Home Blog Page 149

Murder investigation launched after serious assault in Fallowfield

Helen Greaney
-
0
Murder investigation launched after serious assault in Fallowfield

A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 60s was found dead on Platt Lane in Fallowfield.

Police were called to the scene at 8.50am on Monday, where Fintan McDwyer (pictured) was pronounced dead.

Officers believe a violent assault took place in the property. The victim suffered serious and fatal injuries to his face and neck which were caused by a sharp instrument.

Detective chief inspector Gina Brennand said: “Although the investigation is still in its very early stages, we are beginning to build a timeline of events leading up to Fintan’s death and will continue to work tirelessly to find out what has happened to him and my thoughts and the thoughts of the investigation team are with his family at this difficult time.

“A number of lines of enquiry are being looked into, but we ask that anyone with information comes forward to speak to us – regardless of how small you think it seems, to us, this may be the missing piece of information we need to progress this investigation. We know that someone, somewhere will know what has happened to him.

“We are specifically appealing to anyone who noticed anything suspicious on Platt Lane or in the surrounding areas from 7pm on Saturday, June 29 up until the morning of Monday, July 1 to get in touch with us.

“If you have any information or footage that could assist our investigation into this incident, please contact GMP on 0161 856 5415 quoting log 695 1/7/24.”

A dedicated portal has been set up and information, CCTV, dashcam, doorbell and phone images and footage can be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

“Game-changing” burns technology deployed in Manchester

Helen Greaney
-
0
“Game-changing” burns technology deployed in Manchester

An innovative new technology that helps doctors and nurses to make faster treatment decisions for people with burn wounds is now being used in Manchester.

Until now healthcare professionals have had to rely on making subjective assessments based on their experience to determine if wounds – such as burns injuries – will respond to treatment.

But Spectral MD’s DeepView™ imaging system uses artificial intelligence to give clinicians a healing assessment on day-one of the burn wound injury to help them make the best decision about treatment for patients.

It was launched at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester last week having already been deployed at hospitals in Swansea, Newcastle, Essex, and Aylesbury earlier in the year.

Spectral MD’s clinical affairs manager, Lisa Wood, is a tissue viability nurse who has cared for people with wounds and is passionate about wound care innovation. She has helped to launch DeepView™ in the UK hospitals.

She said: “One of the brilliant things about DeepView™ is you can use it on day-one. You don’t need to wait for the burn to evolve for it to give you a healing prediction. This technology looks forward in time to know will the tissue heal and provides that information straight away.”

Consultant burns, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Zeeshan Sheikh, of Manchester Foundation NHS Trust, said: “We tend to use clinical judgement to assess burn wound depth and from that assess whether a patient would have a better outcome with or without surgery.

“Although technology is available which helps assessment in this area, the same technology has been around for over 20 years. With the advent of artificial intelligence, this has allowed some added benefits, which I’m hoping to see DeepView™ provide.

“With the recent delivery of the DeepView™ machine to our Burns Unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, we are one of only five centres currently evaluating this technology in the UK.

“We hope the outcome of the trial will aid in speedy accurate burn depth evaluation and ultimately better decision making in the care of burn patients with better outcomes in terms of scarring, shorter hospital stays and reduced financial costs for the NHS.”

The first site to start using DeepView™ in the UK was the Northern Regional Burn Centre in Newcastle.

Consultant Burn Surgeon Chris Lewis said: “The DeepView™ technology provides us with high quality photos and gives us a binary output in terms of whether we need to surgically remove an area of burned skin or whether it will heal. It makes the decision making about whether patients need surgery a lot easier.

“We can take it into patients’ rooms, operating theatres and all around the hospital and that’s a gamechanger. Rather than having to take the patient to the device, the device moves to them.”

200-year-old Manchester icon celebrated in design partnership

Helen Greaney
-
0
200-year-old Manchester icon celebrated in design partnership

200 years of The University of Manchester’s world-class education, research, and incredible people have been brought to life in an exclusive design partnership with Manchester-based designers The Sculpts, celebrating The University’s bicentenary.

