Assistant Coroner Michael Salt formally opened the inquest into the death of Jack Rourke at Rochdale Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, June 17.
The hearing was told that Jack, who was born on November 8, 2002, and lived on Tonge Road, Little Lever, died on May 24 this year while abroad in Montenegro.
Police Coroner’s Officer Jane Sullivan, of Greater Manchester Police, said Jack had been travelling in Montenegro for several weeks.
(Image: Lisa Rourke)
She told the court that on May 24 he had been driving to collect his girlfriend from the airport when the collision occurred.
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Ms Sullivan said: “On the way to their accommodation, a car clipped the side of his vehicle and his car overturned.
“Unfortunately, Jack was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Ms Sullivan also confirmed that on June 3 a senior police coroner’s officer attended the funeral service to formally confirm Jack’s identity.
Mr Salt said: “I agree this is an unnatural death and will be opening an inquest in due course.”
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A full “read-only” inquest hearing has been scheduled for September 14, 2026.
Jack’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from family and friends in Little Lever.
His family previously described the 23-year-old as a devoted son, brother and friend whose death had left a “void in many lives.”
Speaking after his death, his mother Lisa Rourke said she missed the constant messages and phone calls from her son.
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She said: “He never used to leave me alone, 20 to 30 times a day. He was asking me the daftest things, like ‘How do I cook chicken wings?’ or ‘How do I turn on the washer?’.
“I miss getting messages from him.”
(Image: Lisa Rourke)
He was a keen football fan who supported both Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United and was affectionately remembered by relatives as the village’s “maddest goalkeeper”.
His sister Ellie previously described him as “the best big brother to ask for”, while his grandfather Graham Cooksey said he loved family life and spending time with relatives and friends.
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His father John said he particularly missed their regular outings together, adding: “We went all over, had many lads’ days out as dad and son.”
According to reports in Montenegro, another driver was arrested and charged following the collision.
Local media also reported that Mr Rourke’s passenger suffered serious injuries and received treatment at Kotor Hospital.
Club: AC Milan Age: 40 Position: Midfielder Caps: 198 Goals: 29
Croatia’s captain and talisman has recovered from a fractured cheekbone on 26 April to stay on course for his 200th cap this summer.
Fifa only recognises three male players with more appearances for their country: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, is yet to decide on his future following AC Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
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He was heavily relied on to dictate the team’s tempo in 2025-26 and played his most league minutes (2,788) in a season since 2010-11 with Spurs.
A glorious 13 years at Real Madrid began ignominiously when he was voted ‘worst signing of 2012’ in a poll by Madrid-based sports daily Marca.
But Modric more than proved his worth – claiming 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles at Real.
The incident is said to have happened in Bar Lane, off Micklegate, around 10pm on Tuesday evening (June 16).
North Yorkshire Police said the arrested man is in custody and is being questioned.
A force spokesperson said: “The victim is receiving specialist support whilst the investigation continues.
“The scene has been cordoned off to the public to allow for a forensic investigation.”
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As reported by The Press, officers have been stationed between the junction of Micklegate and Bar Lane and the boundary of George Stephenson House, a Network Rail building, all morning and remain in place.
Bar Lane, off Micklegate in York has been the scene of a police cordon today (Wednesday, June 17) (Image: Kevin Glenton)
The cordoned-off area is approximately 60 metres long and is on the Bar Walls side of the road.
A steep bank runs up from a low wall towards the Bar Walls and is covered in shrubs and bushes along its length with a number of tall, mature trees covering the site.
Proprietors and staff of the various retail and hospitality businesses from Nunnery Lane as far as Trinity Lane / Barker Lane were open at various times from around 7am and one owner who cycled into work said he saw the cordon up at that time.
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The Network Rail building has been open as normal and traffic has been passing through Micklegate and Bar Lane unaffected by the cordon.
The North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Witnesses or anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to come forward.
“If you can help in any way, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.
“Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by making an online report.
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“Please quote reference number 12260111552 when providing details.”
He also breached a court order by hiding devices used to store the disgusting images.
A repeat offender is in custody after he was caught with more than 18,000 child abuse photos and videos.
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Dominic Dalgleish also breached a court order by hiding devices used to store the disgusting images.
Dalgleish, 24, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted downloading and possessing indecent images at his home in Banff Place, East Kilbride, between October 2023 and November last year.
Dalgleish also admitted failing to make devices available for inspection to police officers.
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The court heard that he was convicted of possessing child abuse images in June 2023.
At that time he was given a community payback order and made the subject of a five-year sexual offences prevention order.
Dalgleish was also banned from contact with children and not allowed to go near playparks, schools or leisure centres.
