Tonali’s future in the north east came into doubt on transfer deadline day after it emerged he had been offered to Arsenal after the Gunners lost Mikel Merino to injury.
Eddie Howe echoed those sentiments this week, insisting the Italy international ‘loves representing the city’, dismissing suggestions January interest could unsettle the player heading into the summer.
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Newcastle are hopeful of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League with a play-off tie against Qarabag to navigate first.
Their participation in next season’s competition is less certain, with the Magpies currently sat in 11th place.
While fifth is likely to be good enough for Champions League qualification again, Newcastle are currently seven points adrift of that spot.
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From the latest transfer rumours and managerial moves to analysis of the biggest games and a lot more, our experts have you covered.
Shearer has fears over players leaving this summer (Picture: Getty)
Premier League legend Shearer fears his old side will find themselves in a very tricky situation in the summer if there is no European football on offer for their most coveted players.
‘Sandro Tonali hasn’t hit the heights he was at last season, but I guess what’ll happen is, if Newcastle aren’t going to qualify for Europe or be competitive in the Premier League, you’d expect other clubs will look at Newcastle and try to buy their best players,’ Shearer told Betfair.
‘Although it was a surprise in the January window, I think it’ll happen more in the summer if Newcastle don’t achieve what they have in the past few years.
Howe insists Tonali is happy on Tyneside (Picture: Getty)
‘Top players want to play Champions League football, and we know there’s no real loyalty in football – I’m not saying Tonali will do anything like that, but we know if clubs don’t get into European places, other clubs will try and pick players up.
‘Newcastle have to start winning games and go far in the FA Cup and hopefully the Champions League to try and rescue what, at the minute, certainly Premier League wise, has been a disappointing return.
‘I know we got to a semi-final and all those years ago we’d craved for that but then the money that’s been spent and put into the club and where the club wants to go to, at the minute it’s been disappointing.’
Agents Barry Crux and Co is marketing the family-owned Trinacria Sicilian Ristorante, Pizzeria & Gelateria at 27 Bishopthorpe Road for £139,950 leasehold.
The business opened in 2012 and is owned by chef Beppe Lombardo.
The restaurant is highly rated on the reviews websites.
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Tripadvisor awards it 4.6 stars out of five, based on 513 reviews, ranking it 85th out of 776 York restaurants.
Similarly, Google awards it 4.6 stars out of five, based on 776 google reviews.
In the sales particulars, the agents cite the very prominent venue in a popular and busy location.
The restaurant exterior (Image: Barry Crux & Co)
The venue also has 38 covers and a ‘theatre style’ kitchen, with seating for six also available on an outside patio.
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The agents said: “Our client has owned the business for 13 years, having started it from scratch. They have built a strong reputation and following in the local area.
“Bishopthorpe Road is one of the most popular suburban areas in the city, but within easy walking distance of the city centre.
“In the past decade it has developed into a thriving and fashionable location, with our client been one of the first food and beverage operators to open there.”
The sales particulars continued: “The business has always shown consistent levels of turnover.
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“On the year ending March 2025 accounts the business showed £663,500 and £593,909 and £533,176 in 2024 and 2023 respectively.
“This is in excess of the levels of trade seen pre-Covid and has been aided by the installation of the pizza oven and a refurbishment.”
The agents added: “After 13 years our client has decided it is time to move on to pursue other opportunities and has decided to offer the leasehold of the business for sale.
“This represents an excellent opportunity for a new owner to drive trade forward and secure a good base business from which to start.”
Mina Bestun was just two doors down from her house on Roseneath Road in Great Lever when she was attacked by a bulldog-type dog yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, February 4.
Mina, who was on her way home from school, was mauled by the dog in the street, with neighbours rushing to help, distracting the dog so she could get away.
She suffered severe bites to her arm and was taken to hospital, with emergency services called to the street.
The Bolton News spoke to Mina today, Thursday (February 5), who is still in hospital with her dad, Bestun Ibrahim and is set to undergo an operation.
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Roseneath Road (Image: Phil Taylor)
She said: “I was just going back home, and then I think it was a bulldog, a big dog, and it bit me two houses down from mine.”
Mina added that they are looking after her in hospital, and that she is set to be operated on.
She added a word of warning to dog owners, saying: “I just want to say that make sure you take care of your dog, keep them inside the house.”
Mina’s mother, Soma Mohammed, spoke about the terrifying attack.
