09/12/2013 North West Tonight

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Annabel Tiffin ` and

Roger Johnson. Our top story. Police treat a fatal house fire in Bolton `

in which three people died ` as suspicious. We don't know what the

cause was but three people have tragically lost their lives. It s

believed the family came from Iran. We'll have the latest live. Also

tonight: An increase in violence in the early hours leads Blackpool to

consider an alcohol ban after 3am. Local footballers are questioned

over claims they asked for bribes to deliberately get booked or sent`off.

How continuing kindness to a long`departed stranger has made

George one of our Christmas stars of 2013.

And on the road to recovery. Why Conrad the otter's making headlines

after being run over. Good it has been lovely but very tiring.

We feed him every four hours. At house fire which killed three people

in Bolton is being treated as suspicious. The victims are believed

to be members of an Iranian family living on Albert Road. Two of them

have been named. It is not the other fatality was the elderly mother The

interior of the house was completely gutted, one fire officer told us it

was the worst he had ever seen. Our reporter has been there all day

Tell us the reaction there. There has been a huge amount of shock and

upset on this road, as I'm sure you can imagine. Friends and neighbours

have been telling us the victims, 49 and 48, were incredibly well liked,

this was an incredibly well knit family. One of their sons has told a

national newspaper he was totally devastated and his parents were

loving people who provided everything. The news of what

happened on this street has hit many very hard. Three lives lost, one an

elderly woman. Neighbours say the couple lived here were retired with

grown`up children. I have known them for 25 years. Good family friend. We

are very close. When I found out on the news, I thought, it cannot be

them. That cannot be right. What has happened? I had only seen her last

week. Lovely family, caring for their children, ideal neighbours to

have, lovely family. CPR being done on the garden, and subsequently went

to hospital and I have learnt they died. It is believed the fire

started in the kitchen. The ferocity of the blaze is clear to see. The

police do not yet know the cause and asked treating it `` are treating it

as suspicious. They are being treated as witnesses, nobody is

being treated as a suspect, but if there is anybody out there who feels

they might have information that could assist the investigation, I

would appeal for them to come forward and contact us. The police

say a woman was taken to hospital with burns but died shortly after

arriving. It was only when the flames were put out that they

discovered two more bodies. They were found in the kitchen. The blaze

was so severe that neighbours had to evacuate their home as well. It was

as serious as you can find in a house fire. It was fully developed

and extended to most of the house. The firefighters did a magnificent

job. How and why the fire started is the main question they want to

answer. Because of the damage, they may take days to do so. The bodies

of two of the victims are still inside this house this evening. The

police say that they are desperate for anyone with information who saw

heard any thing about this buyer to contact them. `` this fire. Tributes

have been paid two other who was found in a house in Bolton. A man is

being questioned by police. A teenager who killed a man with a

single punch before going to a friend's house to play computer

games has been jailed for life. Eden Lomax ` who's 17 ` punched Simon

Mitchell in Victoria Square in June. He was the third stranger to be

punched by Lomax in a week. He'll serve a minimum of ten years. A

review has been launched into the Rochdale grooming scandal. Nine men

were found guilty of abusing five girls in the town but police believe

there might have been up to 50 victims. The enquiry will begin in

the New Year and will be cheered by the Stockport Labour MP. Four

Lancashire police officers have been sacked for organising a car`buying

scam. They were found guilty of gross professional misconduct after

an internal investigation. They are said to have been involved in

ordering vehicles as unmarked police cars ` which they were later able to

buy for themselves at a reduced cost. Blackpool's reputation as a

resort where you can drink alcohol at virtually any time of the day may

be about to change. Lancashire Police say they're fed up dealing

with violence and anti`social behaviour in the early hours of the

morning. And Blackpool is now considering becoming the first town

in the country to ban the sale of alcohol after 3am. Many local pubs

and clubs are opposed to the plan. It's 1:45 in the morning and the

party's barely begun in Blackpool. Why did you come here? For the

girls. And the opening times. Good night out with the boys. Just before

Christmas. But for some the night won't end quite as they'd planned.

