CNMR NEWS

🚨Large-Scale Fire Breaks Out at Commercial Building in Stackstead🚨 A major emergency response is underway in Stacksteads this morning after a significant fire broke out at a commercial building on Railway Street. ​Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze at 01:43 on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Six fire engines were dispatched to the scene, supported by an aerial ladder platform to tackle the flames from above. ​Upon arrival, crews found the commercial property well-alight. Firefighters have been working through the early hours to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring structures. The tactical response currently includes: ⚫️​Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform. ⚫️​Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus. ⚫️​The use of three hose reel jets and two triple extension ladders. ⚫️​A ground monitor for high-volume water delivery. ​ ​Authorities are advising local residents to take precautions as smoke continues to billow from the site. Those living or working in the Stacksteads and Bacup area who can see or smell smoke are urged to keep all windows and doors closed until the incident is fully resolved. ​Members of the public are also requested to avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles clear access to the site and to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. 📹(Catherine Dunkerley/facebook) #fire #blaze #firefighters #Lancashire #newstory

A sexual predator who abused three teenage girls and two women has been jailed for 30 months. Derbyshire Police Statement: Stavros Theodoulou made sexual remarks to all of the victims, who were all known to him, as well as touching them repeatedly. The matters came to light when one of the women came forward to report the abuse in 2023. A number of other people then also reported similar experiences with Theodoulou. In a victim impact statement, one of the women said: “It has made me wonder how many other women have been subjected to his abuse like I was and how long it has been going on for. “Because of what I have been through I also find I have struggled to make friendships at work and in my personal life. This is not a true reflection of the real me. “I find myself having flashbacks of the assaults and it has deeply impacted my ability to go about my life normally. The whole situation impacted me mentally and emotionally and I feel I will be affected by this for a long time. “A man like Theodoulou is dangerous and unpredictable working in society. I hope once and for all people will know exactly who he is so that people are protected from him in future and that no one else ever falls victim to him. I wouldn’t wish what I went through upon anyone. It pains me every day and I have to live with the ongoing trauma he has caused me.” Theodoulou was arrested and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault as well as three charges of possessing a firearm without a certificate after officers found the items at his house when they went to arrest him. The 59-year-old, of Hilcote Lane, Alfreton, admitted the charges and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on Friday 9 January where he was jailed for 30 months. He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Detective Constable Leonie Hitchmough, who led the investigation, said: “I’d like to commend these women for their bravery in coming forward and reporting these offences by Theodoulou. “His actions have understandably had a major impact on them all and will continue to do so for some time to come. “I have no doubt that he would have continued to offend had he not been brought to justice for these offences so I am incredibly grateful to all those who came forward to report him. “I’d like to encourage anyone else who is experiencing something similar to please come forward and speak to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout.” There is a Rape and Sexual Assault reporting tool on our website. Here you can report something that's happened to you, or to someone else. To access it visit: https://orlo.uk/7ctvq You can report anonymously, without giving us your details. We won't judge you; we'll treat you with respect, and we'll always put your health and wellbeing first. Alternatively, you can contact us using the following methods: • Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page • Phone – call us on 101 The Derbyshire SARC provides free, confidential healthcare, and compassionate support for adults who have experienced any form of sexual assault. Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year and can be contacted on 0300 223 0099. Call to speak with a nurse. If you're not ready to report to police, that's ok. The SARC takes self-referrals, as well as referrals from professionals, and can make sure you get the help, support and guidance you need. Find out more at: https://orlo.uk/kKD76 #Police #prison #newstory #crimenews #danger

