A cordon is in place in Northern Moor, Manchester, this morning

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was killed on a Wythenshawe street. Officers were called out to Southwick Road, in Northern Moor, at around 11.35pm on Thursday night (February 6).

The Manchester Evening News understands a man in his 20s was stabbed. Greater Manchester Police says it received reports of a man seriously injured in the street.

He tragically died at the scene. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning this morning (Friday).

Two forensic tents are in place at the scene today, with a silver car partially covered. A second car was seen being removed from the scene earlier this morning, witnesses told the M.E.N.

Residents living close to the scene saw a large police presence overnight. Forensics investigators have been seen gathering evidence.

One neighbour told the M.E.N.: “I came out this morning to take my partner to the tram stop and I saw the tent up. I knew straight away someone had died. You could just tell. I just can’t believe it. Nothing ever happens here. I’m just shocked. Really shocked. It’s a bit scary as well.”

Another resident living close to the scene added: “I didn’t see or hear anything last night. I just came out this morning with the kids and saw it all here. I had to ask if I was allowed out to take them to school… I’m stunned. It’s really scary.”

Witnesses are being urged to come forward with any information as the murder investigation takes shape. A GMP spokesperson said: “At around 11.35pm last night (Thursday, February 6 2026), we were called to reports of a seriously injured man on Southwick Road in Northern Moor, Wythenshawe.

“Officers attended the scene and located a man in his 20s, who sadly died at the scene. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning. Investigations are ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact GMP on 101 or online using Live Chat, quoting log number 3832 of February 5, 2026. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Six Nations got under way on Thursday night and the media were unimpressed by the Irish

France have blown the Six Nations wide open on night one – and if this is the standard, the rest may be playing for second.

Fabien Galthié’s side tore Ireland apart 36-14 in Paris, running riot in a first half that left Andy Farrell’s men 22-0 down and clinging on. From London to Dublin to Paris, the verdict was emphatic: France were irresistible, Ireland were overwhelmed.

Here’s how the media reacted.

Daily Mail – France deliver ‘iron fists wrapped in velvet gloves’

Nik Simon painted a picture of a French side out for revenge and brimming with swagger.

“Woe for Ireland. The sorry men in green looked like a team who felt the force of iron fists wrapped in velvet gloves from the Champs Elysees.”

France’s blend of brutality and brilliance left Ireland reeling, with Simon adding: “Ireland looked like a shadow of their former selves. Their confidence is tumbling and their team lacked gravitas, losing the physical battle in almost every area.”

On Antoine Dupont’s return, the tone was ominous for the rest of Europe: “If the French can master the science of the 80-minute performance then nobody in Europe will be able to stop them in this form.”

The Times – ‘Sliced and diced’ in a ‘merciless’ Parisian execution

Alex Lowe described it as a calculated killing.

“France killed off Ireland with a devastating display… sliced and diced by Les Bleus.

“They carved open Andy Farrell’s men with the precision of a surgeon’s knife. It was merciless.”

France’s skill level was hailed as “other-worldly” as they surged 29-0 ahead, denying Ireland “a foothold in the game”. By the time Ireland rallied, it was cosmetic.

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The Guardian – ‘Ravenous hosts’ serve up a treat

Robert Kitson suggested Irish fans might have preferred not to watch at all.

“Irish fans would probably have preferred a total 80-minute blackout… instead those back at home had to watch the visitors being repeatedly sliced and diced by seemingly ravenous hosts.”

He warned the championship: “It is going to take a seriously good team to beat France in Paris.”

France’s attacking play was labelled “sublime”, while Ireland were left with “bruised pride” despite a “gallant response”.

Midi Olympique – ‘A resounding no!’ to Irish revenge

In France, the tone was triumphant.

Pierre Sarniguet dismissed any notion of Irish payback:

“Would they be up to the task of defeating Dupont’s team? We now have the answer: no, and a resounding no!”

The first half was described as near-perfect: “Not a single penalty conceded, not a single missed tackle… incisive runs tore the Irish defence apart.”

