Let the awards season commence.
The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) has released its list of 38 cars, trucks and SUVs eligible for its 2022 awards. The roll call boasts a diverse range of vehicles from U.S., European&…
An inquest has opened into a man who died after walking onto the M60 motorway into the path of a lorry.
Jan Kocurek, 45, was seen on CCTV accessing the motorway near junction 17, close to Whitefield and Prestwich, at 11am on Saturday, April 24.
He then walked into the traffic from the hard shoulder, an inquest opening at Rochdale Coroner’s Court heard.
A Ford Transit was travelling clockwise passing under the bridge of Bury New Road when it collided with him in lane two. A lorry then hit joiner Mr Kocurek in lane one.
The motorway was closed from around 11.30am until around 6pm[1] after the crash, with the air ambulance landing at the scene.
READ MORE: ‘Why did you drive away?’: Driver who left grandad to die spared jail[2]
Married Mr Kocurek, of Berkley Court, Bury Old Road, Salford, was critically ill in Salford Royal Hospital until June 4 when he died.
Assistant coroner for Manchester North, Julie Robertson, adjourned the hearing until January 18 next year but said the the evidence would be reviewed on October 11.
That evidence would include an overview from Mr Kocurek’s GP, mental health services and a post mortem examination report, she said.
Following the announcement of Mr Kocurek’s death, police appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
Sergeant Andrew Page, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Despite the best efforts from hospital staff to save his life, Jan sadly passed away and our thoughts are with his family who are understandably devastated.
“We’ve been carrying out a number of enquiries since this collision happened and we’re continuing to ask any witnesses to come forward with information that may assist us with our investigation.
“Anyone who may have seen the collision, has dash-cam footage or perhaps saw the man prior to the collision is asked to call 0161 856 4741.
“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected][3] , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk[4]
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk[5]
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk[6]
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/[7]
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org[8]
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/[9]
YANGON/BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military on Feb. 1 detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint in the country’s first coup since 1988, bringing an end to a decade of civilian rule.
The Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy had won…
A 36-year-old man who was arrested after a fatal crash on the A303 in Somerset has been released without charge.
The collision happened on Wednesday (June 16) at around 10:30pm, near Sparkford.
Following the incident, the road was closed for around fifteen hours[1] while police completed investigation work at the scene.
READ MORE A303 Cartgate Roundabout: delays after lorry overturns – live updates[2]
Sadly, the driver of the car, a 32-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary[3] said: “Police continue to investigate the cause of a fatal collision on the A303 between Sparkford and Podimore.
“A car and a lorry were involved in the collision which happened at about 10.30pm on Wednesday 16 June. Sadly the driver of the car, a 32-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with his family, who are being supported by specially trained officers.
“A man arrested in connection with the collision has since been released without charge.
“If you have any information or dashcam footage which could help the investigation, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5221134914.”
A CYCLIST has died after a crash involving a bike and a lorry in Nuneaton this morning.
The man – believed to be in his 70s – happened in College Street near the junction with Bull Ring at 6.30am.
An ambulance, two paramedic officers and a critical care car from The Air Ambulance Service with a paramedic and doctor on board attended the scene but nothing could be done to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 43-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
*Update: Police have since confirmed Mr Sergeant has now been found safe and well.
The public are being urged to join an urgent search for a missing 80-year-old man who police say can “become confused” due to Alzheimer′s.
Alan Sergeant has vanished from his home in Warrington.
Police say he been seen since he left his home in Poplars and Hulme on foot shortly after 7.30am this morning.
READ MORE:M62 lorry driver saved man from falling after parking his lorry under bridge[1]
A spokesperson said the pensioner “has Alzheimer′s and can become confused”.
The Alzheimer’s Association[2] describe Alzheimer’s as “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks”.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what’s on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here[3]
Police have enlisted the public as they are “keen to locate him as soon as possible”.
Inspector Helen Cooper said: “A number of officers are currently out searching for Alan, so far to no avail, and we are concerned for his welfare.
“He has Alzheimer′s and often becomes confused, so we are keen to locate him as soon as possible.
““I urge anyone in or around Warrington who thinks that they may have seen Alan since he went missing to get in touch with us.
“The same goes for anyone with information regarding his whereabouts, or CCTV or dashcam footage of him since he left home on foot this morning.”
Alan is described as around 5’ 2” tall, of slim build and has short black/grey hair.
He was last seen wearing black pants, a black jacket and blue trainers.
He also has a tag on his eye and may also have a carrier bag.
