Blackpool Police

Last week we told you about a fire in Blackpool which resulted in two people tragically losing their lives and we just wanted to give you the latest update.

​Following a comprehensive investigation by officers from our Force Major Investigation Team, working alongside our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and other experts, we can now confirm that the fire is not being treated as suspicious. We will pass on a file to HM Coroner in due course.

We know that there has been speculation around potential third party involvement and hope this update puts an end to any uncertainty.

Our officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at 2.39am last Wednesday following reports of a fire with people reported to be inside the property.

There was a significant emergency response involving officers and our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Tragically, 24-year-old Danielle Bamber was found deceased at the scene.

Joshua Pearson, 28, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was sadly later pronounced deceased.

The couple lived at the address along with their two children aged six years and 21 months.

The six-year-old was taken to hospital after the fire but thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries and has since been discharged.

The 21-month-old remains in hospital in a poorly condition.

DCI John McNamara, from our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “First and foremost my thoughts remain with Danielle and Joshua’s loved ones at this distressing time, particularly their two children.

“This has been a harrowing investigation which I know has had a profound impact for everyone involved. Nonetheless, they have worked diligently and professionally to understand how this devastating blaze occurred.

“We are now satisfied that this is not a criminal investigation and are in the process of preparing a file for HM Coroner.”

In a tribute Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”

​Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.

“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family. Please respect our wishes at our time.”

You may start to see more of us over the summer holidays in the Claremont and Town Centre areas 👀📍

This is because is in full swing and we’ll be out on foot patrol tackling anti-social behaviour.

Examples of anti-social behaviour include…
❌drug dealing
❌nuisance vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, or quads in public areas
❌graffiti, vandalism, and littering
❌aggressive begging

We want everyone to enjoy the summer safely, but we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in any way.

You can read more about what we’re doing to tackle anti-social behaviour here, and how to report it 👉 Lancashire Tackling Anti Social Behaviour (https://orlo.uk/z4KKC)

Please see the attached images of individuals, who think it’s acceptable to ride off-road motor / quad bikes inconsiderately, at speed, across a very busy local park on Highfield Road.

If anyone recognises or knows these people, PLEASE share this post with them.

Riding any motorbike, quad bike or mini-moto off-road on public land, parks, pavements, waste ground or footpath in Blackpool is illegal – and will not be tolerated.

Rider’s run the risk of their machines being confiscated and crushed if they are caught. There is also a risk of life changing injuries or worse from crashes or falls linked to the anti-social use of these vehicles.

There is nowhere in Blackpool where off-road vehicles can be legally ridden, without the permission of a private landowner.

The police receive many complaints relating to off-road bikes causing a nuisance and we are determined to tackle this problem in order to improve the quality of life and safety of local people.

If you see any off-road bikers in your area, you can report them to:

• Police through the non-emergency number 101.
• Via Lancashire Police on-line reporting.
• Calling Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Keep a record of:

• The riders clothing.
• Whether they’re wearing a helmet.
• The rider’s approximate age.
• The type of off-road bike – quad bike, scrambler, mini-moto, or something else.
• The location.
• The name and address of the rider, if known.

This morning (22nd July 2024), officers responded to a report of the window of Café Nero being smashed at the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre.

Upon arrival officers found that some glass panelling had been smashed and a tip jar and charity box had been taken.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary. He was also arrested on suspicion of burglary relating to a separate incident. He remains in custody.

If you are free on Thursday 25th July 2024 between 1pm - 3pm.

Come on down to Bancroft Park where we will be holding a community event.

If you haven't had your bike security coded, bring it along because the police cadets will be there doing FREE coding.

Also there will be FREE football sessions for all ages.

If you can not make this event, there will be other events throughout the summer.

Do you recognise this man?

We want to speak to him after a report of a sexual assault in Blackpool yesterday (July 21).

We received a report of a sexual assault at around 4:55am on Devonshire Road in Blackpool.