This type of thing has prompted some in Blackpool to call for drinking

hours to be cut back. Blackpool could become the first council in

the country to introduce an Early Morning Restriction Order ` or EMRO

` which would stop the sale of alcohol after 3am. It is never after

3am, `` it is now after 3am and the police say there has been a steady

rise in violence in this part of Blackpool. That is why they say

there is a need for this legislation. Not surprisingly, those

who rely on the late, late trade are opposed to the idea. People come

here on holiday and they expect like every other resort, to have a

holiday. Surely if you are open until 3am, that must be time to make

a living? In the old days the bar shut at 10:30am, `` 10:30pm. Now the

bars are open until 4am so people carry on later, why would you pay to

go into a club? Peter was keen to show me the majority come to enjoy a

fun, trouble`free time. It is a fun place to come out. But moments later

we filmed this. One study recently suggested dealing with

alcohol`related crimes cost more than ?38 million a year. The bill

for the Health service was put at more than ?14 million. Councillors

were due to spend this week discussing the EMRO plan. This

afternoon they decided to put it off until the New Year.

Why was that put off? Lawyers said they had not been given enough

notice and needed more time. They've been given until the end of January.

This is a hot topic. Only recently, there were reports of which

suggested in Manchester and longer drinking hours had not affected it

in any way. Speaking of violence, some viewers might have noticed a

shot which apparently showed a police officer hitting a man in the

head. Lancashire police have used those images and said they are now

investigating the circumstances of just what happened. And we've had a

varied response from viewers commenting on this story. Michelle

Porter said on Twitter that she thinks it's a good idea. People need

more education about drinking ` not more time. Jill Quinn e`mailed with

an apologetic criticism of Blackpool. She says it needs

cleaning up to get more people to visit again. But Sharon Rogers on

Facebook it will hit visitor numbers. And says next they'll be

trying to save electricity by turning off the Illuminations.

One late week we got... He says this has put the door staff under great

strain. Relatives of Fusilier Lee Rigby listened in court today ` as

one of the men accused of his murder said he loved Al`Qaeda and did not

regret killing the soldier. Michael Adebolajo began giving evidence in

his defence today ` saying he wanted to be treated as a soldier involved

in a military conflict. Just before we came on air, the BBC's reporter

said it was the first time that the relatives had been able to see him.

They were in court, high security part of the Old Bailey, and it was

the first time the family had been able to see him. On previous days

there had been a screen so the defendant could not see the family,

but as he was in the witness box he was clearly visible. He said this

case, what he had done was much bigger than him and his family, and

much bigger than the Rigby and his family. `` Lee Rigby. He said he had

no animosity and acted in the way he had because he was a soldier of God,

he effectively had no other choice than to do what he did. He admitted

carrying out the killing. What is the defence? His defence is that he

is in his own mind, a soldier under the command of his God, and if he is

a soldier he cannot be found guilty of murder on the battlefield. He

said he understands some people might not recognise this because

they do not wear fatigues or train in the Brecon Beacons, but they are

still soldiers, he does not take his definitions from the United Nations.