Since 1824, the prestigious university has been spearheading change, addressing the planet’s greatest challenges and making a difference in the city of Manchester, the nation and beyond.

The Sculpt’s stunning pen and ink design brings this rich history to life illustrating some of the university’s most distinguished alumni and staff, iconic architecture, and several of its most important innovations and discoveries.

The design is the latest in a series of individual artistic collaborations between the Manchester-based brand, and the city’s cultural institutions.

The bicentennial design includes illustrations of; Christabel Pankhurst, suffragette and alumna; Alan Turing, mathematician and computer scientist; Arthur Lewis, economist and Nobel Laureate; components of the Manchester Baby, the first electronic stored-program computer; botanical illustrations from the Manchester Museum Herbarium Archives; the Sackville Street Building, home of Manchester College of Technology and UMIST; the atomic structure of Graphene; the Lovell telescope; early medical instruments; and the iconic ‘Manchester bee’.

The university’s bicentennial design sits alongside The Sculpts’ iconic range of handmade ceramic ‘Manchester’ tiles. Each 6×6-inch tile is one letter of the alphabet illustrated to depict a different stage in Manchester’s transformation – from post-industrial depression to a technological and cultural force to be reckoned with.

Jade King, director of The Sculpts says: “We’re delighted to be working with The University of Manchester to celebrate its birthday. For 200 years, the university has been a world-leader in its field: pioneering, innovating, and discovering. We jumped at the chance to be a part of recognising the contribution the University has made to this city and the world, in a beautiful design that brings the university’s history alive.”

Kim Graakjaer, leading across the bicentenary celebrations at The University of Manchester said: “It has been fabulous to collaborate with such a distinctive and iconic Manchester brand to celebrate our 200th year. The design is so intricate and encapsulates our University’s history and heritage, alongside some of our more recent discoveries and our links across the city region, in a really delightful way.”

Previous collaborations for The Sculpts have included Manchester Museum, for whom the designers created a bespoke range of their iconic ‘alphabet’ illustrations for the museum; the Whitworth gallery; and Stock Exchange Hotel.

Party Central Launches in the UK: Revolutionising Event Planning with Advanced Marketplace

News Desk
-
0
Party Central Launches in the UK: Revolutionising Event Planning with Advanced Marketplace

Party Central, an innovative platform designed to streamline and enhance the organisation of private events, weddings, parties, and corporate functions, has launched in the UK. This cutting-edge platform combines advanced technology with industry expertise to transform the event planning landscape for organisers, suppliers, and clients.

Party Central has launched with the mission to make event planning exciting and effortless. By connecting users with top-notch suppliers, the platform ensures that every event is a success without the usual hassle.

Party Central offers a comprehensive suite of features to make event planning more accessible and enjoyable. Users can access the UK’s largest network of event suppliers, including caterers, DJs, venues, and decorators. The platform features both established professionals and emerging talents, offering a wide range of options for weddings, parties, and corporate events. Each supplier is rigorously vetted by Party Central, ensuring top-quality and reliable services, so customers can trust the excellence of their bookings.

As an independent and unbiased platform, Party Central treats all suppliers equally, ensuring a fair and level playing field for everyone.

Cost efficiency is another significant benefit of Party Central. The platform negotiates the best rates with suppliers, passing the savings on to customers. High-quality services are available for every budget, ensuring value for money. The intuitive platform simplifies the booking process, allowing customers to plan their entire event in one place. Users receive a tailored package via email or WhatsApp, complete with a secure checkout link.

Behind the scenes, Party Central utilises advanced artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, scale operations, and provide personalised recommendations. This AI-driven innovation allows the company to grow rapidly while maintaining high standards of service and customer satisfaction.

The founders of Party Central, Tej Randeva and Dav Panesar, bring decades of combined experience across various industries, including tech, brokerage, finance, events, and luxury services. Their diverse backgrounds and successful ventures form the foundation of Party Central’s innovative approach and ambitious growth plans.

Dav Panesar, co-founder of Party Central, said: “We are an extension of our suppliers’ businesses, helping them reach a wider audience and grow their operations. We’re not just a platform; we’re partners in success. Our aim is to boost business for our suppliers and make event planning effortless for our customers.”

