The raid took place in Halliwell and a woman has been arrested.

A spokesman for GMP Bolton said: “This evening, officers from Bolton’s Neighbourhood Teams have executed a warrant at a property in Halliwell.

“This was in response to complaints from the community about drug supply in the area.

“A 38-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

“She remains in police custody for questioning.

“You can provide information about crime in your area, anonymously, to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The raid is the latest to take place in the area and across Bolton to tackle the drugs trade.

Previously, desperate mums have raised the issue at the regular Partners and Communities Together Meetings (PACT), which allow locals to meet their local police officers and address any concerns they have.

A women’s only PACT heard how children are targeted by those selling drugs.

The pub has been empty since 2018

A road was cordoned off after a blaze broke out at a derelict pub in Stretford on Monday evening (June 15). Fire crews raced to the scene at The Robin Hood pub on Barton Road.

Smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the venue, which has been empty since 2018, as firefighters tackled the blaze. An ‘avoid the area’ warning was put in place amid the incident.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. It was earlier this year revealed that the vandal-hit pub was earmarked to potentially be developed into new homes. It followed years of being wracked by vandalism and also suffering another fire.

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After the pub closed, the local community had a chance to purchase it and come up with proposals for its future. However, a crowdfunding campaign failed to raise the cash needed.

On Monday night, a number of fire engines were seen outside the pub as the area became covered in smoke. Videos shared with the M.E.N showed crews in attendance trying to bring the fire under control.

Emergency services were first alerted to the incident shortly before 10pm, with multiple fire engines racing to the scene. Residents nearby were also urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly before 9:55 this evening (Monday 15^th June) fire engines from Stretford, Sale, Moss Side, the turntable ladder from Manchester Central, the scorpion from Salford and a further breathing apparatus emergency appliance from Salford fire station were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Barton Road, Stretford.

“Firefighters arrived quickly and are currently working to extinguish the fire and make the area safe. Crews remain in attendance at this time. Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area.”

The red and blue cross road sign is frequently seen up and down the country — but drivers are left baffled by its meaning

Drivers are being encouraged to refresh their understanding of traffic signs following revelations from industry specialists that a substantial proportion of us remain baffled by particular symbols. The UK Government’s official publication, Know Your Traffic Signs, extends to an impressive 172 pages, so it’s hardly surprising that certain signs leave road users perplexed.

Social media channels are frequently utilised by road users seeking explanations regarding the significance of different road markings and signs.

This specific sign, featuring a red cross on a blue background, is widespread across the UK, meaning there’s every likelihood you’ve encountered it — in fact, one Reddit user replied to an enquiry about its significance by declaring: “This is one of the basic signs people who drive in this country should know. Not knowing what the sign is or how to check is an absolute failure.”

Another contributed: “How do you exist as a driver with a license without knowing what a sign like this means?”

Notwithstanding those blunt remarks, there’s a good chance you don’t know what this sign means, even if you’ve seen it countless times. The sign features a red circle with a blue background and a red diagonal cross within.

According to insurance experts at One Sure Insurance, misinterpretation of road signs is considerably more common than many realise. Furthermore, figures from the AA show that while the vast majority of drivers consider themselves to be safe motorists, approximately half acknowledge they find certain elements of the Highway Code difficult. This knowledge gap can result in motorists inadvertently contravening the regulations or misinterpreting signs while driving.

What does the red-and-blue cross sign mean?

The red-and-blue cross sign denotes a clearway, meaning motorists are prohibited from stopping at any time. Unlike certain other restrictions that operate only during specified hours, the clearway regulation means you cannot halt your vehicle on that section of road for any purpose whatsoever, unless faced with an emergency.

This includes stopping to:

• Pick up or drop off passengers
• Check directions
• Make a phone call
• Wait briefly in the car

The UK Government’s official guidance states: “The red cross means no stopping, not even to pick up or set down passengers. The sign is used to indicate a 24-hour clearway (usually on a rural road) or may be incorporated into other signs with the words ‘No stopping’ (eg the ‘no stopping except local buses’ sign at bus stops).

