Latest news with #JohnSchofield
RNZ News
03-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Pensioner saved from drowning after rogue wave knocks him over while fishing
The family of a pensioner caught in rouge waves while fishing near the mouth of Ōtaki River on the Kapiti Coast have reached out to thank the rescuers who saved his life. John Schofield, who is in his 70s, was laying face down in the water after apparently being knocked down by heavy swells on Friday. Kitesurfer Ramon Glauser was out with two other friends but they had packed up and he was taking one final run when people on the beach alerted him to someone in the water. "As I got to him he was lifeless, pretty much eyes open but not moving. No attempt to move and couldn't move, no swimming. Once I dragged him to the beach I saw he had gumboots. That would have absolutely killed his energy." "I essentially used the kite to keep me up and afloat and grabbed him and dragged him to the beach, and kept saying, 'are you ok?, are you ok?' but there were no words, no hand movements, no kicking. Nothing. I could see he was alive but I think within seconds, I believe, or a minute, he would have drowned.'' Schofield then responded to Glauser, "what a nightmare". "I grabbed his hand to make sure he had some power and there was some movement there." Glauser kitesurfed across to a fisher and her friend and asked them for help. The fisher, 28-year-old Janelle Adams, told Checkpoint she ran to her truck to find a blanket. "I got my phone, grabbed my blanket that I carry in my truck and just ran as fast as I could right around the edge of the river to get to him. It took about five or six minutes to get there and I was screaming at the ambulance while running." However, Adams said she was slowed down by her choice of footwear. John Schofield was laying face down in the water after apparently being knocked down by heavy swells. Photo: Supplied / Janelle Adams "I was on the rocks with my not appropriate shoes. They were crocs. I was running through rocks and driftwood." Once she reached Schofield, she wrapped him in her blanket, which had been used for rescues of other kinds. "I have rescued cats and stuff with it. It's got a few memories." She said the waves were particularly rough, tangling her line and sweeping away her friends things. The wild weather also claimed a few of Schofield's belongings during the rescue. "He lost his glasses and he kept asking me where they had gone. And I said, John, I'm sorry, but I think they're definitely gone. One of the fish are probably wearing them. "I was just trying to keep him happy and make sure that we were getting help. So we kept positive." A police spokesperson told Checkpoint that Schofield was picked up by a rescue helicopter and airlifted to Wellington Hospital after sustaining serious injuries. Adams said she was grateful to be there to help at the right moment. "It was emotional for me too. Just knowing that the worst could have happened, but it didn't, so I was grateful. "The kite surfer did a really good job I reckon, just to be able to help him get to shore. If I wasn't there, I wouldn't been able to do what I've done. I guess if no one had found them, there would have been worse situation." Adams has checked up on Schofield and his family every other day since the rescue to keep up to date with how he's doing. "He's pretty grateful we're going to catch up, probably in a couple in the next couple of weeks for lunch." Schofield's daughter Hayley said he extended his thanks to all those who helped rescue him. "He is so grateful beyond words for all of their help. He in due course is hoping to be meeting up with them all personally when well enough.'' Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
03-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Fisherman dragged to safety after caught in rogue waves
John Schofield, who's in his 70s, was dragged to safety on Friday after he was caught in rogue waves while fishing near the mouth of the Otaki River on the Kapiti Coast. A kite surfer spotted him in trouble and hauled him in to shore, waving out to a nearby fisher for help. John's family has been in touch with Checkpoint, and said he wants to acknowledge the help of a lady fisherman, a kite surfer, Otaki police and the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter who came to his rescue. Fisher Janelle Adams spoke to Lisa Owen. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
How sinister armed gangs are selling KIDS vapes spiked with deadly zombie spice drug on Snapchat
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AT 6am, officers from Greater Manchester Police burst through the door of the red-brick house. Shouts of 'Police!' echo through the quiet street as they enter the property, searching for the man they suspect of selling deadly vapes to kids via phone app Snapchat. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Ash Griffiths, 14, collapsed after puffing on a vape laced with zombie drug spice earlier this month Credit: Dan Griffiths 9 Synthetic cannabis in sweetie-style packs to entice kids - and a lethal-looking blade Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media 9 Weapons and drugs seized in Greater Manchester raids Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media They find Omar Abu-Sharkh, 20, at home in Moorside, Oldham — thousands of e-cigs, empty refill bottles and five-litre vats of lethal synthetic drug spice littering the house, along with a machete. He is cuffed, read his rights and bundled into a police van. Cops are hopeful they have smashed the operation. But hours later, the dangerous vapes — touted as containing THC, the psychoactive substance found in cannabis — are for sale again online, tempting kids with popular Tango Ice Blast and Haribo flavours, plus refill vials as big as 200ml. The terrifying truth, however, is that these e-cig liquids have been mixed with something even more volatile than THC. Crooks have added in dangerous zombie drug spice — imported in bulk from China — which can hospitalise smokers after just one puff. 