themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Protesters to 'take the knee' in Greater Manchester demonstrations tonight

Anti-racism demonstrators are planning to gather across Greater Manchester tonight in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement .
Campaigners of the Manchester branch of the campaign group Stand Up To Racism plan to 'take the knee ' at 6pm on Wednesday ( June 10 ) .
The protests are taking place in parks and outdoors spaces across the region where social distancing measures can be observed .
Those who ca n't attend a public protest will kneel on their own doorsteps , campaigners said .
Thousands of anti-racism protesters have taken to the streets of Manchester in recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd in America .
Mr Floyd , 46 , was an African-American man who was arrested outside a store in Minneapolis , Minnesota , on May 25 .
Footage of the arrest shows police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Mr Floyd 's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds , despite him pleading `` I ca n't breathe '' .
Ella Caldwell , 22 , said she would be taking the knee in Old Trafford tonight in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement .
She said : `` I 'm taking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 black people should still be fighting for basic human rights . ''
Matthew Hampson is also supporting the campaign .
He said : `` In Oldham we are taking the knee in Uppermill because we are sickened by George Floyd ’ s murder .
`` We will take the knee in solidarity with Black Lives Matter who campaign for a better world free of racism , injustice and poverty . ''
Demonstrators are being urged to wear masks and stay two metres apart at all times at the protests .
These are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later today : • Car park behind the Longfield Centre in Prestwich • Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield ( in front of the stone plinth of Abraham Lincoln ) • Outside the University of Manchester on Oxford Road Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
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Anti-racism demonstrators are planning to gather across Greater Manchester tonight in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Campaigners of the Manchester branch of the campaign group Stand Up To Racism plan to 'take the knee' at 6pm on Wednesday (June 10).
The protests are taking place in parks and outdoors spaces across the region where social distancing measures can be observed. Those who can't attend a public protest will kneel on their own doorsteps, campaigners said.
Thousands of anti-racism protesters have taken to the streets of Manchester in recent days in response to the death of George Floyd in America.
Mr Floyd, 46, was an African-American man who was arrested outside a store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Footage of the arrest shows police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, despite him pleading "I can't breathe".
Ella Caldwell, 22, said she would be taking the knee in Old Trafford tonight in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
She said: "I'm taking the knee because I don't believe in 2020 black people should still be fighting for basic human rights."
Matthew Hampson is also supporting the campaign.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
He said: "In Oldham we are taking the knee in Uppermill because we are sickened by George Floyd’s murder.
"We will take the knee in solidarity with Black Lives Matter who campaign for a better world free of racism, injustice and poverty."
Demonstrators are being urged to wear masks and stay two metres apart at all times at the protests.
These are the locations demonstrators plan to meet at later today:
Buile Hill Park in Salford
Car park behind the Longfield Centre in Prestwich
St John's Community Centre in Old Trafford
Greenbank Park in Levenshulme
Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield (in front of the stone plinth of Abraham Lincoln)
Hulme Park in Hulme
Outside the University of Manchester on Oxford Road
Old Moat Park in Withington
Chorlton Park in Chorlton
Uppermill Methodist Church in Oldham
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Man City morning headlines as Begiristain tips Lillo for 'vital role'

The 2019/20 season offered defender Joel Latibaudiere his first taste of top-flight football , and he has seen the benefits even though his loan spell ended prematurely .
The 20-year-old , who captained England ’ s Under-17s to their World Cup victory in 2017 , spent the campaign with FC Twente , but left early following the suspension of the Eredivisie season .
And now , in with the MEN , the youngster has reflected on his opportunities as he aims to earn a new contract with City .
“ I was hoping to play more games , obviously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league for my first loan spell so I learnt so much stuff , especially when I ’ m used to being at such a dominant club at academy level and first team level , ” said Latibaudiere , who played five times for the newly promoted side and scored once .
He also spoke of the help provided by City loan coach and former Premier League champion Joleon Lescott .
“ I ’ ll go through clips with him , ” he said , “ He ’ s always on call , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five times in Holland and went through little things and he ’ s been a massive help .
“ It ’ s tiny little things in your game that you can learn from him which can make such a big difference .
I ’ m lucky enough to have Joleon as a loan coach because not many people have the luxury of being able to call Joleon Lescott.
” City have finally filled the vacancy left by Mikel Arteta ’ s move to Arsenal , with Juanma Lillo confirmed as Pep Guardiola ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who previously served as Guardiola ’ s manager as he ended his playing career in Mexico , has taken over as assistant manager following Arteta ’ s exit to take over as head coach of Arsenal in December .
The Spaniard was most recently in charge of Chinese Super League club Qingdao Huanghai , and director of football Txiki Begiristain spoke of the club ’ s delight in welcoming a man with vast managerial experience and a solid relationship with Guardiola .
“ His vast experience working across three continents and with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football will be an invaluable asset to Pep and his team , ” Begiristain said .
“ We look forward to him playing a vital role as we return to football.
” Gabriel Jesus not ready to give up upon Premier League return City are due to return to Premier League action on June 17 against Arsenal , more than three months after their last competitive fixture .
City haven ’ t played since losing the Manchester derby in early March , but the players are ready to return to action .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much .
It is hard every day , every single day , every single session .
We are training hard , ” the Brazilian told .
`` Everybody knows this Premier League is done but we do n't have to give up because we have the Champions League as well and the FA Cup .
We have to do everything to stay fit and play good .
I think everyone is ready . ''
City sit 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool , with 10 matches left to play , while they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City with a game in hand .
Pep Guardiola ’ s team have already won the League Cup , they are due to face Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals and have a 2-1 first-leg lead to protect in their Champions League last 16 tie against Real Madrid .

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City defender Latibaudiere reflects on loan spell in Eredivisie
The 2019/20 season offered Manchester City defender Joel Latibaudiere his first taste of top-flight football, and he has seen the benefits even though his loan spell ended prematurely.
The 20-year-old, who captained England’s Under-17s to their World Cup victory in 2017, spent the campaign with FC Twente, but left early following the suspension of the Eredivisie season.
And now, in an exclusive interview with the MEN, the youngster has reflected on his opportunities as he aims to earn a new contract with City.
“I was hoping to play more games, obviously, but I was in a top European league for my first loan spell so I learnt so much stuff, especially when I’m used to being at such a dominant club at academy level and first team level,” said Latibaudiere, who played five times for the newly promoted side and scored once.
He also spoke of the help provided by City loan coach and former Premier League champion Joleon Lescott.
“I’ll go through clips with him,” he said, “He’s always on call, he came out to visit me four or five times in Holland and went through little things and he’s been a massive help.
“It’s tiny little things in your game that you can learn from him which can make such a big difference. I’m lucky enough to have Joleon as a loan coach because not many people have the luxury of being able to call Joleon Lescott.”
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Txiki Begiristain expects Lillo to play “vital role” at City
City have finally filled the vacancy left by Mikel Arteta’s move to Arsenal, with Juanma Lillo confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s new number two.
Lillo, who previously served as Guardiola’s manager as he ended his playing career in Mexico, has taken over as assistant manager following Arteta’s exit to take over as head coach of Arsenal in December.
The Spaniard was most recently in charge of Chinese Super League club Qingdao Huanghai, and director of football Txiki Begiristain spoke of the club’s delight in welcoming a man with vast managerial experience and a solid relationship with Guardiola.
“His vast experience working across three continents and with some of the most famous names in world football will be an invaluable asset to Pep and his team,” Begiristain said.
“We look forward to him playing a vital role as we return to football.”
Gabriel Jesus not ready to give up upon Premier League return
City are due to return to Premier League action on June 17 against Arsenal, more than three months after their last competitive fixture.
City haven’t played since losing the Manchester derby in early March, but forward Gabriel Jesus is confident the players are ready to return to action.
“We are ready because we are training so much. It is hard every day, every single day, every single session. We are training hard,” the Brazilian told Sky Sports .
"Everybody knows this Premier League is done but we don't have to give up because we have the Champions League as well and the FA Cup. We have to do everything to stay fit and play good. I think everyone is ready."
City sit 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool, with 10 matches left to play, while they have a four-point cushion over third-place Leicester City with a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s team have already won the League Cup, they are due to face Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals and have a 2-1 first-leg lead to protect in their Champions League last 16 tie against Real Madrid.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Shaw confirms what happened in Man Utd practice match at Old Trafford