“On a 24-hour clearway, the prohibition of stopping applies to the main running carriageway, slip roads and any acceleration and deceleration areas. You may stop in a lay-by unless there are signs to say otherwise. A 24-hour clearway does not have any special road markings, but smaller repeater signs might be provided at intervals along the road as a reminder to drivers.”

Since stopping is entirely prohibited, any motorist who halts within a clearway area risks receiving a fine or penalty notice. However, one significant reason the sign generates such confusion is its resemblance to other blue-and-red traffic signs throughout Britain, each with marginally different meanings.

For instance, a sign displaying a single red line through a blue circle denotes an “urban clearway”.

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An urban clearway operates in a comparable manner to a standard clearway, but with specific conditions. These are generally accompanied by supplementary information, such as the exact times and days when restrictions apply. Mixing up the two could lead to drivers thinking they’re adhering to the law when, actually, they’re violating it.

Clearways are generally implemented on heavily-trafficked routes where stopping could create congestion or pose safety hazards, such as major roads leading into city centres or heavily-used main roads. By preventing vehicles from stopping entirely, authorities seek to maintain free-flowing traffic and minimise the risk of sudden braking or obstructions on the road.

For motorists uncertain about road markings and signage, experts advise referring to the Highway Code to develop a comprehensive understanding of the regulations – particularly as misinterpreting them can result in financial penalties or hazardous situations. Refreshing your knowledge of road signs, they suggest, could assist drivers in avoiding fines, collisions, and insurance claims.

A spokesperson for One Sure Insurance said: “We see a lot of accidents or traffic violations happen because drivers simply don’t understand or recognise certain road signs. These mistakes may seem minor at first, but they can lead to fines, insurance claims, and in worst-case scenarios, serious accidents. It’s vital to take the time to understand every road sign you encounter.”

Each mile of this journey will be dedicated to those lost to suicide, families living with loss, and those currently struggling with their mental health

With just days to go until the dad of a talented young model who died suddenly aged just 20 sets off on an extraordinary challenge, organisers say they have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of public and business support from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Zachary Geddis from Coleraine died by suicide in March 2017, whilst attending the University of the Arts, London where he was studying Fashion Illustration.

On June 19, his dad Terry Geddis will embark on an extraordinary 24-hour charity cycle from Coleraine to Mizen Head in Cork, Ireland’s most south-westerly point, as part of the Cycle for Suicide campaign.

Aiming to honour his son’s memory and raise vital mental health awareness, Terry will depart Coleraine on Friday, aiming to cycle to Mizen Head in Cork, Ireland’s most south-westerly point all in aid of The Zachary Geddis Trust, which provides free, professional mental health support services across Northern Ireland.

Each mile of this journey will once again be dedicated to those lost to suicide, families living with loss, and those currently struggling with their mental health, reinforcing the campaign’s central message that help is available and conversations matter.

As the countdown continues, the campaign has gathered remarkable momentum, with generous donations and backing from local businesses, organisations and individuals determined to support both Terry’s challenge and the vital work of the Trust.

Among those contributing to the fundraising effort are Lynas, Kingsbridge Foundation, East End FC, Maine Group, Coleraine FC, Zarion, The Dental Care Centre Belfast and the Bushmills Distillery Group, which has pledged a unique prize of a year’s worth of tasting tours to help boost fundraising initiatives.

Zachary’s sister Yasmin Geddis, who is Chief Executive of The Zachary Geddis Trust, said the response has been incredibly moving: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our local community and business supporters.

“It is a powerful reminder that people want to stand together to support mental health initiatives and help ensure that no one feels alone. Every donation, every message of encouragement, and every shared story is encouraging Terry as he trains and will help us continue our important work supporting people who need our help.”

Meanwhile, Terry has been intensifying his training regime in preparation for the gruelling challenge, putting in long hours in the saddle as he builds endurance for the 24-hour journey.

Despite the physical demands ahead, Terry remains focused on the purpose behind every mile, honouring his son Zachary and supporting others facing mental health challenges.

This will be Terry’s sixth charity cycle for the Trust. To date, he has cycled more than 20,000 miles and raised close to £50,000 for mental health causes. The 2026 Cycle for Suicide aims to build on that success and help meet increasing demand for services, which currently support more than 200 clients each week.

