As the New Year approaches, we reflect on some of the most tragic and shocking news stories of the year:
9. Bogus taxi driver raped women after tricking them into his car
Nazim Asmal lured the women into his vehicle as they made their way home from nights out by leading them to believe he was a taxi driver. He then drove them to remote locations before subjecting them to serious sexual assaults. Detectives identified Asmal after his black Toyota Yaris was picked up on CCTV cameras. Asmal, 34, now of no fixed address but formerly Balaclava Street, Blackburn, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday (November 17. He pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and was remanded into custody to be sentenced at the same court on the February 13, 2024. Photo: Lancashire Police
10. Girl, 6, dies after being hit by van
Millie Gribble, 6, died two days after she and two teenagers were struck by a van in Garstang Road on Tuesday (August 15). A 59-year-old man, from Nateby, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was later released under investigation while enquiries continued. Millie's family said she was "funny, clever, energetic and full of life". In an emotional tribute, her family said: "Millie was not only an amazing little girl, she was a precious daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend but most importantly she was a priceless gift to us all." A 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were also injured in the collision. Photo: Contributed
11. Woman left needing surgery after suffering serious head injury in assault outside hotel
The shocking incident occurred outside of Trades Hotel in Lord Street, Blackpool, in the early hours of September 10. A group of people were sitting outside of the hotel when another group walked past, one of whom is thought to have hit a car. When challenged, the offender approached the victim before punching her so hard that she lost a tooth and fell backwards unconscious. The victim, a 61-year-old woman, suffered a very serious head injury which required plastic surgery. Anyone with information should call 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/, quoting log number 0007 of September 10. Photo: Lancashire Police
12. Man dies month after town centre assault
Mr Harley, 53, from Blackpool, was assaulted in Church Street in the town centre at around 8.35pm on Sunday, February 19. Known to his friends as Archie, he suffered a serious head injury and was left severely brain damaged. He was in a critical condition at Royal Preston Hospital for a month before he passed away on March 17. Photo: Blackpool Gazette