themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Estudiantes boss gives update on Man Utd defender Marcos Rojo's future

Estudiantes manager Leandro Desabato has admitted that Marcos Rojo will likely return to Manchester United upon the completion of his loan spell .
After only making nine appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season , Rojo was allowed to leave the club on loan in January to return to his native Argentina for the rest of the season .
However , the 30-year-old has only made a single appearance for Estudiantes as he once again struggled with injuries before coronavirus put a halt to the season .
The lack of game time at his boyhood club had come as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his desire to remain in Argentina when his loan expired .
`` If it depends on me , I will speak to Manchester United 's management about the possibility of staying here for another six months , '' Rojo told local radio programme Estudiantes Y Su Gente in April .
`` I will feel a tremendous sense of pain if I have to leave after playing in so few matches .
I am completely recovered now , and fit to play once more . ''
Yet , Rojo still has a year remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Desabato has admitted he is n't certain that the centre-back will stay at the club when his deal expires at the end of June .
“ We have to wait , but Rojo is likely to leave , ” he told Radio Late 931 , via SportWitness .
“ The loan is due , and if Manchester do not want to continue loaning , it ’ s understandable.
” Despite only playing once , Rojo 's time at Estudiantes has n't been without controversy and United had to remind him of his responsibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flouting social distancing rules in May .

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Estudiantes manager Leandro Desabato has admitted that Marcos Rojo will likely return to Manchester United upon the completion of his loan spell.
After only making nine appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, Rojo was allowed to leave the club on loan in January to return to his native Argentina for the rest of the season.
However, the 30-year-old has only made a single appearance for Estudiantes as he once again struggled with injuries before coronavirus put a halt to the season.
The lack of game time at his boyhood club had come as a big blow to Rojo and he outlined his desire to remain in Argentina when his loan expired.
"If it depends on me, I will speak to Manchester United's management about the possibility of staying here for another six months," Rojo told local radio programme Estudiantes Y Su Gente in April.
"I will feel a tremendous sense of pain if I have to leave after playing in so few matches. I am completely recovered now, and fit to play once more."
Yet, Rojo still has a year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and Desabato has admitted he isn't certain that the centre-back will stay at the club when his deal expires at the end of June.
“We have to wait, but Rojo is likely to leave,” he told Radio Late 931, via SportWitness.
“The loan is due, and if Manchester do not want to continue loaning, it’s understandable.”
Despite only playing once, Rojo's time at Estudiantes hasn't been without controversy and United had to remind him of his responsibilities after a video circulated showing him apparently flouting social distancing rules in May.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Man Utd front runners in Kai Havertz chase and more transfer rumours

Manchester United are ahead in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen sensation Kai Havertz , according to reports .
Although the upcoming transfer window is set to be radically different to those of the past in a post coronavirus world , M.E.N .
Sport understands that United are planning to press ahead with their plans to sign top targets .
Ideally , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would like to add a playmaker , winger and centre-midfielder to his squad and Havertz would be capable of filling in any of those positions on his own .
The 20-year-old was already regarded as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world and he has continued to impress following the resumption of the Bundesliga , scoring five goals in just four games to take his tally for the season up to 15 .
It 's no surprise that the versatile attacker - who can lead the line , play behind the striker or on either flank - is attracting interest from Europe 's top clubs and , according to The Sun , United are ahead of them all .
With United 's well-publicised interest in Jadon Sancho , it 's reported that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bundesliga and are hoping to snap up Havertz before his value goes even higher .
It 's claimed that United will begin negotiations with a £50million bid , but that price is unlikely to move Leverkusen to sell their prized asset who still has two years remaining on his contract .
However , M.E.N .
Sport understands that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is the club 's target to fill the playmaker role and are also prioritising moves for Sancho and Jude Bellingham .
Meanwhile , reports suggest Manchester United will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City 's Champions League ban is upheld and he decides to leave .
The Independent claim United 's analytics department have been monitoring him closely but do not believe he will move to Old Trafford .
Nevertheless , they plan to bid for him should he become available .
The report adds that a move to Real Madrid is far more likely .

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Manchester United are ahead in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen sensation Kai Havertz, according to reports.
Although the upcoming transfer window is set to be radically different to those of the past in a post coronavirus world, M.E.N. Sport understands that United are planning to press ahead with their plans to sign top targets.
Ideally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would like to add a playmaker, winger and centre-midfielder to his squad and Havertz would be capable of filling in any of those positions on his own.
The 20-year-old was already regarded as one of the best young players in the world and he has continued to impress following the resumption of the Bundesliga, scoring five goals in just four games to take his tally for the season up to 15.
It's no surprise that the versatile attacker - who can lead the line, play behind the striker or on either flank - is attracting interest from Europe's top clubs and, according to The Sun, United are ahead of them all.
With United's well-publicised interest in Jadon Sancho, it's reported that the club could make a double raid on the Bundesliga and are hoping to snap up Havertz before his value goes even higher.
It's claimed that United will begin negotiations with a £50million bid, but that price is unlikely to move Leverkusen to sell their prized asset who still has two years remaining on his contract.
However, M.E.N. Sport understands that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is the club's target to fill the playmaker role and are also prioritising moves for Sancho and Jude Bellingham.
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.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Manchester United will make a move for Raheem Sterling if Manchester City's Champions League ban is upheld and he decides to leave.
The Independent claim United's analytics department have been monitoring him closely but do not believe he will move to Old Trafford. Nevertheless, they plan to bid for him should he become available. The report adds that a move to Real Madrid is far more likely.
M.E.N. Sport understands Sancho remains United's number one winger target.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--UK coronavirus death toll rises by 556 with extra deaths

Matt Hancock has announced the number of people in the UK who have died after testing positive for coronavirus is 39,045 .
In today 's government press briefing , the health secretary said there had been a further 111 deaths in the last 24 hours , however he failed to mention the additional 445 deaths that had previously not been included in the daily figures .
Therefore , there has actually been an increase of 556 deaths to the UK death toll from yesterday 's figure of 38,489 , although the government is reporting the day-on-day change as 111 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for deaths in the UK have been revised to include historic data .
These 445 extra deaths in England relate to the period between April 24 and May 31 .
These additional deaths are linked to cases that have been identified through testing that has been carried out by commercial partners , rather than testing that has been done in NHS and Public Health England laboratories .
Instead of including these 445 deaths in today 's increase , the Department of Health has incorporated them within the previous cumulative total .
Mr Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The data show that we are winning the battle against coronavirus .
“ Today we are therefore able to make some cautious changes to the lockdown rules , carefully and safely.
” But he warned that “ the disease is not done yet ” .
“ We must all remember that in the war against this virus we are all on the same side .
We have come so far together , we can take these steps together .
“ But do not step too far , the disease is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t throw away the progress that has been made .
”

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Matt Hancock has announced the number of people in the UK who have died after testing positive for coronavirus is 39,045.
In today's government press briefing, the health secretary said there had been a further 111 deaths in the last 24 hours, however he failed to mention the additional 445 deaths that had previously not been included in the daily figures.
Therefore, there has actually been an increase of 556 deaths to the UK death toll from yesterday's figure of 38,489, although the government is reporting the day-on-day change as 111.
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
On June 1, the cumulative totals for deaths in the UK have been revised to include historic data.
These 445 extra deaths in England relate to the period between April 24 and May 31.
These additional deaths are linked to cases that have been identified through testing that has been carried out by commercial partners, rather than testing that has been done in NHS and Public Health England laboratories.
Instead of including these 445 deaths in today's increase, the Department of Health has incorporated them within the previous cumulative total.
Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street press conference: “The data show that we are winning the battle against coronavirus.
“Today we are therefore able to make some cautious changes to the lockdown rules, carefully and safely.”
But he warned that “the disease is not done yet”.
“We must all remember that in the war against this virus we are all on the same side. We have come so far together, we can take these steps together.
“But do not step too far, the disease is not done yet.
“We mustn’t throw away the progress that has been made.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Drivers have been stuck on M61 for hours as police shut off motorway