The stats underlined the dominance – 860 metres gained, 19 line breaks, 41 defenders beaten – as Jalibert was hailed as “imperious”.

L’Equipe – Ireland ‘spin-dried by the French machine’

Karim Ben Ismail delivered perhaps the most brutal metaphor of the night.

“The Irish rugby players we saw… resembled those glasses that have lost their shine… Spin-dried by the French machine.”

He warned that Ireland’s struggles may run deeper: “Unable to reinvent themselves since the 2023 World Cup, the Irish team appears to have begun a worrying decline.”

For a nation that has set the benchmark in recent seasons, that is a stinging assessment.

The Telegraph – ‘Blitzkrieg’ brilliance ends the rivalry – for now

Gavin Mairs declared the rivalry on hold.

“France have laid down an intimidating, brilliant marker… such was the blitzkrieg manner in which they swept Ireland away.”

He suggested the balance of power has shifted decisively: “The days of the compelling French-Irish rivalry in the championship appear to be over for now.”

And from Shaun Edwards came the line that will echo across Europe: “When we are on it in attack, it is a joy to watch.”

Irish Independent – ‘Humiliating defeat’ narrowly avoided

Back home, Cian Tracey admitted Ireland were staring into the abyss.

“At 29-0 to the good, the French party was under way, and Ireland were staring down the barrel of a humiliating defeat.”

While the fightback offered “positives in this Jekyll and Hyde performance”, the early damage was too severe.

Irish Examiner – ‘Irresistible French rugby’

Simon Lewis called it a “rugby masterclass”.

“At times the 2023 and 2024 champions could not compete with some irresistible French rugby.”

France were “simply too clinical” and left Ireland “chasing shadows”.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in communities all over the world

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The Chinese New Year celebration is all about saying goodbye to the old and the negative, and embracing the new and the positive. This significant event is marked by Chinese communities worldwide.

It signifies the end of winter and heralds the promise of new beginnings. Unlike the Western New Year, which follows the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, resulting in a different date each year. In 2026, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 17.

This date will bring in the Year of the Fire Horse, a period associated with optimism and opportunity, with robust public and investor confidence indicating potential economic growth. In Chinese culture, the Horse is recognised for its dynamic and energetic characteristics. It embodies vitality, speed, and determination.

According to horoscope predictions, the year of the Horse will bring in financial gains for four signs.

Tiger

Expect career and travel opportunities. Adaptability and openness to new surroundings will be key. Maintaining emotional balance and clear communication will enable you to capitalise on this active phase.

The Tiger holds the title of king amongst all creatures in China, symbolising strength, courage and the power to ward off evil. Youngsters often wear tiger-themed hats or footwear to attract good fortune.

Come 2026, those born under this sign can expect a flourishing financial outlook, featuring consistent earnings, backing from supporters, and fortunate windfalls. Your professional life will flourish this year, with your leadership abilities driving impressive progress and results.

Your growing influence will help you shine and capitalise on chances for advancement and pay rises.

Rabbit

This year brings tremendous backing from celestial forces including “Tian De”, “Fu Xing,” and “Ba Zuo” ushering in supportive connections and financial prospects. Through consistent work and prudent spending habits, you can gradually strengthen your financial reserves.

Regarding money matters, winter or spring present promising investment windows, with spring proving especially favourable for monetary gains, whilst surprise financial blessings may materialise as the year concludes. Despite healthy earnings, frivolous expenditure should be avoided.

Career-wise, 2026 promises steady progression for you, though autumn may bring some uncertainty, demanding sustained dedication.

Goat

Throughout 2026, your monetary outlook will flourish owing to the correspondence of your birth year with the present year, alongside the fortune of the favourable Green Dragon star.

Beyond standard earnings, you’ll additionally witness considerable profits from secondary investments. Earlier investments in property and shares will yield substantial dividends, delivering tremendous satisfaction.

During 2026, your professional life will enjoy consistent progression. Whether you’re employed or self-employed, your earlier dedication and commitment will deliver notable benefits.