Mina Bestun is in hospital after being attacked by a dog (Image: Family)
She said: “When she was coming back from school, the neighbours said they saw a dog around here.
“My daughter was coming down the street and the dog got her.”
Ms Mohammed said the doctors told them that her daughter had 13 tooth marks in her skin, four of which went deeper.
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She added that Mina has been put on antibiotics as a measure to fight against any germs that may have been in the dog’s mouth.
Ms Mohammed added that the police had taken away the owners and their dogs.
A GMP spokesperson said: “Shortly before 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 4, officers were called to reports of a dog attack on Roseneath Road, Bolton.
“Emergency services attended, and a 10-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life-changing.
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“Armed Response Vehicles and GMP Dog Unit were deployed, and two dogs have been detained.
“A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control, and are currently in custody.
“Officers will remain in the area as they conduct further enquiries and to provide reassurance to the community.”
Kelly Docwra was playing in an 11-aside women’s football game when the accident happened as she tried to stop a goal
A footballer claims an Adidas boot stud sliced her open and left a gaping hole in her knee – after the studs ‘sharpened’ walking on and off pitch. Kelly Docwra was in goal during an 11-aside women’s football game on November 2 last year and 30 minutes in, her side was 2-0 up.
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Keen to even the score, a member of the opposition team tried to boot the ball into the back of the network technician’s net. As Kelly, 32, stepped out of goal to catch the ball, the opponent player went to kick it at the same time.
During this 50/50 challenge Kelly claims the stud on the opposing player’s Adidas Predator League Laceless Firm Ground/ Multi-Ground boot sliced through her right knee, leaving a six-inch gash. After being bandaged up on the pitch by a bystander, Kelly was driven to the A&E department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
There, she underwent a two-hour long surgery on November 3rd last year where her knee was stitched back together. Kelly claims surgeons said they couldn’t believe her injury was caused by the stud on the £35 football boots, which had only been worn three times.
Now, Kelly is raising awareness of her accident and is urging players to not wear boots off the pitch and training to stop their studs being ‘sharpened’ on rough surfaces. Kelly, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, said: “As I went to get the ball, I don’t remember what happened as I was in shock, but apparently she went to kick the ball at the same time.
“It was a 50/50 challenge and she must have caught my leg as she swung through. It sliced my knee open and I told the ref to stop the game.
“I don’t think people realise the severity of it. I’ve played football for 20-odd years and I’ve never seen or heard anything like this.
“But boots these days, people are wearing them from their house to a game and back again.” She said the Predators were plastic and it meant when players walked on them they were “literally grinding down”.
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She added: “I’ve looked at other boots and they’re [their studs] are kind of rubber, so when they wear down they go kind of bitty, whereas these are sharpening almost to a point. The stud is also triangular and the triangular part is facing forward so when you swing your foot, the sharpest point is hitting you.
“I was in shock and I started being sick. During surgery, they cleaned out my wound and cut some of the skin off as it was dirty.
“I then had to have three different sutures at three different levels due to how deep the injury was.” Kelly was discharged from hospital on November 4 and was signed off work for six weeks to recover.
She has a large scar on her leg and needs to wear a knee brace and crutches to help her walk. Kelly says her football injury has put her off wanting to play in an 11-a-side match anytime soon.
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She’s now raising awareness of the importance of not wearing football boots to and from matches and training due to the potential damage it could cause. Kelly said: “These were brand new boots and the other player had only worn them three times.
“If this is the damage they can cause new, think what’s it doing to kids when they’re walking over concrete and wearing them down and sharpening them. The surgeons couldn’t believe this was from a stud on a football boot.
“The awareness is, look how much damage it has caused to my chubby leg. Imagine what it would do to a child’s leg. I was so lucky as it almost went through my ligament.
“I don’t want to scare kids off football, but parents need to be aware of this. If this had caught higher up, you never know what it would have caught.
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“Don’t wear your boots to and from matches and training as walking on concrete can sharpen the studs.” Adidas said they didn’t have anything further to say but they were in contact with Kelly about it.
The two-storey facility, which is set to be built next to University Hospital North Durham, was approved in January 2023 but is dependent on funding availability.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust previously said the new site would help cope with the increased demands on NHS services because the current facility is no longer fit for purpose.
Now, in a new update, the trust said it still hopes to deliver the scheme despite the lack of major progress in the three years since it was approved.
Dryburn House, which is due to be demolished as part of North Durham University Hospital’s A&E extension. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A spokesperson added: “The trust remains committed to expanding the Emergency Department at University Hospital North Durham, recognising the significant growth in demand and the importance of improving patient care pathways.”
