Threat fails to disrupt Burnham’s vigil visit
JON MACPHERSON
ACCRINGTON police said there was ‘no reason’ for alarm, despite confirming they received a phone call threat ahead of the visit of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Officers said they deployed an increased presence in the town because of Tuesday’s arrival of Mr Burnham, who attended a vigil for the victims of the London terror attack.
In a statement, police said: “There has been an increased police presence in Accrington today due to the visit of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
“In addition following the tragic events in Manchester and London we have increased our visible police presence across the county and as part of this activity we have additional reassurance patrols in Accrington town cen- tre. We can confirm that a call was made to police earlier today (Tuesday) suggesting a threat and that this is being assessed. There is no reason for people to be alarmed and we would urge them to go about their business as usual.”
Police later clarified that the threat was not made directly in relation to Mr Burnham.
Mr Burnham joined with residents at St James’ Church for a short service led by the Rev Ian Enticott followed by a minute’s silence.
Speaking at the Accrington Market Hall, Mr Burnham said: “We’ve had messages of support from everywhere and everybody here now is thinking of people in London. It’s a terrible time.
“Extremism is an issue that we are all going to have to deal with. The more the public stands against extremism the stronger that message is.
“London showed us great support when Manchester was attacked and it’s right we show the same.”
The Union flag is flying at half-mast at Accrington Town Hall as a mark of respect for all the victims of the terror attack in London.
Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson said: “Our hearts go out to all those families and friends who have lost loved ones and everyone affected by this horrific attack in London. We offer our condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with all those touched by this terrible tragedy.”
Hyndburn’s opposition group leader Tony Dobson said: “Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with everyone affected by this terrible attack in London, our thoughts are with them all.”
A book of condolence is open in Accrington Town Hall for local people to pay their respects.
Mr Burnham is the latest political big-hitter to hit the general election campaign trail in Hyndburn following Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to Altham last week and Labour Party deputy leader Tom Watson last month.
Former Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw visited the constituency on Monday.
The candidates standing for the Hyndburn seat in the 2017 General Election are Janet Brown, UKIP; Kevin Horkin, Conservative; Graham Jones, Labour, and Les Jones, Liberal Democrats.
POLICE APPEAL
POLICE have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with an incident in Accrington.
Officers in Hyndburn said damage was caused to a car on Blackburn Road on Sunday, May 14. A spokesperson said: “If you have any information that could assist please contact 101 quoting crime reference ED1707731 or email 6072@lancashire. pnn.police.uk.”
BANK REVAMP
AN Accrington town centre bank branch will be closed for more than three weeks for refurbishment works.
The Santander branch on Union Street will re-open on June 20. Further works will still be carried out and will not be fully completed until mid-July.
Customers are advised to use branches on Manchester Road, Haslingden, King William Street, Blackburn and St James’s Street, Burnley.
CARNIVAL ROCK
THE Soundcasters will perform live at this year’s Accrington Carnival.
The veteran rockers, who have graced the stage with the likes of Status Quo, Tina Turner and Van Morrison, will play live on the Oakhill Park bandstand on Sunday, June 25, at 12.45pm and again at 4.45pm.
They will perform songs from The Beatles, Smokie, The Everlys, Cliff Richard, The Shadows, Eagles, Travelling Wilburys, The Searchers and The Hollies.