Eye on Southport
Southport and Sefton local briefing — 20 August 2026
Here’s your latest round-up of local news, community updates, emergency appeals, sport and entertainment from across Southport and Sefton.
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Man arrested after £3,000 bike stolen in Southport is found in Preston
A £3,000 gold and green pedal bike taken from a Southport shed was tracked to Preston using an Apple AirTag. Lancashire Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of burglary; he has since been bailed with conditions. Merseyside Police is also promoting burglary-prevention advice through its ‘Think Like a Thief’ campaign.
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Andy Burnham pledges route off streets for rough sleepers by Christmas
The government has announced £442 million to provide accommodation and support for people sleeping rough, with the aim of offering everyone a route off the streets by Christmas. Plans include more than 1,000 settled homes over three years, local authority support, specialist provision for women and funding for community organisations.
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Police appeal for help to find missing 16-year-old in Southport
Police are appealing for information to locate 16-year-old Abdul Almurjini, who was last seen late on Monday 17 August in the Southport area. He is described as 5ft 10in, heavily built, with shoulder-length dark brown hair, and is known to visit Wirral, Southport and Aigburth Road.
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Southport score twice in added time to draw at Hednesford
Southport rescued a 2-2 draw at Hednesford with two goals in added time. Dylan Mottley-Henry and Lenni Cirino put the hosts two ahead, before substitute Daniel Ogwuru reduced the deficit in the 91st minute. Sol Solomon equalised in the 95th, earning the visiting Sandgrounders another point before 2,359 spectators.
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New MySefton podcast launches with Southport Air Show ticket competition
The first MySefton News Podcast is now available across listening platforms and smart speakers, covering local events, Sefton’s Local Plan, the Marine Lake Events Centre and library activities. Listeners can enter a competition for a Southport Air Show family pass and a Southport Market voucher by following instructions in the episode.
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More than 15,000 people attend 2026 Salt and Tar Festival in Bootle
Organisers say more than 15,000 people attended the five-day Salt and Tar Music Festival at Bootle’s Lock & Quay from 13 to 17 August. Performances included Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Billy Ocean, The Waterboys and The Saw Doctors, alongside local artists, businesses, students and volunteers. The event is expected to return in 2027.
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