Ben Haslam

Sonny Redmond, a 33-year-old man from Bootle, is due to face a final extradition hearing in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in October after Spanish authorities issued an international arrest warrant. The warrant is believed to relate to alleged breaches of bail conditions while Redmond was living in Spain. He was arrested in June while in custody for an unrelated matter after the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued a Liverpool case involving possession of a knife and phone in prison. He remains remanded in custody pending the hearing.

Chelsey Brown, 28, was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in an Albert Dock bar in Liverpool during a hen party on 22 February 2025. After asking the woman to dance, Brown briefly put her hand under the victim’s skirt and touched her. The victim described lasting anxiety, reduced socialising and a loss of trust in others. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Brown had been drinking heavily and had an alcohol problem worsened by mixing alcohol with antidepressants. She received a two-year community order, including alcohol treatment for nine months, up to 30 rehabilitation days and 150 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

The National Crime Agency and Merseyside Police are investigating the international and upstream connections behind an £17 million ketamine shipment seized from a van on the East Lancashire Road. Paul Farrelly, of Fazakerley, was arrested after officers found 875kg of ketamine concealed among kitchen countertops and later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply. The Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership says its wider five-year operation has secured 108 convictions, seized drugs worth about £70 million, removed firearms from the streets and identified millions of pounds in criminal assets for confiscation. Officials warned of the serious health effects of ketamine and urged residents to report information about drug, firearms and financial crime.

Paul Joseph Smith, who helped set fire to a house in St Helens where pensioners Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson were injured and later died, was found dead in a wheelie bin a week later. An inquest concluded that he died from mixed drug toxicity and respiratory failure after taking heroin, cocaine and pregabalin, although it could not entirely exclude the possibility that someone held him underwater. His body had been removed from the bath before police were notified. Kevin Weetman, Kylie Maynard and Lee Owens were convicted in connection with the fatal arson, receiving sentences of life imprisonment, 23 years, and 13 years and six months respectively.

Paul Joseph Smith, who was believed to have started the arson attack that killed Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, in St Helens in July 2025, died days later from mixed drug toxicity. An inquest heard that Smith overdosed in a bath after taking heroin, cocaine and sedatives, and that his body was removed and later found in a wheelie bin. Although water was found in his lungs, pathologists could not establish whether a third party had held him underwater. A murder investigation into his death was closed. Separately, Kevin Weetman, Kylie Maynard and Lee Owens were convicted of manslaughter over the house-fire deaths and received sentences ranging from 13 years and six months to life with a minimum term of 25 years.

Five men were jailed after pleading guilty to a conspiracy that stole around 40 cars, vans and motorbikes across Lancashire and Merseyside over 11 months using relay devices to bypass vehicle security. James Miller was identified as the driver of a stolen Jaguar E-Pace involved in a dangerous pursuit; he later bragged about the incident on Snapchat. The group’s messages helped police build the case, while sentences ranged from 22 months to three years and eight months. Lancashire Police said Operation Warrior aims to disrupt organised crime and prevent offenders from profiting from it.

Matthew Daulby's parents describe the lasting trauma of watching CCTV footage of their 19-year-old son being stabbed during a 2023 street brawl in Ormskirk. Thomas Dures was convicted of murder after fleeing abroad and later surrendering in Athens, while Henry Houghton received a 20-year prison sentence; related trials involving Matthew's friends have also concluded. The family says their grief remains permanent and is now campaigning through the Matthew Daulby Foundation, Lancashire Police and schools using virtual-reality videos and lesson plans to warn children about the consequences of carrying knives.

Count Binface's manifesto for the Clacton-on-Sea by-election pledges to move a hand-dryer at Southport's Great Himalayas restaurant, prompting the business to respond humorously on Facebook. The candidate is challenging Nigel Farage in an election featuring 33 candidates. The report also outlines mounting scrutiny of Reform UK donations, including payments linked to Richard Tice's company that are being examined by the Metropolitan Police, while Tice and Reform deny wrongdoing and say donation rules were followed.

David Forbes was shot in both legs by Daniel Lawless while walking to a chip shop near his partner’s home in Croxteth in February 2025. He required lengthy hospital treatment, multiple surgeries and more than 200 staples, and continues to suffer mobility problems, PTSD and panic attacks. Lawless admitted wounding with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, receiving an 18-and-a-half-year prison sentence plus four years on licence. Forbes is due to undergo further surgery, although its success is not guaranteed.

