Latest news with #RussFoster
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Drugs and criminal cash worth £1m seized at Manx ports since July
Criminal cash and drugs worth more than £1m have been seized at ports on the Isle of Man since July 2024, the government has £150,000 in cash and more than £880,000 worth of cannabis and cocaine, have been intercepted during the period along with some instances of steroids or prescription drugs. The Isle of Man Constabulary and Customs teams have made the discoveries at Ronaldsway Airport, the island's Sea Terminal in Douglas and via postal criminal goods were found concealed in vehicles, in parcels and freight, through searches of individuals, or through a mixture of random stops and existing police intelligence. The operations have led to a number of prosecutions or financial penalties, as well as civil forfeiture proceedings, with a number of cases still value of single seizures of drugs ranged from £100 to £220,000, and cash seizures were made when cash had not been declared. 'Clear message' In September, the Department of Home Affairs launched a strategy to tighten security at the island's Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, said the figures showed the "multi-agency approach to preventing, detecting and pursuing crime, led by the Constabulary, is disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding our residents" was being "effectively implemented".The seizures sent a "clear message" that the Isle of Man was "not a soft target for organised crime", she Constable Russ Foster said joint working between the constabulary and Customs was making the island a "hostile environment for organised crime". "By seizing drugs and the proceeds of crime in this way we are striking at the heart of these illicit criminal enterprises", he other law enforcement partners "we will continue to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups who are blighting our island and bring the perpetrators to justice", he added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Teenager killed in ‘extremely rare' attack as boy is arrested on suspicion of murder
A MURDER investigation is underway after a teenage boy was tragically killed in an "extremely rare" attack. Cops confirmed that a "juvenile suspect" had been arrested after Christopher McBurnie, 14, was found dead in Ramsey on the Isle of Man. 2 2 Emergency services were scrambled to the coastal town where the teenager had been found collapsed at around 3.40pm last Thursday. Despite their best efforts, the youngster was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of Christopher's death will be determined by a pathologist at a later date. Speaking last Friday, Isle of Man Chief Constable Russ Foster explained that a probe had been launched and a youth had been taken into custody. He said: "It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the tragic death of Christopher McBurnie, who was just 14 years of age. "Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy with the family, friends and loved ones during this extremely sad and difficult time. "A murder investigation has been launched and I can confirm a juvenile suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder. "Specialist officers are supporting Christopher's family and will continue to do so throughout the investigation." A JustGiving page set up to cover funeral costs for the teen has raised over £11,000 - more than double its £5,000 target. The fundraising organiser praised Christopher as a "beautiful" boy and called on fellow islanders to raise "much needed funds" for relatives. It read: "Christopher brought so much joy and love to his whole family who love him so deeply. "In the hope we can provide some comfort to Christopher's family at this very difficult time, I'm hoping our Island can come together and raise some much needed funds at this very sad time. "If you are able to donate, your kindness will make a tremendous difference to Christopher's family and help towards funeral costs." Chief Constable Foster also called on witnesses with footage of the horrific incident to avoid sharing it on social media and hand it in to police instead. He added: "We are aware that imagery of this incident was recorded by witnesses and is now featuring on social media platforms. "I'm mindful that social media features in all of our lives in one way or another, but that should not mean that our values and respect as a community should be compromised. "Distributing such imagery is likely to cause significant distress in a community which is already shocked by the magnitude of an extremely rare occurrence for the Isle of Man." The investigation has sent shockwaves across the island, which is ranked by the Global Residence Index as one of the safest places in the world.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Boy, 14, is murdered as police arrest youth and appeal to those who filmed incident to come forward
