themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Police have explained why they didn't shut the Moss Side street party down

GMP bosses have explained why they did n't shut down a street party where two men were fatally shot in Moss Side .
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes says police did not shut down the gathering on Caythorpe Street because there was 'no specific criminal activity ' when officers attended earlier that evening .
A double murder investigation is underway after shots were fired at around 12.55am on Sunday ( June 21 ) .
Two men - one aged in his 20s and one in his 30s - both died in hospital after they 'self-presented ' with gunshot wounds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have insisted that the gathering was not an illegal rave .
The Assistant Chief Constable , leading a press conference on Monday , said there were two gatherings in Moss Side on Saturday ; a community event held earlier in the day followed by a separate 'spontaneous ' gathering around the corner later on .
Asked why police did n't break up the spontaneous event when it came to their attention , ACC Sykes said it would have been wrong to be 'disproportionate or to clamp down in one part of our community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spontaneous gathering which took place later on , we did receive reports from it , we did respond and look at what we had , '' he said .
`` We spoke to some people in the area there .
`` There was no specific criminal activity that we saw .
There was a gathering of people .
`` We have to be really proportionate and sometimes it 's not achievable to safely disperse every group of people that are gatherin .
`` Based on the numbers you have got and what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And it would have been unachievable in our view on that to disperse that in an effective way . ''
ACC Sykes said there were 'tens and tens of people , not hundreds and hundreds ' of people at the party .
He said police officers did an assessment of 'what was in front of them at the time ' , and that they had no intelligence around 'any sort of violence anticipated . '
He added : `` We have lots of large gatherings taking place and we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When we saw this one it was in the community of Moss Side , we had to make sure we don ’ t deal with any community differently to others .
`` There was n't any criminality at that time .
`` We have to think about what resources that we have to disperse a group and the decision was made at that time to monitor it . ''
ACC Sykes denied the force had inadvertently given the party the 'green light ' by not breaking it up when they first attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with a community that felt it has been cooped up for many months .
`` People want to go out there and protest , and some celebrate , and some see their family .
`` There is no nightlife to go out to .
This is the period of time when people would have been going out to festivals , concerts , carnivals , barbecues .
`` Us seeing these sort of spontaneous things happening across Greater Manchester is what we are seeing at the moment and you will have seen it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings and groupings of people in all sorts of open places .
`` We have just got to deal with them as each one on their own merit . ''
Police are now urging eyewitnesses to assist with the murder investigation .
Formal identification of the victims is yet to take place .
Officers said their priority now is to 'find the gunman responsible ' and support the families who have been left 'traumatised ' by the incident .
No arrests have been made yet and police are urgently trying to hunt down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'anybody who may have aided or abetted him ' .
Anyone with information can also contact police on 0161 856 9908 , quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
GMP bosses have explained why they didn't shut down a street party where two men were fatally shot in Moss Side.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes says police did not shut down the gathering on Caythorpe Street because there was 'no specific criminal activity' when officers attended earlier that evening.
A double murder investigation is underway after shots were fired at around 12.55am on Sunday (June 21).
Two men - one aged in his 20s and one in his 30s - both died in hospital after they 'self-presented' with gunshot wounds.
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
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and GMP have insisted that the gathering was not an illegal rave.
The Assistant Chief Constable, leading a press conference on Monday, said there were two gatherings in Moss Side on Saturday; a community event held earlier in the day followed by a separate 'spontaneous' gathering around the corner later on.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Asked why police didn't break up the spontaneous event when it came to their attention, ACC Sykes said it would have been wrong to be 'disproportionate or to clamp down in one part of our community and not elsewhere'.
"That spontaneous gathering which took place later on, we did receive reports from it, we did respond and look at what we had," he said.
"We spoke to some people in the area there.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"There was no specific criminal activity that we saw. There was a gathering of people.
"We have to be really proportionate and sometimes it's not achievable to safely disperse every group of people that are gatherin.
"Based on the numbers you have got and what is going on, you make an assessment.
"And it would have been unachievable in our view on that to disperse that in an effective way."
ACC Sykes said there were 'tens and tens of people, not hundreds and hundreds' of people at the party.
He said police officers did an assessment of 'what was in front of them at the time', and that they had no intelligence around 'any sort of violence anticipated.'
(Image: ASP)
He added: "We have lots of large gatherings taking place and we have to make an assessment on them all.
"When we saw this one it was in the community of Moss Side, we had to make sure we don’t deal with any community differently to others.
"There wasn't any criminality at that time.
"We have to think about what resources that we have to disperse a group and the decision was made at that time to monitor it."
ACC Sykes denied the force had inadvertently given the party the 'green light' by not breaking it up when they first attended.
"We are obviously trying to work with a community that felt it has been cooped up for many months.
"People want to go out there and protest, and some celebrate, and some see their family.
"There is no nightlife to go out to. This is the period of time when people would have been going out to festivals, concerts, carnivals, barbecues.
"Us seeing these sort of spontaneous things happening across Greater Manchester is what we are seeing at the moment and you will have seen it across the country with lots of spontaneous gatherings and groupings of people in all sorts of open places.
"We have just got to deal with them as each one on their own merit."
Police are now urging eyewitnesses to assist with the murder investigation.
Formal identification of the victims is yet to take place.
Officers said their priority now is to 'find the gunman responsible' and support the families who have been left 'traumatised' by the incident.
No arrests have been made yet and police are urgently trying to hunt down the person responsible, as well as 'anybody who may have aided or abetted him'.
Anyone with information can also contact police on 0161 856 9908, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively footage can be uploaded via the Major Incident Portal.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Micah Richards shares his Man City wish for Phil Foden

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has shared his wish for Phil Foden and has sent a message to Pep Guardiola about the midfielder .
Foden was one of eight changes for City in the Premier League clash against Burnley , where he scored for the second match in a row after coming off the bench to score against Arsenal last week .
Expectations are high for Foden , who is tipped to be one of the biggest stars of his generation , but he has had to be patient for regular first-team opportunities .
Richards is hoping that changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see Foden become a regular starter , and he also had a message to Guardiola about his best position .
“ It was absolutely brilliant .
I mentioned Phil Foden before the game , he ’ s so good and he just needs to get the opportunities that he needs , '' he told Sky Sports .
`` He pops up in those areas , there ’ s no use being out on the wing , he gets into the central positions and that boy can produce .
I love watching him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can nail down his place in this team.
” Foden has made 27 appearances across all competitions for City this season , including 15 in the Premier League - but has completed 90 minutes just once in the league .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has shared his wish for Phil Foden and has sent a message to Pep Guardiola about the midfielder.
Foden was one of eight changes for City in the Premier League clash against Burnley, where he scored for the second match in a row after coming off the bench to score against Arsenal last week.
Expectations are high for Foden, who is tipped to be one of the biggest stars of his generation, but he has had to be patient for regular first-team opportunities.
Richards is hoping that changes next season though, as he wants to see Foden become a regular starter, and he also had a message to Guardiola about his best position.
“It was absolutely brilliant. I mentioned Phil Foden before the game, he’s so good and he just needs to get the opportunities that he needs," he told Sky Sports.
"He pops up in those areas, there’s no use being out on the wing, he gets into the central positions and that boy can produce. I love watching him and I really hope that next season he can nail down his place in this team.”
Foden has made 27 appearances across all competitions for City this season, including 15 in the Premier League - but has completed 90 minutes just once in the league.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Man Utd 'make contact' with Koulibaly and more transfer rumours