An inquest found that 22‑year‑old Caleb Burgess died by suicide after leaving a farewell note for his mother at their home in Walton. Emergency services discovered him near the River Mersey on April 7, with evidence indicating he had consumed alcohol beforehand. Statements detailed his struggles with mental health, while colleagues at The Bentley, where he worked, described him as kind, intelligent and well liked. The venue later organised a charity fundraiser to help support his family and funeral costs.

A three-year-old boy died after falling into a pond at a property on Brownmoor Lane in Crosby. Emergency services, including Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service, responded and transported the child to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The death is not believed to be suspicious, and officers are supporting the family while investigations continue to determine the circumstances.

Kevin Keegan, the former Liverpool, Newcastle, Hamburg and England forward and manager, has died aged 75 after battling cancer. Tributes from clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle and Hamburger SV highlight his influence as a two‑time Ballon d’Or winner and a transformative figure both on and off the pitch. His career spanned major club achievements, international appearances and high‑profile managerial roles, and the England national team plans to honor him during a match against Spain at Wembley.

A 27-year-old woman with Leigh’s disease has remained in hospital for 14 months despite being medically fit for discharge due to funding disputes between Cheshire and Merseyside NHS and the local authority. Multiple planned transfers to a specialist placement were cancelled, causing distress for both the patient and her mother. The family praised staff at the Walton Centre but criticised the ongoing delays, while the NHS apologised and said it is working to secure appropriate care and support.

Lucy Harrison’s family is calling for Texas authorities to reopen the investigation into her fatal shooting by her father, Kris Harrison, after a UK inquest ruled her death unlawful. Despite evidence of his alcohol use, no charges were brought following a grand jury decision. Her mother, Jane Coates, and partner, Sam Littler, argue key evidence may not have been fully considered and are supported by MP Sarah Hall, who raised the case in Parliament. Questions remain about the handling of the case by Texas authorities and the support provided by the UK Foreign Office.

Armed police evacuated businesses on Park Road in Dingle after receiving reports of concern for a woman's safety. Several nearby roads were closed for about an hour while officers responded. No injured individuals were found, and all roads later reopened as inquiries continued.

A coroner’s inquest into the death of Brazilian national Samuel De Souza Frota found no evidence of third‑party involvement despite his family’s concerns about human trafficking, organ harvesting, and a disputed suicide note. CCTV footage and forensic searches indicated he stepped in front of a train near Newton‑le‑Willows in April. A detailed post‑mortem confirmed all organs were accounted for. His family disputes the authenticity of a digital note and has not recovered his mobile phone, while unexplained social media activity and claims about his work with sex workers have contributed to lingering questions. The coroner concluded the evidence supported suicide, though the family continues to seek answers about circumstances surrounding his death.

A carer who stole nearly £300,000 from an elderly woman under her control has been arrested in Tenerife and will be extradited to the UK to serve a six‑year sentence imposed in her absence. Pamela Gwinnett isolated Joan Green from her family, confined her, and used her position as power of attorney for personal gain. A joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police, the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities led to her capture. Police leaders expressed hope that her return will bring justice and closure to the victim’s family.

ITV’s game show Win Win with Postcode Lottery is seeking new contestants from Liverpool for its next series, offering a guaranteed £1 million jackpot. Hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, the show invites applicants who rely on instinct and decision‑making rather than quiz knowledge. The production, co‑funded by People’s Postcode Lottery and produced by BE Studio, previously awarded prizes including holidays, cars and high‑profile event tickets.

England supporters at Aintree Racecourse experienced an emotional swing as an early lead from Anthony Gordon gave way to a late Argentine comeback in the World Cup semi-final. Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martínez overturned the match, leaving fans disappointed yet proud of England’s recent tournament performances. Photographs captured the shifting atmosphere from excitement to heartbreak as families and fans gathered for the high-stakes match.

Argentina overturned England’s second‑half lead with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to win 2‑1 in the World Cup semi‑final in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead with the team’s first shot on target, but sustained Argentinian pressure eventually broke through despite defensive changes. England’s elimination sends Argentina to a final against Spain, prolonging England’s wait for a second World Cup title.

A speeding driver who struck and killed 36-year-old mother Charlotte Rigby while travelling at 72mph in a 50mph zone received a suspended sentence, prompting anger from her family. A jury found Shaun Read guilty of death by careless driving, with prosecutors stating that he would not have hit her had he been travelling at the speed limit. The judge cited new sentencing guidelines in suspending the 10‑month prison term and imposing unpaid work, a driving ban, and supervision. Rigby’s family condemned the sentence as an insult to her memory and evidence of a broken justice system.

