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Martin Kemp in emergency rescue by fire brigade moments before going on stage

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Daily Mirror

Former pop legend Martin Kemp revealed an emergency that meant he had to be rescued by the emergency services just before a DJ gig in Falkirk

Martin Kemp was involved in an emergency rescue just moments before he was set to entertain a big crowd. The former EastEnders star and 80s pop legend was getting ready for his latest gig when he found himself stranded in a lift.

The 64-year-old star shared his stricken state on an Instagram post, saying he had been stuck for an hour before being rescued by emergency services. He found himself holed up in the small space before his performance in Falkirk.

Thankfully, Martin seemed to see the funny side of it and shared a snap with the fire brigade on his Instagram. They were all seen cheering and giving the thumbs up at the successful evacuation.

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READ MORE: Lisa Armstrong shares sassy Valentine’s post as she reels from dog Hurley’s deathREAD MORE: EastEnders legend announces return to Albert Square in mega move saying ‘it’s an honour’

Alongside his post, Martin wrote: “Stuck in a lift for an hour!! Before tonight’s gig at City Falkirk… but I still had fun. Thank you so much Falkirk Fire Brigade for rescuing all of us!!!!”

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It comes as Martin continues his UK tour as he plays DJ to some of his favourite tunes. A day earlier, he had entertained crowds in North Shields, near Newcastle.

He is also set to embark on a tour of Ireland with his son Roman in a brand new TV series. The father-and-son duo are ready to hit the roads of the Emerald Isle to explore their heritage.

It was revealed in December the pair had signed a deal with Channel 4 following their success on Celebrity Gogglebox. And Martin’s TV stock rose further after his appearance on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! this year, alongside the likes of Aitch, Shona McGarty, Jack Osbourne and AngryGinge.

Roman’s TV credentials, meanwhile, are also increasing. Following a successful stint on Capital FM’s Breakfast Show on the radio, he has impressed on The One Show. And now he also fronts a segment on Sky Sports talking about football.

And he also recently won Race Across The World with his sister Harleymoon. The duo embarked on a 33-day, 5,900km (3,600-mile) journey across Central America, armed with a budget of just £950 per person and without mobile phone.

But now, the dad and son will hit the screens as a duo again. “We’re used to seeing Martin and Roman on TV together, whether it’s on adverts or on Celebrity Gogglebox,” a source told The Sun at the end of the year.

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“But this will be a real departure for the Kemps to be hitting the road together with their first full, standalone series for Channel 4.

“Particularly as these days Roman is more closely associated with The One Show on the BBC.” The programme, which is said to be called Kemps in Ireland, is being made by Rock Oyster Media, who are the creators behind shows including Taste of Ireland with Dermot O’Leary.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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PSG v Chelsea live: Latest team news and updates as Champions League holders face Club World Cup winners

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PSG v Chelsea live: Latest team news and updates as Champions League holders face Club World Cup winners

Match stats

In terms of average age, Chelsea (24y 31d) and Paris SG (24y 195d) are the two teams with the youngest starting XIs fielded in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Since the start of last season, only Ousmane Dembele (16) has more combined goals and assists for Paris SG in the Champions League than full back Achraf Hakimi (13). The Moroccan also leads all players for the French side in this period for assists (8) and chances created (54).

Estevao is Chelsea’s joint-top scorer in the Champions League this season (3 – level with Joao Pedro). Should he find the net in this match, he would become the youngest ever South American player to score in a knockout stage game in the competition.

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Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:30

Previous meetings: PSG vs Chelsea

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:25

Match stats

Since losing 2-1 to PSG in March 2016, Chelsea have won all six of their Champions League games against French clubs (four vs Lille, two vs Rennes).

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Liam Rosenior will be the 16th manager to see his first knockout stage game in the UEFA Champions League come against the reigning champions. Of the previous 15, only one of those has been victorious (D5 L9): Ralf Rangnick in April 2011 (FC Schalke 04 5-2 Internazionale, quarter-final first leg).

Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:17

Head-to-head

These two sides have met eight times in this competition in the past, with Chelsea winning two, PSG winning three and three ending as draws.

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The first meeting came in the group stages in 2004/05, where Chelsea drew 0-0 at home before winning 3-0 away.

And the most recent meeting came in the round of 16 in 2015/16, where the Parisian side won both legs 2-1.

Of course, these teams also contested the ‘first’ Club World Cup final last summer, with the Blues dismantling the European champions on their way to a 3-0 win.

(Getty Images)

Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:10

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PSG v Chelsea – line-ups

Here are the line-ups in full, as Marquinhos returns to the PSG defence:

PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Doue, Dembele, Barcola.

Subs: Chevalier, Marin, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Fernandez, Mbaye.

Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.

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Subs: Sanchez, Merrick, Acheampong, Badiashile, Sarr, Tosin, Hato, Andrey Santos, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, Delap.

Lawrence Ostlere11 March 2026 19:01

Why Liam Rosenior’s return to PSG is this year’s most fascinating Champions League knockout tie

Like Arsenal, the PSG staff were seeing Liam Rosenior giving the opposition a lot of unexpected things to think about. They were also seeing how the young coach had evidently upscaled from Strasbourg, that he was able to add even greater layers of sophistication to his approach with superior players.

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Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:00

Chelsea team news – Sanchez dropped

The big news is that Robert Sanchez has been dropped. A big call by Liam Rosenior, and we saw last night how a change of goalkeeper can turn out. Filip Jorgensen is the man between the posts.

Otherwise the line-up is as expected, with Cole Palmer operating from the right side and Reece James in midfield.

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Lawrence Ostlere11 March 2026 18:54

Chelsea – confirmed line-up

Lawrence Ostlere11 March 2026 18:49

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Team news

The line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides…

PSG are without Fabian Ruiz but Joao Neves could return after an ankle injury.

Estevao and Jamie Gittens are both missing from Chelsea’s squad with hamstring injuries.

Chris Wilson11 March 2026 18:40

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Tonight’s Champions League fixtures

Here’s the full list of tonight’s Champions League fixtures, with the Arsenal game already underway at the BayArena:

Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal – 5.45pm

Real Madrid vs Man City – 8pm

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Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting – 8pm

Chris Wilson11 March 2026 18:35

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Hendrickson joins Ravens, Crosby still on Raiders and QB Jones re-signs with Colts

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Hendrickson joins Ravens, Crosby still on Raiders and QB Jones re-signs with Colts

The Baltimore Ravens landed their star pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby is back in Las Vegas for now and Daniel Jones is staying in Indianapolis as part of a busy start to the new league year.

The biggest move Wednesday came when the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson a day after backing out of a deal with the Raiders for Crosby over a failed physical, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

Hendrickson was an All-Pro for Cincinnati in 2024 when he led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks. He played in only seven games because of injuries last season and had four sacks but has reached double digits in sacks four times in the previous five seasons.

It was a quick pivot for the Ravens after the surprising development Tuesday night when Baltimore pulled out of the trade that was supposed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas.

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A person with knowledge of Baltimore’s decision told the AP that Crosby failed his physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because those results are private.

Crosby had surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He missed the final two games of the season because of the injury despite wanting to play through it at the time.

The Raiders, who have been among the biggest spenders in the opening days of free agency, now must figure out what to do with Crosby. Las Vegas still has plenty of cap room to keep the five-time Pro Bowler on the roster with his $30 million salary if the team can’t find another trade. Crosby was back in the team facility in Nevada on Wednesday, a person with knowledge said on condition of anonymity.

Jones and the Colts agreed on a two-year contract that is worth up to $100 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told the AP. The person requested anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.

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Jones will receive $88 million over the next two seasons with $50 million guaranteed instead of playing on the $37.8 million transition tag. He can make an additional $12 million through incentives.

