Barney Davis

A 14-year-old boy from Portsmouth died after being struck by a bus near The Hard at Portsmouth Harbour on August 17. The 39-year-old bus driver, from Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and released on bail until November 17. Hampshire Constabulary is seeking witnesses, while tributes have been left for the boy. A petition has called on Portsmouth City Council to improve the allegedly unsafe bus stop, and Stagecoach said it is cooperating with police and local authorities.

Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, 38, was arrested in Joinville, Brazil, after allegedly posing as a vulnerable 11- or 12-year-old girl for 14 months so a couple would take her in, furnish a child’s bedroom and celebrate her supposed birthday. Investigators say she used a childlike voice, toys, pacifiers and fabricated identities, while claiming autism and past abuse. Her lawyers acknowledge deception but argue it was a survival strategy motivated by a need for care and that no financial loss or fraud was established. Former acquaintances described similar alleged impersonations in several Brazilian cities, and a verdict was expected within days.

Donald Trump has urged Britain to expand North Sea oil and gas production, claiming the country is effectively bankrupt because it has left valuable energy resources undeveloped and relied on costly wind power. He praised new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and suggested Burnham may adopt a more pragmatic approach, potentially challenging Labour’s pledge not to issue new North Sea licences. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said existing licences could be exploited and that oil and gas remain part of the energy mix, while former energy secretary Ed Miliband had supported the original policy. Trump also said Iran had sought last-minute talks to avoid renewed strikes, although Tehran denied negotiations were underway.

The body of 19-year-old kayaker Michael Henry was found off Blyth, Northumberland, on July 26, more than two weeks after he disappeared when his vessel capsized near Boulmer on July 7. His friend survived by clinging to a buoy. Northumbria Police confirmed the recovery and formal identification, with a report prepared for the coroner. Henry’s family described him as a keen sportsman who loved the outdoors and thanked supporters for their kindness.

A large grassland wildfire near Waltham Abbey, Essex, burned about 14 hectares beside the River Lea, sending ash and smoke into nearby streets and across the M25. Train services from Waltham Cross toward Stansted Airport and Liverpool Street were suspended or diverted as a safety precaution, while firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours. The fire was still smouldering the following day, prompting checks on nearby electricity cables. The report also highlights a separate Suffolk heathland wildfire that devastated habitat for rare birds, reptiles and insects, leading the National Trust to launch an emergency fundraising appeal.

A remotely detonated TNT device disguised as a gift exploded outside Moscow’s Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant after a female courier was reportedly refused entry, killing the woman, a security guard and another guest and injuring at least 20 people. Russian authorities called it a terrorist act and launched an investigation, while no group claimed responsibility. The restaurant was reportedly hosting the 55th birthday celebration of General Colonel Alexander Chaika, commander of Russia’s Aerospace Forces, who was not injured and has faced EU sanctions over his role in operations around Kyiv. Russian commentators pointed to Ukraine, but Kyiv has not claimed responsibility; another report suggested the courier may have been unaware of the bomb and that an accomplice detonated it remotely.

Ariana Grande will take a break from public-facing work after completing her Eternal Sunshine world tour, including ten London performances ending on September 1. She has withdrawn from the planned 2027 Barbican revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, which will be recast with the production still scheduled to open. The announcement follows public scrutiny of Grande’s appearance and health, while her new album Petal has reportedly received strong reviews.

Katherine Ryan, Joanne McNally and Fatiha El-Ghorri defend Lily Allen during a preview of the comedy panel show Unacceptable, criticizing her former husband David Harbour amid debate over Allen’s album West End Girl. The discussion centers on allegations and speculation surrounding their open relationship, separation and divorce. Harbour says he respects Allen’s right to turn her experiences into art but maintains that the details of their relationship are private.

Bryan Kohberger has been assigned a new public defender while seeking to withdraw his guilty plea to murdering four University of Idaho students. He alleges that his former court-appointed lawyers pressured him to make a false confession, failed to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence, and misrepresented conditions on death row and in prison. Kohberger accepted the plea deal to avoid the death penalty; prosecutors instead recommended four consecutive life sentences without parole plus an additional 10 years. His claims echo allegations in the book Broken Plea, which questions the handling of the investigation and crime scene and raises the possibility of another suspect.

The body of British woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross, believed to be from Edinburgh, was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens's Kypseli neighbourhood. Police suspect she may have been lured to the location and are investigating whether messages sent from her phone after her death were intended to make it appear that she was alive. Interpol identified the victim, whose family has been notified, while Greek and Scottish authorities work to establish her movements, travel arrangements and associates. Greek police are treating the death as a criminal act despite no obvious injuries or signs of struggle being found.

Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, allegedly shot his wife Amanda, 39, and their six children, aged five to 15, before setting their Grand Haven Township home on fire and killing himself. Authorities said all eight victims died from gunshot wounds, while the family's pets also perished in the blaze. The report details Amanda's earlier accounts of her husband's infidelity, marital conflict and efforts to preserve the family, as well as tributes describing her as a devoted mother and caring substitute teacher. Friends have started a scholarship fundraiser in memory of the children.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski condemned a photograph showing a man wearing a guillotine-themed “making plans for Nigel” t-shirt after Nigel Farage and Reform UK called it an incitement to murder and reported the social-media post to the Metropolitan Police. Polanski said he had accepted a collaboration post without seeing all of its images and removed it as soon as he was alerted. The photographer, Just Barold, apologised and said the image was satirical rather than a serious threat. Police said they were conducting enquiries, while the article also placed the dispute against heightened security concerns facing public figures and declining Reform UK poll numbers.

Robert Bush, owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, pleaded guilty to 30 counts of preventing the lawful and decent burial of bodies and is being sentenced at Hull Crown Court. Police discovered the remains of Jasmine Beverley’s stillborn son Sunny, born at about 18 weeks in May 2022, in an envelope on the funeral home’s cold-room floor nearly two years after his family believed he had been cremated. Investigators found around 29 bodies, many uncovered and decomposing, along with personal belongings left on the floor. Prosecutors said Bush had deceived hundreds of grieving families for years by failing to bury or cremate loved ones, providing incorrect ashes and spending more than £879,000 on personal expenses while his businesses received over £3 million. Relatives told the court that the discoveries caused severe emotional harm, destroyed their trust and forced some to confront the possibility that the ashes they received belonged to other people.

Axel Rudakubana, who received a 52-year sentence for murdering three girls and attempting to murder eight other children and two adults at a Southport dance class, has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital. The Ministry of Justice said the move followed an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act and does not alter his sentence, which officials said he will serve in full. The transfer was prompted by concerns that he could not be safely managed in prison, although a Prison Officers' Association representative disputed that he is mentally unwell and criticised the higher cost and conditions of hospital detention. Rudakubana will undergo compulsory treatment and could return to prison if he no longer requires hospital care.

An inquest heard that Adam Dudzinski and Chloe-Ann Naylor drowned after their car overturned into an icy drainage ditch near Iwade, Kent, trapping them for hours. A surviving passenger described the final moments inside the submerged vehicle, including attempts to keep Adam’s head above water. The survivor was located after her father used a phone tracking app to find the crash site. Emergency services recovered the victims, while collision investigators determined the car had been driven too fast for the road conditions though not above the speed limit. The coroner recorded accidental death verdicts and offered condolences to the families, who later received community support through fundraising efforts.

Police are searching for fugitive Oliver Mazirel, who escaped HMP Ford in Sussex by climbing a fence on June 30. Investigators have arrested two men from Worthing suspected of assisting his escape and are seeking a third. Authorities warn the public not to approach Mazirel and to call emergency services with any sightings. Mazirel has known links to Worthing and Littlehampton, and information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A 70-year-old woman has been formally charged with the murder of British national Karen Carter, who was found fatally stabbed outside her home in Trémolat, France, following a wine tasting in April 2025. The Périgueux prosecutor confirmed the indictment after renewed investigation, which followed earlier arrests of neighbours and Carter’s partner, all released without charge. Carter, a 65-year-old mother of four, sustained multiple fatal wounds in what was described as a frenzied attack. Tributes described her as a respected and well-liked member of the community.

Prosecutors allege that Joshua Kerry drove from Rotherham to Ann Widdecombe’s home in Devon, where he entered her house, demanded identification, and struck her repeatedly with a hammer before taking her wallet and leaving. Widdecombe was later found dead from severe head injuries. Kerry, described by relatives and neighbours as shy and isolated following his father’s death, has been charged with murder and remains in custody. Counterterrorism officers continue to investigate but no motive has been identified. Court hearings are scheduled through late 2026, with a provisional trial date set for mid‑2027.

Anas Sarwar is expected to resign as Scottish Labour leader and enter the House of Lords to take a ministerial role in Andy Burnham’s government, reportedly within the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. His appointment has drawn criticism from the SNP, which argues the move contradicts Burnham’s message of political reform. Sarwar, who previously urged Keir Starmer to step down, had said he intended to remain Scottish Labour leader but is now anticipated to shift into a UK‑level ministerial role as Burnham continues to fill government posts.

