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direct to your inboxThey are becoming the foundation for many criminal enterprises - children.Their exploitation is a key way in which profits are made from supplying drugs and even moving firearms.Gangsters groom them with 'love'', attention, blackmail, cash, or a new pair of trainers.Once in their grip they are sent from Greater Manchester to rural towns up and down the UK to sell weed, heroin, crack, and cocaine.In inner-city Manchester, children as young as 15 have been armed with guns by

While Kate Ferdinand has only just recently become a new mum, she has already given her two cents on the prospect of adding to her brood.

direct to your inboxManchester Airport has called for a 'clear plan' to help the travel industry navigate its way out of the pandemic following the announcement of strict new measures to limit flying abroad. Hub bosses say the new restrictions, including a directive to airlines to quiz people about their reasons for travel prior to boarding, will have 'limited impact' on their already diminished number of passengers.

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direct to your inboxThe Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is to open emergency Covid beds for adults in a sign of the unprecedented pressure facing Greater Manchester’s hospitals.Sir Richard Leese, the region’s health chief, said the situation in the system was now ‘critical’ as NHS bosses have scrambled to discharge as many people as possible ahead of a sustained peak over the coming three weeks.Crisis meetings have been held to determine the ability to scale up beds, as Salford Royal and

straight to your inbox every day for freeHarry Maguire praised his Manchester United teammates for their second-half display at Fulham after revealing a fast start after the break had been the order at half-time.Maguire admitted United began the game poorly, allowing the hosts to take an early lead, but Edinson Cavani had levelled by half-time.But Maguire felt United eased up after the equaliser and the half-time message was to go for the jugular early in the second period, something the captain

direct to your inboxA community group that has proven to be a lifeline to people in Manchester is now hoping to put together a 24-hour live stream to celebrate the nation’s frontline workers.Throughout lockdown, the 0161 Community group have been delivering food parcels, Christmas presents and essentials to people in need across Greater Manchester.The group aims to help ‘promote a strong unified, working class identity’ and for Jacob, who has volunteered at the service for two years now, the

straight to your inbox every day for freeManchester United's top of the league showdown with Liverpool failed to live up to the hype. Although both United and Liverpool had big chances to clinch a victory at Anfield, neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor Jurgen Klopp can be too dissatisfied with a point apiece following a cagey affair.

straight to your inbox every day for freeHarry Maguire revealed Manchester United's players were disappointed by their passing and lack of 'rhythm' in the first half against Liverpool. United were held to a 0-0 draw by Liverpool at Anfield, though were denied late on by two Alisson saves to keep out efforts by Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

What do you think about the plans for parents to test primary children at home? Have you been asked permission for your child to have the test at secondary school? Let us know in the comments here, or share your views on our Manchester Family Facebook page. The plan at secondaries and colleges is for all pupils and staff to be tested before returning to school from lockdown - and then tested on a weekly basis.Once they are back in, if they are found to be a close contact of a positive case then

appeal for help last week has attracted some support, with the likes of Auto Trader, The Prince's Trust, Arup Group, Business in the Community and ANS Group, all getting on board with offers of help.

direct to your inboxThe University of Salford has announced it will give students hit by the pandemic up to £1,200 towards their rent.Thousands of students across Greater Manchester face uncertainty over whether they will have to pay rents despite being told not to return to accommodation this term.The government's advice is for students to stay 'remain where they are' to help curb the spread of coronavirus.But fees of as much as £3,000 are due this month for the spring term.As the M.E.N

Here we are again...Nearly two weeks into the New Year and 2021 is already feeling a bit, well, 2020.Now into our third national lockdown after months of tough local coronavirus restrictions that have hit Greater Manchester particularly hard, once again we’re being urged to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.Normally, our What's On pages are all about showing you the best places to eat, drink and generally go out and have a good time.For now though, our Stay In section is here to

direct to your inboxMatt Hancock has stressed to parents that schools are for key workers' children only during the third national lockdown. It comes after rows erupted over parents 'needlessly' taking up key worker spaces in schools.

direct to your inboxManchester United's season so far has certainly been a rollercoaster ride for the supporters as the fate of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side has varied. A disappointing home record at the start of the new Premier League season was followed by a premature exit from the Champions League, despite United winning their opening two games against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.