themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Packed lunches worse for kids than school dinners, study finds

You may not have the best memories of school dinners , but things have changed .
While many parents feel they 're giving their children a healthier option with a packed lunch , studies have found that school dinners are usually better .
A study published in the journal BMJ Open shows that packed lunches are on average worse nutritionally than meals offered by schools , with the amount of essential nutrients in them falling between 2006 and 2016 .
The study , which looked at data from 76 schools in England , found that although the overall amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many contained foods still too high in sugar , salt or fat .
Some things never change though - with the amount of fruit and vegetables barely changing over that decade .
While no legislation exists for packed lunches , leaving parents free to choose what to include in them , in 2006 mandatory rules were introduced in England governing nutritional quality for school-served meals .
Fruit , vegetables , starch , protein and dairy must be included at each meal and sweets , savoury snacks and sugary drinks are restricted .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with white bread and more than half of lunch boxes contained crisps or other savoury snacks , with around one in three containing a chocolate biscuit .
Around four in 10 lunchboxes also contained sugary squash or a carton of fruit drink in 2016 , although this was lower than in 2006 .
The study , led by the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds , concluded : `` Packed lunches remain low quality with few meeting standards set for school meals .
`` Although some children 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunches continue to be dominated by sweet and savoury snack foods and sugary drinks .
`` A minority of children eat vegetables or salad and this has n't changed in the past 10 years . ''
What 's your view on lunches ?
Do you make a packed lunch for your child or pay for school dinners ?
Which do you think is healthier ?
Let us know in the comments or share your views on our Manchester Family Facebook page .
We 've launched our Manchester Family newsletter , bringing you all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your email address once a week .
Sign up here .

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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
You may not have the best memories of school dinners, but things have changed.
While many parents feel they're giving their children a healthier option with a packed lunch, studies have found that school dinners are usually better.
A study published in the journal BMJ Open shows that packed lunches are on average worse nutritionally than meals offered by schools, with the amount of essential nutrients in them falling between 2006 and 2016.
The study, which looked at data from 76 schools in England, found that although the overall amount of sugar in packed lunches had fallen, many contained foods still too high in sugar, salt or fat.
Some things never change though - with the amount of fruit and vegetables barely changing over that decade.
While no legislation exists for packed lunches, leaving parents free to choose what to include in them, in 2006 mandatory rules were introduced in England governing nutritional quality for school-served meals.
Fruit, vegetables, starch, protein and dairy must be included at each meal and sweets, savoury snacks and sugary drinks are restricted.
The study found that most sandwiches were made with white bread and more than half of lunch boxes contained crisps or other savoury snacks, with around one in three containing a chocolate biscuit.
Around four in 10 lunchboxes also contained sugary squash or a carton of fruit drink in 2016, although this was lower than in 2006.
The study, led by the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds, concluded: "Packed lunches remain low quality with few meeting standards set for school meals.
"Although some children's packed lunches contain healthy foods, packed lunches continue to be dominated by sweet and savoury snack foods and sugary drinks.
"A minority of children eat vegetables or salad and this hasn't changed in the past 10 years."
What's your view on lunches? Do you make a packed lunch for your child or pay for school dinners? Which do you think is healthier? Let us know in the comments or share your views on our Manchester Family Facebook page.
We've launched our Manchester Family newsletter, bringing you all the latest family stories and events straight to your email address once a week. Sign up here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Tributes as long-serving Trafford councillor Ray Bowker dies

Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Trafford councillor who has sadly died .
Coun Ray Bowker , who was first elected in 1973 and served on almost all of the council 's committees during his time as a councillor , represented Village ward in Timperley as an independent member .
He was Trafford ’ s mayor during the millennium year and raised more than £71,000 for two local charities – Trafford Young Carers Project and Trafford Crossroads – during his time as civic leader .
In 2002 , Coun Bowker was awarded an MBE for a lifetime of service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time as “ absolutely the greatest honour of my life.
” A lifelong Timperley resident , he served on many school governing bodies including his former school , Wellington .
He was chairman of the governors at Broomwood Primary School in Timperley at the time of his death .
He also served for more than 40 years in the Boys Brigade , 7 Altrincham Company at Timperley Methodist Church .
Coun Bowker , 83 , was the Liberal Democrat leader for many years before becoming an Independent after last May ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coun Andrew Western , described Coun Bowker as a `` giant in Trafford politics '' .
He said : `` Ray was a long-standing councillor who served the council with distinction and will be sadly missed by all who knew him .
`` He was honest , dedicated and caring , and always wanted the best for the people he represented and for Trafford as a whole .
`` While we were not in the same party we worked closely together .
`` He was a trusted friend and adviser and I held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ray spoke people listened and Trafford has lost one of its best councillors .
`` He had a lifelong commitment to helping young people in the borough and was passionate about wanting to improve their lives .
`` My thoughts are with his wife Hazel , his children and grandchildren and all his family and friends at this sad time . ''
On Twitter , Coun Western added : `` I ’ m so sad about this news .
Ray and I had talked about his illness a lot over the past 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick .
`` But at least it was swift and peaceful in the end .
Ray was a giant in Trafford politics and someone I called a friend and will miss terribly . ''
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 .
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Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Trafford councillor who has sadly died.
Coun Ray Bowker, who was first elected in 1973 and served on almost all of the council's committees during his time as a councillor, represented Village ward in Timperley as an independent member.
He was Trafford’s mayor during the millennium year and raised more than £71,000 for two local charities – Trafford Young Carers Project and Trafford Crossroads – during his time as civic leader.
In 2002, Coun Bowker was awarded an MBE for a lifetime of service to the community, which he described at the time as “absolutely the greatest honour of my life.”
A lifelong Timperley resident, he served on many school governing bodies including his former school, Wellington.
He was chairman of the governors at Broomwood Primary School in Timperley at the time of his death.
He also served for more than 40 years in the Boys Brigade, 7 Altrincham Company at Timperley Methodist Church.
Coun Bowker, 83, was the Liberal Democrat leader for many years before becoming an Independent after last May’s local elections.
Council leader, Coun Andrew Western, described Coun Bowker as a "giant in Trafford politics".
He said: "Ray was a long-standing councillor who served the council with distinction and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"He was honest, dedicated and caring, and always wanted the best for the people he represented and for Trafford as a whole.
"While we were not in the same party we worked closely together.
"He was a trusted friend and adviser and I held him in the highest regard. When Ray spoke people listened and Trafford has lost one of its best councillors.
"He had a lifelong commitment to helping young people in the borough and was passionate about wanting to improve their lives.
"My thoughts are with his wife Hazel, his children and grandchildren and all his family and friends at this sad time."
On Twitter, Coun Western added: "I’m so sad about this news. Ray and I had talked about his illness a lot over the past 10 months or so but this was very quick.
"But at least it was swift and peaceful in the end. Ray was a giant in Trafford politics and someone I called a friend and will miss terribly."
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--2020-01-14--Drunk, sweary passenger nicked a bottle of whisky from the drinks trolley before pulling his trouser

Drunk, sweary passenger nicked a bottle of whisky from the drinks trolley before pulling his trousers down on flight to Manchester

A drunk , sweary passenger who stole a bottle of whisky before pulling his trousers down on a flight to Manchester has been jailed .
Mohammad Rafiq , 47 , was flying to the city from Muscat in Oman with Oman Air when his alcohol-fuelled rampage began .
Manchester Crown Court heard the dad-of-one came to the attention of staff 30 minutes into the journey after he swiped a bottle of whisky from the drinks trolley .
Despite repeated attempts by cabin crew to calm him down , Rafiq became abusive , swearing at staff and other passengers .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of holidaymakers , the court heard .
Rafiq 's defence barrister , Andrew Evans told the court his client was a former alcoholic who had been abstinent for 18 months .
The defendant claimed he did not expect an airline like Oman Air to provide alcohol - and so had not 'put up his defences ' .
Mr Evans said it was only when Rafiq was given the option to drink , that he 'gave into his temptations ' .
Rafiq , of Whernside Road , Ashton , Tameside , was jailed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an aircraft after a judge branded his behaviour 'disgraceful ' .
The court heard the flight left Muscat at around 2pm on November 11 lat year and was due to last around eight hours .
Prosecutor Andrew Mackintosh said : `` Shortly after the flight took off , the cabin manager was contacted by other members of staff who said the defendant was causing difficulties .
`` As the drinks trolley was moving round the plane , the defendant took a whole bottle of whisky and started drinking from it .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was acting in an aggressive manner .
`` He was cursing and swearing at people and sticking up his middle finger .
`` It was clear the defendant was drunk . ''
Mr Mackintosh told the court that when the cabin manager asked the defendant to calm down , he tried to grab her arm .
He added : `` When the food was being served he took it from members of the cabin crew and threw it on the floor .
`` He then took particular dislike to a married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was acting aggressively and at one point pulled his trousers down and then pulled them back up again . ''
The court heard Rafiq 's behaviour later came to the attention of the captain , who warned passengers about the consequences of bad behaviour .
It was only as the plane prepared to land in Manchester that Rafiq calmed down , before falling asleep .
He was arrested as the plane landed .
Rafiq told police he had no recollection of what had happened .
The court heard he has a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excess alcohol .
He received a prison sentence in 2017 .
Mr Evans asked the court not to send his client straight to prison as he had been making progress with his alcohol issues .
He told the court Rafiq had been returning from Pakistan for the funeral of his god father .
But Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said the case was so serious only a custodial sentence was appropriate .
She told Rafiq : `` Being drunk on an aircraft is a very serious offence and is regarded seriously by the courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before for your drinking for which you went to prison .
“ I am told that after that prison sentence you engaged with the relevant services and you tried to reduce your intake .
“ It is clear this was not successful as when you got on that flight you decided to drink to excess which you did . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @

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A drunk, sweary passenger who stole a bottle of whisky before pulling his trousers down on a flight to Manchester has been jailed.
Mohammad Rafiq, 47, was flying to the city from Muscat in Oman with Oman Air when his alcohol-fuelled rampage began.
Manchester Crown Court heard the dad-of-one came to the attention of staff 30 minutes into the journey after he swiped a bottle of whisky from the drinks trolley.
Despite repeated attempts by cabin crew to calm him down, Rafiq became abusive, swearing at staff and other passengers.
He later pulled his trousers down in front of holidaymakers, the court heard.
Rafiq's defence barrister, Andrew Evans told the court his client was a former alcoholic who had been abstinent for 18 months.
(Image: Cavendish Press)
The defendant claimed he did not expect an airline like Oman Air to provide alcohol - and so had not 'put up his defences'.
Mr Evans said it was only when Rafiq was given the option to drink, that he 'gave into his temptations'.
Rafiq, of Whernside Road, Ashton, Tameside, was jailed for six months for being drunk on board an aircraft after a judge branded his behaviour 'disgraceful'.
The court heard the flight left Muscat at around 2pm on November 11 lat year and was due to last around eight hours.
Prosecutor Andrew Mackintosh said: "Shortly after the flight took off, the cabin manager was contacted by other members of staff who said the defendant was causing difficulties.
"As the drinks trolley was moving round the plane, the defendant took a whole bottle of whisky and started drinking from it.
"The cabin manager went to see the defendant and he was acting in an aggressive manner.
"He was cursing and swearing at people and sticking up his middle finger.
"It was clear the defendant was drunk."
Mr Mackintosh told the court that when the cabin manager asked the defendant to calm down, he tried to grab her arm.
(Image: Daily Post Wales)
He added: "When the food was being served he took it from members of the cabin crew and threw it on the floor.
"He then took particular dislike to a married couple sitting next to him.
"He was acting aggressively and at one point pulled his trousers down and then pulled them back up again."
The court heard Rafiq's behaviour later came to the attention of the captain, who warned passengers about the consequences of bad behaviour.
It was only as the plane prepared to land in Manchester that Rafiq calmed down, before falling asleep.
He was arrested as the plane landed.
Rafiq told police he had no recollection of what had happened.
The court heard he has a number of convictions, including for driving with excess alcohol. He received a prison sentence in 2017.
(Image: Cavendish Press)
Mr Evans asked the court not to send his client straight to prison as he had been making progress with his alcohol issues.
He told the court Rafiq had been returning from Pakistan for the funeral of his god father.
But Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said the case was so serious only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
She told Rafiq: "Being drunk on an aircraft is a very serious offence and is regarded seriously by the courts.
“You have been in trouble before for your drinking for which you went to prison.
“I am told that after that prison sentence you engaged with the relevant services and you tried to reduce your intake.
“It is clear this was not successful as when you got on that flight you decided to drink to excess which you did."
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.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Fifteen stunning Lake District waterfalls waiting to be discovered

Just 90 minutes from Manchester , the rolling green hills and alpine-like forests of the Lake District are a sharp contrast to the concrete jungle .
Famous for its crystal clear lakes , its lush woodland and imposing mountains it 's also home to a number of stunning waterfalls .
From powerful spouts dropping from great height , to a peaceful and picturesque cascades of water tumbling into a stream , there 's a whole host just waiting to be found .
And whether you fancy a picturesque picnic or a hike with a dramatic finale , there 's plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gems .
Waterfalls do change with the seasons , so we can ’ t guarantee that all of these will necessarily look like they do in the photos when you pay your own visit .
As stunning and tempting these falls are , it 's important to remain safe on your visit , and to plan accordingly for the weather , the terrain and the water .
Warning : This article states the locations of waterfalls across the Lakes .
Accessibility may vary , and not every fall is safe for paddling or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be extremely dangerous .
Water underneath waterfalls can cause swimmers to get into trouble .
Known as a boil , this can be very turbulent and pose a danger to life .
Fluctuating water levels mean jumping can become fatal if river levels drop .
As natural water features , conditions change rapidly .
Care must always be taken on slippery rocks and edges .
Dry rocks can be just as slippery as wet ones , especially those covered with algae .
Never visit a waterfall alone , and always follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can find more water safety tips from the OSS here .
Take a look at some of the spectacular waterfalls you can find right now in and around the Lake District : One of the tallest waterfalls in the Lake District , Scale Force has three distinct falls - the main dropping from a massive height of 170ft into the crags below .
Two lesser drops peter off from the main fall from around 20ft .
Hidden away deep in a tree-lined ravine , it 's several miles from the nearest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit of a steep uphill hike along a rocky path to reach the top , but it 's well worth the trek , with visitors describing the peak as like `` being on top of the world '' , with panoramic views .
How to find it : Aira Force is a fall where river water from the Aira Beck , falling in a fast flowing single-stream around 72ft into a rocky pool below .
Since being taken over by the National Trust , the area around Aira Force has become much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most famous and most visited fall in the Lake District .
Along the footpath that passes up the glen towards the falls you 'll also find a Wish Tree - a large fallen tree trunk where visitors have hammer coins into it using stones from the site , while making a wish .
It 's thought that the poet William Wordworth was inspired too write his famous poem , Daffodils , after spending time in the area of Aira Force .
How to find it : The milky-white swirling waters of Sour Milk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of several fast-flowing drops as the water tumbles out of the adjoining tarn , down a rocky hill into a splash pool below .
It 's about a mile from the nearest car park in Grasemere , but the ramble is pretty straight forward and you 'll find it by following the signs for Easedale .
The falls are easily seen from the road , but if you really want to get close , there 's a steep path climbing up the side of the falls .
How to find it : Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and just 30m behind the hotel with the same name , Lodore Falls is a popular waterfall which tumbles more than 100 feet over the hanging valley of Watendlath into Borrowdale .
It 's easy to get to making a visit ideal for those with young childen .
There 's even a bench where you can take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding the falls or even take a picnic .
The falls are spectacular after periods of heavy rain , but visitors should be aware that they do tend to dry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How to find it : Found just off the road , you can simply park up and head to the falls , making it one of the more easily accessible in the area to visit .
Make the effort to the climb up to the top of the falls and you 'll be treated to phenomenal views of the surrounding valley .
The upper falls are the longest and the most difficult of the sections and the protruding outcrop can be passed on either side .
The final 20 metre section is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its very highest point , which leads on to Buttermere Moss .
They have long been mentioned throughout history - even mentioned in early Welsh poetry .
The falls are on private property , but an honesty box is on site welcomes visitor donations .
How to find it : Situated on the River Brathay , Colwith Force is a powerful multi-drop fall that cascades down a height of around 40 feet .
Hidden away in thick , secluded woodland , the waterfall is most impressive after heavy rainfall , where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spourts .
You can park at the car park by the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge , and the footpath across the bridge takes you directly to the falls .
How to find it : Just outside the pretty town of Appleby-in-Westmorland you 'll find the idyllic surroundings of Rutter Force .
A little off the beaten track but easy to find , this little gem is a must-see .
One of the best views of these phenomenal falls is from the footbridge above the ford , but are genuinely impressive from any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mill to the side and a little row of cute cottages - and you might even spot some elusive red squirrels while you are there .
Take the trip in Autumn and expect a riot of colour in this little corner .
How to find it : This little cluster of several waterfalls are one of the lesser known in the Lake District National Park - and are n't even too difficult to find either .
Found in a large area of coniferous woodland , the falls are the result of the Dob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reservoir below over a rocky ravine creating a gorgeous display and a number of plunge pools .
It 's about a mile from the Dob Gill Car Park , but you can find it by following the very obvious stone path - which does get a little steep towards the end - but well worth the effort .
How to find it : The impressive and powerful waters of Stanley Ghyll Force drop from over 60 feet down a deep and narrow gorge into a small yet deep splash pool below .
Surrounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of different types greenery perch on the high ledges overlooking the falls as the water cuts dramatically through the ravine .
It feels like you are in a tropical rainforest .
Access to the falls is by a number of cute little footbridges and a narrow winding path .
It 's a pretty popular spot - probably down to the stunning views en route .
It 's about a miles walk from the local train station but you can access the falls from either from the car park at the Dalegarth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or the nearer National Trust car park .
It 's a fairly easy route , but it does involve a little bit of a scramble up the left hand bank of the stream at the end of the path to reach the falls .
How to find it : Cautley Spout is England 's highest cascading waterfall found above the ground - and unlike many in the area , it can be seen from miles away .
The broken cascade of falls plunges down the side of the cliff face at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of a glacial valley , cutting in and out of the surrounding rock face .
In the valley below , archaeologists previously uncovered the remains of an Iron Age settlement with a stone-lined avenue leading towards the foot of the falls .
Some even believe the area was of some sort of religious ritual took place around the area of the falls .
It can be quite tough to reach the top of the falls as the slopes either side of the waterfall are pretty steep .
But the effort is rewarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surrounding Lakeland fells .
How to find it : A large series of dramatic cascades totalling 246 feet , these beautiful and impressive falls are in a fairly remote area off the beaten track , and are ideal for a peaceful trip .
Start at the car park opposite Peter House Farm ( not forgetting to donate to the honesty box ) and take the path up leading to the falls .
It 's about a five mile round trip , but quite an easy walk and well worth the trek to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views .
How to find it : The falls at Thortergill , formerly known to locals as Lady ’ s Walk , are a hidden away in thick woodland , but are a sight to behold .
Cascading over several drops over a rocky face , the fast flowing waters are best seen after heavy rainfall .
The area around the falls is steeped in mining history owned by a mining company until 1939 .
Thortergill has now been restored and is home to a wealth of flora and fauna .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnificent falls are on private land , so you 'll have to pay an entrance fee at the cafe to get in .
How to find it : These picturesque falls are found deep in the gardens at Rydal Hall , and appear to emerge from the trees and surrounding woodlands .
The natural falls pour water over a low lying ridge into Rydal Beck before carrying idly on up stream .
More peaceful than powerful , they were an inspiration to both artists and writers in the 18th and 19th century , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the falls - known as The Grot .
The building is no longer open to the public but you can still view the falls which are to the north of Rydal Hall in Ambleside .
How to find it : Thrusting a powerful burst of water through a dramatic narrow passage cutting through a rocky outcrop creating an impressive display .
Easily accessible , this waterfall has an all-weather path which runs alongside the river from Elterwater village to Skelwith Bridge and you can get up close to the falls and there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of steps .
Good shoes and waterproofs advisable though , as even the spray gets thrust quite far by the sheer power of the water as it travels through the gap .
Visit after rainfall and you 'll really hear it roar .
Nearest car park is about half a mile away at Silverbridge parking area - with the path to the falls on the opposite side of the road .
How to find it : Located in the Langdale Valley in the South Lakes , this series of falls and rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by some amazing views making it one of the most popular in the area .
It runs down from Stickle Tarn At 1500 feet under the shadow of the Langdale Pikes , as you head higher you are rewarded with phenomenal views over the valley below and towards Lingmoor .
To find it , you need to head along a waymarked trail ( the whole area is owned by the National Trust ) but be warned , it can get steep in places .
Over the final rise , you 'll experience an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with two summits - Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark .
These summits together with Pike O ' Stickle once formed part of the outer rim of a massive volcano .
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 .

