Catherine O’Hara death: Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone star dead at 71
Catherine O’Hara, the award-winning actor known for roles in films and TV, including Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has died at the age of 71.
O’Hara died Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, her manager told Variety.
The two-time Emmy winner is perhaps best known for playing Kate McCallister in the first two Home Alonefilms, before going on to play matriarch Moira Rose on the hit TV series Schitt’s Creek.
O’Hara most recently appeared on 10 episodes of AppleTV’s The Studio and three episodes of the HBO series The Last of Us. Her work on both shows earned her Emmy nominations — the ninth and tenth of her career.
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Emotional tributes have poured in from stars mourning the loss, including her Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin and The Last of Us co-star Pedro Pascal.
“Mama. I thought we had time,” Culkin began before adding, “But I had so much more to say.”
Pascal, meanwhile, wrote: “There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always.”
Follow below for updates as tributes come in…
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Eugene Levy says ‘words seem inadequate’ to express grief
Eugene Levy, who starred on Schitt’s Creek as O’Hara’s husband, Johnny Rose told The Daily Mail that “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today.”
“I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her.’
Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara at the Oscars in 2004 (Getty Images)
Lydia Spencer-Elliott31 January 2026 09:24
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Dan Levy says O’Hara was ‘extended family’ long before ‘Schitt’s Creek’
Dan Levy, who created Schitt’s Creek with his father Eugene and played David Rose in the show, has said O’Hara was “extended family” long before she played his mother in the much-loved sitcom.
“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years,” Levy said.
“Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it.
“I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her.”
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Dan Levy and Catherine O’Hara at the Emmy Awards in 2022 (Getty Images for Backstage Creat)
Lydia Spencer-Elliott31 January 2026 09:19
O’Hara shared how she wanted to die in resurfaced interview
While filling in the Proust questionnaire for Vanity Fairin 2013, O’Hara said she hoped to die “laughing, surrounded by my old grandchildren who are telling me to ‘let go, already, Grandma!”
O’Hara is survived by her sons, Matthew and Luke Welch, who also work in Hollywood as set designers.
In a 2007 interview with Toronto Star, the Argylle star opened up about her sons’ senses of humour.
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“They’re very funny, and we encourage it,” O’Hara said.
“The older one does Warners cartoon bits, really old-fashioned, cheap-a** funny vaudeville stuff. And the little one does word play.”
She continued, “I’m proud to say, we all make each other laugh. In my home, growing up. I learned that from my parents. They made each other laugh to the end, God bless ‘em. How great is that?”
Catherine O’Hara attending the UK premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at Cineworld Leicester Square, London, in 2024 (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Archive)
Lydia Spencer-Elliott31 January 2026 08:58
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‘Schitt’s Creek’ co-stars say working with O’Hara was a ‘magical gift’
Karen Robinson and Catherine O’Hara (Getty Images)
Two of O’Hara’s Schitt’s Creek co-stars have recalled their time working with the late star.
Karen Robinson, who played Ronnie Lee, said in a statement to USA Today: “The unmitigated good fortune of sharing space and work and laughter with the brilliance that was Catherine O’Hara is something that I will treasure forever.
“I am heartbroken for her family and all circles of her friends and loved ones. Oh Canada – what a loss. Thank you, Catherine, for everything you gave us before you left us. So much and so timeless that a part of you will always stay with us.”
Jennifer Robertson, Sarah Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy (AFP via Getty Images)
Jennifer Robertson, who played Jocelyn Schitt, added:
“I am deeply saddened to hear we have lost Catherine. Being in Catherine O’Hara’s orbit was a beautiful, magical gift.
“She was [an] absolute star who never understood why people made such a fuss about her. Her passing is a loss for everyone who knew and loved her. My deepest condolences to Bo, her sons, and the O’Hara family.”
