News
Northern teens who made animal cruelty TikTok videos banned from keeping pets
Three teenagers from Burnley have been banned from keeping pets after filming hundreds of animal cruelty videos and sharing them to social media.
Marcus Leverett, 19, Ryan Hancock, 18, and another teenager – who cannot be named due to his age – were exposed for the disgusting actions after Lancashire Police launched ‘Operation Rachet’ last year, and found horrifying footage showing dogs being used to kill badgers, deer, rabbits, and birds.
Police began investigating the group after reports that two teenagers were filmed in Burnley encouraging their dog to attack a cat – which died of its injuries on the way to the vet.
After seizing mobile phones, police uncovered the extent of the abuse and 182 TikTok videos.
Marcus Leverett pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, and was sentenced to 12 weeks custody suspended for 18 months, as well as being ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and being disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years, while Ryan Hancock was jailed for 18 weeks and also disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years.
The third teenager was given a 12-month referral order and was too disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.
His family was also ordered to pay £500 costs, plus a £22 victim surcharge.
Speaking on the tragic incident, PC Matt Hartup, of the Lancashire Police Rural Task Force in the East of the county, said: “The glamorisation of this type of violence is barbaric and serves no purpose in the countryside as it promotes horrendous suffering and abuse of animals, including the lack of concern for the welfare of the dogs used for these crimes.
“We hope the court results over the last two days sends a strong message to those looking to commit crime in Lancashire, that it will not be tolerated and it will be acted upon.
“We would like to thank the community for bringing it to our attention so promptly.”
PC Hartup also crucially confirmed the good news that the dogs in the video have all been “safely rehomed”.
Jason Bowles – the RSPCA officer who led the investigation, – added: “This group of lads was targeting animals on the council estate they lived on as well as wildlife in the surrounding area [and] we found awful footage on their mobile phones that showed extreme cruelty to animals.
“Many of the photos and videos had been set to music and edited for sharing online.
“Not only did the animals they attacked and killed suffer, but their own dogs also suffered from injuries in the confrontations and fights.”
Featured Image – RSPCA
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.
Read more
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.
Read more:
“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)
Emily Sergeant -
25th February 2022 