The transfer window would n't be approaching if Kalidou Koulibaly was n't being linked with Manchester United and the latest reports suggest that the club will not pay Napoli 's asking price for the defender .
After a break of over three months due to the coronavirus , United finally returned to action on Friday night as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur .
United 's back-line , Harry Maguire especially , did n't cover themselves in glory for Steven Bergwijn 's opener and it has already led to speculation that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could dip into the transfer market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens again .
Koulibaly has been repeatedly touted for a move to Old Trafford for years now and the latest report , from Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness , claims that United are the only club to have enquired about the Senegal international .
It 's reported that Napoli wo n't let the centre-back leave for a 'penny less ' than €100m but that United value him at no more than €80m , though they remain interested .
M.E.N .
Sport understands , however , that United do not regard Koulibaly as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates the 29-year-old highly .
After spending heavily on defensive recruitments last summer with the signings of Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka , it 's understood that United are prioritising attacking talent in the upcoming transfer window , with Jadon Sancho , Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham the top targets .
However , reports in Germant claim that Borussia Dortmund have won the race to sign Birmingham City prodigy Bellingham .
MEN Sport understand the youngster expects to leave the club in the upcoming window and United are interested in the 16-year-old .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his signature and are set to announce his signing in the coming days .
The fee is believed to be in the region of £20m .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The transfer window wouldn't be approaching if Kalidou Koulibaly wasn't being linked with Manchester United and the latest reports suggest that the club will not pay Napoli's asking price for the defender.
After a break of over three months due to the coronavirus, United finally returned to action on Friday night as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur.
United's back-line, Harry Maguire especially, didn't cover themselves in glory for Steven Bergwijn's opener and it has already led to speculation that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could dip into the transfer market to strengthen his defence further when it opens again.
Koulibaly has been repeatedly touted for a move to Old Trafford for years now and the latest report, from Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness, claims that United are the only club to have enquired about the Senegal international.
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.
It's reported that Napoli won't let the centre-back leave for a 'penny less' than €100m but that United value him at no more than €80m, though they remain interested.
M.E.N. Sport understands, however, that United do not regard Koulibaly as an essential target this summer, although Solskjaer rates the 29-year-old highly.
After spending heavily on defensive recruitments last summer with the signings of Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, it's understood that United are prioritising attacking talent in the upcoming transfer window, with Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham the top targets.
However, reports in Germant claim that Borussia Dortmund have won the race to sign Birmingham City prodigy Bellingham.
MEN Sport understand the youngster expects to leave the club in the upcoming window and United are interested in the 16-year-old.
However, ESPN claim Dortmund have beaten United to his signature and are set to announce his signing in the coming days. The fee is believed to be in the region of £20m.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--'White Lives Matter' plane flown over stadium during Man City vs Burnley

A plane carrying a banner with the slogan 'White Lives Matter Burnley ' has been over the Etihad Stadium during Man City 's match this evening .
Manchester City are currently taking on Burnley at home and like all games across the last week , the message of 'Black Lives Matter ' has been prominent as the Premier League does its bit in the search for equality for all .
Players ' names have once again been replaced by the phrase 'Black Lives matter ' with arm badges reaffirming the message .
Not only that , but players and officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message to the world that football backs equality for all races .
But just a couple of minutes later a plane was flown over the top of the Etihad Stadium with the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley ' in an apparent bid to undermine the message of equality .
It seems someone - or perhaps a group of people - with some sort of Burnley connection has paid for the message to be shown .
Though , it was not shown on Sky Sports ' broadcast and , of course , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the message .
Burnley have been vocal in their support of the Black Lives Matter campaign .
Burnley FC were quick to make a statement condemning the incident : It said : `` Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner that flew over The Etihad Stadium on Monday evening .
`` We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor .
`` This , in no way , represents what Burnley Football Club stands for and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans .
`` The club has a proud record of working with all genders , religions and faiths through its award-winning Community scheme , and stands against racism of any kind .
`` We are fully behind the Premier League ’ s Black Lives Matter initiative and , in line with all other Premier League games undertaken since Project Restart , our players and football staff willingly took the knee at kick-off at Manchester City .
`` We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League , to Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote Black Lives Matter . ''
Defender and captain Ben Mee recently said : `` The Black Lives Matter is primarily against police brutality but it is a great opportunity for us as players to show that racism does n't belong in our game and our society .
`` We have had good campaigns and good organisations such as Kick It Out but this purely on behalf of the players and I think it is a really powerful message that we want to send out - we do n't believe racism belongs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , obviously .
`` We have had a couple of incidents over the past few years and as players we are taking a stand .
`` It is a fantastic gesture from the players and a good idea and one we have all jumped on board '' I know we are all on board with it and we will be looking to do the same as a group and all together . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
A plane carrying a banner with the slogan 'White Lives Matter Burnley' has been over the Etihad Stadium during Man City's match this evening.
Manchester City are currently taking on Burnley at home and like all games across the last week, the message of 'Black Lives Matter' has been prominent as the Premier League does its bit in the search for equality for all.
Players' names have once again been replaced by the phrase 'Black Lives matter' with arm badges reaffirming the message.
Not only that, but players and officials once again took the knee to send a message to the world that football backs equality for all races.
But just a couple of minutes later a plane was flown over the top of the Etihad Stadium with the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' in an apparent bid to undermine the message of equality.
It seems someone - or perhaps a group of people - with some sort of Burnley connection has paid for the message to be shown.
Though, it was not shown on Sky Sports' broadcast and, of course, there were no fans inside the stadium to see the message.
Burnley have been vocal in their support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Burnley FC were quick to make a statement condemning the incident:
It said: "Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner that flew over The Etihad Stadium on Monday evening.
"We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor.
"This, in no way, represents what Burnley Football Club stands for and we will work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans.
"The club has a proud record of working with all genders, religions and faiths through its award-winning Community scheme, and stands against racism of any kind.
"We are fully behind the Premier League’s Black Lives Matter initiative and, in line with all other Premier League games undertaken since Project Restart, our players and football staff willingly took the knee at kick-off at Manchester City.
"We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter."
(Image: Bradley Ormesher NMCPool)
Defender and captain Ben Mee recently said: "The Black Lives Matter is primarily against police brutality but it is a great opportunity for us as players to show that racism doesn't belong in our game and our society.
"We have had good campaigns and good organisations such as Kick It Out but this purely on behalf of the players and I think it is a really powerful message that we want to send out - we don't believe racism belongs in our game, which it doesn't, obviously.
"We have had a couple of incidents over the past few years and as players we are taking a stand.
"It is a fantastic gesture from the players and a good idea and one we have all jumped on board
"I know we are all on board with it and we will be looking to do the same as a group and all together."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--New Bolton supermarket to open in weeks after neighbour noise row delays

The boss of a new supermarket set to open in Bolton this summer has revealed his frustration after facing delays with construction in the last year and a half .
Venus Foods was first granted planning permission to convert the old United Carpets store in Manchester Road into a new outlet and in-store cafe .
When complete , it will be the third supermarket of the family-owned company , which already sells Mediterranean goods at its Manchester and Leeds stores .
After more than 18 months of construction work , neighbours have reached the end of their tether with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Omur Esengul , the supermarket ’ s senior manager , said the whole experience has been “ nothing less than frustrating ” for the firm too .
She said : “ Unfortunately , one of our new neighbours has been quite unhappy with our presence .
This is sad and we really hope he will change his mind once we are up and running .
“ Every construction project has its own pace of completion depending on the size of the project undertaken .
“ Any serious commercial project is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regulations that have an impact on completion time .
“ Big construction companies may speed up their processes with their networks , legal teams and giant budgets , but for us , it is a project we can only finish at our own pace .
“ We applied to all regulatory state bodies and ticked all the boxes for safety standards .
This has taken its normal time .
“ In our case , our unhappy neighbour ’ s bombardments of complaints to pretty much all state bodies with wrongful accusations have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions .
“ We can proudly say none of the accusations were correct .
The wrongful accusations have cost us quite considerable time and additional costs that delayed the completion time .
Not to mention the delay caused by COVID-19.
” David Price , who lives just a few yards away from the supermarket site , said he has been woken up nearly every morning by builders starting work at 7.30am .
But Mr Esengul said loud construction work does not start until 8.30am after early briefings , security checks and preparatory work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 5.30pm , according to the supermarket spokesman .
He added : “ We agree construction work might cause disturbances , but we try our best to limit that effect within reason and governmental guidelines .
“ We understand our neighbour is extremely frustrated and unhappy with our presence .
“ We hope his feeling will change in time when he realises , we only wish to finish the project as soon as possible and serve our community .
“ But so far , the frustration has been mutual , and we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our neighbour ’ s consistent complaints and actions .
“ In our opinion , his claims are unfounded and do not represent the bigger picture.
” The company hopes construction will be complete and the supermarket will be open to trade from August .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Joseph Timan, Local Democracy Reporter)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
The boss of a new supermarket set to open in Bolton this summer has revealed his frustration after facing delays with construction in the last year and a half.
Venus Foods was first granted planning permission to convert the old United Carpets store in Manchester Road into a new outlet and in-store cafe.
When complete, it will be the third supermarket of the family-owned company, which already sells Mediterranean goods at its Manchester and Leeds stores.
After more than 18 months of construction work, neighbours have reached the end of their tether with the noise and have complained to the council.
But Omur Esengul, the supermarket’s senior manager, said the whole experience has been “nothing less than frustrating” for the firm too.
She said: “Unfortunately, one of our new neighbours has been quite unhappy with our presence. This is sad and we really hope he will change his mind once we are up and running.
“Every construction project has its own pace of completion depending on the size of the project undertaken.
“Any serious commercial project is also heavily regulated with all the planning permissions and regulations that have an impact on completion time.
“Big construction companies may speed up their processes with their networks, legal teams and giant budgets, but for us, it is a project we can only finish at our own pace.
“We applied to all regulatory state bodies and ticked all the boxes for safety standards. This has taken its normal time.
(Image: Venus Foods)
“In our case, our unhappy neighbour’s bombardments of complaints to pretty much all state bodies with wrongful accusations have brought the project on hold on several occasions.
“We can proudly say none of the accusations were correct. The wrongful accusations have cost us quite considerable time and additional costs that delayed the completion time. Not to mention the delay caused by COVID-19.”
David Price, who lives just a few yards away from the supermarket site, said he has been woken up nearly every morning by builders starting work at 7.30am.
(Image: Venus Foods)
But Mr Esengul said loud construction work does not start until 8.30am after early briefings, security checks and preparatory work take place first.
Work finishes at around 5.30pm, according to the supermarket spokesman.
He added: “We agree construction work might cause disturbances, but we try our best to limit that effect within reason and governmental guidelines.
“We understand our neighbour is extremely frustrated and unhappy with our presence.
“We hope his feeling will change in time when he realises, we only wish to finish the project as soon as possible and serve our community.
(Image: Venus Foods)
“But so far, the frustration has been mutual, and we have also suffered both mentally and financially from our neighbour’s consistent complaints and actions.
“In our opinion, his claims are unfounded and do not represent the bigger picture.”
The company hopes construction will be complete and the supermarket will be open to trade from August.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--He took out an IRA gunman, put killers behind bars, and was on a mission to make Salford a safer pla