'We are watching' Callous dealers often target kids with popular flavours, and experts fear children will die if they buy a vape containing the potentially deadly chemical mix. Police resume their search for the crooks operating the Snapchat channel and, three warrants later, thanks to the dedicated work of two specially trained digital officers, they find the first suspect's accomplices and shut it down for good. Team leader Detective Sergeant John Schofield told The Sun: 'While we can't say they were deliberately targeting teens, the nature of the packaging, brands, flavours, and use of Snapchat all attract a younger customer. 'For example, Tango Ice Blast flavour is what you'd get your kids at the cinema for a slushy. They were actively choosing flavours that are popular with children. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked 'These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing. 'They can just run it from their bedroom, so they don't feel as visible. 'They've got a certain amount of arrogance, but we are watching — and we do find them.' These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing Detective Sergeant John Schofield At court in March this year, Abu-Sharkh pleaded guilty to supplying class B drugs THC and synthetic cannabinoids. Qais Rasul, 20, and Mohammed Jalal Aftab, 20, both also from Oldham, admitted the same crimes. During one of the raids, Sufiaan Ali, 20, of Oldham, hurled a missile. He later pleaded guilty to possession of a readily convertible firearm as well as the drugs charge. All four men are due to be sentenced next week at Manchester crown court. Dan Griffiths, 40, from South Shields, has seen first-hand the damage spice vapes can cause after his 14-year-old son Ash smoked one earlier this month — and collapsed. 'Ash had no idea what was in it,' Dan revealed. 'After a couple of puffs, he collapsed, and his friends were standing there laughing at his reaction. 'Thankfully, a passing nurse saw it and called an ambulance. 'I ran across the estate to get to him. I was worried out of my mind. 'Seeing Ash pass out in the back of the ambulance left me terrified. I had no idea what would happen. 'Since then, he's had six seizures, and we're constantly in and out of the hospital. It's changed his life forever.' 9 Detective Sergeant John Schofield with vials of synthetic cannabis Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media 9 A man slumped in the streets - showing the signs of taking spice Credit: Alamy 9 Since smoking a spiked vape, Ash has suffered six seizures and now faces a life changed forever Credit: NNP Dealers go to great lengths to meddle with the ingredients in legitimate vapes. The Manchester gang were opening e-cig liquids, removing some, then topping them up to full using spice from China. Other vape bottles they made up themselves with a mix of legitimate liquid and the imported contraband. In a bid to keep their profits out of police hands, Aftab and Ali swapped cash into gold bars and hid them in safety deposit boxes, which cops need an extra warrant to access. Fellow crook Abu-Sharkh had gold coins at home to protect his earnings from the criminal enterprise. Spice is a group name for synthetic cannabinoids, which are meant to mimic the effects of THC, but are far more addictive and dangerous. It has been known to cause psychosis, loss of movement, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes seizures. Last year, researchers from Bath University found one in six vapes confiscated in schools was laced with spice, which can cause heart attacks, seizures and psychotic episodes. They tested 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England. Professor Chris Pudney, who carried out the research, said: 'You find spice in three places — prisons, homeless communities and schools. 'They all share the characteristics of having vulnerable people in their population.' On the haul found by Greater Manchester Police, Prof Pudney added: 'If you search for THC vapes on Instagram or TikTok, you will see the same kinds of images. The thing I have not seen before is the labelling with the 'flavours'. 'It points to a development in the distribution strategy and, as already noted, towards a younger age group.' The study also found only one in 100 vapes contained THC. 'Collapse at school' Genuine THC vapes will smell like cannabis and have a gel-like consistency, instead of being odourless and water-like. Spiked vapes have caused hundreds of teens across the country to collapse, with many not realising that they are smoking synthetic cannabinoids, zombie drug spice or, in rare cases, the opioid fentanyl. Ben Davies, the headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, has witnessed the havoc that illegally doctored vapes can cause in teenagers attending his school. Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart... even in young, fit people Helen Wall, GP 'We've seen kids being given what they think is an innocent, over- the-counter vape, and it contains synthetic cannabinoids or something else,' Ben said. 