Party Central is committed to supporting suppliers’ businesses while providing customers with a seamless booking experience. Tej Randeva, co-founder of Party Central, added: “Event planning should be exciting and effortless. Our platform connects users with the best suppliers in the business, ensuring every event is a hit without the hassle.”

In addition to transforming event planning, Party Central is contributing to local employment. The company plans to create at least five new jobs in its new booking office in the Greater London area, supporting the local economy and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Following its launch, Party Central is poised for significant growth. A dedicated UK sales team will enhance market presence and customer engagement, while the new UK headquarters will improve team coordination and service offerings. The company plans to expand its services across various sectors, including corporate events, private parties, weddings, and destination weddings, working with both UK and international suppliers. By diversifying its offerings, Party Central aims to become the UK’s go-to platform for all event planning needs.

For more details, please visit www.partycentral.co.uk. Suppliers wishing to join the Party Central network can sign up at partners.partycentral.co.uk.

General Election: Polling stations have opened

Helen Greaney
-
0
General Election: Polling stations have opened

Polling stations are now open for people to cast their votes in a general election that could see Labour claw back power for the first time in 14 years.

There are 650 constituencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with ballots open from 7am to 10pm. Vote counting will start as soon as the polls close, with results expected on Friday morning.

This election follows six weeks of intense campaigning by the prime minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer.

The Conservatives say if they take control, they promise to bring in mandatory national service for a year for all 18-year-olds, raise the tax-free pension allowance and to fund apprenticeships.

Labour has pledged to recruit 6,500 teachers, cut NHS waiting lists by providing 40,000 more appointments each week, launch a border security command to stop people-smuggling gangs from arranging small boat crossings and build 1.5 million new homes.

Liberal Democrats offer a For A Fair Deal manifesto, and their policies include fining companies for dumping sewage, creating a legal right to see a GP within a week and building at least 150,000 new council and social homes each year.

Voters do not need too take a polling card to their local station, but they must have a verified form of photo ID.

Editorial credit: Gareth Willey

 

Wimbledon 2024: Raducanu breezes into third round with Mertens victory

Mitch Fretton
-
0
Wimbledon 2024: Raducanu breezes into third round with Mertens victory

Emma Raducanu continued her impressive run at Wimbledon by breezing past Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the second round.

The former British No.1 was handed a wildcard for the tournament following her injury troubles in the last 12 months but had no problem in the match, winning 6-1, 6-2.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Wimbledon 2024: Defending champion Alcaraz thrills fans to reach third round
Swiatek extends win streak to 20 games with victory in first round
Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round

It is the first time she has made it into the third round at a Grand Slam since her 2021 US Open triumph.

She joins fellow Brit Sonay Kartal in the third round, with the latter going up against the formidable Coco Gauff.

Raducanu struggled in her first-round clash against Renata Zarazua but showed a marked improvement against Mertens, serving with precision and striking the ball cleanly throughout.

She missed the French Open to focus her training on the grass courts as the 21-year-old also prepares to gear up in the mixed doubles with Andy Murray.

The now 135th-ranked tennis star had the crowd standing on more than one occasion and looked to be enjoying every point.

Speaking after the match, she said: “I played really good tennis and I knew all the hard yards would lead to something and I am just happy I can reap some of the rewards here in Wimbledon.”

Raducano will play No.9 seed Maria Sakkari in the last 32 on Friday, as she continues her charge towards a maiden Wimbledon title.

Wimbledon 2024: Defending champion Alcaraz thrills fans to reach third round

Cian Cheesbrough
-
0
Wimbledon 2024: Defending champion Alcaraz thrills fans to reach third round

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was in fine form as he stormed into the third round of Wimbledon by beating Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic.

The pair played out a fiercely-contested first set, which was won by the Spaniard in a tie-break, before he stormed to a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-2 win.

Alcaraz, 21, is bidding to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles after winning the French Open last month, while he also wants to add another Wimbledon title to his collection following his maiden triumph last year.