He took out an IRA gunman, put killers behind bars, and was on a mission to make Salford a safer place to live

Always immaculately turned out , charming , and with a wicked sense of humour , he was a very good cop .
He once let me read his commendations from Greater Manchester Police .
They included once notching up 80 arrests in a month .
But being Don Brown , he was , in a mischievous way , almost as proud of the complaints by suspects against him , which he also archived .
One criminal 's allegations against Don would have made great source material for a scene from TV 's Life On Mars featuring 1970s robust Manc cop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right stuff to be a real life hero and an officer of the highest integrity and ability .
He was only a 22-year-old rookie when he showed astonishing bravery in the early hours of July 1st 1975 .
He was on duty working from Moss Side Station , driving a force van , with a colleague down Wilmslow Road , when the owner of the Indiana restaurant flagged them down .
Three men , after having a meal , had returned and demanded to be sold wine to take away .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell liquor to be consumed off the premises .
In a wild-west style fit of pique one of them pulled out a gun and fired off nine bullets .
Brown and other colleagues began a search of side streets while Inspector Emlyn Watkins checked the main roads .
Minutes later they discovered Watkins lying shot at the front of his car , and across the road another constable , whose car had bullet holes , was checking himself to see if he had been hit .
Brown and a colleague , directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave chase and were shot at themselves .
Unarmed , with no body armour , no mobile phone , no taser , and an inadequate radio system , all they had were truncheons .
They followed the suspects into the grounds of a convent hostel .
Two escaped over a wall but the other was taken down by Brown and his colleague after a ferocious fight .
Brown and Constable Richard Harris received the Queen 's Commendation for bravery .
Hours after making the arrest in the grounds of St Gabriel 's Convent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its significance was revealed to them .
They had actually caught a member of an Active Service Unit of the IRA .
Don later told me : `` I was more terrified of telling me mum what I had done than of the IRA .
`` In the police family a colleague in trouble is to be helped .
There was no fear .
We had a clear objective - we were going to catch that person . ''
Brown had caught Paul Norney , then 17 , who had escaped custody after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder of two British soldiers in Belfast .
Norney 's weapon , a .38 Smith and Wesson five shot revolver was found in the roof gutter of the convent .
In 1976 Norney , and the two others with him on that night , received life sentences .
They and two others were a killer squad and were found guilty of 55 charges of attempted murder , conspiracy to murder and cause explosions .
The gang had a hit-list of targets including judges , MPs , and police officers , including GMP 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From that fearless beginning as a constable in Moss Side Don went on to become one of the force 's most admired and respected officers as a detective and borough commander His career path was diverse but also meant his knowledge of Manchester and his contacts were immense .
A summary of his stellar rise is : • Queens commendation for bravery- for apprehending an armed IRA terrorist whilst himself unarmed ; • Royal Humane Certificate for Protection of Life From Fire • Rhodesia Medal for participation in policing the first free elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate .
As a senior detective he also secured convictions in two of the most high profile cases in the region .
The first was in 1998 when Rachel McGrath , 27 , thedaughter of a judge was stabbed to death by a crazed car thief as she went to pick up her boyfriend in the car park of the Victoria Tavern in Bramhall , Stockport .
Nicholas Burton , of New Mills , Derbyshire , was convicted of her murder and the kidnapping of a 17-year-old girl from Stockport committed just hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the murder of serving police officer , Raj Ahmed .
He was just 35 , when he was killed trying to stop a suspected stolen car on August 31st 1999 .
He suffered fatal injuries at the junction of Oldham Road and Queen 's Road , Miles Platting , after his motorbike was shunted into the path of an oncoming lorry .
Career criminal , Steven Draper , of Tatton Street , Ordsall , Salford , was jailed for life .
After retiring from GMP Don continued to fight crime , and win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of community safety for ten years until 2014 .
Thanks to him a new phrase was coined by the city 's criminals : `` I 've been Gulfed '' .
It was a measure of how successful an operation on cracking down on the city 's Mr Bigs and 'untouchable ' crime clans , had been .
He drove Operation Gulf with Salford 's then police commander , Kevin Mulligan .
During that time sunbed shops , security firms and even matchday car parks near to Manchester United ’ s Old Trafford were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal underworld .
Businesses used for money laundering were raided , car parks run by gangsters shut down and lucrative deals heading to shady security firms were intercepted .
After his arrival in Salford it was his idea to get police , the then Serious Organised Crime Agency , Environment Agency , Trading Standards , Department of Work and Pensions , and the council around one table .
He had to convince all parties - especially secretive cops - that intelligence sharing would be the key to taking on the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ were doing what they wanted ’ .
He told me : “ Criminals were being allowed to hide under a shadow of bureaucracy before intelligence was shared.
” The results of Gulf were spectacular .
Recorded crime in Salford has dropped from 33,000 incidents in 2006/07 to 14,839 in 2013/14 .
The potency of the city ’ s gangs was diminished after three years of relentless hounding .
Gulf won praise nationally - including from then Home Secretary , Theresa May - and the operation became a blueprint for fighting organised crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the methodology across the force with Operation Challenger .
That Gulf coincided with colossal investment in Salford is no coincidence .
The BBC hesitated about moving to Salford Quays because of concern about crime rates but Gulf helped convince them to come .
Former police minister , and Salford and Eccles MP , Hazel Blears , sent Brown a letter , when it was announced he was leaving Salford council .
She said in the letter : “ I ’ m sure there are many things you have done over your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me , it was your unique partnership with Kevin Mulligan that helped to bring about a tremendous transformation in our city for decent local families .
“ Your leadership and tenacity helped local people to feel safe ad secure in their communities , knowing you were on their side and upsetting the tables on those who weren ’ t playing by the rules.
” Today that tribute was matched by others after Don died last week , aged 66 .
He had bravely lived with cancer for two and a half years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a published poet and comic storyteller , who performs across the UK .
Ian is a serving Supt with the Metropolitan Police responsible for one the most challenging commands in the country .
Andrew said : `` Dad said ' I want people to remember even on the darkest days I could make people laugh and smile .
And how proud I am of my boys . '
`` Brian Wroe , a former Chief Supt with GMP , said : `` I was proud to serve alongside Don .
`` Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of chap , who was always great company .
He had a wicked sense of humour and an hour with Don seemed to pass in an instant .
`` He knew everyone and used his local knowledge of Manchester to great effect , leading many successful investigations into serious and violent crime .
`` Don 's natural inquisitiveness , his contacts , his local knowledge , and above all his policing instinct , made him the perfect detective .
`` He was also fearless , being the proud holder of the Queen 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , knew he had a mischievous side and this helped to endear him to just about everyone he met .
`` Originally from Scotland he loved to return north of the border to engage in a spot of fly fishing .
However his greatest love and pride was reserved for his two sons , both of who are high achievers .
`` I was lucky enough to have known Don , to have served alongside him and the force was lucky to have had an officer who I will always regard as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copper , and a thoroughly decent man . ''
Former Chief Supt of the Salford Division , Kevin Mulligan , said : `` I can think few officers who have had such a diverse and distinguished career .
`` From Divisional Commander and Det Chief Supt , to Head of Community Safety at Salford Council he had a real empathy with the victims of crime , a strong sense of justice and most of all an exceptional sense of humour .
`` You would have the best of times in his company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a courageous man which was evidenced throughout his career , including his Queen 's Medal .
`` His courage and dignity were never more apparent than during his long battle with cancer .
He was my very good friend , as he was to many , and a loving father to his boys .
I , and many others will miss him greatly . ''
Barbara Spicer , former chief executive of Salford council , said : `` I took up my role as Salford Council 's chief excutive on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Brass Handles pub murders had taken place ( March 12th 2006 ) .
`` I was n't green behind the ears about the depth of gangland and criminal activity in Salford , but I did want to do something about it .
`` Whilst other senior officers thought the status quo would always be maintained 'because that 's what it 's like round here ' ; I had a huge ally in Don Brown .
`` He was a man on a mission ; to make Salford a safer place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would n't do in pursuit of that .
`` Don 's previous work experiences put him a really brilliant position to lead from the front , and by 2009 we and the police were well into Project Gulf .
`` It 's aim was to collaborate , sharing data and push the boundaries of all our activities to disrupt every aspect of the lives of organised crime and gang members .
`` Whilst the aim was to arrest and charge criminals , equally important was the aim of protecting potential victims and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious crime .
`` Alongside the big and bold projects Don worked ceaselessly on small low key activities to make people safer in their homes in Salford .
`` It really mattered to him .
Don was n't an easy bloke to work with ; he had strong views and he was n't shy in sharing them .
But I 've always found the best officers are like that , if they do n't challenge you and make you think twice , or change your mind , then things would never change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I remember Don cheerfully waving the deputy leader as he drove away from the town hall - only to find out minutes later he had waved off the bloke stealing the deputy leader 's car .
`` God bless you Don , on behalf of so many people you helped who never even knew your name . ''
Councillor David Lancaster , Salford council 's lead member for environment and community safety , paid tribute to a ‘ likeable ’ man whom he described as a personal friend .
“ Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career was second to none and he put that to superb use in building up Salford ’ s Community Safety Partnership , ” he said .
“ Don also pioneered Project Gulf , bringing together more than 30 organisations , including the council , the police , social housing landlords , health , government departments and criminal justice organisations to share information about all aspects of organised crime to disrupt activities , bring criminals to justice and steer young people into more positive life choices .
“ Gulf won national praise and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces across the country .
Its work continues as strongly as ever.
” Don was also his own man .
He was once quizzed about meeting me at Swinton Civic Centre by a senior town hall officer .
He was told in future if he wanted to meet me it had to be `` cleared '' .
We had a quiet brew the following week - without telling anyone .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Always immaculately turned out, charming, and with a wicked sense of humour, he was a very good cop.