Drivers have been stuck for hours on the M61 motorway as police deal with a 'concern for safety ' incident .
Police closed the motorway in both directions between junction nine for Brindle and junction six for Horwich at around 5.40pm tonight ( Monday ) .
Officers at Lancashire Police described it as a 'concern for safety ' incident .
The southbound carriageway remains closed from junction nine this evening and has a minor diversion on the northbound carriageway at junction eight .
Motorists have been trapped in traffic on the motorway for several hours while police deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had he has been stuck on the motorway for at least three hours .
Another driver said on Twitter that he has been stuck for over two hours with 'not a lot happening ' .
Pictures show long queues of stationary cars on the carriageway .
Some motorists had their car doors open and were stood out on the road .
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said on Twitter : `` The M61 is currently closed close to Junction 8 while we deal with a concern for safety incident .
`` We would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if possible and to find alternative routes .
We will update as soon as we can . ''
Just after 7pm , Highways England posted on their website : `` The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed southbound between J9 Clayton Brook Interchange with the M65 and J8 Chorley North Link Interchange with the A674 due to an ongoing incident at J8 being managed by Lancashire Police .
`` The northbound carriageway is also closed within J8 . ''
At 8.20pm , Highways England said : `` Update on the earlier police incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start the process of re-opening the carriageway .
If you 're still stuck within the closure , please bear with us whilst we re-deploy our resources to get you moving again . ''
At around 8.40pm , officers said traffic had been released .
Diversion details can be found on the website here .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscribe here .
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Drivers have been stuck for hours on the M61 motorway as police deal with a 'concern for safety' incident.
Police closed the motorway in both directions between junction nine for Brindle and junction six for Horwich at around 5.40pm tonight (Monday).
Officers at Lancashire Police described it as a 'concern for safety' incident.
The southbound carriageway remains closed from junction nine this evening and has a minor diversion on the northbound carriageway at junction eight.
Motorists have been trapped in traffic on the motorway for several hours while police deal with the incident.
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
One driver told the MEN had he has been stuck on the motorway for at least three hours.
Another driver said on Twitter that he has been stuck for over two hours with 'not a lot happening'.
Pictures show long queues of stationary cars on the carriageway.
Some motorists had their car doors open and were stood out on the road.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said on Twitter: "The M61 is currently closed close to Junction 8 while we deal with a concern for safety incident.
"We would ask all motorists to avoid the area if possible and to find alternative routes. We will update as soon as we can."
Just after 7pm, Highways England posted on their website: "The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed southbound between J9 Clayton Brook Interchange with the M65 and J8 Chorley North Link Interchange with the A674 due to an ongoing incident at J8 being managed by Lancashire Police.
"The northbound carriageway is also closed within J8."
At 8.20pm, Highways England said: "Update on the earlier police incident. We have been given the go-ahead to start the process of re-opening the carriageway. If you're still stuck within the closure, please bear with us whilst we re-deploy our resources to get you moving again."
At around 8.40pm, officers said traffic had been released.
Diversion details can be found on the website here.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Air ambulance called after drug driver badly injures cyclist in smash

A driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a crash left a cyclist with a broken arm .
Emergency services including an air ambulance were scrambled to Deans Road , in Swinton , at around 6.45pm .
Traffic officers for Greater Manchester Police ( GMP ) confirmed that a cyclist suffered a broken arm following a collision with a Vauxhall Astra .
According to officers , the driver of the car failed a roadside drug test and has been taken to Swinton Police Station .
A spokesman for GMP Traffic shared photos of damage to the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a positive drug test .
They tweeted : `` Following reports of a serious RTC Deans Road Swinton .
XT14 attended and found the cyclist had sustained a broken arm , having struck the side of the Astra .
`` Unfortunately the driver of the Astra failed a roadside drug test and is currently at Swinton custody . ''
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
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A driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a crash left a cyclist with a broken arm.
Emergency services including an air ambulance were scrambled to Deans Road, in Swinton, at around 6.45pm.
Traffic officers for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that a cyclist suffered a broken arm following a collision with a Vauxhall Astra.
According to officers, the driver of the car failed a roadside drug test and has been taken to Swinton Police Station.
A spokesman for GMP Traffic shared photos of damage to the side of a silver Vauxhall Astra, along with a positive drug test.
They tweeted: "Following reports of a serious RTC Deans Road Swinton. XT14 attended and found the cyclist had sustained a broken arm, having struck the side of the Astra.
(Image: GMP Traffic)
"Unfortunately the driver of the Astra failed a roadside drug test and is currently at Swinton custody."
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themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Jason Manford receives special recognition award for help during COVID-19 crisis

Comedian Jason Manford says he 's 'chuffed ' to have received a special recognition award for his help during the COVID-19 crisis .
Jason , from Salford , has been recognised for outstanding activity and contributing to the community amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Receiving the The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Special Recognition Award , he said it was a privilege to 'do his bit ' in such testing times .
Jason , 39 , is volunteer with Rainbow Haven , a place of welcome , support and opportunity for refugees , asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scheme , providing journeys for adults in Stockport who struggle to use public transport .
The comic and West End star has also helped to raise spirits in lockdown with performances helping those struggling with loneliness , attending a street party and by singing at a 100th birthday celebration while observing social distancing .
`` Really chuffed to have received this certificate in the post today , '' he said about his award on social media .
`` Thanks to whoever nominated me .
It ’ s been a privilege to do my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many different people in and around my community . ''
The award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community during the difficult circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Eamonn O'Neal told him : `` You were nominated for your selfless involvement with the community during this difficult period .
`` You have given time to those who are vulnerable by shopping and collecting prescriptions almost on a daily basis .
`` You are a volunteer for the Stockport Volunteer Car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use public transport , supporting care homes and taking people to medical appointments .
`` You attended a socially distant street celebration and you sang for Dorothy 's 100th birthday .
`` Alongside this activity you have helped people with their mental health and wellbeing by providing ad-hoc entertainment , raising the spirits of lonely people . ''
He added : `` On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester thank you for your thoughtful service . ''
Jason has been told he 'll be invited to a High Sheriff event to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @

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Comedian Jason Manford says he's 'chuffed' to have received a special recognition award for his help during the COVID-19 crisis.
Jason, from Salford, has been recognised for outstanding activity and contributing to the community amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Receiving the The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Special Recognition Award, he said it was a privilege to 'do his bit' in such testing times.
Jason, 39, is volunteer with Rainbow Haven, a place of welcome, support and opportunity for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Manchester and Salford and the Stockport Volunteer Car Scheme, providing journeys for adults in Stockport who struggle to use public transport.
(Image: Jason Manford/Facebook)
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
The comic and West End star has also helped to raise spirits in lockdown with performances helping those struggling with loneliness, attending a street party and by singing at a 100th birthday celebration while observing social distancing.
"Really chuffed to have received this certificate in the post today," he said about his award on social media.
"Thanks to whoever nominated me. It’s been a privilege to do my bit and a joy to meet so many different people in and around my community."
The award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community during the difficult circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic
The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Eamonn O'Neal told him: "You were nominated for your selfless involvement with the community during this difficult period.
"You have given time to those who are vulnerable by shopping and collecting prescriptions almost on a daily basis.
"You are a volunteer for the Stockport Volunteer Car Scheme, supporting residents who struggle to use public transport, supporting care homes and taking people to medical appointments.
"You attended a socially distant street celebration and you sang for Dorothy's 100th birthday.
"Alongside this activity you have helped people with their mental health and wellbeing by providing ad-hoc entertainment, raising the spirits of lonely people."
He added: "On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester thank you for your thoughtful service."
Jason has been told he'll be invited to a High Sheriff event to celebrate when lockdown restrictions are lifted.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Gunmen shoot at house twice in three nights in 'targeted' attacks