Luke Shaw has confirmed that he scored twice in Manchester United 's intra-squad friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday , while lifting the lid on what else happened in the game .
Two teams comprise of United players faced off at an empty Old Trafford on Saturday , with the 90-minute match finishing 4-4 .
It was a practice match designed to build the match fitness of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's players , with star midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba on opposing sides .
Shaw revealed to United 's official website that some social media rumours had emerged about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive step forward for the squad , ahead of next Friday 's showdown with Tottenham .
`` There have been a lot of different things circulating on social media and I ’ m happy to set the record straight , '' said Shaw .
`` It did end 4-4 and I did score twice !
Also on my team , Bruno got one and Jamo [ Daniel James ] got one , while , on the other team , Rashy [ Marcus Rashford ] got two and so did Odion [ Ighalo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my first goal was decent .
It was from a great cross by Bruno and my volley went straight in .
I was happy with it .
My other one was just getting forward , Juan [ Mata ] played it to me on the edge of the box , I took a touch and shot in .
It was quite an open game , as you can probably gather , with a lot of space , since it was the first game back .
`` Everyone looked good and the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This was definitely a step forward from the games we ’ ve been having at the training ground . ''
Shaw also admitted it was good to get accustomed to playing in an empty stadium , with all games to be played behind closed doors upon the Premier League 's restart due to coronavirus fears .
He added : `` It was also our first chance to get used to a silent Old Trafford , which was different .
We all felt like it made the pitch seem bigger because the stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games the fans push you on when you ’ re tired , but now we ’ ve got to get to grips without that support .
It was a really valuable exercise to be able to play at Old Trafford without that .
`` We were creating our own noise around the stadium and that ’ s something we ’ ve got to make sure we do .
`` The important thing is that it ’ s another step forward .
It ’ s getting more and more exciting now and we just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got a couple of in-house games at the training ground scheduled over the next few days , which will help us step things up even further before the big game next week against Spurs . ''

Luke Shaw has confirmed that he scored twice in Manchester United's intra-squad friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday, while lifting the lid on what else happened in the game.
Two teams comprise of United players faced off at an empty Old Trafford on Saturday, with the 90-minute match finishing 4-4. It was a practice match designed to build the match fitness of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's players, with star midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba on opposing sides.
Shaw revealed to United's official website that some social media rumours had emerged about the game and said that it was a positive step forward for the squad, ahead of next Friday's showdown with Tottenham.
"There have been a lot of different things circulating on social media and I’m happy to set the record straight," said Shaw. "It did end 4-4 and I did score twice! Also on my team, Bruno got one and Jamo [Daniel James] got one, while, on the other team, Rashy [Marcus Rashford] got two and so did Odion [Ighalo].
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"To be fair, my first goal was decent. It was from a great cross by Bruno and my volley went straight in. I was happy with it. My other one was just getting forward, Juan [Mata] played it to me on the edge of the box, I took a touch and shot in. It was quite an open game, as you can probably gather, with a lot of space, since it was the first game back.
"Everyone looked good and the most important thing was getting minutes in the tank. This was definitely a step forward from the games we’ve been having at the training ground."
Shaw also admitted it was good to get accustomed to playing in an empty stadium, with all games to be played behind closed doors upon the Premier League's restart due to coronavirus fears.
He added: "It was also our first chance to get used to a silent Old Trafford, which was different. We all felt like it made the pitch seem bigger because the stands are totally empty.
"Sometimes during games the fans push you on when you’re tired, but now we’ve got to get to grips without that support. It was a really valuable exercise to be able to play at Old Trafford without that.
"We were creating our own noise around the stadium and that’s something we’ve got to make sure we do.
"The important thing is that it’s another step forward. It’s getting more and more exciting now and we just want to get playing games. We’ve got a couple of in-house games at the training ground scheduled over the next few days, which will help us step things up even further before the big game next week against Spurs."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Hundreds of football fans gather in Coventry despite lockdown

Hundreds of football fans gathered in Coventry city centre last night despite coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
Photographs and video footage show a sea of Coventry City supporters in blue celebrating the news that the team is back in the Championship .
Flares were set off as fans jumped , sang , and chanted together .
West Midlands Police has since launched an investigation after disorder broke out during the mass gathering where `` several hundred people met '' .
A statement said : `` The gathering was good-natured until around 9.15pm when some of the group chased two men who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' It 's alleged two men brandished a knife at the group ; bottles and other missiles were thrown - but no one was injured .
A number of people on social media have been astounded by the crowds , which saw some football fans cheer `` Football Lives Matter '' - mocking the Black Lives Matter movement which has sparked demonstrations across the UK in a fight over human rights .
One Twitter-user labelled them as a `` bunch of hypocrites '' after the BLM protests were hit with backlash .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched a video of Coventry city football fans celebrating , not social distancing and saying “ football lives matter ” WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE . ''
A Liverpool supporter shared her concern and hope that fans will `` set an example '' when it comes to social distancing rules .
While a statement last night from Coventry City Council congratulated the team on their promotion , they said celebrations would n't be able to take place .
The statement continued : `` Unfortunately because of COVID-19 and the social distancing guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to turn out to celebrate in traditional style at this time and show the club just how much this means to us all , but I know there will be thousands celebrating in their homes tonight . ''
The M.E.N has requested a statement from the Department of Sport , who was questioned over fans gathering on the announcement football would return behind closed doors .
In the press conference from Downing Street led by Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden on May 30 , Professor Van-Tam said : `` I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I ’ ve spoken previously , we need to stick to the rules .
“ Fans gathering at stadiums would be something that went far beyond the social distancing that we need to practice from Monday .
“ These guidelines could begin to decay at the edges , which will cause problems for all of us .
”

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Hundreds of football fans gathered in Coventry city centre last night despite coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Photographs and video footage show a sea of Coventry City supporters in blue celebrating the news that the team is back in the Championship.
Flares were set off as fans jumped, sang, and chanted together.
West Midlands Police has since launched an investigation after disorder broke out during the mass gathering where "several hundred people met".
A statement said: "The gathering was good-natured until around 9.15pm when some of the group chased two men who were not part of the gathering."
(Image: NICK WILKINSON/BIRMINGHAM LIVE)
It's alleged two men brandished a knife at the group; bottles and other missiles were thrown - but no one was injured.
A number of people on social media have been astounded by the crowds, which saw some football fans cheer "Football Lives Matter" - mocking the Black Lives Matter movement which has sparked demonstrations across the UK in a fight over human rights.
One Twitter-user labelled them as a "bunch of hypocrites" after the BLM protests were hit with backlash.
Another posted: "How have I just watched a video of Coventry city football fans celebrating, not social distancing and saying “football lives matter” WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE."
A Liverpool supporter shared her concern and hope that fans will "set an example" when it comes to social distancing rules.
While a statement last night from Coventry City Council congratulated the team on their promotion, they said celebrations wouldn't be able to take place.
The statement continued: "Unfortunately because of COVID-19 and the social distancing guidelines, the people of the city will not be able to turn out to celebrate in traditional style at this time and show the club just how much this means to us all, but I know there will be thousands celebrating in their homes tonight."
The M.E.N has requested a statement from the Department of Sport, who was questioned over fans gathering on the announcement football would return behind closed doors.
In the press conference from Downing Street led by Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden on May 30, Professor Van-Tam said: "I’m desperate for football to come back but as I’ve spoken previously, we need to stick to the rules.
“Fans gathering at stadiums would be something that went far beyond the social distancing that we need to practice from Monday.
“These guidelines could begin to decay at the edges, which will cause problems for all of us.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Man Utd hold talks with Ben Yedder agent and more transfer rumours

Manchester United have held a series of talks with the agent of Monaco forward Wissam Ben Yedder ahead of a potential summer move , according to reports .
Although the football world has been thrown into turmoil and financial uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , United are still planning to go press ahead with transfer business when the window opens .
Jadon Sancho , Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham remain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's top targets as he hopes to enhance the attacking areas of his squad .
A new striker has also been under consideration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Old Trafford reduces the urgent need for one , and the latest to be linked is the talented Ben Yedder .
The Frenchman has consistently scored plenty of goals wherever his career has taken him and he finished this season as the joint top goalscorer in Ligue 1 with 18 goals , level with Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe .
Ben Yedder only joined Monaco in the summer from Sevilla but it 's claimed by Le10Sport , via TeamTalk , that the French side have resigned themselves to losing him already as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curtailment of the league .
It 's reported that they would be willing to sell Ben Yedder for the fee they bought him for - £35.6million - and that United have held talks with his agent to engineer a move , which he would be keen on .
However , at 29 , he does n't fit into United 's remit of signing young players and M.E.N .
Sport understands that Lyon 's Moussa Dembele is under consideration , though no contact has been made as of yet .
Meanwhile , United are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli , claim reports in Italy .
The versatile midfielder is capable of playing further forward and on the left-wing .
According to Il Messaggero , Solskjaer ’ s side have decided to move to sign the 23-year-old star , who could cost around £45million .
However , M.E.N .
Sport understands that Birmingham City 's Jude Bellingham is the priority centre-midfielder target this summer .

