He was believed to have been heading to a city cemetery06:20, 19 May 2026Updated 12:44, 20 May 2026Missing Tyler, 14, from Stoke-on-TrentPolice have launched an appeal to find a missing 14-year-old boy not seen since Sunday. And officers believe Tyler Townsend was heading to Burslem Cemetery the last time he was spotted.Now Staffordshire Police has issued images and a description of the missing Stoke-on-Trent teenager. Meanwhile the force say he is known to frequent Burslem Cemetery, Hanley, Central Forest Park, Birches Head, Fegg Hayes, Bentilee, and the green space behind the Texaco filling station on Hanley Road in Sneyd Green.Missing Tyler, 14, from Stoke-on-TrentTyler had last been seen at around 3pm on May 17 in Hanley and it’s believed he was heading to Burslem Cemetery. He is described as around 5ft 6in tall, of a slim build with short brown hair.He was wearing a black puffa jacket with ‘Lorenzo’ written across the back, tracksuit bottoms and grey and black Nike Jordan trainers. A spokesperson for the force said: “If you’ve seen Tyler, or if you know where he might be, get in touch with us.”Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident 143 of May 18.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
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Police appeal for missing Stoke-on-Trent teen, 14, not seen since Sunday
Liverpool told to sack Slot, appoint Guardiola amid Man City U-turn ’emergency talks’
Liverpool have been encouraged to sack head coach Arne Slot and appoint departing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as his replacement.
Earlier this week, several notable outlets reported that Guardiola will leave Man City at the end of this season, and it’s also emerged that Enzo Maresca has agreed to replace him at the Etihad.
A subsequent report has revealed three reasons behind Guardiola’s decision to leave Man City after ten years, and he is now expected to have a break from management.
But ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has called for him to replace Slot, who remains under immense pressure at Anfield after losing most of his backing among the fanbase.
Liverpool’s results and performances under Slot have fallen off a cliff since winning their 20th Premier League title last season, and Pennant thinks Guardiola would welcome a move to Anfield.
“Of course, who wouldn’t?” Pennant said on talkSPORT when asked whether he would welcome Guardiola to Anfield.
READ: Liverpool: Mohamed Salah decides to give ‘green light’ to ‘surprise’ transfer for three reasons
“Every team on the planet would like Pep as their manager.”
And when asked whether Guardiola’s 10-year stint at Man City should put off Liverpool, he added: “Couldn’t care less.
“If you’re going come over here, play attractive football – as you do, win. Yeah, come here mate. Open arms pal, come on!”
He continued: “He’d love to [manage Liverpool]. Look at the Kop when you walk out.
“100%. The atmosphere – he’d love to play in that.”
READ MORE: Slot, Maresca and more Premier League managers who won’t survive the post-Pep 2026/27 season
Guardiola is yet to publicly confirm his decision to leave Man City, but he suggested after Tuesday’s draw against Bournemouth that he will speak to club chiefs regarding his future in the coming days.
And a report from an insider on X has shed light on what was discussed during the “emergency talks” between Guardiola and Man City.
They said on X: ‘Exclusive: Pep Guardiola emergency talks.
‘This morning, Manchester City owners had some serious last-minute emergency talks with Pep Guardiola, trying to convince him to stick around for another season. It was intense.
‘Just last week, Pep dropped the bombshell that he wanted to leave. Now, the club is scrambling, hoping for a miracle that he might change his mind.
‘They’re set to release a statement in the next 48 hours to clarify his plans, but honestly, it’s looking more likely that Pep will be heading out the door unless the unthinkable happens.’