An investigation is underway, and enquiries are being made.

You may see an increase in our presence in the area. Please don’t be alarmed, and feel free to approach our officers with any concerns when you see them out and about.

We know that this image isn't of the highest quality, but if you recognise him, or have any information, please contact us on 101 quoting log 0264 of July 21.

We expect a lot of children will be excited for the summer holidays and ready to enjoy playing out with friends 🥳

We want to make sure they’re safe whilst doing so, which is why we recently visited a local primary school to talk about some of the dangers that may come with talking to strangers. We even tested them, with a plain-clothed officer acting as an unknown adult offering sweets! ❌

Some of our tips to help keep your child safe are:

👉 Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult if they have been approached by a stranger.
👉 Try to teach your child about how to identify and respond to uncomfortable or threatening situations.
👉 Discuss the differences between strangers who would hurt them and strangers who may help them.
👉 Encourage trust in teachers and uniformed police officers.
👉 Encourage your child to come to you for permission before going anywhere with anyone.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or online via our website. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Do you recognise these people?

We want to speak to the man in connection with an assault on June 8 in Blackpool.

We believe the woman may be a witness to the assault. We want to stress that she is not in any trouble, and we believe she may be able to help with our enquiries.

If you recognise them, please contact us on 101 or email [email protected].

This academic year 2023/24 PCSO Debby has presented her drugs talk to;

33 schools in the Blackpool area,

57 classes within those schools,

and spoken to1681 children.

During these sessions children were asked the question, “ who thinks they would like to smoke or v**e, when their older? “

68 children wanted to smoke.

606 children wanted to v**e.

PCSO Debby will be back in school next academic year.

During the summer holidays watch out for our planned events on your local parks, which will be advised soon.

Hi all

We told you yesterday about the fire in Blackpool in which two people sadly lost their lives and we wanted to let you know the latest.

Our officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at 2.39am on Wednesday morning following reports of a fire with people reported to be inside the property.

There was a significant emergency response involving officers and our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Tragically, a woman in her 20s was found deceased at the scene. A man in his 20s was later pronounced deceased at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

We are now in a position to name the man who was Joshua Pearson, 28.

While the woman has not yet been formally identified we believe her to be Danielle Bamber, 24.

In a tribute Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”
Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.
“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family. Please respect our wishes at our time.”
The couple lived at the address along with their two children aged six years and 20 months. The six-year-old was taken to hospital after the fire but thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries. The 20-month-old remains in hospital in a poorly condition.

Our thoughts are with the family’s loved ones at this devastating time.

Work is ongoing with our colleagues from the fire service to establish the exact cause of the fire and we are keeping an open mind but so far, we have found no evidence that it was started deliberately.
We would again ask that that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation which is adding to the family’s distress.
Chief Supt Mike Gladwin, our West Divisional Commander, said: “My thoughts today are with those impacted by this tragic event. This is an absolutely heartbreaking incident which has resulted in two people losing their lives, and two young children losing their parents. One of those young people remains very poorly in hospital.

“Our work to try and understand exactly what has happened to cause this devastating fire is ongoing and when we are in a position to give further updates we will do so, but as I’m sure people will appreciate this may take some time.

“I know news of this incident will have deeply affected people in the local area and further afield and I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding.”

We are continuing to appeal for information and anyone who can help should call us on 101 or report it via our website. Quote log 97 of 17th July 2024.

Hi everyone,

We just wanted to let you know about a tragic incident which occurred this morning.

Our officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at 2.39am following reports of a fire with people reported to be inside the property.

There was a significant emergency response involving officers and our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Tragically, a woman in her 20s was found deceased at the scene. A man in his 20s was later pronounced deceased at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this devastating time.

Two children have been taken to hospital for treatment. One of them is very poorly.

Work is ongoing with our colleagues from the fire service to establish the cause of the fire. We are keeping an open mind at this stage. Nobody has been arrested.

A small number of properties have been evacuated.

We know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.

However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news. With that in mind, we would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation.

We would ask anyone who saw or captured anything suspicious on their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam in the Peter Street area in the early hours of this morning to call 101 or report it via our website. Quote log 97 of 17th July 2024.

Yesterday we asked for your assistance in relation to a robbery that occurred at B&M’s on WHITEGATE DRIVE.

Just to update you: we have been provided details of who we need to speak to.

Thank you for all your assistance😊

DETECTIVES investigating an assault which left a man with serious head injuries have arrested two more people.

We were called to the car park of The Clarence pub, Preston New Road, at about 9.40pm on Sunday following reports of an altercation.

A man in his 50s was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

A woman in her 40s suffered some less serious injuries.

A man in his 40s from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of wounding and common assault is currently in custody.

A woman in her 20s from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.

Following enquiries, we yesterday (Monday) arrested a 38-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy, both from Blackpool, on suspicion of assault and they are also in custody.

We are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses.

DCI Finch-Hall, of Blackpool CID, said: “The victim of this assault remains in a very poorly condition in hospital and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“While we have made a number of arrests, I would continue to appeal for anyone who has any information or any footage to get in touch.

“I am especially keen to hear from anyone who was on the car park of the pub on Sunday evening at around the time of the incident and who either saw what happened or has information and has not yet spoken to police. You may have key information that could help us establish what has happened so please do get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call us on 101 quoting log 1314 of July 14th.

You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We are appealing for information after a man was left with serious head injuries after an assault.

We were called to the car park of The Clarence pub, Preston New Road, at about 9.40pm yesterday following reports of an altercation.
A man in his 50s was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

A woman in her 40s suffered some less serious injuries.

A man in his 40s from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of wounding and common assault is currently in custody.

A woman in her 20s from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.

We have launched an investigation, and we are appealing for information and witnesses.

Det Insp Andy Crook, of Blackpool CID, said: “This incident has left a man with a significant injury, and I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch.

“I am especially keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or Ring doorbell footage which covers the car park area of the pub or who may have been driving past between 9pm and 9.40pm and who may have dashcam footage. I would also like to hear from anyone on Pittsdale Avenue if they have CCTV or Ring doorbell footage at around this time.

“We know the pub itself was busy with people watching the football and I would ask anyone who saw or heard anything which could help us in our enquiries to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call us on 101 quoting log 1314 of July 14th.

You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hi folks,

We'd thought you'd like to know that missing Kevin from St Annes has now been found.

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal. It's always greatly appreciated.

The Fylde Rural Task Force were in attendance at Elefest at Blackpool Zoo yesterday to help with Elephant Conservation. 🐘

They showed some of the seized items relating to endangered species and helped educate children on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). 🦏

The children also loved trying the police uniform on! 👮

Good Afternoon,

Today Claremont Neighbourhood Policing Team attended Claremont Gala. It has been a great turn out from the local residents. It has been lovely seeing the community coming together and having fun 😊 😊 😊

Afternoon

We asked for help earlier to locate missing Daniel and he has now been found.

Many thanks for all your help.

Early this week officers from Blackpool South NHP Team assisted in a warrant involving Blackpool Council Trading Standards, Immigration and Lancashire Fire and Rescue regarding the illegal sales of counterfeit ci******es on Lytham Road, Blackpool.

As a result of the warrant a male was arrested who was wanted in Poland, and counterfeit ci******es were seized.

This proactive partnership work could not be done without the help of our community providing intelligence.

Thanks 😊

Bpl NHPT

Today PCSO Colin was invited to attend Our Lady Of The Assumption Catholic Primary School summer fair.

This was a great event for all pupils and their family members.

The children loved trying on all the kit and climbing through the police 🚔 car.

Never an opportunity goes by for signing parents up to our FREE messaging service called "In The Know".

Thanks to the PTA for the ☕️ and 🌭.

Good Evening,

Tonight our NHP officers are out and about tackling ASB in the South Shore area. We are concentrating on ASB driving involving E-bikes.

Any issues or information around ASB driving please report in online or call on 101.

Thanks

Bpl NHPT

A man has today (Thursday, July 11th) been jailed for life for the murder of his toddler son in Blackpool.

Daniel Hardcastle killed Damion Russell, two, in a brutal and sustained assault at their home in Central Drive, in August last year.

Hardcastle claimed the youngster had injured himself after falling and hitting his head on a coffee table.

But a pathologist found the extensive injuries suffered by the little boy were inconsistent with that claim.

Pathology determined Hardcastle had inflicted a very severe head injury to Damion by either forcefully shaking him and then banging his head against a solid object or directly caused Damion’s head to collide with a solid object with such force that his it caused significant injuries to his neck and eyes.

Damion was taken to hospital following the assault, but his injuries were unsurvivable and he sadly died two days later.

Hardcastle (10/03/93) was yesterday (Wednesday, July 10th) found guilty of murder after a four-week trial at Preston Crown Court. The jury took just two hours to reach their unanimous verdict.

He was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 22 years before he will be able to apply for parole.

More https://orlo.uk/bBFDD

Have you ever walked down a street and felt like something wasn't quite right?

📍 You can flag where you don't feel safe to us on a map using the StreetSafe tool.

Your local policing team uses this information, along with crime stats and community intelligence, to provide a tailor-made response to issues that are affecting your community. This could be anything from a lack of CCTV at a location, drug activity, or lack of street lighting.

The information is vital to allow us and our partner agencies to make positive changes within your community, and to make our streets of Blackpool feel safe.

Click here to use StreetSafe 👉 https://orlo.uk/n5lCZ

This is Thomas Gerrity. He is a convicted pa******le.

Last Thursday (4th July) Gerrity, 69 of Sandhurst Avenue, Bispham was sentenced to 20 years in prison and an extra four years on an extended licence at Preston Crown Court following a trial.

Gerrity was found guilty of three counts of assault by pe*******on, six counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault. His two victims were both under the age of ten when they were assaulted.

Full story here: https://orlo.uk/wScBf

You may have seen some police activity in the Ardmore Road area this afternoon and we wanted to let you why.

At around 4pm we received a report that two men had been seen on some land with what appeared to be handguns.

Officers, including armed officers, immediately attended the area and the two men were located and arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent of causing fear of violence.

They are currently in custody.

Two air weapons have been recovered.

We would like to thank the local community for their understanding and cooperation while we dealt with this fast-moving incident which has now been safely resolved.

Good morning , with regards our earlier post about the missing 8 year old boy from Blackpool, we are pleased to confirm he has been found safe and well. Thank you for your assistance.

On the 5th January 1983, our control room at Blackpool received a call that would change the course of many people’s lives and result in the loss of four.

When holiday maker Alistair Anthony made his way into the sea, in an attempt to save his Jack Russell dog, he was consumed by the water; conditions that some described as the worst they had ever seen.

After failed rescue attempts were made from land by Alistair’s Father and civilians, PC Pat Abram, PC Colin Morrison, PC Gordon Connolly and PC Angela Bradley entered the ferocious water in a bid to save Anthony.

Helpless against the perilous conditions, PC Morrison, PC Connolly and PC Bradley sadly lost their lives. PC Abram was miraculously pulled from the water and revived by a doctor who happened to be passing the scene.

Today, on the 41st anniversary of the tragedy, we will remember them and their selfless bravery in the face of danger. Gathering at 1pm at Jubilee Gardens, Gynn Square, we will lay wreaths in their memory and fall silent to remember their ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget.

We’ve got some good news to share with you.

Over the last few days we’ve been asking for your help to find David, 60, who was missing from Blackpool.

To update you, David has been found safe and well today.

Thanks ever so much to everyone who shared and helped with the appeal, it is much appreciated.