Trump promises severe retaliation for American casualties as US troops suffer continued losses in the conflict involving Iran, with 17 service members reported killed so far. Tributes are given to recently fallen soldiers, and officials highlight both the political tension surrounding the conflict and the personal impact on communities mourning the deaths.

Andrew and Tristan Tate remain jailed in Florida as a US judge considers their extradition to the UK to face new rape and sex‑trafficking charges. UK prosecutors announced additional offences following new evidence, bringing the number of alleged victims to seven. The Crown Prosecution Service and Bedfordshire Police emphasized that proceedings remain active and warned against reporting that could affect the case, while investigations into further offences continue.

A 17-year-old student from Hampton School in London died after disappearing underwater while snorkelling during a school camping trip at Monkey Bay in Lake Malawi. Divers located him following an extensive search, and he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, with drowning identified as the cause. Malawi Police expressed condolences as investigations continue, and Hampton School issued a statement supporting the boy’s family and school community.

A 28-year-old man from Rotherham remains in custody on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe and on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. Widdecombe was found dead at her Dartmoor home with severe head injuries. The suspect’s uncle and neighbours described him as reclusive and unlikely to commit violence, noting that he rarely left home after caring for his late father. CCTV and neighbour accounts indicate his car was absent during the timeframe of the killing. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, with no prior indications that the suspect was known to police or to the Prevent programme.

A Manchester England supporter, Sean Carrington, drew attention after getting a £550 tattoo declaring England the 2026 World Cup winners before the team was eliminated by Argentina. Having vowed to get the tattoo if England beat DR Congo, he now plans to add “Just kidding” to it. The article also notes fan clashes after the semi‑final and includes reactions from Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer praising the team despite the defeat.

A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe remains in custody as police investigate possible terrorist or political motives behind the targeted attack. His family described him as quiet and gentle, expressing shock over the arrest and noting recent isolation following his father’s death. Investigators are examining whether the killing may be linked to Reform UK figures or left‑wing extremism, while maintaining multiple active lines of inquiry. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirmed ongoing efforts to determine motive, planning, and any wider threat.

A man in his twenties was arrested in south London on suspicion of sending a social media death threat to Nigel Farage during the local elections. Police traced the suspect after obtaining information from the platform and released him on bail pending further enquiries. The case follows heightened concerns for the safety of politicians after Reform spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was found murdered in Devon, prompting counter-terrorism involvement and renewed debate over threats targeting MPs. Farage said he has faced similar threats for years and urged greater action from authorities.

A 25-year-old student, Vamshi Krishna Mandala, was identified as one of two victims killed when a two-seat Cessna aircraft crashed in a field near Ongar, Essex, after he booked a 30‑minute flight experience to celebrate completing his master’s degree. His brother launched a fundraising appeal to repatriate his body to India. Essex Police completed a three‑day search at the crash site and continue investigating alongside the AAIB while seeking video footage to determine the cause.

Council workers removed an England flag from a communal balcony in Portsmouth due to fire safety rules ahead of the World Cup semi-final. A resident reported the incident to police, calling it theft, while councillor George Madgwick criticised the decision as unnecessary. Council leader Steve Pitt said the removal followed fire safety policies supported by Hampshire Fire & Rescue, adding that flags can be displayed indoors instead. Police have been approached for comment.

US officials received warnings that Iranian operatives were plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump during his visit to Turkey for the NATO summit, prompting the Secret Service to switch him to a more secure aircraft. Trump publicly stated that Iran aims to target him and announced the reinstatement of a US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, including plans to charge vessels for security. Iran, asserting control over the waterway, vowed to resist interference as recent exchanges of fire increased the risk of wider conflict.

Police discovered the bodies of three related individuals inside a home on Old Cullybackey Road in Ballymena, prompting an investigation. Authorities stated there is no ongoing risk to the public and no other individuals are being sought. Local political figures expressed shock and condolences while urging the community to support the police inquiry. Post‑mortem examinations are pending to determine the cause of death.

A Hartlepool man, Davey Short, rescued a young boy swept out to sea at Seaton Carew, where the boy’s father and another man died attempting to reach him. Despite police warnings not to enter the water, he swam out and brought the child safely to shore. Police confirmed both men who entered the sea to help were pronounced dead and urged the public to avoid open water during hazardous conditions. The incident has renewed attention on the lack of year‑round lifeguards at the beach, with a petition gaining support, while Short plans to launch a fundraiser for the affected families.