He once let me read his commendations from Greater Manchester Police. They included once notching up 80 arrests in a month.
But being Don Brown, he was, in a mischievous way, almost as proud of the complaints by suspects against him, which he also archived.
One criminal's allegations against Don would have made great source material for a scene from TV's Life On Mars featuring 1970s robust Manc cop, Gene Hunt.
But Don had the right stuff to be a real life hero and an officer of the highest integrity and ability.
He was only a 22-year-old rookie when he showed astonishing bravery in the early hours of July 1st 1975.
He was on duty working from Moss Side Station, driving a force van, with a colleague down Wilmslow Road, when the owner of the Indiana restaurant flagged them down.
Three men, after having a meal, had returned and demanded to be sold wine to take away. They were told the business was not licensed to sell liquor to be consumed off the premises.
In a wild-west style fit of pique one of them pulled out a gun and fired off nine bullets.
Brown and other colleagues began a search of side streets while Inspector Emlyn Watkins checked the main roads.
Minutes later they discovered Watkins lying shot at the front of his car, and across the road another constable, whose car had bullet holes, was checking himself to see if he had been hit.
Brown and a colleague, directed by a member of the public , gave chase and were shot at themselves.
Unarmed, with no body armour, no mobile phone, no taser, and an inadequate radio system, all they had were truncheons.
They followed the suspects into the grounds of a convent hostel.
Two escaped over a wall but the other was taken down by Brown and his colleague after a ferocious fight.
Brown and Constable Richard Harris received the Queen's Commendation for bravery.
Hours after making the arrest in the grounds of St Gabriel's Convent Hostel in Oxford Place, Rusholme, its significance was revealed to them.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
They had actually caught a member of an Active Service Unit of the IRA.
Don later told me: "I was more terrified of telling me mum what I had done than of the IRA.
"In the police family a colleague in trouble is to be helped. There was no fear. We had a clear objective - we were going to catch that person."
Brown had caught Paul Norney, then 17, who had escaped custody after being indicted in Northern Ireland with the murder of two British soldiers in Belfast.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Norney's weapon, a .38 Smith and Wesson five shot revolver was found in the roof gutter of the convent.
In 1976 Norney, and the two others with him on that night, received life sentences. They and two others were a killer squad and were found guilty of 55 charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to murder and cause explosions.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The gang had a hit-list of targets including judges, MPs, and police officers, including GMP's Chief Constable, Sir James Anderton.
From that fearless beginning as a constable in Moss Side Don went on to become one of the force's most admired and respected officers as a detective and borough commander
His career path was diverse but also meant his knowledge of Manchester and his contacts were immense.
A summary of his stellar rise is:
Sergeant in Stretford;
Detective Sergeant in Salford;
Inspector in Manchester City Centre;
Detective Inspector in Cheadle Hulme;
Detective Superintendent in Professional Standards;
Chief Superintendent in Bolton;
Branch Commander in Professional Standards Branch;
Queens commendation for bravery- for apprehending an armed IRA terrorist whilst himself unarmed;
Royal Humane Certificate for Protection of Life From Fire
Rhodesia Medal for participation in policing the first free elections in Zimbabwe on behalf of the UN mandate.
As a senior detective he also secured convictions in two of the most high profile cases in the region.
The first was in 1998 when Rachel McGrath, 27, thedaughter of a judge was stabbed to death by a crazed car thief as she went to pick up her boyfriend in the car park of the Victoria Tavern in Bramhall, Stockport.
Nicholas Burton, of New Mills, Derbyshire, was convicted of her murder and the kidnapping of a 17-year-old girl from Stockport committed just hours after the murder.
The second was the murder of serving police officer, Raj Ahmed.
He was just 35, when he was killed trying to stop a suspected stolen car on August 31st 1999.
He suffered fatal injuries at the junction of Oldham Road and Queen's Road, Miles Platting, after his motorbike was shunted into the path of an oncoming lorry.
Career criminal, Steven Draper, of Tatton Street, Ordsall, Salford, was jailed for life.
After retiring from GMP Don continued to fight crime, and win plaudits, as Salford council's director of community safety for ten years until 2014.
Thanks to him a new phrase was coined by the city's criminals: "I've been Gulfed".
It was a measure of how successful an operation on cracking down on the city's Mr Bigs and 'untouchable' crime clans, had been.
He drove Operation Gulf with Salford's then police commander, Kevin Mulligan.
During that time sunbed shops, security firms and even matchday car parks near to Manchester United’s Old Trafford were targeted in a bid to disrupt the criminal underworld.
Businesses used for money laundering were raided, car parks run by gangsters shut down and lucrative deals heading to shady security firms were intercepted.
After his arrival in Salford it was his idea to get police, the then Serious Organised Crime Agency, Environment Agency, Trading Standards, Department of Work and Pensions, and the council around one table.
He had to convince all parties - especially secretive cops - that intelligence sharing would be the key to taking on the city’s top criminals, who, Brown admitted ‘were doing what they wanted’.
He told me: “Criminals were being allowed to hide under a shadow of bureaucracy before intelligence was shared.”
The results of Gulf were spectacular.
Recorded crime in Salford has dropped from 33,000 incidents in 2006/07 to 14,839 in 2013/14.
The potency of the city’s gangs was diminished after three years of relentless hounding.
Gulf won praise nationally - including from then Home Secretary, Theresa May - and the operation became a blueprint for fighting organised crime gangs across the UK.
GMP decided to take the methodology across the force with Operation Challenger.
That Gulf coincided with colossal investment in Salford is no coincidence.
The BBC hesitated about moving to Salford Quays because of concern about crime rates but Gulf helped convince them to come.
Former police minister, and Salford and Eccles MP, Hazel Blears, sent Brown a letter, when it was announced he was leaving Salford council.
She said in the letter: “I’m sure there are many things you have done over your career to be proud of, but for me, it was your unique partnership with Kevin Mulligan that helped to bring about a tremendous transformation in our city for decent local families.
“Your leadership and tenacity helped local people to feel safe ad secure in their communities, knowing you were on their side and upsetting the tables on those who weren’t playing by the rules.”
Today that tribute was matched by others after Don died last week, aged 66. He had bravely lived with cancer for two and a half years.
He leaves two sons. Andrew is a published poet and comic storyteller, who performs across the UK. Ian is a serving Supt with the Metropolitan Police responsible for one the most challenging commands in the country.
Andrew said: "Dad said 'I want people to remember even on the darkest days I could make people laugh and smile. And how proud I am of my boys.' "
Brian Wroe, a former Chief Supt with GMP, said: "I was proud to serve alongside Don.
"Don was a personable and plain speaking type of chap, who was always great company. He had a wicked sense of humour and an hour with Don seemed to pass in an instant.
"He knew everyone and used his local knowledge of Manchester to great effect, leading many successful investigations into serious and violent crime.
"Don's natural inquisitiveness, his contacts, his local knowledge, and above all his policing instinct, made him the perfect detective.
"He was also fearless, being the proud holder of the Queen's commendation.
"Anyone who knew Don, knew he had a mischievous side and this helped to endear him to just about everyone he met.
"Originally from Scotland he loved to return north of the border to engage in a spot of fly fishing. However his greatest love and pride was reserved for his two sons, both of who are high achievers.
"I was lucky enough to have known Don, to have served alongside him and the force was lucky to have had an officer who I will always regard as one of the great detectives, a good copper, and a thoroughly decent man."
Follow Chief Reporter Neal Keeling on social media To follow Neal on Twitter click here. Or to like his Facebook page and keep up to date with breaking, crime, fire service or Salford news click here. Here's a link to the M.E.N.'s main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
Former Chief Supt of the Salford Division, Kevin Mulligan, said: "I can think few officers who have had such a diverse and distinguished career.
"From Divisional Commander and Det Chief Supt, to Head of Community Safety at Salford Council he had a real empathy with the victims of crime, a strong sense of justice and most of all an exceptional sense of humour.
"You would have the best of times in his company, even in the starkest of situations. He was a courageous man which was evidenced throughout his career, including his Queen's Medal.
"His courage and dignity were never more apparent than during his long battle with cancer. He was my very good friend, as he was to many, and a loving father to his boys. I, and many others will miss him greatly."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Barbara Spicer, former chief executive of Salford council, said: "I took up my role as Salford Council's chief excutive on a Monday in mid March. The day before the Brass Handles pub murders had taken place (March 12th 2006).
"I wasn't green behind the ears about the depth of gangland and criminal activity in Salford, but I did want to do something about it.
"Whilst other senior officers thought the status quo would always be maintained 'because that's what it's like round here'; I had a huge ally in Don Brown.
"He was a man on a mission; to make Salford a safer place to live, and there was very little he wouldn't do in pursuit of that.
"Don's previous work experiences put him a really brilliant position to lead from the front, and by 2009 we and the police were well into Project Gulf.
"It's aim was to collaborate, sharing data and push the boundaries of all our activities to disrupt every aspect of the lives of organised crime and gang members.
"Whilst the aim was to arrest and charge criminals, equally important was the aim of protecting potential victims and preventing young people from a pathway into serious crime.
"Alongside the big and bold projects Don worked ceaselessly on small low key activities to make people safer in their homes in Salford.
"It really mattered to him. Don wasn't an easy bloke to work with; he had strong views and he wasn't shy in sharing them. But I've always found the best officers are like that, if they don't challenge you and make you think twice, or change your mind, then things would never change.
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
"We also had some good laughs. I remember Don cheerfully waving the deputy leader as he drove away from the town hall - only to find out minutes later he had waved off the bloke stealing the deputy leader's car.
"God bless you Don, on behalf of so many people you helped who never even knew your name."
Councillor David Lancaster, Salford council's lead member for environment and community safety, paid tribute to a ‘likeable’ man whom he described as a personal friend.
“Don’s knowledge of Salford from his police career was second to none and he put that to superb use in building up Salford’s Community Safety Partnership,” he said.
“Don also pioneered Project Gulf, bringing together more than 30 organisations, including the council, the police, social housing landlords, health, government departments and criminal justice organisations to share information about all aspects of organised crime to disrupt activities, bring criminals to justice and steer young people into more positive life choices.
“Gulf won national praise and has been copied by local authorities and police forces across the country. Its work continues as strongly as ever.”
Don was also his own man. He was once quizzed about meeting me at Swinton Civic Centre by a senior town hall officer.
He was told in future if he wanted to meet me it had to be "cleared". We had a quiet brew the following week - without telling anyone.
Any donations made in memory of Don can be sent to https://projectmala.org.uk/.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Pictures: Man City vs Burnley in Premier League action

