SEVENTY-five years ago, the Blitz brought terror to Stretford, Old Trafford and Trafford Park over Christmas 1940 - and a horrendous death toll.

Fifteen months after the Second World War started, the areas had to endure two nights of bombing by the Luftwaffe, on December 22 and 23.

More than 130 people were killed in Stretford, Old Trafford and Trafford Park during the 'Christmas Blitz', according to figures collated by local historian George Cogswell.

Throughout Manchester, the total death toll was more than 800.

One incident, on Stanley Road, Old Trafford, caused the greatest loss of life of any single incident in the Manchester area throughout the war.

An aerial mine hit 30/32 Stanley Road, demolishing a large number of houses and killing 33 people.

Twenty-two houses were either destroyed or so badly damaged they had to be demolished.

In Chester Road, Stretford, 11 people were killed by a blast that hit three homes - numbers 393, 395 and 397.

A massive blast also hit Old Trafford Police Station, between Northumberland Road and East Union Street. Six policemen were on duty at the time - four were killed instantly and the other two died a few days later.

A mine also destroyed the Old Trafford Public Baths, on the corner of Stanley Road and Northumberland Road. Fortunately, no-one was killed.

Bombs also hit Duke Street, Clifton Street and Moss Road - with seven residents killed in each of these blasts.

Five firemen from other parts of Manchester were killed fighting fires at Trafford Park.