It was another busy week for Lancashire’s emergency services as police, fire and ambulance crews dealt with a number of serious incidents across the region.
From a woman killed in an hit and run on the M6 to a man charged with stabbing his wife to death - these were the week’s tragic headlines...
5. 17-year-old killed in crash
A 17-year-old boy was killed in a crash on the A6 near Garstang.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Garstang Road, Claughton-on-Brock at around 2.05pm on Wednesday.
The crash involved a Toyota Aygo and a Lexmoto Diablo 125 motorbike, and the rider of the motorbike - a 17-year-old boy - was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
He sadly later died in hospital from his injuries.
The force is now appealing for any witnesses and those with dashcam footage to get in touch.
You can contact Lancashire Police on 101 or [email protected], quoting log 0759 of April 10.
6. Rugby coach guilty of assaulting 13-year-old autistic boy
A youth rugby coach was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison - suspended for a year - after pleading guilty to assaulting a 13-year-old autistic boy.
Lukasz Jacak Pajak, from Fleetwood, was charged with threatening behaviour and common assault against the young rugby player at a local sports facility in July 2022.
The offences were committed while Pajak was a coach for Fleetwood Rugby Union Club's junior team. He has since been excluded from the club.
The case went to trial at Manchester Magistrates’ Court where Mr Pajak pleaded guilty to both charges.
He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Mr Pajak was also ordered to pay compensation, as well as costs of £200, and told he must complete 20 ‘rehabilitation activity requirement days’.
The court also imposed a 24 month restraining order on Mr Pajak.
7. Teenager found with machetes, axe and knives in rucksack
A 17-year-old boy from Preston was arrested after three machetes, an axe, and a lock knife were found inside a rucksack dumped in a street in Blackpool.
Police officers were on foot patrol in Kent Road when they were made aware of a male who had left a rucksack on a nearby road.
After locating the rucksack on Bethesda Road, officers discovered three machetes, an axe, and a lock knife inside.
Officers located the teenager and, when searched, he was found to be in possession of a lock knife.
The 17-year-old, from Preston, was arrested for possession of a bladed article and taken into custody.
8. Quad bikers arrested after police chase
Two men were arrested after police chased a speeding quad bike through Thornton, Blackpool and Poulton on Sunday.
The police helicopter joined the search for the pair, with the pursuit beginning at the BP petrol station in Fleetwood Road North.
The speeding quad was chased as it headed towards Blackpool - weaving in and out of traffic as the police chopper gave chase using its night vision camera.
The chopper shone its spotlight on streets and fields as the chase continued into the early hours before the quad bike was brought to a stop near Baines School in High Cross Road, Poulton.
Lancashire Police said two suspects, aged 22 and 18, were arrested and taken into custody for interview.
A spokesperson for the force said: “A 22-year-old man and an 18-year-old man are in custody on suspicion of dangerous driving, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.”