A youth has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 14-year-old boy was found collapsed on the Isle of Man, as police issued an urgent appeal to anyone who has shared footage of the 'serious incident' to come forward. Emergency services rushed to assist Christopher McBurnie, after receiving a call shortly after 3.30pm on Thursday, in the area of Close Drean in Ramsey. Despite their efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene, Isle of Man Constabulary said. A murder inquiry has now been launched and a juvenile has been detained in custody for questioning. Isle of Man Chief Constable Russ Foster said the victim's relatives were being supported by specialist officers and that the community had been rocked by the tragedy, with murder being an 'extremely rare' incident on the island. The youngster's official cause of death will be determined by a Home Office pathologist 'in due course', he added. Chief Constable Foster said in a video statement: 'Our thoughts, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy with the family, friends and loved ones during this extremely sad and incredibly difficult time. 'Specialist officers are supporting Christopher's family and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. 'At 3.38pm on Thursday 29 May emergency services responded to an incident in the area of Close Drean, Ramsey where Christopher was found collapsed and despite the valiant efforts of members of the public, our officers, the fire and rescue service and paramedics, they were unable to save Christopher. 'We are aware that imagery of this incident was recorded by witnesses in the vicinity and is now featuring on social media platforms and being shared predominantly by teenagers. 'I'm mindful that social media features in all our lives in one way or another, but that should not mean that our values and respect for one another as a community should be compromised and enable rumour and speculation to flourish.' He urged anyone who has footage to refrain from sharing it as it would be 'likely to cause significant distress'. Chief Constable Foster added that the community had been 'shocked by the magnitude of an occurrence which is extremely rare for the Isle of Man.' The police appeal was issued as a JustGiving page was set up to raise funds for Christopher's funeral. A statement described the teenager as 'beautiful' and said he had 'brought so much joy and love to his whole family who love him so deeply.' The organiser added they hoped 'our Island can come together and raise some much needed funds at this very sad time.' Anyone with information is asked to call the Isle of Man police on 01624 631212, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit footage or images online.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- BBC News
Isle of Man TT fans told 'respect our roads' in police safety drive
Manx police have urged visitors and local people to "respect our roads" and drive within their limits during this year's Isle of Man TT influx of 50,000 visitors to the island are expected for the famous road-racing fortnight which begins on 26 of Man Chief Constable Russ Foster said he wanted to continue "the track record of no fatalities" on open roads during motorcycle festivals seen on the island in the last three said he also wanted all visitors to enjoy the event, but added "the message is simple - know your limits". The races begin with qualifying sessions on 26 May and continue until 7 June. Riders and drivers have been warned to stick to speed limits and not to enter closed roads as part of the force's annual safety A18 Mountain Road, between the Ramsey Hairpin and Creg Ny Baa, will operate as a one-way system during the TT, while cycling is not permitted on this section of the road throughout the Foster said 85% of those seriously injured in crashes during 2022 to 2024 festivals were men over the age of 50. Stickers in a number of languages have also been produced to remind motorists to keep to the left on Manx comes after the force reported an increase in international visitors riding on the wrong side of the road, which led to two incidents in John Mitchell, who heads up the Roads Policing Unit during the festival fortnight, said there was "no excuse to break speed limits and no excuse to drink alcohol or to take drugs whilst driving or riding".He said: "Those actions put others innocent road users at great risk."Officers would be out in marked and unmarked vehicles to "robustly target anyone who is breaking the law", he added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
ITV News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Over 50,000 visitors expected for Isle of Man TT as police launch road safety campaign
Chief Constable Russ Foster spoke with ITV Granada Reports at the briefing Police in the Isle of Man are urging people to 'know their limits' when visiting the island for the world-famous TT races later this month. More than 50,000 tourists are expected to travel to the island to watch the racing fortnight, starting at the end of the month. Chief Constable Russ Foster gave a press briefing, highlighting where the constabulary will be focusing their efforts for the racing fortnight. He said: "We're asking that people ride within their limits so they understand their own ability and ride to the road conditions." It forms part of the annual 'Know Your Limits' campaign by the Isle of Man Constabulary, to increase safety on the island's roads during TT. The TT races attract fans from all over the world, with a particular increase in people travelling from North America. The course is formed entirely on public roads, encouraging fans to travel to the island to ride the circuit between racing. However, the past couple of years has also seen an increase in European riders, leading to officers reintroducing 'keep left' signs to tackle visitors riding on the wrong side of the road. This follows two incidents in 2024 which involved international riders travelling on the right side of the road. Mr Foster concluded: "We adopt a policing style that's very much firm but fair - we're intolerant of crime and anti-social behaviour - we will intervene early, we will conduct a full investigation, and we will put people before the next available court." The Isle of Man TT starts on Monday 26 May and ends with the Senior TT race on Saturday 7 June.
