Good afternoon, these are the latest lunchtime ECHO headlines.
Local elections 2022 LIVE: Merseyside results continue to come in after Labour lose key seats in Wirral
Results of local elections are coming in across Merseyside.
Voters went to the polls on Thursday May 5 in a crucial set of votes. There could be major change for wards across the region and the country.
Results were announced through the night in Sefton and Wirral. Today our reporters are at each count as today's focus moves to Knowsley and St Helens, with both councils counting and announcing results through the day.
READ MORE: Huge brawl breaks out onboard flight as arrests made on touchdown
Follow our live updates as counting continues.
Read the full blog here.
Liverpool kickboxer on explosives charge after Encrochat sting
A man was charged with conspiracy to possess explosives and drug offences.
Liam Chung, 36, from Netherley appeared at Liverpool Magistrates court on Thursday, May 5. Chung, a kickboxer, has been charged with conspiracy to possess explosives for an unlawful purpose, conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and possession of criminal property.
He is also charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and conspiracy to supply cannabis and amphetamine.
Read the full story here.
Liverpool University graduation disrupted as people evacuated
People attending a graduation ceremony in Liverpool were temporarily evacuated.
A spokesperson for the University of Liverpool said the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street was evacuated as a "precaution" due to "smell of gas outside."
The full statement said: "Due to a smell of gas outside the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, the building has been temporarily evacuated for precaution. We are very sorry for the disruption to this morning's graduation ceremony and we’re working hard to resolve this. As soon as we have more info we'll update you."
Read the full story here.