Manchester City take on Burnley behind closed doors at the Etihad Stadium - see the best images from tonight 's @ @ @ @ @ play their second Premier League match behind closed doors at the Etihad Stadium tonight when @ @ @ @ @ The Blues comfortably beat Arsenal 3-0 on the first evening of the league restart .
@ @ @ @ @ victory that would leave them brimming with confidence ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge @ @ @ @ @ night .
Sean Dyche 's side will provide a very different , more physical threat @ @ @ @ @ accordingly Pep Guardiola is likely to ring the changes in his XI to best combat @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll bring you the best images from tonight 's match below .

Manchester City take on Burnley behind closed doors at the Etihad Stadium - see the best images from tonight's Premier League match
Manchester City play their second Premier League match behind closed doors at the Etihad Stadium tonight when they take on Burnley.
The Blues comfortably beat Arsenal 3-0 on the first evening of the league restart. They're hoping for a victory that would leave them brimming with confidence ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Thursday night.
Sean Dyche's side will provide a very different, more physical threat to the Gunners, and accordingly Pep Guardiola is likely to ring the changes in his XI to best combat the challenge from the Clarets.
We'll bring you the best images from tonight's match below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Top scientist's response to Germany's spiking R rate after lockdown was eased

The spike in Germany 's ' R ' value after the country 's lockdown was eased shows that 'anything is possible ' , a top scientist said today .
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries responded to the news that the coronavirus R rate in Germany shot up to 2.88 on Sunday .
The value - which is a measure of whether the disease is under control - was 1.79 on Saturday and 1.06 on Friday .
It means infections are above the level needed to contain the virus in the long term , according to figures from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health .
At the daily Downing Street press conference on Monday ( June 22 ) , Dr Harries was asked whether she was concerned that the UK would 'follow the same route ' as Germany .
She said : `` With Germany , what that shows is anything is possible .
`` But I think we have been able to build into the system in the UK , to be able to now though the joint biosecurity centre and data flows to be very clear where we may see hotspots whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community for example .
`` And through the test and trace , working with directors of public health , to be able to identify them very early . ''
Dr Harries added that where lockdown measures are being eased , people need to continue to follow social distancing rules .
`` We need to keep washing our hands and keep following hygiene rules '' , she said .
`` There is a critical point here that says just because life is feeling a little more back to normal , do n't suddenly jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
`` We need to learn to go forward with restrictions in our lives in order to get the maximum benefit with some of this easing .
The deputy chief medical officer said as the number of COVID-19 cases go down , the R value becomes a less reliable mechanism for counting .
She said that the consensus among members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) was that the R number remained below one .
“ The advice that is given is already coming from a consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the politicians act on that advice '' , Dr Harries added .
`` The consensus as of last week was that our R remains between 0.7 and 0.9 . ''
Prime Boris Johnson is expected to announce plans for further easing of the lockdown and plans for the hospitality sector to reopen from July 4 this week .
Health secretary Matt Hancock said over the weekend that England is 'clearly on track ' to further ease lockdown restrictions after repeated calls to reduce the two-metre rule to one metre .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The spike in Germany's 'R' value after the country's lockdown was eased shows that 'anything is possible', a top scientist said today.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries responded to the news that the coronavirus R rate in Germany shot up to 2.88 on Sunday.
The value - which is a measure of whether the disease is under control - was 1.79 on Saturday and 1.06 on Friday.
It means infections are above the level needed to contain the virus in the long term, according to figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for public health.
(Image: PA)
At the daily Downing Street press conference on Monday (June 22), Dr Harries was asked whether she was concerned that the UK would 'follow the same route' as Germany.
She said: "With Germany, what that shows is anything is possible.
"But I think we have been able to build into the system in the UK, to be able to now though the joint biosecurity centre and data flows to be very clear where we may see hotspots whether it be from an organisation or in the community for example.
"And through the test and trace, working with directors of public health, to be able to identify them very early."
Dr Harries added that where lockdown measures are being eased, people need to continue to follow social distancing rules.
"We need to keep washing our hands and keep following hygiene rules", she said.
"There is a critical point here that says just because life is feeling a little more back to normal, don't suddenly jump to where you were say this time last year.
"We need to learn to go forward with restrictions in our lives in order to get the maximum benefit with some of this easing.
The deputy chief medical officer said as the number of COVID-19 cases go down, the R value becomes a less reliable mechanism for counting.
She said that the consensus among members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) was that the R number remained below one.
“The advice that is given is already coming from a consensus of scientists. They give that advice and the politicians act on that advice", Dr Harries added.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"The consensus as of last week was that our R remains between 0.7 and 0.9."
Prime Boris Johnson is expected to announce plans for further easing of the lockdown and plans for the hospitality sector to reopen from July 4 this week.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said over the weekend that England is 'clearly on track' to further ease lockdown restrictions after repeated calls to reduce the two-metre rule to one metre.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Man United evening headlines as Bellingham deal stumbling block emerges

