fbpx
Connect with us
https://propermanchester.com.temp.link/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/secret-suppers-advert.jpg

News

GMP explain why they didn’t break up the large protest in Manchester this weekend

Hundreds took to the streets

Avatar photo

Published

on

@marxistJorge / Twitter

A large protest took place in Manchester city centre over the weekend, with hundreds gathering to take a stand on a number of causes.

Protestors headed to St Peter’s Square on Saturday, March 20th, to voice their opposition to the new proposed crime legislation which would see police given additional powers when it comes to protests.

The proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give police the power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including any which officers think are too noisy or a nuisance, with people convicted under this legislation potentially facing a fine or jail.

According to reports, people also showed up to protest violence against women, to show their support for Black Lives Matter and there were even some anti-lockdown protestors.

Now a senior police officer has explained why officers didn’t disperse the protest, which also saw some crowds congregating in Piccadilly Gardens.

While under the current restrictions implemented from January 4th protests are illegal – which wasn’t the case under former restrictions – police units surrounded the gathering but didn’t break it up.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey has said that GMP adopted a ‘low key approach’ including encouraging protestors to socially distance and disperse, adding that officers have been gathering evidence against protest organisers and planned to focus their investigations on these people.

ACC Bailey said: “We were aware of several protests which took place yesterday across the City Centre and our position in regard to all protests during this lockdown remains that they do not meet what is an acceptable reason to gather during the lockdown.

“Public safety is a top priority for GMP, and in the lead up to these protests, police actively engaged with the organisers to explain government guidance and discuss alternate options in order to dissuade a public gathering from taking place.

“However when large groups choose to ignore that, we will always look to see whether it is safe to take action which would physically prevent the protest and disperse the crowd.

“A careful assessment was made about the policing approach and it was decided that a low key approach, which was sensitively policed, would be the most appropriate form of action.

“Proportionate action was taken on the day, and officers engaged with those present to encourage social distancing and dispersal of attendees.

“GMP will continue to make assessments of all gatherings that are felt to be unlawful and make a decision as to how best to protect the wider public from the spread of infection, our staff policing the event and those engaged in the protest.”

He continued: “Whilst no enforcement action was taken yesterday GMP has gathered evidence in relation to all the protests and will be concentrating our investigations against those who have organised these events and will where appropriate take enforcement action.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that we are still in the midst of a pandemic and it is vitally important that we all continue to play our part in helping to keep our community safe and protected.

“With the vaccination scheme in place, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, but we must do everything we can to reduce the number of virus transmissions.

“Therefore, I would continue to appeal to the public to follow government advice and adhere to the legislation, which has been put in place to save lives. Help us to help you stay safe.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Police issue urgent appeal to find missing man from Tameside

Have you seen David?

Avatar photo

Published

on

Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.

David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.

He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.

David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.

Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.

 

Continue Reading

News

Gogglebox star George Gilbey dies after fall from height at age 40

RIP George

Avatar photo

Published

on

@georgegilbey / Instagram

Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

Continue Reading

News

Plans to regenerate MediaCity and Salford Quays into ‘world class’ waterfront destination approved

The plans will create new employment opportunities as well as retail and leisure facilities

Avatar photo

Published

on

MediaCity

Newly reformed plans to regenerate MediaCity and Salford Quays into a ‘world class’ waterfront destination have been approved this week.

Salford City Council have green-lighted the plans, which will see more than 3,000 new homes as well as 800,000 sq ft of commercial space across 60 acres, bringing new employment, retail and leisure opportunities to the area.

According to Landsec and Peel, which own the regeneration scheme, the ‘ambitious’ plans are said to have taken inspiration from the waterfronts of Oslo in Norway and Sydney’s Darling Harbour, in Australia.

MediaCity

A new artist’s impression has been released to show the new vision for the waterfront, with new and flexible all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions proposed.

The regenerated quayside will feature four distinct zones including the Media Quarter, the Waterfront and Gateway zone, Living Hub and the Culture and Community Hub.

A new boardwalk and link bridge along the MediaCity waterfront will ‘feature more, quality nature and green space’, as well as innovative art installations, and places for people to eat and drink.

MediaCity

While the main Piazza – home to media and tech companies including the likes of ITV, BBC, and dock10 studios – will be reimagined to include moveable structures which could house a variety of brand activations.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “What’s to come will further cements MediaCity’s position as the place to live and work in the northwest and a must-see destination.

“With office space to cater for the growing number of businesses looking to relocate to Salford and a significant number of new homes to support our drive to alleviate the housing crisis MediaCity will continue to be a hugely important development for the city.”

MediaCity

Stephen Wild, MediaCity Managing Director said: “The re-shaped regeneration proposals will support us in delivering a world class destination where people will want to live, work and learn for many years to come.

“As the home of future media, MediaCity’s output is global and its environment needs to reflect its international significance. While the waterfront is the gateway to MediaCity and the Quays, it’s right that it should compete with some of the finest waterfront destinations in the world.”

Continue Reading

Receive our latest news, events & unique stories

Privacy and data policy

We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase

Copyright © 2024 Manchester's Finest Group