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Kevin Perry31 January 2026 07:59
‘The Shield’ star says O’Hara was ‘universally loved and admired’
(Getty Images)
The Shield star Michael Chiklis reacted to news of O’Hara’s death by writing on X: “Precious few people in this world are universally loved and admired. Catherine O’Hara was not only one of those few… she deserved it. Rest In Eternal Peace”
Kevin Perry31 January 2026 07:01
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Christina Ricci calls O’Hara the ‘most wonderful, warmest, kind, hilarious human being’
(Getty Images)
Christina Ricci and O’Hara played daughter and mother in the 2006 fantasy romantic comedy Penelope.
Ricci wrote on Instagram: “Was so lucky to work with this icon, one of my hero’s, the great Catherine O’Hara. So sad she’s gone. She was the most wonderful, warmest, kind, hilarious human being and the most talented and brilliant actress. What a loss. Rest in peace, Catherine.”
Kevin Perry31 January 2026 06:03
Mike Myers salutes fellow Canadian comedy icon
(Getty Images for Vulture)
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Wayne’s World, Austin Powers and Shrek star Mike Myers said: “It is a very sad day for comedy and for Canada.
“She was one of the greatest comedy artists in history, an inspiration for millions and above all a very elegant lady. Sending much love and condolences to her family.”
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Kevin Perry31 January 2026 05:01
Ike Barinholtz pays his respects to his ‘The Studio’ co-star
Ike Barinholtz worked with O’Hara during her recent Emmy-nominated run on The Studio.
He wrote on Instagram: “I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her. So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now. So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you Catherine I love you.”
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Kevin Perry31 January 2026 04:08
‘Home Alone’ director says the film wouldn’t have worked without O’Hara
(AFP via Getty Images)
Chris Columbus, who directed Home Alone, has explained that the film would not have worked without O’Hara’s singular performance.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: “Today we lost Catherine O’Hara. I’m stunned and heartbroken, along with the rest of the world.
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“I was an obsessive fan of Catherine’s brilliant comedic work on SCTV and was thrilled when she agreed to play Kevin’s mom in Home Alone.
“What most people don’t realize is that Catherine carries the weight of 50 percent of that film. The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance.
“Catherine grounds the picture with a profound emotional depth. I will miss her greatly. Yet there is a small sense of comfort, realizing that two of the finest human beings I’ve ever known, Catherine and John Candy, are together again, brilliantly improvising, making each other laugh.”
Kevin Perry31 January 2026 03:02
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Meryl Streep says O’Hara ‘brought love and light to our world’
(Getty Images)
Meryl Streep and O’Hara worked together in 1988’s Heartburn, the Mike Nichols movie based on Nora Ephron’s semi-autobiographical novel.
Remembering her late co-star, Streep said in a statement to the Associated Press: “Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world, through whipsmart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed… such a loss for her family and friends, and the audience she graced as friends.”
As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
A 36-year-old man has been charged with 12 offences after a car was deliberately rammed into a house in Derry on Tuesday.
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Police received a report of an ongoing incident in the Altcar Park area of Derry at around 2.40am on Tuesday, April 7. On arrival at the scene, officers found “a man armed with an axe” who was “deliberately driving a vehicle into a residential property.”
The four occupants of the property were shaken by the ordeal, but are otherwise uninjured. Police discharged an attenuating energy projectile (AEP), which struck the perpetrator in the leg, to mitigate the risk to the public and the man himself.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “A 36-year-old man arrested following an incident in Altcar Park in Derry/Londonderry on Tuesday, 7th April has been charged to appear before Londonderry Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Thursday 9th April.
“He is charged with 12 offences – aggravated burglary, two counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, four counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, threats to kill, and criminal damage. He has also been charged with dangerous driving, driving when unfit through drink or drugs, and interference with vehicles.“As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
There has been a major change for TNT Sports viewers, with new ways to stream live coverage – including Liverpool’s clash with PSG tonight
TNT Sports viewers have been warned of a significant change that came into effect recently, with a sweeping overhaul seeing the broadcaster’s rugby, football and other sports coverage relocated elsewhere.
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HBO Max launched last month in the UK and Ireland, giving audiences the ability to stream content from HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios and Max Originals all in a single place. However, beyond offering additional film and TV content, the service’s arrival also represents a considerable shake-up for TNT Sports viewers.