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Just 90 minutes from Manchester, the rolling green hills and alpine-like forests of the Lake District are a sharp contrast to the concrete jungle.
Famous for its crystal clear lakes, its lush woodland and imposing mountains it's also home to a number of stunning waterfalls.
From powerful spouts dropping from great height, to a peaceful and picturesque cascades of water tumbling into a stream, there's a whole host just waiting to be found.
And whether you fancy a picturesque picnic or a hike with a dramatic finale, there's plenty to explore en route to these natural gems.
Waterfalls do change with the seasons, so we can’t guarantee that all of these will necessarily look like they do in the photos when you pay your own visit.
As stunning and tempting these falls are, it's important to remain safe on your visit, and to plan accordingly for the weather, the terrain and the water.
Warning: This article states the locations of waterfalls across the Lakes.
Accessibility may vary, and not every fall is safe for paddling or swimming. Swimming in rivers and waterfalls can be extremely dangerous. Water underneath waterfalls can cause swimmers to get into trouble. Known as a boil, this can be very turbulent and pose a danger to life.
Fluctuating water levels mean jumping can become fatal if river levels drop. As natural water features, conditions change rapidly. Care must always be taken on slippery rocks and edges. Dry rocks can be just as slippery as wet ones, especially those covered with algae.
Never visit a waterfall alone, and always follow the instructions posted at all waterfalls and trails .
You can find more water safety tips from the OSS here .
Take a look at some of the spectacular waterfalls you can find right now in and around the Lake District:
Scale Force, Crummock Water
(Image: Creative Commons/ Michael Graham)
One of the tallest waterfalls in the Lake District, Scale Force has three distinct falls - the main dropping from a massive height of 170ft into the crags below.
Two lesser drops peter off from the main fall from around 20ft.
Hidden away deep in a tree-lined ravine, it's several miles from the nearest car park in Buttermere.
There's a bit of a steep uphill hike along a rocky path to reach the top, but it's well worth the trek, with visitors describing the peak as like "being on top of the world", with panoramic views.
How to find it:
Aira Force, Matterdale
(Image: Creative Commons/Ballantyne108)
Aira Force is a fall where river water from the Aira Beck, falling in a fast flowing single-stream around 72ft into a rocky pool below.
Since being taken over by the National Trust, the area around Aira Force has become much more accessible making it one of the most famous and most visited fall in the Lake District.
Along the footpath that passes up the glen towards the falls you'll also find a Wish Tree - a large fallen tree trunk where visitors have hammer coins into it using stones from the site, while making a wish.
It's thought that the poet William Wordworth was inspired too write his famous poem, Daffodils, after spending time in the area of Aira Force.
How to find it:
Sour Milk Ghyll, Grasmere
(Image: Creative Commons/ Antiquated)
The milky-white swirling waters of Sour Milk Ghyll is an impressive waterfall made up of several fast-flowing drops as the water tumbles out of the adjoining tarn, down a rocky hill into a splash pool below.
It's about a mile from the nearest car park in Grasemere, but the ramble is pretty straight forward and you'll find it by following the signs for Easedale. The falls are easily seen from the road, but if you really want to get close, there's a steep path climbing up the side of the falls.
How to find it:
Lodore Falls, Grange
(Image: Creative Commons/ Mark Fosh)
Just a short walk from the main road, and just 30m behind the hotel with the same name, Lodore Falls is a popular waterfall which tumbles more than 100 feet over the hanging valley of Watendlath into Borrowdale. It's easy to get to making a visit ideal for those with young childen.
There's even a bench where you can take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding the falls or even take a picnic.
The falls are spectacular after periods of heavy rain, but visitors should be aware that they do tend to dry to a trickle in after extended dry spells.
How to find it:
Moss Force, Buttermere
(Image: Creative Commons/ Mick Knapton)
Found just off the road, you can simply park up and head to the falls, making it one of the more easily accessible in the area to visit.
Make the effort to the climb up to the top of the falls and you'll be treated to phenomenal views of the surrounding valley.
The upper falls are the longest and the most difficult of the sections and the protruding outcrop can be passed on either side. The final 20 metre section is a less steep part of the Force at its very highest point, which leads on to Buttermere Moss.
They have long been mentioned throughout history - even mentioned in early Welsh poetry.
The falls are on private property, but an honesty box is on site welcomes visitor donations.
How to find it:
Colwith Force, Ambleside
(Image: Creative Commons/ Christopher Down)
Situated on the River Brathay, Colwith Force is a powerful multi-drop fall that cascades down a height of around 40 feet.
Hidden away in thick, secluded woodland, the waterfall is most impressive after heavy rainfall, where you will see fast-flowing water from its many spourts.
You can park at the car park by the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge, and the footpath across the bridge takes you directly to the falls.
How to find it:
Rutter Force, Appleby-in-Westmorland
(Image: Creative Commons/ George Hopkins)
Just outside the pretty town of Appleby-in-Westmorland you'll find the idyllic surroundings of Rutter Force. A little off the beaten track but easy to find, this little gem is a must-see.
One of the best views of these phenomenal falls is from the footbridge above the ford, but are genuinely impressive from any angle.
There's also an old mill to the side and a little row of cute cottages - and you might even spot some elusive red squirrels while you are there. Take the trip in Autumn and expect a riot of colour in this little corner.
How to find it:
Dob Gill Force, Thirlmere, Wythburn
(Image: Trip Advisor)
This little cluster of several waterfalls are one of the lesser known in the Lake District National Park - and aren't even too difficult to find either.
Found in a large area of coniferous woodland, the falls are the result of the Dob Gill stream cascading downhill into the Thirlmere reservoir below over a rocky ravine creating a gorgeous display and a number of plunge pools.
It's about a mile from the Dob Gill Car Park, but you can find it by following the very obvious stone path - which does get a little steep towards the end - but well worth the effort.
How to find it:
Stanley Ghyll Force, Eskdale
(Image: Trip Advisor)
The impressive and powerful waters of Stanley Ghyll Force drop from over 60 feet down a deep and narrow gorge into a small yet deep splash pool below.
Surrounded by ancient woodland, wild flowers and a variety of different types greenery perch on the high ledges overlooking the falls as the water cuts dramatically through the ravine. It feels like you are in a tropical rainforest.
Access to the falls is by a number of cute little footbridges and a narrow winding path. It's a pretty popular spot - probably down to the stunning views en route.
It's about a miles walk from the local train station but you can access the falls from either from the car park at the Dalegarth Station of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, or the nearer National Trust car park.
It's a fairly easy route, but it does involve a little bit of a scramble up the left hand bank of the stream at the end of the path to reach the falls.
How to find it:
Cautley Spout, Sedburgh
(Image: Creative Commons/ Rudy Winter)
Cautley Spout is England's highest cascading waterfall found above the ground - and unlike many in the area, it can be seen from miles away. The broken cascade of falls plunges down the side of the cliff face at a total of 650 feet starting at the head of a glacial valley, cutting in and out of the surrounding rock face.
In the valley below, archaeologists previously uncovered the remains of an Iron Age settlement with a stone-lined avenue leading towards the foot of the falls. Some even believe the area was of some sort of religious ritual took place around the area of the falls.
It can be quite tough to reach the top of the falls as the slopes either side of the waterfall are pretty steep. But the effort is rewarded with views out to the sea and the surrounding Lakeland fells.
How to find it:
Whitewater Dash, Dash Valley nr Keswick
(Image: Creative Commons/ Phillip Halling)
A large series of dramatic cascades totalling 246 feet, these beautiful and impressive falls are in a fairly remote area off the beaten track, and are ideal for a peaceful trip.
Start at the car park opposite Peter House Farm (not forgetting to donate to the honesty box) and take the path up leading to the falls. It's about a five mile round trip, but quite an easy walk and well worth the trek to see the water crashing and the outstanding views.
How to find it:
Thortergill Force, Garrigill
(Image: Creative Commons/ Richard Spencer)
The falls at Thortergill, formerly known to locals as Lady’s Walk, are a hidden away in thick woodland, but are a sight to behold. Cascading over several drops over a rocky face, the fast flowing waters are best seen after heavy rainfall.
The area around the falls is steeped in mining history owned by a mining company until 1939. Thortergill has now been restored and is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. It's also a haven for red squirrels
These magnificent falls are on private land, so you'll have to pay an entrance fee at the cafe to get in.
How to find it:
Rydal Falls, Ambleside
(Image: Creative Commons/ Michael Graham)
These picturesque falls are found deep in the gardens at Rydal Hall, and appear to emerge from the trees and surrounding woodlands. The natural falls pour water over a low lying ridge into Rydal Beck before carrying idly on up stream.
More peaceful than powerful, they were an inspiration to both artists and writers in the 18th and 19th century, a little summerhouse was built for viewing the falls - known as The Grot.
The building is no longer open to the public but you can still view the falls which are to the north of Rydal Hall in Ambleside.
How to find it:
Skelwith Force, Skelwith
(Image: Trip Advisor)
Thrusting a powerful burst of water through a dramatic narrow passage cutting through a rocky outcrop creating an impressive display.
Easily accessible, this waterfall has an all-weather path which runs alongside the river from Elterwater village to Skelwith Bridge and you can get up close to the falls and there is a viewing platform accessible via a small set of steps.
Good shoes and waterproofs advisable though, as even the spray gets thrust quite far by the sheer power of the water as it travels through the gap. Visit after rainfall and you'll really hear it roar.
Nearest car park is about half a mile away at Silverbridge parking area - with the path to the falls on the opposite side of the road.
How to find it:
Stickle Ghyll, Great Langdale
(Image: Creative Commons/ Gareth James)
Located in the Langdale Valley in the South Lakes, this series of falls and rock pools cut into mountainside and are surrounded by some amazing views making it one of the most popular in the area.
It runs down from Stickle Tarn
At 1500 feet under the shadow of the Langdale Pikes, as you head higher you are rewarded with phenomenal views over the valley below and towards Lingmoor.
To find it, you need to head along a waymarked trail (the whole area is owned by the National Trust) but be warned, it can get steep in places.
Over the final rise, you'll experience an aerial view of Stickle Tarn, along with two summits - Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. These summits together with Pike O' Stickle once formed part of the outer rim of a massive volcano.
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--2020-01-14--Woman taken to hospital after motorbike and car smash shuts road