In his mind, what happened was a justifiable military mission. The QC

prosecuting came back to this point towards the end and said, you took

the law into your own hands. That is what you did. The defendant replied,

that is not true. He wrapped up his evidence today. The defence case

will continue tomorrow. Police have questioned for Northwest

players amid allegations that he took money to get booked or sent

off. The most high profile was DJ Campbell. This undercover video

filmed by the Sun on Sunday appears to show claims of spot`fixing in

football. Six people have been questioned over

the allegations ` the most high profile being Blackburn's DJ

Campbell ` a former Blackpool striker who joined Rovers in the

summer. There is no word on camera from Blackburn Rovers but they

issued a statement where they say they can confirm DJ Campbell has

been arrested, the club will be making no further comment on what is

now an ongoing legal matter. It goes down to the supporters. How can they

look at certain players? Are they tackling, taking that yellow card

for good reasons? Also in the video was a player sharing the news that

he had been booked for cash. Oldham have since suspended the

21`year`old. The manager says he has considered his future. It got me

thinking, you question why you are in it. We don't know what happened

for him to be in that room. I really feel like we have stepped back from

that, and as the manager, it is my job to rally the troops. At the

centre of the claims is Sam Sodje. He claims he punched in Oldham

player to get a red card for ?70,000. He also claimed his brother

would be prepared to be paid to be booked. Another team`mate is also

said to be one of those arrested. Tranmere said they are aware of the

allegations but will make no further comment. The Professional

Footballers' Association says these demonstrate the issues faced by

football. Scientists from the University of Salford Art developing

a revolutionary technique which they hope could help people affected by

dementia. Records memories and brings them to life using 3`D

technology. It was launched and is `` as a leading charity said

research into dementia was decades behind cancer. It is a horrible

illness. It tears your life apart. For three years, this woman has

watched his memory deteriorate, and eventually he will not recognise her

at all. Eventually it will take me away from him because he will not

know who I am full of that is heartbreaking. `` who I am. As world

leaders gather in London to discuss what is being described as an

underfunded global crisis, at the University of Salford the launching

Europe's biggest Institute. They are working on triggering important

memories by filming an intimate moment in time and playing it back

in full 3`D. They hope it will trigger that. Perhaps later on when

you're wondering who a person is, you could actually step back in

time, and walk around them, and walk around you and them. Revisit your

past in a very powerful way. It will be a few years before couples like

this will see the benefits. One day, special memories like this will

be captured and revisited. Such a sad time for people. The care that

you want to give. It leads us on to the next item. You may remember a

few weeks ago we asked for nominations for the BBC North West

Tonight Star Awards ` for those people in our local community who go

the extra mile to show kindness and generosity of spirit to others. Well

we've had lots of nominations and have been heartened by them all And

today we meet George ` whose kindness stretched half way around

the world. David Saville explains. George Hardman tends the grave of a

woman he never knew. Josephine Middleton died in 1948, a patient at

the Calderstones Mental Hospital near Whalley in Lancashire. A lady

came over a year and a half ago to try and find her relative. Sadly,

all the headstones of been removed and nobody could help her. I

contacted George and he came down here with his measuring tapes, what

to the exact inch and found the exact site of the grave. Since then

he's marked out a proper grave with new plants and a plaque ` and it's

this dedication that led to his nomination for a star. What are you

doing? George, on behalf of the BBC television Northwest, they would

like to present you with this award, this famous Star award for all the

good work you've for Josephine who has laid here and been forgotten

about. Get a hold of that trophy. You are a star. That is brilliant.

Thank you very much. Sandra McCardle even sent George a special message

all the way from Australia. What a remarkable man you are. When I first

met you I thought I had known you forever. You brought a happy end to

an extraordinary story. I am humbled by it because I keep saying, I know

loads of people who do good turns, and the reward is in themselves

They get a warm glow out of it. It is the pleasure of helping somebody

else is worth the best award. That is the best reward.

That is a lovely story. Just one of many that we have got. If you know

anyone you think deserves a Christmas star, it just contact us

by e`mail or drop us a line on the Facebook page. Now the sport. Not a

lot of festive cheer at Old Trafford. It is not business as

usual. Some fans were already grumbling after the midweek defeat

against Everton, they now have to come to terms with the reverse

against Newcastle United. It is the first time they have lost successive

games at home since 2002. Despite the side sitting ninth, the boss

insists his team can still win the title. Manchester United's

frustrating start to the season isn't yet the stuff of nightmares.

But The Theatre of Dreams isn't the fortress of old. And some fans are

getting twitchy. Worried. Let's see. You have to do what you have to do.

We can make Europe. United lost at home for the second time in four

days, Yohan Cabaye giving Newcastle their first League victory at Old

Trafford since 1972. But speaking earlier today the manager says he

isn't about to panic. I take complete responsibility for the

results, and I would like them to be much better. I have got no doubt

they will be. Liverpool are up to second after dispatching West Ham

four ` one. Luis Suarez heading in his 14th of the season.