READ NEXT: Liverpool told fearless manager is best of four targets as ‘shocking’ Arne Slot must be sackedPolice appeal after driver seriously injured in reported attack in Luton
Victim left with potentially life-changing injuries after confrontation on the A6 in BedfordshireAuthor: Poppi AndelinPublished 4 hours agoLast updated 4 hours agoPolice are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered serious injuries during an attack on a road in Luton on Tuesday evening.According to officers, the victim was driving northbound along the A6 New Bedford Road, heading away from Wardown Park at around 8.30pm. Investigators believe the incident began when a black Ford Kuga carrying two men flashed its headlights behind the victim’s car between Cranleigh Gardens and Graham Gardens. The driver pulled over to allow the vehicle to pass, but the Ford reportedly stopped directly in front of him instead. All three men then got out of their vehicles before one of the suspects allegedly assaulted the victim, possibly using a weapon during the attack. The suspects later fled the scene, continuing north along the A6 towards the BP garage. The injured man was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for injuries described as potentially life-changing. Bedfordshire Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or motorists who may have captured dashcam footage in the area at the time, to contact them with information.Detective Constable Ellie Smith, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “This was a vicious assault which has caused very serious injuries.“It is vital that anyone who knows anything about this attack comes forward so we can trace the culprits.”Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Leicestershire care service shuts after second failed inspection
Inspectors found staff gave one person their medicines in secret, with no assessment in place, which inspectors said represented a “serious breach of people’s rights and placed them at increased risk of harm”.It also found risk management was “not safe, not robust and did not protect people from harm” while care bosses did “not listen to or understand people’s needs, views and wishes” and were not “capable, compassionate or inclusive”.Staff told inspectors they did not “feel confident to speak up” adding that “issues were overlooked” which led to “ongoing risks and a failure to drive meaningful improvement”.A Lifeways spokesperson told the LDRS: “We recognise that support was not always to the high standard we expect and we no longer deliver services from this registration.”
‘Manipulative’ man jailed for stalking and blackmailing former partner
Bayliss lied to the victim’s workplace and said she had stolen drugs and was involved in money laundering.Christopher Bayliss stalked and blackmailed his former partner after finding out she was starting a new relationship(Image: Cambridgeshire Police)A man who said he would ensure his victim “doesn’t have another relationship” has been jailed. Christopher Bayliss, 44, of Caroline Hart Walk, Cambridge, threatened to kill himself after finding out his former partner had started dating again.He hacked into her dating and social media accounts with his behaviour getting worse when she started a new relationship. On November 15, he showed up at the victim’s home and demanded money.The victim initially refused but later sent £25 to make him leave. At around 4am the following day, he returned and banged on the door threatening to kill himself.In two days, Bayliss sent 92 WhatsApp messages, left 71 voicemails, and made 32 unanswered calls. He also contacted the victim’s daughter and told her it was her mother’s fault that he turned to drugs and said he would “make sure she doesn’t have another relationship to destroy another man”.In another call, Bayliss asked the daughter to pass the phone to her mum. He then told her “you need to get the dog; I am going to kill myself” and threatened to destroy her job “so she doesn’t have her friends”.He went on to blackmail the victim and demanded £50, threatening to contact her employer with false allegations that she had been stealing cash and drugs. He later emailed her workplace and claimed she had stolen drugs and was involved in money laundering.In four days at the end of November, Bayliss sent over 200 messages and made more than 60 calls and voice messages to the victim. On December 2, he sent a message that he was monitoring her movements and said he assumed she had been suspended as he could see she was not at work.The victim had left her home and had been staying elsewhere, in fear for her own safety, and parked her car out of sight so he couldn’t find her. Bayliss was arrested later that day.Bayliss was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress, harassment without violence, and blackmail at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, May 14. A charge of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, along with a further stalking offence, was ordered to lie on file.He was also made subject to a ten-year restraining order.Detective Constable Abbie Ellis, who investigated, said: “Bayliss’ behaviour was relentless, manipulative and deeply distressing for the victim and her family. He used threats, intimidation and harassment in an attempt to control her life even after their relationship had ended.“Stalking is a serious offence that can have a devastating impact on victims. I would encourage anyone experiencing similar behaviour to report it to police – you will be taken seriously and supported.”
Crews tackle house fire in Sneyd Green | Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
Firefighters have tackled a significant house fire in Stoke-on-Trent.
We were called just before 9.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 May) to Abbots Drive, Sneyd Green, following reports of smoke coming from the roof of a house.
Four appliances and the aerial ladder platform (ALP) attended the scene and found the loft space well alight.
The fire was extinguished using three hose reel jets and nobody was reported injured.
Crews left the scene at around 2am before returning this morning (Wednesday 20 May) to check for hotspots.
The cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental.‘Everyone at work calls me Mary now’ after surreal moment in Liverpool
Woman in tears after conversation in Liverpool pub led to her dreams ‘coming true’14:26, 20 May 2026Updated 14:50, 20 May 2026Maria Boner, 22, will be representing Liverpool in the 2026 Mary From Dungloe International Festival(Image: Liverpool Echo)For generations, Liverpool and Ireland have shared family ties, humour and culture across the Irish Sea, and now a Liverpool midwife will represent both at a festival watched by thousands. Maria Boner, 22, is hoping to put the city at the heart of one of Ireland’s biggest cultural festivals after being chosen to represent Liverpool in a competition she has dreamed of entering since childhood.The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival is a 10-day celebration of Irish culture, music and community spirit held annually in Donegal. As well as hosting a wide variety of musical, cultural, children’s, sporting, arts, and novelty events, at the heart of the festival is a contest where young women, endearingly titled “Marys”, represent different communities from around the world.Every year, the festival hosts 20 women from all over the world who have been nominated to represent their area during local contests before travelling to Dungloe to compete for the Mary from Dungloe crown.During the 10 days of the festival, the “Marys” tour around Donegal, get involved in various community and charity events, attend festival events with young and old, and spend their evenings among the Dungloe community.Rather than a traditional beauty pageant, competition judges evaluate the contestants based on their personality, community spirit, and ability to act as goodwill ambassadors for the festival and promote Irish culture.The winning “Mary” is crowned on the final Sunday of the festival andwill act as a goodwill ambassador for Dungloe as well as the city that she represents. The chosen winner holds the title for the year, receives prizes, travels globally to promote the festival and Irish heritage, and acts as an good will ambassador for the festival, Dungloe, and Donegal.Originally from Fintown in Donegal, but now living in Liverpool city centre, Maria said becoming a Mary is something she has dreamed of since she was a little girl.She told the ECHO: “I grew up around the festival. I went every year, and I idolised being a Mary, and now I am one. It’s very surreal and very special.”The festival, which began in 1967, sees women from cities around the world represent their communities during 10 days of events, interviews, charity appearances and celebrations before one contestant is crowned the “Mary” for the year ahead.Representatives travel from places including New York, Philadelphia, Dubai, Dublin and London, but this year Liverpool will have its own Mary for the first time in more than 10 years.Maria said becoming a Mary is something she has dreamed of since she was a little girl(Image: Liverpool Echo)Maria said: “During the festival, all the Marys get together. We travel around Donegal, get involved with small businesses and community events and make ourselves known around the festival.“The atmosphere is like no other. People travel from America and Australia just to be there for the festival.”Maria moved to Liverpool five years ago to study midwifery and quickly fell in love with the city.She said: “I thought I was going home after university, but I fell in love with Liverpool when I came here.“It’s become a home away from home. When you walk down the street, and you hear someone who is Irish, it makes you so proud of the community here.“I definitely feel like I’m representing both Donegal and Liverpool because I’m so proud of where I come from and so proud to live here.”Despite now calling Liverpool home, Maria said Donegal remains deeply important to her identity, and she is proud to represent the two places through the festival.She said: “You can’t explain Donegal until you’re in it. It’s insane. It’s such a special place.“I think Irish culture is still very strong in Liverpool because there are so many people like me who came over to study and never went back home. It’s important for us to keep that culture alive.”Maria first became involved after being encouraged to apply by staff at Molly Malone’s, where the Liverpool selection event was held earlier this year(Image: Liverpool Echo)Maria first became involved after being encouraged to apply by staff at Molly Malone’s, where the Liverpool selection event was held earlier this year and who are also sponsoring Liverpool’s Mary.She competed against eight other women by taking part in an interview process before being chosen by festival organisers and the current reigning Mary to represent Liverpool.She said: “There was tears in my eyes when I found out I was going to be Liverpool’s Mary. The first thing I thought of was my dad. A couple of weeks before, he’d asked me why I was doing this because it’s a bit out of my comfort zone.“But I wanted to do it for myself and because I knew how proud he’d be.“I rang him straight away afterwards. My mum and dad had no words. My dad is so proud that I can finally call myself a Mary.”Alongside preparations for the festival, Maria is balancing shift work as a midwife at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.She said: “Everyone at work calls me Mary now.“It is hard juggling both, but work has been really supportive. The good thing with shift work is I can plan around it.”Despite now calling Liverpool home, Maria said Donegal remains deeply important to her identity(Image: Liverpool Echo)Outside work, Maria has also launched an Instagram page to help promote Irish culture in Liverpool, support local businesses and raise awareness of the festival ahead of July.She hopes to work with Liverpool organisations, charities and independent businesses over the coming months.She said: “I feel like I have a role to promote this festival. I want people in Liverpool to know what it’s all about because it’s not very well known here at the moment. Then hopefully in years to come it will become something we’re proud to represent.”Maria also said she hopes younger girls watching this year’s competition might see themselves in her journey, just as she once looked up to previous Marys as a child.She said: “There are little girls involved now, and that was me years ago. I still remember sitting watching the crowning on television and dreaming about it. To think I’m now in this position is unbelievable.“It’s going to be such an amazing experience even to just be involved in this level. I’ve looked up to the Marys for so many years. If I did bring the title back, I’d be so proud to be the Mary from Dunlough for 2026. It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of.The festival begins on July 26 and runs for 10 days across Donegal, featuring live music, sports days, fashion shows, Irish language events and community celebrations before the final crowning ceremony.