A woman has been taken to hospital following a smash involving a car and a motorbike in Stockport .
Emergency @ @ @ @ @ Road , near to Gatley train station , on Tuesday afternoon .
A woman , @ @ @ @ @ was treated at the scene .
She was then taken to hospital by paramedics .
@ @ @ @ @ is unknown at this stage .
Gatley Road remains closed while emergency services work at @ @ @ @ @ for the North West Ambulance Service said : `` We were called to a collision @ @ @ @ @ motorbike .
`` We sent one ambulance to the scene and treated a female patient @ @ @ @ @ Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here @ @ @ @ @ device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to @ @ @ @ @ the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook @ @

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A woman has been taken to hospital following a smash involving a car and a motorbike in Stockport.
Emergency services were called to Gatley Road, near to Gatley train station, on Tuesday afternoon.
A woman, aged in her 20s, was treated at the scene.
She was then taken to hospital by paramedics.
The extent of her injuries is unknown at this stage.
Gatley Road remains closed while emergency services work at the scene.
A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a collision involving a car and a motorbike.
"We sent one ambulance to the scene and treated a female patient in her 20s."
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--2020-01-14--'Volatile' couple got engaged in hotel room...hours later she was dead after her new fiancé supplied

'Volatile' couple got engaged in hotel room...hours later she was dead after her new fiancé supplied her with lethal drugs

A woman died in her hotel room on New Year 's Eve after taking a cocktail of drugs supplied by the man she had just got engaged to .
Hollie Sheridan-Connis had drunk `` copious amounts of alcohol '' with her boyfriend Ryan Lee Weston when the pair agreed to give their `` volatile relationship '' another go , a court heard .
The couple had recently reconciled after Weston , 32 , had bought a number of rats in a pet shop and released them into his partner 's home .
In the early hours of New Year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hotel in Bala , North Wales , where they found Ms Sheridan-Connis unresponsive .
Weston admitted to supplying his girlfriend with a lethal cocktail of cocaine , ecstasy , amphetamine and ketamine , which she later died from , North Wales Live reports .
The couple from Birkenhead , Merseyside , who had been together for around five years , had brought the drugs and alcohol to the hotel with them .
Judge Huw Rees told Caernarfon Crown Court that they had been `` reckless '' and were both `` willing participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheridan-Connis ' family were unaware that the couple were back together at the time of her death , the court heard .
Matthew Curtis , prosecuting , told the court that just a few weeks earlier , Weston had filmed himself buying a number of rats at a pet shop and then took them to his partner 's home and released them in her bedroom .
Mr Curtis also said Weston had previously broken Ms Sheridan-Connis ' jaw in an aggressive attack .
Before New Year 's , the couple had reconciled and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luxury hotel .
During the evening , the pair got engaged and started to drink heavily before the hotel manager had to ask them to keep the noise down , the court heard .
Weston returned from another room to the bedroom at around 5am when he found his partner had stopped breathing .
He sounded the fire alarm to get assistance and paramedics attended the scene , but were unable to save her .
Mr Curtis said : `` The police were called and Weston was arrested on suspicion of murder .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the property . ''
Weston admitted supplying the drugs and also pleaded guilty to burgling Ms Sheridan-Connis ' home in Leasowe earlier in December 2018 .
Handing Weston a 21 month jail term , Judge Rees said : `` This is a tragic case and underlines the devastating effects drugs and a combination of alcohol can have .
`` Courts often warn death can result and in this case it has . ''
Weston was already serving a 45-month jail term having pleaded guilty to possessing drugs with intent to supply at Chester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , defending , said Weston had shown remorse and was determined to lead a more productive life on release from prison .
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

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Eryl Crump, Fionnula Hainey)