Jones led the Colts offense to a productive 10-game start. But following the bye week, Jones played through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then wound up suffering a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.

Jones set career highs in passer rating (100.2) and completion rate (68%) as Indianapolis ranked fifth in the NFL in scoring at 28.9 points per game before he went down for the season.

All the people are speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because teams haven’t announced the moves or other developments.

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Washington agreed to terms with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson on a one-year contract worth $12 million with $10.3 million guaranteed, according to Athletes First, the agency that represents him. Coming off ranking last in the NFL on defense, the Commanders also reached deals with linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Amik Robertson, after losing out to Baltimore on Hendrickson.

In other news, the Ravens and Bills both restructured the contracts of star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to create more room under the salary cap to start the league year.

Baltimore had been hoping to sign Jackson to an extension before the start of the new league year Wednesday. But that hasn’t happened. Instead the Ravens have restructured Jackson’s deal to create cap space, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn’t been finalized.

Jackson has two years remaining on the five-year, $260 million contract the Ravens gave him in 2023.

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Buffalo’s move with Allen frees up approximately $12 million in much-needed salary cap space for the team entering the NFL’s new year, a person familiar with the discussions told the AP.

___

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi and AP Sports Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow contributed to this report

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Luxury Little Play Company in Newton Aycliffe announces closure

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Luxury Little Play Company in Newton Aycliffe announces closure

The Luxury Little Play Company opened on December 10, but has now shut leaving customers devastated.

Owners Natalia, 31, and Atilla, 42, from Spennymoor, said they had always wanted to open a full‑time centre, and since launching, the business proved popular with local families.

The pair put the café on the market last week in a desperate bid to find the right person to take it over with the “dedication it needs”.

The Luxury Little Play Company (Image: The Luxury Little Play Company)

However, in a post on social media on Monday (March 9), they confirmed they had made the “difficult decision” to close the play café permanently.

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The Facebook post said: “As many of you know, we had planned to keep the café open while we looked for the right person to take over and continue welcoming families here.

“It was our hope that the café would remain open and continue trading for a long time. Unfortunately, for reasons outside of our control, this is no longer possible.

“Because of this, we had to make the very difficult decision to close suddenly.

“[Monday] ended up being our final day, and there will be no more play sessions.

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“We are truly heartbroken that it has come to an end so quickly and without the chance to say a proper goodbye to everyone who has supported us.

“This place has meant so much to us, and it was never just about the play – it was about the community, the chats over coffee, the friendships made, and the lovely atmosphere we all created together.

The Luxury Little Play Company (Image: The Luxury Little Play Company)

“To every family who visited, every child who played here, and every parent who sat down for a moment with a good coffee and a chat – thank you. You made this place special.”

The centre included soft play areas, a bubble house, bouncy castle and teepee, as well as a café and kitchen serving hot food.

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The owners said customers can still find them at a playcentre in Durham, called Petite Street Playtown, and will continue with their soft play and bouncy castle hires.

The post added: “And please remember, if you used to come not only to play but also to chat with us, spend time in a lovely atmosphere, and enjoy great coffee, we will always be here for you at Petite Street Playtown, serving you with smiles and love as always.

“We will also continue with our soft play and bouncy castle hire ‘luxurylittleplay’ which means that we will still be able to meet many of you along the way.”

The Luxury Little Play Company (Image: The Luxury Little Play Company)

Following the announcement, customers took to social media to share their support online.

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One person said: “Aww such a shame we’d hoped for another little visit before goodbye! Wishing you all well for the future.”

While another commented: “You are such a lovely family – thank you for so much warmth and kindness during our visits. We’ll see you at Petite Street very soon.”