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Manchester United have held a series of talks with the agent of Monaco forward Wissam Ben Yedder ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.
Although the football world has been thrown into turmoil and financial uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, United are still planning to go press ahead with transfer business when the window opens.
Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham remain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's top targets as he hopes to enhance the attacking areas of his squad.
A new striker has also been under consideration, though Odion Ighalo extending his stay at Old Trafford reduces the urgent need for one, and the latest to be linked is the talented Ben Yedder.
The Frenchman has consistently scored plenty of goals wherever his career has taken him and he finished this season as the joint top goalscorer in Ligue 1 with 18 goals, level with Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
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Ben Yedder only joined Monaco in the summer from Sevilla but it's claimed by Le10Sport, via TeamTalk, that the French side have resigned themselves to losing him already as they failed to qualify for Europe after the curtailment of the league.
It's reported that they would be willing to sell Ben Yedder for the fee they bought him for - £35.6million - and that United have held talks with his agent to engineer a move, which he would be keen on.
However, at 29, he doesn't fit into United's remit of signing young players and M.E.N. Sport understands that Lyon's Moussa Dembele is under consideration, though no contact has been made as of yet.
Meanwhile, United are set to make a move for Fiorentina midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli, claim reports in Italy.
The versatile midfielder is capable of playing further forward and on the left-wing. According to Il Messaggero, Solskjaer’s side have decided to move to sign the 23-year-old star, who could cost around £45million.
However, M.E.N. Sport understands that Birmingham City's Jude Bellingham is the priority centre-midfielder target this summer.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Urgent police appeal over 73-year-old woman with dementia missing from care home

Police have issued an urgent public appeal to help find a woman with dementia who has gone missing from a care home .
Joyce Whittaker was said by police to be 'very vulnerable ' .
Police said Mrs Whittaker went missing from The Hamiltons residential home in Atherton , Wigan .
No time for when she was last seen on Wednesday was released .
Police in Leigh , Wigan , have issued appeals over social media channels .
A photograph of her is also circulating .
In a Twitter post , GMP Leigh said she has brown bobbed hair which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothes she is wearing was also detailed .
Want more news from Wigan , Atherton or Leigh ?
Here 's where you can find it .
We now have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news , events and community news in and around Wigan .
To keep up to date with all that is happening in Wigan , Atherton and Leigh - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here .
Reporter Tom George covers all things Wigan for the Manchester Evening News , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Joyce Whittaker 73 years is currently missing from The Hamilton 's residential Home Atherton .
`` Joyce suffers from Dementia , and is very vulnerable .
`` Joyce is white 5 ' 2 size 14 - average build medium brown bobbed hair parted to one side .
`` She 's wearing purple glasses , black top with green details/netting , ( the same top as in the photo ) , black skinny jeans , and black wedge heel shoes with open toe .
`` Any information please contact with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen Joyce on 999/101 Thank you . ''
No further details have been revealed .

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Police have issued an urgent public appeal to help find a woman with dementia who has gone missing from a care home.
Joyce Whittaker was said by police to be 'very vulnerable'.
She's 73.
Police said Mrs Whittaker went missing from The Hamiltons residential home in Atherton, Wigan.
No time for when she was last seen on Wednesday was released.
Police in Leigh, Wigan, have issued appeals over social media channels.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A photograph of her is also circulating.
In a Twitter post, GMP Leigh said she has brown bobbed hair which is parted to one side.
The clothes she is wearing was also detailed.
Want more news from Wigan, Atherton or Leigh? Here's where you can find it. We now have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in and around Wigan. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Wigan, Atherton and Leigh - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. Reporter Tom George covers all things Wigan for the Manchester Evening News, you can follow him on Twitter here.
GMP said: "Joyce Whittaker 73 years is currently missing from The Hamilton's residential Home Atherton.
"Joyce suffers from Dementia, and is very vulnerable.
"Joyce is white 5'2 size 14 - average build medium brown bobbed hair parted to one side.
"She's wearing purple glasses, black top with green details/netting, (the same top as in the photo), black skinny jeans, and black wedge heel shoes with open toe.
"Any information please contact with any information urgently if you think you've seen Joyce on 999/101 Thank you."
No further details have been revealed.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Dozens attend Prestwich rally to support Black Lives Matter

Dozens of protesters gathered in Prestwich this evening to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement .
Attendees knelt as one and brought signs to a rally held at the Longfield Centre , off Bury New Road , that mimicked scenes from around the world .
The movement has grown rapidly since the death of George Floyd , a black American man who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer restrained him by holding a knee on his neck for several minutes .
Protesters in Prestwich held now-familiar signs and chanted the phrase `` no justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallying cry in recent Black Lives Matter marches .
Judy Paskell , from Bury , helped to arrange the event and said she was pleased with how many people had attended .
`` We 're here because the death of George Floyd has brought to a head all these feelings of anger , '' she said .
`` We have n't felt in Prestwich that we could do anything but now that I think that millions of us around the world have been brought together and we can ensure that there is real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people here just as much as America do n't have justice . ''
The Prestwich rally was not the only anti-racism event held in Greater Manchester this afternoon , with a similar protest taking place in Salford and more planned for the weekend .
But , while the vast majority of attendees supported the Black Lives Matter movement , there were a handful of people who had come to oppose the protest .
Among them was Rita Ricketts from Bolton who said she was against the demonstration .
She argued people should instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Black Lives Matter message was creating racial tensions .

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Dozens of protesters gathered in Prestwich this evening to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Attendees knelt as one and brought signs to a rally held at the Longfield Centre, off Bury New Road, that mimicked scenes from around the world.
The movement has grown rapidly since the death of George Floyd, a black American man who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer restrained him by holding a knee on his neck for several minutes.
Protesters in Prestwich held now-familiar signs and chanted the phrase "no justice, no peace", a common rallying cry in recent Black Lives Matter marches.
Judy Paskell, from Bury, helped to arrange the event and said she was pleased with how many people had attended.
"We're here because the death of George Floyd has brought to a head all these feelings of anger," she said.
"We haven't felt in Prestwich that we could do anything but now that I think that millions of us around the world have been brought together and we can ensure that there is real change.
"Black and ethnic minority people here just as much as America don't have justice."
(Image: MEN)
The Prestwich rally was not the only anti-racism event held in Greater Manchester this afternoon, with a similar protest taking place in Salford and more planned for the weekend.
But, while the vast majority of attendees supported the Black Lives Matter movement, there were a handful of people who had come to oppose the protest.
Among them was Rita Ricketts from Bolton who said she was against the demonstration. She argued people should instead be fighting against police brutality generally and that the Black Lives Matter message was creating racial tensions.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Man City make Achraf Hakimi enquiry to Real Madrid and more rumours

Manchester City are among a trio of top Premier League clubs to make enquiries to Real Madrid over the availability of their on-loan defender Achraf Hakimi , according to reports .
While City have continued to be brilliant in the attacking third of the pitch this season , it 's their defence that has let them down and seen them all but lose the Premier League title to Liverpool .
The main issues have come at centre-back following the failure to replace Vincent Kompany and multiple injury problems , but full-back has also proven bothersome .
Benjamin Mendy and Aleks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was loaned out after making just 12 appearances and £60million signing Joao Cancelo has failed to make any sort of impact at the club at all , even being left out of the Carabao Cup final squad .
When Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad this summer he may well look to once again invest in full-backs and there are n't many as exciting as Borussia Dortmund loanee Hakimi .
The Moroccan has been enjoying a fruitful two-year loan spell at Dortmund and has proven himself to be capable of playing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going forward - with nine goals and 10 assists to his name this season .
While it 's expected that Hakimi will return to Madrid once his deal expires , 90min report that Dortmund are desperate to sign him permanently but will face some stiff competition if Los Blancos do decide to sell .
It 's claimed that City have asked Madrid about the 21-year-old 's availability along with Chelsea and Tottenham , while Paris Saint-Germain , Juventus and Inter are all also interested .
Meanwhile , Leicester City are reportedly eyeing Nicolas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Ben Chilwell , amid speculation of a move to City .
The Mirror say Tagliafico is on their radar as they prepare for a scenario that would see Chilwell leave the King Power Stadium this summer .
Leicester do n't need to sell Chilwell , though , so it would take a huge offer from City or Chelsea to persuade them to part with the England left-back .

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Manchester City are among a trio of top Premier League clubs to make enquiries to Real Madrid over the availability of their on-loan defender Achraf Hakimi, according to reports.
While City have continued to be brilliant in the attacking third of the pitch this season, it's their defence that has let them down and seen them all but lose the Premier League title to Liverpool.
The main issues have come at centre-back following the failure to replace Vincent Kompany and multiple injury problems, but full-back has also proven bothersome.
Benjamin Mendy and Aleks Zinchenko have struggled with fitness, Angelino was loaned out after making just 12 appearances and £60million signing Joao Cancelo has failed to make any sort of impact at the club at all, even being left out of the Carabao Cup final squad.
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When Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad this summer he may well look to once again invest in full-backs and there aren't many as exciting as Borussia Dortmund loanee Hakimi.
The Moroccan has been enjoying a fruitful two-year loan spell at Dortmund and has proven himself to be capable of playing on either flank, defensively sound and effective going forward - with nine goals and 10 assists to his name this season.
While it's expected that Hakimi will return to Madrid once his deal expires, 90min report that Dortmund are desperate to sign him permanently but will face some stiff competition if Los Blancos do decide to sell.
It's claimed that City have asked Madrid about the 21-year-old's availability along with Chelsea and Tottenham, while Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter are all also interested.
Meanwhile, Leicester City are reportedly eyeing Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax as a potential replacement for Ben Chilwell, amid speculation of a move to City.
The Mirror say Tagliafico is on their radar as they prepare for a scenario that would see Chilwell leave the King Power Stadium this summer.
Leicester don't need to sell Chilwell, though, so it would take a huge offer from City or Chelsea to persuade them to part with the England left-back.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Corrie viewers cheer as Yasmeen pleads 'not guilty'