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Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
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Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
A woman died in her hotel room on New Year's Eve after taking a cocktail of drugs supplied by the man she had just got engaged to.
Hollie Sheridan-Connis had drunk "copious amounts of alcohol" with her boyfriend Ryan Lee Weston when the pair agreed to give their "volatile relationship" another go, a court heard.
The couple had recently reconciled after Weston, 32, had bought a number of rats in a pet shop and released them into his partner's home.
In the early hours of New Year's Day 2019, paramedics were called to a hotel in Bala, North Wales, where they found Ms Sheridan-Connis unresponsive.
Weston admitted to supplying his girlfriend with a lethal cocktail of cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine and ketamine, which she later died from, North Wales Live reports.
The couple from Birkenhead, Merseyside, who had been together for around five years, had brought the drugs and alcohol to the hotel with them.
Judge Huw Rees told Caernarfon Crown Court that they had been "reckless" and were both "willing participants" in the drug taking.
Ms Sheridan-Connis' family were unaware that the couple were back together at the time of her death, the court heard.
Matthew Curtis, prosecuting, told the court that just a few weeks earlier, Weston had filmed himself buying a number of rats at a pet shop and then took them to his partner's home and released them in her bedroom.
Mr Curtis also said Weston had previously broken Ms Sheridan-Connis' jaw in an aggressive attack.
Before New Year's, the couple had reconciled and decided to spend the night at a luxury hotel.
During the evening, the pair got engaged and started to drink heavily before the hotel manager had to ask them to keep the noise down, the court heard.
Weston returned from another room to the bedroom at around 5am when he found his partner had stopped breathing.
He sounded the fire alarm to get assistance and paramedics attended the scene, but were unable to save her.
Mr Curtis said: "The police were called and Weston was arrested on suspicion of murder. In interview he admitted taking drugs to the property."
Weston admitted supplying the drugs and also pleaded guilty to burgling Ms Sheridan-Connis' home in Leasowe earlier in December 2018.
Handing Weston a 21 month jail term, Judge Rees said: "This is a tragic case and underlines the devastating effects drugs and a combination of alcohol can have.
"Courts often warn death can result and in this case it has."
Weston was already serving a 45-month jail term having pleaded guilty to possessing drugs with intent to supply at Chester Crown Court last August.
Michael Gray, defending, said Weston had shown remorse and was determined to lead a more productive life on release from prison.
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--2020-01-14--ADVERTORIAL: Move into a new build family home in Cheshire thanks to this government-backed scheme

If you 're looking for a fresh start in 2020 , moving homes might be the answer .
And where better to escape the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre than the peaceful , family friendly town of Handforth ?
Just 14 miles south of Manchester , yet a world away from the city stress , Handforth combines a delightful Cheshire location .
Whatever tops your priority list for your new home , you 'll find it here - from outstanding schools and designer shopping to modern commuter connections and historic stately homes .
Three and four bedroom properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Handforth Court , which offers a unique opportunity to experience the quality of properties from homebuilder Elan Homes .
Now backed by the government 's Help to Buy scheme , you can discover how to purchase one of these stunning homes at Elan 's Help to Buy event taking place on Saturday , January 18 .
Which homes are available ?
Elan Homes are in the process of building an intimate development of three and four-bedroom townhouses at Handforth Court , located on Wilmslow Road .
A new four-bedroom Wrenford style show home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help them get a true feel for the property .
There ’ s a well-equipped kitchen to the front and open plan living and dining room at the rear .
French doors open out from the living area onto the garden , while a handy cloakroom completes the ground floor .
On the first floor of the Wrenford , you ’ ll find the master bedroom with en-suite , another double bedroom and the family bathroom .
Up on the second floor there are two more spacious bedrooms including one with an en-suite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen , with premium work tops and a dishwasher , flooring throughout and turfed garden .
Other homes include the three-bedroom Ashforth with a similar ground floor layout to the Wrenford .
In the Ashforth two generous double bedrooms and the family bathroom are on the first floor .
The crowning glory of the property is the luxurious master suite with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite that encompasses the entire top floor .
How does the Help to Buy scheme work ?
With changes to Help to Buy due to come into force next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase a property in Handforth using the government-backed scheme .
Currently all properties at the development can potentially be purchased using the equity loan scheme but those who want to buy a home in this way are being urged to act fast .
Both property types at Handforth Court are eligible for Help to Buy , giving purchasers the chance to reserve with a 5 % deposit and 75 % mortgage .
Elan Homes are hosting a special Help to Buy event at Handforth Court this Saturday to show buyers how the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
Marie Morris , sales director for Elan Homes in the North , said : “ Across the country more than 230,000 people have taken out Help to Buy equity loans to reduce the initial cost of buying a brand new home .
`` The vast majority of those who ’ ve used the scheme have been first time buyers , but currently it ’ s also open to other homeowners too .
“ Major changes to the scheme are due to be introduced in April 2021 .
It will be restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caps will be implemented .
“ With that in mind , we ’ re urging would-be homeowners to visit Handforth Court where they will be able to receive free expert advice from Help to Buy agents , mortgage advisers and our sales team about their buying options.
” Current availability at Handforth Court includes a three-bedroom Ashforth style property , priced at £339,995 , with the four-bedroom Wrenford show home available from £359,995 .
Using Help to Buy , customers should typically only need a 5 % deposit and 75 % mortgage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equity loan , which is interest free for five years .
“ Many people who have used Help to Buy tell us it ’ s made a big difference to their lifestyle , ” adds Marie .
“ In some cases it ’ s enabled them to skip a rung on the housing ladder and buy a house to grow into rather than out of .
`` For others , it ’ s meant they haven ’ t had to compromise on location or saved them time and money by not having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discover more about Help to Buy , visit Handforth Court on Saturday , January 18 .
To find out more , you can visit the show home open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm .

If you're looking for a fresh start in 2020, moving homes might be the answer.
And where better to escape the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre than the peaceful, family friendly town of Handforth?
Just 14 miles south of Manchester, yet a world away from the city stress, Handforth combines a delightful Cheshire location.
Whatever tops your priority list for your new home, you'll find it here - from outstanding schools and designer shopping to modern commuter connections and historic stately homes.
Three and four bedroom properties are available at the exclusive development of Handforth Court, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the quality of properties from homebuilder Elan Homes.
Now backed by the government's Help to Buy scheme, you can discover how to purchase one of these stunning homes at Elan's Help to Buy event taking place on Saturday, January 18.
(Image: Elan Homes)
Which homes are available?
Elan Homes are in the process of building an intimate development of three and four-bedroom townhouses at Handforth Court, located on Wilmslow Road.
A new four-bedroom Wrenford style show home is currently open to inspire buyers and help them get a true feel for the property.
There’s a well-equipped kitchen to the front and open plan living and dining room at the rear.
French doors open out from the living area onto the garden, while a handy cloakroom completes the ground floor.
(Image: Elan Homes)
On the first floor of the Wrenford, you’ll find the master bedroom with en-suite, another double bedroom and the family bathroom.
Up on the second floor there are two more spacious bedrooms including one with an en-suite.
The Wrenford also includes an upgraded kitchen, with premium work tops and a dishwasher, flooring throughout and turfed garden.
Other homes include the three-bedroom Ashforth with a similar ground floor layout to the Wrenford. In the Ashforth two generous double bedrooms and the family bathroom are on the first floor.
The crowning glory of the property is the luxurious master suite with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite that encompasses the entire top floor.
(Image: Elan Homes)
How does the Help to Buy scheme work?
With changes to Help to Buy due to come into force next year, now is the time to purchase a property in Handforth using the government-backed scheme.
Currently all properties at the development can potentially be purchased using the equity loan scheme but those who want to buy a home in this way are being urged to act fast.
Both property types at Handforth Court are eligible for Help to Buy, giving purchasers the chance to reserve with a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage.
Elan Homes are hosting a special Help to Buy event at Handforth Court this Saturday to show buyers how the government scheme could help them find their dream home.
(Image: Elan Homes)
Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “Across the country more than 230,000 people have taken out Help to Buy equity loans to reduce the initial cost of buying a brand new home.
"The vast majority of those who’ve used the scheme have been first time buyers, but currently it’s also open to other homeowners too.
“Major changes to the scheme are due to be introduced in April 2021. It will be restricted to first time buyers and regional price caps will be implemented.
“With that in mind, we’re urging would-be homeowners to visit Handforth Court where they will be able to receive free expert advice from Help to Buy agents, mortgage advisers and our sales team about their buying options.”
Current availability at Handforth Court includes a three-bedroom Ashforth style property, priced at £339,995, with the four-bedroom Wrenford show home available from £359,995.
(Image: Elan Homes)
Using Help to Buy, customers should typically only need a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage.
The remaining 20% is covered by the equity loan, which is interest free for five years.
“Many people who have used Help to Buy tell us it’s made a big difference to their lifestyle,” adds Marie.
“In some cases it’s enabled them to skip a rung on the housing ladder and buy a house to grow into rather than out of.
"For others, it’s meant they haven’t had to compromise on location or saved them time and money by not having to tackle major home improvements.”
To discover more about Help to Buy, visit Handforth Court on Saturday, January 18.
To find out more, you can visit the show home open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm.
Alternatively, visit the website or call 01625836840.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Man appears in court accused of city centre attack, possession of a knife and affray