A fire at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok killed at least 27 people and injured several others. The blaze erupted shortly after midnight, reportedly beginning near a circuit breaker before an explosion filled the venue with smoke. Many victims were found near the restrooms, and firefighters brought the blaze under control within 30 minutes. The cause is under investigation, and the incident echoes previous deadly nightclub fires in Thailand.

Two men died after entering the sea at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool to rescue two struggling children, who were taken to hospital and confirmed safe. RNLI crews recovered the men, who could not be resuscitated. Police urged the public to avoid open water during hot weather. The incident comes amid multiple recent water‑related deaths and as the UK experiences severe heat, heightened wildfire risk, and record high temperatures.

Aberdeen University opened an investigation after staff member Heather Herbert posted messages celebrating Ann Widdecombe’s death and expressing hope that she suffered. The university stated the comments do not reflect its views and are being reviewed. Officials, including the principal and rector, responded to complaints as police continued their murder investigation into Widdecombe’s death, with a 28‑year‑old man arrested and no other suspects being sought.

Human remains were found in a suitcase at Borstal Recreation Ground in Kent during a children’s teddy bear hunt. Police linked the discovery to an earlier tip about a potential murder at a flat in Wandsworth. Two men, Joshua Miller and Jamie Cooper, were arrested, with Miller charged with murder and both accused of preventing a lawful burial. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspects and victim were known to each other, and the suspects are due to appear in court.

Armed police arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham in connection with the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found with fatal injuries at her Dartmoor home. Neighbours described the suspect as reclusive following his father’s death. Police said they are not seeking additional suspects and have found no evidence of terrorism or political motivation. Tributes were paid by Reform UK figures, and the party increased security for its MPs. Investigators believe Widdecombe was attacked the day before she was found, with phone messages showing she stopped responding around the estimated time of the assault.

Luke Worley, a former Married at First Sight UK contestant removed from the series after a fight, has announced he will stand as an independent candidate in the Clacton by-election. Positioning himself against Nigel Farage and Count Binface, he argues that his local roots and community focus set him apart. He pledges to prioritise Clacton residents, improve affordability, and rejuvenate the high street, promoting himself as the only true local voice among the candidates.

Andy Burnham secured the Labour leadership uncontested after receiving backing from 322 MPs and is expected to become prime minister on 20 July. He apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, called for clearer criticism of events in the territory and indicated support for deeper sanctions against individuals involved in settler violence. While condemning both Hamas’s October 7 attacks and antisemitic incidents in the UK, he argued that determinations of genocide are for international courts. Burnham signalled that his government would accelerate calls for a ceasefire, consider further sanctions and explore bans on trade with illegal settlements, while outlining broader domestic plans including devolving power and increasing public control of water and energy sectors.

A hosepipe ban affecting 350,000 people has been introduced by Cambridge Water as record heat pushes UK water demand to unprecedented levels. Additional restrictions are already in place across parts of Kent and will soon affect Southern Water customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The UK has surpassed its previous record for the number of days exceeding 34C in a year, with June confirmed as western Europe’s hottest on record. Authorities warn that drought risks are increasing and health agencies have expanded amber heat alerts across large regions of England. High temperatures are also straining electricity generation capacity, prompting another electricity margin notice, while fire chiefs warn of heightened wildfire risks.

Turkish actress Ece Irtem died from fatal alcohol poisoning shortly after celebrating her 35th birthday, with forensic analysis ruling out any link to a recent monkey bite and related medication. Tests found an extremely high blood alcohol level combined with therapeutic doses of prescription medication, causing a deadly depressant effect and subsequent pulmonary aspiration. Her body was released to her family and buried in Kusadasi, and her death prompted widespread tributes from the Turkish entertainment community.

Police arrested Dean Foord after his partner reported months of coercive control, violence and intimidation, including being forced to bark to leave their home and having her possessions destroyed. Officers found Foord hiding inside his fridge during a search, leading to charges including actual bodily harm, criminal damage, threats to kill and coercive behaviour. He was convicted and jailed for three years, with investigators highlighting both the seriousness of his actions and the victim’s courage in coming forward.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock announced via an Instagram video that she is expecting her third child with husband Andre Gray, with her music playing in the background. The couple, already parents to twins born in 2021, received support and congratulations from former Little Mix bandmates and other celebrities. The news follows the release of her debut solo album earlier in the year.