Rooster

Your monetary circumstances in 2026 are anticipated to strengthen. Your standard income possibilities appear encouraging, with opportunities for pay rises and multiple bonuses.

Business owners amongst you will witness significant earnings. You’ll manage to advance your company’s achievements and secure acknowledgement and career elevation.

From April 2029, pension contributions made through salary sacrifice above £2,000 a year will no longer be exempt from national insurance contributions (NICs) – a move announced in the Budget.

Salary sacrifice schemes, widely used by employers, allow workers to swap part of their pay for higher pension contributions, cutting NICs while keeping take-home pay steady and boosting retirement savings.

But under the new rules, any pension contributions sacrificed above £2,000 will be treated like ordinary pension payments and hit with both employer and employee NICs, slashing the tax advantage.

Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb has now sounded the alarm, pointing to a new document from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggesting the fallout could spread far wider.

Sir Steve says: “This was a huge Budget change that will force employers to rethink pay and pensions. The OBR makes clear the impact won’t stop at those contributing over £2,000.”

Millions already set to lose

Figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show around 3.3 million pension savers are already on course to be directly affected.

In total, 7.7 million employees currently use salary sacrifice to pay into their pension, with 3.3 million sacrificing more than £2,000 in salary or bonuses each year.

The OBR warned that how employers and workers respond is “highly uncertain”, opening the door to unintended consequences.

Warning: even those under £2,000 could be hit

Sir Steve, now a partner at consultants Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP), said the changes could backfire badly.

“Far from ordinary workers being ‘protected’, we could see millions of people on modest incomes losing out, further undermining their incentive to save into a pension,” he said.

He added that some workers contributing less than £2,000 could still lose out if employers respond by holding down future pay rises or reducing contractual salaries.

Employers may freeze pay or rethink pensions

The OBR noted that firms could try to recreate tax benefits by increasing pension contributions instead of wage growth, or by lowering base pay in exchange for higher employer pension payments.

It also highlighted the risk of costs being “passed through” to workers – affecting salaries, bonuses or pension generosity.

In some cases, employers may scrap salary sacrifice schemes altogether, hitting entire workforces rather than just higher earners.

Industry fears ‘new era of under-saving’

Daniel Gallon, head of taxation at the Association of British Insurers, said the changes could ripple across the workforce.

“The OBR’s analysis shows the impact could reach far more people than expected,” he said.

A survey by the ABI and Reba found 99% of businesses expect to be affected, with many bracing for extra admin, reduced benefits and pressure on pension contributions.

“It’s a clear warning sign that constant tinkering with the tax system risks opening the door to a new era of pension under-saving,” Mr Gallon added.

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A Treasury spokesperson defended the move, saying behavioural impacts were already factored in.

“Our reforms protect 95% of workers earning under £30,000 who use salary sacrifice, while tackling costs that were set to treble to £8 billion as high earners piled in bonuses tax-free,” they said.

But critics warn the real-world impact may be far broader – and that ordinary workers could pay the price.

UK broadband provider VISPA has ceased trading and plans to commence liquidation proceedings, sending an email to customers advising them to cancel direct debits and find a new ISP immediately.

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UK broadband company VISPA has informed its customers that it has ceased operations and advised them to ‘cancel direct debits’. The long-standing provider announced plans to “commence liquidation proceedings” in an email sent to its subscribers.

Established in 1999, VISPA instructed its customers to “immediately” find an alternative broadband provider, as reported by ISPreview.

The company offered a variety of Openreach-based broadband packages and had recently branched out into full fibre (FTTP) broadband networks, while also running its own Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network.

However, ISPreview had previously pointed out several issues plaguing the company, including outstanding debts, complications with the firm’s registered address, and negative reviews on Trustpilot, reports the Express.

The publication has now disclosed that numerous VISPA customers received an email from the company’s chief executive, which read: “We are writing to inform you that Vispa Limited has ceased trading and decided to commence liquidation proceedings.

“As a result, we regret to advise that Vispa will no longer be able to continue providing broadband services. To avoid any interruption to your connectivity, you will need to immediately choose a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) as soon as possible.

