Emma Stanley

Lancashire Police are continuing efforts to identify human remains found by builders in the cellar of a terraced house on Cleveland Road in Lytham St Annes on 15 August 2025. Investigators believe the bones may belong to children and have described the discovery as an isolated historical burial, with no suspected suspicious circumstances.

Sir Ian McKellen sent a video message expressing his love for Wigan Pride and regret that he could not attend the town's event in person. The festival was inspired by McKellen, who grew up in Wigan and joined the event in 2017. He reflected on how attitudes toward gay people have changed since his childhood, highlighting the ability of LGBTQ+ people to live openly with support from their communities.

A woman in her 40s was found dead at a hotel on James Street in Liverpool at about 03:20 BST on Saturday. Merseyside Police said a post-mortem had been completed, with toxicology results still pending. A 47-year-old man from Kirkby and a 34-year-old woman from Liverpool were arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 31-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were conditionally bailed as the investigation continues.

Three African lion cubs have been born at Blackpool Zoo, the first such births there in more than a decade. Their mother, Hira, gave birth outdoors during the day, prompting the zoo to restrict visitor access to parts of the habitat while the cubs remain vulnerable. The father, Khari, was himself born at the zoo in 2015. Staff say the cubs’ welfare will take priority over visitors’ desire to see them. African lions are classified as vulnerable in the wild because of habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and declining prey.

Three African lion cubs have been born at Blackpool Zoo, the first births there since 2015. Their mother, Hira, gave birth outdoors during the day, prompting the zoo to restrict visitor access to protect the cubs. The cubs' father, Khari, was himself born at the zoo in 2015. The births come as African lions remain classified as vulnerable because of habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and declining natural prey.

The families of Jack Diggle, Benjamin Dooley, Andrew Roberts and Craig Shackleton-Brady have released tributes after the four men died when their Seat Cupra hit a lamp-post on Liverpool Road in Huyton. All four, aged between 23 and 26, died at the scene shortly before 02:00 BST. Merseyside Police are continuing to investigate and appeal for information about the crash.

Police are investigating two reported sexual assaults in separate Rochdale-area parks and believe the attacks may be linked because both victims gave similar descriptions of the suspect. CCTV reportedly shows a man matching that description leaving the Ko-Ko Lounge at about 05:00 BST. Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses and for CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile-phone footage from Rochdale town centre and the two parks.

A 14-year-old boy from Bolton is assisting Greater Manchester Police with an investigation into a hoax threat made against a Qatar Airways flight travelling to Manchester Airport. NATS received the threat at about 18:00 BST, prompting RAF Typhoons to intercept the aircraft with support from police and airport authorities. The aircraft landed safely, and no threat to passengers or crew was found. Police warned that false reports cause disruption, divert emergency resources and can lead to serious consequences.

A collection of letters written by Morrissey to Birmingham pen friend Simon Pitt between 1974 and 1979 will be auctioned by Dawsons in London on 26 August, with a combined estimate of £22,000. The letters capture Morrissey's ambitions before The Smiths, his views on the Sex Pistols and other punk musicians, encounters with figures including Patti Smith, and attempts to establish himself as a performer. They also reveal his political opinions after Margaret Thatcher's 1979 election and his eventual move toward a recording contract.

Letters Morrissey wrote between the ages of 14 and 20 to Birmingham pen friend Simon Pitt are due to be auctioned as separate lots by Dawsons Auctioneers in London on 26 August, with a combined estimate of £22,000. The correspondence records his ambitions to become a rock star, actor or writer, his changing views on the Sex Pistols, encounters with figures including Patti Smith, and attempts to join The Clash and front The Nosebleeds. It also captures his political views after Margaret Thatcher's 1979 election and ends shortly before he joined a London band with a recording contract. The letters offer an early portrait of the performer before he formed The Smiths with Johnny Marr in 1982.

A protective gull nesting near the entrance of Flakefleet Primary School in Fleetwood prompted the school to close one of its gates and redirect pupils to a different entrance. The RSPB explained that gulls often dive‑bomb when defending their chicks and advised using umbrellas as a deterrent. The school shared a warning with parents while ensuring continued safe access for pupils.

Preliminary investigators found that warning systems failed to activate at a Hoghton level crossing before a train struck a car, killing Kerry Coombes and critically injuring an eight-year-old girl. The train passed a green signal but the crossing’s lights, alarms and barriers did not engage. Authorities are examining the sequence of events, any contributing factors and risk management at the site. Network Rail expressed condolences and said it is cooperating with ongoing investigations and reviewing safety measures.

Two women were seriously injured in separate attacks by the same pitbull-type dog in Cockerham, Lancashire. Rosie, a dog day‑care worker, suffered 17 bite wounds and severe psychological trauma after being dragged to the ground before a lorry driver intervened. Earlier that day, Melanie Moore was also bitten multiple times and sought refuge in a petrol station. Lancashire Police confirmed multiple reports of attacks but made no arrests and have not seized the dog, prompting calls for action to prevent further harm.

Repair work has begun on Haslingden Old Road in Oswaldtwistle, which has been closed since a landslip in January 2025 displaced about 2,500 tonnes of earth. Lancashire County Council is constructing a reinforced earth retaining wall to provide a long-term solution, citing complex ground conditions as a key challenge. Pedestrian and cyclist access will remain open during the project, and the council aims to finish the work this year while acknowledging the disruption caused to local residents and businesses.

Scientists from the Planetary Response Network are seeking volunteers to analyse satellite images to support relief efforts after two major earthquakes devastated Venezuela. Volunteers are asked to identify damaged infrastructure and blocked access routes so aid can be directed effectively. Thousands are dead or missing, with widespread destruction around Caracas. The initiative, rooted in the Zooniverse citizen‑science platform, provides a way for people to contribute remotely to humanitarian response efforts.

Five, The Feeling and Lucy Spraggan will headline the Blackpool Illuminations switch‑on concert on 4 September at the Tower Festival Headland, with BBC Radio Lancashire hosting and promoting regional talent. The event marks the start of the Illuminations season, offering 20,000 tickets through a public ballot, and follows a busy year of performances for Five. Blackpool Tourism Ltd expressed strong enthusiasm for the celebration.