WITNESS APPEAL - ROBBERY - RUSKIN STREET, KIRKDALE

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a robbery that took place at a house in Ruskin Street, Kirkdale on Sunday, 4 July 2010.

The incident happened at around 5.30am when three men, who were armed with what is believed to have been a baseball bat and a knife, forced entry to the house where the three occupants were asleep.

The offenders threatened them to hand over the keys to a blue Ford Focus, which was later recovered in Makin Street.

During the incident, a 35 year old male occupant sustained facial injuries that required hospital treatment after being hit with what is believed to have been a baseball bat.

Detective Constable Andy Bason, from St Anne Street Robbery Investigation Team, said:- "The incident has left the three occupants extremely traumatized and I urge anyone who has information about this incident to come forward. The offenders were seen in the area on a number of occasions and I believe other residents may have seen this group. Merseyside Police will not tolerate crimes of this nature and it is important that the three men are identified with the help of the community and brought to justice."

The three offenders are believed to be aged in their late teens or early 20s and were wearing dark clothing with the hood up.

Anyone with information is asked to call St Anne Street Robbery Investigation Team on:- 0151 777 4808, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

MEP attacks Israeli “deceit”

A North West Euro-MP has described as "deceitful" Israeli claims that it is lifting a 4 year blockade of Gaza that has impoverished 1.5 million people.  Chris Davies is calling on Foreign Secretary William Hague to join with his French, Italian and Spanish counterparts who will be visiting Gaza later this month to assess the situation for themselves.  The Liberal Democrat MEP, who was the only British politician to gain access to Gaza during last year's assault by Israel, met privately in the European Parliament this week with John Ging, the head of operations for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza.   Ging described the Israeli blockade as "profoundly counter productive" and claimed that it strengthened the position of criminals and extremists in the territory.  He told the MEP that food and household items were now being allowed through the checkpoints but people could not afford to buy them.  "They need jobs and Israel continues to forbid the supply of goods for construction and commerce that makes business possible. Trade is in the hands of smugglers who control the tunnels through to Egypt. Half of the Gaza population is under 18 and children are key to the future. Positive messages taught in UN schools are undermined by the desperation they see in their parents' faces at home." said Ging.

Take part at New Pleasureland on Saturday, 17 July 2010!

EVER fancied having a go at It’s a Knockout the highly entertaining and hilarious BBC TVshow that had everyone engrossed during the 70’s and 80’s? Well now there is a terrific opportunity at New Pleasureland, Marine Drive, Southport for you to get together with a team of friends, colleagues or relatives and raise money for Queenscourt Hospice.

Graham Fisher’s International It’s a Knockout were the first company to take the BBC props on the road 28 years ago and since that time they have continued to develop the Knockout formula with new, entertaining and unique inflatable games which challenge staff, their families, clients and guests adding to the fun, camaraderie and enjoyment. Everyone that takes part has a fantastic time and always wants to return for more!

New Pleasureland are keen to support local, worthwhile charities and initiatives such as Queenscourt Hospice, so on Saturday 17 July they are hosting the latest It’s A Knockout competition and are looking for teams to take part, have a great time and raise money for the Hospice.

Queenscourt Hospice exists through the generosity of the people of Southport, Formby and West Lancashire who contribute their efforts and their money to allow the Hospice to continue their very necessary work. Fundraising is vital to the Hospice as it costs over £2 million a year to run and they receive only one third of the costs from the NHS.

It costs just £20 per person to enter and a team and teams should be made up of no less than 8 and no more than 12 people.

Participants should then get everyone they know to sponsor them to take part.

Joining in the fun will be the Crazy Bears and there is also a Big Family Picnic event with a strong man competition, DJ’s, dance show, disco and party. So make sure you are part of the action and round up your team, come along have fun, picnic and enjoy this great summer in Southport.

It’s simple to take part in It’s a Knockout, just call:- 01704 532717 and speak to Nick or email:- contact@funporium.co.uk. The event is only a few days a way so don’t waste time, get on that telephone and book your team in today!