These are the latest ECHO headlines this morning.
Local elections 2022 LIVE: Merseyside results as Labour lose key Wirral seats
Counting is now underway across Merseyside for this year's local elections.
Voting took place across the region and the country today in what could be a crucial set of votes. The result of today's polls could have major ramifications both locally and nationally.
Ballot boxes have now arrived at counts in Wirral and Sefton. Our reporters are stationed and ready to bring you all the results and reaction as they happen.
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As well as being important locally, today's votes will also be a major test for both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer. Mr Johnson has been dogged by party-gate scandals and many see these votes as a key test for his leadership.
Equally, the Labour leader will be keen to show that his party have the confidence of the country as they prepare for a General Election in the next couple of years. These local elections could have a profound impact on the national political picture.
We will have live updates running through the night and into tomorrow. Follow our live coverage for all the vital updates, results and information for what will be a crucial set of elections.
Follow our live coverage here.
Police officer in fresh WhatsApp breach after sharing 'inappropriate video'
A Merseyside Police officer is set to face a misconduct hearing after sharing an "inappropriate video" on WhatsApp.
The PC, named as Constable Brown, is alleged to have breached standards of professional behaviour relating to "authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct". According to a notice posted on the police website PC Brown was taking part in an online training session when the incident occurred.
The notice states: "Constable 3277 Brown will appear before this hearing for breaching the standards of professional behaviour, namely, authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.
"The officer will face allegations that on Tuesday 28 September 2021, he was on duty engaged in an online training session and posted an inappropriate video on a group WhatsApp that has been seen by two colleagues."
Ava White murder trial jury to be sworn in today
The trial of a teenage boy accused of the murder of 12-year-old Ava White will formally begin today ahead of the prosecution opening next week.
Ava was stabbed on the evening of Thursday, November 25 last year after visiting Liverpool city centre with friends to watch the Christmas lights being turned on. Police said she was involved in a "verbal argument" in Church Alley, off Church Street, which escalated into an "assault on her with a knife", at around 8.35pm.
Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, but died a short time later from what a post-mortem examination found was a single stab wound to her neck. A 14-year-old boy, from South Liverpool, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, was arrested and charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon.
The boy denies murder. He has previously admitted having an offensive weapon - a knife - "without lawful authority or reasonable excuse" in the street where Ava was killed.
