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Jonny Blackburn

@echoblackburn.bsky.social
109 followers 87 following 75 posts

Investigations and campaigns reporter for the Liverpool Echo. Email: jon.blackburn@liverpoolecho.co.uk

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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Arguments have raged in Hoylake's pubs, spats have played out on social media and slogans have appeared around the town www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Pub rows, slogans and Shrek banners: Inside town's seven-year beach battle
Arguments have raged in Hoylake's pubs, spats have played out on social media and slogans have appeared around the town
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Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Important investigation by @echoblackburn.bsky.social into the worrying situation at Merseycare's main mental health trust
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Mersey Care 'falling apart' as staff face 'daily attacks' from patients
More than 3,000 assaults were recorded in the past year as staff describe the Trust's mental health hospitals as "chaotic and dangerous"
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Eclipse glasses Liverpool shop 'couldn't sell enough of' could be unsuitable for use, opticians say
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Eclipse glasses shop sold out of could be unsuitable, opticians say
Inventor Jim Sharp said he was confident the glasses would provide effective protection but added "If people are worried, don't use them"
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Sylvia Hall, custodian of Paul McCartney's childhood home for a decade, has written her first play aged 77 about a cruelly-treated figure pivotal to The Beatles' story
liverpoolecho.co.uk
I spoke to Paul McCartney on his birthday at his old home with Jon Bon Jovi
The 'Livin’ on a Prayer' singer called neighbour Paul on his birthday, and put Sylvia Hall on the line
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
A row broke out over the government's attempts to buy up land for Northern Powerhouse Rail www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Liverpool to Manchester rail link row set for High Court
A row broke out over the government's attempts to buy up land for Northern Powerhouse Rail
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
A report into the death of prisoner Aaron Taylor at HMP Garth identified a "missed opportunity" in the weeks before he died, and show how a prison officer falsified records after failing to perform checks
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'Missed opportunity' and falsified records in prisoner death
Aaron Taylor, 32, died after taking his own life at the prison
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Mum-of-two Donna Pope used a company card for easyJet flights, Malaga hotels and takeaways while her boss battled terminal cancer www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Fraudster mum spent £50k on flights, hotels and takeaways
Mum-of-two Donna Pope used a company card for easyJet flights, Malaga hotels and takeaways
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
People gathered in Birkenhead today to remember Diane Sindall on the 40th anniversary of her murder
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Former taxi driver's memory of seeing Diane 'lives with him all the time'
People gathered in Birkenhead today to remember Diane Sindall on the 40th anniversary of her murder
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
People with dementia 'up in arms' over Alzheimer's Society decision www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
People with dementia 'up in arms' over Alzheimer's Society decision
Charity chief tells the ECHO "People living with, and affected by, dementia are absolutely at the heart of everything we do"
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
@liverpoolecho.co.uk Police raided a large former orphanage used as a headquarters by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Nine arrested in religious group 'sex offences and slavery' raid
Police raided a large former orphanage used as a headquarters by the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Today's @liverpoolecho.co.uk front page includes my reporting on Love, Jasmine. The charity, which supports bereaved parents, warns it could close as soon as Christmas after grant funding was not renewed. Read the full story here: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Front page of the Liverpool ECHO, 29/04/26
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
@liverpoolecho.co.uk Ali Abdullah, 18, was arrested along with two other city men as he walked through rural forest in Maine
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Liverpool man pleads guilty to sneaking across US border
Ali Abdullah, 18, was arrested along with two other city men as he walked through rural forest in Maine
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
@liverpoolecho.co.uk 500 police descended on a former orphanage home to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light this morning
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Religious group raided over alleged sex and slavery offences
500 police descended on a former orphanage home to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
@liverpoolecho.co.uk splash: 'My son was killed and his heart is still in Spain - don’t let him be forgotten' Full story here: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
The front page of the Liverpool ECHO. April 20, 2026
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Mohammed Saleh, 22, was detained by US border authorities along with two other Liverpudlians — and right-wing media quickly picked up on the story www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'Fake news is devastating' for family of Liverpool man detained in US
Mohammed Saleh, 22, was detained by US border authorities along with two other Liverpudlians — and right-wing media quickly picked up on the story
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Residents at this Knotty Ash care home were left with "extremely long toenails" and were only showered once a month @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Elderly people left 'starving' in bed at care home
Residents were left with "extremely long toenails" and were only showered once a month
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Use Signal to contact me securely. signal.me#eu/fO-zpdPlt...
signal.me
Signal Messenger Contact
Follow this link to message on Signal.
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
You can use Signal to contact me privately at JonBlackburn.65 signal.me#eu/fO-zpdPlt...
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Resident doctors are heading for their longest walk-out so far @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Advice to cancer patients as doctors stage longest strike
Resident doctors are to stage their 15th round of strike action after the long Easter weekend
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
We received several letters from worried staff at the university @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Claims university staff 'looking for way out' after leadership changes
The university says it recognises change "can be challenging" but vows to work with staff over concerns
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
The refinery breached environmental permits with chemical dumps into Wirral waterways
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Outrage over 491 'deeply alarming' oil refinery breaches
Oil, cyanide, phenol and diisopropylamine was dumped into waterways on the Wirral