'Illegal vaping itself is a worry, but with the spiked vapes, we've had children collapse at school and had to call the ambulance. We've had hallucinations, dissociation, collapse, palpitations, all those sorts of things. 'There are symptoms that are sometimes similar to a panic attack, but they are much more severe. 'What troubles me is how easily the children can get access to these vapes, often in some really sinister ways. And we have no idea what is in any of the vapes either — there's no way to really know.' Explaining why spice is dangerous for children and teenagers to use, GP Helen Wall said: 'Spice can cause severe anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. Psychosis can often occur, leading to violence and risk-taking behaviour. 'Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart. Heart rate can be elevated, leading to high blood pressure, chest pain and heart attacks, even in young, fit people. 'Sudden cardiac death has been linked to spice. 'Kidneys can fail and your liver can become impaired, often due to chemicals in the spice that are unknown. Those with asthma may have an attack and become severely breathless. 'Despite all of these nasty effects, individuals quickly gain psychological and physical dependence on the drug — more so than with cannabis. The withdrawal symptoms can be profound. 'Teens getting into spice are more likely to drop out of school, fail exams, become socially isolated and get involved in violent and risk-taking behaviours. 'Teenage brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control. 'Spice interferes with this process, potentially leading to long-term thought and emotional consequences.' 9 Crooks Omar Abu-Sharkh and Qais Rasul, both 20 9 Drug criminals Jalal Aftab and Sufiaan Ali, both 20 9 Cops warn that children buying vapes can have no idea what is in the product Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
How sinister armed gangs are selling KIDS vapes spiked with deadly zombie spice drug on Snapchat
AT 6am, officers from Greater Manchester Police burst through the door of the red-brick house. Shouts of 'Police!' echo through the quiet street as they enter the property, searching for the man they suspect of selling deadly vapes to kids via phone app Snapchat. Advertisement 9 Ash Griffiths, 14, collapsed after puffing on a vape laced with zombie drug spice earlier this month Credit: Dan Griffiths 9 Synthetic cannabis in sweetie-style packs to entice kids - and a lethal-looking blade Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media 9 Weapons and drugs seized in Greater Manchester raids Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media They find Omar Abu-Sharkh, 20, at home in Moorside, Oldham — thousands of e-cigs, empty refill bottles and five-litre vats of lethal synthetic drug spice littering the house, along with a machete. He is cuffed, read his rights and bundled into a police van. Cops are hopeful they have smashed the operation. But hours later, the dangerous vapes — touted as containing THC, the psychoactive substance found in cannabis — are for sale again online, tempting kids with popular Tango Ice Blast and Haribo flavours, plus refill vials as big as 200ml. Advertisement The terrifying truth, however, is that these 'We are watching' Callous dealers often target kids with popular flavours, and experts fear children will die if they buy a vape containing the potentially deadly chemical mix. Police resume their search for the crooks operating the Snapchat channel and, three warrants later, thanks to the dedicated work of two specially trained digital officers, they find the first suspect's accomplices and shut it down for good. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Team leader Detective Sergeant John Schofield told The Sun: 'While we can't say they were deliberately targeting teens, the nature of the packaging, brands, flavours, and use of Snapchat all attract a younger customer. 'For example, Tango Ice Blast flavour is what you'd get your kids at the cinema for a slushy. They were actively choosing flavours that are popular with children. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked 'These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing. 'They can just run it from their bedroom, so they don't feel as visible. Advertisement 'They've got a certain amount of arrogance, but we are watching — and we do find them.' These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing Detective Sergeant John Schofield At court in March this year, Abu-Sharkh pleaded guilty to supplying class B drugs THC and synthetic cannabinoids. Qais Rasul, 20, and Mohammed Jalal Aftab, 20, both also from Oldham, admitted the same crimes. During one of the raids, Sufiaan Ali, 20, of Oldham, hurled a missile. Advertisement He later pleaded guilty to possession of a readily convertible firearm as well as the drugs charge. All four men are due to be sentenced next week at Manchester crown court. Dan Griffiths, 40, from South Shields, has seen first-hand the damage spice vapes can cause after his 14-year-old son Ash smoked one earlier this month — and collapsed. 'Ash had no idea what was in it,' Dan revealed. 'After a couple of puffs, he collapsed, and his friends were standing there laughing at his reaction. 'Thankfully, a passing nurse saw it and called an ambulance. Advertisement 'I ran across the estate to get to him. I was worried out of my mind. 'Seeing Ash pass out in the back of the ambulance left me terrified. I had no idea what would happen. 