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The hospital’s East Wing corridor has been demolished but other works have been halted.
Initial plans for the development said Dryburn House, a Grade II listed former hospital building opposite the Accident and Emergency (A&E) facility, would be demolished to make way for the extension, while a memorial garden used by parents to remember their babies would be relocated.
Health officials estimated the number of A&E attendances could increase to 79,000 per year despite the facility being designed for just 30,000.
The trust spokesperson said: “As part of the early enabling works for this scheme, the trust has completed the demolition of the East Wing corridor in preparation for redevelopment.
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“Any future development is dependent on securing sufficient capital funding and meeting planning requirements, including considerations linked to the listed Dryburn House building.
“While the redevelopment remains a key strategic priority for the trust, delivery will be dependent on funding availability and regulatory approval.”
A similar proposal was approved in 2017 but expired before the 2023 planning application was approved. Dryburn House was once the home of railway baron William Lloyd Wharton, who ran the North East Railway Company, and was later used as part of the hospital, but is now deemed outdated.
Delays to the Durham hospital scheme come as Shotley Bridge Hospital’s urgent treatment centre has been closed since July, and is not expected to open until at least March. During the closure, patients from the Shotley Bridge area have been redirected to University Hospital of North Durham.
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
As Mercury drifts into Pisces, things take a reflective tone. Contemplation will come naturally through the day ahead.
Cancer, Leo and Scorpio, your imagination may run wild today. Creativity is blooming and new perspectives will arise, making this a great time for new plans.
Don’t be fooled into thinking reflection means passiveness. Be an active agent of your own mind while letting the cosmos guide you.
Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday February 6, 2026.
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As the analytical Mercury moves into sensitive Pisces, your voice may soften, but don’t mistake gentle for powerless. Your thoughts become more intuitive and your communication style gets a poetic upgrade. This is the perfect time to speak from the heart, even if the words come in whispers. Your imagination is fired up, making this a stellar moment for journalling, dreaming or diving into creative projects.
Your social life may take on a magical tone as friends, allies and kindred spirits could offer just the right words at the right moment. Your thinking becomes more intuitive and less rigid, which is a gift. Creative ideas flow freely now, especially when you’re collaborating or brainstorming in relaxed settings. As chatty Mercury arrives Pisces, a long-lost contact might resurface or you may feel drawn to a cause that speaks to your soul.
Your thoughts may take on a more poetic, intuitive flair as Mercury glides into Pisces. Logic gives way to imagination, and while facts might blur, your creativity shines. Career matters benefit from big dreams but do keep one foot on the ground to avoid chasing clouds. You could impress someone influential with a visionary idea, but don’t get lost in the details or forget them entirely.
As the interactive Mercury sails into Pisces, your imagination can surge and especially about opening up your world. Conversations take on a more subtle tone, and you may find yourself daydreaming of faraway places or meaningful adventures. This is a stellar time for learning, writing or spiritual growth, or anything that nourishes your soul. Messages may come through synchronicities or subtle signs but do check details before launching big plans.
Your thoughts dive deeper than usual and conversations may carry a mysterious or emotional undertone. Intuition sharpens, secrets may surface and meaningful insights emerge when you least expect them. Sharp Mercury’s entrance into Pisces stirs your house of intimacy, shared resources and transformation, so don’t be surprised if a financial or emotional puzzle suddenly clicks into place after trying hard to resolve it.
Your cosmic guide, Mercury arrives in Pisces and suddenly logic gives way to intuition. This shift lights up your relationship zone, encouraging heart-to-hearts, deep listening and perhaps a little romantic whimsy. You’re known for your sharp mind, but now it’s your empathy and imagination that steal the show. Whether you’re mending fences, forging bonds or flirting with new possibilities, connection is key.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Your focus shifts to the little things that keep life running smoothly. Your routines, health and work habits are in the spotlight. You might find solutions in unexpected places or be inspired to beautify the boring. Trust your intuition when organising your day, as it knows more than you think. For the next few weeks, a walk, a playlist, a fresh smoothie – these tiny rituals become meaningful acts of self-love.
The intermediary Mercury drifts into fellow water sign Pisces, turning up the volume on your creativity, romantic musings and soulful self-expression. Words flow like poetry, so share your thoughts, write that message or romance with flair. This transit sprinkles stardust over love, play and personal projects, so don’t be surprised if inspiration hits when least expected. Your instincts can be heightened and especially in matters of the heart.
