Alice Scarsi

A major wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens nature reserve has burned about 12 square miles since August 14, making it the country’s largest recorded wildfire in the area. Around 600 residents of Waimes and Bütgenbach were evacuated, tourists were urged to leave, and authorities warned people to avoid the fire zone. More than 250 emergency personnel, including Belgian and German firefighters, police, military officers and civil protection staff, are involved. Belgium requested international assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, prompting Sweden, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic to deploy aircraft and helicopters. Hot, dry weather and the reserve’s heathland and peat bogs have made containment difficult, although no homes had been affected as of Sunday morning.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck near Alhendín in Granada, southern Spain, shortly after 1 a.m., following an earlier magnitude 3.7 tremor. Shaking was felt across Granada, Málaga and Seville, while falling debris damaged buildings, streets and cars and prompted residents to leave their homes. Emergency services received hundreds of calls, and Andalusian authorities activated a level-one emergency plan and warned of possible aftershocks. No deaths or serious injuries were initially reported, although officials continued assessing damage and monitoring the region.

Virginia State University was placed on lockdown after a shooting near the Quad Annexes and the intersection of Boisseau Street and Third Avenue. Police reported multiple victims and multiple suspected shooters; the victims were transported to area hospitals and were not initially believed to have life-threatening injuries. Police asked people to avoid the area while the investigation continued.

Prince William personally thanked firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, expressing sympathy for people who lost homes and for communities under threat. The report highlights major fires and evacuations in Wales, Hampshire and Norfolk, and links William’s response to his environmental advocacy and the Earthshot Prize. His message described the fires as a reminder of the challenges posed by increasingly extreme climate conditions.

A Hainan Airlines flight from Beijing to Manchester carrying more than 230 passengers diverted to Krasnoyarsk International Airport in Siberia after a reported mechanical fault. The Airbus A330-300 landed safely, with no deaths, injuries or damage reported. Hainan Airlines said it would replace the aircraft and arrange onward travel. The diversion occurred against the backdrop of UK Foreign Office advice warning British nationals against all travel to Russia because of security incidents, limited flights and the risk of detention.

A grass fire broke out at Hornchurch Country Park in east London, prompting the London Fire Brigade to deploy 14 fire engines and around 90 firefighters. Multiple seats of fire produced heavy smoke visible across the area, leading firefighters to advise residents to keep doors and windows closed. The blaze was brought under control by 5:31pm, although crews continued dampening down the site into the evening. The incident occurred amid a wider period of hot, dry weather and a rise in wildfires across the UK; the cause of the Hornchurch fire had not been established.

Phillip Ormerod, a 102-year-old Cwmbran man, died after suffering critical injuries in an alleged assault at the Crow’s Nest pub on August 1. Gwent Police arrested a 56-year-old man from Llanelli on suspicion of section 20 assault, and the investigation remains ongoing. Ormerod’s son, Robert, paid tribute to him, describing his long-standing connection to the Llanyrafon community and the pub. Police are appealing for witnesses who were at the venue between 10pm and 11pm.

A partial solar eclipse darkened skies across the UK for nearly two hours, reaching its peak shortly after 7pm, while Iceland and northern Spain experienced totality. Viewers were advised to use ISO 12312-2-approved solar glasses or a homemade pinhole viewer, and footage captured the eclipse over Newquay in Cornwall. The Perseid meteor shower was also expected to peak soon afterward.

Heatwaves and droughts across the UK and Europe are threatening supplies of fruit, vegetables and grain, with shortages expected to raise supermarket prices and food inflation into 2027. Poor grain harvests are also increasing animal-feed costs, potentially making meat more expensive, while heat stress has already reduced milk production. Food industry representatives say manufacturers and retailers are struggling with higher costs linked to extreme weather and geopolitical conflicts, although retailers may seek alternative suppliers to limit the impact on customers.

Almost 71.3% of England has entered flash drought after the country recorded its driest July since records began, with four additional areas moving into drought and the North East and Yorkshire placed on prolonged dry weather status. A new heatwave is expected to bring temperatures as high as 36C, while low river, reservoir and groundwater levels are affecting agriculture, public water supplies and ecosystems. Hosepipe bans cover 27 million customers, farmers face poor harvests and livestock-feed shortages, and wildfires have affected several parts of the UK. Officials are urging people to conserve water and stay safe in the heat, but forecasts indicate no sustained period of widespread rainfall, meaning drought conditions are likely to persist.

