Matthew Weller, 44, died after a crash with a VW Passat at the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street in Accrington town centre on the evening of Wednesday April 22.

A murder investigation was launched and Mr Weller’s family have now paid tribute to him.

A statement from the family said: “Matt was a much-loved son, brother, and uncle. He was a music lover and left an impression on those that knew him.

“Rest peacefully Matt, you will be missed.”

Police on the scene in Accrington town centre (Image: Phil Taylor)

Lancashire Police say the VW Passat failed to stop at the scene and was later found abandoned on Barden Road.

They say they were called by the ambulance service to report the incident shortly after 10pm on Wednesday.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Mr Weller died in hospital.

Officers say the VW Passat was recovered for examination while five men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in custody.

A large area was taped off (Image: Phil Taylor)

A police scene remained in place in Accrington town centre for much of the following day with a large area cordoned off as officers went about their work.

The cordon was still in place as of Thursday in the area around the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street.

Officers are continuing to appeal to the public for anyone who may know anything about the incident to come forward.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “Our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we are continuing to ask anyone with information or footage, including mobile phone footage, or doorbell and dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries to please get in touch.

“We are also still keen to hear from anyone who saw the VW Passat following the incident or who may have any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from the area around Barden Road and Lynton Road where it was found abandoned.

“We are appealing directly to anyone with information to do the right thing and get in touch on 101 quoting log 1508 of  April 22.”

It’s the kind of place you might pass through without realising what’s tucked away behind the stone cottages and winding country lanes.

But take a closer look, and you’ll find Roman ruins, riverside trails, family-friendly stops, and a warm, welcoming feel – all within easy reach of Consett and just a short drive from Durham.

1. Walk in the Footsteps of the Romans

History seeps from the soil in Ebchester – quite literally.

The village is built on the site of the Roman fort Vindomora, which once guarded the crossing of the River Derwent along the ancient road Dere Street.

Though the fort has mostly disappeared into the fabric of the village, you’ll find Roman stones repurposed in walls, houses, and even the village church.

Take a wander along Church Street and let your imagination roam 2,000 years back.

2. Riverside Walks and Wildlife

Ebchester’s riverside setting is a real draw for anyone who loves a scenic stroll.

The Derwent Walk, a former railway line turned green corridor, skirts the village and offers a peaceful, car-free route for walking, cycling or even horse riding.

The River Derwent itself is a magnet for birdwatchers, with kingfishers, herons, and dippers often spotted along the water.

It’s especially beautiful in spring when the woods fill with wild garlic and bluebells.

3. Family-Friendly Pubs and Hidden Cafés

What’s a village day out without a proper pit stop?

Ebchester and its surrounding area are home to cosy pubs with beer gardens, perfect for a relaxed bite with the kids or a drink in the sunshine.

A short drive takes you to nearby spots like Shotley Bridge, where you’ll find a choice of cafés and tearooms – ideal for cake after a riverside ramble.

4. Easy to Reach, but Feels a World Away

One of the best things about Ebchester is how easy it is to get to, yet how peaceful it feels once you’re there.

It’s less than 10 minutes from Consett, around 20 minutes from Durham, and close to major roads like the A694 and A68.

That means you can be walking in a riverside meadow or exploring Roman ground in no time, without the traffic and crowds of more well-known tourist spots.

5. Perfect for a Seasonal Ramble or Spring Day Out

This time of year is perfect for a visit.

The riverside paths are coming into bloom, and nearby attractions like Derwent Reservoir and Hamsterley Forest are just starting to buzz with spring activity.

Ebchester makes a great starting point for a spring walk, or even a picnic with the dog and a stop at a farm shop on the way home.

Keep an eye on local village halls and noticeboards too – Ebchester is known for its pop-up plant sales and local events that give it a real community feel.

Stuck between public opinion hostile to the Trump administration, and the economic and defence capability necessities of trying to keep Washington onside as much as possible, many of Europe’s Nato (and EU) nations, lead by France and the UK, are preparing along with other nations, an international maritime patrol and mine-sweeping capabilities for the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities have ended. In the hope, amongst other things, of somewhat placating President Trump.

Alexander Philogenes, 21, died from meningococcal disease which he had contracted while on holiday in Portugal.

An exchange student died from a rare brain disease just hours after boarding a flight across Europe complaining of a headache. Alexander Philogenes was spending six months in Vienna on a university exchange program when he fell ill earlier this month.

Known as Zander, the 21-year-old was admitted to hospital with meningococcal disease after he had enjoyed a few days with friends in Porto. He was in his fourth year of a chemical engineering and finance double degree before he died on April 11, just six days after embarking on the holiday to Portugal.

Zander, from Perth, Australia, texted friends that he wasn’t feeling well as he boarded the plane in Porto. During the three-hour flight, he developed a headache, a rash and was short of breath and dizzy, reports the Mirror.

