Jonny Blackburn
@echoblackburn.bsky.social
People experiencing homelessness in the city centre told me they had lost friends to pregabalin, a prescription substance involved in 11% of drug deaths nationally.
They told me they warn others about the pills, and how easy they are to get both on the street and online.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
They told me they warn others about the pills, and how easy they are to get both on the street and online.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
We spoke to people using 47p pill 'worse than heroin'
Pregabalin was described "<span id="docs-internal-guid-2c0aff21-7fff-4558-9efa-60695094464d">very easy to get, really dangerous, and addictive"</span>
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 9:53 PM
People experiencing homelessness in the city centre told me they had lost friends to pregabalin, a prescription substance involved in 11% of drug deaths nationally.
They told me they warn others about the pills, and how easy they are to get both on the street and online.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
They told me they warn others about the pills, and how easy they are to get both on the street and online.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Ryan Ferguson called for violence against police officers in their own homes in a video shared to the platform.
He has spent time in jail for racially abusing a footballer and making false 999 calls.
The page had 10k followers and was headed with the hashtag ‘Britain white’.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
He has spent time in jail for racially abusing a footballer and making false 999 calls.
The page had 10k followers and was headed with the hashtag ‘Britain white’.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Far-right agitator Ryan Ferguson's Instagram removed over threats
Self-described far-right nationalist Ferguson shared a video to Instagram in which he called for a "civil war" and a "riot"
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Ryan Ferguson called for violence against police officers in their own homes in a video shared to the platform.
He has spent time in jail for racially abusing a footballer and making false 999 calls.
The page had 10k followers and was headed with the hashtag ‘Britain white’.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
He has spent time in jail for racially abusing a footballer and making false 999 calls.
The page had 10k followers and was headed with the hashtag ‘Britain white’.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Common sense finally prevails
Controversial Hillsborough Law vote pulled after backlash
Campaigners argued that the amendment on the table would allow those running the security services to decide whether to disclose information or not
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Common sense finally prevails
The former director of Hooters Liverpool has registered a new company, Water Street Hospitality Ltd, while workers have been told to go to the state for outstanding wages.
Staff are still waiting for tips and service charges owed since August.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Staff are still waiting for tips and service charges owed since August.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
'Illegal' and 'morally repugnant' practices follow Hooters closure
Staff say they are waiting for pay packets and unpaid tips while the director plans to open up another business at the shuttered site
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The former director of Hooters Liverpool has registered a new company, Water Street Hospitality Ltd, while workers have been told to go to the state for outstanding wages.
Staff are still waiting for tips and service charges owed since August.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Staff are still waiting for tips and service charges owed since August.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
The world's most famous bus shelter has stood empty for 23 years after Sgt Pepper's Bistro closed.
Owner since 1989, Ray Maatook, wants to turn the building into a franchised fast-food restaurant.
A concept menu from 2003 offers a glimpse of what could have been.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Owner since 1989, Ray Maatook, wants to turn the building into a franchised fast-food restaurant.
A concept menu from 2003 offers a glimpse of what could have been.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Menu from long-closed Sgt Pepper's Bistro shows lost 'dream'
The concept menu offers a glimpse into 2003 plans for the restaurant
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 9:13 AM
The world's most famous bus shelter has stood empty for 23 years after Sgt Pepper's Bistro closed.
Owner since 1989, Ray Maatook, wants to turn the building into a franchised fast-food restaurant.
A concept menu from 2003 offers a glimpse of what could have been.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Owner since 1989, Ray Maatook, wants to turn the building into a franchised fast-food restaurant.
A concept menu from 2003 offers a glimpse of what could have been.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Penny Lane bus shelter, made world-famous by The Beatles, has stood empty for 23 years.
We asked the owner why.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
We asked the owner why.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
One man's 'dream' has 'blighted' area for 20 years
"There are people waiting to take it, but once I release it, I cannot control it."
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Penny Lane bus shelter, made world-famous by The Beatles, has stood empty for 23 years.
We asked the owner why.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
We asked the owner why.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
The famous Penny Lane bus shelter has been empty for 23 years.
For the first time, the ECHO was allowed inside.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
For the first time, the ECHO was allowed inside.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Pictures inside former Sgt. Pepper's Bistro closed for two decades
For the first time in 23 years, the ECHO was granted access to the world-famous landmark
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 1:47 PM
The famous Penny Lane bus shelter has been empty for 23 years.
For the first time, the ECHO was allowed inside.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
For the first time, the ECHO was allowed inside.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Ray Maatook told me he dreams of turning the world’s most famous bus shelter into a McDonald’s.
His plan has left the building empty and decaying for 23 years.
For the first time, we were granted access inside the closed Sgt Pepper’s Bistro to speak to him.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
His plan has left the building empty and decaying for 23 years.
For the first time, we were granted access inside the closed Sgt Pepper’s Bistro to speak to him.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
One man's 'dream' has 'blighted' area for 20 years
"There are people waiting to take it, but once I release it, I cannot control it."
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Ray Maatook told me he dreams of turning the world’s most famous bus shelter into a McDonald’s.
His plan has left the building empty and decaying for 23 years.
For the first time, we were granted access inside the closed Sgt Pepper’s Bistro to speak to him.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
His plan has left the building empty and decaying for 23 years.
For the first time, we were granted access inside the closed Sgt Pepper’s Bistro to speak to him.