It 's a storyline that 's had viewers gripped for months , and Coronation Street fans were cheering as Yasmeen Metcalfe pleaded not guilty to attempting to kill her abusive husband .
It appeared that Yasmeen , who has been bullied and manipulated by vile magician Geoff Metcalfe , was prepared to spend 15 years behind bars for slashing her husband in the neck .
However in a shock U-turn she stood up in court and pleaded not guilty to attempted murder .
`` Highlight of me week is Yasmeen pleading not guilty , '' cheered one viewer on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK Flag of United Kingdom when Yasmeen pleads 'not guilty ! '
'' said another fan , sharing a gif of a cheering crowd .
`` OMG Yasmeen said 'Not Guilty ' yeeeeessss !
!
!
! ''
shouted another .
`` Apologies to my neighbours , but I just screamed the house down ...
Yes Yasmeen # Corrie , '' said another .
`` Anyone else whole family just cheer hearing Yasmeen pleas ‘ not guilty ' ? ''
asked another soap watcher .
And another excited fan yelled : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AT THE BACK !
!
!
YOU 'RE NOT GUILTY . ''
In prison Yasmeen admitted to her granddaughter Alya Nazir that Geoff had given her the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia , and slaughtered and cooked her favourite pet chicken .
A tormented Yasmeen fought back at Geoff after months of abuse on Coronation Street by hitting him with a broken wine bottle .
Her bullying and manipulative husband forced her to wear a dress he had bought for one of his escorts to meet family in the Rovers Return before taunting her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Geoff 's daughter-in-law Sally Metcalfe is now realising that Geoff may not be as innocent as he claims in this harrowing coercive control storyline , and she wants him to move out after inviting him to stay with her and husband Tim .
`` I do n't want him in our house any more , '' she said .

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It's a storyline that's had viewers gripped for months, and Coronation Street fans were cheering as Yasmeen Metcalfe pleaded not guilty to attempting to kill her abusive husband.
It appeared that Yasmeen, who has been bullied and manipulated by vile magician Geoff Metcalfe, was prepared to spend 15 years behind bars for slashing her husband in the neck.
However in a shock U-turn she stood up in court and pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.
"Highlight of me week is Yasmeen pleading not guilty," cheered one viewer on Twitter.
(Image: ITV)
"Me and the rest of the UK Flag of United Kingdom when Yasmeen pleads 'not guilty!'" said another fan, sharing a gif of a cheering crowd.
"OMG Yasmeen said 'Not Guilty' yeeeeessss!!!!" shouted another.
"Apologies to my neighbours, but I just screamed the house down... Yes Yasmeen #Corrie," said another.
(Image: Coronation Street/ITV)
"Anyone else whole family just cheer hearing Yasmeen pleas ‘not guilty'?" asked another soap watcher.
And another excited fan yelled: "YASMEEN SHOUT IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE AT THE BACK!!! YOU'RE NOT GUILTY."
In prison Yasmeen admitted to her granddaughter Alya Nazir that Geoff had given her the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia, and slaughtered and cooked her favourite pet chicken.
A tormented Yasmeen fought back at Geoff after months of abuse on Coronation Street by hitting him with a broken wine bottle.
Her bullying and manipulative husband forced her to wear a dress he had bought for one of his escorts to meet family in the Rovers Return before taunting her back at home and brandishing a knife.
Geoff's daughter-in-law Sally Metcalfe is now realising that Geoff may not be as innocent as he claims in this harrowing coercive control storyline, and she wants him to move out after inviting him to stay with her and husband Tim.
"I don't want him in our house any more," she said.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Meet Daniel Osbourne's new love interest on Coronation Street

Hollyoaks star Kimberly Hart-Simpson has joined the cast of Coronation Street .
The actress will make her Weatherfield debut next week as Nicky Wheatley who catches widower Daniel Osbourne 's eye - and she says it 's the 'proudest moment of her life ' to star in the world 's longest running soap opera which turns 60 in December .
Kimberly played Beverley in Hollyoaks earlier this year and has also appeared in the Sky One comedy Mount Pleasant .
In the Channel Four soap Hollyoaks she played struggling mum Maxine Minniver 's ruthless landlady who took away her furniture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also appeared on the soap back in 2017 as the character Davina and was in Mount Pleasant in 2011 .
Kimberley excitedly announced landing her role in Coronation Street on her Instagram .
She told her followers : `` After nearly decade of auditioning ... believing ...
It ’ s happened .
`` Proudest moment of my life .
# corrie # dreamz # proud # lifegoals . ''
Nicky appears in Daniel 's life when Adam Barlow decides it 's time for him to get out and about following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He invites him to a swanky lawyers ’ drinks reception and Adam is pleased to see Daniel having a good time with an attractive woman .
When Nicky suggests they make a night of it Daniel , played by Rob Mallard , agrees .
In April Daniel returned from retreat in Scotland following the death of Sinead from cervical cancer and his split from Bethany Platt .
The dad-of-one , who was struggling after losing Sinead , was packed off to the retreat by his worried family .
They realised the young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenager Bethany on the rebound from his late wife , played by Katie McGlynn .
Daniel was clearly drinking too much and he thought he heard Sinead talking to him at the home they shared with their baby son Bertie .
He asked Bethany to marry him with Sinead 's ring and called her by his wife 's name .
Realising he was still grieving , his girlfriend called an end to their relationship and moved away to start a new life as a writer in London alone .
Sinead 's auntie Beth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to Scotland with Daniel to look after Bertie while he got the help he needed .
Sinead 's death saw some of the long-running soap 's most harrowing scenes as it documented the young mum and newlywed 's journey .
Actress Katie McGlynn worked with the charity Mummy 's Star , dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy , and Jo 's Cervical Cancer Trust on the storyline to ensure accuracy .
And the death of Sinead has now been nominated for this year 's Must-See Moment @ @ @ @ @ @

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Hollyoaks star Kimberly Hart-Simpson has joined the cast of Coronation Street.
The actress will make her Weatherfield debut next week as Nicky Wheatley who catches widower Daniel Osbourne's eye - and she says it's the 'proudest moment of her life' to star in the world's longest running soap opera which turns 60 in December.
Kimberly played Beverley in Hollyoaks earlier this year and has also appeared in the Sky One comedy Mount Pleasant.
In the Channel Four soap Hollyoaks she played struggling mum Maxine Minniver's ruthless landlady who took away her furniture after she failed to pay her debts.
(Image: ITV)
She also appeared on the soap back in 2017 as the character Davina and was in Mount Pleasant in 2011.
Kimberley excitedly announced landing her role in Coronation Street on her Instagram.
She told her followers: "After nearly decade of auditioning ... believing ... It’s happened. "Proudest moment of my life. #corrie #dreamz #proud #lifegoals."
Nicky appears in Daniel's life when Adam Barlow decides it's time for him to get out and about following the death of his wife Sinead in October.
(Image: Kimberly Hart-Simpson)
He invites him to a swanky lawyers’ drinks reception and Adam is pleased to see Daniel having a good time with an attractive woman.
When Nicky suggests they make a night of it Daniel, played by Rob Mallard, agrees.
In April Daniel returned from retreat in Scotland following the death of Sinead from cervical cancer and his split from Bethany Platt.
The dad-of-one, who was struggling after losing Sinead, was packed off to the retreat by his worried family.
(Image: Kimberly Hart-Simpson)
They realised the young journalist needed help when he proposed to teenager Bethany on the rebound from his late wife, played by Katie McGlynn.
Daniel was clearly drinking too much and he thought he heard Sinead talking to him at the home they shared with their baby son Bertie.
He asked Bethany to marry him with Sinead's ring and called her by his wife's name.
Realising he was still grieving, his girlfriend called an end to their relationship and moved away to start a new life as a writer in London alone.
Sinead's auntie Beth Sutherland put aside their differences and offered to go to Scotland with Daniel to look after Bertie while he got the help he needed.
Sinead's death saw some of the long-running soap's most harrowing scenes as it documented the young mum and newlywed's journey.
Actress Katie McGlynn worked with the charity Mummy's Star, dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy, and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust on the storyline to ensure accuracy.
And the death of Sinead has now been nominated for this year's Must-See Moment at the BAFTA TV Awards.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--'Animalistic' robbers committed seven brutal attacks in 90 minutes