Your thoughts turn towards home, roots and the emotional glue that binds it all together. While you’re usually off chasing far horizons, you’ve a chance now to relax mentally and emotionally. Sentimental chats, nostalgic memories or even writing that family memoir might surface. Communication with loved ones becomes more intuitive, so trust those hunches. It’s a fabulous time to plan a cosy gathering.
Your thinking and ideas can gain pace. Normally practical and to the point, you may be speaking in metaphors, dreaming up soulful ideas and tapping into the hearts of others with surprising ease. Dialogue becomes more emotionally rich, and your ability to listen with empathy skyrockets. This is the perfect time to express yourself, as your imagination is your greatest asset now.
Your thoughts take on a dreamy, imaginative hue as Mercury enters your money zone. Normally a cerebral whizz, you’re now tuned into subtle cues, feelings and unspoken truths, making you more poetic and intuitive than usual. Conversations about money or values may veer into mystical or visionary territory. This is a fine time to brainstorm soulful side hustles or artistic income streams.
After a period of feeling reflective, your thinking can become a shimmering sea of imagination, insight and inspiration. Communication flows and your words can enchant, persuade and uplift, so use them wisely. You’re more articulate than usual, though still prone to daydreams, so double-check details if precision is needed. Use this opportunity to share your ideas, write or speak from the heart.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
A contestant on this year’s Dragons’ Den said Gary Neville ‘fit the energy of her company’ (Picture: BBC Studios)
For most contestants on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, one could only dream of being able to read the minds of the multi-millionaire investors they are hoping to secure a deal with.
But for professional psychic medium Danielle Close, this became a reality after she secured a £50,000 joint investment from her ‘dream Dragons’ Deborah Meaden and Gary Neville.
Appearing on the hit BBC investment series, the business owner presented her skincare brand My Skin Feels, which creates effective, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas using rescued food by-products.
However, for Danielle, who spoke to Metro exclusively about her time on the show, her journey began back in 2023 when former Manchester United footballer Gary was announced as a guest Dragon for series 21.
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‘If you want to know something really weird… years ago when Gary Neville was announced as a Dragon, I really thought if I ever go on the show I want my Dragon to be him,’ she told us.
‘So when I was put with him, I just knew it, I had such a good feeling about him and I don’t know why,’ she told us.
Danielle Close secured a £50,000 investment from her pitch on the series (Picture: BBC Studios)
‘It’s quite interesting how I just tuned into it, and also how I got a few offers but I knew which ones felt like the right ones… [Deborah and Gary] fit the energy of the company.’
The business owner is a fifth-generation psychic medium with seven years of formal training to her name.
Offering psychic and mediumship readings both online and in person, Danielle balances this alongside running her full-time business.
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Discussing her background as a professional psychic medium, which is something that has strongly informed her brand’s intuition-led approach, Danielle said there is a ‘lot of stigma around the work’.
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However, she explained that it has ‘had such a positive impact on My Skin Feels’.
‘People think that my psychic work is separate, but intuition is your daily life… for me, choosing who to work with, knowing which direction to go in, knowing what feels right, what is wrong, it’s just having good intuition.
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‘When you go into mediumship, it’s a separate thing because that’s particularly a specific skill for clients, but intuition in business goes hand in hand and I bet if you talk to any business leader they’re using intuition and not realising they’re using it.’
Both Gary and Deborah Meaden invested in the skincare brand (Picture: BBC Studios)
Despite securing a £50,000 investment from Gary and Deborah on the show, Danielle revealed that she didn’t end up taking their money after private investors offered a better deal.
‘Weirdly, these investors came in through my psychic mediumship contacts and they just really liked the business, then it just went on a bit of a spiral.’
This came after she appeared to snub Peter Jones, who had also offered to invest in her company, in a hilarious moment during her episode.
‘It was a complete accident,’ she added. ‘I actually forgot he made an offer because I was so focused on Deborah and Gary, and then I said I’m actually really sorry.’
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In the Den, Danielle originally asked for £50,000 in exchange for 10% of the business.
While several Dragons made offers including Peter, who were all proposing taking 20% equity, after negotiating, Danielle accepted Deborah and Gary’s joint offer of £50,000 for 20%, with both Dragons keen to be actively involved in scaling the brand.
Since her time on the show, My Skin Feels has achieved 250% year-on-year growth. It has also launched into all 15 Credo Beauty stores across the US as well as securing early distribution with Whole Foods.