A 17-year-old boy and two men aged 21 and 23 died at the scene of a single-vehicle collision on Denaby Lane in Rotherham. South Yorkshire Police said a grey Seat Cupra Leon left the carriageway while travelling towards Kilnhurst. Another 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police have informed and supported the victims’ families and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage, with information requested online, via 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A suspected gas explosion destroyed a property on Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville, near Milton Keynes, at about 9:44 a.m. on Sunday. One man was injured and taken to hospital, while nearby residents were evacuated. Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, South Central Ambulance Service and SGN responded; SGN isolated the gas supply and began safety checks. Doorbell footage captured debris and flames, and an eyewitness described the bungalow as severely damaged, with its front blown out and roof destroyed.

The August 7 EuroMillions draw produced the numbers 26, 29, 35, 38 and 47, with Lucky Stars 1 and 2. One ticket outside the UK won the £95,221,278 jackpot, while 523,001 UK tickets shared £3,510,517.30 in prizes. The UK Millionaire Maker code was TNXR 81195, awarding £1 million to one UK ticket-holder. Thunderball numbers were 4, 18, 28, 30 and 34, with 11 as the Thunderball; nobody won the £500,000 jackpot. The report also explains prize-claim deadlines, winning odds and upcoming National Lottery draws.

MultiCare Bonney Lake Hospital’s emergency department was placed on lockdown after a man allegedly claimed to have a gun and made threats. Patients were evacuated while Bonney Lake police, Pierce County sheriff’s deputies, negotiators, mental-health resources and SWAT officers responded. Police arrested the suspect after he suffered self-inflicted injuries; staff and patients were reported safe, with no injuries among them, and the emergency department was scheduled to reopen later that evening.

The Food Standards Agency announced the recall of three Greencore-made pasta ready meals sold by Asda and Morrisons across England, Scotland and Wales because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected products are specific batches of Asda Cheese & Tomato Pasta Salad, Asda Nacho Cheese Pasta Salad and Morrisons Chicken and Bacon Pasta. Customers are advised not to eat them and to return them to the relevant store for a full refund without a receipt.

The August 5 National Lottery draw produced Lotto winning numbers of 24, 26, 27, 39, 47 and 50 in Round 1, with bonus number 08, and 12, 14, 16, 22, 29 and 59 in Round 2, with bonus number 58. Thunderball numbers were 12, 16, 20, 21 and 37, with Thunderball 02. No player won the £6.8 million Lotto jackpot, which rolled over to an estimated £8.3 million for the next draw.

Shane Porter, 35, has been charged with murdering 36-year-old Jimmy Ward after a fatal shooting at a traveller site in Calcutt near Cricklade. Porter also faces a charge of possessing a shotgun without a certificate. Eddie Porter, 74, and Tammy Brown, 42, have been charged with assisting an offender and possessing a shotgun without a certificate. All three have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at magistrates’ court by video link, while two other men arrested in connection with the case were released on bail. Wiltshire Police said a scene and increased policing presence would remain at the site as the investigation continued.

The M60 clockwise was temporarily closed between junctions 5 and 6 near Manchester and Stretford because of a police-led incident, causing delays of around 30 minutes and congestion stretching toward Stockport. National Highways and Inrix reported that traffic was being diverted and queues were building, but the road reopened before 6pm and significant congestion quickly cleared.

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck near San Piero a Grado, west of Pisa, in Tuscany, prompting residents and workers to leave buildings amid fears of aftershocks. The tremor was felt across northern Tuscany, including Lucca and Massa Carrara, and was followed by a swarm of around 10 weaker quakes. No immediate casualties were reported; one building housing three families was damaged, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and other landmarks appeared unaffected, and local rail services experienced delays and cancellations.

An inquest heard that Anthony Buxton, 71, called emergency services after strangling his wife Michelle, 69, at their home in Camelford, Cornwall, on September 24 of the previous year, then fatally stabbed himself. Police found both shortly afterward. Evidence indicated that Buxton had developed severe anxiety, paranoia and delusional beliefs in the preceding months, but mental-health services had not identified Michelle as being at risk and referred him for community mental-health support. The coroner concluded that Michelle was unlawfully killed and that Anthony took his own life, finding no evidence of third-party involvement.

British national Lisa Fryett, from Canvey Island, died on July 28 after suffering critical injuries in a wildfire near Bédar and Los Gallardos, Spain. She and her partner, Simon Batchelor, were rescued and hospitalised after the blaze spread through thousands of acres. Batchelor remains in critical condition, while a GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than £65,000 to support the family and funeral arrangements. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is assisting the family and liaising with Spanish authorities.

More than 2,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats after Andy Burnham became prime minister, including 326 arrivals on Saturday. Despite that increase, crossings so far this year are 43% lower than at the same point last year and 14% below 2024 levels. Burnham and the Home Office attribute the decline to government measures, including increased removals and a new payment-by-results enforcement agreement with France, while acknowledging that further action is needed.