A trio of vicious robbers terrorised Manchester 's Northern Quarter as they commmitted seven robberies in just 90 minutes .
They got a taxi into town at 2am before targeting vulnerable revellers at the end of their night .
The thugs surrounded their victims and attacked them with punches , stamps and kicks before fleeing with their valuables .
Victims were left with fractured jaws , damaged vertabrae and broken ribs .
Some were in hospital for weeks .
The gang ripped a clump of hair from one woman who fought back .
They celebrated their night 's work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three Romanian nationals , two of whom came to the UK having been convicted of serious crimes on the continent , have been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for their part in seven robberies .
Adrian Farrow , prosecuting , said : `` The defendants carried out a concerted campaign of robbery , gratuitous violence and fraud against vulnerable victims in a small area of Manchester city centre . ''
He described how the trio had taken a taxi from Oldham into Manchester 'for the express purpose of committing robberies ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Adi Cretu , both 21 ; and a boy of 15 who can not be named for legal reasons - alighting the taxi at about 2am on January 5 on Tib Street .
The cousins were captured urinating against scaffolding before the trio surrounded their first victim .
The Cretus punched him and pinned him against a wall while the teenager kept look-out .
Adi Cretu stamped on and kicked the victim 's head while the youth rifled his pockets .
As the victim lay unconscious on the ground , the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mobile and wallet .
The man was taken to hospital , where he needed surgery to insert metal plates for a fractured jaw .
He now struggles to shave and eat because of continuing numbness to the left side of his face .
The robbers struck again five minutes later on Oldham Street , targeting a man who appeared to be drunk , eating a takeaway .
Adi Cretu punched the victim when he remonstrated .
The trio calmly walked away with his phone .
The victim spent two days in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fractures of his jaw .
Metal plates had to be inserted .
He was forced onto a 'soft diet ' for weeks afterwards and has been left 'anxious ' about coming into the city .
The trio returned to Tib Street , where their victims were a group of friends .
One of the friends felt her bag being grabbed and saw one of the men unzip it , remove her purse and take out a £20 note before snatching her phone during the resulting scuffle .
When the victim 's male friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was pushed to the ground and kicked in the chest .
The trio ran off with the phone and cash , chased by the victim 's male friend who was punched in the face for his troubles .
The bag owner suffered a damaged nail in the attack and later told police she felt 'physically sick and panicky ' afterwards .
The crime left her feeling 'humiliated and small ' .
The trio moved onto their next victim , who was making her way across Piccadilly Gardens when she was attacked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three , first Adi Cretu and then the youth while Samuel Cretu looked on .
When her phone was grabbed , the woman chased Adi Cretu and even rugby tackled him to the ground and got him in a headlock .
But the others caught up and she felt someone grab her hair .
A two or three-inch clump of her hair was ripped from her scalp .
The three robbers then calmly went to the Spar in Piccadilly Gardens and used a card they had stolen in their first robbery to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of drink and cigarettes .
They struck again on Faraday Street , where they targeted a bar worker who was closing up for the night .
They made a grab for his phone , but their victim saw them off by threatening them with a pole with which he had been closing the shutters .
They moved back to Tib Street , where they attacked another victim at 3.29am .
Adi Cretu grabbed his phone and the youth punched him in the head and pushed him to the floor .
Adi Cretu kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim was grabbed in a bear hug and kicked more times , while the youth punched him again .
The trio made off with his valuables .
Their victim managed to alert a passing police patrol , but only realised the extent of his injuries the next day when he went to hospital and a CT scan revealed fractures to his vertebrae .
He spent four weeks in hospital and a further four weeks at home ' losing about £10,000 in income .
The victim told police his experienced 'shattered ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His tormentors were 'organised , vicious and seemed to enjoy it ' , he said , adding : `` There was no reasoning with them .
They were intent on using harm .
`` As it unfolded , the violence was gratuitous .
It seemed like they were having fun .
It felt animalistic .
I felt like their prey .
They circled me like predators . ''
The robbers struck again on High Street where the victim recalls being kicked while he was on the floor before someone rifled through his pockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face , chest and stomach .
The rampage had come to an end at 3.32am and by 4.11am the robbers had returned to Oldham to celebrate their night 's work with a meal at McDonald 's .
The trio stuck again a week later , at 4am in Oldham town centre , when they carried out another attack on a man after he had left Liquid nightclub .
The victim suffered a sore jaw , cuts and grazes to his forehead and a fractured rib .
The court heard Adi Cretu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while his cousin Samuel was handed suspended sentences for robbery and violence in Valencia , Spain , in 2017 and 2018 .
Rachel White , defending Samuel Cretu , said her client 'accepts he 's guilty of a series of thuggish and nasty offences ' , but insisted there was a 'different side ' to the defendant , who has a one-year-old son .
She said he intended to return to Romania and 'start afresh ' following his sentence .
Dan Gaskell , defending the youth , said he was in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that he was 'not directly involved ' in any except two of the acts of violence .
Adi Cretu seemed to be amused as his barrister Paul Bryning told the court his client was 'ashamed of his behaviour ' and had shown 'genuine contrition and remorse ' .
`` He had come here with the promise of work but it turned out not to be the case .
He felt isolated and betrayed .
He was in need of money for food and accommodation and he accept he made some very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Adi Cretu was told off by the judge as he at one stage appeared to be blowing kisses across the videolink .
Judge Timothy Smith told the trio : `` As a group you targeted lone individuals many of whom had been out drinking and made more vulnerable as a result ... .
They all went through what can only have been for them a frightening and terrifying experience . ''
Adi Cretu , 21 , of Alton Street in Oldham , who was said to have taken a leading role , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Samuel Cretu , 21 , also of Alton Street in Oldham , was jailed for six years and two months .
The youth , who can not be named for legal reasons , was handed a two year youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance attached .
He was also handed a 180-day activity requirement and placed on an electronically-monitored curfew for three months .
They all admitted conspiracy to rob , conspiracy to commit fraud and assault .
The Cretu cousins also admitted a further assault .
Detective Sergeant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operation Valiant team within the City of Manchester division , said : “ These are three vicious individuals whose greed showed no limits as they savagely attacked innocent members of the public for their own selfish gain .
“ It ’ s important not to underestimate the severity of these crimes , and I would like to thank our officers along with the CPS and the bravery of the victims who have been working tirelessly as part of Operation Valiant to bring these offenders to justice .
`` I can only hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time they need to reflect upon their actions and acts as a warning that this type of criminal behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated in Greater Manchester and Operation Valiant will continue to target those who think it ’ s acceptable to commit violent street robberies .
”

