Annette Belcher

Jordan Wood was sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned for life from keeping animals after pleading guilty to abusing a Labrador-cross dog named Chance and a cat named Casper. Veterinary examinations found that both animals had suffered repeated, severe blunt-force trauma, including fractures, strangulation-related injuries and extensive internal damage. Chance was euthanised after complications from his injuries, while Casper died from chest trauma that caused lung collapse and respiratory failure. Ellen Gibson also pleaded guilty to permitting the animals’ suffering and failing to obtain veterinary care, with sentencing scheduled for September 11.

A passenger train derailed on the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes at about 3:55 p.m. on 13 August 2026, prompting a response from British Transport Police, paramedics and firefighters. Southern Rail suspended services between Brighton and Lewes, Haywards Heath and Lewes, and Lewes and Seaford/Eastbourne, advising passengers to postpone travel or find alternative routes. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was concerned and that the government was working with the rail industry and local partners to assist those affected.

More than 10,000 residents and tourists were evacuated after a rapidly spreading wildfire burned over 2,000 hectares near Saumos in France’s Gironde department. The blaze, which produced an intense fire tornado, threatened campsites and communities around Arcachon Bay and Lège-Cap-Ferret, while emergency services worked to contain it.

Passengers on a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Ibiza faced severe disorder as intoxicated groups caused harassment, loud disturbances and sexual activity in an onboard toilet. Crew issued warnings and restricted alcohol service, but some passengers continued drinking their own alcohol, prompting visible distress among others. Upon landing, paramedics removed an unwell passenger and police questioned members of the disruptive groups. Ryanair stated that the passengers had ignored multiple warnings and were removed under its zero-tolerance policy toward unruly behavior.

The Met Office warns that 12 UK regions, including Yorkshire, are likely to see heavy rainfall on Monday, with forecasts showing a band of rain moving across the country and raising the risk of surface flooding and travel disruption. Northerly winds are expected to bring cloud and rain to northern Scotland and possibly the east coast of England, while southern Wales and southern England may see brighter conditions and warmer temperatures reaching up to 26C.

Weather models show a prolonged heatwave intensifying across Yorkshire, with temperatures expected to reach up to 34–36°C and persist for up to two weeks. Built‑up cities face uncomfortable tropical nights, while health alerts and fire risks remain high. Conditions are likely to stay hot and dry until late July, when incoming Atlantic systems could trigger thunderstorms, though temperatures are forecast to stay above average.

Forecasts indicate Yorkshire will face a fourth intense heatwave with temperatures expected to exceed 32C and possibly reach 34C, persisting until the end of July. High pressure and rising UV levels have prompted health alerts, while emergency services warn of wildfire risks across the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Urban areas are set for uncomfortable tropical nights above 20C, with potential thunderstorms predicted later in the month.

Andy Burnham secured 349 nominations from Labour MPs, exceeding the threshold needed to block any rival candidates and ensuring he will assume the Labour leadership. A special party conference on July 17 is expected to confirm him as leader, followed by his appointment as prime minister on July 20. Despite being unopposed, he will still participate in an online hustings with Labour MPs.

A Leicester Uber driver, Adam Daley, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after abducting and raping a woman in her 20s at knifepoint following a city centre pick-up. Police traced his vehicle within an hour, later discovering indecent images on his phone, and a jury convicted him of rape, sexual assault, threats to kill and possession of a knife. Authorities warned there may be additional victims, while praising the survivor’s swift actions that enabled Daley’s quick arrest. An Uber spokesperson condemned the incident and stated the company supported the police investigation.

Police believe a man fled to Zimbabwe after the suspected murders of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their daughters Natalie and Nala, who were found dead in their home in Great Denham. Authorities released a CCTV image of suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who left the UK via Heathrow. The victims’ family issued a statement expressing grief and requesting privacy, while the children’s schools paid tribute to the two girls, describing their positive impact on their communities.

A 19-year-old passenger, Erin Slane, died after Kyle Patrick drove at extreme speeds while intoxicated, crashing into a field in Perthshire. Slane sent messages expressing fear shortly before the crash. Patrick, who admitted dangerous driving and causing severe injury to another passenger, received an eight-year prison sentence at the High Court in Glasgow, where the judge described his actions as a prolonged and deliberate course of dangerous behaviour.

The United States ended its ceasefire with Iran as Donald Trump declared he no longer wished to engage with Iranian leadership and confirmed intensified military strikes. The decision followed renewed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US struck Iranian air defences, radars and Revolutionary Guard boats, responding to what it described as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Iran retaliated with strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait, casting doubt on negotiations planned after the funeral to address nuclear issues and reopen the strait.

Three teenage boys were injured, one seriously, when a tree fell in the playground at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys in Birmingham. Emergency services provided advanced trauma care and transported all three to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The school secured the area, notified families, and offered support to witnesses, while a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway.

A Mullingar beauty salon paid a heartfelt tribute to staff member Michaela Newcombe after she died alongside Mark and Amy McCullagh in a car crash near Malaga that sent their vehicle into a ravine. Amy’s husband, Ian, survived but remains in critical condition. Colleagues described Michaela as the heart of the salon and expressed deep grief over her loss. The community in Mullingar has united in mourning, with local priest Fr Norman Allread noting widespread shock and prayers for the victims.

A 31-year-old woman died after a large alligator attacked her while she was wading with her partner and friend in the Econlockhatchee River near Orlando. The alligator severed one of her arms and critically injured the other before she could be rescued. Emergency calls captured the chaotic scene as her partner attempted to free her. Wildlife officials recovered two large alligators from the area for DNA testing to identify the attacker. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name pending family notification, and the attack is one of several recent incidents during a period of heightened alligator aggression following mating season.