A homemade explosive device detonated at the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant near Moscow’s Kudrinskaya Square during a private function, killing at least three people—including the suspected female attacker, a security guard and a patron—and injuring 21 others. Reports said the woman tried to enter with the device but was stopped by a guard. Authorities closed nearby roads and began investigating, but had not identified a target or established who was responsible.

The August 1 National Lottery draws produced Lotto winning numbers of 19, 44, 33, 34, 16 and 32 with Bonus Ball 29 in the first round, and 22, 2, 35, 43, 48 and 45 with Bonus Ball 27 in the second. No player won the £5.9 million Lotto jackpot, so it rolled over to £6.8 million. The Thunderball numbers were 37, 15, 31, 34 and 32, with Thunderball 8. The live coverage also reported the draw times, ticket deadlines, prizes, game rules and responsible-play support.

A major fire broke out overnight at Star Trading Estate in Caerleon, Newport, prompting the evacuation of the site and deployment of extensive South Wales Fire and Rescue Service resources. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed because of heavy smoke, while Ponthir Road was closed and local water supplies were disrupted. Barney’s Cafe closed because of the incident and uncertainty over the damage. Firefighters later contained the blaze, withdrew from the site while monitoring smouldering areas, and handed the premises back to its owners. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Gwent Police will conduct a joint investigation.

Nirmal Purja, the Nepalese mountaineer and former British Army and Royal Marines soldier, was confirmed dead after an avalanche struck his expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan. His company, Elite Exped, said that climbing partners and guides Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa also died. Purja became internationally known after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in 189 days, a feat featured in the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. He was also involved in the recovery effort for Michael Matthews, depicted in Finding Michael, and was honored with an MBE in 2018.

Residents were evacuated from a block of flats on Princes Street in Ipswich after a suspected explosion damaged several windows. Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and the East of England Ambulance Service attended, while the street was closed and a diversion put in place. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson or criminal damage with intent to endanger life. No injuries were reported, and police continued investigating the circumstances.

The Gironde wildfire in southwestern France has approached within 11 kilometres of Bordeaux, prompting the evacuation of more than 200,000 people and threatening a metropolitan area of about 1.3 million residents. Officials say the fire has stabilised but remains uncontrolled, with more than 116,000 hectares burned nationally and the blaze potentially lasting weeks or months. Firefighters continue containment and mop-up operations, while rising temperatures could worsen conditions. France has received additional aircraft from the European Union, and authorities are assessing the damage to communities, tourism, wine production and forests.

Police responded to a medical emergency at Penmaenau Farm in Llanelwedd, where a 25-year-old man was pronounced dead despite paramedic efforts. The death is being treated as unexplained, and three men were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences. A police presence remains as enquiries continue, with assurances that the incident is isolated and poses no wider public risk.

Police charged Samantha Nuttall with the murder of a 75-year-old man found dead at Hargreaves House in Bolton. Greater Manchester Police reported she has been remanded in custody and will appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court. The incident occurred early on July 17, prompting the launch of a homicide investigation.

A 13‑year‑old boy died at the scene of a collision on the M4 between junctions 16 and 17 involving a Toyota RAV‑4 and a Renault van. A woman in the Toyota was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while both drivers escaped major harm. Wiltshire Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage and asked for privacy for the boy’s family.

Thousands of Facebook users in the UK and abroad reported being unable to access the platform, receiving an “account temporarily unavailable” message, while others experienced similar issues on Instagram and Messenger. Reports submitted to Downdetector showed more than 4,000 Facebook outage complaints and over 1,500 for Instagram. The issue appears to affect the website rather than mobile apps. Users from Australia, the US, and Myanmar also reported problems, and Meta has been contacted for comment.

The National Lottery’s £9.5 million Lotto jackpot was drawn in a Must Be Won event, with winning numbers released for both Lotto rounds and the Thunderball draw. Guidance was provided on prize tiers, claiming winnings, and the rolldown process if no jackpot winner emerged. The live blog also highlighted upcoming draws, unclaimed winnings among players, and the launch of a new Powerball game offering jackpots starting at £12 million.

More than 5,000 properties in Tunbridge Wells face low pressure or loss of water after a technical problem at South East Water’s treatment works. The company is working to restore service, increase storage levels and deploy booster pumps, while tankers and bottled water deliveries support affected residents. The disruption follows earlier water supply failures in Kent and Sussex during recent heatwaves.

Police in Newport launched a murder investigation after a woman was found dead near Chepstow Road following an early‑morning altercation on St Vincent Road. A 66‑year‑old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and police say they are not seeking additional suspects. Roads were closed as firearms officers and forensic teams responded, with an increased police presence expected while inquiries continue. Authorities urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the early hours of July 18 to contact Gwent Police or Crimestoppers.

