Appeal for information following serious road collision involving a cyclist and a car in Southport

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for information following a serious road collision involving a car and a cyclist in Southport, Merseyside. The incident is reported to have happened around:- 6.15pm, on:- Tuesday, 2 January 2024.

It has been reported by the Police that a Volkswagen Beetle had been involved in a collision with a male, aged in his 50s, on a pedal bike on Lord Street, near its junction with Portland Street.

We are told that emergency services attended and the cyclist was taken to Hospital with serious injuries to his head, shoulder and wrist. We are told that he remained in Hospital in a stable condition. We are also told by Merseyside Police that the driver of the car stopped at the scene.

Roads Policing Sergeant Phil Everett said:- "This was a serious collision that has sadly left a man in hospital with serious injuries. I'm reaching out to the local community and would ask if you witnessed this incident or have any information, please let us know. We also urge those who live in the area or were driving past to check your CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage as it may have captured the incident. Any information no matter how small could help the investigation."

If you witnessed the incident, or have any information that could assist our enquiries, please get in touch with Merseyside Police Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit by calling:- 01517775747 using reference:- '24000018428.' If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them by emailing:- SCIU@Merseyside.Police.UK quoting reference:- '24000018428.' You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800555111 using the same referance.

Edge Hill University pays tribute to charity founder and Honorary Doctor Camila Batmanghelidjh

TRIBUTES have been paid to Edge Hill University Honorary Doctor and charity founder Camila Batmanghelidjh CBE, who has died at the age of 61.

One of the UK's best known and most powerful campaigners for disadvantaged youngsters, Camila died peacefully on her birthday, New Year's Day, having celebrated it with loved ones.

Edge Hill made her an Honorary Doctor in 2010 in recognition of her charitable work and campaigning for social justice for children.

Vice Chancellor Dr John Cater said:- "It is with great sadness that I reflect on the loss of Camila Batmanghelidjh. Camila, known for her big heart and colourful attire, changed the lives of tens of thousands of neglected children and young people. The dedication she showed to supporting vulnerable young people over many years has been an inspiration. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."

Born in Iran and educated in the UK, after training as a psychotherapist, she founded Kids Company in 1996 and was its chief executive for 19 years.

Her work enabled her to provide support for youngsters scarred by poverty, abuse, trauma and gang violence and saw her raise millions of pounds to fund the charity's groundbreaking therapeutic work with children. The charity grew from a drop-in centre in south London to 11 centres, including:- Liverpool and Bristol.

She was given the nickname the:- "Angel of Peckham" by the media, had the ear of politicians, attracted the support of celebrities, and was best known as an advocate for children's rights and child protection reform.

She was appointed CBE and listed among the UK's most powerful women by BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour in 2013.

She will be remembered for her sheer love of children and transforming their lives.