A man has appeared in court accused of carrying out an attack in Manchester city centre - as well as possession of a knife and affray .
Kieran McLoughlin , of no fixed abode , appeared before magistrates on Tuesday ( January 14 ) .
Court documents detail the particulars of the charges .
Mr McLoughlin , 30 , is accused of section 18 wounding with intent - the details being that he allegedly unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man on Sunday ( January 12 ) , 'with intent to do him grievous bodily harm ' .
He is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ; and 'using or threatening unlawful violence towards other persons ' .
Mr McLoughlin did not enter pleas to the charges .
He was denied bail and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on February 11 .
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 directly to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on @ @ @

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A man has appeared in court accused of carrying out an attack in Manchester city centre - as well as possession of a knife and affray.
Kieran McLoughlin, of no fixed abode, appeared before magistrates on Tuesday (January 14).
Court documents detail the particulars of the charges.
Mr McLoughlin, 30, is accused of section 18 wounding with intent - the details being that he allegedly unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man on Sunday (January 12), 'with intent to do him grievous bodily harm'.
He is also accused of carrying a 'folding pocket knife'; and 'using or threatening unlawful violence towards other persons'.
The knife charge relates to Market Street and Parker Street in the city centre, court documents state,
Mr McLoughlin did not enter pleas to the charges.
He was denied bail and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on February 11.
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 directly to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Dog so badly infested with fleas you could see them crawling in its fur - its owner has now been ban

Dog so badly infested with fleas you could see them crawling in its fur - its owner has now been banned from keeping animals

A man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after his pet dog was so badly infested with fleas you could see them crawling in his fur .
John Baimbridge , of Grey Street , Stalybridge , also kept another dog who was so emaciated you could see her bones .
A member of the public contacted the RSPCA following concerns over the welfare of two dogs at his home address .
An inspector visited the property on August 31 last year , and found both of the animals were scratching furiously due to a severe flea infestation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Pippa , a German Shepherd breed , were both discovered to be underweight .
Pippa was also completely bald due to fur loss .
RSPCA Inspector Lorna Campbell asked the man at the home if the dogs belonged to him , but he said they were owned by his brother John who lived at the same address .
Inspector Campbell discovered both dogs had not been under veterinary treatment since May and asked him to sign the dogs over to RSPCA care .
The pooches were then taken to Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pippa was found to weigh just 21.5kg , when an average weight should have been 32kg .
Her body condition score was one out of nine , with one being the lowest possible score .
The dog 's ribs , spine and hip bones were clearly visible .
She also had widespread hair loss across her body due to a chronic skin condition , believed to have been caused by an untreated flea infestation which the vet estimated had been ongoing for four months .
Vets found Ollie 's foot had grown around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matted fur .
The matts had to be shaved off and his claws were cut .
Following on from the treatment both dogs made a full recovery and have been re-homed .
Baimbridge admitted two animal welfare charges at Tameside Magistrates ' Court on January 7 , 2020 .
He was banned from keeping animals for five years and given a 12 month community order including 100 hours of unpaid work .
Baimbridge must also pay costs of £400 and a £15 victim surcharge .
Insp Campbell said : `` When I attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was scratching so much she was cutting into her own skin with her nails and had lost almost all her fur .
While Ollie was infested with fleas you could see them crawling in his fur .
“ Both dogs were clearly underweight but Pippa was our concern as all of her bones were visible .
“ I found out that Baimbridge had taken Pippa for vet treatment in May for her skin condition and he was asked to return with her for further treatment but he failed to do so .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet the needs of an animal and allowing them to get into such a poor condition by either not seeking veterinary treatment or by not feeding them properly .
“ In this case both dogs probably lost much of their weight due to burning so many calories constantly scratching.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after his pet dog was so badly infested with fleas you could see them crawling in his fur.
John Baimbridge, of Grey Street, Stalybridge, also kept another dog who was so emaciated you could see her bones.
A member of the public contacted the RSPCA following concerns over the welfare of two dogs at his home address.
An inspector visited the property on August 31 last year, and found both of the animals were scratching furiously due to a severe flea infestation.
Ollie, a red Cocker Spaniel, and Pippa, a German Shepherd breed, were both discovered to be underweight.
(Image: RSPCA)
Pippa was also completely bald due to fur loss.
RSPCA Inspector Lorna Campbell asked the man at the home if the dogs belonged to him, but he said they were owned by his brother John who lived at the same address.
Inspector Campbell discovered both dogs had not been under veterinary treatment since May and asked him to sign the dogs over to RSPCA care.
(Image: RSPCA)
The pooches were then taken to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for emergency veterinary treatment.
Pippa was found to weigh just 21.5kg, when an average weight should have been 32kg.
Her body condition score was one out of nine, with one being the lowest possible score.
The dog's ribs, spine and hip bones were clearly visible.
She also had widespread hair loss across her body due to a chronic skin condition, believed to have been caused by an untreated flea infestation which the vet estimated had been ongoing for four months.
Vets found Ollie's foot had grown around towards the paw pad due to the matted fur. The matts had to be shaved off and his claws were cut.
Following on from the treatment both dogs made a full recovery and have been re-homed.
Baimbridge admitted two animal welfare charges at Tameside Magistrates' Court on January 7, 2020.
He was banned from keeping animals for five years and given a 12 month community order including 100 hours of unpaid work.
(Image: RSPCA)
Baimbridge must also pay costs of £400 and a £15 victim surcharge.
Insp Campbell said: "When I attended the house Pippa was crying as she was scratching so much she was cutting into her own skin with her nails and had lost almost all her fur. While Ollie was infested with fleas you could see them crawling in his fur.
(Image: RSPCA)
“Both dogs were clearly underweight but Pippa was our concern as all of her bones were visible.
“I found out that Baimbridge had taken Pippa for vet treatment in May for her skin condition and he was asked to return with her for further treatment but he failed to do so.
Follow reporter Alexandra Rucki on social media To follow Alexandra on Twitter, click here. Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to date with the latest breaking news, click here. Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
“There is never an excuse for failing to meet the needs of an animal and allowing them to get into such a poor condition by either not seeking veterinary treatment or by not feeding them properly.
“In this case both dogs probably lost much of their weight due to burning so many calories constantly scratching.”
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--2020-01-14--Eastenders fans stunned as Kat Slater's age is revealed

Eastenders fans have been left surprised as one of its characters age 's was revealed .
During Monday night 's episode , viewers of the BBC One soap discovered Kat Slater 's actual age despite being on the show for two decades .
The scene saw the feisty mum telling her family that she did n't want a fuss to be made about her upcoming birthday .
`` Lets get this clear .
Tomorrow is going to be a normal day .
No cards , no balloons , and no cake .
And no one gets hurt . ''
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impending number change , it was in fact Big Mo .
The head of the family said : `` If I turned 50 and had muscles on the go I 'd hire a billboard and tell the world . ''
And fans could n't help but head to social media to discuss the latest bit of information .
Another said : `` How is Kat 50 ?
!
# Eastenders '' '' 'Kat , 50 ?
? '
- 'Blimey !
! '
- 'Seems only yesterday the Slaters first arrived & started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
- Where 's that gone ?
?
, '' added a third .
She has had various breaks over the years but made a more permanent return the Square in 2018 .

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Eastenders fans have been left surprised as one of its characters age's was revealed.
During Monday night's episode, viewers of the BBC One soap discovered Kat Slater's actual age despite being on the show for two decades.
The scene saw the feisty mum telling her family that she didn't want a fuss to be made about her upcoming birthday.
"Lets get this clear. Tomorrow is going to be a normal day. No cards, no balloons, and no cake. And no one gets hurt."
So it wasn't Kat who revealed her impending number change, it was in fact Big Mo.
(Image: BBC)
The head of the family said: "If I turned 50 and had muscles on the go I'd hire a billboard and tell the world."
And fans couldn't help but head to social media to discuss the latest bit of information.
"Kat Slater is.....50?! #Eastenders," tweeted one.
Another said: "How is Kat 50?! #Eastenders"
"'Kat, 50??' - 'Blimey!!' - 'Seems only yesterday the Slaters first arrived & started tearing (up) the Square?? - Where's that gone??," added a third.
A fourth commented: "OMG! Kat is 50 shut up. #EastEnders."
Kat Slater actress joined the soap in 2000.
She has had various breaks over the years but made a more permanent return the Square in 2018.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--When Manchester United need to sign Bruno Fernandes by to play vs Liverpool FC

