Matthew Calderbank

Rachel Starmore said fire crews took 14 minutes to reach her burning home in Wesham after the local station’s on-call crew was unavailable. A neighbour’s fire extinguisher reportedly prevented the kitchen fire from consuming the house. Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Lytham, South Shore and Blackpool attended, explaining that on-call availability fluctuates because of staffing, training, leave, sickness and other commitments. The service said it faces recruitment and retention challenges but maintains real-time deployment systems and response standards that are among the fastest in the country.

A 31-year-old man from Chorley was arrested on suspicion of religiously aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm after a food delivery driver was punched, kicked and subjected to racist abuse on Preston Road in Chorley. The victim suffered cuts, swelling and bruising to his face. The suspect was bailed with conditions while police conduct further enquiries.

The Dressers Arms in Wheelton has announced a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs after an unspecified incident on Saturday evening. Management said anyone found possessing or using drugs on the premises will be removed, permanently barred and reported to police, stressing that the conduct of one individual should not affect the pub's atmosphere or customer safety. The pub and Lancashire Police were approached for further details and comment.