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A trio of vicious robbers terrorised Manchester's Northern Quarter as they commmitted seven robberies in just 90 minutes.
They got a taxi into town at 2am before targeting vulnerable revellers at the end of their night. The thugs surrounded their victims and attacked them with punches, stamps and kicks before fleeing with their valuables.
They inflicted serious injuries.
Victims were left with fractured jaws, damaged vertabrae and broken ribs. Some were in hospital for weeks.
The gang ripped a clump of hair from one woman who fought back. They celebrated their night's work with a meal at McDonald's.
Now the three Romanian nationals, two of whom came to the UK having been convicted of serious crimes on the continent, have been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for their part in seven robberies.
Adrian Farrow, prosecuting, said: "The defendants carried out a concerted campaign of robbery, gratuitous violence and fraud against vulnerable victims in a small area of Manchester city centre."
(Image: GMP)
He described how the trio had taken a taxi from Oldham into Manchester 'for the express purpose of committing robberies'.
CCTV showed the three - cousins Samuel and Adi Cretu, both 21; and a boy of 15 who cannot be named for legal reasons - alighting the taxi at about 2am on January 5 on Tib Street.
The cousins were captured urinating against scaffolding before the trio surrounded their first victim.
The Cretus punched him and pinned him against a wall while the teenager kept look-out.
Adi Cretu stamped on and kicked the victim's head while the youth rifled his pockets.
As the victim lay unconscious on the ground, the three robbers are seen calmly walking away with his mobile and wallet.
The man was taken to hospital, where he needed surgery to insert metal plates for a fractured jaw.
He now struggles to shave and eat because of continuing numbness to the left side of his face.
The robbers struck again five minutes later on Oldham Street, targeting a man who appeared to be drunk, eating a takeaway.
Adi Cretu punched the victim when he remonstrated. The trio calmly walked away with his phone.
(Image: GMP)
The victim spent two days in hospital, where he was treated for two fractures of his jaw. Metal plates had to be inserted.
He was forced onto a 'soft diet' for weeks afterwards and has been left 'anxious' about coming into the city.
The trio returned to Tib Street, where their victims were a group of friends.
One of the friends felt her bag being grabbed and saw one of the men unzip it, remove her purse and take out a £20 note before snatching her phone during the resulting scuffle.
When the victim's male friend tried to retrieve the stolen valuables, he was pushed to the ground and kicked in the chest. The trio ran off with the phone and cash, chased by the victim's male friend who was punched in the face for his troubles.
The bag owner suffered a damaged nail in the attack and later told police she felt 'physically sick and panicky' afterwards. The crime left her feeling 'humiliated and small'.
The trio moved onto their next victim, who was making her way across Piccadilly Gardens when she was attacked.
CCTV captured her being confronted by the three, first Adi Cretu and then the youth while Samuel Cretu looked on.
When her phone was grabbed, the woman chased Adi Cretu and even rugby tackled him to the ground and got him in a headlock.
But the others caught up and she felt someone grab her hair. A two or three-inch clump of her hair was ripped from her scalp.
The three robbers then calmly went to the Spar in Piccadilly Gardens and used a card they had stolen in their first robbery to buy two packs of Pringles, a can of drink and cigarettes.
(Image: Simon Buckley)
They struck again on Faraday Street, where they targeted a bar worker who was closing up for the night. They made a grab for his phone, but their victim saw them off by threatening them with a pole with which he had been closing the shutters.
They moved back to Tib Street, where they attacked another victim at 3.29am. Adi Cretu grabbed his phone and the youth punched him in the head and pushed him to the floor. Adi Cretu kicked him while he was on the floor.
The victim was grabbed in a bear hug and kicked more times, while the youth punched him again.
The trio made off with his valuables.
Their victim managed to alert a passing police patrol, but only realised the extent of his injuries the next day when he went to hospital and a CT scan revealed fractures to his vertebrae.
He spent four weeks in hospital and a further four weeks at home' losing about £10,000 in income.
The victim told police his experienced 'shattered' his previous safe experiences of Manchester.
His tormentors were 'organised, vicious and seemed to enjoy it', he said, adding: "There was no reasoning with them. They were intent on using harm.
"As it unfolded, the violence was gratuitous. It seemed like they were having fun. It felt animalistic. I felt like their prey. They circled me like predators."
The robbers struck again on High Street where the victim recalls being kicked while he was on the floor before someone rifled through his pockets. A witness saw him being kicked in the face, chest and stomach.
The rampage had come to an end at 3.32am and by 4.11am the robbers had returned to Oldham to celebrate their night's work with a meal at McDonald's.
The trio stuck again a week later, at 4am in Oldham town centre, when they carried out another attack on a man after he had left Liquid nightclub. The victim suffered a sore jaw, cuts and grazes to his forehead and a fractured rib.
The court heard Adi Cretu served time in his homeland for robbery, while his cousin Samuel was handed suspended sentences for robbery and violence in Valencia, Spain, in 2017 and 2018.
Rachel White, defending Samuel Cretu, said her client 'accepts he's guilty of a series of thuggish and nasty offences', but insisted there was a 'different side' to the defendant, who has a one-year-old son.
She said he intended to return to Romania and 'start afresh' following his sentence.
Dan Gaskell, defending the youth, said he was in a 'very different situation' to his co-defendants, adding that he was 'not directly involved' in any except two of the acts of violence.
(Image: MEN Media)
Adi Cretu seemed to be amused as his barrister Paul Bryning told the court his client was 'ashamed of his behaviour' and had shown 'genuine contrition and remorse'.
"He had come here with the promise of work but it turned out not to be the case. He felt isolated and betrayed. He was in need of money for food and accommodation and he accept he made some very poor decisions," said Mr Bryning.
Adi Cretu was told off by the judge as he at one stage appeared to be blowing kisses across the videolink.
Judge Timothy Smith told the trio: "As a group you targeted lone individuals many of whom had been out drinking and made more vulnerable as a result.... They all went through what can only have been for them a frightening and terrifying experience."
Adi Cretu, 21, of Alton Street in Oldham, who was said to have taken a leading role, was jailed for six years and eight months.
Samuel Cretu, 21, also of Alton Street in Oldham, was jailed for six years and two months.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was handed a two year youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance attached. He was also handed a 180-day activity requirement and placed on an electronically-monitored curfew for three months.
They all admitted conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to commit fraud and assault. The Cretu cousins also admitted a further assault.
Detective Sergeant Helen Fletcher, from GMP’s Operation Valiant team within the City of Manchester division, said: “These are three vicious individuals whose greed showed no limits as they savagely attacked innocent members of the public for their own selfish gain.
“It’s important not to underestimate the severity of these crimes, and I would like to thank our officers along with the CPS and the bravery of the victims who have been working tirelessly as part of Operation Valiant to bring these offenders to justice.
"I can only hope that today’s result gives these individuals the time they need to reflect upon their actions and acts as a warning that this type of criminal behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated in Greater Manchester and Operation Valiant will continue to target those who think it’s acceptable to commit violent street robberies.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Estudiantes president hits out after Rojo breaks lockdown rules again

Estudiantes club president Juan Sebastian Veron has hit out at Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo and said he wo n't 'babysit ' players after the defender flouted lockdown rules again .
United spoke to Rojo to remind him of his responsibilities last month after he was filmed filmed playing cards and socialising with a group of friends amid the coronavirus pandemic .
But Rojo was once again caught with a group of friends in La Plata last week as they were filmed entering a sports club with paddle rackets .
A statement issued by the Israelite Literary Center and Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Rojo and his friends were not authorised to enter the institution and they will be investigating the matter which was a 'flagrant violation of the regulations . '
Former United midfielder Veron has now criticised the player , telling Radio Provincia , via SportWitness : “ About what happened in the quarantine with Marcos Rojo and the videos that emerged , I ’ m not babysitting anyone and everyone knows what they do , obviously I do not like these things . ''
Rojo arrived at his boyhood club Estudiantes amid much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on loan for the rest of the season in January but things have n't gone to plan thus far .
The 30-year-old has made just one appearance due to injury and the season being curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic but regardless Veron wants Rojo to stay at the club , though he acknowledges the decision is out of their hands .
“ What happens to Marcos Rojo does not depend on us , it depends on United and the strength he can do , '' Veron added .
`` I spoke to Marcos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I also have known him since he was a boy .
He told me that he wants to continue and stay here , hopefully he can give but it doesn ’ t depend on the club .
”

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Estudiantes club president Juan Sebastian Veron has hit out at Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo and said he won't 'babysit' players after the defender flouted lockdown rules again.
United spoke to Rojo to remind him of his responsibilities last month after he was filmed filmed playing cards and socialising with a group of friends amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But Rojo was once again caught with a group of friends in La Plata last week as they were filmed entering a sports club with paddle rackets.
A statement issued by the Israelite Literary Center and Max Nordau Library in La Plata this week said Rojo and his friends were not authorised to enter the institution and they will be investigating the matter which was a 'flagrant violation of the regulations.'
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Former United midfielder Veron has now criticised the player, telling Radio Provincia: “About what happened in the quarantine with Marcos Rojo and the videos that emerged, I’m not babysitting anyone and everyone knows what they do, obviously I do not like these things."
Rojo arrived at his boyhood club Estudiantes amid much fanfare as he joined the Argentine side on loan for the rest of the season in January but things haven't gone to plan thus far.
The 30-year-old has made just one appearance due to injury and the season being curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic but regardless Veron wants Rojo to stay at the club, though he acknowledges the decision is out of their hands.
“What happens to Marcos Rojo does not depend on us, it depends on United and the strength he can do," Veron added.
"I spoke to Marcos, I love him very much because I also have known him since he was a boy. He told me that he wants to continue and stay here, hopefully he can give but it doesn’t depend on the club.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Woman with 50 previous convictions 'named and shamed' on Facebook

A woman has been jailed after carrying out a number of ‘ despicable ’ distraction thefts against elderly and vulnerable people .
Tracey MacDonald , 41 , was caught after being ‘ named and shamed ’ on social media .
She repeatedly approached older women in Wythenshawe , distracted them , before stealing cash .
MacDonald , of no fixed address , stole a total of around £1,300 from the five women , Manchester Crown Court heard .
She pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a person at an earlier hearing , but the court deferred her sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
MacDonald failed to attend court in March , so was arrested and remanded into custody .
Today ( Tuesday ) , she appeared via video-link from HMP Styal .
She was sentenced to 12 months .
MacDonald has 50 previous convictions for 112 offences , including numerous offences of theft from a person .
Prosecutor Gavin Howie said the first offence happened on February 15 , 2018 when an 86-year-old woman went shopping in the Wythenshawe Civic Centre .
“ She went to the Halifax bank and made a withdrawal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She uses a frame with wheels , what she affectionately calls her ‘ wheeler ’ , though she is not disabled .
“ MacDonald approached the lady and said to her 'you need to be careful , there 's a lot of wrong people about who will take the money for drugs ' .
How prophetic .
“ The defendant then lifted the seat up from the wheeler and was rummaging around in it and [ the victim ] said she didn ’ t like it and told her to stop .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she told her to go away , and she then hid the money in the seat .
“ As the defendant reached into the seat to distract the lady she said 'be careful , there are a lot of drug users around here ' and the woman told her to get away from her and walked away from the defendant .
“ She stopped to check her belongings and found the money she had placed under the seat was gone.
`` Another victim was outside the Halifax bank on March 7 when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if she smoked .
The woman later realised £50 cash was missing .
A few days later , MacDonald went to a woman 's house and said she was delivering Easter eggs and asked for a pen and paper .
She was then seen 'going through everything like a toddler ' .
After MacDonald had gone , the woman noticed a black purse had been taken , which had £110 inside , as well as two bank cards and a piece of paper with the pin code on .
A further £400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court heard .
Another elderly woman was approached by MacDonald a couple of days later , who offered to push her trolley for her .
She refused , but MacDonald continued to follow her .
“ The woman noticed her purse had been taken as the defendant walked away , and told a family friend and Good Samaritan about what had happened , ” he said .
“ The friend walked right up to MacDonald , grabbed the purse out of her hand and returned it to the woman , but £140 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a picture was posted social media , essentially ‘ naming and shaming ’ her .
The final victim , who was not retired , had withdrawn £400 from her bank , put it in her coat pocket and walked back to her flat .
MacDonald walked right up to her , took the money and walked off .
In a victim personal statement , one of the ladies said her confidence had been ‘ knocked ’ , she felt distraught about what had happened and now Defence lawyer Jane Dagnall said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defendant has an appalling record .
“ She has COPD and severe diabetes and she has recently spent two spells in hospital for pneumonia .
“ She said the reason she didn ’ t attend court on the last occasion was because she was poorly .
“ She is particularly vulnerable due to her health in isolation , but she is taking her prescribed medication and she looks well .
Sentencing MacDonald , Judge Alan Conrad QC said : “ You were given a chance by me at the end of last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to see if you could go straight , as you had served a custodial sentence in 2018 for similar matters .
“ The court tried to help you , probation tried to help you , but other people won ’ t be able to help you if you can ’ t help yourself .
“ These offences are rightly described as despicable .
“ You preyed on vulnerable and elderly people and a custodial sentence is inevitable .
”