Read our other sports news stories:
Swiatek extends win streak to 20 games with victory in first round
Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round
Sabalenka withdraws after failing to shake off shoulder injury

“I’m really happy about my performance today,” Alcaraz said.

“The first set was the key for me to pull out all the nerves. It was really close.”

Alcaraz was 5-2 up in the first set before Kuvic raced back with some delightful tennis to force a tie-break.

The Australian then forced his way back to 5-4 from 5-1 down in the tie-break before Alcaraz took command and claimed the first set.

He didn’t look back after that point, with racing through the final two sets to claim the victory.

The World No3 will take on American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe next, who he beat on the way to winning the US Open in 2022.

Alcaraz added: “We played a really good match in the US Open. I know that he is a really talented player, he is even tougher here on grass with his style.

“It’s going to be a really difficult match for me but I’m ready to take that challenge, I’m ready to play a really high level of tennis.”

Road rage revealed: Most Brits admit to losing cool behind the wheel

Helen Greaney
-
0
Road rage revealed: Most Brits admit to losing cool behind the wheel

Despite Global Forgiveness Day arriving on July 7, new data from Regtransfers reveals that a shocking number of Brits admit to experiencing road rage.

When asked during a recent survey, three in five British drivers admitted experiencing road rage at another road user or pedestrian.

While getting frustrated behind the wheel is not against the law in itself, the resulting actions taken by disgruntled drivers could lead to driving in a manner that could be considered careless or dangerous – which could lead to a motoring conviction.

While we technically shouldn’t, perhaps one of the more common ways we vent frustration at other motorists is to sound the car’s horn. Horns should only be used to warn other road users of imminent danger, but the study also revealed that most Brits don’t know when they should and shouldn’t be doing this.

When asked to identify the correct times one can use their horn in a built-up area, over half (56%) of Brits were unable to do so, either stating that they didn’t know or responding with incorrect times.

According to the Highway Code, Rule 112 dictates that drivers must not use their horn when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7.00am. What’s more, breaking this law could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

“While driving can be an enjoyable experience, it can also test our patience, especially during rush hour”, comments Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee. “We’ve all felt annoyed whilst being stuck in traffic – it’s just human nature.

“That being said, how we choose to manage our reactions is important not just for legal compliance, but also our collective safety. Road rage can escalate quickly and not only compromise your own safety but also that of others. It’s important that we respect each other, and techniques such as deep breathing, listening to calm music or planning extra time to avoid rushing can help in keeping a cool head. It might be particularly prevalent on Global Forgiveness Day, but we should always think twice before venting frustrations at other road users!”

Power play: Understanding circuit breakers and electrical safety

Helen Greaney
-
0
Power play: Understanding circuit breakers and electrical safety

Electricity is an invisible force that powers our lives. From the lights illuminating our homes to the devices keeping us connected, it’s a constant presence. But with great power comes great responsibility, and understanding how electricity works safely is crucial.

In this game of power, circuit breakers play a vital role, acting as the silent guardians protecting our homes and appliances from harm.

Fundamentals of circuit breakers

Imagine your electrical system as a highway. Electricity travels through wires, similar to cars on a road. Circuit breakers function like traffic lights, ensuring a smooth flow of current. When everything operates normally, the current stays within a safe limit. However, if there’s a surge in traffic (overload) or a faulty connection (short circuit), chaos erupts. This is where circuit breakers take charge.

There are two main types of circuit breaker malfunctions they address:
● Overload: This occurs when too many appliances are plugged into a single circuit,
drawing more current than the wires can handle. Imagine a rush hour on a single-lane
road. The breaker trips, cutting off power and preventing overheating of the wires.
● Short Circuit: This happens when a live wire comes into contact with a neutral wire or
ground. Think of it as a car crashing and blocking the entire road. The sudden surge of
current can cause sparks, overheating, and even fires. The circuit breaker reacts
instantly, interrupting the flow and preventing serious damage.

Inside the hero: How circuit breakers work

These silent guardians are marvels of engineering. Let’s delve into their inner workings:

1. Bimetallic Strip: This clever component is made of two different metals bonded
together. When heated, each metal expands at a different rate. Under normal current
flow, the strip remains straight.
2. Electromagnet: A coil of wire wrapped around a metal core generates a magnetic field
when current flows through it.

