Tributes are pouring in online and across the music world following the news that Sean Martin, frontman of North West indie band The Night Cafe, has tragically died aged just 26.
Martin was part of the Liverpool-based four-piece since they were formed back in 2014 when the members were still in secondary school, playing guitar and providing lead vocals from the beginning.
Releasing a statement on social media this Monday (6 November), the band confirmed the news that their “childhood best friend” had sadly passed away suddenly.
“We are devastated to share the sudden passing of our best friend Sean”, they said; “Words can’t describe the pain we are feeling right now, we’re still struggling to process it all. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of Sean’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Sean was not just our band mate, he was our childhood best friend that we shared so many memories with before the band even started. We made so many more memories along the way and achieved things we only dreamt of that we will cherish forever.
The social media post goes on to say, “Sean was not just our bandmate, he was our childhood best friend that we shared so many memories with before the band even started. We made so many more memories along the way and achieved things we only dreamt of that we will cherish forever.
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They signed off with a fitting tribute to a talented musician, singer, songwriter and best mate, adding: “His memory will live on forever in our hearts and through the music he put out into the world for you all. RIP Sean Martin”.
Details surrounding the cause of death and when Martin passed away are still yet to be disclosed and people are urging others to give both Sean’s family and his bandmates privacy during this difficult time.
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Nevertheless, the deeply saddening news hasn’t stopped countless fans from paying their respects to the young man online, with the UK music scene at large uniting in offering their condolences.
Other artists who have paid tribute to Sean include fellow Liverpudlian Jamie Webster, The Hunna and Vistas, just to name a few. As for so many fans, they hailed his voice as one that ‘soundtracked their teens‘ and have been left devastated by his loss.
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The Wombats also wrote a lengthy response of their own, replying: “So sorry to hear this guys, he was literally the nicest, most lovely guy to have around on tour. Not to mention how talented and amazing he was. Our thoughts are with you all and Sean’s closest. Lots of love and fond memories, The Bats x”
Being among the countless fans who have seen The Night Café live on multiple occasions here in Manchester, where they have a huge following, we can only echo that final sentiment — our hearts go out to you and Sean’s family. Rest in peace.
Featured Image — The Night Café
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Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner
Danny Jones
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.
The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.
An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.
With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.
Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.
As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.
In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.
Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.
Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.
Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.
You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.
As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”
Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.
Family pay tribute to ‘special boy’ who died after being hit by car while crossing road in Burnage
Emily Sergeant
The family of a teenage boy who died after being hit by a car while crossing a road in Burnage have paid a touching tribute to him.
At around 6:40pm this past Friday (2 January), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out to reports of a collision in the Burnage area of Manchester, where the driver of a Seat Ibiza was travelling down Kingsway and collided with a pedestrian who was walking across the road.
The pedestrian – a boy aged 16, who has since been named as Alfie Moran – suffered serious injuries and was rushed hospital.
However, despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, Alfie sadly passed away.
In a heartbreaking tribute to her son, Alfie’s mum said: “My Alfie was always our special boy with the biggest heart. Everyone who knew him would always tell me that I had the best boy, he knew how very proud I was of him.
#TRIBUTE | Family of a 'special boy who had the biggest heart' pay tribute to him following a fatal road traffic collision on Kingsway in Burnage on Friday 2 January.
Alfie Moran (16) suffered fatal injuries after a driver collided with him.
— Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme Police (GMP) (@GMPFallowfield) January 4, 2026
“He was the best friend to everyone, losing him has left our family broken. We had so much planned this year, he loved gaming and motorbikes and had already started saving up to buy his first bike.
“I will forever be lost without him.”
Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Manchester.
As a result of the collision, an 18-year-old man was arrested and has since been released on bail whilst enquiries are ongoing, and now officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses to help with their investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 2622 of 02/01/2026.
Information can also be shared using the ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on GMP’s website, or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