A partial building collapse on Townsend Lane in Anfield prompted a major emergency response involving fire crews, rescue teams and police. The damaged structure, housing Jovan's Kitchen on the ground floor and a flat above, spilled bricks onto the pavement but resulted in no injuries, with all occupants accounted for. Utility companies isolated gas and electricity while Liverpool City Council began structural assessments. Road closures remained in place as authorities continued securing the site.

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, widely called the Hillsborough Law, passed its final stages in the House of Commons after delays tied to concerns over its impact on intelligence services. The legislation introduces a legal duty of candour and expands legal aid for bereaved families. Andy Burnham, returning to Parliament, delivered an emotional maiden speech praising the Hillsborough families, the people of Liverpool and the prime minister’s commitment to justice. Amendments allowing compliance directions for intelligence staff resolved national security objections. Campaigners including Margaret Aspinall welcomed the breakthrough as a significant national milestone ahead of the bill’s progression to the House of Lords.

The Hillsborough Law passed its final House of Commons stages, advancing legislation that establishes a duty of candour for public officials and expands legal aid for bereaved families. The progress marks a major victory for campaigners who spent a decade pushing for measures to prevent future cover‑ups. Government delays linked to concerns from security services were resolved, enabling cross‑party agreement. Key political figures, including Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham, emphasized the law’s significance in strengthening accountability and trust between the state and the public as the Bill proceeds to the House of Lords.

Ambulance staff are under investigation for potentially accessing the medical records of a teenage survivor of the 2024 Southport attack without authorisation. The family, already previously informed of a separate breach at Aintree Hospital, criticised NHS Trusts for failing to notify them promptly and for what they see as insufficient disciplinary actions. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed concerns and began a formal inquiry, with the Information Commissioner’s Office monitoring the case for possible data protection violations. Fletchers Solicitors called for a comprehensive NHS policy review and stronger safeguards to prevent staff from improperly accessing patient records, warning that upcoming national digital initiatives could increase risks without robust controls.

A 16-year-old boy sustained serious facial injuries after reportedly being pushed off his bike by a male on an electric scooter and colliding with a parked Vauxhall Corsa in St Helens. The scooter rider fled the scene, and police launched an investigation. A 12-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody. Detectives urged witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Merseyside Police or Crimestoppers.

Police launched a murder investigation after former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her Devon home. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder. Authorities said the incident is not being treated as terrorism and that there is no wider threat to the public. Officers are conducting extensive forensic work and appeals for information have been issued. Public figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and Anton du Beke, paid tribute to Widdecombe’s long political career and public presence.

Thomas Norton died after accidentally setting fire to his clothes at home a day after being discharged from Liverpool Royal Hospital. Emergency services responded, but he later died from his injuries. His family paid tribute while raising concerns about the care he received and potential delirium at the time of the incident. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service indicated the fire was likely caused by lighter fluid vapour, issuing safety advice on smoking and fire prevention. A full inquest is scheduled to take place in October.

Online UK retailers continue selling knives branded with terms such as kombat, fighter, frenzy and mayhem despite laws prohibiting marketing that suggests combat use. During the opening of the second phase of the Southport Inquiry, counsel Nicholas Moss KC presented multiple examples of knives advertised with violent language nearly two years after the 2024 Southport attack in which three children were killed. Moss raised concerns about the industry’s interpretation of the Knives Act 1997 and the lack of enforcement. The inquiry, led by Sir Adrian, will continue in September to examine broader issues around violence‑fixated individuals and systemic failures preceding the attack.

Phase Two of the Southport Inquiry opened in London with a focus on violence‑fixated individuals, multi‑agency responses, and the influence of social media. Sir Adrian Fulford outlined the scope of the new phase and reaffirmed the need for practical measures to prevent future mass‑casualty attacks. Officials reported that all 67 recommendations from Phase One have been accepted, with increased scrutiny planned as implementation continues. The inquiry will examine six case studies, gather extensive evidence across agencies, and aims to deliver its Phase Two report by spring 2027. Families of the victims called for reforms ensuring stronger intervention against individuals who pose extreme‑violence risks regardless of ideological motivation.

A joint Merseyside Police and FACT investigation led to six warrants and four arrests targeting the suspected large-scale supply of illegal streaming services. Modified devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Android and Kodi boxes were allegedly used to provide unauthorised access to premium television and sports content, impacting broadcasters and creative industries. Authorities warned that online sellers of illegal subscriptions can be identified and will face enforcement, noting risks to consumers including scams and malware. The investigation remains ongoing.

