, would have had to return to work today because of the eased shielding measures.
However, she is so concerned about that high-risk environment she has obtained a four-week sick note from her GP.
She added: "I think they should keep the shielding in line with the levels of infection.
"They were supposed to be pausing shielding in case the levels rose but it has risen and yet they are pausing shielding. It obviously will be putting people in danger or they wouldn't be saying to other people not go to to someone's garden or household.
"It doesn't make sense. For me it's more of a mental health thing. I don't want to go back to work because I'm transporting patients - it's exactly the place where people have Covid-19."
But Cathy recognises that she cannot put off a return to work indefinitely.
She added: "It's the not knowing - nobody knows what's going to happen. If in four weeks we aren't back in lockdown I'll have to go to work and suffer the consequences."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--One more person has died with coronavirus in Greater Manchester's hospitals

One more person has died with coronavirus in Greater Manchester 's hospitals .
It means the region 's hospital death toll now stands at 2,141 , latest NHS figures show .
The latest death took place at a hospital run by Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust .
Across England five people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,347 , NHS England said .
Patients were aged between 52 and 86 years old , and all had known underlying health conditions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trusts in Greater Manchester , as of Sunday , August 2 , stands at : Each day the NHS in England publishes the number of deaths recorded by each hospital trust in the last 24 hour period .
These are deaths where the person had tested positive for the virus or where COVID-19 was mentioned on their death certificate .
These sometimes include previously uncounted deaths that took place several days - or even weeks ago .
However they do not include deaths in care homes , the community or other settings .

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One more person has died with coronavirus in Greater Manchester's hospitals.
It means the region's hospital death toll now stands at 2,141, latest NHS figures show.
The latest death took place at a hospital run by Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Across England five people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 29,347, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 52 and 86 years old, and all had known underlying health conditions.
The total number of coronavirus deaths at hospital trusts in Greater Manchester, as of Sunday, August 2, stands at:
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust - 226
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - 9
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust - 445
NHS Nightingale Hospital North West - 6
Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - 559
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust - 6
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust - 180
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust - 227
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust - 217
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust - 13
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust - 253
Each day the NHS in England publishes the number of deaths recorded by each hospital trust in the last 24 hour period.
These are deaths where the person had tested positive for the virus or where COVID-19 was mentioned on their death certificate.
These sometimes include previously uncounted deaths that took place several days - or even weeks ago.
However they do not include deaths in care homes, the community or other settings.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Corrie fans convinced Geoff is going to commit murder

Coronation Street fans think the behaviour of Geoff Metcalfe is going to take a darker turn as he becomes a killer .
For months the Corrie villain has been bullying and torturing his wife Yasmeen , but he 's painted her as the abuser as she awaits trial for his attempted murder .
However fans are worried for the safety of three characters as the truth looks set to come out .
Next week his ex wife Philippa , who changed her name to Elaine Jones after fleeing her abusive marriage , is horrified to come face to face with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in danger , especially as she 's agreed to give evidence supporting Yasmeen .
`` I think Geoff murders Elaine then blames Tim !
!
!
! ''
said one fan on the Manchester Evening News Coronation Street fan chat Facebook page .
`` Elaine do n't die she is the key to finally taking geoff down for good , '' begged another viewer .
Viewers are also concerned for his granddaughter Faye Windass who accidentally walks into the drama when she spots him rowing with Elaine , played by Paul Wilcox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asks Geoff who he was arguing with in the ginnel .
But the evil character played by Ian Bartholomew , insists she is a mad woman and he has no idea who she is .
Fans think with the pressure piling on him he could turn on Faye .
`` Will Geoff turn on young Faye as his next victim just before the trial and will he be caught doing it by Sally ? ''
wondered another intrigued viewer .
Another character at risk from Geoff 's wrath is Yasmeen 's granddaughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case for a long time but has only recently learned the extent of Geoff 's abuse in this harrowing coercive control storyline .
Next week Alya blocks his way and threatens him with her broom as he tries to enter the restaurant , their family business .
`` Alya is also in his way , he might murder her too ! ''
warned another soap watcher .
Yasmeen is accused of attempted murder after she slashed him in the neck with a broken wine bottle .
She lashed out in terror after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bought for one of his escorts to drinks with family in the Rovers Return , then back at home he threw chips at her and hurled insults while brandishing a bread knife .
Last week he horrified viewers by acting creepily towards Rovers landlady Jenny Connor , calling her 'mummy ' and telling her : `` I 'm going to hug the life out of you when these restrictions are lifted . ''

