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A search is underway for a man who disappeared from his home in Preston two weeks ago.

James McDonald, 23, was last seen at home on Monday, September 28, say police.

Although he has family ties in the Garstang area, officers investigating his disappearance say they believe he has driven to London in his silver Ford Fiesta.

Police say they believe this to be the case after they checked the vehicle’s records and found that his car has since been sold in London.

His family’s concern for his welfare prompted them to report the 23-year-old missing on Sunday, October 11.

A police spokesman said: “We are concerned regarding the whereabouts of James McDonald, 23 years of age, who has been missing from his family since September 28 at his home address in Preston.

“He does have family ties in the Garstang area.

“But we believe he may have travelled as far as London but have little information beyond there. He has travelled in his Silver Ford Fiesta which we believe was sold in London.

“We would urge anyone who has seen or spoken with James or knows where he may be to contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20201011-1686.”

Due to a road traffic collision, the 7.55am service 20 from Staining to Blackpool will be running approximately 20 minutes late.

Boris Johnson said the UK is becoming “better and better” at fighting the virus, but that the months ahead will “test the mettle” of the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister said agreement has been reached with leaders in Merseyside, explaining it will be in the “very high alert” level from Wednesday – with gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos also closing.

Mr Johnson said: “Engagement with other leaders in the North West, the North East and Yorkshire and Humber is continuing.

Mr Johnson said: “We will now simplify and standardise our local rules, by introducing a three tiered system of local covid alert levels in England set at  medium, high and very high.

“The medium alert level will cover most of the country and will consist of the current national measures, this includes the rule of six and the closure of hospitality at 10pm.

“The high alert level reflects the interventions in many local areas at the moment.

“This primarily aims to reduce household to household transmission by preventing all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors. In these areas the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors where it is harder for the virus to spread in public spaces as well as private gardens.”

Boris Johnson warned that there are more people in hospital with coronavirus than when the country first went into lockdown and that deaths are rising.

Making a statement in the Commons, the Prime Minister said: “This morning, the deputy chief medical officer set out the stark reality of the second wave of this virus.

“The number of cases has quadrupled in the last three weeks, there are now more people in hospital with Covid than when we went into lockdown on March 23 and deaths are already rising.”

England will be placed into “medium”, “high” and “very high” alert levels under the new restrictions, Boris Johnson has announced.

England will be placed into “medium”, “high” and “very high” alert levels under the new restrictions, Boris Johnson has announced. 

Areas listed as medium will be subject to the same rules as those which currently apply across the country, such as the rule of six and the 10pm hospitality curfew. 

In the high alert level, which will apply to most of the areas already subject to restrictions, household mixing will be banned indoors. Support bubbles will still be permitted, however. 

The very high alert level will apply to areas causing the most concern, and social mixing will be prohibited indoors and in private gardens. 

Pubs and bars will be closed in the very high alert level areas unless they can operate as a restaurant. People will also be advised against travel in and out of the areas.

Two fire engines from Blackpool and South Shore rushed to tackle a house blaze in Crossland Road at around 1.53pm today (October 12).

Firefighters deployed four breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the flames.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed crews are still in attendance and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

An urgent search for a missing pensioner in Blackpool has been called of after the 76-year-old was found safe at her home.

Barbara Janka, 76, was reported missing yesterday (Sunday, October 11) after she was last seen at a home in Hilton Avenue, off Lytham Road, in South Shore.

But this morning (Monday, October 12), a spokesman for Lancashire Police confirmed that Mrs Janka has returned home safe.

The force said: “Missing Barbara Janka, 76, from Blackpool has returned to her home address and is safe and well.

“Thanks to everyone who shared and responded to our appeal!”

On Sunday evening, police shared a missing person’s appeal, saying they were “very concerned” for Mrs Janka’s welfare.

Officers had begun an urgent search for her around Blackpool and her picture was circulated by Lancashire Police on social media.

The force had asked anyone who might spot Barbara to call 999 immediately.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – 260 (Three deaths recorded on October 11)

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust – 226 (One death recorded on October 9)

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – 263 (Most recent death recorded on October 10)

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust* – 187 (Two deaths recorded on October 10)

* Note: As well as the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, this trust also runs two hospitals outside Lancashire – Furness General Hospital, in Barrow, and Westmorland General Hospital, in Kendal – so it is not possible to say how many of the deaths were in Lancashire.

A man suspected of breaking into a home in Adlington, near Chorley, is wanted by police.

CCTV images have been shared which allegedly show the thief targeting homes and cars on a housing estate near Adlington train station in the early hours of September 25.

The incidents occurred at around 2.30am in Grove Farm Drive, when a house was broken into and a handbag and a quantity of cash stolen.

Police say the thief then attempted to gain entry to other houses and cars on the same road, with a man filmed on home security cameras trying door handles.

CCTV footage appears to show the suspect wearing dark clothing and a face covering and carrying a dark-coloured backpack with grey panels, red adjusting straps and red trim. 

PC Tim Phillips, of Chorley Police, said: “We appreciate that these incidents will have caused a great deal of concern among residents and we would like to reassure those in the area that we are working hard to establish who is responsible.

“As part of our enquiries we would now like to speak to the man in the CCTV images and are asking anybody who recognises him or knows who he may be to get in touch with us straight away. Perhaps you recognise his clothing or the bag he is carrying.

“We would also like to hear from anybody in the area with CCTV or dashcam footage or anybody who has any other information.”

He added: “Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home so this is also a timely reminder to secure your doors and windows to make it harder for thieves.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting log number 146 of September 25.

Preston’s French Connection store has ceased trading with immediate effect after more than 20 years on the city’s high street.

The fashion retailer in Miller Arcade, Church Street served its last customers on Sunday (October 11) before closing the store for good.

The retailer has not given a reason for the closure at this stage, but staff were told of the company’s plans to close the Preston store in August.

The store held a closing down sale throughout September and into October, but management had not confirmed when the store would officially close.

In July, French Connection announced that it had secured £15million in cash funding after the company said it was struggling with reduced sales due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, customers who are signed up to its newsletter were informed of the sudden closure and directed to its Manchester store for future shopping trips.

The email said: “The doors to our Preston store have now closed, but it’s definitely not goodbye.

“We know you have loved coming into our Preston store and thank you for visiting us over the years.

“We will miss seeing you, so do come and say hello to our team at your nearest store in Manchester.”

The company was founded in the early 1970s by Stephen Marks, who is chairman and chief executive of the fashion business.

French Connection has been approached for comment.