A 43-YEAR-OLD man remains on a life support machine this afternoon after suffering major head injuries in an incident near a pub.

Police were called to the scene at about 4.20am yesterday morning.

Paramedics treated the man before he was taken to Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital in a critical condition, as reported yesterday on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

The man – named locally as Wayne Jennings and believed to have originated from the Grange area of Grimsby – was in a critical condition and is understood to have been placed on a life support machine.

Residents of North Somercotes described their shock as police officers, forensic teams and detectives sealed off part of the village, near to Jubilee Road, near to the Axe & Cleaver pub yesterday.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We woke up and the place was swarming with police and there was blue tape all around the pub.

"I couldn't believe it when we heard, you don't expect something like that to happen around here."

A 25-year-old man from North Somercotes was arrested in connection with the incident and remained in police custody at the time of going to press.

Lincolnshire Police closed the road while a forensic examination of the scene was carried out.

Scenes of crime officers were seen combing nearby hedgerows and verges for evidence.

Detectives and PCSOs were also carrying out door-to-door enquiries throughout yesterday.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police thanked residents for their patience during the investigation.

Another homeowner, who did not wish to be named, said: "There was a wedding going on at the pub the night before this happened.

"We could hear the music and there were children playing outside but the two things don't seem to be connected.

"I just can't believe anything like this would happen in the village."

A white car adorned with wedding ribbons remained on the pub car park yesterday, within the police cordon.

A posting on the pub's Facebook page reads: "Sorry, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the Axe is closed. Will advise on here when we reopen. Thanks."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police by dialling 101 and quoting incident number 105 of June 1.

HERE comes the bride, three dozen leather-clad bikers by her side!

When Angie Tomlinson started planning her wedding to partner of six years Michael Parker she knew she needed to incorporate their lifelong love of motorbikes into their big day.

She invited members of The Bikers, a group of enthusiasts from across North East Lincolnshire, to escort her from her home in Somerton Road, Immingham, to the wedding ceremony at Healing Manor.

The 48-year-old was expecting five or six bikes to drive in front of and behind the limo carrying her and her bridesmaids, but received an early wedding present when more than 35 bikers arrived.

She said: "I've always loved bikes and I knew I wanted to involve them in my wedding.

"Unfortunately I couldn't ride my own bike with my dress on, so having the escort was the next best thing!"

Mum-of-three Angie, who met dock fitter Michael, 47, while working at the Seaman's Mission, in Immingham, began riding bikes and trikes when she was 16.

Michael also started riding bikes as a teenager, but gave up at 18 after being involved in a serious accident.

But meeting Angie reignited his love for biking and the pair soon saddled up and joined The Bikers.

Val Ashworth, 58, from Scartho, organised the escort for Angie.

She said: "I've been a biker since I was 18 and was one of the original seven who started The Bikers.

"We started asking friends to come along and it's just grown from there.

"We've done one other wedding before and we were happy to come along today and support Angie and make sure she gets to the ceremony safely."

Angie and Michael were joined by 100 guests for their nuptials at Healing Manor, including Angie's children, Shannon, Tracey and Ben, and Michael's daughter, Amy.

Daughter Shannon Dunlop, 18, who attends Franklin College, was one of Angie's bridesmaids.

She said: "Everybody who knows my mum would expect her to involve bikes in her wedding day!

"She even wanted a black dress but her mum wouldn't let her so we have black bridesmaid dresses instead.

"All of my friends think it's cool that she rides bikes but it can be a bit embarrassing sometimes!

"I'm very proud of her today though."

AROUND eight new signings are heading in before the big kick-off on August 9 – and we are assured that the first one will arrive tomorrow.

With speculation in Nuneaton suggesting that former winger Wes York and current striker Lewis Moult could be on Grimsby Town's list of targets, the smart money appears to be on one, or both, of them.

However, manager Paul Hurst has shown on more than one occasion that he prefers to keep his transfer dealings 'hush-hush'.

Remember the surprise arrivals of Oumare Tounkara and Connor Jennings, for example.

And it would therefore be no surprise if the first signing of the summer comes from left-field.

That's not a pun suggesting that a left winger is heading down the A180 by the way!

Instead, Hurst may look to prioritise with his early signings and bolster the spine of the team first.

The boss has already said that he is happy to be patient, and wait until well into pre-season before completing his 2014/15 squad of 20-21 players.

He has also admitted that he is tempted to go with one senior goalkeeper for the new campaign.

So that tells us that he probably isn't looking for a stopper so early on, and the defence is pretty much covered with the exception of another centre-half – hopefully Andrew Boyce.

