Industrial town in Cheshire, England, on the Mersey
A rising tide of fires at recycling centres, bin lorries, and general waste sites has been linked to lithium batteries and e-cigarette devices. The incidents, driven by improper disposal and faulty batteries, have prompted calls for safer disposal and stricter regulation. BBC Verify and other outlets report dozens of blazes since 2019, with the threat growing in urban areas.
A former England international denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch after an incident in Huyton. His trial has been adjourned to March 2027, keeping him in custody while the investigation continues. Lynch suffered serious eye injuries; Barton previously played for Manchester City, QPR and other clubs.