A vehicle fire on the M5 northbound between Taunton and Bridgwater caused significant delays as one lane was closed and congestion stretched for seven miles. Avon Fire and Rescue Service quickly responded, and video from the scene showed the flames spreading to nearby undergrowth. Traffic returned to normal after the fire was extinguished and all lanes reopened around 10:30 a.m.

Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation after a 75-year-old man was found dead in a Bolton home. A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. The Major Incident Team is pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, while the victim’s family is being supported and formal identification is pending. Police are appealing for information, including CCTV or mobile footage, to assist the investigation.

Multiple drone strikes ignited fires and caused casualties across the Moscow region, including at an oil depot in Noginsk and Wildberries warehouses in Elektrostal and Kotovsk. Local governors reported numerous injuries and several deaths. Wildberries CEO Tatyana Kim described the events as a terrible night. Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to claim responsibility, saying Ukrainian long-range strikes targeted logistics facilities in response to Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.

A Southampton mother, Kiran Kaur, was sentenced to three years in prison for assisting her son, Vickrum Digwa, after he murdered 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak. Kaur removed the knife used in the killing and took it home, actions the judge said helped support her son's false narrative and hindered the police investigation. Prosecutors argued her involvement was crucial in delaying recovery of the weapon, while the defence said she acted out of panic after being misled by her son. Digwa is already serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years.

A security alert in north Belfast prompted the evacuation of homes following an early morning property search in Rosapenna Parade. Police cordoned off the area, warned of major traffic disruption on Cliftonville Road, and opened the Ardoyne Community Centre for displaced residents. Ammunition Technical Officers attended the scene as enquiries continued, with authorities emphasising public safety and advising people to avoid the area.

A man died from stab wounds sustained during a June 19 altercation in Failsworth, prompting Greater Manchester Police to launch a murder investigation. The victim, 40‑year‑old Steven Dossett, was identified as his family requested privacy. Five individuals previously arrested on assault-related offences have been released on bail as inquiries continue. Detectives appealed for witnesses and any relevant footage, with information also accepted anonymously via Crimestoppers.

A light aircraft crashed while landing at Land’s End Airport in Cornwall, prompting police response and the temporary closure of the airport. The plane, reportedly travelling from Devon with two occupants, caused delays and cancellations to flights, including Skybus services. No serious injuries have been reported, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.

Princess Kate publicly congratulated British wildcard Arthur Fery after he became the first British wildcard to reach the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles semi-finals in the Open Era. She praised his achievement in a social media message following his victory over Flavio Cobolli. Queen Camilla also attended the match and joined spectators in applauding Fery’s performance. Fery, who grew up near the All England Club, will face second seed Alexander Zverev next. He expressed disbelief at his progress and credited his recent form, while his father shared pride in his commitment to representing Great Britain.

A 21-year-old man, Awap Halouf, was charged with murder and possession of a blade after the death of 22-year-old Haruun Hassan in Hounslow, west London. Police found the victim with fatal injuries in the early hours of June 30 and launched an ongoing investigation. Halouf was arrested in Cardiff, remanded in custody, and scheduled to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. A 21-year-old woman was also arrested in Cardiff on suspicion of murder and later bailed pending further inquiries.

The Set for Life draw on July 6 produced winning numbers 3, 4, 15, 26 and 45 with a Life Ball of 7, with no jackpot winner but one Match 5 winner receiving £10,000 per month for a year and 32 players winning £250 each. A total of 175,153 players claimed prizes across the draw, with other National Lottery games including EuroMillions, Thunderball and Lotto also highlighted.

A three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after reportedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire, prompting temporary closure of the attraction. The child remains in stable condition after multiple surgeries. A 30-year-old man with learning difficulties was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed. Norfolk County Council has launched a Section 42 Care Act inquiry into the suspect’s care circumstances, while the Care Quality Commission is assessing the relevant provider. Police continue to investigate the incident.

Police are investigating alleged assaults on multiple women along Heavitree Road in Exeter. A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assault and later released on bail. Officers believe the same suspect may have committed additional assaults near a Waitrose bus stop. Authorities are appealing for witnesses and evidence, including dashcam or CCTV footage.

A parcel bomb explosion in a Monaco apartment block injured three people, including Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev and his wife, leaving two victims in critical condition. Authorities confirmed the device contained bolts and shot and was deliberately placed before the suspect fled toward the French border, prompting a cross‑border manhunt. Prince Albert II and senior officials condemned the act, calling it unprecedented for the principality, while emergency services activated a large response plan and continued gathering evidence as the investigation into the attacker’s motive progressed.