Homeowners and businesses affected by the riots earlier this month are being encouraged to seek compensation by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner. Emily Spurrell is encouraging all those who suffered losses or damage to their cars, homes, or shops to claim compensation from their insurance companies. She is raising awareness that those caught in up the chaos who were not insured or who did not have adequate cover in place and whose insurance company won’t pay out, may also be entitled to claim for their losses under the Riot Compensation Scheme. This includes the owners of buildings which suffered…
Author: On The Spot News
A Southport resident is celebrating his 112th birthday today, cementing his position as the world’s oldest living man. John Tinniswood, who made national headlines for saying the secret to a long life is a Chippy tea, has now surpassed his own national record. He is the oldest man in the world at 112 and is just four years younger than the oldest human. He was born in Liverpool the year the Titanic sank, he’s survived two world wars and was already 50 when the Beatles had their first hit. A lifelong Liverpool fan, John worked as an accountant until his…
Two brothers from Southport have taken on a gruelling triathlon to raise funds for a family friend who is fighting for his life in hospital. The man, named locally as Cole, is described as a well known member of the local biker community but his life was turned upside down on Friday evening. Cole suffered what his friends describe as life changing injuries after falling from the back of a transit van as he tried to save his friends’ precious bike from being stolen from Southport promenade last month. Brother James and William Gardner took on the West Lancashire triathlon…
This statement has been released by the family of Elsie on the morning of her funeral today, Friday 23 August, which they want to be known as ‘Elsie’s Special Day.’ Elsie embraced life and it is with positivity, hope and love that we celebrate her life today, 23rd August, on ‘Elsie’s Special Day’. Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness. Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable. She loved to dance, and it goes without saying she was…
People in Southport are being warned their bin collections could face ‘severe’ issues over the next few weeks due to staff shortages. The bin collection service, supplied by Sefton Council, is once again under ‘severe pressure’ according to an update shared by the council. They have warned residents that their bins may not be collected on time and there could be a backlog of waste being left on the street. A council update today said “Please be advised that Waste & Recycling Services are currently under severe pressure due to staffing and resource shortfalls. “There are delays on some bin…
In the wake of unimaginable loss, Southport has found itself navigating a storm of trauma, grief and unrest. A horrific attack on children. The eruption of anger and violence on our streets. The utterly bizarre sight of the world’s media camped outside of The Blue Anchor. First the Home Secretary, then the Prime Minister and yesterday, incredibly, His Majesty the King. The King’s presence, announced just hours before, drew an eager yet conscious crowd. Two hours before his arrival, the small public viewing area outside of the Town Hall was already full. The crowd applauded and cheered, but not too…
Southport residents are on high alert following a series of overnight thefts from vehicles in several local areas. Merseyside Police has issued a warning and is seeking public assistance in their ongoing investigation. According to police reports, multiple incidents of car break-ins and attempted thefts have occurred in the areas of Balmoral Drive, Sidney Road, and Preston Road. The force believes that not all incidents have been reported, urging residents to come forward with any information to help build a comprehensive picture of the crime wave. In an update to their initial statement, police confirmed three additional thefts from cars…
A twenty year old man from High Park is now beginning a two and a half year prison term for his part in the Southport riots. Tom Neblett was one of four men who appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 15 August, after all pleading guilty to violent disorder at previous hearings. Neblett admitted he was guilty of violent disorder and played a part in the Southport riots on Tuesday 30 July. A court heard how he threw bricks and other objects at officers. Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “To target police officers in such a violent manner…
Formby High School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our Sixth-Form students in the 2024 examinations. Their hard work, resilience, and determination have propelled them to unprecedented success, building on last year’s success and making this a momentous occasion for our school community. Key highlights include: – Record top grades achieved: An impressive 34% of entries were awarded A*-A grades, with 59% of our entries scoring A*-B grades, reflecting students’ commitment and the exceptional teaching they received at Formby High School. Four in five entries were graded at C or above, with an overall pass rate of 99%.…
Detectives have charged two men in connection with an incident in Southport on the evening of Friday 19 July. We were contacted at 8.25pm after a 20-year-old man reportedly fell from the rear of a moving white Peugeot Boxer van during a suspected motorbike theft on The Promenade/Leyland Road. The man suffered head and chest injuries and has been taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The man, named locally as Cole, is described as a well known member of the local biker community but his life was turned upside down on Friday evening. Cole suffered what…
