Live updates for Merseyside and west Cheshire have finished for the day, but we'll be back from 08:00 on Thursday with more of the day's news, sport, travel and weather.
It will be rainy overnight ahead of strong winds in the morning with the expected arrival Storm Doris. Temperatures will be about 7C.
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Man, 22, charged over Liverpool New Year's Day stabbing
A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with stabbing another man in Seel Street in Liverpool City Centre on New Year's Day - he will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 22 March.
If Wayne Rooney is heading to China then where is his most likely destination?
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As it stands, there are potentially only three clubs with the necessary financial clout and space in their squad to pull off such a deal.
The Chinese Football Association recently introduced a rule which only allows three foreigners in a club's match-day squad. Teams can have a maximum of five foreign players in their overall squad, which includes one drawn from another Asian country.
Reasons why hospital trust investigation took so long must be made public, MP says
The whistle-blowing accusations that led to the sackings of senior figures at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital and the reasons why the investigation into them took so long should be made public, West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has said.
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Jonathan Parry, the chief executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, was suspended on full pay last year for gross misconduct following complaints from whistleblowers and later dismissed, while Sharon Partington, director of human resources retired before allegations about her were ruled upon.
The decision to dismiss both has been upheld after an appeal, which Ms Cooper said she was "pleased" about, but she added she had written to the hospital trust "requesting that they now take the opportunity to answer all the outstanding questions on this case".
Quote Message: For a start, what are the accusations leading to disciplinary action and dismissals? Why was the process so lengthy? And what is the cost of the investigation and disciplinary action?
For a start, what are the accusations leading to disciplinary action and dismissals? Why was the process so lengthy? And what is the cost of the investigation and disciplinary action?
Quote Message: As a taxpayer-funded service, there are legitimate public interest concerns the trust has to satisfactorily address and I would encourage them to do so in as open and transparent a way as possible.
As a taxpayer-funded service, there are legitimate public interest concerns the trust has to satisfactorily address and I would encourage them to do so in as open and transparent a way as possible.
Envelope update
Severe disruption: M53 Merseyside northbound
BBC News Travel
M53 Merseyside northbound severe disruption, between J4 for A5137 and J3 for A552.
M53 Merseyside - One lane closed and slow traffic on M53 northbound between J4, A5137 (Bebington) and J3, A552 (Woodchurch), because of a broken down vehicle.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Video caption: UKIP donor explains why he sticks by his ‘sick to death’ Hillsborough tweetsUKIP donor explains why he sticks by his ‘sick to death’ Hillsborough tweets
Arron Banks posted the remarks last week after UKIP chief Paul Nuttall apologised for false claims he lost close friends in the 1989 tragedy.
He told BBC Radio 5 live: "I know the people up in Liverpool probably get hot under the collar for those comments, but... I stick by what I said."
He also accused Labour of "politicising" the disaster.
Southport and Ormskirk hospital sackings upheld after appeal
The sacking of a hospital trust chief executive and director of human resources has been upheld after an appeal.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS TrustCopyright: Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust
Jonathan Parry, the chief executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, was suspended on full pay last year for gross misconduct following complaints from whistleblowers and later dismissed.
The director of human resources Sharon Partington retired from the trust before the end of the disciplinary procedure, but a panel found had she stayed, she would have been dismissed.
An independent panel reviewing the dismissals as part of an appeal process found both decision to be correct.
Liverpool mayor tweets letter sent to Home Secretary
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has tweeted a letter he has written to Home Secretary Amber Rudd demanding "an urgent investigation" into the escape of convicted murderer Shaun Walmsley from Aintree University Hospital yesterday.
Walmsley, 28, was getting into the cab with prison officers at the time of the escape.
The getaway car, a gold-coloured Volvo, had lain in wait in a road near the hospital, police said.
Merseyside PoliceCopyright: Merseyside Police
Police have released images of the getaway car and asked anyone with information to get in touch.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has called for an "immediate inquiry" into what happened.
Three-year football ban for man who threw missiles at Merseyside derby
A 38-year-old man has been given a three-year football banning after throwing missiles and smoke canisters at Goodison Park during a derby match between Everton and Liverpool, police say.
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A number of items were thrown and discharged, between both sets of supporters, during the game on 19 December.
Season ticket holder Andrew Fowler, from Frodsham, pleaded guilty to the offence of throwing an item at a designated sporting event and was given the banning order and a fine.
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BBCCopyright: BBC BBC News Travel Video caption: UKIP donor explains why he sticks by his ‘sick to death’ Hillsborough tweetsUKIP donor explains why he sticks by his ‘sick to death’ Hillsborough tweets - The mayor of Liverpool is calling for an "immediate inquiry" after a drug-dealing murderer was helped by two men to escape after a hospital appointment
- Liverpool confirm they are planning to leave Melwood training ground and redevelop its academy in Kirkby in a project worth £50m
- A Merseyside Police special constable has been dismissed for gross misconduct
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS TrustCopyright: Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust View more on twitterView more on twitter 
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images - Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson calls for an "immediate inquiry" into the escape of a "highly dangerous" prisoner in the city
- A man's body is found near to the Kingsway Bridge in Warrington
- Liverpool confirm they are planning to leave Melwood training ground and redevelop its academy in Kirkby in a project worth £50m
Latest PostWidnes 26-28 Wigan
World Club Challenge winners Wigan fight back from 14 points down to beat Widnes Vikings in Super League.
Read moreOur live coverage across the day
Live updates for Merseyside and west Cheshire have finished for the day, but we'll be back from 08:00 on Thursday with more of the day's news, sport, travel and weather.