Calum Frame, prosecuting, told the court this week that police armed with a search warrant went to his home on November 5 after being told about possible further offending.
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Dalgleish told them the only devices he had were a personal computer and a phone.
But when officers searched the kitchen they found an Amazon TV box and a USB stick hidden behind a kickboard.
There were child abuse images on both items.
Mr Frame stated: “In total police found !7,078 photos and 1,139 videos on devices seized in his home.”
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Sheriff Linda Nicolson deferred sentence until next month for background reports.
Dalgleish, who has been in prison since his arrest in November, was again remanded in custody.
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The cyclist’s injuries were described as serious but not life threatening
A cyclist was left with serious injuries after a hit-and-run crash. It happened in Newmarket, on the Cambridgeshire border at around 10pm on June 9 and involved a cyclist and a vehicle.
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It happened at the junction of Exning Road and Studlands Park Avenue. The cyclist, a woman, fell from her bike and the vehicle failed to stop at the scene. The woman, aged in her 30s, sustained serious but not life threatening injuries.
Suffolk Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or anyone who has dashcam footage to get in touch. Police are particularly keen to speak to two male witnesses who were believed to be in the area at the time.
Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting 37/33123/26.
The Citizen Men’s Silver Chronograph Bracelet Watch has been flagged as ‘most-viewed’ on the Argos website
15:07, 17 Jun 2026Updated 15:09, 17 Jun 2026
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Shoppers preparing for Father’s Day can take advantage of substantial savings on this watch through click and collect in a major Argos sale. A watch makes for both a meaningful keepsake and a useful present, with the retailer currently offering an extensive selection of discounted watches from brands including Sekonda and Citizen, available to browse on their website here.
The Citizen Men’s Silver Chronograph Bracelet Watch has been flagged as ‘most-viewed’ on the website, with its price slashed from £200 to £120. Featuring an elegant blue face, this watch has earned nearly five stars from satisfied customers online.
On the Argos website, the full product description reads: “This Quartz men’s Chronograph watch from Citizen features a stainless steel bracelet and case, a blue dial with stopwatch functionality, date window, luminous hour and minute hands and is water resistant to 100 metres.”
Looking at the Argos reviews for the watch, one customer commented: “The watch is stunning, easy to see the time with the blue face and chrome digits. Also nice and chunky.”
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Another review stated: “This is the second Citizen watch like this I have bought for my husband for everyday wear. He just really likes the watch, he said it’s reliable and he can see the time without putting his glasses on! It’s a good looking watch. His other one lasted 15 years, so great value.”
A third satisfied buyer remarked: “I bought this as a present for my son-in-law. It was very well received!”.
Another review noted: “Amazing stylish classy watch, looks the part. Everyone likes this watch, it is amazing. Great purchase.”
That said, one customer did note that they’d prefer it if the watch was solar powered. This was reflected in a review which read: “Fantastic watch I’ve got a few Citizen watches. Lovely, just wish this one was solar powered like the rest of my other watches.”
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Another did mention that the watch is a ‘bit on the heavy side’ which could be worth bearing in mind.
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The healthcare worker was employed at the private hospital where Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery. They were struck off and dismissed following an investigation into allegations that medical records had been unlawfully accessed by staff in 2024.
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As previously reported by The Mirror, at least one member of staff attempted to view Kate’s notes while she was a patient at the prestigious central London hospital in January 2024. The Princess was admitted for abdominal surgery on 16 January 2024.
The ICO launched a criminal investigation in March 2024 into the unlawful obtaining and disclosure of medical information to a third party without the consent of the data controller, after the London Clinic reported a data breach.
At the time, it was reported that at least one member of staff had attempted to access Kate’s notes during her stay at the private central London hospital in January, reports the Daily Star.
The ICO announced on Wednesday: “Following a full assessment under the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the ICO’s Prosecution Policy, the ICO issued a now former healthcare professional from London with a formal caution in relation to an offence under section 170(5) of the Data Protection Act 2018.
“The conduct involved the deliberate misuse of highly sensitive personal information and an offer to disclose it for financial gain, representing a clear breach of trust.”
The ICO said a caution was “the appropriate and proportionate enforcement response”.
It added: “We also considered whether there were any wider organisational issues arising from the healthcare provision in this matter. Based on the evidence available, we did not identify any failings that would meet the threshold for regulatory enforcement.”
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Ian Hulme, executive director for regulatory supervision, said: “People should be able to trust that the personal information they’re giving to healthcare settings is safe and protected from exploitation. When this trust is broken, it’s right that the law allows us to take action.
“We will not hesitate to pursue criminal prosecution where it is necessary and proportionate to do so.”