Police have stepped up patrols after a second shooting incident in three days at a house in Oldham .
Officers were called to Windsor Road in Werneth following reports of gunshots at around 11.30pm on Sunday and an initial investigation revealed five shots were fired at one property .
No-one was hurt and no damage was caused .
The gunmen fled in a white car which was later found abandoned on Stock Lane in nearby Chadderton .
It has been removed for forensic analysis .
Detectives believe the shooting is linked to another shooting at the same address three days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property at around 12.30am on Friday , May 29 , following another shooting report .
Two shots were fired at a property causing damage to a window and door , the investigation revealed .
Following the latest shooting , it was confirmed that no arrests have been made and that detectives believe the shooting was ' a targeted incident and there is no wider threat to the community ' .
The scene remains cordoned off and an investigation is continuing .
Superintendent Colette Rose , of GMP ’ s Oldham division , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very seriously and are following all available lines of enquiry to find those responsible .
“ We do not believe that there is any threat to the wider community .
However , there will be an increased police presence in the area whilst our investigation work continues , so if you have any concerns at all , please do not hesitate to talk to one of our officers .
“ If anyone has any information that could help police to carry out their investigation , please get in touch as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could prove vital in helping us complete our enquiries . ''
Two weeks ago the M.E.N .
reported how four shots were fired in an attack on another home in Oldham .
A vehicle parked outside the premises in Laburnum Road , Limeside , was shot up .
One line of inquiry was that the shooting could be drugs related .
Anyone with any information about the Windsor Road shootings is asked to call police on 0161 856 9087 , quoting incident number 79 of 29/05/2020 , or ring Crimestoppers , anonymously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Police have stepped up patrols after a second shooting incident in three days at a house in Oldham.
Officers were called to Windsor Road in Werneth following reports of gunshots at around 11.30pm on Sunday and an initial investigation revealed five shots were fired at one property.
No-one was hurt and no damage was caused.
The gunmen fled in a white car which was later found abandoned on Stock Lane in nearby Chadderton. It has been removed for forensic analysis.
Detectives believe the shooting is linked to another shooting at the same address three days earlier.
Police were called to the property at around 12.30am on Friday, May 29, following another shooting report.
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
Two shots were fired at a property causing damage to a window and door, the investigation revealed.
Following the latest shooting, it was confirmed that no arrests have been made and that detectives believe the shooting was 'a targeted incident and there is no wider threat to the community'.
The scene remains cordoned off and an investigation is continuing.
Superintendent Colette Rose, of GMP’s Oldham division, said: “We are taking this incident very seriously and are following all available lines of enquiry to find those responsible.
“We do not believe that there is any threat to the wider community. However, there will be an increased police presence in the area whilst our investigation work continues, so if you have any concerns at all, please do not hesitate to talk to one of our officers.
“If anyone has any information that could help police to carry out their investigation, please get in touch as soon as possible. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in helping us complete our enquiries."
Two weeks ago the M.E.N. reported how four shots were fired in an attack on another home in Oldham.
A vehicle parked outside the premises in Laburnum Road, Limeside, was shot up.
(Image: ASP)
One line of inquiry was that the shooting could be drugs related.
Anyone with any information about the Windsor Road shootings is asked to call police on 0161 856 9087, quoting incident number 79 of 29/05/2020, or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--New coronavirus drug trialled at two Manchester hospitals

A new drug is being trialled at two hospitals in Manchester as part of a nationwide effort to find new treatments for COVID-19 .
The Manchester Royal Infirmary ( MRI ) and Wythenshawe Hospital are taking part in a national research programme exploring different drugs for people hospitalised by coronavirus .
Bemcentinib , a tablet used to treat blood disorders , is one of the drugs being tested on Covid patients at the MRI and Wythenshawe Hospital , part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ( MFT ) .
The study falls under the ACCORD-2 ( accelerating Covid-19 research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies trials taking place at MFT as part of COVID-19 urgent public health research .
As an adaptive study , drugs and therapies can be added or removed as researchers progress .
Bemcentinib , a drug developed by the Norwegian company BerGenBio , has been shown to have a potent anti-viral effect in other experiments , according to scientists .
It is is one of five drugs being tested at 30 hospitals in the UK as part of a national research effort involving doctors and scientists , the National Institute for Health Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Innovation .
Scientists hope their wider findings could reduce the severity of the disease , shorten the length of someone 's illness and prevent patients from being admitted to intensive care units ( ICU ) .
As with all most trials , researchers rely on patients and their families signing up to become part of their crucial work .
Greater Manchester 's hospitals are already playing crucial roles in COVID-19 research .
Twelve urgent public health trials are underway in our region alone .
While developing a vaccine is viewed as 'the gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosis and treatment will be key in adapting to life with coronavirus in the long-term .
More than 5,000 coronavirus patients have already taken part in clinical trials in Greater Manchester .
Anyone wanting to know more about research into COVID-19 , and how to potentially get involved , can visit the NIHR ’ s Be Part of Research website here .
To keep up with the latest breaking news and information on Covid-19 and the lockdown , and for things to do while you are staying in , join our dedicated coronavirus @ @ @

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A new drug is being trialled at two hospitals in Manchester as part of a nationwide effort to find new treatments for COVID-19.
The Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and Wythenshawe Hospital are taking part in a national research programme exploring different drugs for people hospitalised by coronavirus.
Bemcentinib, a tablet used to treat blood disorders, is one of the drugs being tested on Covid patients at the MRI and Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).
The study falls under the ACCORD-2 (accelerating Covid-19 research and development), one of several research studies trials taking place at MFT as part of COVID-19 urgent public health research.
As an adaptive study, drugs and therapies can be added or removed as researchers progress.
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
Bemcentinib, a drug developed by the Norwegian company BerGenBio, has been shown to have a potent anti-viral effect in other experiments, according to scientists.
It is is one of five drugs being tested at 30 hospitals in the UK as part of a national research effort involving doctors and scientists, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and UK Research and Innovation.
Scientists hope their wider findings could reduce the severity of the disease, shorten the length of someone's illness and prevent patients from being admitted to intensive care units (ICU).
As with all most trials, researchers rely on patients and their families signing up to become part of their crucial work.
Greater Manchester's hospitals are already playing crucial roles in COVID-19 research.
Twelve urgent public health trials are underway in our region alone.
While developing a vaccine is viewed as 'the gold standard', research into testing, diagnosis and treatment will be key in adapting to life with coronavirus in the long-term.
More than 5,000 coronavirus patients have already taken part in clinical trials in Greater Manchester.
Anyone wanting to know more about research into COVID-19, and how to potentially get involved, can visit the NIHR’s Be Part of Research website here.
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themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Youths started fire in woods during huge moorland blaze

Firefighters tackling a huge moorland blaze north of Bolton had to divert resources last night ( May 31 ) to put out a campfire at a nearby wood .
Officers were called to an area off Dimple Road , close to Delph reservoir , in Egerton following reports a group of up to 10 'trespassing ' youths had gathered and started a fire , Lancs Live reports .
Pictures shared on social media show how a large dry stone wall was dismantled to make a bench around the camp fire .
One of the stones was graffitied with the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched to find the culprits .
At the time of the incident dozens of firefighters were battling a huge moorland fire on Bolton Road in Darwen .
Ivan Hamnett , who posted the pictures of the camp fire and wall damage on Facebook , said by the time police and firefighters arrived the youths had run away .
He wrote : `` Yet another fire in the local area last night in the woods at Delph reservoir off Dimple Road .
8/10 youths had a big camp fire .
`` As the pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 year old dry stone wall to make a bench .
`` They also took down a gate to make another seating area .
`` The fire brigade and police arrived but the kids must have heard them coming and ran off before they got to the scene to put the fire out .
`` These kids were trespassing , they have caused criminal damage , put lives at risk and used up the valuable time of the emergency services .
`` The firemen who attended asked me to put a post on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youths in the area to speak to their kids about the dangers of having camp fires/ barbecues outside especially in this dry weather . ''
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to an area close to Delph Reservoir on Sunday night .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Jon Macpherson, Seamus McDonnell)

