News

Man named and charged in relation to Manchester van and tram crash that killed three-year-old girl

Police have confirmed this afternoon.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 26th February 2025

A man has been named and charged after a van and a tram collided in Manchester city centre this past weekend.

It comes after emergency services responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a tram and a van in Mosley Street in Manchester city centre at around 10am this past Saturday (22 February), where it was found that the van collided with the tram, forcing the van onto the pavement where it collided with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a three-year-old girl, was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of all involved, sadly passed away from her injuries.

A scene remained in place around the Mosley Street, Booth Street, and Nicholas Street areas whilst officers conducted their investigations over the weekend.

Tram and van crash
The scene of the incident on Mosley Street in Manchester city centre / Credit: The Manc Group

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had previously issued a widespread public appeal to find the driver of the van after he fled the scene shortly after, and officers had been following ‘several lines of enquiry’ to locate him.

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It was reported that the suspect was ‘identified’ on Monday morning (24 February), and now, GMP has named the driver as Rawal Rehman, of Lambton Road in Manchester.

The 35-year-old has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (26 February).

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The little girl who lost her life in the tragic incident was named Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano.

Her family wrote in a heartbreaking tribute to her yesterday: “Louisa was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.

“Her absence has left a devastating void in our family – she was our only child, our whole world. We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.

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“The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”

Featured Image – GMP

News

Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Peter Kay announces final Manchester show on historic run - with all profits going to cancer charities

Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.

Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.

Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.

The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.

But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.

Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates

  • Thursday 9 July (Evening) 
  • Friday 10 July (Evening) 
  • Saturday 11 July (Matinee)  
  • Saturday 11 July (Evening)

Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.

Featured Image – Supplied

News

Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Patient in a hospital bed

A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.

After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.

The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.

Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.

Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel

When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.

16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.

The results from the new YouGov survey come after a ‘pioneering’ new system of league tables revealing the best and worst performing NHS Trusts was published for the first time ever last September.

This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.

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Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.

Featured Image – Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)

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