Arrests at Liverpool John Lennon Airport rose from 173 in 2023 to 246 in 2025, with sharp increases in sexual offence, immigration and violence-related cases. Alcohol-related arrests also rose despite remaining lower than expected. Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary linked disruptive passenger behaviour to early-morning drinking and called for restrictions. Merseyside Police attributed low overall arrest rates to strong cooperation between agencies and effective crime prevention measures, noting that some arrests involve suspects wanted for offences committed elsewhere.

A man in his 20s was seriously injured after a fight involving several men at Long Lane Hand Car Wash in Liverpool. Emergency services found the victim with a puncture wound to his back, and he was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition. The suspects fled before police arrived, and an investigation is underway. Police are appealing for witnesses and information through official channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

A woman in her 50s was found dead at a home on St Ambrose Croft in Netherton, prompting Merseyside Police to launch a murder investigation. A 30‑year‑old woman from the area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Police say the death is currently unexplained and enquiries are ongoing, with forensic officers and detectives at the scene. Authorities are appealing for witnesses or information to assist the investigation.

Two teenage boys were stabbed during a fight involving groups of youths at Heswall Bus Station, prompting a large response from Merseyside Police. Both victims were taken to hospital with non–life-threatening injuries. Several teenage boys were arrested, and officers continue to examine CCTV, collect forensic evidence and seek witnesses. Police urged the public to provide any information or footage that could assist the investigation.

Two teenage boys were taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries after a large fight involving groups of youths at Heswall Bus Station in Merseyside. Police arrested several teenagers believed to be aged between 15 and 17 and continue investigations, including CCTV and forensic work. A witness reported that groups from Neston and Liverpool met and began fighting. Detective Inspector Steve Wilkinson urged witnesses to come forward and warned about the dangers of carrying or associating with those carrying bladed weapons.

A man suffered permanent paralysis after a fight inside a mental health facility, leaving his family demanding answers about how the incident occurred. His mother says he was kicked in the neck shortly after admission, resulting in severe spinal damage. The family claims they have received no explanation from staff, while the NHS trust declined to comment on the specific case but encouraged the family to file a formal complaint. The man remains traumatised and now lives in another mental health facility as his family continues to seek accountability.

A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure in Cambridgeshire remains in hospital after multiple surgeries, with his family raising more than £40,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. The family detailed his ongoing medical needs and their extended stay in hospital, while thanking donors and zoo staff who rescued him. Police continue to investigate, having arrested and bailed a man with learning difficulties on suspicion of attempted murder. The zoo praised the rapid actions of staff, emergency services and visitors who assisted during the incident.

Karen Palmer was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for subjecting her husband to decades of physical, emotional, and controlling abuse, culminating in a knife attack that left him with severe injuries. The victim described years of violence, restricted contact with others, and control over food and finances. Police bodycam footage from the arrest showed Palmer concerned about her pets as officers secured the home. Merseyside Police highlighted the victim’s bravery in reporting the abuse and the long-term trauma he endured.

A shopkeeper in Bootle was injured after a group of teenagers attacked him while stealing vapes from his store. CCTV footage shows the attackers repeatedly punching him before fleeing with products. The victim described feeling unsafe and noted one assailant appeared to have a knife. Merseyside Police arrested a 16‑year‑old in connection with the incident and appealed for further CCTV or witness information as the investigation continues.

A 31-year-old man, Adam Olverson, is due to appear in Preston Magistrates’ Court charged with manslaughter and firearms offences nearly two years after his father, Thomas Olverson, was fatally shot at the family farm in Scarisbrick. Emergency services pronounced Thomas dead at the scene in July 2024, prompting a Lancashire Police investigation that led to Adam's re-arrest and formal charges. Neighbours described Thomas as a quiet, solitary farmer who lived on the property with his wife and son.

A large mural of local golfer Tommy Fleetwood has been completed at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club ahead of the 154th Open Championship’s return to Southport in July. Commissioned by Scottsdale Golf and created by artist Paul Curtis, the artwork celebrates Fleetwood’s connection to the town and aims to enhance the atmosphere surrounding the event. Scottsdale Golf will also transform the venue into a fan hub during championship week.

A farmer, Thomas Olverson, was shot dead on his Scarisbrick farm in July 2024, prompting a Lancashire Police investigation. His son, Adam Olverson, has now been re‑arrested and charged with manslaughter, as well as firearm and ammunition offences, and is set to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court on July 1. Neighbours described the victim as quiet and reserved, expressing sympathy for the family following the incident.