Dragons’ Den is available to watch on BBC One at 8pm on Thursday.
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Michail Kirilov, 37, of Cambridge Street, Scarborough, is charged with outraging public decency and the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Huntriss Row in Scarborough, between 7.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday (February 3).
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Kirilov allegedly exposed himself and sexually touched the girl.
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He was subsequently arrested, charged and remanded – appearing at York Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (February 5).
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Kirilov pleaded not guilty and a trial has been set for April 2, 2026 at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court, 10am, court room 1.
“In the meantime, he has been remanded in custody ahead of a bail application hearing at York Magistrates’ Court on February 13.”
Oxford University researchers outline which reported side effects are actually caused by statins and say packet labelling should be updated
Statins do not cause many of the side effects which have been linked to the drug, research suggests.
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A study of 124,000 people published in the Lancet looked at side effects including memory loss, depression, sleep problems, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, fatigue and headaches. It revealed that over a four year period patients who took statins were no more likely to experience such common symptoms as those given a dummy drug.
The research team at Oxford University said there is “ongoing confusion and concern” about supposed side-effects linked to the drugs – and say millions more Brits could benefit from them.
Statins are already one of Britain’s most commonly prescribed drugs taken by around eight million people to lower bad cholesterol levels, and in turn cut their risk of heart attack and stroke. Scientists say the packet labelling information about side effects should be updated.
Lead author of the paper, Christina Reith, associate professor at Oxford Population Health, said “Statins are life-saving drugs used by hundreds of millions of people over the past 30 years. However concerns about the safety of statins have deterred many people who are at risk of severe disability or death from a heart attack or stroke. Our study provides reassurance that, for most people, the risk of side effects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins.”
Each year the number of reports of thinking and memory problems was 0.2% in those taking the statins, but also 0.2% in those taking the placebo. This means that while people may notice these problems whilst taking statins, there is no good evidence that they are caused by the statin.
Previous research had identified a 1% increase in muscle symptoms among people taking statins, usually in the first year of treatment. These can include muscle weakness, loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet.
Statins can also lead to a small increase in blood sugar levels, meaning that some people at high risk of diabetes may develop the condition sooner.
On top of these known side-effects, researchers found that only four of 66 “undesirable outcomes” previously linked to statins were actually associated with the drug.
This included a small increased risk of around 0.1% of abnormal results from two types of liver function test.
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One test signals elevated levels of certain enzymes in the blood, indicating inflamed or damaged liver cells. The other identifies high rates of a different type of enzyme that indicates potential bile duct obstruction of liver damage. Despite these, the study found no increased risk of serious liver disease.
Research also showed an increased risk in swollen legs, ankles and feet, also known as oedema, and changes to urine, which could indicate underlying health issues like infections or kidney disease.
Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific officer at the British Heart Foundation, said “These findings are hugely important. Statins are lifesaving drugs, which have been proven to protect against heart attacks and strokes.
“Among the large number of patients assessed in this well-conducted analysis, only four side effects out of 66 were found to have any association with taking statins, and only in a very small proportion of patients.
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“This evidence is a much-needed counter to the misinformation around statins and should help prevent unnecessary deaths from cardiovascular disease. Recognising which side effects might genuinely be associated with statins is also important as it will help doctors make decisions about when to use alternative treatments.”
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “When prescribed appropriately, statins have been shown to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke and heart attacks. Those considering taking statins should be reassured by this comprehensive study which shows that while statins, like any medication, have potential side effects, the risk for most people is low.
“It remains important to note that while statins can have real benefits for some patients, they won’t be appropriate for everyone so the decision to prescribe should always be the result of a conversation between the GP and patient about the various risks and benefits.”
A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries
A residential street was taped off by emergency services after two people were injured in a stabbing in Oldham on Thursday evening (February 5).
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Police and paramedics raced to Longley Street, in the Shaw area, shortly before 5pm to reports of a serious assault. A man and woman both were found to have suffered injuries.
The road was cordoned off, with an ambulance pictured in attendance along with multiple police vehicles. The woman suffered minor injuries however the male victim was rushed to hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the knife attack.
A man, aged 47, has since been arrested and taken into custody to be questioned by detectives on suspicion of assault.
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A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault after two people were injured in Shaw this afternoon (Thursday 5 February).
“The man remains in police custody and the scene has since been stood down.
“At around 4:52pm today officers were called to reports of an assault on Longley Street. A woman suffered minor injuries but a man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