Liverpool’s Champions League clash with PSG is being broadcast by TNT Sports 1 tonight (8pm KO) – but viewers will need to make a small adjustment if they wish to stream the match.
While discovery+ has acted as the streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, it was confirmed last month that the subscription channels are migrating to HBO Max.
Consequently, from this point forward, TNT Sports subscribers will need to head to HBO Max to access the channels and online content, rather than discovery+.
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Watch PSG vs Liverpool on TNT Sports
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Liverpool have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals where they face Paris Saint-Germain on April 8. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.
The change does not mean that discovery+ is shutting down, however, with the platform now concentrating solely on real-life entertainment and documentaries.
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TNT Sports users have been informed that they will be able to use their existing Discovery+ login details for HBO Max, or online at HBOMax.com. Viewers can download the HBO Max app and sign in using their existing discovery+ email and password.
If you were accessing TNT Sports on discovery+ through the Amazon Appstore, your discovery+ TNT Sports subscription will have now ended. With HBO Max having launched, you can sign up to the TNT Sports plan on HBO Max to continue enjoying the same sports content.
Subscription costs will remain unchanged during the transition, with viewers able to retain TNT Sports on a rolling monthly basis for £30.99 a month. However, HBO Max has also introduced new options for sports fans looking to reduce their outgoings, with viewers prepared to commit to a minimum 12-month contract offered the opportunity to do so at a lower rate of £25.99 per month.
Additional savings have also been made available to viewers wishing to subscribe to HBO Max’s entertainment programming with TNT Sports coverage bundled in as part of a 12-month deal.
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In a statement issued last week, TNT Sports said: “HBO Max, the premier global streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, has launched in the UK and Ireland.
“HBO Max will become the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK, giving subscribers in 2026 access to top quality live sports content including this season, the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Gallagher PREM Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, UFC, MotoGP, Grand Slam tennis, Grand Tour cycling and much more.
“On the 26th March, TNT Sports will move from discovery+ to its new streaming home on HBO Max in the UK,” the statement added. “For existing customers, to keep streaming TNT Sports, simply download the HBO Max app, or go to HBOMax.com, and sign in using existing discovery+ login details.
“With an unchanged price of £30.99 per month for TNT Sports on launch, the service will offer subscribers a standalone TNT Sports plan or ability to purchase alongside select HBO Max plans, providing fans with the ultimate sports streaming experience that includes innovative in-app features across key sports and events – putting fans in control of how they watch.”
Damage has also been caused to water and electrical works in the area
Police are currently at the scene of a burglary at a derelict building in Belfast City Centre.
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The break-in is understood to have occurred at a derelict building in the Waring Street area, with police also seen in Sugarhouse Entry.
The PSNI have also said that they are investigating reports of criminal damage having been caused to electrical and water works in the area.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are conducting enquiries in relation to a suspected burglary at a derelict building in the Waring Street area of Belfast this afternoon, Wednesday 8th April.
“Criminal damage has also occurred to water and electric works in the area, and the relevant agencies have been informed.
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“Anyone who could assist with information that could help enquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 847 08/04/26.”
Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Venture team carried out intensified activity across parts of Wigan borough, including Atherton and Tyldesley, which border Bolton.
The operation resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of multiple weapons and drugs worth thousands of pounds being taken out of circulation.
During the activity, officers recovered knives, machetes, a sword and BB guns, as well as more than £6,000 worth of drugs and £2,000 in cash.
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A total of 35 vehicles were also seized.
In Atherton and Tyldesley, officers made several arrests linked to robbery, drug supply and weapons offences.
One key incident saw a man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply after police uncovered around 86 wraps of suspected heroin and cocaine.
In Tyldesley, officers also carried out a foot chase, which ended with a man being detained and a knife recovered.
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Police said the activity focused on known hotspot areas, aiming to tackle serious violence and protect young people from harm.
Sergeant Mohammed Waqas, of GMP’s Operation Venture team, said the results showed the force’s commitment to tackling crime.
He said: “Across Rochdale and Wigan during our intensification deployments, we have seized and destroyed over £6,000 worth of drugs, recovered £2,000 in cash, and removed multiple weapons from the streets.