'Since then, he's had six seizures, and we're constantly in and out of the hospital. It's changed his life forever.' 9 Detective Sergeant John Schofield with vials of synthetic cannabis Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media Advertisement 9 A man slumped in the streets - showing the signs of taking spice Credit: Alamy 9 Since smoking a spiked vape, Ash has suffered six seizures and now faces a life changed forever Credit: NNP Dealers go to great lengths to meddle with the ingredients in legitimate vapes. The Manchester gang were opening e-cig liquids, removing some, then topping them up to full using spice from China. Other vape bottles they made up themselves with a mix of legitimate liquid and the imported contraband. Advertisement In a bid to keep their profits out of police hands, Aftab and Ali swapped cash into gold bars and hid them in safety deposit boxes, which cops need an extra warrant to access. Fellow crook Abu-Sharkh had gold coins at home to protect his earnings from the criminal enterprise. Spice is a group name for Last year, researchers from Bath University found one in six vapes confiscated in schools was laced with spice, which can cause heart attacks, seizures and psychotic episodes. Advertisement They tested 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England. Professor Chris Pudney, who carried out the research, said: 'You find spice in three places — prisons, homeless communities and schools. 'They all share the characteristics of having vulnerable people in their population.' On the haul found by Greater Manchester Police, Prof Pudney added: 'If you search for THC vapes on Instagram or TikTok, you will see the same kinds of images. The thing I have not seen before is the labelling with the 'flavours'. Advertisement 'It points to a development in the distribution strategy and, as already noted, towards a younger age group.' The study also found only one in 100 vapes contained THC. 'Collapse at school' Genuine THC vapes will smell like cannabis and have a gel-like consistency, instead of being odourless and water-like. Spiked vapes have caused hundreds of teens across the country to collapse, with many not realising that they are Advertisement Ben Davies , the headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, has witnessed the havoc that illegally doctored vapes can cause in teenagers attending his school. Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart... even in young, fit people Helen Wall, GP 'We've seen kids being given what they think is an innocent, over- the-counter vape, and it contains synthetic cannabinoids or something else,' Ben said. 'Illegal vaping itself is a worry, but with the spiked vapes, we've had children collapse at school and had to call the ambulance. We've had hallucinations, dissociation, collapse, palpitations, all those sorts of things. 'There are symptoms that are sometimes similar to a panic attack, but they are much more severe. Advertisement 'What troubles me is how easily the children can get access to these vapes, often in some really sinister ways. And we have no idea what is in any of the vapes either — there's no way to really know.' Explaining why spice is dangerous for children and teenagers to use, GP Helen Wall said: 'Spice can cause severe anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. Psychosis can often occur, leading to violence and risk-taking behaviour. 'Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart. Heart rate can be elevated, leading to high blood pressure, chest pain and heart attacks, even in young, fit people. 'Sudden cardiac death has been linked to spice. Advertisement ' 'Despite all of these nasty effects, individuals quickly gain psychological and physical dependence on the drug — more so than with cannabis. The withdrawal symptoms can be profound. 'Teens getting into spice are more likely to drop out of school, fail exams, become socially isolated and get involved in violent and risk-taking behaviours. Read more on the Irish Sun 'Teenage brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Advertisement 'Spice interferes with this process, potentially leading to long-term thought and emotional consequences.' 9 Crooks Omar Abu-Sharkh and Qais Rasul, both 20 9 Drug criminals Jalal Aftab and Sufiaan Ali, both 20 9 Cops warn that children buying vapes can have no idea what is in the product Credit: Getty Advertisement What are the new vape laws? Ministers have pledged to crackdown on poorly regulated vapes and e-cigarettes following an explosion in the number of teenagers who use them. New rules for manufacturers and shopkeepers are expected to come into force in 2025. They are set to include: Higher tax rates paid on vapes increase the price and make it harder for children to afford them A ban on single-use vapes in favour of devices that can be recharged A ban on colourful and cartoonish packaging that may appeal to youngsters Tighter controls on flavourings and a ban on unnecessarily sweet or child-friendly ones like bubblegum and candy More regulation on how and where they are displayed in shops, potentially putting them out of sight Harsher penalties for shops caught selling them to under-18s The ban on disposable vapes is part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping. A report published by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) found 20.5 per cent of children in the UK had tried vaping in 2023, up from 15.8 per cent in 2022 and 13.9 per cent in 2020.