There will obviously be reinforcements needed to help Lenell John-Lewis and Ross Hannah up top, while Scott Neilson and Caine Winfarrah are the only two specialist wingers – although Paddy McLaughlin can help out there.

But the area that appears most pressing is centre-midfield, with just skipper Craig Disley and McLaughlin currently on the books.

From last season's squad, Scott Kerr was, perhaps surprisingly, not given a new deal, while Andi Thanoj turned down his contract offer.

As we all know by now, Disley's strength is undoubtedly getting into the opposition penalty box and popping up with goals.

He showed that in the play-off semi-finals, and has an impressive goalscoring record over the last two seasons.

Assuming he gets the nod again next season, then a midfielder who is happy to sit in front of the defence and 'fight fires' seems to the most likely addition.

At times, Kerr played that anchorman role superbly last season – particularly during Town's best spell of the campaign through November and December.

He could also pick a pass, and his set-piece deliveries were a real bonus.

On the flip-side, Kerr took time to settle in after a disrupted pre-season, and was hit by a troublesome knee injury over the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Hurst's main job must therefore be to find an improved version of the ex-York man.

Fingers-crossed, that all-action midfield general – who loves to tackle, run, pass and take set-pieces – walks into Blundell Park tomorrow!

What do you think? What are the priority areas for Paul Hurst to address, and who ticks the right boxes for the Mariners? Join the debate at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport

GRIMSBY Town are officially the best in the Football Conference – at least when it comes to their award-winning programme!

The club's 'Mariner' matchday programme was named as the league's best – and tenth nationally – in the Soccer Club Swap Shop 2013/14 Awards.

But the honours didn't stop there.

The magazine was also named as the Conference's programme of the season by Programme Monthly & Football Collectable.

The club's commercial assistant, Jack Johnson, who edits the programme, was understandably delighted to receive the awards.

He said: "Due to the emergence of instant news online, through club websites and social media, I decided that the matchday programme needed to become more of a 'magazine', featuring stories and images from the club's history as well as up-to-date interviews and statistics.

"That way we'd be able to carve out our own niche in the market, rather than simply replicate the sort of information people can get for free. So far it's worked well.

"We're delighted because it's the first time we've won the Programme Monthly divisional award, although I'm told that we did finish third back in 2001/02, apparently!

"The second award really was the icing on the cake because it ranked us tenth nationally, so in their eyes, our programme is superior to at least half of the Premier League programmes – you've got to be happy with that!"

The club are now offering fans the chance to subscribe to the Mariner for every league and cup fixture for the forthcoming season.

The magazine will be available at every match this season from August.

Fans can subscribe for £50 for the whole season or £85 to have each edition home delivered.

For more info, visit www.gtfc.co.uk.

POLICE are also keen to work with all those involved to stamp out trouble.

Inspector Andy Parsons said: "We take policing of the night-time economy very seriously.

"We realise the importance of having a vibrant and safe night-time economy, both in terms of the economy and the general contribution it makes to the community."

He added he and his team would support Pubwatch in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham.

He also said he was looking to review the way in which the area was policed to ensure it best served everyone affected – from those living nearby bars and clubs, to those making a living from the scene and, of course, those looking to have a great night out – as well as making best use of resources.

He said: "We are very keen to work in partnership with premises, Pubwatch and door teams – and anyone else who operates in and around the night-time economy.

Our intention is to make it a safe and enjoyable place for all those who work, live near and visit it.

"We would encourage people to come out and enjoy themselves but to consider the impact of their actions on others and how it reflects on the area to people visiting."

POLICE officers are today continuing with house- to-house enquiries after the assault of a man near the Axe & Cleaver pub in North Somercotes.

The family of the victim, named locally as Wayne Jennings are holding a beside vigil in hospital.

As reported, the 43-year-old was found with severe head injuries in Jubilee Road, North Somercotes, at about 4am on Sunday.

His condition was described as critical.

He had been out in the village on Saturday evening and had earlier parked his works' van – emblazoned with WJ Brickwork Ltd's livery – in the pub car park.

Lincolnshire Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Yesterday, villagers spoke of their shock and sent sympathies to the man's family. Methodist chaplain to North Somercotes, the Reverend Roger Maidens said: "It is a tragedy. I do not know the people involved and I know nothing of the circumstances.

"You feel for the families involved and their friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with them."

Leading the investigation team on house-to-house enquiries, Sergeant Rich Marriott, of Lincolnshire Police said: "Everyone has been really helpful. It is a good community."

