Union flag to fly outside Lincolnshire hospitals ahead of Queen’s birthday

“Please realise, someone could have died”, was the message from another Lincoln driver whose windscreen was smashed by stone throwers on a bridge over the city’s Eastern Bypass.

Alicia Sparks, 26, from Lincoln, was one of at least two drivers targeted by yobs who reportedly threw missiles from the Cherry Willingham footbridge.

Dashcam footage from Alicia’s car was shared with The Lincolnite, appearing to show at least two individuals on the bridge just before 8pm on June 21.

Rocks or stones can then be seen hurtling towards the car before her windscreen is shattered.

Luckily for Alicia, the window was smashed on the passenger side. The seat beside her was instantly showered with splinters of glass.

Glass rained down on the seat next to her. | Photo: Alicia Sparks

“I was aware of figures on the bridge, but my music was loud and it took me a few minutes to realise what had happened,” Alicia told The Lincolnite.

“I felt so stressed, and annoyed that I had been purposefully targeted, but thankful it wasn’t worse. Thank God it was the passenger side.

“What on earth was going through their heads? Someone could have died.”

| Photo: Alicia Sparks

| Photo: Alicia Sparks

As reported earlier, fellow bypass driver Shona Nelson ended up in hospital after her windscreen was shattered in the same spot.

Shona ended up in A&E with a suspected stroke due to the shock. “I was hyperventilating, and I couldn’t control my blood pressure either.

“I’m still in shock about what’s happened.”

People living in Cherry Willingham were outraged by the incident. “It’s pretty disgusting, and it’s a death waiting to happen”, one local resident told the BBC.

The Lincolnite has asked Lincolnshire Police if it is investigating the incident. The force has yet to respond.

A Boston-born health boss who has helped guide the Prime Minister through the COVID-19 pandemic was subject to abuse by an anti-vaccine campaigner while working in London this week.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who is England’s deputy chief medical officer, was chased by Geza Tarjanyi, while entering the Ministry of Defence building on Tuesday.

In a video circulating online, Mr Tarjanyi, a professional clown and family entertainer, accused Mr Van-Tam of “lying to the British people” and asked him “what was really in that needle that you put into Matt Hancock?”.

Mr Van-Tam gave the health secretary his first COVID jab in April and has worked as an advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout the lockdown restrictions, he has become known for his colourful metaphors and straight forward nature when delivering the latest news about the coronavirus pandemic.

From late-minute equaliser goals, to waiting for a train and how coronavirus is not like a yoghurt, he has brought us the details in easy to understand and rarely convoluted messages.

He recently opened a new gastroenterology day case suite at Lincoln County Hospital and has been seen administering the vaccine at the county’s vaccination centres.

During the video Mr Tarjanyi said: “Why are you continually lying to the British people? Why are you smiling? This country’s supposed to be in the worst pandemic of all time.”

Professor Van-Tam, in his only reply to the abuse, said: “It is.”

He also asks a receptionist at the Ministry of Defence to “get rid of this chap” after ignoring him, before walking away into another part of the building.

Downing Street has condemned the abuse.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: “People working to fight the pandemic and save lives, which is what Professor Van-Tam is doing every single day, should never face that kind of appalling behaviour for doing their job.

“The right to free speech is fundamental to our democracy, but violence, threats or intimidation is absolutely never acceptable.”

Lancashire-based Mr Tarjanyi, whose professional name is Gayzer Frackman, is known online figure for his opposition to 5G mobile networks, fracking, mask-wearing and other public health measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He has previously also carried out a similar incident with Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.

Local health leaders have been asked about the incident.

The Department for Health and Social Care said it did not have anything further to add to the PM’s official statement.

The new owner of the Sizzling Griddle cafe in uphill Lincoln wants to give customers traditional and good quality, hearty breakfasts, and The Lincolnite went to check it out.

Ian Ray, who has run sister business Plough Boy pub on Upper Long Leys Road, off Burton Road, for three-and-a-half years, became the new owner of Sizzling Griddle, which is located next door, earlier this month.

The business opened with Ian at the helm on Friday, June 11, 2021.

Sizzling Griddle specialises in breakfasts, but also serves sandwiches, toasties, burgers and chips, prepared by head chef Jules, who “makes the griddle sing”.

Breakfasts are available as big (£6.80), small (£5.75), child’s (£3.50) and vegetarian.

Traditional English breakfasts, burger and chips, and poached egg on toasts are among the items on the menu at Sizzling Griddle. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The big breakfast comes with two sausages, two rashers of bacon, two eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, fried bread, toast or bread and tea or coffee. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Ian, who is originally from Widnes and has lived in Lincoln for eight years, told The Lincolnite that his aim is to serve a traditional style breakfast with no corners cut.

The cafe is believed to have been around for 50 years with different owners, and now Ian wants to put his stamp on it. He saw taking ownership of the Sizzling Griddle as a chance to blend two businesses together, although the cafe and Plough Boy pub will operate separately.

Ian said: “It’s gone well and we are already building up a good core of regular trade. We want to build on this opportunity further now and in the future.”

Burger and chips at the Sizzling Griddle. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Poached egg on toast – a simple yet tasty item on the menu. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

For the duration of England games in Euro 2020, there is currently an offer of a beer and a burger for £7. There will be a 10% discount for Lincoln City season ticket holders on match days when the season resumes, as well as same reduction for blue light badge holders and military personnel.

Later this month, a light bite menu will be introduced as food is served for the first time at the Plough Boy pub next door.

Sizzling Griddle is located off Burton Road in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Inside Sizzling Griddle. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Sizzling Griddle is open Monday and Tuesday 8am-1pm, 8am-2pm Thursday to Saturday, and 9am-1pm on Sunday.

After these times people can order breakfasts or other items on the menu to eat at the Plough Boy pub between 6pm and 9pm.

Sizzling Griddle is located next door to the Plough Boy pub off Burton Road. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Inside the Plough Boy pub off Burton Road. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Meanwhile, at the Plough Boy pub’s open mic and comedy nights take place from 7pm on Thursdays and the Sunday quiz will resume in mid-July.