Manchester United must register Bruno Fernandes as their player by noon on Friday if they want him to feature against Liverpool this weekend .
Premier League rules stipulate players must be registered by 12pm on the last working day before the match in question to be eligible to feature .
United 's game at Anfield kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his players travel to Merseyside knowing a defeat will leave them a staggering 30 points behind the top-flight leaders after just 22 games .
Liverpool have won all of their league games this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a late Adam Lallana goal rescued Jurgen Klopp 's side a point at Old Trafford .
United are exploring a possible deal for Portugal international Fernandes , 25 , and see him as an appealing mid-season acquisition following injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba .
Fernandes has scored 14 goals and assisted 13 for Sporting Lisbon this term and is expected to start for Portugal at the European Championship .
Contrastingly , Jesse Lingard , Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata have three goals and eight assists between them for United this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fernandes with much trepidation due to past experiences with Portuguese clubs .
United recognise they have been used to whip up an auction for Portugal-based players or smoke out actual interested parties and Solskjaer was unwilling to even admit the club are working on a transfer .
`` I 've got no transfer updates , so no , '' Solskjaer said in his press conference when pressed on Fernandes on Tuesday morning .
`` If we get something that we can tell you about we will , but I 've got no news @ @ @

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Manchester United must register Bruno Fernandes as their player by noon on Friday if they want him to feature against Liverpool this weekend.
Premier League rules stipulate players must be registered by 12pm on the last working day before the match in question to be eligible to feature. United's game at Anfield kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his players travel to Merseyside knowing a defeat will leave them a staggering 30 points behind the top-flight leaders after just 22 games.
Liverpool have won all of their league games this season bar one, in October, when a late Adam Lallana goal rescued Jurgen Klopp's side a point at Old Trafford.
United are exploring a possible deal for Portugal international Fernandes, 25, and see him as an appealing mid-season acquisition following injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.
Fernandes has scored 14 goals and assisted 13 for Sporting Lisbon this term and is expected to start for Portugal at the European Championship.
Contrastingly, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata have three goals and eight assists between them for United this season.
United are approaching the topic of Fernandes with much trepidation due to past experiences with Portuguese clubs.
United recognise they have been used to whip up an auction for Portugal-based players or smoke out actual interested parties and Solskjaer was unwilling to even admit the club are working on a transfer.
"I've got no transfer updates, so no," Solskjaer said in his press conference when pressed on Fernandes on Tuesday morning. "If we get something that we can tell you about we will, but I've got no news now."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-14--Operation Augusta: Police 'tried to cover up historic sex crimes and explosive child abuse report',

Operation Augusta: Police 'tried to cover up historic sex crimes and explosive child abuse report', retired detective claims