“Most providers on the Openreach network are able to take over your existing line with minimal disruption. You can find a list of alternative suppliers here: https://www.openreach.com/help-and-support/service-providers-on-our-network.

“We also strongly recommend that you cancel any active Direct Debit or standing order you have in place with Vispa Limited to prevent any further payments being taken.

“We understand this news may be inconvenient and we sincerely apologise for the disruption this causes. We would like to thank you for your custom and support over the years.”

VISPA director James Ormerod, who penned the letter, advised customers to “cancel your direct debit”. VISPA’s announcement did not provide its remaining customers with a specific date for the termination of the service. Currently, the VISPA website’s service status page reads “down for maintenance”.

It states: “The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.”

According to the Companies House website, Vispa Limited has an “active proposal to strike off”, indicating it is in the process of being removed from the register and dissolved.

One customer, Dr Fender, vented his frustration on X: “My c***** internet service provider that hosts my domain and email, @vispainternet, has yet again gone down and they’re unresponsive. How do I complain? They’re not registered with the ombudsman or any of the schemes (of course). #Vispa #ISP #complaint.”

Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) is reportedly going to find himself caught up in a love triangle storyline in EastEnders soon – involving Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) and her twin brother.

Jasmine was confirmed as Zoe Slater’s (Michelle Ryan) long-lost daughter towards the end of last year.

Shortly after Zoe returned, a flashback episode aired that allowed us to learn she gave birth to a baby girl and boy in the early 2000s.

The boy was put up for adoption, and it was believed the girl died.

However, as Jasmine’s identity was revealed, we learnt that if Zoe never ran out of the hospital when her daughter’s heart stopped, she would’ve seen staff resuscitate her.

Jasmine was then adopted, but made her way to Walford after seeing an article about Zoe in the paper.

During Jasmine’s time in Albert Square, she’s had an on/off relationship with Oscar, Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) son.

As if Jasmine’s life wasn’t complicated enough, things are about to get even worse, as her twin brother will eventually arrive – and take a shining to Oscar as well!

It’s said that actor Joshua Vaughan has joined the BBC One soap as Jasmine’s twin and Zoe’s son.

It seemingly won’t be long until the character picks up on the chemistry between him and Oscar, but what will that mean for Jasmine?

During the flashforward episode on New Year’s Day, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) told Oscar that he’s ‘a Trueman now’. Due to the fact Jasmine didn’t feature in the episode – which was set in 2027 – does that mean Oscar is going to start a relationship with her brother?

‘This is going to be one of the hottest love triangles the soap world has ever seen. Oscar is happy with Jasmine but when her twin arrives the chemistry between them is something neither can ignore’, a source said to The Sun.

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‘It’s going to set temperatures soaring in Walford. But with Jasmine having bumped off her dad Anthony Truman at Christmas the pair had better watch out.’

After getting kicked out of her adopted parents’ home, Jasmine came across, potentially, the worst person she could’ve, when she met the fabulous-but-evil Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who used her well-honed powers of manipulation to twist the poor girls mind further, ensnaring her in a revenge plot against Zoe.

She then made an enemy of another super-bitch, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) in the mean time, driving a big, fat wedge between herself and Oscar’s family, before finally revealing her true identity to Zoe in a toxic Christmas Day showdown…moments after the murder of her dad, Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey).

Though Zoe and Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) are convinced that Chrissie is to blame for Anthony’s death, with Zoe unconscious before the killing blow took place, Zoe is reluctant to tell the police.

She’s terrified that Chrissie’s inevitable vengeance would put Jasmine in mortal danger and, knowing Chrissie, it definitely would. Meanwhile Kat and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) have gone above and beyond to make Jasmine feel like a part of the Slater/Moon family, she’s struggled to integrate into the crumbling clan.

MORE: EastEnders character Jake Moon stages return as part of murder story – with ‘unexpected’ twists ahead

MORE: EastEnders ‘confirms’ who saves Zoe from prison – and its unexpected

MORE: There are far too many villains in soap – the bad guy fatigue is real

Michael Carrick has been urged to keep the ‘raw’ Benjamin Sesko on the bench for Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham despite his late winner last weekend.