The King was also receiving care at the facility during the same period as Kate, undergoing treatment for his enlarged prostate. During his three-night admission, doctors discovered he had a “form of cancer”, for which he continues to receive treatment.
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Buckingham Palace was contacted over the alleged breach concerning Kate, as the clinic assured the King’s private medical records had not been assessed.
Speaking to the Mirror, a source said: “This has been a complex and delicate matter involving a senior member of the royal family and one of the world’s most trusted hospitals.
“There has been great anxiousness on all sides and it has been wholly appropriate that the correct procedures during the investigation have been followed.”
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A spokesperson for The London Clinic said: “We all take considerable pride in delivering the very highest standards of care and discretion for every patient at The London Clinic. We are pleased our work with the ICO has brought this sad and isolated incident to a conclusion. There were no regulatory breaches by the hospital.”
An email shows Reform prioritising Makerfield over the seats in the North East of Scotland.
Reform UK has been accused of “giving up” in two Scottish by elections after party members were ordered to campaign in Manchester.
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Martyn Greene, Scotland Director of Nigel Farage’s right wing outfit, said a “small army” was required to stop Andy Burnham winning in Makerfield.
Polls show Burnham is the favourite to win on Thursday in a contest that could end up with him challenging Keir Starmer for the job of Prime Minister.
But two Westminster by-elections are also taking place on the same day in Scotland.
The election of SNP stalwarts Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins means there are vacancies to fill in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.
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The Aberdeen South constituency has seen visits by high profile Reform figures, but an email by Greene has urged members to prioritise Makerfield.
He wrote: “Please come and help in Makerfield by-election from Monday 15th onwards. We need as many boots on the ground as we can possibly get.
“Latest polling shows it’s absolutely neck and neck between ourselves and Labour. We know that if Burnham is elected, then he will immediately seek to replace Starmer as the Prime Minister. Having a PM which is even harder to the left than Starmer will be an absolute disaster for the country!”
Greene asked members to complete a form to show which days this week they could travel to Manchester.
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He concluded: “We really do need a small army to help us campaign in these final days. Please help if you can.”
A Scottish Tory source said: “They are giving up.”
Sources say Aberdeen South is a two-way fight between the SNP and the Tories after the collapse of the Labour vote.
Insiders expect the SNP to hold the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat.
House prices in one UK city have increased by 63% over the last 10 years (Picture: Getty Images)
Over the last 10 years, Manchester has embarked on an intense period of change. Skyscrapers have been popping up left, right and centre, and every other minute, another new brunch spot seems to appear.
Against this backdrop though, is a housing market that’s becoming increasingly unaffordable for many locals, as new statistics reveal that Manchester — not London — is now the top UK city for property price growth.
Over the last 10 years, the average in the area, affectionately nicknamed ‘the rainy city,’ has skyrocketed by 63%.
Now, the average asking price for a home in Manchester is £261,891 —a steep jump on a decade ago, when the figure sat at £160,422.
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By contrast, London has flatlined, with increases of 7% between 2016 and 2026. On average, a home in the capital typically goes on the market for an eye-watering £687,080, and while it remains the most expensive city in the UK, it’s not all that far off the £639,593 sum of 10 years prior.
Up north, social media is awash with comments from those who feel nostalgic for the Manchester of years gone by, including @keirainmanchester, who said on TikTok: ‘It’s getting more and more like London every year.’
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‘I’m from the outskirts of Manc and I’ve watched it changed throughout the past 10 years,’ she continued. ‘The rent prices, the busyness, the skyscrapers, the cost of living. It’s basically London with more rain.’
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‘It’s basically London with more rain,’ says one local (Picture: Getty Images)
‘We’ve seen the area’s appeal broaden consistently’
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, describes Manchester as ‘a big winner of the past decade.’
She says of the new research: ‘By contrast, London has seen much slower growth over the same period, reflecting how higher prices in the capital have limited how much further buyers can stretch.
‘Areas with lower starting price points have had more room for growth, which has contributed to a widening north-south divide in price growth trends over the last 10 years.’
Manchester is a ‘success story’ of the last decade, says one expert (Picture: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Maurice Kilbride, managing director at Maurice Kilbride Residential Sales in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, says ‘strong employment opportunities, significant upward investment, excellent transport links, and a vibrant lifestyle’ have attracted buyers from across the UK.
Labelling Manchester ‘one of the UK’s standout property success stories,’ he explains: ‘What’s particularly noticeable is that the city’s success has extended well beyond the centre, with surrounding suburbs also benefitting from increased demand as buyers look for a balance of space, connectivity, and quality of life.’
‘The city has never just belonged to one type of person’
James Crawford has lived in Manchester for more than 25 years – and during that time, he’s seen it change, in parts, beyond recognition.
