Lancashire News

Diggers have been ploughing through deep snow drifts to clear country lanes in the Burnley area of Lancashire.

A young man was found dead in this area on Saturday after trying to walk home through the snow after a night out.

Snow drifts in excess of five metres deep (16ft 4in) have been reported on roads in many areas of northern England.

• UK
• Lancashire
• Weather

The body of a 27-year-old man has been found in deep snow in Burnley.

Police believe he was on his way home from a night out with friends when he got caught up in the bad weather conditions last night.

It comes as heavy snow and harsh winds continue to blight many parts of the UK, playing havoc with travel plans, sports fixtures and power supplies.

More than 70 people had to be rescued from their cars in Cumbria after being stranded in huge drifts overnight.

ITV News Correspondent Debi Edward reports:

• UK
• Lancashire
• Cumbria

Lancashire Police have urged people to "take precautions" and only go out "if necessary" following the death of a man who was on his way home from a night out during severe weather conditions.

Chief Inspector Derry Crorken from Burnley Police said:

The snow and ice has been severe in the area with many roads not passable.

I would urge people to take precautions and only go out if it is necessary and if you do go out then make sure friends and family know where you are and that you have suitable clothing on and your phone with you.

“Understandably this is a very difficult time for the man’s family and we have specially trained officers offering them support", CI Crorken added.

• UK
• Lancashire
• Weather

One hundred kilograms (220lb) of horsemeat imported from Hungary and labelled as beef has been identified in Lancashire, with 40kg of it already sold to the public, the Food Standards Agency said.

• UK
• Horsemeat
• Lancashire

A primary school teacher who began the new term as a woman has been found dead.

Pupils at St Mary Magdalen's C of E Primary School in Accrington in Lancashire, and their parents were told in December that she wanted to be addressed as Miss Lucy Meadows after the Christmas break.

Miss Meadows thanked school governors and staff for their support when she announced her transition plans, but some parents' concern was reported in the media.

The 32-year-old's body was found at a house in Accrington on Tuesday. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances.

For help and advice relating to this issue you can contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 in the UK or 1850 60 9090 in the Republic of Ireland.

• UK
• Lancashire
• Accrington

Police have warned that a convicted murderer who absconded while on day-release from prison poses a "higher risk to the public" the longer he is on the run.

The longer he is away from prison, the stronger the possibility he could become a higher risk to the public.

Lynch has little money on him and has been in prison since he was 19-years-old so will not be familiar with any of his surroundings and may approach people and ask for money or directions ...

Although he could still be in Lancashire, we do still believe there is a possibility he may be trying to travel back to the Greater Manchester area from where he originates.

Police urge the public to stag vigilant and to report any sightings to Lancashire Police by dialling 999. Information can be passed on by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read: Police release CCTV images of escaped murderer

• UK
• Lancashire

Police have released CCTV images of a convicted murderer who tried to get on a bus shortly after he disappeared while on day-release.

Brian Lynch, 44, fled from Preston city centre on Thursday afternoon while on a day trip from nearby HMP Kirkham.

Read: Police warn escaped murderer is increasingly dangerous

Within 20 minutes of going missing at 3pm, he was captured on CCTV at a bus stop in Lancaster Road where he spoke briefly to the bus driver before walking off.

Later the same day, at 5.15pm, he was seen in Stanley Grove, Penwortham, Lancashire, walking along a footpath towards Blashaw Lane.

Police are also investigating an unconfirmed sighting of him in Poulton where he is thought to have been seen in Breck Road between 12pm and 1pm on Saturday.

Lynch was jailed in 1988 for the killing of 21-year-old Chi Yeung Yip in Clayton, Manchester.

• UK
• Lancashire

Morecambe & Lunesdale MP David Morris has welcomed a tweet from Commander Chris Hadfield, who shared an image of Morecambe from Space.

Commander Chris Hadfield tweeted: "Morecambe at the seaside, England, home and namesake to the much beloved comedian and entertainer."

Read: Astronaut tweets Captain Kirk from space

David Morris MP said: “I am certain the photo will be shown in classrooms across Morecambe and beyond tomorrow. It is also nice to see that Commander Hadfield is a fan of Morecambe & Wise. When Commander Hadfield returns to earth I would be delighted to welcome him to Morecambe.”

Watch: Star Trek actor William Shatner calls astronaut in space

• World
• Lancashire
• Space

Lancashire County Councillor Susie Charles, cabinet member for children and schools, has said they had sought extras assurance that its external suppliers were not providing any products containing horse DNA.

Testing had returned one positive result, she said.

Relatively few schools in Lancashire use this particular product but our priority is to provide absolute assurance that meals contain what the label says - having discovered this one doesn't, we have no hesitation in removing it from menus.

This does not appear to be a food safety issue but I've no doubt parents will agree we need to take a very firm line with suppliers and it is a credit to our officers that we have been able to quickly identify the problem and take the product off the menus.

Lancashire County Councillor Susie Charles

• UK
• horsemeat
• Food Standards Agency