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Coronation Street fans think the behaviour of Geoff Metcalfe is going to take a darker turn as he becomes a killer.
For months the Corrie villain has been bullying and torturing his wife Yasmeen, but he's painted her as the abuser as she awaits trial for his attempted murder.
However fans are worried for the safety of three characters as the truth looks set to come out.
Next week his ex wife Philippa, who changed her name to Elaine Jones after fleeing her abusive marriage, is horrified to come face to face with Geoff, and viewers think she could be in danger, especially as she's agreed to give evidence supporting Yasmeen.
"I think Geoff murders Elaine then blames Tim!!!!" said one fan on the Manchester Evening News Coronation Street fan chat Facebook page.
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
"Elaine don't die she is the key to finally taking geoff down for good," begged another viewer.
Viewers are also concerned for his granddaughter Faye Windass who accidentally walks into the drama when she spots him rowing with Elaine, played by Paula Wilcox.
Faye, played by Ellie Leach, asks Geoff who he was arguing with in the ginnel.
But the evil character played by Ian Bartholomew, insists she is a mad woman and he has no idea who she is.
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
Fans think with the pressure piling on him he could turn on Faye.
"Will Geoff turn on young Faye as his next victim just before the trial and will he be caught doing it by Sally?" wondered another intrigued viewer.
Another character at risk from Geoff's wrath is Yasmeen's granddaughter Alya Nazir who has been on his case for a long time but has only recently learned the extent of Geoff's abuse in this harrowing coercive control storyline.
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
Next week Alya blocks his way and threatens him with her broom as he tries to enter the restaurant, their family business.
"Alya is also in his way, he might murder her too!" warned another soap watcher.
Yasmeen is accused of attempted murder after she slashed him in the neck with a broken wine bottle.
She lashed out in terror after he forced her to wear a revealing dress bought for one of his escorts to drinks with family in the Rovers Return, then back at home he threw chips at her and hurled insults while brandishing a bread knife.
Last week he horrified viewers by acting creepily towards Rovers landlady Jenny Connor, calling her 'mummy' and telling her: "I'm going to hug the life out of you when these restrictions are lifted."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Student robbed three men at knifepoint after arranging to meet them on Grindr