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Firefighters tackling a huge moorland blaze north of Bolton had to divert resources last night (May 31) to put out a campfire at a nearby wood.
Officers were called to an area off Dimple Road, close to Delph reservoir, in Egerton following reports a group of up to 10 'trespassing' youths had gathered and started a fire, Lancs Live reports.
Pictures shared on social media show how a large dry stone wall was dismantled to make a bench around the camp fire.
One of the stones was graffitied with the name 'Kirk' and an appeal has been launched to find the culprits.
At the time of the incident dozens of firefighters were battling a huge moorland fire on Bolton Road in Darwen.
Ivan Hamnett, who posted the pictures of the camp fire and wall damage on Facebook, said by the time police and firefighters arrived the youths had run away.
He wrote: "Yet another fire in the local area last night in the woods at Delph reservoir off Dimple Road. 8/10 youths had a big camp fire.
"As the pictures show they destroyed 17 metres of a 100 year old dry stone wall to make a bench.
"They also took down a gate to make another seating area.
"The fire brigade and police arrived but the kids must have heard them coming and ran off before they got to the scene to put the fire out.
"These kids were trespassing, they have caused criminal damage, put lives at risk and used up the valuable time of the emergency services.
"The firemen who attended asked me to put a post on local social media appealing to parents of youths in the area to speak to their kids about the dangers of having camp fires/ barbecues outside especially in this dry weather."
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to an area close to Delph Reservoir on Sunday night.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Residents' misery as 200 ravers ignore lockdown to party until early hours

Frustrated residents were kept awake by 'at least 200 ' ravers partying on a field in Moston over the weekend .
Hundreds of revellers were reported to have gathered on Broadhurst Fields off Moston Lane on Saturday and Sunday night .
Neighbours said the group ignored lockdown rules and blasted loud music from a sound system on the field until early hours .
A party reportedly started on Saturday , then another group gathered again on Sunday with the music not stopping until 2am this morning ( Monday ) .
This morning , locals headed down to the field and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laughing gas canisters , discarded bottles and litter was left strewn across the grass .
Residents say they reported the incidents to Greater Manchester Police .
Wayne Wilkinson , who lives in Moston and works as a taxi driver , said the area has become a 'no-go zone ' .
He said the gatherings started on Saturday evening , when he spotted 'at least 50 or 60 lads ' outside a takeaway shop on Moston Lane .
`` These lads then must have then driven to the fields , some of them drunk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They 've left loads of gas canisters behind , there are hundreds of them about .
I rang the police but they just said they were aware of it and would send it on .
`` They were young groups , I 'd say they were aged between 16 and 30 .
`` Moston has become a no-go zone .
It 's getting bad . ''
Lisa Skelton , 42 , also lives nearby and was kept awake by loud music on Broadhurst Fields over the weekend .
She said 'groups of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park with a DJ sound system and a microphone .
`` I live just over from the fields .
There 's a way through near my house so they were coming in and out and they were racing up and down the road '' , she said .
`` I had a car parked up outside my house and they were sat in it using canister balloons and smoking .
This was at 1am in the morning .
`` They left all the canisters outside on the road and I cleaned them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on up until about 2am . ''
Lisa said she phoned GMP on a non-emergency number to report the incident .
Officers told her they were aware of the gathering , she said , but the loud music continued until the early hours of Monday morning .
`` There are rumours going around that it was an organised event '' , Lisa added .
`` The groups were showing up in taxis and I 'd say there were at least 200 people there .
`` Nobody was social distancing .
There was about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one point .
`` We 've got children in the house and my husband had to get up at 6am for work .
I 'm an NHS worker but luckily I was not in work today .
`` We 're just worried that this is going to happen again . ''
Councillor Nigel Murphy , deputy leader of Manchester City Council , said was he was 'so disappointed ' to see the incident in Moston .
He said : `` The months that we have been under lockdown have been extremely challenging and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhered to the advice to stay at home .
`` That is why this incident in Moston - which I know has caused distress to the local community - is so disappointing to see .
`` We are still in a critical period in regard to this pandemic and we do not want any additional pressure placed on our emergency services due to ill-advised actions such as this .
Several other parks across Greater Manchester were left in a state over the weekend after gatherings were held .
Residents reported clearing away bags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fields in Pendlebury , Gorse Hall in Stalybridge and Alexandra Park in south Manchester .
A huge mess was also left behind after hundreds of people were spotted drinking alcohol and listening to music near Fir Tree Flash , in Leigh , on Saturday evening .
In response to the Leigh incident , Chief Inspector Steph Parker , from GMP , said police have to make 'difficult decisions ' about their response to incidents based on the threat , harm and risk posed to the public .
She added : “ In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged with some of the youths , explaining the current circumstances and encouraging them to do the right thing .
`` However , it was deemed that because the group were acting peacefully and not in the vicinity of people ’ s houses , any other resources should continue to be deployed to separate incidents where there was a more serious risk posed to the wider public .
`` I think it ’ s important that the public know that demand across Wigan and neighbouring districts has been particularly high over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what we would expect to see on a typical New Year ’ s Eve .
“ This continues to be a hugely challenging time for policing and we will continue to do everything we can , alongside our partners and communities , to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe and provide the best service we can to those who need us most .
”

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Frustrated residents were kept awake by 'at least 200' ravers partying on a field in Moston over the weekend.
Hundreds of revellers were reported to have gathered on Broadhurst Fields off Moston Lane on Saturday and Sunday night.
Neighbours said the group ignored lockdown rules and blasted loud music from a sound system on the field until early hours.
A party reportedly started on Saturday, then another group gathered again on Sunday with the music not stopping until 2am this morning (Monday).
This morning, locals headed down to the field and cleared away some of the rubbish. Laughing gas canisters, discarded bottles and litter was left strewn across the grass.
(Image: Jacquie Fagan)
Residents say they reported the incidents to Greater Manchester Police.
Wayne Wilkinson, who lives in Moston and works as a taxi driver, said the area has become a 'no-go zone'. He said the gatherings started on Saturday evening, when he spotted 'at least 50 or 60 lads' outside a takeaway shop on Moston Lane.
"These lads then must have then driven to the fields, some of them drunk", he told the MEN.
"They've left loads of gas canisters behind, there are hundreds of them about. I rang the police but they just said they were aware of it and would send it on.
"They were young groups, I'd say they were aged between 16 and 30.
(Image: Jacquie Fagan)
"Moston has become a no-go zone. It's getting bad."
Lisa Skelton, 42, also lives nearby and was kept awake by loud music on Broadhurst Fields over the weekend.
She said 'groups of lads and girls' were congregating in the park with a DJ sound system and a microphone.
"I live just over from the fields. There's a way through near my house so they were coming in and out and they were racing up and down the road", she said.
"I had a car parked up outside my house and they were sat in it using canister balloons and smoking. This was at 1am in the morning.
"They left all the canisters outside on the road and I cleaned them up this morning. It was going on up until about 2am."
Lisa said she phoned GMP on a non-emergency number to report the incident.
(Image: Jacquie Fagan)
Officers told her they were aware of the gathering, she said, but the loud music continued until the early hours of Monday morning.
"There are rumours going around that it was an organised event", Lisa added.
"The groups were showing up in taxis and I'd say there were at least 200 people there.
"Nobody was social distancing. There was about six of them in one car at one point.
"We've got children in the house and my husband had to get up at 6am for work. I'm an NHS worker but luckily I was not in work today.
"We're just worried that this is going to happen again."
Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said was he was 'so disappointed' to see the incident in Moston.
He said: "The months that we have been under lockdown have been extremely challenging and the overwhelming majority of Manchester residents have adhered to the advice to stay at home.
"That is why this incident in Moston - which I know has caused distress to the local community - is so disappointing to see.
"We are still in a critical period in regard to this pandemic and we do not want any additional pressure placed on our emergency services due to ill-advised actions such as this.
Several other parks across Greater Manchester were left in a state over the weekend after gatherings were held.
Residents reported clearing away bags of rubbish from the Rabbit Hills playing fields in Pendlebury, Gorse Hall in Stalybridge and Alexandra Park in south Manchester.
A huge mess was also left behind after hundreds of people were spotted drinking alcohol and listening to music near Fir Tree Flash, in Leigh, on Saturday evening.
In response to the Leigh incident, Chief Inspector Steph Parker, from GMP, said police have to make 'difficult decisions' about their response to incidents based on the threat, harm and risk posed to the public.
She added: “In this instance, we attended the scene and engaged with some of the youths, explaining the current circumstances and encouraging them to do the right thing.
"However, it was deemed that because the group were acting peacefully and not in the vicinity of people’s houses, any other resources should continue to be deployed to separate incidents where there was a more serious risk posed to the wider public.
"I think it’s important that the public know that demand across Wigan and neighbouring districts has been particularly high over the weekend, with our overall demand matching that of what we would expect to see on a typical New Year’s Eve.
“This continues to be a hugely challenging time for policing and we will continue to do everything we can, alongside our partners and communities, to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe and provide the best service we can to those who need us most.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--'Humiliated' disabled passenger takes Manchester Airport to the High Court