Anyone with information or footage that may help officers find James is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary immediately on 101, quoting IML 1016125.
A lorry driver has been hailed a hero after parking his truck under a bridge on the M62 to stop a man from jumping.
Tom Birkett, 35, was driving on the M62 near Warrington last week when he spotted someone sitting on the edge of a bridge with their legs dangling over the edge.[1]
The married dad-of-three slowed down as he approached – and managed to park his 44-tonne tipper truck directly underneath where the man was sitting.[2]
READ MORE:Thug spat chewed up sandwich remains in police officer’s face[3]
His Mercedes truck was also fitted with a canvas over the tipper, providing it with a soft top and essentially creating a net for the man to fall into, although luckily it was not needed.
Tom, from Kendal, Cumbria, said: “I was coming up to bridge when I clocked there were three people on it.
“As I got closer I could see that the lad was sat on the wrong side of the barrier.[4]
“I thought, ‘I’m going to have to do something here, this lad’s going to jump off’.”
Tom then put his hazard lights on and began weaving his truck in order to notify other motorists there was a problem ahead.
He added: “I don’t know what clicked in my head but it suddenly dawned on me that I could help.
“I lined the truck up with the lad so the front of the trailer was underneath him.”
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what’s on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here[5].
When Tom arrived, on June 8, police were already on the scene, including two officers on the bridge who were speaking to the man.
A short time later, a negotiator arrived and, according to Tom, spent around 45 mins talking to the man before he brought himself to safety.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website[6]
Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk[14] for more details.
The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: [email protected][21][22]
Tom said the entire ordeal lasted around two hours and that he was watching on from a barrier at the side of the road.
He added: “I can’t speak highly enough of how well the police did, they were fantastic. The negotiator did a phenomenal job too.
“I think what I did has been blown out of proportion, the police are the real heroes here.”
After watching the man get ushered away by police, Tom was allowed to return to his truck and continue his journey.
He said: “I hope that other drivers see this and know it’s an option.”
The truck driver hailed a hero[1] after parking his vehicle under a bridge on the M62[2] to stop a man from jumping has said ‘I’m not the hero of this story’.
Tom Birkett, 35, received praise from across the nation[3] after a picture showing his truck trailer parked directly underneath the man sat on the edge of the bridge went viral.
The man’s mother, who did not wish to be named, has since spoken out to let Tom know how grateful she is[4] as she is convinced he saved her son, who had been struggling with his mental health. She also said that he is now receiving help.
But Tom’s refuses to believe he is a hero, instead praising the police for the way they handled the situation.
READ MORE: Greater Manchester’s latest coronavirus infection rates[5]
Speaking to Leeds Live[6], the husband and father of three said: “All I did was park the truck under the bridge.
“This is something that the police and charities are deal with. I got an opportunity to do my little bit but it was 0.01 per cent of what other people did.
“I basically figured out something I could do, I did my good deed for the day. The police are the ones that saved him.
“I’m not the hero of this story, I’m happy with being called a Good Samaritan.”
Recalling how the events unfolded, Tom said spotted three people on the bridge from a distance and felt that “something was not right”.
As he got closer, he noticed that one person was on the wrong side of the bars and saw his legs dangling off the bridge.
Tom, from Kendal, Cumbria, quickly moved into the hard shoulder and put on his hazard lights to alert other road users.
After parking the trailer which has a soft top, he let officers who were at the scene know what he had done.
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected][7] , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk[8]
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk[9]
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk[10]
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/[11]
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org[12]
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/[13]
Tom, who was speaking to his friend on the phone during his journey on Junction 9 on the M62, said: “I clocked him, I had seen something not right from a distance, obviously as a truck driver you’re looking way ahead of everyone else.
“I had seen three people on the bridge and I just knew something didn’t seem right. Something seemed off, the spacing of the people – you see truck spotters on bridges.
“As I was getting closer. I saw the person in the middle on the wrong side of the bars sat down with legs dangling on the motorway. The two police on the other side, that’s what I could see. I just said to my mate, I think he’s going to jump, I’m going to have to go.
“I just did what I did.
“That was it, I walked up to the other side of the embankment and told the officers what I had done.
“I was sat for two hours just talking to the police.”
Asked if he had a message for the man, Tom, who runs a Trucking YouTube page called Except for Access[14], added: “All I can say is I wish him the best and he gets through it.
“I’ve never quite been as bad as the position he was in but I know that helplessness though. Many people have felt that helplessness but not many people like to admit it.”
