Nathan Okell

Cheshire Police will deploy retrospective facial recognition technology at Creamfields 2026 in Daresbury, comparing event CCTV footage with national police databases to identify outstanding suspects. Police and festival organisers are also conducting site searches, spot checks and security operations, with warnings that under-18s, trespassers, ticketless attendees and people carrying drugs or weapons may be removed or prosecuted. Up to 80,000 people are expected, while officers say they will also work to limit disruption for nearby residents.

Cheshire Police’s Operation Handlebars is targeting the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and electric scooters in Widnes. Officers seized an electric bike after a youth rode dangerously along Kingsway, weaving through traffic and making obscene gestures; the youth’s parent later asked for the bike to be returned, but police refused. In a separate incident, officers confiscated a converted pedal cycle that had reportedly reached about 55 mph. Police said seized bikes may be crushed and riders could face court proceedings for offences including driving without a licence or insurance.

A fire that began in a car inside a garage on Hale Road in Hale spread to a nearby house at around 10:30 p.m. Crews from numerous Cheshire stations and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended, using breathing apparatus, hose jets and thermal imaging cameras while removing burning straw. All occupants were accounted for, police closed the road overnight, and the cause remained under investigation as firefighters stayed at the scene.

Two fire engines from Widnes and Runcorn attended a well-established fire in a shipping container on Hale Road shortly before 9:45 p.m. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reels, a main jet, a high-pressure fan and thermal imaging cameras to extinguish the blaze and identify hotspots. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Aldi is considering west Widnes, Hartford and Handforth as potential locations for new stores as part of its UK expansion. The retailer is seeking suitable freehold, leasehold or long-leasehold sites in prominent, accessible locations and says new stores would improve access to affordable food and create jobs. Aldi plans to invest more than £370 million in new stores this year and aims to reach 1,500 UK stores.

Fire crews from multiple stations responded to a large outbuilding fire on Hale Gate Road in Widnes that had spread to a campervan and the roof space of a nearby property. Specialized equipment, including an aerial ladder platform and water bowser, supported efforts to control the fire, while utility companies isolated gas and electricity supplies. All occupants were accounted for, and crews remained overnight to extinguish hotspots. A separate fire in Runcorn was also extinguished the same afternoon, and an investigation is planned to determine the cause of the main incident.

Residents living near the Viridor waste incinerator in Runcorn report severe noise, smells, air pollution and vermin, which they say harm their physical and mental health and depress local property values. MP Sarah Pochin calls for government compensation, stronger enforcement powers for the Environment Agency, and the ability to halt operations when complaints arise. Environment minister Emma Hardy emphasises that the government expects safe and compliant waste management and is committed to improving regulatory powers. Viridor acknowledges recent problems linked to a damaged shutter door, apologises for poor communication and states that repairs and procedural improvements have been completed.

A Runcorn tourist reviewing holiday footage from the Church and Convent of St Francis in Split noticed what appeared to be a mysterious figure behind a statue of St Francis, despite the figure not appearing in accompanying photos. The visitor described surprise at the discovery after returning home, noting that only the video captured the unexplained image.

Police are seeking public assistance to locate 34‑year‑old Peter Maddocks, wanted on recall to prison and believed to have links to Widnes, Liverpool and Wirral. Authorities describe him as 5ft 10in, slim, with short brown hair, and urge anyone with information to contact Cheshire Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Police arrested four Vietnamese nationals during two immigration enforcement visits to Runcorn nail salons, including individuals who had entered the UK illegally and one who had overstayed a visa. A follow-up visit led to two re-arrests for breaching bail and the arrest of another woman without legal employment rights. Cheshire Police said the operation aims to combat criminal exploitation and protect vulnerable people, warning that offenders will face justice.

Cheshire Police renewed their appeal to locate Michael Miller, a 34‑year‑old wanted on recall to prison who is believed to have links to Widnes and Merseyside. Residents are urged to provide any information on his whereabouts by contacting the police and quoting the provided reference number.

Cheshire Police opened an arson investigation after firefighters extinguished a motorbike found burning in a Widnes field. A crew from Widnes Fire Station used a hose reel jet to put out the blaze, which is believed to have been deliberately started, and the incident was referred to police for further inquiry.

Police are investigating reports that two staff members were assaulted at The Church View Inn in Widnes late on June 5. Officers released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify and urged anyone with information to contact them, noting that the victims did not suffer lasting injuries.

Two Widnes men, Ian Humphreys and Grant Wilcock, were charged following a police warrant, including offences related to cocaine supply, cannabis possession, an imitation firearm, stolen goods and money laundering. Both appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court and were remanded to Liverpool Crown Court for further proceedings.