Jon Macpherson

A woman's body was found on the hard shoulder of the M55 between junctions 1 and 2 near the Broughton interchange after Lancashire Police received welfare and driver reports. Emergency services closed the motorway for about five hours, while enquiries into the circumstances of the death remain ongoing.

A 19-year-old man died after getting into difficulty in the water at Grasmere in the Lake District on August 8, 2026. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, recovered him and took him to hospital, where he later died. Cumbria Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious, confirmed that the family has been notified, thanked members of the public who attempted to help, and appealed for witnesses.

Trading Standards officers in Blackpool seized 372 counterfeit sensory toys after tests revealed hazardous chemicals including solvents and phthalates. Authorities warned that fake versions of popular gel-filled toys could cause skin irritation, nausea and respiratory issues, and in some cases pose fire risks. Councillor Dave Flanagan urged parents to buy only from trusted retailers and check for proper UKCA or CE safety markings. Shoppers were advised to avoid unusually low-priced items, strong-smelling products and toys lacking safety information as enforcement actions continue to remove dangerous goods from local shops.

A former neighbour described years of troubling behaviour by schoolteacher Jamie Varley, now serving a whole‑life sentence for the sexual abuse and murder of his adopted baby, Preston Davey. Accounts detail past incidents of aggression, antisocial behaviour and alarming conduct, alongside workplace concerns including mental health absences and bizarre episodes linked to narcissistic traits. Varley’s background and early warning signs contrast with his professional façade, and his conviction places him among a small group of the UK’s most serious offenders condemned to life without parole.

A 13-year-old boy, Coby Keogh, died from injuries sustained in a house fire in Blackpool, while 19-year-old Joey Gregory remains hospitalized in serious condition. Police and fire investigators believe the blaze was caused by an e-bike, with no evidence of third‑party involvement. Three others suffered minor injuries, and a coroner’s file is being prepared as the investigation continues.

Kym Marsh celebrated her 50th birthday with a party at Suzie's Bar in Southport, drawing praise from fans for her youthful appearance. She marked the milestone following the end of her national theatre tour of Single White Female and continues her guest presenting role on BBC’s Morning Live. Friends, colleagues and fans shared birthday wishes as she celebrated with fiancé Tom Dickinson, reflecting on her long career including her time on Coronation Street.