The family of a young woman who died after being struck by a police car in Liverpool have paid an emotional tribute to her.
Merseyside Police said emergency services were called to reports that a marked police vehicle had collided with a pedestrian on Sheil Road in the city’s centre at around 8:10pm on Christmas Eve (Saturday 24 December).
Sadly, a woman died from her injuries at the scene.
The 22-year-old woman has been named as Rachael Louise Moore, and her family have now issued a statement in tribute.
“Rachael Louise Moore, aged 22, cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben, much loved granddaughter of Nana Sue, partner to Jack, and caring friend to many.
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“She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.”
Rachael’s family has also requested that their privacy be respected at this “devastating” time.
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An investigation into the incident has now been opened by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and Merseyside Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with footage of any kind to come forward.
Appealing to the public, Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Merseyside Police, said: “Following the death of Rachael, we are providing assistance to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Our sincere and thoughts and condolences are with Rachael’s family who have been left devastated by this tragic incident.
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“Specially trained family Liaison Officers are supporting them at this time.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please make contact with us as we try to piece together the circumstances [and] I would also like to ask anyone who has CCTV, Dashcam or Smart doorbell footage that may help us to please get in touch.”
Merseyside Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses after a woman was killed by a police car / Credit: Merseyside Police
Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured any footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
You can contact police by calling (0151) 777 5747, by email at [email protected], or via @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, with reference 857 of Saturday 24 December.
Featured Image – Merseyside Police
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
26th December 2022 