He added: "We will be continuing with our house-to-house enquiries."

Residents in Keeling Street, near to where the victim was found, said they were shocked by the incident.

One woman, who did not wish to be named said: "We know the people involved. We have lived here for 14 years and we have grown up with them around. Both the families involved are lovely people.

"It is a very sad incident, which is awful to hear about. It breaks your heart. We all really need to pull together."

She said there had been two functions on at the Axe & Cleaver on Saturday, including a wedding party and a 50th birthday party, which were held in separate function rooms.

A sign outside the pub said no food would be served on Saturday due to a private function.

A take-away shop owner said: "Everyone is shocked. We do not know what has happened. There were a lot of people at the pub. It was still going on when we closed at midnight."

He added: "We often serve the guy who was assaulted. He is a nice guy. It is a shame what happened to him."

A neighbour to the victim in Bank End, North Somercotes, who did not wish to be named, said: "I have only moved into the area recently but have met the family. He is a nice guy. The family need to be left."

Lincolnshire Police sealed off the road after the discovery of the man in the street.

A forensic examination was carried out and officers combed nearby properties and hedgerows.

A spokeswoman said: "Local residents are thanked for their patience during this important work."

The road was re-opened later on Sunday.

The spokeswoman appealed to anyone with information to contact Lincolnshire Police by calling 101 and quoting incident number 105 of Sunday, June 1.

JOHN McDermott 'cannot wait' for his first meeting with Grimsby Town since leaving Blundell Park seven years ago.

The Mariners' record appearance holder – now assistant manager at Harrogate Town – is preparing to welcome his old side for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 15 (7pm).

It will be the first time that Macca has faced his former club since leaving in 2007, and speaking to the Telegraph he said he is already relishing the prospect.

"We're absolutely delighted about the friendly with Town – it's a great fixture for us.

"I've never met Town in a match since I left so it'll be a strange experience coming up against them.

"It's an exciting one for me, but it's not about getting one over on my old club, it's just about having a good run-out."

Explaining how the fixture came about, McDermott continued: "We had a game down Cambridge way at the time that Town were also playing at Cambridge.

"We were in the services and the following that Town took down there was absolutely ridiculous – as it always is.

"The chairman turned to me and said 'that's a proper following that is' and said how much he'd like to try and set up a pre-season friendly.

"So I went away and asked the question of John Fenty and Paul Hurst, and they were really keen, so here we are."

With a couple of familiar faces amongst their squad, McDermott expects his Conference North side to give Town a stern test, having only just missed on promotion last season.

He continued: "I think it'll be a good game for both teams. We've got a few lads who have played Conference Premier football so hopefully there won't be a great deal of difference between the two teams – I'm really looking forward to it.

"It'll be a good test for Town because we'll have a strong squad next season and it'll be a good judge of where both teams are.

"There's a couple of familiar faces in there for Town fans because we've got Matt Bloomer and just signed Phil Barnes, so it'll be nice for them against their old club.

"It's a nice ground at Harrogate and the pitch will be in good nick.

"Hopefully Town will have made a few new signings that the fans will want to come and get a glimpse of, so there should be a good crowd.

"I can't wait for it to be honest, it's going to be a great occasion."

"WE will work together to help make sure everyone can enjoy a safe night out".

That was the pledge from the chairman of Pubwatch for North East Lincolnshire who has previously raised concerns over the level of night-time policing in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

Welcoming an increase in the number of officers on the beat over the May bank holidays, Paul Money said he is confident the supervisory role of a new police inspector will make Cleethorpes and Grimsby safer and more enjoyable for a night out.

As reported, Inspector Andy Parsons has taken over as the new inspector in charge of the night-time economy.

And, following talks between the two – and a tour of the area over the last bank holiday – Mr Money said he was "more confident about the future".

He said: "The police presence was good with six to eight officers walking about in twos, all night and not in vans. There was no trouble and the atmosphere seemed better.

"The liaison between us deterred any problems.

"We have asked for a greater police presence because if people see officers walking around it deters troublemakers.

"We have been told things will be better."

Mr Money added: "All we can do is wait and see is if it works out. Going on what I saw this weekend it was nice to see a good police presence. We want people to say they have enjoyed their night out."

He also urged anyone who spots suspicious behaviour while out enjoying themselves to alert staff.

The chairman said: "It is jobs at the end of the day. If there are more troubles fewer people will come out at night. We will not be taking the money, so you can't give the staff the hours (of work)."

He added that increased patrols allowed door staff "back-up" without having to dial 999.