Nigel Farage defended his record in Clacton while vowing to fix potholes and oppose unwanted housing developments as he campaigns in a by‑election where major parties have withdrawn. He rejected allegations of improper financial support linked to Christopher Harborne and George Cottrell, calling the scrutiny politically motivated. Count Binface and several other candidates remain in the race, though none are considered strong challengers. Farage framed the vote as a test of public backing against what he described as establishment hostility.

Count Binface, the satirical political character created by comedian Jon Harvey, is challenging Nigel Farage in the Clacton by‑election, continuing his tradition of running humorous yet pointed campaigns against major political figures. Harvey’s background includes work on political satire for the BBC and Times Radio, while the Binface persona has appeared in multiple elections, London mayoral races and public events such as Glastonbury. His past manifestos include caps on food prices, compulsory national service for former prime ministers and humorous proposals on public behaviour. After a copyright dispute forced a name change from Lord Buckethead, the character has continued to attract attention and modest electoral results. With no major rivals besides Farage in the Clacton contest, his vote tally is expected to rise.

Major UK parties have refused to contest Nigel Farage’s Clacton by-election amid an investigation into a £5 million gift he received, prompting accusations that he is attempting to distract from the probe. Count Binface has declared himself willing to stand as a unity candidate after Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain opted out, with several figures criticising Farage’s decision to trigger what they call a fake by-election. The episode recalls a similar protest resignation by David Davis in 2008, which resulted in an unusually crowded field of independent and fringe candidates.

Nigel Farage accused Sky News and The Times of endangering his daughter’s privacy by approaching her at home and publishing images of her residence. He released CCTV footage to support his claims and demanded an apology, saying he had never been angrier. Sky News responded that it made reasonable efforts to contact him regarding questions about undeclared funding linked to George Cottrell and said its approach to the property was limited and off‑camera.

A man in his 50s died after suffering a medical incident when an inflatable being towed by a jet ski overturned off Calshot. Emergency services brought him ashore and he was taken to hospital, where he died the following day. A child on the inflatable and the jet‑ski rider were uninjured, and police will prepare a report for the coroner. The publication issued a correction clarifying that no collision occurred and only one child was involved.

A High Court ruling dismissed Prince Harry’s phone hacking claims against Associated Newspapers after finding all challenged articles were lawfully sourced. Mr Justice Nicklin concluded there was no evidence of voicemail interception or other unlawful activity in any of the 97 allegations. Associated Newspapers welcomed the decision as a vindication of its journalism, criticising the case as baseless and politically motivated, and signalled its intention to pursue recovery of legal costs exceeding £50 million.

Investigators are examining the charred remains of a dog found in Ballymun, with the NSPCA calling it one of the most distressing cruelty cases it has encountered. Identification was impossible due to the extent of the burns, and a stick or pole was discovered lodged in the animal’s body. The NSPCA has appealed for public information, while Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the death and declined to comment on unverified online rumours.

A backing dancer for Taylor Swift, Tori Evans, drew criticism online after sharing photos of herself wearing white to Swift and Travis Kelce’s elaborate New York City wedding, with commenters accusing her of trying to resemble the bride. The event featured a highly stylized fairytale theme with custom decor and couture outfits by Christian Dior, along with Louboutin shoes and Cartier jewellery. Despite phones being banned, guests shared impressions of the lavish celebration as public anticipation grows for official images of the couple.

A major fire broke out at the former Puma Energy oil refinery site, now Impala Terminals, in Milford Haven, producing large plumes of smoke and prompting officials to urge residents to avoid the area and keep windows closed. Fire crews responded quickly while police closed surrounding roads. A local resident reported that emergency services had the situation under control. The article also notes a separate large field fire in Oxfordshire requiring 14 fire engines.

A 13‑year‑old boy, Coby Keogh, died in hospital five days after a house fire in Blackpool that police believe was caused by an e‑bike. A 19‑year‑old named locally as Joey remains in critical condition after being placed in a medically induced coma. Police and fire services continue to investigate, with no third‑party involvement suspected, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Sunetra Sarker discusses the impact of the death of her ex-husband Nick Corfield, revealing how she supports their son Noah by keeping his father’s memory present. She highlights her husband Scott Carey’s efforts to help Noah cope and reflects on the challenges surrounding her past divorce and family dynamics.

An 18-year-old student from east London, Umar Dumbuya, drowned during a Duke of Edinburgh trip in Powys, Wales, after disappearing below Glasbury Bridge. Emergency services conducted an extensive search before recovering his body. His college described him as kind and deeply valued, noting the significant loss felt by those who knew him. A fundraising effort has been launched to support his family. Authorities and the Duke of Edinburgh Award organisation are working with the college to understand the circumstances of the incident.