A view of Manchester’s famous Oxford Road in the aftermath of a bombing raid during World War 2. A bomb appears to have destroyed several buildings very close to the centre of Manchester University. Though the image is undated it was probably taken during late December 1940. This period is remembered as the Christmas Blitz and as the event that truly brought the reality of war home to Mancunians. During the nights running up to the holiday the city and surrounding areas faced repeated raids. Manchester Cathedral, the Palace Theatre, the Royal Exchange and the Free Trade Hall were among the buildings damaged. Almost 700 died during the raids and thousands were left homeless. Manchester City Police photographers worked throughout the war recording bomb damage, photographing casualties and documenting the work of the emergency services and armed forces. The force’s wartime images, preserved in a series of bound albums, have remained largely unseen since the end of the war. They now form part of the collection of the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archive and provide a fascinating look at life during one of the most difficult periods in the history of the city and region. Vist Manchester City Police World War 2 Collection to view more of these historic images. For more information please follow Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives. To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website. www.gmp.police.uk You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life. You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.