A disabled airline passenger who was left humiliated and in tears after being left on a holiday jet for TWO hours is taking Manchester Airport to the High Court , alleging he was discriminated against by a failure to provide special assistance for someone in a wheelchair .
Quamer Khaliq , 44 , who has been dependent on a wheelchair since birth because of spinal muscular atrophy , remained in his seat after his Thomas Cook Airlines flight touched down at Manchester Airport following a nine-hour flight from Orlando in Florida where he had been on a dream £6,000 trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 11 .
After all the other passengers had left , Quamer , his carer and his daughter stayed put as fellow passengers , the cabin crew and pilot disembarked .
Cleaners came and went and the drama only came to an end after newly recruited cabin crew came aboard for training and he threatened to dial 999 to get the fire service to rescue him .
The new recruits ' tutor raised the alarm but it took another 30 minutes for a wheelchair to be brought to the plane and Quamer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quamer , from Ashton-under-Lyne , said he suffered 'distress and humiliation ' when the M.E.N .
revealed his ordeal in a story in May last year .
Now it has emerged he has lodged a disability discrimination claim against Manchester Airport at the High Court where he alleges the airport breached the Civil Aviation Regulations 2014 , by failing to provide the necessary assistance to a disabled passenger , for both parts of his journey .
The regulations require airports to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities free of charge to ensure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not experience discrimination .
His lawyers say he should have been transferred from his own motorised wheelchair , which did not fit on the aircraft , into his seat on the plane using a mobile hoist .
Instead , despite the airport being alerted to his needs , is is alleged he suffered 'inappropriate and humiliating transfers , causing him pain and discomfort , and which have left him feeling that he would not have the confidence to fly again ' .
Two staff refused to transfer him from his own wheelchair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which fits down the aisle of an aircraft , because they said they were 'not trained in manual handling operations ' prior to the outbound journey , it is alleged .
Mr Khaliq waited another 40 minutes for appropriate assistance and watched as other passengers for the flight boarded , according to his solicitors .
As there was no hoist , he was moved to a smaller wheelchair and into his seat by the flight crew even though they were n't trained to do this , causing 'pain , discomfort and embarrassment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return flight on June 13 , 2019 , he was left on the aircraft for two hours with his daughter , 11 , after the plane had landed at Manchester and all the passengers had left .
Cleaners cleaned the aircraft around him and a training session for cabin crew took place while father and daughter waited .
It was only when he threatened to call the fire brigade that an assistance team arrived but they had no wheelchair or hoist .
When they finally returned with an aisle wheelchair he was 'inappropriately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His experience at Manchester Airport contrasted to Orlando Airport , where he was moved to and from his wheelchair using a hoist .
Mr Khaliq said : `` Despite informing Manchester Airport of my assistance needs the airport failed to provide me with the appropriate assistance .
`` This trip should have been a special holiday for me and my daughter but was instead overshadowed by the humiliating and distressing way in which I was treated by the airport .
There should be no excuses for not providing the support and equipment required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” His solicitor Kate Egerton , of law firm Leigh Day , said : `` Our client believes that Manchester Airport clearly breached their responsibility to provide assistance to disabled passengers .
Disabled passengers should be treated with respect and dignity , and that includes airports providing the appropriate assistance for their needs .
`` It is not acceptable to leave disabled passengers waiting for hours to embark and disembark aircraft , and to not use trained staff and the appropriate equipment ; it is humiliating and unsafe .
Mr Khaliq argues that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he hopes that by bringing this case Manchester Airport will improve their assistance provisions for all disabled passengers.
” Mr Khaliq had booked the trip through DisabledHolidays.com and the company says it booked 'special assistance ' for him at Manchester Airport .
At the time of the M.E.N '' s story in May last year ABM Aviation , which was only awarded the contract to cater for disabled passengers the previous month , apologised and promised to investigate .
Mr Khaliq told the M.E.N .
at the time : `` There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My daughter saw me crying .
I wanted this to be special for her .
`` This was one of her dreams , to go to Disney World .
It spoiled it a little bit .
She saw me a little bit distressed .
When we eventually got home she went to her room and did n't come out for a good period . ''
He went on : `` We arrived in Manchester at about 8.30am .
`` We were told by the cabin crew that once all the passengers had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to help me .
I waited for 15 or 20 minutes .
Then nobody arrived .
`` I asked the cabin crew and they say they would make enquiries .
Gradually it became half-an-hour and then an hour and then the pilot came and he said he would see what was going on .
He went and came back and he said he could not find out what was going on . ''
Quamer described how the cabin crew and the pilot left the plane , leaving him in his seat beside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'five or six trainee air stewards ' came on board to be shown the inside of the aircraft .
`` After a couple of hours I got distressed and started shouting and then the manager who was training the people came over and I asked her what was going on , '' said Quamer .
`` She said she was going to make a call , '' he added .
He described how two other officials , he believed from the airport company contracted to assist disabled passengers , came on board and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing in the airplane ? ''
Quamer went on : `` They asked me how long I had been waiting and and I said two hours and they said 'that 's not good enough - we 'll get you out ' .
`` They went to get some equipment but did n't return for about half-an-hour .
When they did come back they said they 'd had a problem with my wheelchair which had gone with the luggage rather being kept at the gate .
I said 'just get me off the plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and got me off the plane .
They used a smaller wheelchair . ''
The fiasco meant that Quamer had spent almost 13 hours in his seat - he had boarded the aircraft in Florida 90 minutes before the rest of the passengers .
They said in a statement : “ ABM Aviation endeavours to work closely with airports , airlines and other service providers to ensure a seamless service to all passengers .
`` We are concerned to hear of Quamer Khaliq 's complaint , received 13th June 2019 , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Please be assured that we take all passengers feedback very seriously and are actively reviewing the situation to ensure a smoother process for the future .
`` In the meantime , ABM Aviation sends their sincere apologies and assurance that we are deeply committed to service excellence for all passengers we serve.
” A spokeswoman for Thomas Cook Airlines , which went out of business a few months later , said , “ Mr .
Khaliq ’ s experience was clearly unacceptable . ''
At the time Manchester Airport officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we expect of our partners do not appear to have been met on this occasion ' , and promised to discuss the matter with ABM Aviation .
Manchester Airport will contest the High Court claim and refutes any suggestion airport officials , including at its contractor ABM Aviation , were untrained or used the incorrect equipment .
Asked to comment on the High Court claim , a Manchester Airport spokesman said : “ We are aware of a claim that has been brought on behalf of Mr Khaliq , which is subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim relates to the level of special assistance service that Mr Khaliq received while at the airport , as well as pain and discomfort it is alleged he sustained while being transferred to his aircraft seat by Thomas Cook cabin crew , and damage allegedly caused to his wheelchair during his return journey .
Airlines , in this case Thomas Cook , are responsible for any items carried in transit .
“ It would be inappropriate to comment further on the facts of the case at this stage .
“ However , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger receives the best possible service at the airport , and we never like to hear that one of our customers is unhappy with their experience when travelling through Manchester .
”

