News
Family pay tribute to ‘beloved mother’ killed in Oldham house fire
A 42-year-old woman died in the tragic incident, while her daughter remains in a critical condition.
A heartfelt tribute has been paid to the 42-year-old woman who died in a house fire in Oldham last weekend.
Sadia Shafiq, who has been described as beloved mother, sister and friend, tragically died in the blaze on Saint Thomas Street North on Saturday 24 June.
Her 15-year-old daughter remains in a critical condition in hospital following the incident.
A huge emergency services response was scrambled to the residential address at around 4.10pm on Saturday, with fire crews working into the night to contain the fire.
An investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of the Oldham house fire.
The heartbroken family of Sadia have now paid tribute to her and said the following: “We as a family have been devastated by the loss of Sadia and our hearts are broken.
“She was a beloved mother and sister and a friend to many. She was caring and the light of all our lives and will be deeply missed by all.
“We will never come to terms with our loss but we thank the local community who have come together and supported us during this difficult time.”
Sadia’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve.
Earlier this week, GMP detectives appealed for any information relating to the fire, including CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage around the time of the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Naismith, of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “An investigation has been launched to try and establish the circumstances that very tragically led to this woman’s death and to the serious injury of a teenage girl.
“Everyone at GMP sends their condolences to the loved ones of the woman who sadly died. The family of the victim are now being supported by specialist officers and have been kept updated throughout. They are also assisting us with our enquiries.
“You may notice an increase of police visibility in the area in the coming days, if you have any concerns, please speak to one of our uniformed officers who will be patrolling the nearby areas.
“We are still working with partner agencies to get those residents who have been displaced back into their homes as safely and soon as possible. A number of those residents have been provided with alternative accommodation by Oldham Council.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting 2564 of 24/06/2023 or gmp.police.uk.
Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: Google Maps
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Featured image: GMP
News
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
According to new guidance published online this afternoon, disposable barbecues pose a ‘significant risk to the public’ due to the current heatwave conditions.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
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“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Featured Image – Dom (via Unsplash)
Daisy Jackson -
30th June 2023 