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A woman has been jailed after carrying out a number of ‘despicable’ distraction thefts against elderly and vulnerable people.
Tracey MacDonald, 41, was caught after being ‘named and shamed’ on social media.
She repeatedly approached older women in Wythenshawe, distracted them, before stealing cash.
MacDonald, of no fixed address, stole a total of around £1,300 from the five women, Manchester Crown Court heard.
She pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a person at an earlier hearing, but the court deferred her sentence to allow her to ‘go straight'.
MacDonald failed to attend court in March, so was arrested and remanded into custody.
(Image: M.E.N.)
Today (Tuesday), she appeared via video-link from HMP Styal. She was sentenced to 12 months.
MacDonald has 50 previous convictions for 112 offences, including numerous offences of theft from a person.
Prosecutor Gavin Howie said the first offence happened on February 15, 2018 when an 86-year-old woman went shopping in the Wythenshawe Civic Centre.
“She went to the Halifax bank and made a withdrawal of £200," he added.
“She uses a frame with wheels, what she affectionately calls her ‘wheeler’, though she is not disabled.
“MacDonald approached the lady and said to her 'you need to be careful, there's a lot of wrong people about who will take the money for drugs'. How prophetic.
“The defendant then lifted the seat up from the wheeler and was rummaging around in it and [the victim] said she didn’t like it and told her to stop.
“The cash was still in her hand when she told her to go away, and she then hid the money in the seat.
“As the defendant reached into the seat to distract the lady she said 'be careful, there are a lot of drug users around here' and the woman told her to get away from her and walked away from the defendant.
“She stopped to check her belongings and found the money she had placed under the seat was gone. "
Another victim was outside the Halifax bank on March 7 when she was approached by MacDonald, who asked if she smoked. The woman later realised £50 cash was missing.
A few days later, MacDonald went to a woman's house and said she was delivering Easter eggs and asked for a pen and paper.
She was then seen 'going through everything like a toddler'.
After MacDonald had gone, the woman noticed a black purse had been taken, which had £110 inside, as well as two bank cards and a piece of paper with the pin code on. A further £400 was withdrawn from her bank account, the court heard.
Another elderly woman was approached by MacDonald a couple of days later, who offered to push her trolley for her.
She refused, but MacDonald continued to follow her.
(Image: MEN Media)
“The woman noticed her purse had been taken as the defendant walked away, and told a family friend and Good Samaritan about what had happened,” he said.
“The friend walked right up to MacDonald, grabbed the purse out of her hand and returned it to the woman, but £140 was missing."
MacDonald was identified after a picture was posted social media, essentially ‘naming and shaming’ her.
The final victim, who was not retired, had withdrawn £400 from her bank, put it in her coat pocket and walked back to her flat.
MacDonald walked right up to her, took the money and walked off.
In a victim personal statement, one of the ladies said her confidence had been ‘knocked’, she felt distraught about what had happened and now
Defence lawyer Jane Dagnall said: “These are despicable offences and the defendant has an appalling record.
“She has COPD and severe diabetes and she has recently spent two spells in hospital for pneumonia.
“She said the reason she didn’t attend court on the last occasion was because she was poorly.
“She is particularly vulnerable due to her health in isolation, but she is taking her prescribed medication and she looks well.
Sentencing MacDonald, Judge Alan Conrad QC said: “You were given a chance by me at the end of last year when I deferred sentence intended to help you to see if you could go straight, as you had served a custodial sentence in 2018 for similar matters.
“The court tried to help you, probation tried to help you, but other people won’t be able to help you if you can’t help yourself.
“These offences are rightly described as despicable.
“You preyed on vulnerable and elderly people and a custodial sentence is inevitable.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-10--Covid hotspots in Greater Manchester revealed as mayor says new ‘heat map’ could be created for the

Covid hotspots in Greater Manchester revealed as mayor says new ‘heat map’ could be created for the public

Tameside and Bury had the highest Covid infection rates in Greater Manchester in the fortnight to last Thursday , according to figures circulated among councils over the past few days .
The numbers showed a significantly varying picture across the conurbation , but also estimated that overall , the region ’ s infection rate was at that point running at nearly twice the English average .
Stockport was found to have the lowest rate of infection per 100,000 people , followed by Salord .
In both cases those town halls pointed to their comparatively low rates in justification for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , while Tameside and Bury warned headteachers away from welcoming more pupils back .
Greater Manchester officials have been analysing the data they have available to work out a more localised picture of Covid levels within communities here , although infection rates - which are based on incomplete data - are only one measure used to work that out .
The mayor , Andy Burnham , said today that council leaders had agreed ‘ in principle ’ to the creation of a ‘ heat map ’ that can be used by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk in their own community , which will use a range of different figures that will take some time to compile .
Asked by the M.E.N .
about local ‘ hotspots ’ at his press conference on Sunday , called after Public Health England ’ s latest estimate suggested a high ‘ R ’ number in the North West , the mayor said Tameside was currently seeing the highest levels of infection in Greater Manchester .
That is borne out by the numbers being circulated among council figures at the time , based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the fortnight to June 4 .
They suggested Tameside had an rate of 28.7 infections per 100,000 people , with Bury estimated at 26.2 and Rochdale at 25.6 .
That compared to an English average for the same period of 9.2 .
Those numbers appear to have influenced decisions taken by both Tameside and Bury councils at the end of last week , when they warned a more cautious approach to school reopening could be needed due to concerns over the virus ’ s spread .
Tameside and Bury councils acknowledged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only one of a range of measures being used to assess the situation and also pointed to expanded testing rates as a factor .
Greater Manchester ’ s lowest rate - according to the data - was shown to be in Stockport , where the council wrote to boards of governors on Monday citing its much lower rate of 6.8 as a reason it continued to support a more relaxed approach to schools .
Its letter , from the borough ’ s public health director and director of children ’ s services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right position for Stockport at this moment in time ’ , adding that this was because ‘ cases , hospital admissions and deaths in Stockport remain low ’ .
Public Health England data from the preceding two weeks showed ‘ Stockport ’ s position was a rate of 6.8 per 100,000 ’ , it said , compared to Greater Manchester ’ s rate of 16.8 .
Salford took a similar view , arguing that as a result it believed the ‘ R ’ number in the city - the measure designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person will pass the virus to - is likely to be below the crucial value of 1 .
The variation locally across Greater Manchester was pointed to by the mayor , Andy Burnham , at today ’ s press conference .
He said that as part of a new ‘ Safe GM ’ campaign , designed to help people adapt to changes in the lockdown while being aware of risk levels , a new ‘ heat map ’ was planned in order to show current Covid impacts in different communities .
Mr Burnham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was last week estimated by one group of analysts at Public Health England to be slightly above 1 in the North West , does n't necessarily on its own help the public understand 'what 's going on in their community ' .
`` So we 've taken a decision in principle to work towards a localised presentation of data for Greater Manchester that 's up to date , hopefully relevant to people , '' he said .
`` A heat map , if you like for the city region . ''
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get it right ' , he said , particularly given the absence of testing data from commercial laboratories .
`` But we 've taken a decision in principle to move in that direction and we think also that 's an important element of our 'Safe GM ' campaign , empowering the public with more localised information so that they can make more informed judgements . ''
What the councils say A Tameside council spokesperson said : “ Across Greater Manchester , including Tameside , we are looking at a number of data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 in our boroughs .
“ The number of new cases in the borough is a very important indicator , but it needs to be considered in the context of the amount of testing that is being undertaken .
“ We are very pleased that there has been an expansion of the eligibility criteria for testing , so we are able to pick up more cases in the community .
“ Additionally , the whole care home testing programme has identified some people who test positive but are asymptomatic .
“ These people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Full implementation of our testing and contact tracing programme over the next few weeks will be of enormous benefit in helping us understand our local position and also to design the measures we need to take locally to stop the infection from spreading.
” Eleanor Roaf Director of Public Health at Trafford Council said : ‘ In Trafford I am pleased to say that the daily rate of new cases is on the decrease in the borough but we are not complacent as this could change so we are urging people to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wash their hands properly .
“ We are looking at a number of data sources to understand the impact of Covid 19 in our borough .
`` The number of new cases in the borough is a very important indicator , but it needs to be considered in the context of the amount of testing that is being undertaken .
We are very pleased that there has been an expansion of the eligibility criteria for testing , so we are able to pick up more cases in the community .
`` Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has identified some people who test positive but are asymptomatic .
These people would not have been identified previously .
`` Full implementation of our testing and contact tracing programme over the next few weeks will be of enormous benefit in helping us understand our local position and also to design the measures we need to take locally to stop the infection from spreading.
’ A Stockport council spokesman said : “ In Stockport , we are looking at several data sources to understand the impact of COVID 19 in our borough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a crucial indicator .
“ Still , it needs to be considered in the context of the amount of testing that is being undertaken .
“ We are very pleased that there has been an expansion of the eligibility criteria for testing , so we can pick up more cases in the community .
“ Additionally , the whole care home testing programme has identified some people who test positive but are asymptomatic .
“ These people would not have been identified previously .
Full implementation of our testing and contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be of enormous benefit in helping us understand our local position and also to design the measures we need to take locally to stop the infection from spreading.
” A Wigan council spokesman said its infection rates had changed since the figures quoted at the end of last week , now giving the borough a rate of 8.2 per 100,000 .
Prof Kate Ardern , Wigan Council ’ s director for public health said : “ We continue to monitor various sources to assess the impact Covid-19 is having within our borough and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big part in our evaluation .
“ I am pleased to say that we have been working hard across Greater Manchester to make sure that are locally ability to track , trace , isolate and support is in place and will be going into phase two of the operation next week .
“ Every single borough in the region has stood up its own resources and we are now able to mobilise some boots on the ground to support an individual borough should there be an outbreak .
“ Eventually the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme should be of enormous benefit and help us evaluate our local position even better .
“ However , I continue to ask residents to be on their guard and to maintain good personal hygiene and two metre physical distances whenever they leave the house.
” A Bury council spokesman said : `` These figures are just one source of data that we use to try and gain a sense of the local picture , none of which are perfect .
`` These figures are reflective of the number of tests carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in different areas and over time .
`` Work is underway to develop a more meaningful data set which will help us and the public better understand the number of cases in the borough and local trends . ''
Manchester council declined to comment .
Bolton , Rochdale , Oldham and Salford councils did not respond to requests for comment .