Moments after touching down in Vienna, Zander went into cardiac arrest at the airport and was rushed via helicopter to the nearest hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. It was later confirmed that he had contracted meningococcal sepsis – a disease which affects the meninges, the lining between the skull and brain – while on holiday.

Zander’s mum Jessica is still coming to terms with the devastating loss. Speaking to reporters in Australia, she recalled the last FaceTime they shared

She said: “He was living his best life. He looked so happy and healthy. It’s so tragic. We’ve cried a river and still do. He was such a gifted student, highly intelligent, and he had a love of life.”

It is believed that Zander, who was vaccinated, contracted a particularly lethal strain of meningococcal disease currently circulating in Europe. No one he travelled with has reported any symptoms of the disease following the trip.

Following his death, Zander’s family have discouraged young people from travelling alone as they believe Zander may have sought medical treatment earlier if he had someone with him.

Family friend Louise Williams described him as a “truly kind and beautiful soul” on a GoFundMe campaign raising funds for his school. She said: “Our entire community is heartbroken for the Philogenes family, and so many of us are feeling helpless – wishing we could take even a small part of this pain away.

“This is one way we can come together to support them. Any contribution, no matter how small, will support the family through the incredibly difficult days ahead.”

Early symptoms of meningococcal B – the most common and aggressive strain of the disease in the UK currently – can be vague. Like flu, it often begins with a sudden fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches and a general sense of feeling unwell.

Because these symptoms overlap with common viral infections – or even a hangover – cases are sometimes missed in the crucial early hours. A rash that does not fade when pressed is a well-known warning sign, but it is often late – and may not appear at all.

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A man in a white van beeped at a woman as she made her way down a city street and she filmed their encounter

A woman exacted revenge on a man who beeped and shouted at her while was out walking down a city street and potentially landing him a hefty fine.

Aneesa Bhabha, 25, was walking down Newport Road in Cardiff, when a man in a white van started beeping at her repeatedly, before opening his window, leaning out of his van and shouting at her.

She took out her phone and started recording the man and his vehicle as evidence of what had happened.

She decided to put the number plate of the van through an online check to check if the vehicle was taxed or not. When it said the vehicle was untaxed, she reported it via the UK Government.

The DVLA website lists the various level of fines he could face if the offence is proved. Using an untaxed vehicle on a public road could result in a £30 fine, plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax. If that isn’t paid criminal proceedings can follow, which could be £1,000.

She posted a video, including the footage of the man shouted at her and screenshots detailing her revenge, on her Tiktok and Instagram accounts.

The video, titled “Got harassed in Cardiff but karma had my back”, has now reached seven million views, and Ms Bhabha said: “The response across shares and story reposts has been overwhelming.”

“So many women have come forward to share their own experiences, which really shows how common this is,” she said.

“I think the video resonated because this happens so often, but it is rarely spoken about in a way that actually leads to any kind of accountability.”

Ms Bhabha said: “Cat-calling also happens so quickly that by the time you have even processed what has happened, it is already over and too late.

“Trying to seek justice, whether that is within your community, through friend groups, or even through law enforcement, can be incredibly difficult,” she said. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

Ms Bhabha said that recording the video, “allows you to take some form of action and be heard”.

“In terms of how this has changed how I will respond in the future, I think I will be more aware and quicker to take my phone out if something happens,” she said.

However, she has faced backlash online for her actions.

“Even with video evidence, including the more recent video I shared which has nearly 200,000 views with audio, I have received thousands of negative comments, threats, and abusive messages.

“People have told me to leave the country, accused me of faking the video, and called me awful names,” she said.

The marathon runner said: “As a result of speaking out, I have also had to make my Strava private to protect my safety, as I was concerned that people online might try to track my location.”

Social media users have now contacted her to help identify the man and Ms Bhabha plans to report it to the police.

“I hope that helps support their investigation and, ultimately, helps protect other women.”

Ms Bhabha said she will continue to speak out and support other women in sharing their experiences but said: “I do not think the responsibility should fall on women to change how we react.”

“We should be able to exist without being harassed”.

And although Mr Trump extended an uneasy ceasefire, the strategic shipping lane remains a flashpoint, with both the US and Iran imposing their own blockades, bringing the movement of vessels to a virtual standstill, further fuelling a global energy crisis that has seen prices rocket.

Spanish cops carried out the coordinated operation with Police Scotland last month.

One of the leaders of the Lyons mob reportedly evaded arrest during recent police raids, after living in Barcelona undetected.

Spanish cops moved to arrest the British man when they carried out a series of dawn raids in conjunction with Police Scotland on Friday, March 27, reports Olive Press.

Seven people were arrested by cops in Spain after a number of properties were raided but the unnamed man managed to escape.

Spanish news agency Olive Press say he is a ‘senior leader’ of the Lyons crime family

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The man is believed to have been running a network of shell companies from his house in the gothic quarter’s of Barcelona’s old town.

