Adam Care

An Aer Lingus Airbus A320 carrying 146 passengers experienced a 44-degree bank during an aborted approach from Faro to Dublin in January 2025. The commander told investigators he had slept poorly and may have been tired. The crew attempted to shortcut the approach, arrived too high and fast, disconnected the autopilot, and performed a descending orbit that caused the aircraft to fall below its recommended minimum speed twice. Automatic low-speed protections helped prevent a stall, and the pilots recovered, requested radar vectors, and landed safely. Aer Lingus subsequently prohibited orbit manoeuvres during approaches except in training and advised crews to go around whenever a safe landing is in doubt.

Scarlett Moffatt described the past month as the hardest of her and partner Scott Dobinson’s lives after the deaths of her grandfather and Scott’s mother, Janice. The couple are supporting each other through their grief while finding comfort in their son Jude, old memories and the impending arrival of their second child.

Wildfires in southwestern France have burned more than 42,000 hectares, killed two firefighters and injured 88 others, while forcing over 260,000 people to evacuate. Fires have approached within nine miles of Bordeaux, prompting the city to prepare for further evacuations as temperatures are forecast to reach 41°C. President Emmanuel Macron called the crisis unprecedented and France’s worst fire-related emergency since the Second World War. Fires are also affecting Spain, where 63,000 people near Madrid have received evacuation orders, with officials warning that the coming days will be critical.

Omar Majed appeared by video-link at Birmingham Crown Court accused of communicating false information to police over a bomb hoax that led to the evacuation and cancellation of Peter Kay’s show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on May 1. Majed did not enter a plea because psychiatric reports are still required and will remain in custody until a September 30 pre-trial review. A trial has previously been scheduled for November 3. West Midlands Police said searches found nothing suspicious.

A Ryanair flight from Faro to Exeter diverted to Birmingham after the pilot reported a problem requiring a longer runway. The aircraft circled near Exeter before heading north, landing safely with emergency vehicles positioned as a precaution. Passengers reported professional handling by the crew, and images showed teams inspecting the wing on arrival. Ryanair arranged coaches to transport passengers to Exeter and has not confirmed the cause of the issue.

An inquest into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe will open in Exeter, following her discovery with serious injuries at her home in Haytor on July 9. A 28‑year‑old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody as counter‑terrorism police have taken over the investigation, further arresting him on terrorism-related grounds. The initial detention period under terrorism laws is expected to expire Monday evening.

Celebrity chef Dom Taylor, known for winning Channel 4’s Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef, has died suddenly at age 44. His restaurant announced his passing, praising his vision and influence on London’s Caribbean food scene while asking for privacy for his family. Tributes from colleagues, journalists and fans highlighted his generosity, talent and impact on those he worked with. His restaurant, The Good Front Room, will remain open in his honour.