ST HELENS FATALITIES 1892 TO 1894

ST HELENS

Liverpool Mercury, January 27th 1892

Ice fatality near St Helens

Yesterday afternoon, Mr Brighouse county coroner held an inquest at the Rams Head Hotel, Haydock, St Helens on the bodies of twin brothers John and Martin HAVEY, aged 10, sons of Dominick HAVEY, a collier of 39 New Boston cottages, Haydock,. Who were drowned while skating on the ice on a pond near the New Boston Colliery of Messers Richard EVANS and Co, on Saturday morning, the father of the boys gave evidence that he had warned the boys about going on the ice as he did not think it was safe.

Richard MANNION a boy said that he and a companion were on the ice on Saturday morning when the two deceased boys came to skate. Shortly after they arrived witness said he heard the ice crack and he and his companion ran to the side. A minute or two later the ice broke and Martin fell into the water, John went to his assistance he to fell in. Witness then ran for the father.

Police Constable WALLBANK said he heard of the occurrence at about 9.30am. Steps were taken to recover the bodies, grappling irons being used. The body of John was recovered shortly before 12 midday, and Martin’s body was recovered at 5.30 pm. Accidentally drowned.

Jan 19th 1894 Manchester Times

Scaffold accident at St Helens

One man killed two injured

Between 10 and 11 am on Friday an accident occurred at Hardshaw Brook Works, St Helens at the United Alkali Co. Four men,, Richard ELLISON, Crab St, single, John LIVESLEY Peasley Cross, married, James COLQUITT, PARR St, married and Richard NORRIS, all employed by James LATHAM timber merchant were engaged in roofing a new building 80ft sq by 30ft high. The three men were together on some girders, when it gave way they were precipitated to the ground beneath, the timber falling on them. ELLISON was removed to the cottage hospital by horse-ambulance and LIVESLEY was carried home on the hand ambulance, COLQUITT walked home ELLISON whose head was badly injured died in the afternoon, NORRIS had a narrow escape. Dr REID and Dr JACKSON were quickly in attendance and rendered every, assistance to the unfortunate men.

Murderous outrage on a policeman

About 5.30pm on Saturday, just as darkness set in a murderous outrage was committed on a policeman named William SIMPSON at Eccleston, by it is alleged two colliers named Robert ARNOLD and Peter GRIFFITHS residing next door to each other at Watery Lane, Windle Moss, St Helens. SIMPSON who is in charge of the new police station at Eccleston, went to the home of GRIFFITHS to serve him with a summons for drunkenness. GRIFFITHS not being in he left the summons at the house, and just as he was leaving he met the prisoners coming to the house. He told GRIFFITHS about the summons and there was an altercation about it, the prisoners followed him to a lonely part of the road, where, it is alleged they seized him and threw him down, while ARNOLD the officer’s arms the other kicked him about the head and body with his clogs, making his head a mass of wounds.

GRIFFITHS had a rest and started kicking him again, after which they left the constable lying on the road. It took SIMPSON an hour to crawl home although the outrage took place about half a mile from his house. Dr BARLOW and Dr GREEN were summoned to him and on Sunday and Monday he was in a fainting condition. The two prisoners were arrested and admitted the offence. ARNOLD is married and GRIFFITHS is a St Helens man, who since the strike has been lodging next door to him. On Monday morning the depositions of the officer were taken in his bedroom in the presence of Mr A. WALMSLEY. COTHAM, J.P, the two prisoners and Supt HAVENDALE and Sgt SMITH. The prisoners were remanded until Monday. SIMPSON is a married man with four children.

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