Here are the Manchester United evening headlines on Monday , June 22 .
MEN Sport understands that Birmingham City sensation Jude Bellingham is expecting a transfer this summer .
The teenager has flourished as a first-team starter for Birmingham , and with the club ’ s need to raise funds this summer , it is now anticipated that he will be sold .
Chelsea were said to be interested in Bellingham but it is thought that any signing is now a two-horse race between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund .
MEN Sport previously reported United ’ s interest , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United looked to convince him that his future is at Old Trafford .
It is reported that £30 million is required to sign Bellingham .
United are keen to sign him due to his high potential , but concerns regarding first-team minutes could be a stumbling block that gives Dortmund the edge .
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is only prepared to sign a new contract with Manchester United if he is offered assurances that he will be the number one when he returns to Old Trafford from Sheffield United in the summer .
Henderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Blades and the MEN understands that he has been inundated with offers ahead of next season but does not expect to be sold as he is groomed to be United ’ s future starting goalkeeper .
Henderson ’ s current contract extends until 2022 , although United have a club option for a further year .
Chelsea are said to be interested , while Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho is an admirer , too .
The United shot-stopper is keen to avoid sitting on the bench behind David de Gea as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career .
With the Euros delayed a year , also , Henderson has an England spot on the line .
Gaining regular football is a key priority for him , which he may not get in Manchester .
Amid Henderson ’ s emergence at Sheffield United , David de Gea has struggled for form over the past two years .
And Gary Neville believes that it stems from a change of mentality after he endured a difficult 2018 World Cup for Spain .
“ He was the one player United could rely upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not the same , '' he said on his own Sky Sports podcast .
“ He has n't been the same for some time .
When form drops for six months it 's a blip but when it goes on for a year you start to worry .
When it goes over two years it becomes more permanent .
“ That is now a fair representation of what De Gea is as he 's making lots of mistakes .
Ones he would never make - he was always somebody you could completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confidence thing .
The arms , legs and body are the same - it 's got to be the mind .
“ The reception he 's got in Spain has affected him .
He 's even been booed by Spanish fans when he 's wearing the Spanish shirt .
In the World Cup in 2018 he really struggled and from that he 's doubted himself .
Mentally he 's not quite the same .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Here are the Manchester United evening headlines on Monday, June 22.
Bellingham expecting transfer
MEN Sport understands that Birmingham City sensation Jude Bellingham is expecting a transfer this summer.
The teenager has flourished as a first-team starter for Birmingham, and with the club’s need to raise funds this summer, it is now anticipated that he will be sold.
Chelsea were said to be interested in Bellingham but it is thought that any signing is now a two-horse race between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
MEN Sport previously reported United’s interest, with Bellingham given a tour of Carrington as United looked to convince him that his future is at Old Trafford.
It is reported that £30 million is required to sign Bellingham. United are keen to sign him due to his high potential, but concerns regarding first-team minutes could be a stumbling block that gives Dortmund the edge.
Henderson wants number one spot
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is only prepared to sign a new contract with Manchester United if he is offered assurances that he will be the number one when he returns to Old Trafford from Sheffield United in the summer.
Henderson, 23, has excelled on loan for the Blades and the MEN understands that he has been inundated with offers ahead of next season but does not expect to be sold as he is groomed to be United’s future starting goalkeeper.
Henderson’s current contract extends until 2022, although United have a club option for a further year. Chelsea are said to be interested, while Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho is an admirer, too.
The United shot-stopper is keen to avoid sitting on the bench behind David de Gea as he enters a crucial part of his career. With the Euros delayed a year, also, Henderson has an England spot on the line. Gaining regular football is a key priority for him, which he may not get in Manchester.
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.
Neville highlights cause of De Gea’s poor form
Amid Henderson’s emergence at Sheffield United, David de Gea has struggled for form over the past two years. And Gary Neville believes that it stems from a change of mentality after he endured a difficult 2018 World Cup for Spain.
“He was the one player United could rely upon for the last four years but he's not the same," he said on his own Sky Sports podcast. “He hasn't been the same for some time. When form drops for six months it's a blip but when it goes on for a year you start to worry. When it goes over two years it becomes more permanent.
“That is now a fair representation of what De Gea is as he's making lots of mistakes. Ones he would never make - he was always somebody you could completely rely upon. It can only be a confidence thing. The arms, legs and body are the same - it's got to be the mind.
“The reception he's got in Spain has affected him. He's even been booed by Spanish fans when he's wearing the Spanish shirt. In the World Cup in 2018 he really struggled and from that he's doubted himself. Mentally he's not quite the same.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Convicted 'predatory' paedophile groomed and raped seven-year-old boy