The Leader of the Sefton Conservative Group, Councillor Mike Prendergast, and his Dukes Ward colleague, Sir Ron Watson, are calling for the local Labour councillors and MPs to seek immediate clarification from their Government about the financial arrangements for Local Government. Councillor Prendergast said: “For well over a decade, we have had nothing but complaints from Labour at all levels over Local Government funding, and it was highly significant that there was no mention at all of anything to do with Local Government as being a priority in the recent King’s Speech. “We will need to keep an open mind…
Sefton Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson has backed the Merseyside Police’s commitment to dealing with incidents of hate crime. Merseyside Police state they believe hate crimes are being under-reported. Following the recent disorderly events in Southport and Liverpool, Merseyside Police’s Community Engagement and Local Policing and Investigation Teams are working closely alongside community leaders; Councils businesses and residents in the communities affected. This is to ensure that comprehensive policing plans are in place to respond to information; correct misinformation; and introduce appropriate measures to support those people who are targeted. Merseyside Police has dedicated Hate Crime Co-ordinators who lead teams…
A 12-year-old boy has become the youngest person to be charged over the riots that broke out earlier this month. The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, has been charged with violent disorder in the Merseyside town on 30 July. Merseyside Police said he is among three males to be charged over the riot that broke out the day after Bebe King, six, nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were tragically killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July. The boy, from Southport, is due to appear at Merseyside Youth Court, while…
The parents of Bebe King, Lauren and Ben King, have issued the following tribute to Bebe and all those involved in the tragic events of Monday 29 July “On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair. Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind,…
In a televised sentencing today a Crown Court judge has handed down a 32-month jail term to a man found to have played a role in the riots in Southport last week. John O’Malley, 43, was among a group of up to 1,000 people involved in the disorder outside a mosque in the Merseyside town last Tuesday. At least 50 police officers were injured as protesters hurled bricks, lit fires, and threw bottles a day after Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed in the town. O’Malley, from Southport, pleaded guilty to a…
Detectives have arrested two more people following violent disorder in Southport last week. A 46-year-old man from Bootle and a 20-year-old from Southport have both been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection to the incident in Southport on Tuesday 30 July. They remain in custody and will be questioned by detectives. This brings the total arrested for the Southport and Liverpool disorder to 44, with more to come. 16 people have so far been charged and three have been sentenced at court. Detective Superintendent Paul Speight said: “This investigation continues apace as we work our way through a…
A man who punched a police officer in the face during disorder on the streets of Southport last Tuesday (30 July) will tonight begin a three year jail term. Derek Drummond, 58, of Pool Street, Southport, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker. Drummond was among a group of around 300 people walking towards the mosque on St Luke’s Road. As the group was challenged by officers, Drummond punched an officer to the face and was later seen dismantling a wall and throwing bricks towards officers. Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “Drummond took to the…
Hundreds of people have gathered at churches on the island of Madeira today to pay tribute to Alice Dasilva Aguiar. The island off the coast of Portugal has rallied together in recent days to support Alice’s family both at home and abroad. Balloon releases have now been held at churches in Madeira as hundreds gather to remember the 9 year old, who sadly passed away after she was killed in the harrowing events of last Monday. A spokesman for the Madeiran regional government said in a statement yesterday: “It was with great sadness that the Regional Government of Madeira learned…
Southport golfer Tommy Fleetwood has claimed an incredible Silver Medal for Team GB in the Paris Olympics. The resort golfer, who grew up playing on the municipal course in the town centre, fought bravely and even came close to gold in the tense shootout in France today. Fleetwood famously inspired Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 2018 at Le Golf National – where the Paris 2024 event is being held – and received huge support as he moved to 13 under overall. Cheered on by adoring crowds the Brit narrowly lost out to the United States golfer and recent Open…
A postal worker has been attacked by masked men, during the early hours of Friday morning. The man was attacked at around 5am on Foul Lane, and received stab wounds during the incident. He was approached by masked men, who demanded his mobile phone. Despite providing his phone as demanded, the assailants attacked the man anyway. He was treated at hospital and has since been discharged. A source close to the male told OTS News that the attack was a reminder that “horrific knife crime hasn’t yet stopped”. Merseyside Police said: “We are appealing for information after a man was…