A man who sexually assaulted young girls has been brought to Justice. Lancashire Police Statement: A man who sexually assaulted two young girls has been given a 20-year sentence. Robert Crompton, 67, committed the offences in East Lancashire several years ago before going to live in Australia. Being on the other side of the world didn’t prevent justice catching up with Crompton (pictured). Lancashire Police officers investigating Crompton’s crimes, applied to the Australian authorities for his extradition. Crompton was extradited to the UK in May last year and stood trial at Preston Crown Court in November. One the girls was sexually assaulted by Crompton over a number years, the first time when she was only five. In her victim impact statement read to the court, she wrote: “Being sexually abused at such a young age had a huge impact on me developmentally as a child. “As an example, I struggled to form friendships with others my own age, and typically I would seek friendship and solace from older people.” She continued: “What happened to me will remain with me for the rest of my life. He took away some of my childhood and I believe he stole my innocence.” The second victim was 12 when Crompton sexually assaulted her. She wrote in her victim impact statement: “The image of virtue that he shared throughout the trial that he was, is not the man who thankfully has been found guilty of such heinous and sickening crimes. “He continues to manipulate others into believing he is innocent which in my opinion demonstrates a deep and pathological ability to deceive and continue to abuse others without regard to them.” After an eight-day trial in November, Crompton was found guilty by a jury of 12 charges – including five offences of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration, assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, causing a girl under 13 to watch sexual activity, and sexual assault of a female. Returning to the dock at Preston Crown Court last Friday (16th January) for sentence, the judge sentenced Crompton to 20 years – consisting of a 19-year prison sentence and an extended one-year licence period. Det Con Cathryn Whitworth of Lancashire Police, said: “These were abhorrent offences committed by Crompton against two young victims. “They showed great bravery by coming forward to report what Crompton had done, and then by reliving their experiences by giving evidence in court during the trial. “Although Crompton lived in Australia by the time these offences came to light, we were determined that he should face justice. “We presented a case for him to be extradited back to this country and after a lot of hard work, that happened in May last year. “I welcome the lengthy custodial sentence imposed on Crompton, with it underlining the seriousness of his offending.” #Police #justice #prison #localnews #newstory

Police Horse Chases Down Man Wanted on Recall To Prison. Lancashire Police Statement: Ever wondered if we’ll pursue you on horseback? Well, the answer is YES. On 16th January 2026, PC Loder and PH Rufford were out on patrol on Northgate in Blackburn when they caught sight of a very familiar face which happened to be that of Ben Cottam, 41, of no fixed address, who was wanted on recall to prison. PC Loder asked him to stop, but instead he thought he could easily out-run PH Rufford. Unfortunately for him, PH Rufford was far too hot to trot and instead cantered after him down the high street. Realising he didn’t stand a chance against horse and rider, Cottam came to a stop and we arrested him. He was later remanded to HMP Preston after a short stay in custody and PH Rufford was tucked up in his stable with a carrot or two for a job well done 🥕 That’s what we would call some ah-neigh-zing work! Well done PH Rufford and PC Loder 🐎 #policehorse #horse #newstory #localnews #policechase

Tributes have been paid to a young man who sadly died following a collision in Seaham. Durham Police Statement: Tributes have been paid to a ‘kind-hearted son and brother’ who died following a collision in Seaham on Thursday, January 15. Daniel Ambler sustained serious injuries following the incident on Stockton Road at around 4.50pm. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the 23-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Today, his family paid tribute to him, saying: “Daniel was a much-loved son and brother, and his death will leave a huge hole in our hearts forever. “He had a great sense of humour, was popular among friends, and was able to bring laughter to any situation. “Our family is devastated, but we will remember Daniel for being the kind-hearted soul that he was.” A murder investigation has since been launched by Durham Constabulary’s Major Crime Team. Anybody with any information relating to the incident is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident number 281 of January 15. #newstory #news #tribute #sadnews #police

A man who killed his wife must serve a minimum of 29 years before being considered for parole. Merseyside Police Statement: This is Nilani Nimalarajah. On Friday 20 June 2025, Nilani was at work in Low Cost Food and Wine, on Stanley Road. The mum-of-three was going about her day, unaware that her estranged husband Nimalarajah Mathiyaparanam was on his way to fatally attack her. 44-year-old Nilani was found by officers with multiple stab wounds and was taken to hospital but sadly passed away a short time later. However, Nilani will not be defined by this. On behalf of the family, Nilani’s eldest daughter has released this tribute: “My mum, Nilani, was love in its purest form, she was my strength, my safety and my home. “As her eldest daughter I carry her spirit with me every day, her life mattered, her love remains and she will never be forgotten. “Forever yours, ‘AMMA’. “From all three of us we stand together in love for our mum.” Read out in a Victim Impact Statement, Nilani brought her three daughters up to be “be respectful, honest, selfless, caring and to always forgive”. It continues: “My mum was such a strong woman; she would never allow anyone to disrespect our family and would stand up for who she loved. “Her absence is something I feel every single day. I miss her voice, her laugh, and the way she made even the hardest days feel manageable. There is a constant emptiness in my life that I will ever fully recover from. “From an early age, my mum was my role model, she taught me how to cook, clean, manage finances and practical life skills. She told me to stay smiling even through the hardest days. I never thought I would have to do this without her.” Today, Mathiyaparanam has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 29 years. We were completely determined to get justice not only for Nilani, but also their children and our thoughts will always remain with them ❤️ If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who might be, please reach out for help to the police or a local support service. #prison #Police #crimenews #newstory #Merseyside

