Latest news with #FromtheNorth
ITV News
3 days ago
- Sport
- ITV News
'It's astonishing': Richard Hammond witnesses Isle of Man TT for the very first time
Richard Hammond speaks to Isle of Man Correspondent Joshua Stokes Broadcaster Richard Hammond has described the the Isle of Man TT as 'astonishing' as he witnessed the action for the very first time. The TV presenter watched from the roadside during Saturday afternoon's qualifying session. He said: "It's been epic thus far. I have to say 39 years I've been riding motorcycles - they're a huge part of my life. This, I'm slightly ashamed to say, is my first ever TT and it's everything I thought it would be. "Some things match up to expectations, some things don't - this does. Not only the racing which I watched some of this afternoon before the weather changed its mind, but it's extraordinary. "I mean, I love riding motorcycles on the road, but it's a two worlds I'm familiar with the kind of almost suburban world and motorsports and mushed them together to create a spectacle unlike anything that I've ever seen. "Watching somebody cross a junction, up to a traffic-lighted junction, the suspension, compressing out as they're going an impossible speed - it's kind of other-worldly - I loved it". Hammond also took the opportunity to engage in other activities outside of the racing. On Sunday 1 June, he led the 'TT Legacy Lap', which saw hundreds of bikers ride around the 37 and three-quarter- mile Mountain Course on their own motorbikes. The annual lap has grown into a shared celebration of people, stories, and machines that have shaped the heritage of the TT. Hammond rode his own bike, in damp conditions, for the speed-controlled lap. The Isle of Man TT sees bikers ride at speeds over 200mph on public roads, in what Hammond described as a 'spectacle unlike anything I've ever seen'. He said: "I really can barely comprehend doing those speeds in this environment. And I've done 200mph on a motorcycle, I've done 320mph in a car, but neither instance was through suburbia! There's lamp posts out there, and manhole covers. "And it's just honestly, it's one of the last great almost gladiatorial where there's no combat, but it's people fighting fear. It's astonishing, it really is. I'm so glad it still exists and long may it." The Isle of Man TT continues until Saturday 7 June, where the event concludes with the final 6-lap Senior TT race. Want more on the issues effecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
ITV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- ITV News
TT rider Peter Hickman 'conscious and stable' in hospital after crashing during qualifying
TT rider Peter Hickman is 'conscious and stable' in hospital, following a crash during the opening lap of Friday evening's qualifying session. The 38-year-old Lincolnshire man came off at the Kerrowmoar section of the Mountain Course, before being flown to Noble's Hospital for further assessment. Hickman is the current lap record holder at the Isle of Man TT, setting an average speed of 136.358mph in 2023. A red flag was shown within the first 20 minutes of Friday's qualifying session, which was then cancelled due to incoming rain. Wet weather has continued to disrupt the opening week at the Isle of Man TT, after the first day was cancelled and further sessions rearranged. The first race day was due to be on Saturday 31 May, however further qualifying sessions are needed due to cancelled sessions in the week. Racing is due to get underway on Sunday 1 June, with a a final qualifying session scheduled for Saturday 31 May. The Isle of Man TT will conclude with the Senior TT race on Saturday 7 June. Want more on the issues effecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
ITV News
5 days ago
- ITV News
Police confirm 14-year-old Christopher McBurnie as teenager who died in Ramsey
Footage from the scene at Close Drean in Ramsey Police in the Isle of Man have confirmed a 14-year-old has died as a result of a 'serious incident' in the north of the island. Christopher McBurnie died at Close Drean in Ramsey, where he was 'found collapsed'. Officers say they responded to the incident at 3:38pm on Thursday 29 May, but 'despite immediate medical intervention', Christopher 'tragically died'. They say a 'local person' has been arrested in connection with the investigation, and they believe this is an isolated incident. Chief Constable Russ Foster issued the update saying specialist officers are helping Christopher's family. The area of Close Drean remains under police cordon, with a number of officers still attending the scene. They are asking the public refrain from speculating online, and avoid sharing imagery with anyone other than the Constabulary. Witnesses or anybody with any footage which may help inquiries is urged to make contact on 631212. Want more on the issues effecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
ITV News
6 days ago
- ITV News
Man charged with seven serious driving offences following Liverpool parade crash
A man has been charged with seven serious driving offences after a car ploughed into Liverpool fans as they celebrated their team's Premier League victory parade. Paul Doyle, 53, was arrested at the scene after the car was brought to a stop following the incident around 6pm on Monday, 26 May. Seven people remain in hospital in a stable condition after the a car drove into a crowd of people celebrating the club's 20th league title on Water Street, Liverpool, on Monday, 26 May. A total of 79 people - including a nine-year-old - were injured in the incident, a spokesperson from Merseyside Police confirmed on Wednesday. Doyle, of Burghill Road, West Derby, has been charged with the following offences. Two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving. He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday morning. Police believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted. The Prime Minister visited Liverpool on Wednesday, 28 May, to speak to police chiefs about the incident. Sir Keir Starmer travelled to the force headquarters in Liverpool to meet Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram. He told the meeting: 'The scenes on Monday were just awful, to see how incredible joy at an amazing achievement turned to horror in a moment. 'Steve, the mayor, has been keeping me informed and updated along with my team but it's really important to be here to go through this first hand with you, so thank you for making time and ensuring that I get to see the detail in the way that I'd like to.' A fundraising campaign set up for those affected has raised more than £20,000, including a £10,000 donation from the Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation, the former Liverpool player's charity. Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool, including from the King who said: 'I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.' The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were 'deeply saddened' by the parade crash, adding: 'What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.' Want more on the issues effecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
ITV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- ITV News
North-west England in drought due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers
The north west of England is now in drought due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers following one of the driest springs on record. The Environment Agency (EA) said Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, and Cumbria and Lancashire, have moved from 'prolonged dry weather' to 'drought' status. Despite recent rain, water levels in the region remain low, the Environment Agency said, although no other areas of the country are in drought. A spokesperson said: 'The north west of England has entered drought status due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers. 'No other areas in England are in drought and we continue to monitor the situation closely.' The agency also said hosepipe bans were a matter for water companies but they were expected to follow their drought plans, taking appropriate steps to reduce demand and leakage, to ensure more water is left in the environment for farmers and wildlife. The EA said it continued to regulate the region's water company, United Utilities, to operate within their agreed action plan to make use of available water while protecting the environment. Officials warned that periods of dry weather could have consequences for wildlife, including killing fish, more algal blooms and low rivers preventing species from moving up or downstream, as well as limiting water resources for those who need them. A United Utilities spokesperson said: 'We are grateful for the support of customers as we've seen demand reduce thanks to their efforts in saving water where they can, combined with more recent rainfall and cooler temperatures. 'Reservoirs, however, are still lower than we'd expect at this time of year and so we're continuing to move water around our integrated network to get it to where it is needed, as well as bringing extra water into the system from other sources around the region. 'Leakage is at its lowest level and we're repairing record volumes, with customers supporting us by reporting more leaks and we'd ask that they continue to do that as well as doing all they can to save and recycle water, to help protect their local environment.' Want more on the issues effecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