3. Trip Mechanism: A spring-loaded lever that holds the circuit breaker in the position.
Here’s the action sequence:
● During an overload, the excessive current flowing through the circuit breaker heats the
bimetallic strip. Due to the differing expansion rates, the strip bends, eventually
triggering the trip mechanism.
● In a short circuit, the surge in current creates a powerful magnetic field in the
electromagnet. This force overpowers the spring-loaded trip mechanism, instantly
opening the circuit.
In both scenarios, the circuit breaker throws the switch, stopping the flow of electricity and
preventing potential disasters.

Respect the power: Electrical safety tips

While circuit breakers are our first line of defence, it’s important to remember they are not
foolproof. Here are some essential electrical safety tips:
● Don’t overload circuits: Be mindful of how many appliances you plug into a single
outlet. Avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution.
● Know your limits: If your lights dim or outlets feel warm, it’s a sign of overload. Reduce
the load or consult a qualified electrician.
● Inspect regularly: Visually inspect your circuit breakers for damage or discolouration.
Don’t attempt to repair them yourself; call a professional.
● Water and electricity don’t mix: Keep electrical appliances away from water sources.
● Grounding matters: Ensure all three-prong plugs are properly grounded to prevent
shocks.
● Leave it to the professionals: For any major electrical work, hire a licensed electrician.

Don’t get reset happy: Understanding when to replace

Circuit breakers are designed to trip and reset a limited number of times. Repeated tripping can indicate a more serious underlying issue within the wiring. Here's when a replacement might be necessary:

● Frequent tripping: If a breaker trips frequently, even with a normal load, it's past its prime.
● Physical damage: Cracks, discolouration, or a loose lever are signs of wear and tear.
● Age: Circuit breakers, like any other device, have a lifespan. Consult a professional to
determine if yours needs replacement.

Power play for peace of mind

By understanding circuit breakers and practising electrical safety, you can ensure a smooth
power flow in your home. Remember, these silent guardians are there to protect you and your loved ones. Respect the power, play it safe, and enjoy the convenience of electricity with peace of mind.

Wimbledon 2024: Murray and Radacanu to play mixed doubles at SW19

Cian Cheesbrough
-
0
Wimbledon 2024: Murray and Radacanu to play mixed doubles at SW19

British duo Andy Murray and Emma Radacanu will compete in the mixed doubles together at Wimbledon.

The pair, who are Britain’s two most recent Grand Slam singles winners, are set to pair up after being awarded a wildcard for the event at SW19, which kicks off on Friday.

Murray, 37, is looking to maximise his opportunities in his final appearance at the All England Tennis Club after injury ruled him out of competing in the singles event.

Read our other sports news stories:
Swiatek extends win streak to 20 games with victory in first round
Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round
Sabalenka withdraws after failing to shake off shoulder injury

The Scot was due to face Tomas Mchac on Tuesday afternoon but was forced to withdraw following recent surgery to remove a spinal cyst 11 days ago.

He will also play alongside brother Jamie Murray in the men’s doubles.

The three-time Grand Slam winner famously played alongside Serena Williams in 2019, with the decorated duo reaching the third round.

It will be Radacanu’s Grand Slam debut when she takes to the court with Murray, with her only her other doubles appearance coming in Washington two years ago.

The 21-year-old former US Open champion is hoping for success in the singles and plays in the second round against Belgian Elise Merterns on Wednesday after beating Mexico’s Renata Zarazura on Monday.

Asked following the win on Monday about Murray’s influence on her, Raducanu said: “I think the biggest advice is just how he’s always taken care of his operations, how he manages his people.

“I haven’t really spoken to him so much. I think for me it’s just watching him operate day to day, watching him be absolutely on it with everything. Even in practice now, he’s so on it to the minute.

“I think me, when I was a bit younger maybe, showing up 15 minutes before practice to do a few arm curls, swing my hand around and warm up. He’s there for an hour and a half doing treatment. He just sets really good examples.”

1...148149150...1,066Page 149 of 1,066