A police operation is currently underway in the heart of Southwell today following reports of a concern for safety. ​Officers from Nottinghamshire Police were called to Queen Street at approximately 11:52 am on Friday. A significant police presence remains at the scene, and the road has been closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. ​Scene Remains Active: ​The closure has impacted local traffic and businesses on the busy town-centre street. While the nature of the incident has not been disclosed, authorities have moved to reassure the local community. ​In a statement released shortly after the arrival of emergency services, a spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police said: ​"Officers are currently in attendance at Queen Street, Southwell, following a concern for safety report at 11.52am today. The street remains closed as officers deal with the incident." ​No Risk to Public: ​The force has categorised the event as an isolated incident, confirming that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community. ​"This is an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public," the spokesperson added. ​Residents and visitors are being advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes while the investigation continues. It is currently unclear when the road is expected to reopen.

A teenager inspired by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana planned a copycat attack on a children's dance school and planned to bomb the first Oasis reunion gig in Cardiff. McKenzie Morgan, 18, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, has been sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders institute, after pleading guilty to possession of an al-Qaeda training manual. Morgan said he wanted to carry out a "Rudakubana-style attack", claimed he was trying to make ricin [a highly dangerous toxin] and sent an image of a large knife for sale to a friend, saying "would this work". He was initially arrested on 2 June 2025 after the police were contacted by an individual who was worried by what they had seen on Snapchat. Morgan was sentenced for one offence of possession of information likely to be of use to a person engaged in terrorism, contrary to section 58(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.He was released on bail but his phone was seized and police discovered several banned al-Qaeda documents, including instructions on how to carry out a knife attack. Morgan, who had saved images of Rudakubana on his phone, was rearrested on 19 June 2025, charged and appeared in court two days later. He told police he searched for the al-Qaeda training manual, saved it and then read it - and admitted a single charge of possessing a terrorist manual. The Crown Prosecution Service said this was a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.Judge Sarah Whitehouse told the court there was no clear evidence that Morgan held any political, religious or racial ideology and his motivation appeared to be to "emulate the Southport terrorist attacker". She said he was a danger to himself and "vulnerable to being bullied, groomed and radicalised". Prosecutor Corinne Bramwell said Morgan, who was aged 17 at the time of the offences, was infatuated and inspired by Rudakubana.As well as being sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders institution, he has also been given a one year period on licence. The police must also have details about where he lives for the next ten years and he has been given rules about using the internet. There is no evidence to suggest Morgan subscribed to any particular ideology or was a member of a banned group, such as Islamic State or National Action. But he did appear to be infatuated with the horrific violence perpetrated by Axel Rudakubana - a trend identified in other young men by the inquiry into the Southport murders. #crimenews #newstory #police #prison

Police Dog Detains Suspect Following Pursuit. South Wales Police Statement: People should know by now not to run from our police dogs – their bite really is worse than their bark! On Sunday 11 January officers spotted a car in Miskin believed to be involved in a previous crime, when officers tried to pull the car over it sped off resulting in a pursuit. The driver drove in a dangerous manner, driving on the wrong side of the A4119 before successfully being stopped, where they ran from the car. 🐶 PD Alife helped to detain the driver, while officers from our Roads Policing Unit arrested two passengers. The driver pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failure to stop, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance. On Tuesday January 13 at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court, he was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison and banned from driving for a further three years. The two passengers have been released under investigation. #policedog #police #arrest #crimenews #newstory

A single-decker bus was destroyed by fire on Ormskirk Road Friday morning, leading to significant traffic delays and a major emergency response near Switch Island. ​The incident began at approximately 11:55 am when Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) received reports of a vehicle well alight. Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, arriving within six minutes to find the bus completely engulfed in flames ​Quick Evacuation Prevents Injuries: ​In a fortunate turn of events, all passengers and the driver managed to evacuate the vehicle before the fire took hold. MFRS confirmed that everyone was accounted for and no injuries were reported. ​"The driver and all passengers were accounted for and had evacuated the bus before the fire took hold, with no apparent injuries," a spokesperson for the fire service said. ​Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to suppress the blaze. By 12:15 pm, the main fire was extinguished, though crews remained on-site for over an hour to damp down the area and ensure the scene was safe. ​Traffic Disruption and Recovery: ​The fire caused immediate chaos for motorists, as Ormskirk Road was closed in the direction of Switch Island. The closure remained in place for several hours while an engineer from the bus company assessed the charred remains and arranged for recovery. ​By 1:10 pm, MFRS officials confirmed that one lane had been reopened to alleviate the building traffic, and the scene was handed over to Merseyside Police for further management. ​Motorists are still being advised to avoid the area if possible, as delays are expected to continue until the vehicle is fully removed and the road is cleared of debris. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. #busfire #fire #newstory #aintree

