Latest news with #GreaterManchesterFireandRescueService
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Daily Record
Firefighter apprentice sacked after boasting he was once hitman for Mexican drug cartel
Zac Gonzalez Rostro was sacked after bosses were told of his claims he was a cartel hitman. A trainee firefighter has been given the boot after boasting he was once a contract killer for a drugs gang. Zac Gonzalez Rostro was just six weeks into his training programme with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service when his wild claims sparked an investigation. He had been telling fellow trainees at the Bury centre about his podcast appearances where he alleged to have murdered more than 70 people as part of an LA gang. When quizzed by fire service investigators, he admitted his shocking stories were fabricated purely to earn cash from podcasts, reports the Manchester Evening News. During one podcast, he boasted of killing "more than 70" people and claimed that after one murder, gang members used a victim's severed head as a basketball. In another episode, he declared: "I was introduced to the killing game. You give me a pistol, you give me a rifle and I will do my job." He detailed how he was running with a gang in Los Angeles and moved up from "home invasions" - break-ins in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, to drive-by shootings. He alleged he used a revolver in his first shooting "as it does not leave a casing". He also spoke of "spraying" homes with bullets and claimed to have witnessed children as young as eight carrying firearms. He stated: "I like the adrenalin. I wanted to join the Marines but I joined something else." Speaking about his alleged "gang-related" youth, he added: "You basically stick with your own race. You are always looking behind your back. I have seen kids pull out guns at the age of eight. You start getting a full sense of the danger you are in from around the age of 12. I have seen young kids, they have nothing else but the gang you know. Their parents are dead, or dad's in prison, mom in rehab. They have nothing. "We would do a lot of home invasion, like rob. I've never been a fan of selling drugs, but I have been a fan of getting money." Rostro, who revealed in a podcast that his mother is Mexican, appeared before a disciplinary panel on Friday. Deputy Chief Officer Carlos Meakin explained: "We were recently made aware of serious allegations against an apprentice firefighter. "We moved quickly to suspend the apprentice while we investigated the allegations. Our investigation is now complete, and following a hearing this afternoon the apprentice has been dismissed. "Public safety is our top priority alongside the safety and welfare of our staff. Before recruiting the apprentice in question, we carried out enhanced national DBS checks, as we do for all potential recruits, as well as an international criminal records check. These did not flag any areas of concern. "We also checked the applicant's social media as part of our screening process, but as he used a pseudonym online, we were not aware of the content which came to light this week. "We hold our staff to the highest standards and will not tolerate attitudes or behaviours that goes against our values. Within 20 minutes of the allegations being reported to us we had launched an investigation, the apprentice firefighter was suspended the same day, and we concluded our investigation within 72 hours. "We're supporting staff who have been affected by this issue." The M.E.N. understands that GMFRS carried out an enhanced DBS check and international criminal records checks before employing the apprentice in question. These did not raise any red flags. Fire bosses said the apprentice "had the right to work in the UK and provided all relevant visas and documentation." The service maintains it "will always take swift action to investigate any reports of attitudes or behaviours that go against our values." An inquiry was launched within 20 minutes of the trainee's allegations. Rostro was amongst around 30 recruits participating in the programme.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Mancunian Way: Going underground
Andy Burnham says he is 'deadly serious' about taking Greater Manchester's transport system subterranean. He wants to run trains and trams under Manchester city centre. The mayor's rather surprising announcement came at the end of an event to launch the new, 10-year Greater Manchester Strategy. And Mr Burnham said the underground policy was what he was most excited about. READ MORE: Dean Barnes trial: Burglary victim cleared of causing death by dangerous driving as thief who rode stolen bike convicted READ MORE: Mum murdered by ex dumped outside as his sisters tried to help cover up brutal killing He wants it to start with a new, underground Piccadilly station. 'We will need infrastructure on a bigger scale to cope,' he told Ethan Davies. It's not exactly a new idea. A 'Picc-Vic' subterranean tunnel was planned in the 1970s, before it was cancelled. No timelines for the underground system have been offered but Mr Burnham wants 'detailed' costed plans by 2030. Watch this space. While waxing lyrical last night, Mr Burnham said the next decade will be the best 'since the Victorian period'. Part of that is down to a new plan to run five new 'mayoral development corporations' (MDCs) - aimed at slashing red tape and speeding up development. In the town of Middleton, comedian Steve Coogan will be leading the charge. New homes and businesses, improved roads and a Metrolink stop could all be part of the regeneration. And Mr Coogan, who hails from Alkrington, says it's an 'exciting opportunity' for him to give back to a town that helped him in his early years. 'I feel I owe the people of Middleton a debt. That's why I'm happy to be involved and talk to people in Middleton and ask them what they want and what they need. 