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6 red flags Portsmouth need to address now to avoid Championship relegation

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6 red flags Portsmouth need to address now to avoid Championship relegation

Pompey find themselves looking over the shoulders at their Championship rivals, who can cut the gap to the bottom three to just two points tonight. After one point from a possible 12, John Mousinho is facing a number of issues – we highlight six key areas which need consideration at a critical moment in the season.

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Windows 10 support ending as expert issues urgent warning

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Windows 10 support ending as expert issues urgent warning

For those who didn’t know, official support for Windows 10 ended in October last year – this was unless users extended their licence for another year.

However, the support of the software will completely come to an end on October 13, 2026, even for those who chose to continue using it as part of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.

With Microsoft no longer offering fixes or security updates in just a few months’ time, devices with Windows 10 could become susceptible to cyber-attacks and hackers.

Of course, the first point of action is to upgrade to Windows 11 for free before the beginning of October.

But as Which? estimates around 21 million people in the UK currently own and use computers and laptops with Windows 10, not all will be able to choose the above option.

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This is because if you have a PC that has Windows 7 or 8.1, or even one bought with these and later upgraded to Windows 10, you probably won’t have the correct specs to upgrade to Windows 11, the consumer champion has outlined.

How important are Windows security updates? Tech expert explains

With this in mind, Scott Bordoni, chief operations officer at Sync has explained the importance of having up to date security updates, and what you can do if you can’t upgrade to Windows 11 straight away.



Scott warned: “Security updates are one of the most important protections any computer has.

“They fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively look for.

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“Once those updates stop arriving, devices gradually become easier targets for malware, scams and data theft.

“When support for Windows 10 ends, computers won’t suddenly stop working.

“But over time they will become more exposed to new security risks because newly discovered weaknesses will no longer be patched.”

What to do before Windows 10 ends to avoid becoming a ‘target’ for scams

Scott continued: “For users who can, upgrading to a supported operating system is the best step.

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“Many devices are eligible for Windows 11, which continues to receive regular security updates and protections.

If you have a PC that has Windows 7 or 8.1, the Windows 11 upgrade might not be possible (Image: hadrian-ifeelstock/Getty)

“If upgrading isn’t possible straight away, there are still sensible steps people can take to reduce risk.

“Make sure antivirus software is active and up to date, keep browsers and apps updated, and be cautious with emails, downloads or links from unknown sources.

“It’s also worth reviewing how the device is used.

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“Avoid storing sensitive information unnecessarily, keep regular backups of important files, and use strong, unique passwords wherever possible.”

The tech expert concluded: “The key thing is awareness.

“Your computer won’t suddenly become unsafe overnight, but the longer unsupported systems stay in use, the more important it becomes to manage security carefully.

“Moments like this often prompt organisations to review the wider security model of the devices they use.

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“Many are increasingly considering platforms designed with security built in from the ground up, such as macOS, which includes features like hardware-level protection, secure boot and regular system-wide updates.”

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 for free? How to get

If you currently have Windows 10 and your device is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, this is how you can get the newer software with the most up to date security:

  • Firstly, check your laptop or computer can get Windows 11 by using this Which? tool
  • Right-click the Start (Windows) button, or press the Windows key on your keyboard
  • Choose Update & Security > Windows Update
  • Follow the on-screen instructions

Additionally, if you’re not sure which version of Windows you’re running, you can check by:

  • Right-click the Start (Windows) button on your screen, or press the Windows key on your keyboard
  • Select Settings > System > About
  • Navigate to Windows specifications for more details

Did you know support for Windows 10 was ending this year? Let us know if you have a device that will be affected in the comments below.

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A ‘weirdly rushed’ appointment – and other key takeaways from Mandelson files

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A 'weirdly rushed' appointment - and other key takeaways from Mandelson files

In an email following his sacking, dated 17 September, 2025, Lord Mandelson wrote: “My chief concern is leaving the US and arriving in the UK with the maximum dignity and minimum media intrusion which I think is to the advantage of all concerned, not least because I remain a crown/civil servant and expect to be treated as such. How is the FCDO assisting in this?”

