Good evening, these are the latest ECHO headlines on Thursday, April 7.
Grand National 2022: Watch as merry racegoers start singing and dancing at Aintree
People have returned to the Grand National festival for the first time in three years, and the atmosphere has been electric.
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While the weather wasn't what racegoers were hoping for, nobody seemed to let it dampen their spirits. People grabbed their umbrellas and were determined to have a good time regardless.
One of the key events in Liverpool's social calendar, the opening day of the Grand National Festival 2022 kicks off three full days of world-famous racing. Ladies' Day will take place on Friday, before the headline event on Saturday.
The atmosphere has been fantastic, with people clearly wanting to make up for lost time due to the pandemic. And of course, plenty of people have backed winners, too.
Mum may have to leave son behind after passport delay puts £2,000 holiday in jeopardy
A mum "can't stop crying" at the thought of leaving her son behind if his passport doesn't arrive in time for their holiday.
Helen Burns, from Huyton, has spent the last three years saving for a holiday to Croatia to celebrate her 40th birthday with her husband Patrick Towey, 39, and their son Thomas Towey, 12. The family is due to fly to Dubrovnik from Manchester Airport on Saturday, April 9th, but their plans could now be in jeopardy due to delays in the arrival of Thomas' passport.
Helen applied to renew her son's passport on February 6th and claims she was told it would take four-six weeks to arrive. However, after getting a friend, who works as a teacher, to countersign the application, Helen said she received an email on March 7th to say it did not meet the requirements and she would need to get someone else to sign it.
Helen said she was then told the passport could take up to ten weeks to arrive. HM Passport Office said following delays to passport applications during the coronavirus pandemic, it has advised people since April 2021 to allow up to ten weeks to get their passport.
Two people stabbed in house as suspects flee on bikes
At around 10.40am it was reported there was a disturbance at a house on Mulberry Road in Rock Ferry during which two people were stabbed and a window smashed. A 38-year-old man received serious injuries to his leg and head which are not believed to be life-threatening.
A 29-year-old woman sustained minor wounds to her arms. They have been taken to hospital for treatment. The suspects rode off on bikes on to Old Chester Road towards Green Lane.
A cordon was in place at both ends of the street today. Forensic officers were also seen working behind police tape on the road and putting evidence into bags. A number of police cars were also in attendance and eyewitnesses said they saw two ambulances also. An investigation is underway including witness, CCTV and forensic enquiries which are being carried out in the local area.