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire welcome new canine recruits
New police dogs join the team across four countiesAuthor: Grace McGachy Published 4 hours agoFour new police dogs have successfully completed their training and are now part of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) Dog Unit.The canine recruits, Murphy, Madden, Dixon, and Muzza, along with their handlers, Sergeant Dan Amos, PC Dale Jenkins, PC Josh Westgate, and PC Liam Mandrell, officially joined the team following a ceremony at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters earlier this month. The intense 13-week General Purpose Initial Course equipped the dogs with essential skills in scent tracking, searching, obedience, agility, chasing, and detaining. Notably, PD Muzza and PD Murphy were named in tribute to two BCH Armed Policing Unit officers, Sergeant Dan Murphy and former PC Paul Murray, who both passed away last year. Family members of the late officers attended the ceremony, where they received special commemorative plaques, marking the legacy of their loved ones. Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson, speaking at the event, highlighted the officers’ profound impact on policing, complementing their professionalism and dedication to service.According to Chief Inspector Declan McDonagh, who leads the BCH Dog Unit, the new recruits embody the legacy and commitment of the officers they honour.“I am incredibly proud to welcome four new dogs to the team, who will be out on the streets sniffing out crime and helping to protect the public alongside their handlers,” he said.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Brindley takes on Lepas in Wolverhampton replacing Honda on site
Brindley Group has taken on the Chery-owned Lepas franchise in Wolverhampton, replacing the Honda dealership at the location.
The site is to be overhauled to accommodate the brand’s arrival, displaying an initial lineup of three models when sales officially begin.
Despite the switch to Lepas at the site, Brindley said its relationship with Honda was intact and it continues with the franchise in West Bromwich and Cannock.
To minimise disruption, a Honda aftersales and servicing division will continue operating directly out of the West Street location.
Che Watson, chairman of Brindley Group, said: “Bringing Lepas into our portfolio is a highly rewarding moment for the entire company.
“This progressive expansion enables us to deliver the latest breakthroughs in vehicle styling and technological capability to our client base, whilst simultaneously protecting the long-term prospects of our business and our workforce.
“The introduction of this brand highlights our ongoing dedication to shifting alongside a rapidly changing industry, ultimately presenting local motorists with unparalleled variety, exceptional value, and genuine innovation.”Four weeks of roadworks coming to Cambridgeshire street
The work is likely to cause delaysThe road will be closed (stock image)(Image: ChronicleLive)Overnight roadworks along a Cambridgeshire street are set to cause nearly four weeks of disruption for motorists. The roadworks will take place on Norwich Road in Wisbech from May 18 between the hours of 8pm and 6am.The road will be closed to all motor vehicles so that resurfacing works can be carried out. The work is set to be completed by June 13. According to Cambridgeshire County Council’s notice of the closure, the roadworks are ‘likely’ to cause delays.Motorists are advised to follow diversion routes and allow extra time for journeys during the closure period. Drivers are advised to take a diversion route via Lynn Road that takes you through to Churchill Road, according to traffic monitoring system one.network.A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council’s Traffic Management Centre said: “Norwich Road, Wisbech will be closed to all motor vehicles from the 18th May until the 13th June between the hours of 8pm and 6am nightly for works.”