'You can't change the world, but you can change the things in your locality if you get involved. So I'm getting involved.' You can read more about the plans here. This lovely image shows Heaton Park as preparations start for the huge Oasis homecoming gigs. You can catch up with all our Oasis stories - and there are a few - right here. Demolition work has started at the Hotspur Press building after it was gutted during a devastating fire. A huge blaze erupted at the building - one of the city's oldest surviving cotton mills, which was later repurposed as a printing press - on the evening of June 23. More than 100 people were evacuated from nearby blocks of flats, while trains were stopped on the line near Oxford Road station. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it would have to be partially demolished. Specialist workers are currently on site and carrying out preparation work. Chris Slater has more detail here. Greater Manchester could see four major hospital rebuilds and new developments amid changes to frustrating rules that stopped the region from transforming crumbling buildings. After a years-long mission to get the funding, and a Manchester Evening News campaign, up to £1.5bn was finally approved by the government for the overhaul of the Victorian-era North Manchester General Hospital. But NHS capital spending rules have prevented three other major hospital building projects in Greater Manchester. Changes to those rules could break logjams for Stepping Hill Hospital, wythenshawe-hospital>Wythenshawe Hospital, and The Christie Hospital, says the region's NHS chief. Health reporter Helena Vesty has all the details here. Two years ago, Alex Spencer was performing to shoppers on Market Street. Last night he took to the Castlefield Bowl stage in front of thousands as a support act for The Black Keys. The 18-year-old started busking at the age of 12 and has made a name for himself releasing three EPs and showcasing tracks via BBC Introducing. 'If I never went out busking I'd never be here where I am now,' he told Adam Maidment. 'The best thing about busking is that you never know who is watching.' Read more about Alex here. Friday: It's another scorcher with sunshine all day and top temps of 30C. Roads: A577 Mosley Common Road, Astley, in both directions closed due to roadworks between B5232 Bridgewater Road and A572 Chaddock Lane until July 22. A6 Chapel Street westbound, Salford, closed due to long-term roadworks from A6041 Blackfriars Road to A34 New Bailey Street. Until January 19. A5067 Chester Road westbound, Old Trafford, closed due to roadworks between A5014 Talbot Road and A56 Bridgewater Way. Between 9.30am and 3.30pm Mondays to Sundays until October 31. Towering: Plans to build one of the UK's tallest skyscrapers in Salford look set to go ahead in a major development for the city. The massive tower could stand at 273m tall, in a £1bn project by Henley Investment Management (HIM) to build up to 3,300 homes across 10 buildings at Regent Retail Park. More here. Razed: An eyesore Northern Quarter car park is to be demolished to make way for a new development. Four new public squares will be built on the site of the Church Street multi-storey. More here. Blossoming: Castlefield Viaduct will double in size after securing £2.75m of funding, the National Trust has announced. The 'sky park' was opened to the public in 2022, initially opening for a year-long trial but it proved such a hit that the National Trust kept it open. Details here. It was a place of outlandish pranks, love affairs, legendary drunken parties and the first home many people ever had in the city. Sadly, all that remains are photographs and memories that generations of former students will never forget. Now reduced to rubble, Owens Park Tower was once the gold standard in student digs. Lee Grimsditch has been looking back at why.
ITV News
10-07-2025
- General
- ITV News
Demolition begins on Historic Manchester Hotspur Press building begins major fire
Demolition has started at Manchester's historic Hotspur Press after a huge fire tore through the site. The blaze, on 23 June gutted the 1800s mill—once a printing press—forcing over 100 residents to evacuate and halting trains near Oxford Road. Part of the building collapsed, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) later said it was too dangerous to investigate inside. A partial demolition was deemed necessary. Work is now underway, with the most damaged sections—near Starbucks and HOME—expected to come down overnight Saturday 13 June, when nearby rail lines are shut. Only structures posing an 'imminent risk to the public' will be demolished. Developer Manner previously proposed a 36-storey student tower retaining the mill's façade. MCR Property Group, the building's owner, said: 'Every care is being taken to protect what remains of the structure.'A spokesperson said: "Since the devastating fire at Hotspur Press two weeks ago, MCR Property Group, as the building's owner, has been working closely with the developer Manner, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police to ensure the site is made safe."Following a Section 78 notice issued by Manchester City Council Building Control, certain areas of the building have been identified for demolition to remove risk to the public."These works are now under way, including the clearance of Gloucester Street from remaining fire debris. Every care is being taken to protect what remains of the structure." They continued: "Where possible, materials will be recovered and retained for potential future reuse, in a way that respects the site's heritage."We recognise the cultural significance of Hotspur Press and remain committed to preserving what we can, while acting responsibly to ensure safety."This phase of safety works is expected to complete early next week, after which we will reconvene with stakeholders to agree the next steps."The priority will be to ensure the site is safe for investigation teams to access, while continuing to protect and save what we can." They added efforts are being made to salvage materials where possible, in recognition of the site's heritage. The safety phase is expected to finish early next week. GMFRS said they are not currently on-site but will likely return once the area is safe for investigation.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Major motorway shut nearly 24 hours after major eight-vehicle crash
