A large emergency response was pictured at the scene

Fire crews raced to a street near Manchester city centre after a fire erupted at a flat. At least six fire engines were called to the scene on Middlewood Street, in Salford, at around 7.40pm.

It followed reports of a blaze that had broken out at a nearby apartment. The road remained open however fire crews lined the road and remained in attendance for around 45 minutes.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said specialist equipment was used after the flat had become filled with smoke ‘due to a pan that had been left unattended’. No injuries were reported.

Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 7.40pm on Wednesday 25 February, fire engines from across Greater Manchester, including the turntable ladder from Manchester Central, were called to reports of a flat fire on Middlewood Street, Salford.

“Crews arrived quickly and used specialist equipment to clear smoke from a flat that was caused by a pan that had been left unattended.

“Firefighters checked neighbouring flats and made the area safe before departing after approximately 45 minutes at the scene.”

Available for over a year

The Americast team assembles for a late evening/early morning special as President Trump delivers the longest State of the Union address ever. On the agenda was a full-throated defence of the administration’s record, hailing a “turnaround for the ages,” whilst playing down the Supreme Court’s ruling against his signature tariff policy (with the judges themselves in the crowd).

Despite the speech lasting nearly two hours, there was little to suggest a change of course from Trump’s favourite taking points. He focused on the economy, immigration, the Democrats…. And the US men’s olympic hockey team.

But with growing voter dissatisfaction souring the polls, will Trump’s sales pitch be enough to counter sliding approval ratings and convince voters to stick with him for November’s midterm election?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Programme WebsiteShow less

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique insists Chelsea are an ‘incredible’ team ahead of their potential Champions League last-16 tie.

The Champions League holders drew 2-2 with Monaco in the second leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday night to progress 5-4 on aggregate.

PSG will now play either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last-16 stage, with the draw due to take place at 11am on Friday.

When asked about the prospect of PSG playing either his former club Barcelona or Chelsea in the Champions League knockout phase, Luis Enrique told Movistar: ‘Neither will be easy.

‘Since it doesn’t depend on me, I’ll adapt to whatever comes. They are two incredible teams.

‘Barca is very special to me and is already becoming a classic for me. Like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Barcelona is a unique city and the club is special.

‘And if we get Chelsea, we’ll have a few things to work on.’

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Luis Enrique also claimed PSG’s tough Champions League league phase has meant that his players are already acclimatised to high-pressure fixtures in Europe.

‘We deserved this qualification but it was difficult because for me the result was complicated, it was a tricky match,’ Luis Enrique said.

‘There are moments when you lose precision and it’s difficult to recover the level. We have to be happy with what we did, with having overcome this difficult moment.

Who can the Premier League teams play in the Champions League last-16?

Arsenal will play either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta

Chelsea will play either Newcastle United or PSG

Liverpool will play either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray

Advertisement

Man City will play either Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid

Tottenham will play either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray

Newcastle United will play either Chelsea or Barcelona

Advertisement

‘What I can say is that if there’s one team in the Champions League that played against the toughest group, it’s us. We’re used to playing against any team.

‘Of course, we want to improve, but we faced a very high-level opponent. Chelsea or Barca would be tough, but if there’s one team that’s ready, it’s us.

‘We have to keep doing the same thing, we’re ready to play any team, in any competition.

‘It’s been a unique season, we’ve had a lot of injured players. That’s not an excuse, but it’s important to have the whole squad available. There are three months of competition left, and we have the same mentality to go out and win.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: John Terry makes wild injury claim about his entire Chelsea career

MORE: Declan Rice names £60m Arsenal teammate who has helped him become ‘unstoppable’

MORE: Sweden boss Graham Potter sends message to Viktor Gyokeres over Arsenal form

Yes, Operation Mincemeat really is that good. What started out as a workshop production in Salford has returned home at the start of its first UK tour having had massive, award-winning success in both the West End and on Broadway.

Unique is such an over-used word but it’s a perfect description for this quirky, rewarding and slightly bonkers show which is made all the more remarkable as it’s based on the most unlikely true story.

Operation Mincemeat left to right Charlotte Hanna-Williams, Jamie-Rose Monk, Seán Carey, Holly Sumpton and Christian Andrews (Picture: Matt Crockett)

In 1943, M15 hatched a plan to fool the German war machine. Wanting to recapture Sicily they convinced the Germans to move the majority of the 90,000 troops based there by planting fake documents hinting that Greece and Sardinia instead.

They used the body of a homeless man who had died in London, created a totally false identity for him and effectively dumped the body at sea complete with top secret documents about the non existent invasion for the Germans to find.

Not exactly the obvious starting point for a comedy musical.

But it all works beautifully. A cast of five bring such energy, precision and enthusiasm to the production, you are immediately caught up in this madcap world.

Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt (Picture: Matt Crockett)

The story revolves around five key personnel involved in Operation Mincemeat – Ewen Montagu, the driven M15 officer who pushes ahead with the seemingly absurd plan; Charles Cholmondley, the boffin who dreamed up the idea; Johnny Bevan, the head of the unit, Hester Leggatt a senior secretary and Jean Leslie, a young clerk.

Read also: ‘You can never relax’ say stars of Operation Mincemeat

A supporting cast of eccentric characters including an extremely sweaty Spanish agent, Cockney urchins, dancing Nazis and a deranged coroner are all played by the fabulous five.

Charlotte Hanna-Williams as Jean Leslie (Picture: Matt Crockett)

Costume changes are seemingly instant, actors at times switch from one character to another almost in mid sentence. At times it’s breathtaking.

In the wrong hands it would be total chaos but the precision is astonishing. Every dance move, every facial expression, every nuance is absolutely spot on. It’s a masterclass in team work on stage.

Sean Carey as Charles Cholmondeley (Picture: Matt Crockett)

It would be hard enough to pull this off without having made it a musical but that’s part of the genius of the show.

Think Six meets Monty Python, you’ll learn so much but you’ll be laughing while you do.

Gender stereotypes and class are routinely challenged. The cast in their dark trousers and white shirts use accessories to denote different characters.

Holly Sumpton as Ewen Montagu in Operation Mincemeat (Picture: Matt Crockett)

Holly Sumpton is Ewen Montagu the slightly appalling M15 agent with an arrogance borne out of his public school education. She’s so good bringing some humanity to a character who could be seen as totally obnoxious.

Sean Carey as Charles Cholmondeley is equally impressive as the bookish, nerdy scientist who finds himself out of his depth among the egos in M15.

Charlotte Hanna-Williams and Jamie-Rose Monk as Jean and Jonny Bevan are both outstanding in this runaway express train of a show.

But it’s Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt who steals the show as the efficient, prim and proper office manager. His song Dear Bill is so poignant, so moving you’ll find you have something in your eye by the end of it.

The staging is equally impressive. Clever use of lighting transforms a basement office into a Nazi rally complete with an RnB soundtrack. Secret doors and movable furniture keeps things moving at an astonishing pace.

There are jokes of every kind from the most obvious slapstick to some very clever literary and historical references. The songs are also so clever and full of rich wordplay. The harmonies are one of the surprise highlights of a show full of surprises – is there nothing this cast can’t do and do brilliantly?

Jamie-Rose Monk as Johnny Bevan (Picture: Matt Crockett)

For all it’s energy, irreverence and constant assault on the senses, Operation Mincemeat manages to strike the correct balance in respecting the history behind the show.

We have to remember that the body of a homeless man was used in the ruse. M15 deemed it unnecessary to find out who he was or anything about his family and it was not until 1996 when his identity was discovered.

The show respects everyone involved in a covert operation which saved many lives.

But it also serves up one of the most enjoyable nights at the theatre you’re likely to experience this or any other year.

Operation Mincemeat is at the Lowry, Salford, until February 28

Savers in the UK have been warned they should act soon

Advertisement

Over six million current accounts holding five-figure balances are earning nothing in interest, with hundreds of thousands containing more than £100,000, putting savers at risk of losing money in real terms.

More than 6.5 million current accounts with balances exceeding £10,000 are generating zero interest, according to analysis by savings app Spring. The figures indicate £230 billion is languishing in accounts offering no return rate – despite higher savings rates being readily accessible. The data reveals 340,000 accounts hold over £100,000 without earning a penny in interest, whilst the average balance among zero-interest accounts with more than £10,000 stands at £35,428.

In total, £324.8 billion is currently sitting in current accounts paying no interest, and an additional £71.3 billion is held in savings accounts earning 1 per cent or less, leaving millions of savers at risk of watching the real value of their money diminish through inflation, reports the Daily Record.

Of 86.3 million current accounts in credit as of November 2025, 75.5 million (87 per cent) paid nothing on balances The average balance across all non-interest-paying accounts was £4,300.

Low-interest savings accounts.

An additional £71.3 billion is sitting in 22.4 million adult savings accounts earning 1 per cent interest or less – significantly below the top easy-access rates currently available on the market.

In real terms, with inflation continuing to erode spending power, money held in accounts paying little or nothing is effectively diminishing. Spring’s study of 2,000 adults revealed a substantial number of UK savers are not optimising their returns, with many leaving their funds in low-interest accounts because of habit, apprehension and bewilderment.

The research demonstrates that more than a third of Brits (36%) maintain their savings with an account offered by their primary current account provider, while a fifth of participants (21%) confessed to keeping their savings in their current account. Just a quarter (27%) have chosen to deposit their savings with a different provider.

How to track down a lost pension

1. Gather old job details

• Find the name of your previous employer or pension provider.

2. Use the Pension Tracing Service

• Contact the government’s free Pension Tracing Service to get the provider’s contact details.

3. Contact the pension scheme directly

• Ask whether you have a pension, how much is in it and what your options are.

4. Update your contact details

• Make sure the provider has your current address and email.

5. Consider consolidating

• Bringing small pots together can make pensions easier to manage – but check for exit fees or valuable guarantees first.

Discussing the findings, Spring Head of Money Derek Sprawling said: “It’s staggering that over six and a half million current accounts hold over £10,000 and are earning absolutely nothing, with some people leaving six-figure sums languishing in accounts that erodes the real value of their money.

“This isn’t about people being careless as our research shows many are stuck in old habits or feel overwhelmed by the choices available. But in a higher-rate environment, doing nothing can be incredibly costly.

“Even small changes, like moving surplus cash into a competitive savings account, could make a meaningful difference to people’s finances.”

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Things have gone very well for Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager so far, but he faces a ‘conundrum’ this weekend, believes Red Devils legend Steve Bruce.

Carrick won the first four games of his spell as interim boss, before being held by West Ham in east London.

Manchester United got back on the horse on Monday night, winning at Everton to continue Carrick’s unbeaten run, which has seen them climb up to fourth in the Premier League table.

The manager has Benjamin Sesko to thank for three of the results he has picked up, with the Slovenian striker scoring late winners against Fulham and Everton and an equaliser against the Hammers.

All those goals came when he rose from the substitutes’ bench and calls are growing for the 22-year-old to start on Sunday at home against Crystal Palace.

Bryan Mbeumo has been leading the line and playing well, but without the goals Sesko has been scoring of late.

Bruce feels Carrick now has a conundrum on whether to reward Sesko with a place in the starting XI, or stick to the formula that has been working very nicely in recent weeks.

‘To be fair, I don’t think he had a kick apart from score the goal,’ Bruce said on talkSPORT. ‘But there’s that conundrum for Michael now, who was saying, how can I get him in the team? Do I leave him in the team? Do I start him?

‘Big decision, but you wouldn’t want to alter anything at the moment. If he keeps coming on and he’s fresh and people are tired, then he’s got the ability to score and he has done a great finish, I have to say, a great finish.’

Sesko would clearly love the opportunity to start more games, but insists he is relaxed about the situation and will just look to make the most of however many minutes he is given.

‘We are talking of course, but (Carrick) believes in me,’ he said. ‘Everyone believes in me, and they are getting me ready to start as soon as possible.

‘It’s more about me showing up when it’s important, no matter how many minutes I get. I’m focused on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins.

‘I’m getting settled in the league from game to game. Again, I’m not even thinking about “I have to start, I have to start”. Whenever the coach decides to put (me) on, I’m going to be there. If I get five minutes, I’m going to use them. It’s just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team.’

Carrick would not be drawn on his team selection after the 1-0 win at Everton, but did praise Sesko’s well-taken goal.

‘It was a great finish. It was a ruthless finish,’ he said. ‘I liked the way he put it away with real confidence. It was great play from [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo to set it up and we are dangerous on the break. I am delighted for Ben to come on and make a difference.’

Another Red Devils legend, Gary Neville, feels Carrick will hand Sesko a start against the Eagles at Old Trafford on Sunday and the striker deserves that opportunity.

‘I liked his celebration because that was an aggression I’d like to see from him,’ Neville said of Sesko’s goal against the Toffees.

‘He’s 6ft4in, he should be beating centre-backs up. When you saw him earlier on in the season he looked a little bit timid, a little bit upright, and just now he’s just started to have a little bit more power about him and he’s quite quick when he actually gets going, you see him sort of make his moves forward.

‘But that celebration, I thought, was a message to everybody – mainly those Manchester United fans over in the corner who are going wild, but that was a message saying: “Get me in this damn team, now. This is my start, I start next time.”

‘He looks like he’s growing in his game and in his body and he looks like he’s got more power in his performance. His confidence is high. I think now on Sunday, I think Michael Carrick starts him.’

MORE: Luis Enrique reacts to PSG’s potential Chelsea tie in Champions League draw

MORE: John Terry makes wild injury claim about his entire Chelsea career

MORE: Former Man Utd forward Edinson Cavani booed by own fans and urged to retire

Last month, the former One Direction star sent fans into a frenzy with the release of Aperture, his first single in almost four years, which went straight to number one on the UK Official Singles Chart.

The Grammy-winner also announced a global tour, with dates in Amsterdam, New York, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Styles will also perform 12 shows at London’s Wembley Stadium as part of the tour.

He is set to perform at the Brit Awards on Saturday (February 28) at Manchester’s Co-Op Live, before returning to the venue for an exclusive one-off performance on March 6.

Tickets to Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show cancelled and refunded

Ticketmaster has confirmed that several £20 tickets for Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on March 6 have been cancelled and refunded.