As the start date approaches, people are being encouraged to show their support by donating, sharing the campaign or even by sending messages of encouragement. For Terry and his family, the ongoing support from the community is both humbling and motivating.

“The support we’re seeing means everything,” said Yasmin. “It shows just how many people believe in the importance of this work and the difference it makes every day.”

With momentum building and the community firmly behind him, Terry is preparing to take on one of his toughest challenges yet, carrying with him not only personal determination, but the encouragement of an entire community.

Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 .

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The Iranian national anthem was booed by some spectators inside the SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening as Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G.

The match took place hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal had been signed to end America’s’ war with Iran.

The team flew into the US on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, touching down in Los Angeles just as a deal was announced to end the conflict.

Around 300 to 500 protesters ⁠gathered outside the stadium before the game, waving anti-Iranian government signs and flags. They said they did not want to attend the ​match as ⁠it would imply support for Tehran, as they protested against the country’s regime and its crackdown on pro-democracy protestors.

Inside, some fans then jeered Iran’s anthem as it was played ahead of their opening match.

Los Angeles is the biggest home to the Iranian community outside of Iran after many fled the country following the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Iran’s participation ⁠in the tournament has been beset by controversy against the backdrop of the war, which began in February ⁠when the US and Israel launched strikes on the country.

That followed nationwide protests in January inside Iran in which thousands were killed in a bloody government crackdown.

In recent ‌weeks, the football team changed their ​base from Arizona to Mexico, while their federation complained that not ‌all their staff received US visas and that tickets ​allocated to supporters had been withdrawn.

A US administration official explained: “We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences.”

Fifa’s ban on the pre-revolutionary Iran flag was upheld on Monday morning after an expedited hearing. The flag has the same colours as the current official flag but has a different lion-and-sun motif and is historically associated with the country’s previous Shah-led regime.

Fifa prohibits flags or apparel that have “political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature”.

Judge Curtis Kin ruled that the ban should be allowed to stand, stating: “Free speech is incredibly important, it is sacred, a bedrock of our society, but it is not without limitation, such as private actor, on private property, and as shown by previous cases, regulating in reasonable way. I deny the application.”

Preston Davey died after collapsing at the home of adoptive dads Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley

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The grim reality of a depraved couple has been uncovered after the devastating death of one-year-old Preston Davey. In late 2018, Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley met in a bar in Manchester’s Gay Village.

They hit it off straight away and when McGowan-Fazakerley went to stay at Varley’s home in Blackpool, he never really left. A year later they bought a house together in Staining Road, Blackpool, an extended three bedroom semi fitted out with marble floors, bifold doors and chandeliers in the bedrooms.

They also bought a dog, Maximus, a miniature pinscher, who they doted on like a baby. ManchesterEveningNews reports that together, they built a life that was Insta-ready – all they needed was a child to complete their picture perfect family.

But behind the veneer of respectability lay a much more sinister picture. This was one of Britain’s most depraved couples.

They came from very different backgrounds. Varley, 37, was one of five siblings in a matriarchal family in Blackpool. They were a close knit unit headed up by their mother who lived nearby, in an area bordering Grange Park, a notorious estate among the most deprived areas of the UK.

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McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was an only child, raised by his doting parents and grandmother in Congleton, an affluent market town on the edge of Cheshire’s golden triangle. Privately educated at Kings School, Macclesfield, he went on to study at Keele University progressing to phD level before leaving to pursue a career in sales.

Together their careers flourished. Despite severe dyslexia, Varley gained his teaching qualifications and was promoted from technician to teacher in the textiles department of Blackpool’s South Shore Academy – later progressing to head of year. McGowan-Fazakerley rose through the ranks of the finance company he worked for to become operational manager for the north west, based from offices at Salford Quays.

They spoke about marriage and children from early in the relationship but after attending a family wedding, where the couple’s child was part of the celebrations, they decided not to wait.

McGowan-Fazakerley said: “I’ve always wanted children and Jamie’s always wanted children. It just fitted. Careers were in the right place, we were in that house, we were settled – it felt like the right time.”

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In late 2021, he began making enquiries with Adoption Now, the agency which provides adoption services for councils in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The pair went through the initial vetting process, delving into their health, finances, family backgrounds, and criminal records checks, with some training sessions held online due to Covid.