The eight-vehicle crash involving several lorries, spilled beer barrels and leaking diesel brought traffic to a standstill. One of the UK's major motorways remains completely closed nearly 24 hours after a serious multi-vehicle collision left a trail of distruction. The incident has affected the M60 which remains closed in both directions on Tuesday morning, causing widespread disruption in Greater Manchester, reports Manchester Evening News. The crash, which involved eight vehicles – including four HGVs and four cars – happened shortly before 11.30am on Monday, July 7, between junction 27 at the Portwood roundabout and junction 1 near the Stockport Pyramid. Emergency services rushed to the scene and quickly shut down both sides of the motorway to deal with the wreckage. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines from Offerton, Whitehill and Hyde stations, along with a specialist rescue unit from Leigh, were dispatched. Firefighters arrived to find a chaotic scene. One of the lorries had crashed through the central reservation, striking several lamp columns as it crossed into the opposite carriageway. Another HGV shed its load of beer barrels, which scattered across the road, causing further obstruction and hazards. There were also reports of several ruptured fuel tanks leaking diesel, adding to the danger and complicating clean-up efforts. A spokesperson for the fire service said: 'At around 11.30am on Monday, July 7, crews attended a crash involving three HGVs and three cars on the M60, spanning both clockwise and anticlockwise carriageways. Crews arrived quickly to make the three cars safe. Three of the nine casualties involved were transferred to Stepping Hill Hospital for minor injuries. Firefighters remained in attendance for approximately three hours.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Despite the scale of the crash and the significant damage to the vehicles and surrounding infrastructure, no serious injuries have been reported. As of Tuesday morning, the M60 remains completely closed between junctions 25 (Bredbury) and 1 (Stockport), with both directions affected. National Highways has confirmed that emergency works are still ongoing, including debris removal, recovery of the damaged HGVs, repairs to the central reservation and lighting, and a thorough clean-up of the diesel spill. In an update issued earlier today, National Highways said: 'REMINDER: The #M60 in #GreaterManchester remains closed in both directions between J25 and J1 near #Stockport #Bredbury following a multi-vehicle collision. Emergency works remain ongoing.' On Monday, they warned that the motorway could be closed 'for a substantial amount of time' due to the severity of the damage and the complex recovery operation required. Drivers have been urged to plan ahead and avoid the area, with long tailbacks reported on surrounding routes as traffic diverts away from the closure. Congestion has been especially heavy through Stockport, Bredbury and surrounding towns, affecting both local journeys and longer commutes. The full extent of the infrastructure damage is still being assessed, and it's not yet clear when the motorway will reopen.
Metro
23-06-2025
- General
- Metro
Huge fire breaks out in Manchester with people evacuated and train lines blocked
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A major fire has broken out in a derelict building in Manchester city centre, with residents in nearby apartment buildings forced to evacuate. The building, which is the now-derelict Hotspur Press building beside Oxford Road station, erupted into flames this afternoon. As a result all lines are blocked at the station, with Network Rail saying train services will be cancelled or delayed for most of the evening. Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) told Metro: 'Firefighters are currently tackling a large fire at the derelict Hotspur Press building on Cambridge Street in Manchester. 'An evacuation of the neighbouring apartment buildings is taking place. The public are advised to stay away from the area while crews continue to tackle the fire.' Greater Manchester Police confirmed to Metro that it is in attendance alongside the fire service. National Rail said in a statement: 'There is a fire next to the track at Manchester Oxford Road, closing all lines at this station. 'As a result, trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 45 minutes or revised. 'Major disruption is expected to continue to impact services until 21:00.' More Trending All floors of the derelict site appear to be on fire currently, with cordons in place on surrounding streets. Images from across the Manchester skyline show plumes of smoke in the sky, with videos showing firefighters still tackling the ongoing fire. Local councillor and city centre spokesperson Pat Karney said that council officers are 'awaiting advice from the fire service about any evacuation of residents'. 'I can see the huge dark clouds from my flat,' he added. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Massive wildfire on Greek island of Chios sparks evacuations — 'situation remains critical' MORE: Man in court charged with murder of partner found stabbed after house explosion MORE: Woman dies after fire breaks out in hostel in north London