@liverpoolecho.co.uk
Once the spokesperson for fascist group National Action, Renshaw was jailed for plotting to kill an MP in 2019.
The neo-nazi terrorist, also convicted of four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, has now been attacked in prison, the MoJ confirmed. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
The neo-nazi terrorist, also convicted of four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, has now been attacked in prison, the MoJ confirmed. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
Neo-nazi terrorist and paedophile Jack Renshaw attacked in prison
Jack Renshaw was jailed for plotting to kill a then-Labour MP
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Once the spokesperson for fascist group National Action, Renshaw was jailed for plotting to kill an MP in 2019.
The neo-nazi terrorist, also convicted of four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, has now been attacked in prison, the MoJ confirmed. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
The neo-nazi terrorist, also convicted of four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, has now been attacked in prison, the MoJ confirmed. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
The prescription drug has been described as 'valium on steroids' and worse than heroin and crack cocaine when mixed with alcohol
A special report for @liverpoolecho.co.uk subscribers
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
A special report for @liverpoolecho.co.uk subscribers
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
People can buy 150 pills for £20 on the street and it only takes one to kill you
The prescription drug has been described as 'valium on steroids' and worse than heroin and crack cocaine when mixed with alcohol
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 12:57 PM
The prescription drug has been described as 'valium on steroids' and worse than heroin and crack cocaine when mixed with alcohol
A special report for @liverpoolecho.co.uk subscribers
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
A special report for @liverpoolecho.co.uk subscribers
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Police have been at the scene for three days after human remains were found @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Flowers laid at flats after man arrested for murder
Police have been at the scene for three days
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Police have been at the scene for three days after human remains were found @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
An inquest is to be held into the deaths of six people at a Runcorn care home
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
My mum couldn't speak for herself, she must have been in agony
An inquest is to be held into six deaths at the home
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 3:03 PM
An inquest is to be held into the deaths of six people at a Runcorn care home
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Police are at the scene after human remains were found at a block of flats @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Detectives remain at flats after human remains found
Police are at the scene after human remains were found at a block of flats
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Police are at the scene after human remains were found at a block of flats @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Blanks were allegedly fired at police during a foot chase @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Suspect named after 'shots fired' during police chase
Blanks were allegedly fired at police during a foot chase
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Blanks were allegedly fired at police during a foot chase @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Bogdan Popa was travelling from Liverpool to Scotland when he was killed in a crash @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Liverpool dad killed after lorry overturned in high winds
The lorry was hit by a strong gust of wind and rolled onto its side before crossing the metal barrier and ploughing into an oncoming car
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Bogdan Popa was travelling from Liverpool to Scotland when he was killed in a crash @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Weeds are bursting the tarmac, gates are rusting — what is next for this "prime" city centre site a decade after being described as the "best urban redevelopment opportunity outside London".
A premium article for the @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
A premium article for the @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Prime city site overlooking The Strand is decaying before our eyes
Weeds are bursting the tarmac, gates are rusting — what is next for this "prime" city centre site?
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Weeds are bursting the tarmac, gates are rusting — what is next for this "prime" city centre site a decade after being described as the "best urban redevelopment opportunity outside London".
A premium article for the @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
A premium article for the @liverpoolecho.co.uk
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Prime city site overlooking The Strand is decaying before our eyes
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Prime city site overlooking The Strand is decaying before our eyes
Weeds are bursting the tarmac, gates are rusting — what is next for this "prime" city centre site?
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:56 PM
Prime city site overlooking The Strand is decaying before our eyes
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
56 people will wake up at YMCA Wirral this Christmas morning
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Man was scared of spending Christmas alone after losing home
We visited one homeless shelter on Merseyside to find out how residents and staff will be spending Christmas
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 25, 2025 at 10:12 AM
56 people will wake up at YMCA Wirral this Christmas morning
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Eva Nolan lost daughter Keally aged 10 weeks in 1990
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Mum's tearful appeal as purse with precious photos dropped
Eva Nolan lost one of her only pictures of daughter Keally, who died aged just 10 weeks
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Eva Nolan lost daughter Keally aged 10 weeks in 1990
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
New Brighton legend Divyesh Patel was remarkably calm as he broke up the brawl.
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Blood 'all over' shop floor after mass brawl breaks out in street
Divyesh Patel was on his break when he heard shouting from the front of his shop
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 5:57 PM
New Brighton legend Divyesh Patel was remarkably calm as he broke up the brawl.
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Winter light on Formby Beach
December 8, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Winter light on Formby Beach
Claire Sayonas and her family, from Anfield, are homeless at Christmas after a house fire
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Family homeless at Christmas after devastating house fire
Mum-of-two Claire heard a "little pop" from the kitchen before smoke filled the house
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Claire Sayonas and her family, from Anfield, are homeless at Christmas after a house fire
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Harry Begg, 19, from Kirkby, was killed in Tenerife more than two weeks ago. Spanish police continue to investigate.
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Spanish probe into teen’s death ongoing after two weeks
Harry Begg was killed on December 1
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Harry Begg, 19, from Kirkby, was killed in Tenerife more than two weeks ago. Spanish police continue to investigate.
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Doyle sentenced to 21 years
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Paul Doyle sentenced to 21 years over LFC parade crash
Paul Doyle has been jailed for 21 years and six months after admitting a total of 31 charges, having driven his car into crowds of Liverpool FC fans during a victory parade
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Doyle sentenced to 21 years
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...