Good evening, these are the latest ECHO headlines on Friday, March 18.
Suspect named after Everton FC pitch invasion during Newcastle clash
A suspected pitch invader has been named by police after a man tied himself to a goal post during Everton's clash with Newcastle.
READ MORE: Vehicle smashes into Co-op as cash machine targeted in 'ram raid'
Police took two men into custody during Everton's Premier League match against Newcastle on Thursday night. Merseyside Police said they were made aware of a man disrupting the match at Goodison Park at around 8.55pm.
The man ran onto the pitch and tied himself to the goal post at the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End. He was removed from the pitch and arrested on Thursday night. Merseyside Police has now confirmed a 21-year-old man from Weymouth has been charged following a pitch invasion.
P&O Ferries break silence with lengthy statement after 800 workers axed
P&O Ferries have broken their silence after making the decision to sack 800 staff on the spot.
Nearly a quarter of P&O Ferries' employees were told via a video message on Thursday that it was their "final day of employment". The company will use an agency to keep their ferries running and current staff will be able to apply to the agency for work.
The cruise line firm cancelled all services for the next few days and yesterday created global headlines as various unions and MPs condemned their actions, MirrorOnline reports. A protest was held at the Main Liverpool Port entrance at 1pm on Friday.
Now the company have finally spoken out as they released a statement, saying it was a "difficult decision" to make.
Family of Gerry Marsden 'honoured' as hundreds celebrate music legend's life
The family of singer-songwriter Gerry Marsden said they were "honoured" as hundreds celebrated his life at a memorial service.
The Toxteth -born frontman of Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers died in January last year at the age of 78, after being diagnosed with a blood infection in his heart. Due to the covid pandemic, only a small private funeral could be held following Gerry's death and his legions of fans were unable to pay their respects to him.
Gerry’s family allocated several hundred tickets to the public for a memorial service, which took place at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral today. Among those attending were Liverpool FC legends Jamie Carragher and Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool City Region and Manchester Metro Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, and former boxing champion John Conteh.
Ahead of the service, daughter Yvette on behalf of her sister Vicky and all the family said they wanted the service to be a "true celebration" of their dad's life.
Speaking to the ECHO, she said: "It is a huge honour, we realise we are very, very lucky to be able to do this for dad. We can't believe how many want to attend, it's obviously going to be very emotional, both happy and sad all in one.
"And how lovely we can hold this in the cathedral which he loved so much. Literally just down the road from where he was brought up."