There was nothing to alert the authorities to the evil truth behind this seemingly perfect couple.

The pair took a break to allow Varley to support his students through their GCSEs, and his father who had been diagnosed with cancer, before moving onto the next stage the following year.

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This involved eight face-to-face meetings with social worker Vicky Readett, along with VR safeguarding training, and in January 2023 the couple were approved as adopters.

The same month, Oldham Council granted an adoption order for Preston Davey. Born to a killer serving time at HMP Styal, little Preston was a beautiful bouncing baby.

At five days old he had been removed from his mother and placed in foster care in Oldham where he was thriving. Preston’s grandmother, Debra Davey, 66, hoped to take care of her only grandson but after being diagnosed with cancer she was told she couldn’t look after her daughter’s child.

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She said: “Sarah wanted him right from the start. The plan was I would help her with having him.”

Social worker Amy Shepherdson created a profile for Preston on the Adoption Now website. She chose not to upload a photo as she wanted would-be adopters to be drawn to his character, and not simply his cheeky smile and adorable curly locks.

Within weeks, Preston was matched with Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley and an informal meeting was arranged at a restaurant in Ashton-under-Lyne. As a friendly and sociable baby, Preston was happy to be held and fussed over by his new dads-to-be.

Back in Blackpool, the couple hosted a ‘Chosen Shower’ with cake, decorations and a social media friendly balloon arch. The baby’s bedroom was decorated in neutral tones and Varley painted a mural on the wall, with the name ‘Preston Elijah’ – the name they chose to give the little boy.

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Varley, it was decided, was to be Preston’s main carer. He had more experience with children and his job was based around the school year. Meanwhile, McGowan-Fazakerley had the ability to earn large bonuses which would boost their photogenic lifestyle.

On April 3, 2023, Preston waved goodbye to his foster mum and was handed over to his new family – but his birth family were not happy with the move.

Debra said: “I told them I didn’t agree with it and Sarah knew right from the start. Not because it was two men, she just got a horrible gut feeling about it. She told social services and the foster parents but they just took him. She didn’t sign anything.”

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Tragically, the mother’s intuition proved correct and within four months of being placed with the couple, little Preston was dead. He was aged just 13 months old.

In his time in Blackpool, the innocent little boy was subjected to ever increasing physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of evil Varley.

Every day, McGowan-Fazakerley picked up his briefcase and went off to work, leaving the child he had vowed to protect in the care of a monster. Varley treated Preston as a plaything for his own amusement, showing little regard to the boy’s wellbeing.

Yet his abuse flew under the radar as Preston’s life grew ever more miserable. Social workers, doctors and healthcare workers failed to spot the warning signs that something was very wrong in the pristine home.

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Snap-happy Varley captured it all and when police scoured the thousands of photos and videos on his camera roll, after Preston had died, the sickening truth emerged.

Varley’s depraved interest in the helpless tot was first seen in disgusting photographs during a bath with Preston, weeks after he arrived in Staining Road. As time went on, more and more bruises could be seen on Preston’s body – including a shocking human bite mark on his bottom.

Videos showed Varley’s ill treatment of the little boy – frightening him, keeping him awake and spinning him so fast on a playground ride that he went cross-eyed. Later videos showed Preston in a state of frozen watchfulness – a trauma response seen in abused infants where they appear passive and quiet, but hypervigilant to their environment.

Trophy photographs taken four days before he died showed Preston slumped over the bars of his cot after being sexually abused by both men. A photo of his injured bottom was further evidence of his abuse that day.

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The final footage, captured at 4.45pm on Thursday July 27, 2023, showed Preston fighting for his life after a serious sexual assault by Varley. When McGowan-Fazakerley returned from work at 6.15pm he was met with a scene of horror as the tragedy he could so easily have prevented unfolded.

Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but it was too late. He was pronounced dead at 7.18pm.

Both men were invited into the room to spend Preston’s final moments with him. As McGowan-Fazakerley made his way to the bedside, Varley collapsed on the floor and wailed for his own mother in a desperate bid to buy time.

It wasn’t long before his lies began to unravel. On the day Preston died, Varley claimed he had left him alone in the bath seat for a matter of minutes while he went to get some clothes. He returned to find Preston partially submerged, he said.