Sesko came off the bench to spark jubilant scenes at Old Trafford when he scored an injury-time winner to secure a 3-2 win for United against Fulham.

The striker, signed for a hefty fee over the summer, has struggled for minutes since Carrick’s arrival, playing just 27 minutes in his first three games in the dugout.

Carrick has instead preferred to use Bryan Mbeumo as his central striker, who was on target in the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.

But Sesko’s impact off the bench against Fulham has led to some calls for the 22-year-old to be given more minutes, with Gary Neville suggesting that the striker’s late winner could be a springboard to finally kickstart his Old Trafford career.

United host Tottenham on Saturday, but former Red Devils defender Danny Simpson believes Sesko is still best used as an impact player off the bench, especially when compared to his more polished attacking teammates.

‘I feel like everyone at the club, the players, his teammates, the fans, the coaching staff, it’s like they all scored because they obviously want him to have a big moment like that, and I hope that will kickstart his Man United career now,’ Simpson told Metro via Kiwislots.nz when asked about Sesko.

‘But because he’s still young and raw, I still think coming off the bench 20, 30 minutes is probably good for him at the moment.

‘I still believe that the front four, the pace, the relationship they are building up, I still think Sesko coming off the bench is where he is at, and hopefully he can keep doing that and making an impact off the bench. 

‘There’s nothing wrong with that, by the way. Some of our best strikers used to do that, obviously. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used to do that, so I think at the moment it’s nice that there’s no pressure on him.

‘He just comes on and gives his best for the 20, 30 minutes that he plays.’

On Carrick’s impressive use of subs, Simpson added: ‘Last week he brings Cunha on, he scored the winner, then against Fulham he brought on Sesko, he scored the winner.

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‘I think that’s always been Man Utd’s DNA as well. People coming off the bench and having an impact, and getting a point or getting a winner.

‘For me, that’s the encouraging thing. Even at 2-2 normally, all the lads would get their heads down and go, ‘oh God’. They didn’t, they kept going, and that’s what I think I’ve liked about this team.’

United are looking to make it four wins in a row under Carrick on Saturday, but have a torrid recent record against Spurs, having failed to win any of the last six league encounters between the two sides.

But Simpson is confident his former side will put those demons to bed and continue their remarkable start to life under Carrick.

‘Tottenham’s away form is actually pretty good so you can’t take this game lightly,’ he said.

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‘Whatever it is at Tottenham, they clearly feel better playing away from home. Maybe less pressure from the fans, so it will be a tough game.

‘But I’m actually really confident. I’d probably just go with a nice, safe 2-0 win for United, and just hopefully keep pushing.

‘They’ve still got a massive chance to get in the Champions League, which is what the club needs for the finances for everybody.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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When Savannah Guthrie made a heart-wrenching plea to the kidnapper of her 84-year-old mother to send “proof of life,” she addressed the possibility of people creating deepfakes.

“We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she said.

Before artificial intelligence tools proliferated — making it possible to realistically impersonate someone, in photos, sound and video — “proof of life” could simply mean sending a grainy image of a person who’s been abducted.

That’s no longer true.

“With AI these days you can make videos that appear to be very real. So we can’t just take a video and trust that that’s proof of life because of advancements in AI,” Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said at a news conference Thursday.

Hoaxes — whether high or low-tech — have long challenged law enforcement, especially when it comes to high-profile cases such as Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance last weekend from her home in the Tucson area.

As technology has advanced, criminals have grown savvy and used it to their benefit, confusing police and the public and masking their identities. The FBI in December warned that people posing as kidnappers can provide what appears to be a real photo or video of a loved one, along with demands for money.

Police have not said that they have received any deepfake images of Guthrie. At least three news organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they have given to investigators, who said they are taking them seriously.

Investigators said they believe she’s “still out there,” but they have not identified any suspects.

Separately, a California man was charged Thursday with sending text messages to the Guthrie family seeking bitcoin after following the case on television. There’s no indication that he’s suspected of having a role in the disappearance, according to a court filing.