Eight men aged 64, 46, 45, 45, 41, 39, 39 and 35, were arrested in Scotland as part of the operation at addresses in Glasgow, Bellshill, Cumbernauld, Gartcosh, Caldercruix, Coatbridge and East Whitburn. All appeared at court and were bailed.

The head of the family, Steven Lyons, 45, was arrested the following day at Bali Airport on an Interpol Red Notice.

His close pal Steven Larwood, 42, is on the run in Bali with a man named Lewis Wark.

Lyons has since been taken to Amsterdam by Indonesian cops where he was detained at the airport on a European Arrest Warrant and is now expected to be extradited to Spain to face money laundering charges.

His wife Amanda, 38, was next to be arrested two days later when she was nabbed at Dubai Airport.

The Record previously published extraordinary footage showing armed police raiding the homes in Spain linked to the crime network. Body camera footage showed armed police breaking into homes to make arrests and conduct lengthy searches.

In one clip, dozens of police are shown carrying out a swoop of a plush home after smashing their way in and tying a man’s hands behind his back. Several Rolex watches and phones were recovered.

Officers found a large block of white powder during a property search in another video. In another early-morning raid, a man was shown being marched out of a restaurant and into a cop car.

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Norton Railway Level Crossing , between Norton and Malton, will be closed from 11pm on Saturday, April 25, to 8.35am on Sunday, April 26.

The closure is to allow for engineering works.

Coastliner said that due to the closure the first Malton to Scarborough bus at 7.52am would be affected with stops missed at Wold Street, Norton Library, Bowling Lane, Mauldon Grove and Norton Grove Stud.

The retailer is set to become the prime place to snap up a can of this popular Italian spritzer as summer fast approaches.

The pre-made alcoholic drink is available for customers to purchase in-store and online for £2.25 per 250ml can.

Owned by Campari, Aperol with its iconic ‘Aperol Spritz’, is one of Italy’s most famous cocktails and has become a global sensation, ranking among the world’s top-selling cocktails and recognisable for its bright, iconic orange-red hue.

Last year, the brand launched a bottled version of the alcoholic drink, however you still needed a bottle opener and ideally a glass filled with ice to enjoy it.

Aperol Spritz say the launch of the new 5% can let customers ‘enjoy their favourite spritz now, ready wherever you are’.

After Asda posted about their ‘just in time for summer’ launch on Instagram, eager users shared their excitement about the new product.

One user said: “OMG absolutely goals.”

Another added: “Neeeeed.”

A third said: “No way!”

Lisa Kudrow played Phoebe Buffay in sitcom Friends for 10 years, starring alongside Matthew Perry who tragically passed away at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles in 2023

Friends star Lisa Kudrow has said she only appreciated how great the sitcom was when co-star Matthew Perry died.

Lisa, 62, described how the success of the programme only hit home nearly 10 years after it ended. She watched the show again after the passing of Matthew, 54, who was discovered unresponsive at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles in October 2023.

Lisa, who played Phoebe Buffay in the long-running sitcom, said: “After Matthew died I watched the show again. Before, I only saw what I did wrong or could have done better. But for the first time I truly appreciated just how great it was. I felt I did OK, but Jennifer and Courteney? Amazing. David and Matt? They had me laughing so hard. And then Matthew – he was just beyond us all.”

The actress spoke in the wake of the sentencing of a Los Angeles woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” for selling Matthew the drugs that killed him. Jasveen Sangha was jailed for 15 years earlier this month.

READ MORE: ‘Ketamine Queen rang me just before Matthew Perry’s death – her double life floored me’READ MORE: Lisa Kudrow’s heartbreaking admission about being forgotten Friend

Now, mum-of-one Lisa, herself born in Los Angeles, has told how Matthew’s death has affected her hugely in the past few years. Speaking to The Times, the actress described Matthew as “a genius”.

But the gifted actor, who was also in Ally McBeal, The West Wing and numerous films, had issues with alcohol well before he was famous and with opioids, cocaine and ketamine thereafter.

Lisa, who become mates with Matthew through their work on Friends between 1994 and 2004, wrote the foreword to the star’s powerful memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Terrible Big Thing. In it, she said she hadn’t realised just how deep his struggles with addiction went.

And so Lisa said rewatching Friends became particularly painful. Despite this, she now recognises just how successful the sitcom was, and has fond memories.

The star, who was in dark comedy film The Parenting last year, continued: “Because there was a genius at work. And whatever any of us do in the future, we will never experience something like that again.”

Ahead of Sangha’s sentencing earlier this month, Matthew’s stepmother Debbie Perry called for her to be given the harshest possible jail sentence. She said: “Please give this heartless woman the maximum prison sentence so she won’t be able to hurt other families like ours.”

Authorities found dozens of ketamine vials during a raid at Sangha’s home on 19 March 2024, which prosecutors described as a “drug-selling emporium”. Methamphetamine, cocaine and Xanax was also found.

‘Ketamine Queen’ Sangha is the fifth defendant in the Perry to take a plea deal and admit guilt. Five were charged in connection with the case – doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of the star, and Sangha.