Story Highlight
– Jay Slater’s inquest ruled accidental death in Tenerife.
– Four-year-old Eli Testa killed by falling gravestone.
– EG Group relocates headquarters to North Carolina, USA.
– Man jailed for raping 12-year-old girl, 16 years sentence.
– £2 million donation made to East Lancashire hospital charity.
Full Story
**Highlights of East Lancashire News: Key Stories from July to December 2025**
In the second half of 2025, East Lancashire experienced a myriad of significant events, with numerous stories impacting the local community. This report summarises key incidents and developments that shaped the latter part of the year.
**July**
**Inquest into Jay Slater’s Death**
The inquest into the tragic death of Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, was held in July. He perished following a fall of approximately 25 metres into a secluded ravine while in Tenerife. Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley concluded that the death was accidental, with no foul play involved. Eyewitnesses testified about Slater’s activities prior to the incident, which occurred shortly after he attended the NRG music festival. Friends recounted that the group had been socialising and drinking on the evening of June 16, leading up to the accident.
**Tragic Incident in Rawtenstall Cemetery**
In a heartbreaking event, four-year-old Eli Testa lost his life when a gravestone fell on him in a Rawtenstall cemetery. Initial reports indicated that paramedics provided extensive life support at the scene before transporting him to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators suspected that the child sustained a severe brain injury. An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident was launched, with the Health and Safety Executive looking into the matter for any potential violations.
**August**
**EG Group Relocates to the United States**
The economic landscape of Blackburn shifted dramatically when EG Group, a significant employer in the area, announced its decision to relocate operations to Charlotte, North Carolina. Having been established in the town for 24 years by founders Mohsin and Zuber Issa, the company’s move was attributed to the concentration of essential staff in the US for finance and legal purposes. Consequently, the corporate headquarters will now shift to Bolton, marking an end of an era for local employment.
**Fatal Incident in Witton Country Park**
Another sad loss was reported following the death of 32-year-old Madia Kauser, who was tragically fatally injured by a falling branch while walking in Witton Country Park with her family on August 11. Following this incident, the Health and Safety Executive imposed an improvement notice on the local council, indicating the seriousness of the events leading to her death.
**September**
**Dog Abandonment Sparks Arrests**
Two individuals were apprehended in connection with the distressing abandonment of a dog, which was discovered in a plastic bag submerged in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Brierfield. Thanks to the swift action of emergency services, the animal was successfully rescued from the waterway. A 33-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested on charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, with the RSPCA continuing to lead the investigation.
**Blackburn Rovers and the Lancashire Telegraph Ban**
In a significant move, Blackburn Rovers Football Club banned the Lancashire Telegraph from its premises, citing grievances regarding the newspaper’s reporting, particularly concerning player transfers. The club expressed dissatisfaction with the coverage from their correspondent Elliott Jackson. The Lancashire Telegraph defended their journalist’s integrity, arguing that the reports were fair and professional. Ongoing communications between the club and the newspaper are expected as both parties address the situation.
**October**
**Conviction of Dylan Sherratt for Rape**
A 23-year-old man from Colne was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Dylan Sherratt was accused of coercing the victim into sending explicit photos and meeting him under deceptive pretenses. At Burnley Crown Court, it was revealed that he had expertly manipulated the situation, leading to his conviction and an extended sentence totalling 16 years and 10 months, comprising both prison time and a license period.
**Trade Union Advocates for RAF Procurement**
Amidst military procurement discussions, the trade union Unite called on the UK government to initiate the purchase of new Eurofighter Typhoon jets from BAE Systems, which has operations based in Samlesbury. Following a substantial £8 billion contract to supply jets to Turkey, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham underscored the urgency for the RAF to also secure new aircraft promptly to maintain operational capabilities.
**November**
**Manslaughter Verdict in Kirk Marsden Case**
James Ward, a 27-year-old, was found guilty of manslaughter after his involvement in the death of Kirk Marsden, who was fatally struck by a vehicle on Christmas Day. Witness testimony revealed a chaotic scene outside The Gate Bar and Grill, where a dispute over a gold chain escalated quickly. Ward pleaded not guilty, claiming the incident was accidental due to a confrontation involving a pool cue. However, the jury at Preston Crown Court reached a unanimous decision to convict him.
**Major Donation to Local Hospital Charity**
A historic £2 million donation to the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust charity has been announced, poised to benefit patients and families across the region. This remarkable contribution from The Kay Family Foundation marks the most significant such gift in the charity’s history. The funds aim to enhance patient care and support within local hospitals. Chief Executive of the Trust, Martin Hodgson, highlighted the transformative impact of this donation, expressing gratitude for the Foundation’s commitment to the community.
**December**
**Jail Sentence for Fraudulent Universal Credit Claims**
Rafiq Master, a 49-year-old DWP employee, was sentenced to two years and eight months for fraudulently manipulating Universal Credit payments totalling £51,000. This fraudulent activity occurred between April 2019 and July 2021, involving false claims linked to him and multiple victims. Master illicitly transferred funds into personal bank accounts using stolen identities, leading to serious repercussions upon discovery.
**Purchase of Jack’s Key Lodge Secured by Council**
The Blackburn with Darwen Council completed the acquisition of Jack’s Key Lodge, ensuring its preservation for community enjoyment and ecological integrity. Originally a site featuring a boating lake and reservoir, the area has transitioned into an ecological sanctuary, with the council stepping in to maintain its conservation following its auction by The Crown Estate. The site was revitalised in 2017 through significant investment aimed at enhancing its natural habitat.
These stories reflect a diverse range of events that have touched the lives of residents in East Lancashire during the latter half of 2025, showcasing resilience, community concern, and dedication to local issues.
Our Thoughts
The articles highlight several incidents that raise important health and safety considerations under UK legislation.
1. **Falling Gravestone Incident**: The tragic death of Eli Testa from a falling gravestone signals potential breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, particularly concerning the maintenance and risk assessment of cemetery grounds. Regular inspections and ensured stability of gravestones could have prevented this incident. Implementing strict guidelines for cemetery management regarding headstone safety would be essential moving forward.
2. **Falling Branch Incident**: The death of Madia Kauser due to a falling branch at Witton Country Park suggests possible negligence in tree management, violating the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. The council should have conducted routine safety assessments on trees, identifying hazards before they lead to accidents. Enhanced monitoring and maintenance of trees in public areas could mitigate such risks in the future.
In both cases, comprehensive risk assessments, ongoing maintenance, and adherence to health and safety regulations could prevent similar tragedies.