A 'predatory ' paedophile has been convicted of raping a seven-year-old boy - years before he went to jail for sexually assaulting a newborn baby .
Liam Marrow was 16-years-old when he targeted , groomed and twice raped a seven-year-old boy in Wigan .
He also attempted to rape the boy again .
It was only in 2018 that the brave victim felt able to come forward and report what had happened to him as a young child .
In the meantime , Marrow was convicted after trial of two counts of sexual assault by penetration of a newborn baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imprisonment and six years on licence in 2013 at Preston Crown Court .
Now 32 , Marrow has again been convicted following a trail .
This time for two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape of the young boy in Wigan .
He was on Friday sentenced at Bolton Crown Court .
Marrow , a teenager at the time , twice lured his infant victim into a concealed wooded area on common land before raping him , heard the court .
Marrow also attempted to rape the child , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was only stopped when a third party intervened .
Marrow 's victim , now in his 20s , says he refrained from coming forward for years to avoid causing his family distress .
`` It was a long time ago but I can still remember how angry I felt , '' said the victim in an impact statement read out in court .
`` I remember feeling unable to deal with or understand what had actually happened to me - and what or how to tell my mum and dad , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so angry and frustrated , I never felt able to tell anyone else .
`` Over the years , I felt this had an adverse affect on my personality and my ability at school .
I honestly believe I would not have been so angry and would have been a happier child .
`` As I began a relationship , I got to the point where I was just trying to deal with it myself .
I told my girlfriend and she was so upset , it was then I realised how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad and family .
`` I never wanted to them to be upset like she was because of me .
That was one of the reasons it took me so long to go to the police . ''
But by October 2018 , the struggling victim reached 'breaking point ' , saying : `` I had just reached breaking point with my emotions .
`` I was not sleeping , I was taking medication for depression .
`` The only way to move on was to come forward to the police .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . ''
The victim said he could still hear Marrow 's voice and the words Marrow said to him while he was being raped .
He had to recount all of the detail as he gave evidence at trial .
`` I worry that they will be with me forever , '' said the victim .
Marrow is said to have learning difficulties , worse at the time he committed the offences , said Jemi Akin-Olugbade , defending .
`` The repercussions and ramifications are serious , '' said Mr Akin-Olugbade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was some element of grooming .
`` Mr Marrow has the mental age of someone who is about seven or eight-years-old , particularly when he was younger .
`` Mr Marrow always played with younger children , he did n't hang around with people of his own age group '' He did not think he was doing anything sexual but understands that is how it turned out .
`` He was feeling urges he did not understand and could not deal with and took them out in an inappropriate way .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be due to his learning disabilities which would have been more severe at the age of 16 . ''
But Judge Martin Walsh ruled that Marrow had knowledge that what he was doing was wrong , branding the behaviour 'predatory ' .
`` The offences were committed by you when you were 16 to 17-years-old .
`` The victim was a little boy at the time - no older that seven or eight-years-old , '' said the judge .
`` These offences were predatory .
The boy lived in the same locality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you took him to a concealed location and pressure was placed upon your victim to not tell anyone about what had taken place .
`` It is clear that the complainant was in fear of you .
`` It is clear from the furtive manner in which you carried out these offences that you fully appreciated at the time that what you were doing was wrong . ''
Marrow has been in jail for seven years after being convicted of sexually assaulting a newborn and was due for parole in September - even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Akin-Olugbade .
That has now 'fallen by the wayside ' , said the defence .
Judge Walsh deemed that Marrow is still of 'significant risk to the public ' and sentenced him to another 12 years imprisonment and six years on licence , to be served concurrently with his prior sentence .
The judge instructed that Marrow is not to be released until at least two-thirds of his time in prison has been served and a parole board has reviewed his case .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the MyWigan newsletter for the biggest stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the MyWigan newsletter for the biggest stories direct to your inbox
A 'predatory' paedophile has been convicted of raping a seven-year-old boy - years before he went to jail for sexually assaulting a newborn baby.
Liam Marrow was 16-years-old when he targeted, groomed and twice raped a seven-year-old boy in Wigan. He also attempted to rape the boy again.
It was only in 2018 that the brave victim felt able to come forward and report what had happened to him as a young child.
In the meantime, Marrow was convicted after trial of two counts of sexual assault by penetration of a newborn baby girl and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and six years on licence in 2013 at Preston Crown Court.
Now 32, Marrow has again been convicted following a trail. This time for two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape of the young boy in Wigan. He was on Friday sentenced at Bolton Crown Court.
Marrow, a teenager at the time, twice lured his infant victim into a concealed wooded area on common land before raping him, heard the court.
Marrow also attempted to rape the child, this time in a neighbour's back garden and was only stopped when a third party intervened.
Marrow's victim, now in his 20s, says he refrained from coming forward for years to avoid causing his family distress.
"It was a long time ago but I can still remember how angry I felt," said the victim in an impact statement read out in court.
"I remember feeling unable to deal with or understand what had actually happened to me - and what or how to tell my mum and dad, so I didn't.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
"I was so angry and frustrated, I never felt able to tell anyone else.
"Over the years, I felt this had an adverse affect on my personality and my ability at school. I honestly believe I would not have been so angry and would have been a happier child.
"As I began a relationship, I got to the point where I was just trying to deal with it myself. I told my girlfriend and she was so upset, it was then I realised how it would be to tell my mum, dad and family.
"I never wanted to them to be upset like she was because of me. That was one of the reasons it took me so long to go to the police."
But by October 2018, the struggling victim reached 'breaking point', saying: "I had just reached breaking point with my emotions.
"I was not sleeping, I was taking medication for depression.
"The only way to move on was to come forward to the police. I have never seen my dad cry like that."
The victim said he could still hear Marrow's voice and the words Marrow said to him while he was being raped. He had to recount all of the detail as he gave evidence at trial.
"I worry that they will be with me forever," said the victim.
Marrow is said to have learning difficulties, worse at the time he committed the offences, said Jemi Akin-Olugbade, defending.
"The repercussions and ramifications are serious," said Mr Akin-Olugbade.
"The incidents occurred opportunistically and there was some element of grooming.
"Mr Marrow has the mental age of someone who is about seven or eight-years-old, particularly when he was younger.
"Mr Marrow always played with younger children, he didn't hang around with people of his own age group
"He did not think he was doing anything sexual but understands that is how it turned out.
"He was feeling urges he did not understand and could not deal with and took them out in an inappropriate way.
"He did not understand particularly what the effect would be due to his learning disabilities which would have been more severe at the age of 16."
But Judge Martin Walsh ruled that Marrow had knowledge that what he was doing was wrong, branding the behaviour 'predatory'.
"The offences were committed by you when you were 16 to 17-years-old.
"The victim was a little boy at the time - no older that seven or eight-years-old," said the judge.
"These offences were predatory. The boy lived in the same locality as you.
"On each occasion you took him to a concealed location and pressure was placed upon your victim to not tell anyone about what had taken place.
"It is clear that the complainant was in fear of you.
"It is clear from the furtive manner in which you carried out these offences that you fully appreciated at the time that what you were doing was wrong."
Marrow has been in jail for seven years after being convicted of sexually assaulting a newborn and was due for parole in September - even finding accommodation on the outside, said Mr Akin-Olugbade.
That has now 'fallen by the wayside', said the defence.
Judge Walsh deemed that Marrow is still of 'significant risk to the public' and sentenced him to another 12 years imprisonment and six years on licence, to be served concurrently with his prior sentence.
The judge instructed that Marrow is not to be released until at least two-thirds of his time in prison has been served and a parole board has reviewed his case.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Man jailed for eight weeks after spitting in face of cop and calling him ‘pig’

A man has been jailed for eight weeks after spitting in the face of a police officer and calling him ‘ pig ’ .
Paramedics were called by two patrolling officers who found Geoffrey Iverson , 27 , leaning against a building in Manchester city centre unresponsive .
Whilst observations were taking place , Iverson came round and began pulling off the heart rate monitor from his finger before telling the emergency workers he wanted to go , Manchester Magistrates Court heard .
He then asked them for a lift home , but they directed him the best way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abode , then ‘ arched ’ his neck back and forcefully spat at one of the officers - it hit him in the face .
As he was being arrested he continued trying to spit at them and called the officer a ‘ c**t ’ and ‘ pig ’ .
Iverson pleaded guilty to one charge of assaulting an emergency worker and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment .
Outlining the facts , prosecutor Andrew Hay said at 11.55 on June 19 , officers were patrolling the city centre when their attention was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The male appeared to be unconscious , and so they made checks and found there was a syringe next to him on the pavement , ” Mr Hay said .
“ The defendant indicated they would stay together looking after each other , so the police left the area .
“ The police returned around 45 minutes later and the other male had left .
“ The defendant was on St James ’ Street , leaning against a building .
“ He couldn ’ t be roused but officers could see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going up and down , though he was unresponsive .
“ An ambulance was called and at 1.25am it arrived with a paramedic .
“ Almost simultaneously the defendant woke up and as the paramedic commenced their observations , taking blood pressure and measuring his heart rate , the defendant flicked the heart rate monitor off his finger and turned it off .
“ He told them he just wanted to go and asked for a lift home near Trafford Park , but officers said they wouldn ’ t do that and directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then arched his neck back and spat full force towards the police officers ’ face .
“ A large amount of spit hit the officer ’ s right forehead and temple .
“ The officer grabbed hold of the defendant ’ s arms and he was handcuffed .
“ Whilst waiting for the police van to arrive , the officer attempted to clean the spittle with hand sanitiser and wipes .
“ The defendant continued to try and spit at the officer , calling him a ‘ c**t ’ and a ‘ pig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read to the court , the officer said : “ I was concerned the man might have had a disease .
“ I was aware he was a class A drug user and I was concerned he might have had covid19 amid the pandemic .
“ I was also concerned about the prospect that it might have been passed on to family members .
“ I ’ m relieved the spit didn ’ t go into my mouth.
” Iverson was said to have 39 previous convictions for 90 offences including previous assaults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bladed article and shoplifting .
In mitigation , his defence lawyer Seraj Khan said : “ He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I ask for maximum credit .
“ He says he has no recollection of the offence , he was under the influence of class A drugs .
“ He doesn ’ t remember anything from the offence itself .
“ He is remorseful for his actions and he apologises to the court.
” Sentencing him , Manchester JPs said : “ Spitting in anybody ’ s face is pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are fearful , it ’ s even worse .
“ It ’ s made even worse by the fact this was an emergency worker .
“ All of these factors aggravate the offence .
“ Couple that with your previous record for assaulting emergency workers and given the fact you are under post sentence supervision - irrespective of your feelings , it clearly crosses the custody threshold.
” Iverson , of no fixed abode , was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
A man has been jailed for eight weeks after spitting in the face of a police officer and calling him ‘pig’.
Paramedics were called by two patrolling officers who found Geoffrey Iverson, 27, leaning against a building in Manchester city centre unresponsive.
Whilst observations were taking place, Iverson came round and began pulling off the heart rate monitor from his finger before telling the emergency workers he wanted to go, Manchester Magistrates Court heard.
He then asked them for a lift home, but they directed him the best way to go.
Iverson, of no fixed abode, then ‘arched’ his neck back and forcefully spat at one of the officers - it hit him in the face.
As he was being arrested he continued trying to spit at them and called the officer a ‘c**t’ and ‘pig’.
Iverson pleaded guilty to one charge of assaulting an emergency worker and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.
Outlining the facts, prosecutor Andrew Hay said at 11.55 on June 19, officers were patrolling the city centre when their attention was drawn to Iverson and another man.
“The male appeared to be unconscious, and so they made checks and found there was a syringe next to him on the pavement,” Mr Hay said.
“The defendant indicated they would stay together looking after each other, so the police left the area.
“The police returned around 45 minutes later and the other male had left.
“The defendant was on St James’ Street, leaning against a building.
“He couldn’t be roused but officers could see the defendant was breathing as his chest was going up and down, though he was unresponsive.
“An ambulance was called and at 1.25am it arrived with a paramedic.
“Almost simultaneously the defendant woke up and as the paramedic commenced their observations, taking blood pressure and measuring his heart rate, the defendant flicked the heart rate monitor off his finger and turned it off.
“He told them he just wanted to go and asked for a lift home near Trafford Park, but officers said they wouldn’t do that and directed him where to go.
“He then arched his neck back and spat full force towards the police officers’ face.
“A large amount of spit hit the officer’s right forehead and temple.
“The officer grabbed hold of the defendant’s arms and he was handcuffed.
“Whilst waiting for the police van to arrive, the officer attempted to clean the spittle with hand sanitiser and wipes.
“The defendant continued to try and spit at the officer, calling him a ‘c**t’ and a ‘pig’.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, the officer said: “I was concerned the man might have had a disease.
“I was aware he was a class A drug user and I was concerned he might have had covid19 amid the pandemic.
“I was also concerned about the prospect that it might have been passed on to family members.
“I’m relieved the spit didn’t go into my mouth.”
Iverson was said to have 39 previous convictions for 90 offences including previous assaults on emergency workers, possession of a bladed article and shoplifting.
In mitigation, his defence lawyer Seraj Khan said: “He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I ask for maximum credit.
“He says he has no recollection of the offence, he was under the influence of class A drugs.
“He doesn’t remember anything from the offence itself.
“He is remorseful for his actions and he apologises to the court.”
Sentencing him, Manchester JPs said: “Spitting in anybody’s face is pretty despicable.
“At these times when people are fearful, it’s even worse.
“It’s made even worse by the fact this was an emergency worker.
“All of these factors aggravate the offence.
“Couple that with your previous record for assaulting emergency workers and given the fact you are under post sentence supervision - irrespective of your feelings, it clearly crosses the custody threshold.”
Iverson, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Cromwell statue in Wythenshawe vandalised with graffiti