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A disabled airline passenger who was left humiliated and in tears after being left on a holiday jet for TWO hours is taking Manchester Airport to the High Court, alleging he was discriminated against by a failure to provide special assistance for someone in a wheelchair.
Quamer Khaliq, 44, who has been dependent on a wheelchair since birth because of spinal muscular atrophy, remained in his seat after his Thomas Cook Airlines flight touched down at Manchester Airport following a nine-hour flight from Orlando in Florida where he had been on a dream £6,000 trip to visit Disney World with his daughter, 11.
After all the other passengers had left, Quamer, his carer and his daughter stayed put as fellow passengers, the cabin crew and pilot disembarked.
Cleaners came and went and the drama only came to an end after newly recruited cabin crew came aboard for training and he threatened to dial 999 to get the fire service to rescue him.
The new recruits' tutor raised the alarm but it took another 30 minutes for a wheelchair to be brought to the plane and Quamer was finally lifted out of his seat.
Quamer, from Ashton-under-Lyne, said he suffered 'distress and humiliation' when the M.E.N. revealed his ordeal in a story in May last year.
Now it has emerged he has lodged a disability discrimination claim against Manchester Airport at the High Court where he alleges the airport breached the Civil Aviation Regulations 2014, by failing to provide the necessary assistance to a disabled passenger, for both parts of his journey.
(Image: MEN)
The regulations require airports to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities free of charge to ensure they have equal access to air travel and do not experience discrimination.
His lawyers say he should have been transferred from his own motorised wheelchair, which did not fit on the aircraft, into his seat on the plane using a mobile hoist.
Instead, despite the airport being alerted to his needs, is is alleged he suffered 'inappropriate and humiliating transfers, causing him pain and discomfort, and which have left him feeling that he would not have the confidence to fly again'.
Two staff refused to transfer him from his own wheelchair to an ‘aisle’ wheelchair, which fits down the aisle of an aircraft, because they said they were 'not trained in manual handling operations' prior to the outbound journey, it is alleged.
(Image: DISNEY/HANDOUT)
Mr Khaliq waited another 40 minutes for appropriate assistance and watched as other passengers for the flight boarded, according to his solicitors.
As there was no hoist, he was moved to a smaller wheelchair and into his seat by the flight crew even though they weren't trained to do this, causing 'pain, discomfort and embarrassment," it is alleged.
On the return flight on June 13, 2019, he was left on the aircraft for two hours with his daughter, 11, after the plane had landed at Manchester and all the passengers had left.
Cleaners cleaned the aircraft around him and a training session for cabin crew took place while father and daughter waited.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
It was only when he threatened to call the fire brigade that an assistance team arrived but they had no wheelchair or hoist.
When they finally returned with an aisle wheelchair he was 'inappropriately manually transferred' into the chair.
His experience at Manchester Airport contrasted to Orlando Airport, where he was moved to and from his wheelchair using a hoist.
Mr Khaliq said: "Despite informing Manchester Airport of my assistance needs the airport failed to provide me with the appropriate assistance.
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
"This trip should have been a special holiday for me and my daughter but was instead overshadowed by the humiliating and distressing way in which I was treated by the airport. There should be no excuses for not providing the support and equipment required to meet the needs of disabled passengers.”
His solicitor Kate Egerton, of law firm Leigh Day, said: "Our client believes that Manchester Airport clearly breached their responsibility to provide assistance to disabled passengers. Disabled passengers should be treated with respect and dignity, and that includes airports providing the appropriate assistance for their needs.
"It is not acceptable to leave disabled passengers waiting for hours to embark and disembark aircraft, and to not use trained staff and the appropriate equipment; it is humiliating and unsafe. Mr Khaliq argues that the way he was treated was unlawful and he hopes that by bringing this case Manchester Airport will improve their assistance provisions for all disabled passengers.”
Mr Khaliq had booked the trip through DisabledHolidays.com and the company says it booked 'special assistance' for him at Manchester Airport.
At the time of the M.E.N''s story in May last year ABM Aviation, which was only awarded the contract to cater for disabled passengers the previous month, apologised and promised to investigate.
Mr Khaliq told the M.E.N. at the time: "There was a moment when I was actually crying. My daughter saw me crying. I wanted this to be special for her.
"This was one of her dreams, to go to Disney World. It spoiled it a little bit. She saw me a little bit distressed. When we eventually got home she went to her room and didn't come out for a good period."
He went on: "We arrived in Manchester at about 8.30am.
"We were told by the cabin crew that once all the passengers had disembarked then the special assistance team would come to help me. I waited for 15 or 20 minutes. Then nobody arrived.
"I asked the cabin crew and they say they would make enquiries.
Gradually it became half-an-hour and then an hour and then the pilot came and he said he would see what was going on. He went and came back and he said he could not find out what was going on."
Quamer described how the cabin crew and the pilot left the plane, leaving him in his seat beside his daughter, before a team of 'five or six trainee air stewards' came on board to be shown the inside of the aircraft.
"After a couple of hours I got distressed and started shouting and then the manager who was training the people came over and I asked her what was going on," said Quamer.
"She said she was going to make a call," he added. He described how two other officials, he believed from the airport company contracted to assist disabled passengers, came on board and asked him: "What are you doing in the airplane?"
Quamer went on: "They asked me how long I had been waiting and and I said two hours and they said 'that's not good enough - we'll get you out'.
"They went to get some equipment but didn't return for about half-an-hour. When they did come back they said they'd had a problem with my wheelchair which had gone with the luggage rather being kept at the gate. I said 'just get me off the plane.'
"Then they lifted me out and got me off the plane. They used a smaller wheelchair."
The fiasco meant that Quamer had spent almost 13 hours in his seat - he had boarded the aircraft in Florida 90 minutes before the rest of the passengers.
ABM Aviation launched a review into the incident.
They said in a statement: “ABM Aviation endeavours to work closely with airports, airlines and other service providers to ensure a seamless service to all passengers.
"We are concerned to hear of Quamer Khaliq's complaint, received 13th June 2019, about his special assistance experience at Manchester Airport.
"Please be assured that we take all passengers feedback very seriously and are actively reviewing the situation to ensure a smoother process for the future.
"In the meantime, ABM Aviation sends their sincere apologies and assurance that we are deeply committed to service excellence for all passengers we serve.”
A spokeswoman for Thomas Cook Airlines, which went out of business a few months later, said, “Mr. Khaliq’s experience was clearly unacceptable."
At the time Manchester Airport officials said they were 'disappointed to hear the standards we expect of our partners do not appear to have been met on this occasion', and promised to discuss the matter with ABM Aviation.
Manchester Airport will contest the High Court claim and refutes any suggestion airport officials, including at its contractor ABM Aviation, were untrained or used the incorrect equipment.
Asked to comment on the High Court claim, a Manchester Airport spokesman said: “We are aware of a claim that has been brought on behalf of Mr Khaliq, which is subject to an ongoing legal process.
“The claim relates to the level of special assistance service that Mr Khaliq received while at the airport, as well as pain and discomfort it is alleged he sustained while being transferred to his aircraft seat by Thomas Cook cabin crew, and damage allegedly caused to his wheelchair during his return journey. Airlines, in this case Thomas Cook, are responsible for any items carried in transit.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further on the facts of the case at this stage.
“However, it is always our aim to ensure every passenger receives the best possible service at the airport, and we never like to hear that one of our customers is unhappy with their experience when travelling through Manchester.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Toll bridge that charges 12p reopens - despite coronavirus risk concerns