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A Woman of Substance explained: Is the Channel 4 drama based on a true story?

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Daily Mirror

A Woman of Substance is making its Channel 4 debut tonight with the period drama set to air over the next month.

A Woman Of Substance official trailer for Channel 4 drama

Channel 4 is preparing to debut A Woman of Substance, a television adaptation of a best-selling novel frequently ranked amongst the “best-selling books of all time”.

Featuring Vera star Brenda Blethyn and Outlander’s Jessica Reynolds, the duo portray the older and younger incarnations of the determined Emma Harte in A Woman of Substance.

The eight-episode Channel 4 drama chronicles how Emma, an impoverished Yorkshire housemaid in the 1900s, pursues vengeance following betrayal and subsequently builds a worldwide business empire.

However, her challenges persist into her late seventies as Emma confronts fresh personal troubles and unforeseen adversaries.

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With A Woman of Substance broadcasting every Wednesday and Thursday evening over the coming weeks, viewers are eager to discover the origins behind the narrative.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

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Is A Woman of Substance based on a true story?

A Woman of Substance draws from author Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE’s debut novel sharing the same title, initially released in 1979.

This marked the opening instalment of a successful seven-book sequence and swiftly achieved international bestseller status, with sales exceeding 30 million copies globally.

Bradford’s creation was subsequently adapted into a mini-series, also by Channel 4, back in 1985.

Therefore, A Woman of Substance isn’t rooted in actual events but, despite Emma Harte being fictitious, Bradford has previously commented on how her literary heroines are similar to herself in possessing a “backbone of steel”.

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Much like her fictional creations, she hailed from Yorkshire, departed education at 15 and climbed the ladder from journalist to bestselling novelist.

In 2020, Bradford was considering penning a prequel to the A Woman of Substance series and therefore revisited her earlier works in preparation.

She subsequently told The Guardian: “All I could think at the end was these women are all working hard.”

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She continued: “They’re all driven, ambitious and disciplined. I’ve written about myself in every book.”

She also discussed her husband Robert Bradford, to whom she was wed for 55 years, before his passing in 2019 at the age of 92.

Bradford confessed: “All I wanted to do was go and lie in his plot next to him for quite a few weeks,”.

However, she reflected: “But I guess if you’re a practical, down-to-earth Yorkshirewoman … we’re rather stoical, and I’m strong. I’ve always had a backbone of steel.”

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She added: “I’ve gone through all sorts of things and come out the other end.”

A Woman of Substance continues every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.

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Man arrested after alleged Bolton town centre assault

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Man arrested after alleged Bolton town centre assault

Police were called to Church Bank in Bolton town centre, just off Churchgate, at around 4.45pm today, March 11.

A reported “altercation” between two men took place there, with one being arrested on suspicion of assault.

Another man “received treatment” for his injuries, with police saying he is to be taken to hospital to be assessed.

Offers are conducting further enquiries.

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 4.45pm today (11 March), officers responded to reports of an altercation between two men on Church Bank, Bolton.

Police and paramedics on scene (Image: Newsquest)

“Officers attended and a man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault.

“One man has received treatment for his injuries and will be further assessed at hospital. Enquiries are ongoing.”

A police van and an ambulance were seen at the junction of Church Bank, Church Gate and Silverwell Street at 5.30pm today.

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Police probing car car theft gang uncover ‘chop shop’

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Manchester Evening News

Cops raided addresses in Stretford, Wythenshawe, Yorkshire and Frodsham in Cheshire

Police investigating a series of burglaries uncovered a ‘chop shop’ and seized several suspected stolen cars during raids across the north west this morning.

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Cops raided addresses in Stretford, Wythenshawe and Yorkshire, During a warrant executed in Frodsham in Cheshire officers found a ‘chop shop’, where stolen cars are broken down and sold as parts.