A statue of Oliver Cromwell in Wythenshawe Park has been daubed in graffiti .
Vandals have spray-painted the words 'Cromwell is a cockroach ' and ' f*** racist ' on the monument .
The acronym 'BLM ' , which stands for 'Black Lives Matter ' has also been written on the statue .
The historical significance of statues in Greater Manchester has been thrown into the spotlight since mass protests broke out over the death of black man George Floyd in police custody in the U.S. Demonstrators in Bristol pulled down the controversial statue of a 17th century slave trader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manchester City Council announced they would review every statue in the city in response to the Black Lives Matter protests .
The Grade II listed bronze statue of Cromwell , which is mounted on a granite plinth and pedestal , is dated 1875 .
It was originally located on Deansgate .
Oliver Cromwell was an English general and statesman who led the Parliament of England 's armies against King Charles I during the English Civil War in the 17th century .
Thousands of people were massacred during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divided opinion in Wythenshawe .
Councillor Glynn Evans , who represents the Brooklands ward , said : `` It 's just mindless graffiti .
He did some things wrong , like with the Irish people .
`` The pyramids were built by slave labourers - would we pull them down ?
It 's history .
People have n't found that statue offensive for many years .
It 's just because of what has happened in America and all over .
It 's somebody jumping on the bandwagon .
`` If the council decides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the vandalism ) is making the park look a mess .
People take their children to the park , we have visitors from all over .
To go on and spoil that , it 's mindless vandalism . ''
Councillor Sarah Judge , who represents Woodhouse Park , said she supported the Black Lives Matter protests , but said she feared that the act of spraying the statue with graffiti could 'distract ' from the movement .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A statue of Oliver Cromwell in Wythenshawe Park has been daubed in graffiti.
Vandals have spray-painted the words 'Cromwell is a cockroach' and 'f*** racist' on the monument.
The acronym 'BLM', which stands for 'Black Lives Matter' has also been written on the statue.
The historical significance of statues in Greater Manchester has been thrown into the spotlight since mass protests broke out over the death of black man George Floyd in police custody in the U.S.
Demonstrators in Bristol pulled down the controversial statue of a 17th century slave trader, Edward Colston.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Earlier this month, Manchester City Council announced they would review every statue in the city in response to the Black Lives Matter protests.
The Grade II listed bronze statue of Cromwell, which is mounted on a granite plinth and pedestal, is dated 1875.
It was originally located on Deansgate.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
Oliver Cromwell was an English general and statesman who led the Parliament of England's armies against King Charles I during the English Civil War in the 17th century.
Thousands of people were massacred during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
The vandalism of the statue has divided opinion in Wythenshawe.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
Councillor Glynn Evans, who represents the Brooklands ward, said: "It's just mindless graffiti. He did some things wrong, like with the Irish people.
"The pyramids were built by slave labourers - would we pull them down? It's history. People haven't found that statue offensive for many years. It's just because of what has happened in America and all over. It's somebody jumping on the bandwagon.
"If the council decides to move it then fine, but (the vandalism) is making the park look a mess. People take their children to the park, we have visitors from all over. To go on and spoil that, it's mindless vandalism."
Councillor Sarah Judge, who represents Woodhouse Park, said she supported the Black Lives Matter protests, but said she feared that the act of spraying the statue with graffiti could 'distract' from the movement.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-23--Empty seats and prepaid popcorn - Showcase Cinemas' reopening plans

Showcase Cinemas has revealed the way it plans to safely reopen from next weekend .
Cinemas will be allowed to welcome back film fans from July 4 , Boris Johnson announced today in the latest easing of lockdown restrictions .
Showcase plans to open its English cinemas on that date , with new safety measures in place to protect customers and staff .
Seats will be left empty in each screen to allow for safe spacing between guests .
A new 'one metre plus ' rule will be in force from July 4 , the Prime Minister also announced today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requiring extra precautions at 1m .
Cinema-goers will be encouraged to wear face coverings and hand sanitising stations will be placed throughout venues .
Films will also have staggered start times and there will be fewer screenings to reduce the number of people in the lobby at any one time .
Anti-viral fogging machines will be deployed after each screening to eliminate airborne viruses , as part of a thorough cleaning regime .
Each auditorium will also have an air-purifying system installed .
Perspex shields have been installed at till points and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drink in advance and collect from a designated pick-up section .
Mark Barlow , UK general manager of Showcase Cinemas , said : “ We are all really excited about welcoming film fans back to Showcase Cinemas .
“ We ’ ve been busy preparing for our reopening by making all our sites as Showcase safe as possible for the comfort of both staff and guests , which has always been our top priority .
“ We encourage all our guests to use the hand sanitiser available , regularly wash their hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing when inside the cinema .
“ There are some fantastic films to be released in 2020 and we can ’ t wait to see people enjoying movies back on the big screen .
“ We ’ ve also brought some classic hits and recent favourites back to remind everyone just how great it is to see them in the cinema .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Showcase Cinemas has revealed the way it plans to safely reopen from next weekend.
Cinemas will be allowed to welcome back film fans from July 4, Boris Johnson announced today in the latest easing of lockdown restrictions.
Showcase plans to open its English cinemas on that date, with new safety measures in place to protect customers and staff.
Seats will be left empty in each screen to allow for safe spacing between guests. A new 'one metre plus' rule will be in force from July 4, the Prime Minister also announced today, replacing the current 2m distance but requiring extra precautions at 1m.
Cinema-goers will be encouraged to wear face coverings and hand sanitising stations will be placed throughout venues.
Films will also have staggered start times and there will be fewer screenings to reduce the number of people in the lobby at any one time.
Anti-viral fogging machines will be deployed after each screening to eliminate airborne viruses, as part of a thorough cleaning regime.
(Image: PA)
Each auditorium will also have an air-purifying system installed.
Perspex shields have been installed at till points and people will be able to order their food and drink in advance and collect from a designated pick-up section.
Mark Barlow, UK general manager of Showcase Cinemas, said: “We are all really excited about welcoming film fans back to Showcase Cinemas.
“We’ve been busy preparing for our reopening by making all our sites as Showcase safe as possible for the comfort of both staff and guests, which has always been our top priority.
“We encourage all our guests to use the hand sanitiser available, regularly wash their hands, wear a face covering and practise social distancing when inside the cinema.
“There are some fantastic films to be released in 2020 and we can’t wait to see people enjoying movies back on the big screen.
“We’ve also brought some classic hits and recent favourites back to remind everyone just how great it is to see them in the cinema.”