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But doctors found no water in Preston’s lungs or stomach as they attempted to resuscitate him and a post mortem showed no signs of drowning. Instead, the examination pointed to a litany of physical and sexual abuse – including a serious sexual assault which had restricted Preston’s airways hours before he died.

There were 40 separate non-accidental injuries to Preston’s little body, including bruising to his head and body, his mouth and throat, his bladder and injuries to his bottom. His elbow had been fractured by forceful twisting and old blood in his lungs indicated he had been suffocated at least once before.

Despite the irrefutable scientific evidence, Varley maintained his lies – throughout a three year investigation and six week trial at Preston Crown Court. McGowan-Fazakerley claimed he was unaware of the peril he was leaving Preston in when he left for work each day.

Throughout the investigation, until their arrests in June 2025, the couple continued their relationship, living together at a detached house in Grimsargh, near Preston, which they were buying at the time Preston died.

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They claimed they did not discuss Preston as it was ‘too upsetting’ and in the witness box, Varley maintained they were still a couple. It was only when McGowan-Fazakerley’s defence barrister, Anne Whyte KC, said her client reluctantly accepted Varley had committed the crimes he was accused of that Varley’s charade dropped.

Once the jury had left the courtroom, Varley flounced from the witness box, refusing to look at his now ex-partner, as he was taken straight to the cells.

When it was McGowan-Fazakerley’s turn to give evidence he was quite insistent. Jamie Varley was his ex. He too had been fooled by the act which had taken in doctors, social workers, teachers and family members, he insisted – claiming to have known nothing about the abuse.

DCI Andy Fallows, who led the murder investigation, said: “The jury will have seen, at length, segments of the suspect interviews, and the body-worn video capturing Jamie Varley’s performance outside Blackpool Victoria, where he’s very theatrical.

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“That is a marked difference to the man that is later interviewed on June 25 2025. Difference in attitude, difference in demeanour. I think you see two sides to Jamie Varley throughout viewing those interviews and that body-worn video.

“I think Jamie Varley has sought to deceive right from day one. I think Jamie Varley has tried to control the narrative and it’s only through working through these events and piecing them together and looking at them side by side do you really see that he is a manipulative character, or he certainly had tried to be, and ultimately by adopting that approach we’ve been able to show him for what he is.

“Even in his evidence under cross examination, you saw more of an obtuse, spiky side to him. He’s a man that has claimed to have tried to assist the investigation and give the investigation answers in relation to what happened to Preston, but the reality is far different.

“The reality is he’s concealed, he’s lied, his account is, or was, wholly inconsistent and disbelievable. Difficult to deal with. The questions were asked, his answers have ultimately been found wanting, in my opinion.

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“McGowan-Fazakerley is a man who, if you like, has seen no evil and heard no evil. He denies any wrongdoing. He did not want to believe some of the evidence that was presented with him. He presented and has presented as a man who works away a long time and wasn’t aware of the number of bruises to Preston that we’ve seen, or the jury have seen, frequently over the days, weeks, and four months that he was in their care.

“He says he was unaware of how these bruises were caused and it is hard to understand how anyone could live in that household with that many injuries to a child of that age who is immobile, is not yet walking, and not know that something very, very sinister is going on.

“They’ve tried to present as the perfect family, living in the perfect home, having the perfect lives. Instagram ready, aren’t they? Everything’s on social media, everything is brilliant, and if you scrape away the veneer of that you come to something that is entirely different. Everything wasn’t good within the household. There were clearly arguments, bickering, clearly issues about long hours at work. Jamie struggling as a parent, as any new parent does, but it went further than that.

“The picture they tried to present to the outside world was one of respectability. The truth is far more sinister and darker than that.”

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Karen Tonge for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “This has been one of the most shocking and horrific cases I have dealt with in my career.

“Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley had a responsibility to care for and protect baby Preston. They violated that responsibility and 13-month-old Preston was abused with sickening ease.

“It is difficult to comprehend how the very people who should have loved him could inflict such sickening physical and sexual harm on an innocent child.

“No child should have to go through what Preston went through in the last four months of his short life and I cannot begin to imagine the toll this has taken on those that loved Preston. My thoughts remain with them all.”

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