It following an investigation into a series of at least 12 burglaries in Gorton and Levenshulme during which cars were taken. Some eight vehicles suspected to have been stolen were seized during this morning’s raids and assessments are being carried out to establish if they are in a condition fit to be returned to their owners.

During the raid in Frodsham, police say a ‘chop shop’ was uncovered.

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Two men, both 26, and one man, 36, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary ‘as part of initial enquiries’, according to Greater Manchester Police. The suspects remain in custody for questioning.

When he was installed as chief constable in 2021, Sir Stephen Watson vowed that every burglary would be investigated, which wasn’t the case under the previous regime. The force says that there have been about 500 fewer burglary victims each month across Greater Manchester since May 2021 ‘thanks to the ongoing efforts and work of neighbourhood teams’.

Following this morning’s raids, Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “Burglaries are crimes which can leave people feeling scared in their own home and is something that we have zero tolerance for.

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“After identifying a trend from a series of burglaries committed across January, we proactively began an in-depth investigation, which resulted in today’s activity and results.

“Every single day across the entirety of Greater Manchester, officers work to tackle burglaries whenever they occur – from providing bespoke preventative advice to arresting those responsible.

“If you have been the victim of a burglary, please do get in touch with your local team, who will be best-placed to provide advice, assistance, and do their best to get you the justice you deserve.”

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LIZZY BUCHAN: ‘Mandelson files show Keir Starmer was warned over Epstein ties

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Daily Mirror

On Wednesday Keir Starmer was once again confronted with difficult questions about his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite his ties to the notorious paedophile

Even war in the Middle East can’t silence the drumbeat of anger around Jeffrey Epstein and his web of influence.

On Wednesday Keir Starmer was once again confronted with difficult questions about his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite his ties to the notorious paedophile.

This fateful mistake has cast a cloud over the Prime Minister, whose leadership was left teetering on the very brink last month. The first batch of Mandelson files contains no dramatic revelations – bar the extraordinary demands by Lord Mandelson for a £500,000 payout from the taxpayer.

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READ MORE: Peter Mandelson files eight revelations – from astonishing request to Farage riskREAD MORE: Keir Starmer blasts Kemi Badenoch for ‘mother of all U-turns’ over Middle East conflict

But it offers no exoneration for Mr Starmer either. The 147-page dossier lays out in black and white how the Prime Minister was warned about Lord Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein. A due diligence report by the Cabinet Office explicitly mentions claims that Lord Mandelson remained friends with Epstein after his conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. It also notes reports that Lord Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse while he was in jail.

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There is private frustration in Downing Street that Scotland Yard has blocked the release of a crucial exchange between Morgan McSweeney, the PM’s then-chief of staff, and Lord Mandelson. No10 insiders believe the questions posed by Mr McSweeney will demonstrate that Lord Mandelson lied outright. The peer is said to believe he answered accurately.

All involved believe the police probe must be allowed to proceed, but there is some frustration that this exchange has been held back. Yesterday’s document dump is only the tip of the iceberg of the vast tranche of documents, WhatsApps and emails relating to the appointment the Government has been compelled to publish by Parliament.

What comes next could be more explosive, including Lord Mandelson’s communications with top ministers and officials. Diplomats are concerned about the risk of stray comments offending Donald Trump or other world leaders, even after the files have passed through vetting by Parliament’s intelligence watchdog.

But the central questions remain – what did Mr Starmer know and when? It may be true that he didn’t know the full extent of their friendship, and Lord Mandelson may have lied to him.

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But even if Mr Starmer never read newspaper reports about Mandelson and Epstein, officials spelled out to him that there were serious risks and he appointed him anyway. Perhaps he weighed these risks against the benefits of Mandelson’s undoubted political skills, which were deployed successfully with Mr Trump.

Perhaps he was badly advised by Mr McSweeney, who quit last month over the row. Time will tell whether these files clear the PM or not. But the buck will stop with him in the end.

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