He said: "If we have officers patrolling in the Market Place, it helps. Unless we ring 999 we don't have back-up.

"Door staff can deal with certain situations. They have a job trying to move people on. They pay more attention to police officers."

Mr Money said a mobile CCTV van operating in the resort also helps deter problems, but that it had not been deployed recently.

He said: "It is down to resources. I would like to see it back up and running. It is nice to have officers patrolling on foot. We want to work as a team to make Cleethorpes better.

A RISE in cyber-bullying has been blamed for a 25 per cent increase in the number of children being referred to local mental health services.

According to North East Lincolnshire's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, caseloads have increased by a quarter from 2012 to last year, with referrals increasing from 98 to 126.

Head of service Rob Harvey said there were increasing numbers of young people suffering from anxiety, eating disorders, depression and self-harming – and more than 70 per cent of those referred are between 13 and 18 years.

He said: "Social media is playing a massive part. It provides anonymity making it more likely for people to be bullies.

"We see a lot of people are self-harming. It is happening because people think they make a name for themselves saying horrible things to another person.

"I do not think they understand what impact they are having or how malicious it can be but they get a kick out of it."

The news of the rise has been described as "astounding" by the parents of Callum Moody-Chapman, who tragically took his own life after a former friend posted messages on Facebook saying he was going to stab him and burn his father's house.

As reported, following the death of the 17-year-old Holton-le-Clay teenager, his parents Nichola Moody and Kevin Chapman are spearheading a national Cyber Smile campaign to combat bullying via social media.

They aim to encourage anyone affected by cyber-bullying not to suffer in silence, adding they hope the tragedy of their son's death will highlight to people how bad cyber-bullying is becoming.

The determined parents also called on parents not to be afraid of checking on their children's online activities.

Kevin, of Beverley Close, Holton-le-Clay said: "It doesn't just happen to 16 year olds. It affects all ages.

"As a parent, you do not want to be nosey about what your children are doing online but if you see the tell-tale signs or wonder why your child has suddenly gone quiet or is becoming reclusive, you need to check.

"I wish I could have done the same for my son, but he was quite secretive.

"Sadly, he was not the first to kill himself and he will not be the last. It is going to continue until something is done about what goes online.

"We hope MPs will get involved to come up with a solution. It is wrong and we need to know who is looking into this. Why have they not taken it more seriously and looked at it as a matter of urgency?

"It is astounding to see an increase of 25 per cent increase in referrals, a lot of it due to cyber bullying, but that is what it is like around the UK

"After the inquest, a couple from Birmingham sent me a sympathy card because they had lost their teenage son in the same way.

"Facebook is supposed to be about friends keeping in touch and finding friends from years ago so you can catch up. It should not be about making threats.

"How do people know that the person posting the message is not going to carry out the threat?

"They are affecting people mentally. The lad who posted the messages was a friend of Callum's. I used to give him lifts home."

GRIMSBY Town are "on the verge" of tying up their first summer signing – who could be unveiled as soon as tomorrow.

The Mariners are putting the finishing touches to a deal for a mystery player, and are hopeful of tying that up in the next 24 hours.

However, Town director John Fenty is remaining tight-lipped on the identity of the new arrival until the ink is dry on his contract.

"We are on the verge of completing our first signing, and hope to announce that tomorrow," Fenty told the Telegraph.

"We're talking to a number of players – we're very pleased with how those discussions are going, and are confident of putting together a strong squad. That will give us every hope of achieving what we want.

"All the players we're talking to are exciting potential signings – we've got a lot to look forward to.

"We're working on a number of targets, and we expect most of those to be in position by July 1, ready for the start of pre-season training – although other signings will follow."

Fenty believes the first new face will underline the Mariners' ambitions – especially after the club retained the services of Craig Disley, James McKeown and Scott Neilson.

He added: "We've kept a good nucleus of the squad together and there's probably only one player who has left which has disappointed us. We'd obviously loved to have kept Alex Rodman.

"He was a crowd favourite, but I'm very confident about what we will bring in to replace – and hopefully improve – on that.

"We've already shown our ambition by retaining big players, but we're working hard to bring some more excellent names to the club.

"That's not always achieved by a rush of blood and signing people at the first opportunity. I hope everybody gets behind the club and realises what we're trying to do.

"I think the fans will be very content with the players who arrive and the squad we put together.

"There's certainly plenty going on behind the scenes – I can promise the supporters that."

See tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph or visit grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport for the latest on Town's new signing. Alternatively, keep tabs on the latest news on Twitter @grimsbysport