“These results show our commitment to tackling organised crime and anti-social behaviour to keep communities safe.”
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Operation Venture, launched in December 2022, has made hundreds of arrests across Greater Manchester and removed more than 300 weapons from the streets.
Police say the initiative will continue to target serious violence and knife crime, with ongoing patrols and enforcement activity planned in areas bordering Bolton and beyond.
Police said four teenagers aged between 13 and 17 were stabbed outside Tenby railway station on Tuesday evening
Police have issued an update after four teenagers were stabbed when “disorder” broke out in a Welsh seaside town. The incident took place outside Tenby railway station late on Tuesday evening, with Dyfed-Powys Police later confirming two males had been arrested.
On Wednesday afternoon, British Transport Police (BTP) provided an update on the investigation into the incident.
Superintendent Jon Cooze said officers were called to a fight involving a group of youths at Tenby station shortly before 10pm.
Four of the group – aged between 13 and 17 and from the Pembroke area – sustained stab wounds during the incident. They were taken to hospital to be assessed and have since been discharged, he said.
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The latest update also confirmed that the two males arrested on suspicion of GBH in connection with the incident – a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man – remain in police custody at this time.
The force also said that there will be an increased presence of officers in the area to provide reassurance to passengers. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
A “thorough” investigation into the full circumstances of what happened is ongoing.
Superintendent Jon Cooze from BTP said in a statement: “We were called to reports of a fight at Tenby station at around 9.50pm last night, involving a group of youths.
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“Four of the group – aged between 13 and 17 from the Pembroke area – sustained stab wounds during the violence, and were taken to hospital for assessment.
“Thankfully their injuries are not considered to be life-threatening or life-changing and they have already been discharged from hospital.
“Due to the quick actions of our colleagues at Dyfed Powys Police arriving on scene, a 16-year old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and remain in police custody.
“We understand the concern an incident of this nature will have caused in the community, and while we believe it to be an isolated incident, passengers will notice an increased presence of officers in the area who are there to provide reassurance.
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“We’ve launched a thorough investigation into the full circumstances of the incident and are keeping an open mind as to the background of what has happened. We’re aware of footage circulating online and would ask people not to share this or speculate while detectives concentrate on the investigation.
“Lastly – I’d urge anyone who witnessed what happened or the events leading up to it to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 916 of 07/04/26.”
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.
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The incident happened at junction four westbound, near Whitburn.
Part of Scotland’s busiest motorway has been closed after a car burst into flames. Emergency crews rushed to the scene on the M8 just before 2pm on Wednesday, April 8.
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The road was closed at junction four westbound, near Whitburn. It is unclear if anyone was injured as a result of the blaze.
Drivers faced delays of up to 90 minutes as the fire service worked to extinguish the flames. Traffic Scotland announced at 3.45pm all lanes on the road had been fully reopened but warned motorists to expect further delays of around 30 minutes.
Pictures from the scene show two fire appliances and two police cars at either side of the vehicle. Smoke can be seen billowing out of the mangled wreck as fire officers stand nearby, with traffic building up behind them.
Another image taken later in the afternoon shows cones on the road blocking off one lane as a recovery vehicle removes the car from the road. A Traffic Scotland spokesperson said: “The M8 is currently closed westbound between junctions 4- 4A due to a vehicle fire.
“Emergency services are at the scene. Delays are expected. Alternative routes are recommended.”
Police Scotland has also been approached for comment.
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Chloe Short kissed a 15-year-old boy she was supposed to be helping. She has now been struck off the professional care worker register
17:45, 08 Apr 2026
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A support worker convicted of having a “sexualised kiss” with a vulnerable 15-year-old boy she was supposed to be helping, has been struck of the professional care worker register.
Chloe Short also engaged in text conversations with the child during which the pair expressed their love for each other, Swansea Crown Court heard when she was sentenced in December 2025. Now she has been stripped of her registration with Social Care Wales [SCW].
Short, who was 28 at the time of her conviction, was not represented and not present for a virtual professional standards hearing about her case on April 8. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter.