A university student robbed three men at knifepoint after arranging to meet them through the gay dating app Grindr , a court heard .
David Aroge , 22 , brought a knife with him and stabbed two of his victims .
Manchester Crown Court heard that Aroge had been suffering from mental health problems at the time , and had been released from hospital days earlier .
A judge said Aroge 's culpability was 'greatly reduced ' by his mental illness .
Rather than being sent to prison , Aroge was sentenced to a hospital order and will be detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` These were terrifying incidents , and there can be no doubt but that this represents a catalogue of the most serious and violent premeditated offending , '' Judge Patrick Field QC told Aroge .
`` It is clear to me , however , that you are and were at the material time seriously mentally unwell .
`` You will remain detained until the tribunal decides that you are safe to be released . ''
Prosecutors told how Aroge , from Swinton , robbed the men over two days in March last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men 's cars , but a court heard Aroge had never had driving lessons and was unable to start the vehicles .
The first incident happened at about 7pm on March 25 , and came after Aroge had messaged his victim , a man in his 50s , on Grindr .
They discussed meeting for sex and agreed to meet , prosecutor Claire Brocklebank said .
After entering the man 's home in Prestwich , Aroge produced a kitchen knife and demanded the man 's car keys .
Aroge told the man to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him 'not to do anything silly ' .
He put a knife to the man 's back while he went down the stairs .
Aroge was unable to start the BMW with the keys , and ran off .
The man was not injured .
In a statement , he said he installed more security measures at his home following his ordeal .
About an hour later , Aroge robbed another man he had arranged to meet after speaking on Grindr .
He agreed to meet the man , in his 40s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They went to the man 's home in Prestwich , and after arriving Aroge pulled out a knife .
He demanded the man 's car keys , and threatened to kill him if he did n't comply .
The victim said : `` Well you will have to kill me then , as it 's not my car to give you . ''
Aroge then cut him to his throat , and stabbed him to the arm shortly after .
Again he struggled to start the car with the keys , and ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feared he 'd be killed , and said he now feels he ca n't trust anyone .
The four centimetre cut to his neck was closed without major injury .
The following day , Aroge committed the third robbery .
He met a man in his 20s at McDonald 's in Swinton again , and got into the man 's car .
Aroge began directing him to a 'friend 's flat ' , before he parked on a cul-de-sac in Pendlebury .
He pulled out a knife and put it to the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times to his left side .
There was a scuffle outside the car , and Aroge picked up a set of keys the man had dropped .
He left but returned shortly after , then punched the man to the face and fled .
A nearby resident heard the victim 's cries for help and assisted him .
The stabbing caused damage to his lungs and spleen , but he made a good physical recovery .
The court heard Aroge has been diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia .
Doctors said that Aroge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the condition 'out of the blue ' , after being a 'well behaved child ' and gaining a place at Middlesbrough University studying biomedical science .
Earlier in March last year , Aroge had been admitted to hospital but was discharged .
The court heard that he had been prescribed an anti-depressant prior to the attacks , which may have dis-inhibited him .
Defending , Nicola Gatto said Aroge was bisexual but came from a 'strict ' family .
The judge imposed a hospital order 'without limit of time ' .
Mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit to be released following treatment .
Aroge , formerly of Holden Drive , Swinton , pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery , three counts of possessing a blade in public and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm .

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A university student robbed three men at knifepoint after arranging to meet them through the gay dating app Grindr, a court heard.
David Aroge, 22, brought a knife with him and stabbed two of his victims.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Aroge had been suffering from mental health problems at the time, and had been released from hospital days earlier.
A judge said Aroge's culpability was 'greatly reduced' by his mental illness.
Rather than being sent to prison, Aroge was sentenced to a hospital order and will be detained at the Edenfield unit at Prestwich hospital.
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
"These were terrifying incidents, and there can be no doubt but that this represents a catalogue of the most serious and violent premeditated offending," Judge Patrick Field QC told Aroge.
"It is clear to me, however, that you are and were at the material time seriously mentally unwell.
"You will remain detained until the tribunal decides that you are safe to be released."
Prosecutors told how Aroge, from Swinton, robbed the men over two days in March last year.
He tried to steal the men's cars, but a court heard Aroge had never had driving lessons and was unable to start the vehicles.
The first incident happened at about 7pm on March 25, and came after Aroge had messaged his victim, a man in his 50s, on Grindr.
They discussed meeting for sex and agreed to meet, prosecutor Claire Brocklebank said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
After entering the man's home in Prestwich, Aroge produced a kitchen knife and demanded the man's car keys.
Aroge told the man to stop screaming, while his victim appealed for him 'not to do anything silly'.
He put a knife to the man's back while he went down the stairs.
Aroge was unable to start the BMW with the keys, and ran off.
The man was not injured. In a statement, he said he installed more security measures at his home following his ordeal.
About an hour later, Aroge robbed another man he had arranged to meet after speaking on Grindr.
He agreed to meet the man, in his 40s, at McDonald's in Swinton.
They went to the man's home in Prestwich, and after arriving Aroge pulled out a knife.
He demanded the man's car keys, and threatened to kill him if he didn't comply.
The victim said: "Well you will have to kill me then, as it's not my car to give you."
Aroge then cut him to his throat, and stabbed him to the arm shortly after.
Again he struggled to start the car with the keys, and ran off.
The man later said he feared he'd be killed, and said he now feels he can't trust anyone. The four centimetre cut to his neck was closed without major injury.
The following day, Aroge committed the third robbery.
He met a man in his 20s at McDonald's in Swinton again, and got into the man's car.
Aroge began directing him to a 'friend's flat', before he parked on a cul-de-sac in Pendlebury.
He pulled out a knife and put it to the man's throat. Aroge stabbed him five times to his left side.
There was a scuffle outside the car, and Aroge picked up a set of keys the man had dropped.
Greater Manchester court cases We have a dedicated Facebook group covering court cases across Greater Manchester. For all the latest trial coverage and sentencing join the group here. To download our app to get all the latest news visit here.
He left but returned shortly after, then punched the man to the face and fled.
A nearby resident heard the victim's cries for help and assisted him.
The stabbing caused damage to his lungs and spleen, but he made a good physical recovery.
The court heard Aroge has been diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia.
Doctors said that Aroge, who had no previous convictions, developed the condition 'out of the blue', after being a 'well behaved child' and gaining a place at Middlesbrough University studying biomedical science.
Earlier in March last year, Aroge had been admitted to hospital but was discharged.
The court heard that he had been prescribed an anti-depressant prior to the attacks, which may have dis-inhibited him.
Defending, Nicola Gatto said Aroge was bisexual but came from a 'strict' family.
The judge imposed a hospital order 'without limit of time'.
Mental health professionals will ultimately deem whether he is fit to be released following treatment.
Aroge, formerly of Holden Drive, Swinton, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, three counts of possessing a blade in public and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-02--Police officer cut from car after crash with 'stolen' horse box in Bolton