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
We heard from people living around this prominent Toxteth landmark as it crumbles
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Disgust as 'Welsh Cathedral' in ruins and future uncertain
Once Liverpool’s tallest building, the church was sold to private developers in 2022, who promised to “transform the Welsh Church into a space that can be treasured by the community for generations to...
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Andrew Pritchard was once the most prolific drug smuggler in the UK. He now works to keep young people out of gangs and help ex-cons rebuild their lives. He shared memories of his prison friendship with Curtis Warren when he spoke to the @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'UK Escobar's' close prison life with 'wonderful' Curtis Warren
Andrew Pritchard was once Britain's biggest drug smuggler
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Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Brian Mann @brianmannadk.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
THREAD: What is journalism, why does it matter and why is it threatened in the US? Fundamentally journalism is an art based on the humanist idea that smart humans live their best lives when they begin with open questions and seek factual answers. 1/
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
David Stern made disparaging comments about Liverpool to Jeffrey Epstein while the convicted paedophile, human trafficker and rapist was in the city. Stern was a close aide of former Prince Andrew. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Andrew aide's Liverpool slur in emails with disgraced Jeffrey Epstein
Andrew aide told Epstein: "Do NOT get out at Liverpool: P is horrendous!!!!!!"
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Fascinating reporting and brilliantly told by @elliotlivecho.bsky.social
liverpoolecho.co.uk
We found one of UK’s biggest ever illegal waste dumps
A Liverpool ECHO investigation has unearthed "utterly shocking criminal activity”, causing serious concerns about the potential health impacts on the local community, and the enormous cost it will tak...
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Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
I've been working on this investigation for four months. It has taken a huge amount of effort amid ongoing legal battles. One of the most fascinating tales I've ever covered. This is a premium article because we hope it shows the kind of detailed investigative journalism people will pay for.
liverpoolecho.co.uk
A friendly neighbour, a famous painting and an investment gone wrong
Special investigation: Three men claim they were promised grand returns on art deals pitched by their neighbour and friend that never materialised. The police said there was no case to answer
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Harry Begg was killed in an alleged hit-and-run in Tenerife. Hours before his funeral, mum Nicola was told by the Spanish coroner that they still had Harry’s heart. She told me: “The biggest part of Harry is stuck in Tenerife, where he was left like a dog to die in the road.” @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Harry was left to die in the street and buried without his heart
Harry Begg, 19, was buried without his heart, which is being kept by Spanish authorities
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
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
liverpoolecho.co.uk
We spoke to people using 47p pill 'worse than heroin'
Pregabalin was described &quot;<span id="docs-internal-guid-2c0aff21-7fff-4558-9efa-60695094464d">very easy to get, really dangerous, and addictive&quot;</span>
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Police still on street 12 days after house raided in 'human remains' probe @liverpoolecho.co.uk
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Police remain days after house raided in 'human remains' probe
A house on Douglas Road was raided on January 8 in a probe linked to human remains allegedly found in St Helens
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
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
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"
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Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Common sense finally prevails
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
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
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
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
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Penny Lane bus shelter, made world-famous by The Beatles, has stood empty for 23 years. We asked the owner why. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
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."
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
The famous Penny Lane bus shelter has been empty for 23 years. For the first time, the ECHO was allowed inside. @liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
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
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."
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
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
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
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...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Police have been at the scene for three days after human remains were found @liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Flowers laid at flats after man arrested for murder
Police have been at the scene for three days
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
An inquest is to be held into the deaths of six people at a Runcorn care home www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Police are at the scene after human remains were found at a block of flats @liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Detectives remain at flats after human remains found
Police are at the scene after human remains were found at a block of flats
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Blanks were allegedly fired at police during a foot chase @liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Suspect named after 'shots fired' during police chase
Blanks were allegedly fired at police during a foot chase
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Bogdan Popa was travelling from Liverpool to Scotland when he was killed in a crash @liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
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...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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?
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Prime city site overlooking The Strand is decaying before our eyes www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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?
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
56 people will wake up at YMCA Wirral this Christmas morning www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Eva Nolan lost daughter Keally aged 10 weeks in 1990 www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Jonny Blackburn @echoblackburn.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
New Brighton legend Divyesh Patel was remarkably calm as he broke up the brawl. www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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
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Reposted by Jonny Blackburn
Colin Lane @snapperlane.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Winter light on Formby Beach
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