A toll bridge that charges 12p each way has reopened - despite concerns it could pose a coronavirus risk .
Images taken on Monday show two people working inside the toll booth at Warburton Bridge , in Cheshire .
The workers can be seen wearing facemasks and gloves but , due to the size of the tiny booth , appear to be closer than two metres apart - the recommended distance for social distancing .
Peel Ports , which runs the toll booth , says a 'cup and stick system ' is being used so drivers can deposit cash at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are following medical guidance from Public Health England but say the government guidance for returning to work recognises that keeping people two metres apart may not always be possible .
The operators have been provided with face masks and gloves and increased handwashing and sanitisation is taking place , Peel Ports say .
Staff are using “ back-to-back or side-to-side working ” within the booth , they added .
The bridge toll booth closed in March when the country went into lockdown to try and control the spread of Covid-19 .
The bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60 motorways .
It runs between Lymm in Cheshire and Partington in Trafford .
Details on the bridge ’ s website state that the “ health and welfare of employees and customers is our number one priority and COVID-19 safety measures are in place ” .
But one local says the toll booth operators are taking change directly from drivers and she fears the risk of transmitting the virus this way could be high .
“ They ’ re wearing gloves , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
“ They have got two people in that booth at a time .
How can they be keeping two metres apart ?
There ’ s no chance they are social distancing .
“ The way it works you pull up to the booth , they stick their hand out and you put 12p in it .
They usually give change if you haven ’ t got the right amount .
“ It ’ s been closed for a while now so people are not going to have the 12p ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no warning .
There can be tailbacks for miles .
“ If I had to go over it today I would feel really vulnerable .
I have been in isolation for weeks .
I was going to go out today but it has put me off .
“ It does make you feel a bit trapped .
The only other option is to go around in a huge circle.
” Drivers are being asked to have the correct toll amount - 12p , or 25p for a day pass - available as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a normal day , hundreds of cars cross the bridge and there are often long tailbacks along the road .
Dozens of photos posted on social media have previously shown huge queues as motorists attempted to cross the Warburton Toll Bridge .
Queues appear to have formed again today according to photographs taken on Monday ( June 1 ) .
The toll booth was torched by arsonists back in May 2018 , causing owner Peel Ports to axe the 12p fee for six weeks while it was replaced .
The queues immediately disappeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the booth opened again .
The time it takes for each driver to pay the fare causes delays .
At one point , locals offered to pay the fee themselves , all in one go , just to get rid of the traffic .
Each week they would hand over £120 to speed up crossings over the privately-owned bridge which they say has left them ‘ prisoners in their own homes ’ .
The Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group has been campaigning for several years to have the booth scrapped .
A spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government eases lockdown restrictions and issues new guidelines for workplaces to resume operation , we are removing the toll suspension in line with guidance and other UK tolled crossings .
This will come into effect from 1st June .
“ It will continue to be a cash only operation and to ensure we keep contact between toll booth staff and bridge users to a minimum , we have introduced remote collection procedures for depositing cash .
This does mean we will not be able to provide change , so users will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
Regular bridge users can purchase an annual pass online .
“ We have introduced a range of new health and safety measures based on the latest medical guidance from the government and Public Health England .
“ Under the ‘ Working safely during Covid-19 ’ guidance issued by the government , which requires that every reasonable effort to apply social distancing ( keeping people 2m apart wherever possible ) be applied , the guidance also acknowledges that there may be occasions , in relation to particular activities , when these guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions put in place to reduce the risk of transmission between staff .
“ To do this our operators have been provided with PPE equipment including facemasks and gloves , increased handwashing and sanitisation is taking place and staff are using back-to-back or side-to-side working .
“ Finally , the structure of the booth window offers a protective screen between operators and drivers .
“ The health and safety of all persons using and operating the toll bridge is , and will continue to be , Peel Ports ’ number one priority .
@

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A toll bridge that charges 12p each way has reopened - despite concerns it could pose a coronavirus risk.
Images taken on Monday show two people working inside the toll booth at Warburton Bridge, in Cheshire.
The workers can be seen wearing facemasks and gloves but, due to the size of the tiny booth, appear to be closer than two metres apart - the recommended distance for social distancing.
Peel Ports, which runs the toll booth, says a 'cup and stick system' is being used so drivers can deposit cash at the booth.
They insist that they are following medical guidance from Public Health England but say the government guidance for returning to work recognises that keeping people two metres apart may not always be possible.
(Image: UGC)
The operators have been provided with face masks and gloves and increased handwashing and sanitisation is taking place, Peel Ports say.
Staff are using “back-to-back or side-to-side working” within the booth, they added.
The bridge toll booth closed in March when the country went into lockdown to try and control the spread of Covid-19.
The bridge is the only route across the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60 motorways. It runs between Lymm in Cheshire and Partington in Trafford.
The toll booth reopened again today (June 1).
(Image: UGC)
Details on the bridge’s website state that the “health and welfare of employees and customers is our number one priority and COVID-19 safety measures are in place”.
But one local says the toll booth operators are taking change directly from drivers and she fears the risk of transmitting the virus this way could be high.
“They’re wearing gloves, but that only really protects them,” she says.
“They have got two people in that booth at a time. How can they be keeping two metres apart? There’s no chance they are social distancing.
“The way it works you pull up to the booth, they stick their hand out and you put 12p in it. They usually give change if you haven’t got the right amount.
(Image: UGC)
“It’s been closed for a while now so people are not going to have the 12p ready. It’s just opened today with no warning. There can be tailbacks for miles.
“If I had to go over it today I would feel really vulnerable. I have been in isolation for weeks. I was going to go out today but it has put me off.
“It does make you feel a bit trapped. The only other option is to go around in a huge circle.”
Drivers are being asked to have the correct toll amount - 12p, or 25p for a day pass - available as change will not be given.
On a normal day, hundreds of cars cross the bridge and there are often long tailbacks along the road.
Dozens of photos posted on social media have previously shown huge queues as motorists attempted to cross the Warburton Toll Bridge.
Queues appear to have formed again today according to photographs taken on Monday (June 1).
The toll booth was torched by arsonists back in May 2018, causing owner Peel Ports to axe the 12p fee for six weeks while it was replaced.
(Image: John O'Loughlin)
The queues immediately disappeared but returned again the following month when the booth opened again.
The time it takes for each driver to pay the fare causes delays.
At one point, locals offered to pay the fee themselves, all in one go, just to get rid of the traffic.
Each week they would hand over £120 to speed up crossings over the privately-owned bridge which they say has left them ‘prisoners in their own homes’.
The Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group has been campaigning for several years to have the booth scrapped.
A spokesperson for Peel Ports said: “As the government eases lockdown restrictions and issues new guidelines for workplaces to resume operation, we are removing the toll suspension in line with guidance and other UK tolled crossings. This will come into effect from 1st June.
(Image: Google Maps)
“It will continue to be a cash only operation and to ensure we keep contact between toll booth staff and bridge users to a minimum, we have introduced remote collection procedures for depositing cash. This does mean we will not be able to provide change, so users will need to ensure they have the correct money available. Regular bridge users can purchase an annual pass online.
“We have introduced a range of new health and safety measures based on the latest medical guidance from the government and Public Health England.
Follow reporter Beth Abbit on social media To follow Beth on Twitter, click here Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to with the latest news, click here Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
“Under the ‘Working safely during Covid-19’ guidance issued by the government, which requires that every reasonable effort to apply social distancing (keeping people 2m apart wherever possible) be applied, the guidance also acknowledges that there may be occasions, in relation to particular activities, when these guidelines cannot be followed and further mitigating actions put in place to reduce the risk of transmission between staff.
“To do this our operators have been provided with PPE equipment including facemasks and gloves, increased handwashing and sanitisation is taking place and staff are using back-to-back or side-to-side working.
“Finally, the structure of the booth window offers a protective screen between operators and drivers.
“The health and safety of all persons using and operating the toll bridge is, and will continue to be, Peel Ports’ number one priority.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--Man City evening headlines as Bayern director urges caution over Sane deal

Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for Monday , June 1 .
How renewed Bayern interest in Sane may force Manchester City into compromise As more noises are made pointing to Bayern Munich ’ s interest in Leroy Sane , the differences between Manchester City ’ s approach to such a move and Pep Guardiola ’ s feelings about it have come into focus once more .
Bayern were interested in Sane last summer before he suffered a knee injury in the Community Shield from which he is yet to return , and former Bayern president Uli Hoeness is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German winger .
The Bundesliga leaders signed Philippe Coutinho on loan after Sane ’ s injury made a summer move impossible , but may now be back in for the City man after opting not to take up their option to bring Coutinho over from Barcelona permanently .
City have made it clear they have no plans to cave to anything below their own demands when it comes to a transfer fee , but Guardiola ’ s past comments might still give Bayern hope .
`` I spoke to the club 10 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy .
If they do n't want , they go .
The desire to have him to be with us is always there . ''
It may be that , in order to resolve the situation , a compromise needs to be reached .
Especially considering Sane ’ s contract is one year closer to expiry .
The decision facing Pep Guardiola over his Arsenal line-up might not be what it seems Leroy Sane ’ s return to fitness has led to suggestions the German will be battling it out with Riyad Mahrez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Premier League return , but things may be a little more complicated than that .
Sane hasn ’ t featured in the league since the victory over Leicester City in May 2019 , but is now back in the mix as Pep Guardiola prepares to select his team for the meeting with Arsenal on June 17 .
In the meantime , though , Mahrez has shown himself to be one of the most influential attacking midfielders in the league , not just at the Etihad Stadium .
We ’ ve looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much the Algerian has stepped things up this season .
It may be the case that Raheem Sterling , rather than Mahrez , is the man most at risk of losing his spot to Sane when Guardiola ’ s team return to action .
When Leroy Sane suffered a serious injury in the Community Shield , some expected the news to delay his move to Bayern Munich rather than removing it from the equation altogether .
After all , plenty of people within the Bayern establishment are believed to be fans of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Schalke in 2016 .
However , if Bayern director and former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is to be believed , things aren ’ t quite so clear-cut .
Kahn has expressed his concerns about how the coronavirus crisis might impact the transfer market , especially when it comes to big transfer deals like the one Bayern were expected to complete before Sane ’ s injury last August .
`` At the moment there are completely different things to be managed .
If the market starts up at all , I 'm rather sceptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We 're looking at everything at the moment , like many European clubs .
I have not found that the clubs are ready to make large transfers . ''
Kahn also pointed to Sane ’ s injury as a reason for potential buyers to think twice , saying “ Sane has an injury behind him , trying to find a connection bit by bit .
I think it 's difficult today to talk about players who have a valid employment contract . ''

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Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for Monday, June 1.
How renewed Bayern interest in Sane may force Manchester City into compromise
As more noises are made pointing to Bayern Munich’s interest in Leroy Sane, the differences between Manchester City’s approach to such a move and Pep Guardiola’s feelings about it have come into focus once more.
Bayern were interested in Sane last summer before he suffered a knee injury in the Community Shield from which he is yet to return, and former Bayern president Uli Hoeness is the latest to go big on the German winger.
The Bundesliga leaders signed Philippe Coutinho on loan after Sane’s injury made a summer move impossible, but may now be back in for the City man after opting not to take up their option to bring Coutinho over from Barcelona permanently.
City have made it clear they have no plans to cave to anything below their own demands when it comes to a transfer fee, but Guardiola’s past comments might still give Bayern hope.
"I spoke to the club 10 times, I want people here to be happy. If they don't want, they go. The desire to have him to be with us is always there."
It may be that, in order to resolve the situation, a compromise needs to be reached. Especially considering Sane’s contract is one year closer to expiry.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The decision facing Pep Guardiola over his Arsenal line-up might not be what it seems
Leroy Sane’s return to fitness has led to suggestions the German will be battling it out with Riyad Mahrez for a starting spot in Manchester City’s Premier League return, but things may be a little more complicated than that.
Sane hasn’t featured in the league since the victory over Leicester City in May 2019, but is now back in the mix as Pep Guardiola prepares to select his team for the meeting with Arsenal on June 17.
In the meantime, though, Mahrez has shown himself to be one of the most influential attacking midfielders in the league, not just at the Etihad Stadium.
We’ve looked at the numbers, which demonstrate just how much the Algerian has stepped things up this season. It may be the case that Raheem Sterling, rather than Mahrez, is the man most at risk of losing his spot to Sane when Guardiola’s team return to action.
Bayern Munich director urges caution on club’s Leroy Sane pursuit
When Leroy Sane suffered a serious injury in the Community Shield, some expected the news to delay his move to Bayern Munich rather than removing it from the equation altogether.
After all, plenty of people within the Bayern establishment are believed to be fans of the German international, who joined City from Schalke in 2016.
However, if Bayern director and former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is to be believed, things aren’t quite so clear-cut.
Kahn has expressed his concerns about how the coronavirus crisis might impact the transfer market, especially when it comes to big transfer deals like the one Bayern were expected to complete before Sane’s injury last August.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"At the moment there are completely different things to be managed. If the market starts up at all, I'm rather sceptical,” Kahn told Sky 90.
“We're looking at everything at the moment, like many European clubs. I have not found that the clubs are ready to make large transfers."
Kahn also pointed to Sane’s injury as a reason for potential buyers to think twice, saying “Sane has an injury behind him, trying to find a connection bit by bit. I think it's difficult today to talk about players who have a valid employment contract."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-01--M61 closed both ways with large traffic delays and police on scene

A stretch of the M61 has been closed due to a police incident .
Lancashire Road Police confirmed at 5.40pm that the motorway had been closed in both directions between junction 9 ( Brindle ) and junction 6 ( Horwich ) .
Officers have described it as a 'concern for safety ' incident .
A spokesman for Lancashire Police tweeted : `` The M61 is currently closed close to Junction 8 while we deal with a concern for safety incident .
`` We would ask all motorists to avoid the area if possible and to find alternative routes .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Part of the motorway has since been reopened but a diversion is still in place around junction 8 ( Chorley ) .
Just before 6pm , Highways England tweeted : `` The # M61 southbound J9 ( Brindle/M65 ) to J8 ( Chorley/A674/A6 ) is currently CLOSED due to a Police incident , There is also a minor diversion on the northbound at J8 as traffic is having to exit the motorway , to rejoin via the entry slip road . ''
Due to the closure and diversions , traffic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find alternative routes .
Samaritans ( 116 123 ) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year .
If you prefer to write down how you ’ re feeling , or if you ’ re worried about being overheard on the phone , you can email Samaritans at jo @ samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK , PO Box 9090 , STIRLING , FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch .
For support for people feeling suicidal , if you are concerned about someone or if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk CALM ( 0800 58 58 58 ) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason , who need to talk or find information and support .
They 're open 5pm to midnight , 365 days a year .
Childline ( 0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK .
Calls are free and the number won ’ t show up on your phone bill .
PAPYRUS ( 0800 068 41 41 ) is a voluntary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are feeling suicidal .
Beat Eating Disorders : Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders .
These helplines are free to call from all phones .
Adult Helpline : 0808 801 0677 , Studentline : 0808 801 0811 , Youthline : 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Anorexia & Bulimia Care : ABC provide on-going care , emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders , those struggling personally and parents , families and friends .
Helpline : 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/ Students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are depressed , have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts .
Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse , visit https : //www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/ Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook here .

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A stretch of the M61 has been closed due to a police incident.
Lancashire Road Police confirmed at 5.40pm that the motorway had been closed in both directions between junction 9 (Brindle) and junction 6 (Horwich).
Officers have described it as a 'concern for safety' incident.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police tweeted: "The M61 is currently closed close to Junction 8 while we deal with a concern for safety incident.
"We would ask all motorists to avoid the area if possible and to find alternative routes. We will update as soon as we can."
Part of the motorway has since been reopened but a diversion is still in place around junction 8 (Chorley).
Just before 6pm, Highways England tweeted: "The #M61 southbound J9 (Brindle/M65) to J8 (Chorley/A674/A6) is currently CLOSED due to a Police incident, There is also a minor diversion on the northbound at J8 as traffic is having to exit the motorway, to rejoin via the entry slip road."
Due to the closure and diversions, traffic is currently queuing and people are being asked to find alternative routes.
Helplines and websites Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch. For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year. Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill. PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/ Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.