A man has been charged following an investigation into a sexual assault in Blackpool. Lancashire Police Statement: We want to tell you about an incident in Blackpool and ask for your help. We received a report of a sexual assault on Montpelier Avenue at around 4am on 12th January. It was reported that a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted. A 42-year-old man from Leyland was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Steven Cafferky, 42, of Fernleigh, Leyland was charged with sexual assault and was remanded to appear before Preston Magistrates Court today. We know this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that our investigation remains underway and you may see our officers carrying out their duties in the area. Although someone has been charged, our enquiries are very much ongoing, and anyone with information or footage to assist those enquiries is asked to contact us on 101 quoting log 0114 of 12th January. We’re particularly keen to speak to a potential witness, who may have been riding a pushbike on Redbank Road at around 3:45am. We want to make it very clear they are solely being treated as a witness and are not in any trouble. As someone has been charged and legal proceedings are ongoing we have taken the decision to disable comments on this post to minimise any potential risk to future proceedings.

M6 Motorway Closure Greater Manchester Police Police Statement: Officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M6 at around 7:42am this morning (Friday 16 January 2026). Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has yet to take place but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. Junctions 23-26 are currently closed both north and southbound which is causing significant disruption and we would encourage a review of travel plans and ask for patience as emergency services conduct their enquiries. 📹(CNMR Library Video of M6) #m62 #motorwayclosure #police #newstory

Police Investigating a serious assault on a pensioner have made two arrests. Lancashire Police Statement: We have an update to bring you as part of our investigation into the serious assault of a pensioner in Lancaster. The victim, a man in his late 60s, was disturbed by banging at his door in Shakespeare Road and saw a group of youth laughing at him and standing by his car. The man went outside to follow them and was attacked by the gang who beat him with sticks and pieces of wood. He was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken nose, and was left with numerous cuts and a tooth missing. The assault happened on Barley Cop Lane at about 6pm on Sunday, January 11th, and involved a group of around eight youths. We have now arrested two boys in connection with this investigation. A 12 year old boy and a 13 year old boy, both from Lancaster, have been arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm. They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries. As part of our investigation, we are still making efforts to identify further youths. Det Sgt Katie Brew, of Lancaster CID, said: “This unprovoked attack left an elderly male with significant injuries requiring urgent medical attention.” “We are continuing to make a number of enquiries to identify those involved and I would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward. You may have seen what happened or you may have footage such as CCTV or Ring doorbell. If so, please contact us.” Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 0843 of January 11th. #crimenews #localnews #newstory #Police #arrests

Fylde Rural Task Force have been investigating a spate of burglaries at independent businesses in St Annes town centre. These burglaries involved entry being forced with significant damage caused. Items of high value were stolen including laptops, phones, cameras, cash and medical equipment. During one of the burglaries, the offender even made himself a ham sandwich and a coffee before making off with the stolen goods! The team have conducted numerous CCTV and forensic enquiries and identified a male they suspect to be involved. On Tuesday, Shaun DAGGER aged 52 (of no fixed abode) was located in Blackpool and arrested on suspicion of burglary. Yesterday Fylde Rural Task Force had the pleasure of charging DAGGER with burglary (x5) and breach of court bail after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. Three of these burglaries occurred in St Annes town centre, with the other two burglaries being in Blackpool town centre. DAGGER was remanded to Court and has today been further remanded to prison. DAGGER will next appear at Preston Magistrates Court on the 22nd January 2026. We hope this offers you reassurance that we take these reports seriously. Offenders travelling into Fylde to commit offences will not be tolerated and we will continue to target and disrupt those involved. #crimenews #newstory #police #arrest #remanded

Detectives investigating a stabbing incident in York on Saturday (10 January) evening have charged a 35-year-old man with attempted murder. It happened at an address on Lindley Road at around 5.50pm. A woman aged in her 20s suffered serious injuries. She was taken to hospital by ambulance where she is currently in a “serious but stable” condition following emergency treatment. The 35-year-old man was located and arrested by officers on Saturday night.Jake Joe Bamber, 35, of no fixed address in York, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday 14 January) where he was remanded into custody before a Leeds Crown Court plea and trial preparation hearing on Wednesday 11 February at 9.30am, courtroom 1.In line with standard practice for all forces when there has been prior police contact with individuals connected to such investigations, North Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to examine the full circumstances leading up to the incident. The victim and her family have been informed about the IOPC referral and are being supported by specialist officers.