Liverpool Echo

Hunt On for Rapist

A WOMAN says she was raped after a night out in Birkenhead. Police were today trying to track down a taxi driver who may have vital information about the alleged attack.

Crash Boy Josh Dies

A TODDLER has died after being knocked down by a car on his grandparent's driveway. Josh Caddick, aged 22 months, was rushed to hospital on Thursday after his parents' car was started in gear, and hit him and his grandmother. He died at Alder Hey hospital last night with his family at his bedside.

Drivers in Pay Row

DRIVERS with Liverpool bus company Glenvale threatened to walk off the job today over claims they have not been paid for 11 days. One driver, who asked not to be named, said the weekly-paid workforce had been told by bosses that the problem was due to a 'bank error'.

And They Call This Happy Slapping ; Gang Attack Is Filmed

A GANG of youths used a mobile phone to film a 'happy slapping' attack on a couple. Steve and Mirryn Lloyd were walking through Toxteth when they were attacked by a gang as one of the yobs videoed it on his mobile phone. Today Mrs Lloyd, 25, who suffered a cut and bruised head in the attack, said: 'One of the lads was stood pointing his phone at Steve. He was definitely videoing it. It was like one of those happy slapping things.'

Mystery of Burns Man

A MENTALLY ill man staggered a mile for help after suffering horrific burns in a mystery fire. A teenager found the 21-year-old man screaming in agony at a Wirral train station last night.

Car Horror Toddler Dies

A TODDLER knocked down on a driveway by his parents' car has died in hospital. Josh Caddick, aged 22 months, suffered major injuries when he and his grandmother, Dorothy Poole, were crushed between two vehicles in Mrs Poole's driveway.

Death Fall: Inquiries Continue

POLICE are still investigating the death of a man who fell through the roof of a city centre storeroom. Terence Woofe, 32, died in the early hours of May 26 after he fell three storeys from a building in Sir Thomas Street into the rear of the Peach clothes store.

Jackson Jury Out

THE jury in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, resumed its deliberations today. The eight women and four men spent two hours weighing up the evidence on Friday before being sent home for the weekend.

Bus Strike Threat Over No-Pay Row

DRIVERS with Liverpool bus company Glenvale threatened to walk off the job today over claims they have not been paid for 11 days. One driver said the weekly-paid workforce had been told by bosses that the problem was due to a 'bank error'.

Three in Court Over Bay Cockling Tragedy

A FATHER and son from Merseyside appeared in court today in connection with the Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy which left at least 21 Chinese workers dead David Eden, 61, from Irby, Wirral, and his son, also David, aged 33, from Prenton, Wirral, were attending a preliminary crown court hearing in Preston. Also appearing at the hearing was 19-year-old Zhao Xiao Quing from Liverpool.

Fire Calls Last Orders On Manor House Pub

A FORMER pub was destroyed when fire swept through the building. More than 40 firefighters tackled a blaze at the Manor House on Rawson Road, Seaforth, in the early hours of Sunday morning. It took eight fire crews more than 10 hours to put the fire out.

Accused Prof Faces Charge ; Hearing Over Alder Hey Scandal

THE pathologist at the centre of the Alder Hey organs scandal was today facing a charge of serious professional misconduct. Professor Dick van Velzen, who secretly took organs from dead youngsters at the Liverpool children's hospital, has been accused of directing staff to retain the organs for medical research.

Jury Resumes Deliberations in Jacko Trial

THE jury in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, resumed its deliberations today. The eight women and four men spent two hours weighing up the evidence on Friday before being sent home for the weekend.

Dutch Visit

Prof Hearing Facing Delay ; Alder Hey Scandal Inquiry Held U

A HEARING into the conduct of the pathologist who secretly took organs from dead children at Alder Hey children's hospital has been delayed. Professor Dick van Velzen was due to appear before the General Medical Council in Manchester this morning to face a charge of serious professional misconduct.

Police Pair Deny Rape

TWO policemen today denied raping a woman while on duty. The two Cheshire constabulary officers, allegedly attacked the 21- yearold woman early on New Year's Eve 2002 in a car park in Warrington, Cheshire, Chester crown court heard.

Brady Slams 'Overstaffing

MOORS murderer Ian Brady has launched a scathing attack on Ashworth hospital, claiming it is overstaffed. The child killer condemns the fact there are more than 2,000 staff at the high security site in Maghull.

Hi-Ho! Hi-Ho! It's Off to Wed We Go ; Couple Marry Disney-Style

IT WAS a fairytale wedding for Claire Roberts and Dave Inman - and their 100 guests joined in the cartoon capers by sporting Disney costumes. The happy couple from Wavertree tied the knot in theatrical style on Saturday by hiring the Empire Theatre stage for their wedding ceremony.

Man in Court After Siege

A MAN was appearing in court today after a nineh o u r siege in Birkenhead. Armed police were called to a flat in James Road on Saturday morning after reports that a man was inside with a handgun and a hostage. They surrounded the home and a police negotiator was called.

Smoke Ban Decision Due

LIVERPOOL campaigners will learn tomorrow whether there is any hope for the city's bid to ban smoking. Parliament was deciding whether the Liverpool council prohibition of smoking in places of work bill should be revived.