Weather: Rainy overnight
BBC Weather
It will be rainy overnight ahead of strong winds in the morning with the expected arrival Storm Doris. Temperatures will be about 7C.
Video content
Man, 22, charged over Liverpool New Year's Day stabbing
A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with stabbing another man in Seel Street in Liverpool City Centre on New Year's Day - he will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 22 March.
Wayne Rooney: Can the striker move to China?
Richard Conway
BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent
If Wayne Rooney is heading to China then where is his most likely destination?
As it stands, there are potentially only three clubs with the necessary financial clout and space in their squad to pull off such a deal.
The Chinese Football Association recently introduced a rule which only allows three foreigners in a club's match-day squad. Teams can have a maximum of five foreign players in their overall squad, which includes one drawn from another Asian country.
Read more here.
Pedestrian 'serious' after collision with buses
A pedestrian, believed to be in his 30s, is in a serious condition after he was in collision with a number of vehicles, including three buses.
Police said he was taken to hospital after the incident at about 14:00.
Prescot Road remains closed between Queens Drive and Eaton Road and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Lallana signs Liverpool deal to 2020
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana extends his contract with the club until 2020, with the option of a further year.
Read moreReasons why hospital trust investigation took so long must be made public, MP says
The whistle-blowing accusations that led to the sackings of senior figures at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital and the reasons why the investigation into them took so long should be made public, West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has said.
Jonathan Parry, the chief executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, was suspended on full pay last year for gross misconduct following complaints from whistleblowers and later dismissed, while Sharon Partington, director of human resources retired before allegations about her were ruled upon.
The decision to dismiss both has been upheld after an appeal, which Ms Cooper said she was "pleased" about, but she added she had written to the hospital trust "requesting that they now take the opportunity to answer all the outstanding questions on this case".
Envelope update
Severe disruption: M53 Merseyside northbound
M53 Merseyside northbound severe disruption, between J4 for A5137 and J3 for A552.
M53 Merseyside - One lane closed and slow traffic on M53 northbound between J4, A5137 (Bebington) and J3, A552 (Woodchurch), because of a broken down vehicle.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
UKIP donor 'sticks by' Hillsborough post
A UKIP donor has said he "sticks by" a tweet he was "sick to death" of hearing about the Hillsborough disaster.
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Arron Banks posted the remarks last week after UKIP chief Paul Nuttall apologised for false claims he lost close friends in the 1989 tragedy.
He told BBC Radio 5 live: "I know the people up in Liverpool probably get hot under the collar for those comments, but... I stick by what I said."
He also accused Labour of "politicising" the disaster.
The Labour Party is yet to respond.
Latest headlines in Merseyside and west Cheshire
'Disgusted' dad captures images of abandoned syringes along canal towpath
St Helens Star
A dad-of-two has voiced disgust after finding syringes and needles along a canal towpath in St Helens.
Southport and Ormskirk hospital sackings upheld after appeal
The sacking of a hospital trust chief executive and director of human resources has been upheld after an appeal.
Jonathan Parry, the chief executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, was suspended on full pay last year for gross misconduct following complaints from whistleblowers and later dismissed.
The director of human resources Sharon Partington retired from the trust before the end of the disciplinary procedure, but a panel found had she stayed, she would have been dismissed.
An independent panel reviewing the dismissals as part of an appeal process found both decision to be correct.
Liverpool mayor tweets letter sent to Home Secretary
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has tweeted a letter he has written to Home Secretary Amber Rudd demanding "an urgent investigation" into the escape of convicted murderer Shaun Walmsley from Aintree University Hospital yesterday.
Weather: Cloudy and showers
BBC Weather
Showers across the region this afternoon. Mainly cloudy, but the odd bright spell possible. Highs of 10C.
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Cash boost for Liverpool Huntington's disease charity
A Liverpool charity that helps sufferers and the families of those with Huntington's Disease has received a £300,000 grant.
The Huntington's Disease Association in Liverpool is the only charity in England and Wales dedicated to supporting those affected.
The money was donated by the Lancashire Freemasons.
There are currently more than 400 cases of Huntington's on Merseyside, and a further 560 cases across the North West.
Liverpool in £50m move from Melwood training ground
Liverpool are planning to move their training ground as part of a £50m project to redevelop their academy site.
The Premier League club are proposing to sell the Melwood facility in West Derby, where the first team has trained since the 1950s.
The project - a joint enterprise between the club and Knowsley Council - will move training to the Kirkby site.
If the redevelopment is approved, it could be completed by 2019.
On-the-run killer 'escaped from taxi'
Armed men helped murderer Shaun Walmsley escape as officers were putting him in a taxi at Aintree University Hospital, the BBC understands.
Walmsley, 28, was getting into the cab with prison officers at the time of the escape.
The getaway car, a gold-coloured Volvo, had lain in wait in a road near the hospital, police said.
Police have released images of the getaway car and asked anyone with information to get in touch.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has called for an "immediate inquiry" into what happened.
Three-year football ban for man who threw missiles at Merseyside derby
A 38-year-old man has been given a three-year football banning after throwing missiles and smoke canisters at Goodison Park during a derby match between Everton and Liverpool, police say.
A number of items were thrown and discharged, between both sets of supporters, during the game on 19 December.
Season ticket holder Andrew Fowler, from Frodsham, pleaded guilty to the offence of throwing an item at a designated sporting event and was given the banning order and a fine.
Latest headlines in Merseyside and west Cheshire