Southport will light up pink as a mark of respect and solidarity with everyone affected by the tragic incidents which took place earlier this week. Sefton Council will light up The Atkinson building in Southport Town Centre in pink, with a huge number of other councils and landmarks joining in tribute. St George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, the Cunard, The Mersey Gateway Bridge, Chester Town Hall and hospitals across the North West will also light up pink as a mark of respect across all three evenings (August 2nd – August 4th). Sefton Council has issued an open invite to other…
A Crown Court judge has lifted reporting restrictions on the identity of the suspect facing murder charges, after Monday’s attack on Hart Street. Axel Rudakubana was today named legally for the first time, at a pair of hearings to determine his pathway through the courts and suitability for bail. Remaining silent throughout, including when asked to confirm his name, Rudakubana smiled at the beginning of proceedings, but otherwise covered his face with a prison-issue jumper. Bail was denied, and Rudakubana will plead at a hearing in October. An application from the Daily Mail to lift media restrictions was accepted by…
have arrested a fifth man in connection with the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday night (30 July). Officers were called to a report of a domestic incident in Southport today (Wednesday 31 July) where it was reported a man had made threats to a male family member. Police attended and the suspect was taken to hospital for treatment for a head injury. Officers recognised the man from footage of the disorder in Southport on Tuesday, where he is alleged to have thrown rocks at officers and struck a police van, and where it is believed the head injury was…
A Southport man has been charged after being caught by police carrying a knife in the town centre. The arrest came just a few hundred yards from where thousands gathered on Tuesday night to hold a vigil in memory of the three young girls killed on Monday. A report was received at 6.50pm that a man was seen with a knife on Eastbank Street. Officers attended and a man was detained at around 6.55pm, and a knife was recovered. Jordan Davies, 32, of Portland Street, Southport has been charged with Possession of a knife/blade/sharp pointed article in a public place.…
A huge clean up operation has been underway since 3am this morning to restore ‘normality’ to an area of Southport rocked by rioting. Dozens of residents of the Sussex Road and St Luke’s Road area of town have joined up with local businesspeople and Sefton Council cleansing staff to help remove tons and tons of debris. The site of devastation follows on from riots which occurred around the Southport Islamic Society Mosque yesterday evening. Rioters, which police say were believed to be part of the EDL, turned on emergency service personnel as they tried to prevent the mosque from being…
Emergency services including 39 police officers have been treated for injuries after being attacked by rioters in Southport last night. North West Ambulance Service said they treated 39 patients in total, all of which were police officers. 27 were taken to hospital and 12 were treated and discharged at scene. Three police dogs were also injured in the chaos, with dogs named Zoe and Ike suffering leg injuries from bricks thrown at them. Police say those involved in the unrest – who they believe included supporters of the English Defence League – set alight cars belonging to members of the…
Merseyside Police have confirmed the names of the three girls who were tragically killed in Southport on Monday (29 July). They are Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time. Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.” The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: “Keep smiling and…
Sefton Council is supporting the vigil being held in Southport town centre later to remember the victims of yesterday’s knife attack. People are being encouraged to gather outside The Atkinson on Southport’s Lord Street from 6pm today (Tuesday), to show support to all those affected by yesterday’s incident. Cllr Marion Atkinson Leader Sefton Council Leader said: “It is entirely understandable and appropriate that local people want to gather and show their support and solidarity. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this incredibly sad time.” A Book of Remembrance is available for people to sign at The Atkinson, in…
** The community is invited to attend a peaceful vigil this evening, at 6pm, outside the Atkinson on Lord Street ** Prime Minister Keir Starmer has laid a wreath of the site of yesterday’s attack at Hart Street, but was heckled by a small section of the gathered crowd. Following a visit from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper this morning, the Prime Minister made a short visit to the scene after receiving local police briefings and meeting a number of first responders. In an interview with national media, the Prime Minister thanked the emergency services. “I came here to pay my…
Along with our entire town, we are heartbroken and devastated after yesterday’s tragic incident on Hart Street. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our community, and stand ready to offer assistance in any way we can. If you can offer community support, thank you. Alternatively, if you are aware of any relevant community resources, please do let us know. Email ots@otsnews.co.uk so that we can add your support to our list. CROWDFUNDING A number of crowdfunding donation schemes have been set up, either in support of the victims or to other charitable causes. While we’ve no immediate reason to believe…