A police officer had to be cut out of a marked car after a serious crash with a horse box , which was believed to have been stolen , earlier today .
The collision happened in the early hours of Sunday on Thicketford Road in Bolton , near to the junction with Ainsworth Lane .
Images taken at the scene by Ady Taylor , station at manager at Bolton North and Horwich Fire Stations , showed both vehicles were badly damaged in the crash .
The horse box was knocked across the road and appeared to have hit a house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service , it had been stolen , but GMP have not confirmed the status of the horse box yet .
The police car came to a stop at the Ainsworth Lane junction .
Paramedics were called to treat the injured officer and firefighters from Bolton North Fire Station cut the vehicle 's doors off .
There were no reports of other injuries and the condition of the police officer is not known .
Sharing pictures from the scene on Twitter , Mr Taylor said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic collision ) involving a GMP Traffic Unit car and a stolen horse box .
`` GMP officer extricated by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service , technical rescue and the North West Ambulance Service .
`` Hopefully the fellow blue light responder is back on duty soon , no further casualties . ''
The road was closed while paramedics helped the injured officer and the vehicles were removed from the scene .
It has since been reopened .
Anyone with information about this incident can contact GMP on 101 .
Alternatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.gmp.police.uk .

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A police officer had to be cut out of a marked car after a serious crash with a horse box, which was believed to have been stolen, earlier today.
The collision happened in the early hours of Sunday on Thicketford Road in Bolton, near to the junction with Ainsworth Lane.
Images taken at the scene by Ady Taylor, station at manager at Bolton North and Horwich Fire Stations, showed both vehicles were badly damaged in the crash.
The horse box was knocked across the road and appeared to have hit a house opposite St Augustine's Parish Church.
According to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, it had been stolen, but GMP have not confirmed the status of the horse box yet.
(Image: Ady Taylor)
The police car came to a stop at the Ainsworth Lane junction. Paramedics were called to treat the injured officer and firefighters from Bolton North Fire Station cut the vehicle's doors off.
There were no reports of other injuries and the condition of the police officer is not known.
(Image: Ady Taylor)
Sharing pictures from the scene on Twitter, Mr Taylor said: "Turned out to an RTC (road traffic collision) involving a GMP Traffic Unit car and a stolen horse box.
"GMP officer extricated by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, technical rescue and the North West Ambulance Service.
"Hopefully the fellow blue light responder is back on duty soon, no further casualties."
(Image: Ady Taylor)
The road was closed while paramedics helped the injured officer and the vehicles were removed from the scene.
It has since been reopened.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact GMP on 101.
Alternatively, use the Live Chat feature at www.gmp.police.uk.