A statement from Ticketmaster explained: “We’re working with the Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’ team to cancel and refund any orders that have violated the rules of sale.

“As all tickets are non-transferable, any tickets listed on unauthorised resale sites are void and will not get fans into the show – so we’re cancelling and refunding these.

“There is also a ticket limit of 2 tickets per person, so any orders above that are being cancelled and refunded.”

An update on tickets for Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’

We’re working with the Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’ team to cancel and refund any orders that have violated the rules of sale. pic.twitter.com/H0szH5NQRs

— ticketmasteruk (@TicketmasterUK) February 23, 2026

These cancellations come as a result of the unauthorised listing of Harry Styles tickets online, a majority of which appeared on Viagogo.

Ticketmaster added: “They (Viagogo) have been asked to stop listing tickets, in line with the artist team’s goal of keeping tickets in the hands of fans for no more than £20 (+ fees).

“While we are cancelling all tickets we find listed there, ultimately Viagogo controls what is on their site – meaning listings can remain even after we’ve cancelled them.”

Are tickets still available for Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show in Manchester?

Any resale tickets will be available on the Ticketmaster website for up to £20 (+ fees).

The ticket sales and distribution company said: “If you’re still looking for tickets, please only buy via Ticketmaster as we cannot protect you on other sites.

“This is a high-demand show, so resale tickets will be limited.”

The tickets that were cancelled are also set to be reissued to fans.

Ticketmaster continued: “There will not be a new “Request” period or ticket sale – instead a small number of selected fans whose original request wasn’t fulfilled will be invited by email for a chance to purchase these tickets.”

Have you managed to secure tickets to see Harry Styles in either London or Manchester? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.

Shortly after 1pm, three ambulances and two police cars attended Deansgate, near the corner of Waterstones.

One ambulance partially blocked the road, preventing a bus from passing through.

Passengers were seen disembarking into the road as emergency crews dealt with the situation.

Emergency services attended the scene on Deansgate (Image: NQ)

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called at 1.15pm for what appears to be a “medical episode,” and a man in his 60s was taken to hospital.

Shoppers gathered nearby while police and paramedics were seen inside the Ladbrokes premises.

A passerby told The Bolton News at the scene: “People are complaining about the bus not being able to get through, but it has to be done in an emergency.

“It looks serious.”

North West Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

This overlooked town is perfect for bargain hunters looking for an ideal way to spend an afternoon

Nestled in the shadow of a mountain lies a quaint town that many might overlook. Buckley (or Bwcle in Welsh), located in Flintshire, North Wales, is situated on the A549 road just three miles from Mold, with the stunning Snowdonian mountain range within sight.

It is just over an hour from Manchester and is a town I’d never considered exploring before, or to be frank, I wasn’t even aware of its existence until my son signed up for ballroom dance lessons at the studio on the main high street. Since then, nearly every Saturday, I’ve had the delight of wandering the small streets, passing the time whilst my son twirls around the dance floor.

It made me realise people are missing out on this charming afternoon filled with charity shops, market stalls and a scrumptious bakery.

Buckley boasts several charity shops, and whilst some view this as a downside, I absolutely adore it.

I’m certainly one of those individuals who relishes finding a bargain, and these secondhand shops are well maintained and well stocked, making them ideal for discovering that perfect picture frame, a lemon squeezer that’s so elusive in high-street stores, or an almost new jumper ready for our wintery weather up north, reports the Express.

During one of my many last visits last year, my thrifty shopping spree resulted in a novelty toothpick holder, a fantastic old world map in a frame, a beautiful black Wedgewood pot with a lid and a meat thermometer, all for less than £15.

But if charity shop browsing isn’t for you, the Buckley Precinct occasionally hosts a market with stalls from friendly, creative individuals who have handcrafted a range of beautiful items, from key fobs to blankets.

In the Precinct, you will find the butchers, Bistre Farm Shop, who sell a variety of traditional cuts of meat as well as ready-to-eat portions.

I also tend to pop into this shopping centre for a pot of tea and a cake at Gerrard’s Bakery. The staff are lovely and welcoming, selling delicious sausage rolls, pies, and our favourite ice buns as big as your head.

According to research, people have lived in Buckley since before the Bronze Age, and given the views of the mountains, I am not surprised.

Over the years, it has been an industrial hub for pottery, bricks and coal, and you could spend an afternoon wandering the town with the heritage guide, discovering snippets of history at every turn.

From the war memorial, St Matthew’s church, the old library, and the swimming baths, Buckley may be small, but it has a big story to tell.

And if you want a bit of entertainment with your history, the Tivoli is the town’s live music venue which first opened in the 1920s as a cinema and theatre.

It has since undergone several updates, and many famous and well-respected musicians have graced its stage over the years, including Oasis in 1994.