Latest news with #CatDinneny
ITV News
28-05-2025
- ITV News
'We've got to stop the car': Liverpool fan on the moment he confronted driver
Words by ITV News Senior Producer Cat Dinneny A Liverpool fan who rushed towards a moving car as it rammed into pedestrians in Liverpool has spoken to ITV News about the moment he pulled the driver out of the vehicle. Mike Blair said he had to 'stop the car' and pushed people out of the way as it made its way down Water Street as Liverpool FC's victory parade was drawing to a close. He was also injured in the attack, suffering a bruised lung and ribs, as he tried to free those who were trapped. Speaking to ITV News, he said: "We heard the noise and looked up and saw people flying everywhere. That's when I pushed my mum left. "As soon as we all heard that shift in gear we knew what was going on and we just ran at that car. It was terrifying, lots of screams and panic. "There were a few of us, we just ran towards the door. We tried to break the glass, tried pulling the door open. "There was lots of chaos and everyone tried to get him out, making sure the handbrake was on, making sure the keys weren't in the ignition. We've got to stop the car, you know?" With the car at a standstill, several people managed to get the driver out. Mike said: "There wasn't a word off him, he wasn't speaking. but with all the chaos we managed to get him out with help from the police as well." With the help of others, Mike then tried to lift the Ford Galaxy to help those who were stuck underneath. He said: "There was a guy underneath the right tyre, I think there were a few bodies under. We've tried to use the leverage of the door to try and lift it. "I think we lifted it a few inches but then obviously after that, everyone's got pushed off the car. Obviously when the adrenaline kicks in you think you can do anything. I'm paying for it now." Unaware of the extent of his own injuries, Mike then ran into a nearby restaurant to get whatever he could to help. He handed out tissues and gloves to those who had been run over, but after sitting down, he was sick and passed out before being treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. He was discharged on Tuesday evening. "I don't actually know what happened. I didn't feel pain at the time." Nearly 80 people have been treated for their injuries so far and seven people are still in hospital in a stable condition. Police have been given more time to question a 53-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
ITV News
20-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Thousands of veterans thought to be affected by faulty earplugs supplied to the military
Words by ITV News Producer Cat Dinneny Tens of thousands of British military personnel could have suffered hearing loss or damage as a result of faulty ear defenders. American firm 3M supplied at least 400,000 sets of its Combat Arms Earplugs to the Ministry of Defence over a 20-year period, but it's alleged they were defective. The company is now being sued in the UK after settling a $6 billion lawsuit in the US for similar allegations. Tom Longstaff, a partner at KP Law, which is launching the class action, said: "3M will have known its earplugs were defective while still supplying them to the UK military. It is only right that the men and women whose lives have been impacted receive justice and compensation.' The ear defenders were commonly used in the military between 2003 and 2023. 3M has previously said the settlement in the US was not an admission of liability and added that the products "are safe and effective when used properly." Speaking to ITV News, Mr Longstaff said: "It suffered from a design defect which meant the product wasn't fit for purpose and didn't protect members of the Armed Forces against very loud levels of noise to which they were exposed." It's estimated tens of thousands of veterans and servicemen and women have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus and related issues, including stress, anxiety and depression as a result of using them. Adam Stone served as a Corporal in the Royal Marines between 2003 and 2012, including a tour of Iraq. He has hearing loss in his left ear and said he regularly used the 3M ear defenders. He told ITV News: "Depending on the setting, it was far easier to wear the little ones. They felt absolutely fine, but that's under the assumption that you're putting something in your ear that actually works. "There was the odd occasion when you'd hear a noise and you'd think 'that's pretty loud'... but you use what you're supplied." He started experiencing tinnitus while he was still serving, but it wasn't until he left the military that he got his hearing looked at. "I was increasingly starting to struggle in social settings, in conversations and in busy places. I suspected that my hearing had taken a bit of a knock, so I went and had it checked out, and they confirmed there was a fair amount of hearing loss in my left ear." He was given a hearing aid, but finds it uncomfortable due to the amount of background noise it picks up. Mr Stone added: "I'm back at square one. It's very difficult to keep track of who's saying what, particularly in large settings. "Generally, I tend to find that I exclude myself from big conversations, and I'd rather go off and chat with someone one-on-one. Or, the alternative is to pretend you've heard what's been said, go along with it and then walk away completely oblivious." David Pettifer, who also served in the Royal Marines, says British servicemen and women "deserved better". The veteran, from Birmingham, said: 'It's a huge disappointment to know that a massive conglomerate like 3M, who were obligated to supply soldiers with quality equipment which worked properly, were willing to put profit over the welfare of individuals who step up to serve their country. "I think I can speak for all British servicemen and women who have been affected by this betrayal when I say that we deserved a lot better.' Mr Pettifer worked with the heavy weapons and anti-tank sub-unit between 2002 and 2012, completing three tours in Afghanistan. The 47-year-old added: "My hearing loss affects me on a daily basis, even to the point where my wife has to keep repeating things when I mishear. "In other instances, including in the work I've done since leaving the Marines, I have often felt embarrassed when I've had to ask people to repeat themselves after not hearing them correctly.' KP Law is encouraging people to come forward if they think they might have been affected by the ear defenders. Mr Longstaff said: 'One of the British military's core values is integrity. By supplying earplugs they knew were defective, 3M showed no integrity. "It is only right that the men and women whose lives have been impacted receive justice and compensation.' The Ministry of Defence says it would not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. ITV News has contacted 3M for a response.