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Tameside and Bury had the highest Covid infection rates in Greater Manchester in the fortnight to last Thursday, according to figures circulated among councils over the past few days.
The numbers showed a significantly varying picture across the conurbation, but also estimated that overall, the region’s infection rate was at that point running at nearly twice the English average.
Stockport was found to have the lowest rate of infection per 100,000 people, followed by Salord.
In both cases those town halls pointed to their comparatively low rates in justification for a more relaxed approach to school opening this week, while Tameside and Bury warned headteachers away from welcoming more pupils back.
Greater Manchester officials have been analysing the data they have available to work out a more localised picture of Covid levels within communities here, although infection rates - which are based on incomplete data - are only one measure used to work that out.
The mayor, Andy Burnham, said today that council leaders had agreed ‘in principle’ to the creation of a ‘heat map’ that can be used by the public to work out the level of risk in their own community, which will use a range of different figures that will take some time to compile.
Asked by the M.E.N. about local ‘hotspots’ at his press conference on Sunday, called after Public Health England’s latest estimate suggested a high ‘R’ number in the North West, the mayor said Tameside was currently seeing the highest levels of infection in Greater Manchester.
That is borne out by the numbers being circulated among council figures at the time, based on analysis of Public Health England figures for the fortnight to June 4.
They suggested Tameside had an rate of 28.7 infections per 100,000 people, with Bury estimated at 26.2 and Rochdale at 25.6.
That compared to an English average for the same period of 9.2.
Those numbers appear to have influenced decisions taken by both Tameside and Bury councils at the end of last week, when they warned a more cautious approach to school reopening could be needed due to concerns over the virus’s spread.
Tameside and Bury councils acknowledged the numbers, but both stressed they were only one of a range of measures being used to assess the situation and also pointed to expanded testing rates as a factor.
(Image: Getty Images)
Greater Manchester’s lowest rate - according to the data - was shown to be in Stockport, where the council wrote to boards of governors on Monday citing its much lower rate of 6.8 as a reason it continued to support a more relaxed approach to schools.
Its letter, from the borough’s public health director and director of children’s services, said they believed further reopening was ‘the right position for Stockport at this moment in time’, adding that this was because ‘cases, hospital admissions and deaths in Stockport remain low’.
Public Health England data from the preceding two weeks showed ‘Stockport’s position was a rate of 6.8 per 100,000’, it said, compared to Greater Manchester’s rate of 16.8.
Salford took a similar view, arguing that as a result it believed the ‘R’ number in the city - the measure designed to show how many other people each infected person will pass the virus to - is likely to be below the crucial value of 1.
The variation locally across Greater Manchester was pointed to by the mayor, Andy Burnham, at today’s press conference.
He said that as part of a new ‘Safe GM’ campaign, designed to help people adapt to changes in the lockdown while being aware of risk levels, a new ‘heat map’ was planned in order to show current Covid impacts in different communities.
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Burnham said the 'R' number, which was last week estimated by one group of analysts at Public Health England to be slightly above 1 in the North West, doesn't necessarily on its own help the public understand 'what's going on in their community'.
"So we've taken a decision in principle to work towards a localised presentation of data for Greater Manchester that's up to date, hopefully relevant to people," he said. "A heat map, if you like for the city region."
There will be 'further work to be done to get it right', he said, particularly given the absence of testing data from commercial laboratories.
"But we've taken a decision in principle to move in that direction and we think also that's an important element of our 'Safe GM' campaign, empowering the public with more localised information so that they can make more informed judgements."
What the councils say
A Tameside council spokesperson said: “Across Greater Manchester, including Tameside, we are looking at a number of data sources to understand the impact of Covid 19 in our boroughs. “The number of new cases in the borough is a very important indicator, but it needs to be considered in the context of the amount of testing that is being undertaken.
“We are very pleased that there has been an expansion of the eligibility criteria for testing, so we are able to pick up more cases in the community.
“Additionally, the whole care home testing programme has identified some people who test positive but are asymptomatic.
“These people would not have been identified previously. Full implementation of our testing and contact tracing programme over the next few weeks will be of enormous benefit in helping us understand our local position and also to design the measures we need to take locally to stop the infection from spreading.”
Eleanor Roaf Director of Public Health at Trafford Council said: ‘In Trafford I am pleased to say that the daily rate of new cases is on the decrease in the borough but we are not complacent as this could change so we are urging people to continue to practise social distancing and make sure they wash their hands properly.
“We are looking at a number of data sources to understand the impact of Covid 19 in our borough.
"The number of new cases in the borough is a very important indicator, but it needs to be considered in the context of the amount of testing that is being undertaken. We are very pleased that there has been an expansion of the eligibility criteria for testing, so we are able to pick up more cases in the community.
"Additionally, the whole care home testing programme has identified some people who test positive but are asymptomatic. These people would not have been identified previously.
"Full implementation of our testing and contact tracing programme over the next few weeks will be of enormous benefit in helping us understand our local position and also to design the measures we need to take locally to stop the infection from spreading.’
A Stockport council spokesman said: “In Stockport, we are looking at several data sources to understand the impact of COVID 19 in our borough. The number of new cases in Stockport is a crucial indicator.
“Still, it needs to be considered in the context of the amount of testing that is being undertaken. “We are very pleased that there has been an expansion of the eligibility criteria for testing, so we can pick up more cases in the community.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
“Additionally, the whole care home testing programme has identified some people who test positive but are asymptomatic.
“These people would not have been identified previously. Full implementation of our testing and contact tracing programme over the next few weeks will be of enormous benefit in helping us understand our local position and also to design the measures we need to take locally to stop the infection from spreading.”
A Wigan council spokesman said its infection rates had changed since the figures quoted at the end of last week, now giving the borough a rate of 8.2 per 100,000.
Prof Kate Ardern, Wigan Council’s director for public health said: “We continue to monitor various sources to assess the impact Covid-19 is having within our borough and the number of new cases obviously plays a big part in our evaluation.
“I am pleased to say that we have been working hard across Greater Manchester to make sure that are locally ability to track, trace, isolate and support is in place and will be going into phase two of the operation next week.
“Every single borough in the region has stood up its own resources and we are now able to mobilise some boots on the ground to support an individual borough should there be an outbreak.
“Eventually the full implementation of the testing and contact tracing programme should be of enormous benefit and help us evaluate our local position even better.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
“However, I continue to ask residents to be on their guard and to maintain good personal hygiene and two metre physical distances whenever they leave the house.”
A Bury council spokesman said: "These figures are just one source of data that we use to try and gain a sense of the local picture, none of which are perfect.
"These figures are reflective of the number of tests carried out within the period which may be different in different areas and over time.
"Work is underway to develop a more meaningful data set which will help us and the public better understand the number of cases in the borough and local trends."
Manchester council declined to comment. Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford councils did not respond to requests for comment.