The SCW fitness to practise panel found all allegations against the former care worker proved and removed her name from the register. Short may not apply to be re-registered for five years and even then would have to convince a committee to do so.
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Committee chair Steve Jones said the case was too serious to warrant any sanction other than striking off. She had been unable to work anyway as an interim prohibition order had already been in place.
Short did not engaged in the SCW’s inquiry or process and had not expressed any insight, remorse or remedial work, Mr Jones said. There was nothing to indicate she may not pose a risk to vulnerable people if she was allowed to remain on the register.
The panel found it proved that whilst registered with SCW as a domiciliary care worker Short was convicted at Swansea Crown Court on December 3, 2025 of of intentionally touching a 15 year-old boy sexually and that her fitness to practise with SCW is therefore impaired.
“The offence is so serious there will always be the risk with Miss Short working with vulnerable people,” said Mr Jones.
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He added that her actions had brought the entire profession into disrepute. Miss Short’s case was referred to the SCW in August 2024 by her former employer, Touchstone, which had dismissed her, the panel heard.
During her sentencing hearing last year a judge told Short her behaviour had been “very inappropriate” and that she had rejected the trust which had been placed in her by virtue of her job.
Ian Wright, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that Short was working for an organisation which provided support for families and children in need of assistance, and as such was “in a position of considerable trust”.
He said the defendant was assigned to support a vulnerable 15-year-old boy and carried out a series of home visits which led to “communication with him” in a “wholly inappropriate manner”. The court heard that in the messages, the defendant and the child said they loved each other, and Short told the teenager she “missed him every second” and was “obsessed with him”.
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The matter came to light when Short’s girlfriend became suspicious about her behaviour and looked through her phone. After finding messages on the device the woman alerted Short’s employers who then contacted the police. An investigation was launched during which a short video recorded on a phone was recovered showing the defendant and the boy kissing.
The court heard that the teenager had not provided an account of what happened between him and the defendant and has “never co-operated” with the prosecution.
Short, of Sycamore Court, Bargoed, who was aged 28 at the time of her conviction, had previously pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child when she appeared in the dock for sentencing. She has no previous convictions and had no previous matters before her with SCW.
Rose Glanville, for Short, told Swansea Crown Court that the defendant had not followed a career in the support sector to exploit the access it afforded but rather “in a flawed attempt to repair the damage from her childhood”.
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With a 20 per cent discount for her guilty pleas Short was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and a mental health treatment requirement. She was told she also had to do 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.
She will be a registered sex offender for the next 10 years and the court also made her subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.
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Two people were seriously injured after a crash closed a road on the Cambridgeshire border for over 10 hours. Lincolnshire Police were called to a crash just after 6.30am on Tuesday (April 7) on the B1166 Hulls Drove, near Crowland.
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One vehicle was involved, which was a red Ford Kuga. Two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called just after 7am on Tuesday, April 7, to a road traffic collision on the B1106 near Crowland. We attended the incident jointly with the East Midlands Ambulance Service, with both services dispatching numerous resources including critical care teams.
“These included the East Anglian Air Ambulance and The Air Ambulance Service’ (TAAS). Three patients were taken to hospital, including two with serious injuries.”
The road remained closed until 4.25pm while recovery work took place. A police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone who has any recorded footage that will assist the investigation to get in touch.”
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Anyone with information should email the investigating officer on SCIUinvestigators@lincs.police.uk or call 01522 212316.
Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island understands just how important it is to plan ahead and feel confident about the future – for both yourself and for those you love.That is why they are delighted to invite readers to a free informative talk on ‘Power of Attorney’ The talk is being delivered by Michael Wilson of Wilson Wakefield Solicitors on Hayling. The talk is designed to help you make the most of one of life’s most important decisions.
Barca, meanwhile, made light work of Newcastle United, but they needed home advantage to do so, after a tense 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, where Lamine Yamal’s penalty late on saved them from a first-leg defeat. In the reverse fixture, however, they decimated the Magpies, pulling them apart to emerge 7-2 victors. Stay tuned with all the latest from the Nou Camp this evening with our live blog below.
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