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When he first moved to the city in the early 2000s, Chorlton, which is about three miles south of the centre, felt relatively affordable.
He jokes that it was referred to as the ‘Notting Hill of the North,’ but one that still had an edge to it.
‘There has clearly been gentrification,’ one Mancunian says (Picture: Getty Images)
‘You could sit in a pub and be surrounded by all sorts of characters,’ the PR tells Metro. ‘It still has its own identity, but parts of it now feel more affluent and polished. It’s hard to imagine many first-time buyers getting into Chorlton now in the way they once would.
‘There has clearly been gentrification and some people will feel pushed out of the areas they would naturally have expected to live in.’
However, in his view, Manchester is ‘not London’ and places like Levenshulme, Whalley Range, and other parts of south and east Manchester are still attracting the attention of people who want to get on the ladder, particularly young professionals and families.
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‘The real issue is that people are being priced out of the exact parts of Manchester they would most like to live in,’ he says.
‘It still has affordable pockets if people are willing to look a little further out or compromise on location. The city’s growth is creating pressure, but it’s also creating new neighbourhoods and new opportunities.’
The UK cities with the fastest 10-year price growth, according to Rightmove
Manchester (average price 2026: £261,891, 10-year price change: +63%)
Wolverhampton (£229,094, +63%)
Newport (£235,275, +57%)
Nottingham (£210,238, +53%)
Wakefield (£231,581, +52%)
Salford (£226,559, +52%)
Bradford (£171,282, +51%)
Stoke-on-Trent (£174,850, +49%)
Doncaster (£186,378, +49%)
Swansea (£215,866, +48%)
These days, dad-of-four James lives in Urmston, having moved out of Chorlton because he wanted more space for his family — and, crucially, a garden.
He’s still proud to be a Mancunian, even after all these years. A DJ local to him once laughed about Stockport being the ‘new Berlin’; a sentiment which has stuck and he’s since seen repeated.
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‘The city has never just belonged to one type of person,’ he reflects.
‘Manchester has students, entrepreneurs, creatives, working class people, musicians, football fans, and people who have lived here for generations all rubbing together. That mix is part of what gives the city its energy.’
James isn’t concerned that Manchester is becoming successful. He’s proud of that fact. His concern lies in the future of the neighbourhoods that made that city ‘so attractive in the first place.’ He doesn’t want to see them become ‘so expensive they lose part of that mix.’
He concludes: ‘You want growth, better restaurants, better jobs and better places to live, but you don’t want the city to become sterile.’
Rachael Robinson, from Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, has been named a Silver Award winner in the Pearson National Teaching Awards in the Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School category.
She was recognised for her commitment to helping pupils achieve their full potential.
Ms Robinson is now in the running for the national Gold award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.
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She was nominated for the award by pupils past and present, as well as colleagues and parents, all of whom praised her “fantastic” teaching and impact in the classroom.
She is one of 99 educators honoured as Silver winners on National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the work of teachers and the positive difference they make every day.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago.
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable.
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“Their influence extends well beyond the classroom.
“Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all.
“That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important.
“It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.
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“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver award winners.
“In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating.”
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, also paid tribute to this year’s winners.
Ms Hague said: “For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of.
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“Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood.
“We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special.”
Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education, said: “On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms.
“I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives.”
The study, known as the AFFECT trial, is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and launched by the Academic Cardiovascular Unit (ACU) at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
It aims to determine the safest and most effective blood-thinning medication for patients with heart rhythm problems following heart valve surgery.
Professor Enoch Akowuah, chief investigator for the AFFECT trial at University Hospitals Tees, said: “This is an important question for both patients and clinicians.
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“We know anticoagulation is essential for patients with atrial fibrillation after mitral valve repair, but we do not yet know which treatment offers the best balance of safety and protection.
“The AFFECT Trial will provide high-quality evidence to guide national treatment decisions and improve long-term outcomes for patients across the UK and internationally.”
Each year, thousands of people in the UK undergo surgery for mitral regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
This places extra strain on the heart and can result in fatigue, breathlessness, and eventually heart failure.
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Patients with additional heart rhythm disorders typically require blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk of stroke and other complications after surgery.
Current clinical guidelines recommend a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) such as warfarin, though direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now also widely used.
The trial will compare these options to identify which offers the best long-term results.
The study aims to enrol 1,282 adults undergoing mitral valve repair at cardiothoracic centres nationwide.
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Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a DOAC or a VKA, starting before discharge, with patients then being closely monitored for at least 12 months, with further annual check-ups for up to four years.
Researchers will evaluate stroke prevention, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.
More than 130 patients have already enrolled and begun treatment.
Eligible patients are approached for participation by their clinical teams.
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