Annabel Bate

CCTV shows two knife-wielding attackers emerging from a BMW in central London and assaulting four people during two robberies on 8 September 2024. One victim was stabbed twice, a woman was kicked, and watches worth £1,000 were stolen. Getaway drivers Agandy Anderson and Kayne Stewart were jailed for their roles, receiving sentences of nine years and six months and four years and six months respectively.

A 300-year-old crab apple tree in Epping Forest has been identified as the model for Crabapple Cottage from the Brambly Hedge children’s books. Located near Barn Hoppitt and Warren Pond, the site was a favourite sketching area for author and illustrator Jill Barklem. Her children confirmed the tree’s resemblance to the cottage’s depiction, linking it to their mother’s creative inspiration.

Victoria Beckham said she and David Beckham remain focused on supporting and protecting their children amid reports of tension with their son Brooklyn, noting their close family network and commitment to navigating challenging periods together.

Beverley Callard says her departure from I’m a Celebrity… South Africa came just before she learned she had breast cancer, explaining she had felt unwell and briefly lost consciousness during filming before her diagnosis was confirmed in February.

Sir Olly Robbins was questioned by MPs about whether pressure from No 10, allegedly via Morgan McSweeney, was applied to accelerate Peter Mandelson’s security vetting for a proposed US ambassadorship. Robbins acknowledged general pressure from Downing Street but did not confirm specific wording, while No 10 denied any coercion toward Foreign Office officials.

A gunman identified as Julio Cesar Jasso opened fire from atop a Teotihuacan pyramid, killing a Canadian woman and injuring at least 13 people before dying from a self‑inflicted wound. Authorities confirmed he acted alone, and President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to victims and families.

A teaser for Coronation Street suggests an upcoming death, showing Betsy being questioned by police after discovering a familiar body. Possible victims include several characters, with the reveal expected to air on 1 May.

A doctor outlines five steps for people over 35 to support healthy ageing, including increasing exposure to natural light, doing brief high‑intensity exercise, checking blood pressure monthly, practising daily balance exercises, and building muscle twice a week to reduce long‑term health risks.

Arthur Fery advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after a five‑set comeback win over Grigor Dimitrov, noting Roger Federer’s presence in the front row and calling him the greatest of all time. Federer responded with applause and a thumbs up as Fery reflected on the significance of winning near his childhood home.

Recaps key events from the 2016 Brexit referendum through the UK’s eventual departure from the EU, highlighting the Leave vote, David Cameron’s resignation, Theresa May’s repeated parliamentary defeats, and the extended political battles that defined the withdrawal process.

Harry Kane described Thomas Tuchel’s halftime message that encouraged England to relax and play boldly after a shaky start, helping the team secure a 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening World Cup 2026 match in Dallas. Kane scored twice, equalling Gary Lineker’s World Cup scoring record, and highlighted Tuchel’s emphasis on freeing the players from pressure and showing their true ability.

Prince George was seen stifling a sneeze during the Red Arrows flypast at Trooping the Colour as Prince Louis watched the display with excitement, sharing a light moment with their mother on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

An audience member on BBC Question Time made a humorous comparison involving Mr Bean during a discussion about a turbulent week for the Labour Party, prompting laughter after Fiona Bruce noted the character is not real. The conversation referenced Wes Streeting’s resignation and Andy Burnham’s potential leadership challenge to Keir Starmer.

Sacha Baron Cohen attended the Wimbledon men’s final dressed as his character Ali G, prompting speculation about a possible return of the persona. He shared a video in character on Instagram, joking about Jannik Sinner’s win over Alexander Zverev, after having appeared at the tournament the previous day as himself.

Tom Holland praises England captain Harry Kane as gifted, tenacious and a role model ahead of England’s World Cup last‑16 match against Mexico, noting Kane’s family values and grounded personality.

Mexican fans gathered outside the England football team’s hotel attempting to disrupt players’ sleep with noise, prompting police to erect fences, expand security perimeters, and disperse groups as they arrived on motorbikes and on foot.

Hundreds of members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front marched through Washington, DC on 4 July, chanting slogans such as “reclaim America” while carrying American and Confederate flags. The group, founded after the 2017 Unite the Right rally, advocates for a white ethnostate and views immigration and multiracial democracy as threats, according to the George Washington University Program on Extremism.

Keir Starmer and Downing Street staff filmed a light‑hearted good‑luck message for England ahead of their World Cup 2026 last‑16 match against Mexico, featuring a football passed through No 10 before Starmer kicks it in the garden. The clip highlights England’s challenge in facing Mexico’s long unbeaten run at the Azteca Stadium.

Activists at London’s LGBTQ+ Pride parade voiced concerns that Reform UK poses a threat to LGBTQ+ rights, citing actions such as proposed restrictions on Pride flags and book removals. Julian Hows and Peter Tatchell warned that recent developments represent a rollback of protections and create a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ communities.

The Royal Family issued a message marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, highlighting King Charles and Queen Camilla’s earlier state visit to Washington DC, New York and Virginia. A video recap accompanied the message celebrating the historic milestone.

Donald Trump said the hantavirus situation aboard a cruise ship bound for Tenerife is under control and emphasized that the virus is less transmissible than COVID-19. The ship is expected to dock in Granadilla, where repatriation flights will return passengers to their home countries. Singapore reported two passengers tested negative for the virus.

A specialist Army team and medical personnel parachuted onto the remote British island of Tristan da Cunha to deliver medical aid and equipment following a suspected hantavirus case in a resident who had disembarked from the cruise ship MV Hondius. Footage released by the Ministry of Defence shows six paratroopers, an RAF consultant and an Army nurse from 16 Air Assault Brigade deploying alongside dropped oxygen supplies to support the UK Health Security Agency’s response.

Donald Trump acknowledged he must be cautious when walking, noting that any stumble would draw significant attention. In an interview with CNBC’s Joe Kernen, he contrasted his walking ability with President Joe Biden’s, claiming Biden struggles with stairs and frequently falls. Trump said he deliberately walks slowly when exiting planes to avoid missteps.

Victoria Beckham said she will always protect her children while reflecting on a difficult year in a televised interview, emphasizing her and David Beckham’s focus on family support. The comments followed Brooklyn Beckham’s earlier accusation that his parents attempted to interfere with his relationship with Nicola Peltz Beckham.

King Charles III released a video marking what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, expressing affection for his late mother and suggesting that aspects of modern life would have troubled her. The message highlights her legacy and his personal reflection on her influence and values.

An AI-powered Sony robot named Ace won three out of five matches against elite table tennis players, demonstrating advanced abilities such as rapid backspin shots and complex returns. Footage published in a research paper highlights the achievement as a significant milestone in robotics, showcasing progress in autonomous machine performance in fast-paced, high-skill environments.