She appeared in an emotional video on Instagram Wednesday, sitting in between her sister and brother. Her voice cracked as she spoke directly to the kidnapper, saying the family is “ready to talk” and “ready to listen” but also wanted to know that their mother is alive.

Images of Nancy Guthrie, publicly shared by family, could be used to create deepfakes, said former FBI agent Katherine Schweit.

She said ransom demands over history have evolved from phone calls and handwritten notes to email, texts and other digital tools. A century ago, ransom notes were analog. For example, when the toddler son of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped, a piece of paper demanding $50,000 was found on a windowsill.

“Investigative techniques accumulate over time,” Schweit said. “There’s never less to do as years go by; there’s more to do. Digital and forensic work is a perfect example. It just adds to the other shoe-leather work we would have done in years past. … Nothing can be dismissed. Everything has to be run to ground.”

Schweit said directly addressing a kidnapper, like Savannah Guthrie did in her video, is a tactical move.

“The goal is to have the family or law enforcement speak directly to the victim and the perpetrator, and ask the perpetrator: What do you need? How can we solve this? Let’s move this forward,” she said.

Janke suggested to reporters that the FBI may have had some influence on Guthrie’s decision to release a video message.

“We have an expertise when it comes to kidnappings, and when families want advice, consultation, expertise, we will provide that,” he said. “But the ultimate decisions — on what they say and how they put that out — rests with the family itself.”

Former financial crime investigator turned MP for Bolton West Phil Brickell says that crimes like these could also pose threats to attempts to regenerate the town.

Speaking at a Westminster Hall debate this week Mr Brickell thanked Cllr John McHugh, of Westhoughton South, for is work talking anti-social behaviour in the town.

Mr Brickell said: “John has worked extensively with me and with Greater Manchester police, and many of his efforts are not publicly commended but they should be.

“Our town centres are the hearts of our communities, which is why I welcome the Government’s new Pride in Place funding for Bolton West.

Bolton West MP Phil Brickell was speaking at a Westminster Hall debate (Image: Office of Phil Brickell MP)

“But regeneration, whether in Bolton or Blackrod, Horwich or Westhoughton, will only succeed if we resolutely confront one of the biggest threats to our town centres, high street economic crime.

“In towns across this country, cash-intensive businesses are being used to launder criminal money, evade tax and undercut legitimate traders.

“These acts are not victimless. They are predatory. They enable organised crime and drug dealing, drain the public finances, and drive honest businesses out.”

Mr Brickell has long raised concerns about financial crime, having spoken to The Bolton News back in January 2025 that he believes “dark money” is blighting both politics and the high street.

Back in September last year, Mr Brickell told the House of Commons that there had been an “explosion” of cash intensive businesses laundering dirty money on high streets in recent years.

The following month, police officers working with Operation Machinize visited several shops around Bolton to investigate suspected money laundering.

In November, Mr Brickell proposed creating an Economic Crime Fighting Fund to try and tackle offences like these.

This week he has now said the government’s attempts to make the streets safer must include tackling economic crime.

Mr Brickell said: “If there is one thing I know after tackling bribery and corruption for more than a decade, it is that if we want safer streets, we must follow the money.

“It is not just an issue of putting more police officers on the streets.

“Having met officers from Greater Manchester police’s economic crime unit, it is clear to me that any lasting efforts to address and increase safety in our towns must also rely on provision for specialist financial investigators within the police, to go after the same criminal actors who feed off our high streets, carrying out their business in plain sight.”

Mr Brickell said he welcomed the government establishing a high street criminality task force but said more needs to be done.

He said this could include linking regeneration funding to enforcement and bringing in tougher licencing regimes with better data sharing between different agencies.

In response, policing and crime minister Sarah Jones MP said many other MPs had raised similar concerns and she agreed that more action was needed.

She said: “Many Members talked about the increase in the number of vape shops or other shops that we know are actually laundering money.

“I know the police are dealing with that, I have been on a raid with them to tackle it, but my honourable friend is right that more needs to be done.”