Latest news with #PoliceandCrime
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
PCC supports calls to reclassify cannabis
A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says he "fully supports" calls to reclassify cannabis as a Class A drug. Police forces in the west and south west of England have been cracking down on people using recreational drugs, with Dorset PCC David Sidwick this week reiterating calls for cannabis to be upgraded. Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson says he has seen "first-hand" how cannabis cultivation and use are "deeply intertwined with a spectrum of criminal activities" in his county. The Home Office said it has "no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act". More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire "From anti-social behaviour and retail theft to more serious offences like modern slavery and human trafficking, cannabis often serves as a gateway drug and funding source for organised crime groups," said Mr Wilkinson. Recent operations targeting organised crime groups in Wiltshire resulted in more than 100kg (220lbs) of cannabis being seized. These took place as part of Operation Scorpion, a joint initiative by Avon & Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire forces, aimed at disrupting drugs networks around the west and south west of England. Mr Wilkinson added: "The idea that cannabis is a harmless drug is a misconception. Its cultivation and distribution are often controlled by organised crime networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and perpetuate violence. "County lines operations are the clearest example of how drug-related crime has extended its tentacles into our rural towns and villages. The notion that drug-related crime is only an urban issue is outdated and dangerously naïve." He said a national drug policy "that recognises cannabis as the deeply harmful drug it is, and supports prevention, education, and treatment alongside policing" would "send a clear message about the seriousness of its impact on our communities". Mr Wilkinson asked members of the public to continue reporting "any crimes and intelligence from their communities" so action can be taken. A Home Office spokesperson said: "We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Experts criticise calls to re-classify cannabis Police crackdown on drug use in night-time economy Mayor backs report's call for cannabis law reform Wiltshire Police
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
UK police charge man over Liverpool car collision that hurt dozens
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green and the Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram at Merseyside Police Headquarters, following the incident on Water Street, where a car ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade, in Liverpool, Britain, May 28, 2025. Peter Byrne/Pool via REUTERS/ File Photo
ITV News
4 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.
Japan Today
5 days ago
- Japan Today
UK police get more time to question suspect in Liverpool soccer parade collision
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, meets with Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, second right, Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green, right, and the Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram at Merseyside Police Headquarters, in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Peter Byrne/Pool photo via AP) A man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car hit a crowd of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating their team's Premier League championship title is being held in custody an additional day for questioning, police said Wednesday. Seven people remained hospitalized in stable condition as the number of wounded was increased to nearly 80 people, Merseyside Police said. That number has nearly doubled since the incident on Monday as police learned of additional injuries. Hundreds of thousands of fans had been celebrating Liverpool's record-tying 20th league title when a vehicle was driven down a city center street that was closed to traffic and collided into the crowd, transforming a day of joy into a catastrophe. Police said the unidentified 53-year-old British man in custody is also suspected of driving while unfit through drugs and driving dangerously. It is alleged he dodged a roadblock by following an ambulance that was rushing to treat someone of a suspected heart attack. Police were granted an extension to hold the suspect longer than 48 hours and will have to either charge him with a crime by Thursday evening or release him. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Liverpool police headquarters on Wednesday to meet senior officers and the city's mayor. 'The scenes on Monday were just awful, to see how incredible joy at an amazing achievement turned to horror in a moment," he said. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Police granted further time to question Liverpool parade suspect
The 53-year-old man, from West Derby, Liverpool, remained in custody on Wednesday after officers were granted further time to question him on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving, Merseyside Police said. The Prime Minister visited Liverpool to speak with police chiefs about the incident on Wednesday afternoon. A force spokesman said seven people remained in hospital in a stable condition after the collision on Water Street on Monday and they had identified 79 people who were injured in the incident. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: 'I'm pleased to say that the number of people in hospital is reducing as they continue to recover from the awful incident. 'We continue to support those still receiving treatment and as part of our ongoing inquiries we are identifying more people who were injured. 'I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to what happened. 'In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visiting police in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) 'We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there on the day, and I thank them for their co-operation with our investigation. 'I would encourage anyone who has not yet contacted police who may have information on this incident to do so. 'An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.' Sir Keir Starmer travelled to the force headquarters in Liverpool to meet with 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.' 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. More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals. 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. The Liverpool Spirit Appeal was set up by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) and money raised will be distributed to those experiencing physical or psychological injuries as a result of the incident, as well as to community organisations. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting senior police figures in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, 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.' On Wednesday, Water Street was reopened to traffic after police tents were removed from the scene. Street cleaning teams worked overnight to clear the road, which had been littered with bottles, cans and football scarves and flags. One remaining Liverpool flag was removed from the top of a set of traffic lights by a worker wearing hi-vis. A mobile police station remained on Castle Street, near the scene, and officers could be seen patrolling the area.