The downside for the Reds, a hamstring injury to Steven Gerrard.

There are fears it could keep him out for more than a month.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said he had no complaints

after City shared a point at Southampton. Sergio Aguero gave City

the lead with a typically smart finish before they were pegged back

by a goal of the highest quality from Dani Osvaldo.

Talking of quality, Everton's peformance at Arsenal was full of

it. Few teams dominate possession at the Emirates. The Blues did for most

of the first half. The Gunners came back at them in the second and

opened the scoring through Mezut Ozil. But Roberto Martinez's men are

playing with no fear at the moment, epitomized by 19`year`old Spaniard

Gerard Delofeu, who came off the bench and did this. Martinez says

extending the Barcelona youngster's loan deal into next season is not

out of the question. Nor on this form is a top four finish for his

side. This was a real big turning point in

our aspirations, and the way we feel about ourselves.

Everton are flying. The new manager of Wigan Athletic has been formally

introduced. It is Uwe Rosler. He joins from Brentford where he

enjoyed two successful seasons. When he was asked what attracted him to

Wigan, you said... The club is in a good situation. Financially very

stable. Stable leadership at the football club. Good way of

communication. I am interested in that. Lots of factors excite me

Macclesfield town have been handed a lucrative game in the third round.

Other highlights from the drop see Rochdale playing Leeds, Blackburn

playing Manchester City and Bolton playing Blackpool. The games will be

played over the weekend of the fourth and 5th of January. Some

cracking games. I think back burner V Manchester City standout. ``

Blackburn Rovers against Manchester City is the standout. It seems not

the only animals who have nine lives full of this baby otter had a very

close shave when he ran under a car in the Lake District. This is an

otter who likes luxury. Conrad insists on sleeping on the main bed.

He is fit and healthy, a contrast to what he looked like three weeks ago.

He was quite thin, stunned, disorientated. Sarah has nursed him

back to help with some help from her boyfriend. He has been fantastic, he

has got up and fed him at night Kris needs to put up with more than

just otters in the house. We have West African crocodiles in the

kitchen, that came in for a display, we have a rescue hedgehog and a

rescue dog. He just put up with me. I can see you. Tonight, Sarah is

taking Conrad to a sanctuary on the Isle of Skye. I feel sad because I

know I will miss him. I feel happy that he will be rehabilitated and Ed

up `` end up in the wild. I am relieved that I will be able to

sleep again and get my life back to normal. Sarah will see him again,

bringing him back to set him free. He is very cute. I get scared when I

see a hamster. I bet that can be dangerous. I want one of those.

see a hamster. I bet that can be dangerous. The weather is looking

good. It was very unsettled last week. This weekend we saw the high

building. We will keep this settled mild condition for the week ahead.

We will see lighter winds. Temperatures were in double figures.

Some sunshine is the prospect for Wednesday. Pieces of rain for

Thursday and Friday. Tonight it will be back into double figures. Lots of

cloud around. It will be breezy Some bits and pieces of rain not

really amounting to match but because of the crowd cover `` cloud

cover it will be a nice night. Tomorrow, there will be more cloud

and it will be breezy. Elsewhere, plenty of cloud around. There will

be some bright spells but also we will see the cloud thickening up

from time to time to bring you occasional bits and pieces of rain.

Another mild day. Temperatures in double figures. 11 Celsius in the

Isle of Man and 10 Celsius inland. As we head into Wednesday and

Thursday, the high`pressure continues to build. We have a

frontal system pushing in from the west bringing in pieces of rain On

Thursday the temperatures will be double figures. Goodbye. We have got

a tree up now. You are very pleased about that. Yes. Some people have

been asking how to nominate somebody for a Northwest tonight start. Send

us an e`mail, tell a story. The e`mail is coming up at the end of

the programme. Goodbye. I will be back at 10:30pm. Until then, good

night. I will bring you some weather.