Greater Manchester Police have been accused of ‘ covering up ’ historic child sex abuse over the past 15 years after it emerged that a 100-strong gang of suspected paedophiles were left free to offend , despite the force knowing what they were doing .
Maggie Oliver , the retired detective who blew the whistle on GMP ’ s aborted Operation Augusta - which had uncovered widescale abuse but was closed abruptly in 2005 regardless - said that not only had the police ‘ deliberately ’ not investigated child rape , but that it had tried to get today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office suppressed .
Neither the mayor nor the deputy mayor denied the latter allegation , although they said that in some respects the current chief constable had ‘ taken the lead ’ in ensuring historic files were opened up to their review .
Mrs Oliver was speaking after a blistering 150-page report uncovered the scale of the failures both within the police and social services 15 years ago , when both institutions were fully aware that chidlren as young as 12 were being groomed and raped by a huge south Manchester gang .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ having been built up by detectives at the time , as well as a ream of allegations made by children to their social workers , the investigation into that gang was closed down little more than a year after it began .
While the review found that had ostensibly happened due to an unwillingness to commit resource to the operation , Mrs Oliver said it pointed to a darker problem .
“ I ’ m sure it ’ ll be no surprise to you to learn that GMP , even after all this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to prevent this from being published and again trying to bury the truth , ” she told a press conference held by the mayor ’ s office and the report ’ s authors , Malcolm Newsam and Gary Ridgway .
“ The question I would ask everyone listening today to consider is what is the real cost of all these lies ?
Fifteen years - the perpetrators that we knew on Operation Augusta were abusing generations of children were allowed to walk free .
“ The kids themselves that I spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wrote the report - those children were just cast to the wind , left to their own devices .
Nobody cared about them .
“ And I am talking about the people at the top of the police and at social services .
The chief constable , assistant chief constables , head of social services , the people who knew the facts , who knew the truth and they chose to bury the truth .
“ That , in my opinion , is unforgivable.
” She went on to claim that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - although she did not specify which - had ‘ gone out the window ’ .
“ And the question I would raise is : why are those people not facing charges of misconduct in a public office ?
Where is the accountability ?
“ They should be put in front of a court of law in the same way I would be if I failed to investigate a criminal damage .
These rapes were never recorded and that is a failure .
And it isn ’ t a mistake , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth.
” She said phase two of the review , which will look at the Operation Span police investigation into grooming in Rochdale - on which she was also a detective - would ‘ find the same cover ups , the same failures ’ .
Mrs Oliver was speaking at a press conference organised in the city centre to launch the report , a two-year review into how Manchester services dealt with child abuse more than a decade ago .
Its first phase focused in particular on Augusta - prompted by allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom Andy Burnham today said had been ‘ vindicated ’ .
It also looked specifically at the case of Victoria Agoglia , a 15-year-old girl who died in the care of Manchester council in 2003 , despite social workers knowing that she was being abused and injected with heroin .
Shortly after the press conference , GMP were due to hold their own at police headquarters in Newton Heath , where they were expected to announce an arrest in connection to Victoria ’ s abuse .
The force had finally reopened Operation Augusta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish , under a new investigation now code-named Green Jacket .
But Mrs Oliver said : “ How strange that today , when we have this moment , this press conference , GMP have chosen to hold their own , where they will try and tell everybody what a great job they are doing .
“ How things have changed , how kids are no longer failed .
Well I can tell you that the messages I receive every day on my emails , on my Twitter , on my Instagram will tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still desperate people out there who don ’ t know where to turn .
We need to continue with this path for change .
“ This is just the start of it .
It is not the end .
This is about accountability.
” The mayor and deputy mayor , Beverley Hughes , were asked about Mrs Oliver ’ s comments immediately afterwards .
Asked directly whether he agreed that there had been a contemporary cover-up , Mr Burnham pointed to the third phase of the review , yet to be carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It will be at that point that I will be able to answer your question , ” he said .
Pressed on whether GMP had indeed tried to suppress today ’ s report , deputy mayor Beverley Hughes noted that the current Chief Constable , Ian Hopkins , had been the first public official to sign an agreement allowing the review team to access their files .
Manchester council , by contrast , took the best part of a year .
But she didn ’ t deny that GMP had argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think he has demonstrated some openness .
That ’ s not to say there weren ’ t further issues .
“ It is very difficult territory for people to engage in but I think that speaks for itself that he has shown that willingness to engage in this review and set a standard for the other authorities in terms of opening up their documentation to the team.
” The M.E.N .
asked to put the allegation to GMP but was told the force would not be engaging in a ‘ tit for tat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the allegations to GMP at the force 's press conference this afternoon .
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain , Head of Specialist Crime for Greater Manchester Police , said : “ We accept that authorities fell short of doing all they could to protect and support the child victims of sexual exploitation identified under Operation Augusta in 2004 .
“ Children should be able to expect those responsible for their care will do all they can to keep them safe and I want to apologise to all those vulnerable children who were let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain and distress they must have gone through , which would have only been made worse by these failings .
I am sorry they were let down and I am sorry they were not protected from harm .
“ Many of the children were subject to the most profound abuse and , although the review team acknowledged there was much in Operation Augusta and the work carried out by the investigation team to be commended , we agree the overall operation was not to the standard rightfully expected from victims .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office for Police Conduct so that they can carry out an independent assessment to determine if there are any conduct matters that should be investigated .
“ We and our partners at Manchester City Council have personally contacted all but one victim featured in the report to offer them any support we can ahead of it being published .
Each contact was carefully planned with care professionals to ensure we were as sensitive as possible and further specialist support was offered .
“ Of course back in early 2000s , the priorities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This has completely changed and today safeguarding the vulnerable is our absolute priority .
“ After taking learnings from the Operation Span investigation in Rochdale and the significant convictions secured in 2013 , we have worked closely with partners across Greater Manchester to develop a consistent standard in addressing the exploitation of young people .
This approach puts the victim at the centre of everything we do , which ensures that proper support is provided by the right agencies and any safeguarding concerns are addressed .
“ With this support from partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police to prevent , disrupt and investigate these crimes .
The work of these specialised teams under Project Phoenix has been recognised nationally as showing excellent working practice in tackling child sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester .
“ Our work initially focused on child sexual exploitation .
We have continued to learn and develop these principles with partners over the last six years .
As a result we have made further improvements to our whole approach to tackling the abuse and exploitation of young people.
`` “ These improvements include the introduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ in every district across Greater Manchester .
These focus on all aspects of exploitation including CSE , criminal exploitation and modern slavery .
“ A Major Incident Team has been established under Operation Green Jacket .
This dedicated multi-agency team has already carried out a significant amount of disruption actions , as well as numerous safeguarding visits .
“ We have been reviewing all the information available and now a full investigation has been launched .
To date , this investigation has resulted in one man being arrested and another interviewed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the abuse of Victoria Agoglia .
The men have been released under investigation and we have provided an update to Victoria ’ s grandmother on the progress of our enquiries .
“ This remains an ongoing investigation and I would encourage anyone who was involved in the original operation as a victim , potential victim or witness to please come forward and contact us so that we and partner agencies can provide you with any support we can .
“ We will continue to do all that we can to safeguard children within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate any report of child exploitation that is made.
” If you have been affected by this case and wish to speak to police , or if you believe you have information that can assist the investigation team , they can be contacted via opgreenjacket @ gmp.police.uk If you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies but do not wish to speak to police , then Victim Support can be contacted on 08081689024 Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent directly to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
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Greater Manchester Police have been accused of ‘covering up’ historic child sex abuse over the past 15 years after it emerged that a 100-strong gang of suspected paedophiles were left free to offend, despite the force knowing what they were doing.
Maggie Oliver, the retired detective who blew the whistle on GMP’s aborted Operation Augusta - which had uncovered widescale abuse but was closed abruptly in 2005 regardless - said that not only had the police ‘deliberately’ not investigated child rape, but that it had tried to get today’s report by the mayor’s office suppressed.
Neither the mayor nor the deputy mayor denied the latter allegation, although they said that in some respects the current chief constable had ‘taken the lead’ in ensuring historic files were opened up to their review.
Mrs Oliver was speaking after a blistering 150-page report uncovered the scale of the failures both within the police and social services 15 years ago, when both institutions were fully aware that chidlren as young as 12 were being groomed and raped by a huge south Manchester gang.
Despite a detailed picture of the network having been built up by detectives at the time, as well as a ream of allegations made by children to their social workers, the investigation into that gang was closed down little more than a year after it began.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
While the review found that had ostensibly happened due to an unwillingness to commit resource to the operation, Mrs Oliver said it pointed to a darker problem.
“I’m sure it’ll be no surprise to you to learn that GMP, even after all this time, have spent the past year trying to prevent this from being published and again trying to bury the truth,” she told a press conference held by the mayor’s office and the report’s authors, Malcolm Newsam and Gary Ridgway.
“The question I would ask everyone listening today to consider is what is the real cost of all these lies? Fifteen years - the perpetrators that we knew on Operation Augusta were abusing generations of children were allowed to walk free.
“The kids themselves that I spoke to - I was on Operation Augusta, I wrote the report - those children were just cast to the wind, left to their own devices. Nobody cared about them.
“And I am talking about the people at the top of the police and at social services. The chief constable, assistant chief constables, head of social services, the people who knew the facts, who knew the truth and they chose to bury the truth.
“That, in my opinion, is unforgivable.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
She went on to claim that the oaths of integrity signed by chief constables - although she did not specify which - had ‘gone out the window’.
“And the question I would raise is: why are those people not facing charges of misconduct in a public office? Where is the accountability?
“They should be put in front of a court of law in the same way I would be if I failed to investigate a criminal damage. These rapes were never recorded and that is a failure. And it isn’t a mistake, it was a deliberate and intentional desire to bury the truth.”
She said phase two of the review, which will look at the Operation Span police investigation into grooming in Rochdale - on which she was also a detective - would ‘find the same cover ups, the same failures’.
“This is a pattern,” she added.
Mrs Oliver was speaking at a press conference organised in the city centre to launch the report, a two-year review into how Manchester services dealt with child abuse more than a decade ago.
Its first phase focused in particular on Augusta - prompted by allegations of failure made by Mrs Oliver, whom Andy Burnham today said had been ‘vindicated’.
(Image: GMP)
It also looked specifically at the case of Victoria Agoglia, a 15-year-old girl who died in the care of Manchester council in 2003, despite social workers knowing that she was being abused and injected with heroin.
Shortly after the press conference, GMP were due to hold their own at police headquarters in Newton Heath, where they were expected to announce an arrest in connection to Victoria’s abuse.
The force had finally reopened Operation Augusta last year as the review prepared to publish, under a new investigation now code-named Green Jacket.
But Mrs Oliver said: “How strange that today, when we have this moment, this press conference, GMP have chosen to hold their own, where they will try and tell everybody what a great job they are doing.
“How things have changed, how kids are no longer failed. Well I can tell you that the messages I receive every day on my emails, on my Twitter, on my Instagram will tell a very different story.
“There are still desperate people out there who don’t know where to turn. We need to continue with this path for change.
“This is just the start of it. It is not the end. This is about accountability.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The mayor and deputy mayor, Beverley Hughes, were asked about Mrs Oliver’s comments immediately afterwards.
Asked directly whether he agreed that there had been a contemporary cover-up, Mr Burnham pointed to the third phase of the review, yet to be carried out, which looks at current practice.
“It will be at that point that I will be able to answer your question,” he said.
Pressed on whether GMP had indeed tried to suppress today’s report, deputy mayor Beverley Hughes noted that the current Chief Constable, Ian Hopkins, had been the first public official to sign an agreement allowing the review team to access their files.
Manchester council, by contrast, took the best part of a year.
But she didn’t deny that GMP had argued against publication, concluding: “I think he has demonstrated some openness. That’s not to say there weren’t further issues.
“It is very difficult territory for people to engage in but I think that speaks for itself that he has shown that willingness to engage in this review and set a standard for the other authorities in terms of opening up their documentation to the team.”
The M.E.N. asked to put the allegation to GMP but was told the force would not be engaging in a ‘tit for tat’. We will also be putting the allegations to GMP at the force's press conference this afternoon.
What GMP says
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain, Head of Specialist Crime for Greater Manchester Police, said: “We accept that authorities fell short of doing all they could to protect and support the child victims of sexual exploitation identified under Operation Augusta in 2004.
“Children should be able to expect those responsible for their care will do all they can to keep them safe and I want to apologise to all those vulnerable children who were let down. I can only imagine the pain and distress they must have gone through, which would have only been made worse by these failings. I am sorry they were let down and I am sorry they were not protected from harm.
“Many of the children were subject to the most profound abuse and, although the review team acknowledged there was much in Operation Augusta and the work carried out by the investigation team to be commended, we agree the overall operation was not to the standard rightfully expected from victims. We have made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so that they can carry out an independent assessment to determine if there are any conduct matters that should be investigated.
“We and our partners at Manchester City Council have personally contacted all but one victim featured in the report to offer them any support we can ahead of it being published. Each contact was carefully planned with care professionals to ensure we were as sensitive as possible and further specialist support was offered.
“Of course back in early 2000s, the priorities for forces across the UK were very different. This has completely changed and today safeguarding the vulnerable is our absolute priority.
“After taking learnings from the Operation Span investigation in Rochdale and the significant convictions secured in 2013, we have worked closely with partners across Greater Manchester to develop a consistent standard in addressing the exploitation of young people. This approach puts the victim at the centre of everything we do, which ensures that proper support is provided by the right agencies and any safeguarding concerns are addressed.
“With this support from partners, it provides a stronger footing for police to prevent, disrupt and investigate these crimes. The work of these specialised teams under Project Phoenix has been recognised nationally as showing excellent working practice in tackling child sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester.
“Our work initially focused on child sexual exploitation. We have continued to learn and develop these principles with partners over the last six years. As a result we have made further improvements to our whole approach to tackling the abuse and exploitation of young people. "
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“These improvements include the introduction of specialist co-located multi-agency ‘Complex Safeguarding Teams’ in every district across Greater Manchester. These focus on all aspects of exploitation including CSE, criminal exploitation and modern slavery.
“A Major Incident Team has been established under Operation Green Jacket. This dedicated multi-agency team has already carried out a significant amount of disruption actions, as well as numerous safeguarding visits.
“We have been reviewing all the information available and now a full investigation has been launched. To date, this investigation has resulted in one man being arrested and another interviewed under caution in September 2019 in connection with the abuse of Victoria Agoglia. The men have been released under investigation and we have provided an update to Victoria’s grandmother on the progress of our enquiries.
“This remains an ongoing investigation and I would encourage anyone who was involved in the original operation as a victim, potential victim or witness to please come forward and contact us so that we and partner agencies can provide you with any support we can.
“We will continue to do all that we can to safeguard children within our communities. Greater Manchester Police will investigate any report of child exploitation that is made.”
If you have been affected by this case and wish to speak to police, or if you believe you have information that can assist the investigation team, they can be contacted via opgreenjacket@gmp.police.uk
If you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies but do not wish to speak to police, then Victim Support can be contacted on 08081689024
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 directly to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .