Blackpool Police Videos

Evening everyone
Evening everyone, Earlier today we told you that we had launched a joint investigation following a fatal fire in Peter Street, Blackpool, this morning. Here's a message from our West Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Mike Gladwin, as we continue to investigate the cause of the fatal fire with an open mind. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the man and woman who have sadly died.

Damion Russell
This is Damion Russell. Bonny little chap we’re sure you will agree with his bright blue eyes and his lovely smile. Full of innocent joy like any other little toddler. He loved playing in the park, riding his bike and singing along to ‘row your boat’ with his grandma. He didn’t like broccoli! Like any youngster Damion deserved to enjoy his innocence; to be loved and cherished by the man who should have done everything he could to protect him and bring him up – his dad. But we are sad to say Damion didn’t get a chance to grow up or even enjoy much of a life at all. Instead, he found himself subjected to a horrifically violent and sustained assault which caused injuries which tragically led to his death. And the man who caused those injuries was his own father. Damion was just two years old when he died. Tuesday (July 9) would have been Damion’s third birthday. His family planted some forget me not seeds and made him a little garden. They had balloons and a tea party, something they say Damion would have loved. Today Damion’s father Daniel Hardcastle, of Blackpool, was convicted of murder after a trial at Preston Crown Court and is now facing life behind bars. He will be sentenced later. To read more go to https://orlo.uk/qN4sa

Jonathon Lawrence filling van with fuel before making off without paying
A man has been jailed after stealing more than £4,200 worth of fuel from petrol stations. Jonathon Lawrence, 24, made off without paying from forecourts in Lancashire, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, and North Wales. He sometimes used vans which were specially adapted for theft, with fuel tanks and containers fitted in the back. Lancashire Police launched an investigation into the fuel thefts, Lawrence having stolen from forecourts in Preston, Blackpool and Nelson in October, November, and December last year. He was arrested in Preston in January this year. Lawrence, of Feltwood Walk, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to making off without payment, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. At Preston Crown Court this week (21st May) Lawrence was jailed for 28 months and banned from driving for 36 months.

Our PCSOs come from a variety of backgrounds, each bring with them strengths they can draw on in their role as a PCSO. They also receive extensive training to enable them to do their job to a very high standard. If you are looking for a career that values your background skills and knowledge and invests in your training then apply to be a PCSO today - https://orlo.uk/X79ls

As applications are now open to join us as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), we caught up with some of our PCSOs to find out why they applied and why they love what they do. If you want to join us as a PCSO visit https://orlo.uk/IV8CC

🚨 Applications are now open! 🚨 If you are looking for a an exciting, challenging and diverse role, find out more and apply using the link 👇https://orlo.uk/m5Wmp

When joining as a Special Constable, you will receive extensive training to make sure you are safe, and know exactly how to do your job. In addition to this training, you will also be equipped with the exact same uniform as our regular, paid officers. Special Constable Seamus talks us through some of the uniform and kit our Specials are issued with. If you are considering volunteering some of your time with us as a Special Constable, head to our website to find out everything you need to know about the role and get your application in today. 👍

We caught up with Special Constable Seamus, and asked him to share his thoughts on volunteering as a Special Constable. If you have some spare time (at least 16 hours per month), and want to spend that time making a difference to the people of Lancashire, then apply to become a Special Constable today. Applications close on Tuesday 12th March. Head to our website to apply - link in bio ⬆️.

Twenty six arrested in drugs raids as Operation Warrior continues
Do you want to hear about some more Op Warrior arrests? We've locked up 2️⃣6️⃣ following drugs raids in Blackpool, St Annes, Lytham, Fleetwood and Greater Manchester over the last week. 1️⃣9️⃣ have been charged. Between January and December we locked up 1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣9️⃣ people. Offenders were given a total of 6️⃣0️⃣8️⃣ years. 2️⃣5️⃣8️⃣ kilos of Class A and 5️⃣7️⃣ kilos of Class B drugs were taken off the streets. £1.34million in 💸 was seized. 2️⃣3️⃣7️⃣ kids and 1️⃣3️⃣2️⃣ adults were safeguarded. This action will continue. See anything of concern? 📞 1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ or 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ in an emergency. More👉 https://orlo.uk/xv2RF

We’d like to think we’ve heard all the excuses in the book. But this excuse really takes the biscuit. 👇
We’d like to think we’ve heard all the excuses in the book. “I’m sure I paid for that” 🤔 “It was like that when I got here” 🙄 “The dog ate my insurance documents” 😑 But this excuse really takes the biscuit. 👇 This is the excuse that fraudster David Levi gave when challenged about money he’d collected, whilst purporting to be raising money for charity. He said he was working as an escort. When in actual fact, he was conning some of Britain’s best loved charities out of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Levi co-ordinated fraudulent collections under the guise that the money would be handed over to charities. The reality was that only a small fraction of the cash ever reached the charities. His gang of fraudsters ran a scam so sophisticated that they even went as far as to create fake charity material including ID badges, pull-up banners and even a Pudsey Bear suit. Among the charities who lost out were Children in Need, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, GOSH Charity and The Christie cancer hospital. When people donate to a charity they rightly expect that their money will go to supporting good causes and not to lining the pockets of greedy conmen like David Levi and his gang. We're pleased that we have been able to bring them to justice. More: https://orlo.uk/6duJS

20 years ago today, Blackpool teenager Charlene Downes disappeared.
20 years ago today, Blackpool teenager Charlene Downes disappeared. Charlene was a vulnerable 14-year-old, and there is evidence to suggest she was a victim of Child Sexual Exploitation prior to going missing. We want justice for Charlene. Det Chief Supt Pauline Stables message today is clear - it’s not too late to come forward if you know or saw something all those years ago. We know the answers to Charlene’s disappearance lie within Blackpool, so we need people to search their conscience, think back to when Charlene went missing and do the right thing. The investigation is one of the largest and longest running in the history of Lancashire Police. A £100,000 reward, sanctioned by Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden, remains on offer for anyone with information that leads to the prosecution of her killer(s) or assists in the recovery of Charlene’s body. Over the last 20 years, Lancashire Police’s inquiry into Charlene’s disappearance has generated nearly 16,000 police actions or lines of inquiry. More than 6,800 statements have been taken and 7,400 exhibits recorded. Anyone with information on Charlene’s disappearance is asked to upload it here: https://orlo.uk/OmXAG

Det Ch Insp Jill Johnston on the trial of two former healthcare professionals who unlawfully drugged their patients.
Earlier today we told you that two former healthcare professionals who unlawfully drugged their patients were found guilty at Preston Crown Court. You can read more about the case here ➡ https://orlo.uk/4NgxD In case you missed it, this is what Det. Ch. Insp. Jill Johnston had to say, after the verdict ⬇

CTV footage of a car being deliberately set on fire in Thornton Cleveleys
We are continuing to appeal for witnesses and ask for CCTV footage after a car was deliberately set on fire in Thornton Cleveleys. The car was parked on Devonshire Avenue when it was set alight in a targeted attack at approximately 1am on Wednesday September 13. Footage shows a suspect setting fire to the vehicle before leaving the scene on a bicycle. We are asking people in the area of Devonshire Avenue, Lancaster Avenue and Rossendale Avenue and the surrounding roads, to check their CCTV and ring door bell footage. Or, if anyone was driving in the vicinity around that time and has dashcam footage, please get in contact. T/Supt Craig Kelshaw said: “This was a deliberate arson attack, and we are determined to bring the offender to justice. “The footage shows someone setting the car alight and it we believe that they could have suffered a burn injury in doing so. The person responsible is wearing dark clothing and leaves the area on a mountain bike. I would urge you to watch this footage and contact us if you believe that you know who the person responsible is. Whilst it is dark, and you can’t see the person’s face, I am confident that someone will know who is responsible for this targeted attack which could have been so much worse. ‘’It is also clear from the footage, that the person responsible is carrying a bottle which is clearly filled with petrol. I would ask anyone who works in the local petrol stations to contact us if they recall anyone purchasing smaller amounts of petrol in the days leading up to this incident. “Did a member of your family come home with a burn injury on Wednesday, or has any medical professional treated a burn injury since then? “It is important to stress that we believe this was a targeted attack and there is not thought to be any threat from this incident to the wider public. “We have a targeted patrol plan in the area for reassurance, so residents can expect to see an increased police presence." Anyone with informatio

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#APPEAL | Do you recognise either the people in this footage?
#APPEAL | Do you recognise either the people in this footage? 👇 We would like to speak with them in relation to a car theft on June 28. A BMW was stolen from an address on Alwood Avenue in Blackpool at some time between 10:30pm on June 27 and 8:30am June 28. The car was later found. If you recognise either of these men, or have any information, please 📞 101 or 💻 [email protected] quoting log 0281 of June 28.

VIDEO: CCTV appeal after Blackpool attack
Detectives investigating a stabbing in Blackpool which left a man with serious injuries are appealing for information to identify these four men. Police were called around 9.10pm on October 30 to a report a man had been assaulted in Topping Street. Emergency services attended the scene with a man in his 30s found with serious chest and arm injuries. He was later taken to hospital for treatment. Following investigation, police believe the man had earlier been attacked in Church Street, close to William Hill betting shop. CCTV enquiries have identified four people detectives want to speak to in connection with the offence. Det Con Mark Whittle, of Blackpool CID, said: “We want to identify these individuals after a man suffered serious injuries following an assault in Blackpool. “We would ask people to look at the footage carefully. I am sure someone will know who these men are.” Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or email [email protected] quoting log 1456 of October 30. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://orlo.uk/Yiojz

ASB awareness week in Blackpool
Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week is being launched today 19th July, and will run until 25th July. Anti-Social Behaviour is a key area of policing for Lancashire, and a real focus for our response and Neighbourhood Policing Teams. We work year-round tackling these issues to keep our streets safer. Watch the below video from Insp Mark Douglas from Blackpool Police, who talks about Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, and how the Police tackle Anti-Social Behaviour. 👇 #ASBAwarenessWeek

Blackpool Class A drug warrants