Caroline Hemmingham

Social media accounts have circulated videos allegedly showing five teenagers shortly before they died when a high-powered BMW travelled the wrong way along the M9 and collided with a family heading to Dublin Airport. The victims were Jeremy O’Brien, Alex McCarthy, Joey Carthy, Jack Kennedy and Kamil Pustkowski. The videos’ authenticity, timing and connection to the victims have not been independently verified. Gardaí are investigating the crash, while Fiosrú is examining Garda contact with the BMW before the collision.

Hayden Panettiere discussed why she transferred custody of her daughter Kaya to former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in 2018 while seeking treatment for alcohol dependency and postnatal depression. She described a life-threatening childbirth involving haemorrhaging, seven blood transfusions and surgery, followed by depression and substance addiction. Panettiere said the custody decision was made so she could obtain help and prioritize her daughter’s wellbeing, while maintaining a close relationship with Kaya. The report also states that Panettiere died at 36 on August 16, 2026; no cause of death had been disclosed at the time of publication.

Simon Clayden, 57, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence, 15 days of rehabilitation and £150 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order by using an unregistered internet-enabled device. The order followed his earlier conviction for attempting to communicate sexually with a child, attempting to incite sexual activity and possessing indecent images of children. In 2022, Clayden sent explicit messages to an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl, and a subsequent search of his phone found 27 illegal images involving children aged four to 16. The court warned that any further offence would result in custody.

Center Parcs will begin refurbishing 109 lodges at its Sherwood Forest resort from September, with work scheduled across the Cedar and Maple areas through April. The project includes internal upgrades, patio extensions and pergolas, with some temporary road disruption expected. Further approved developments include replacing 11 executive flats in the former headquarters with a 48-apartment building and constructing a compact aerial zipline near the lake.

A first-person test compares white wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar traps for fruit flies, using washing-up liquid and cling film. Both traps attract and kill flies, but the apple cider vinegar version catches more than 20 overnight and is judged the clear winner. The inexpensive method is supplemented by advice from Pest UK to discard contaminated food, clean affected areas, and flush boiling water down drains to help prevent infestations.

Mark Pearce and Donald Hammond were convicted of conspiring to kidnap a man in Stockton after a 14-day trial at Teesside Crown Court. The victim was forced into a van, restrained, stripped, beaten and made to record a ransom video. Evidence including CCTV, mobile phone data and DNA linked the men to the abduction. Pearce was sentenced to four years in prison, while Hammond had already received a six-year sentence. Cleveland Police described the crime as a sophisticated plot with national and international elements and appealed for information about other participants.

Seventy-five-year-old June Redman from Middlesbrough became critically ill in Turkey after developing sepsis and pneumonia following a fall and emergency hospital admission. Although she is now conscious and showing signs of recovery, she remains in intensive care and is considered fit to return to the UK by air ambulance. Her family says travel insurance will cover only 21.28% of the repatriation costs, leaving a £31,500 shortfall, which they are trying to raise through donations. The family disputes the insurer’s decision, saying undisclosed medical conditions—including COPD and minor treatments—were either unknown or unrelated to the incident. Ancile Insurance Group, parent company of Goodtogo Travel Insurance, says it is working with the family on the claim.

Stephen Fraser and Tyler Cousins admitted possessing cocaine, cannabis, Zopiclone, buprenorphine and pregabalin with intent to supply. Police stopped their uninsured Ford Focus on the M18 near Doncaster and found drug-filled tennis balls, potatoes used as practice projectiles, a two-metre catapult and messages discussing firing the balls into a prison. Fraser, who had numerous previous convictions and prior drug-supply offences, was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison. Cousins received a two-year suspended sentence and 20 days of rehabilitation after the judge concluded he was not the scheme's instigator and had realistic prospects for rehabilitation.

Bridlington railway station has become known for its extensive floral displays, including hanging baskets, planters, fruit and vegetables, maintained for about a decade by Northern customer service assistant Andrew Loxton. He continued the work after the death of volunteer Chris Hanson and developed gardening skills on the job. The displays have won several awards, including a Gold Award in the Yorkshire in Bloom railway stations and transport hubs category, and attract visitors and local residents. The Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership and local volunteers now support Loxton, whose work is funded partly through community donations.

Christopher Fletcher, 40, of Hull, pleaded guilty to stalking a former romantic partner after sending more than 150 messages, making threatening phone calls and warning that she would be harmed if she did not comply with him. He had previously threatened to murder and decapitate another woman and said he would become the next Raoul Moat. Fletcher breached a suspended sentence imposed for those earlier threats and was sentenced at Hull Crown Court to 20 months in prison, including 18 months consecutively for the breach, along with a five-year restraining order and a £154 victims’ surcharge.

Four men—Benjamin Jones-Young, Alfie Green, Chiratcha Sripheng and Harley Smith—pleaded guilty to affray after targeting and attacking two men outside a Hull nightclub in September 2024. One victim suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain, while both experienced significant psychological and physical effects, including nightmares and fear of leaving home. The defendants had limited or no previous convictions, pleaded guilty early and were assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending. Each received an 18-month suspended custodial sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, five days of rehabilitation and a £187 victims’ surcharge.

Benjamin Morgan, 29, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court to three and a half years in prison and given a 10-year restraining order after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, intentional suffocation and controlling and coercive behaviour against his girlfriend. The court heard that he threatened to kill her, monitored her communications, prevented her from leaving, struck and suffocated her, and humiliated her by urinating in her shoes or pouring beer over her. Morgan had five previous domestic-related convictions involving another woman, including two suffocation offences. The judge said a custodial sentence was the only appropriate punishment.

A father and daughter were swept out to sea from Fraisthorpe Beach by strong winds while paddleboarding. Bridlington RNLI volunteers interrupted their open day to launch a lifeboat, locate the pair and bring them safely ashore, with the daughter receiving precautionary casualty care before both were handed to HM Coastguard. The father, Gareth, described the response as lifesaving. Bridlington RNLI confirmed they were wearing appropriate safety equipment and urged paddleboarders to check conditions, carry flotation and communication equipment, avoid going alone, and follow the Float to Live guidance in an emergency.

North Yorkshire Council is urging ministers to abandon plans to accommodate up to 1,250 single adult male asylum seekers at the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse base near York. Council leader Carl Les says the remote village lacks the infrastructure, services, transport, employment opportunities and safeguarding arrangements needed for a development of that scale, while residents fear severe disruption and criticize the limited information provided. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and former prime minister Rishi Sunak support the objections. The government says the site would help replace asylum hotels and that transport and activities would limit effects on nearby communities, but stresses that discussions remain preliminary and subject to planning permission, feasibility checks, due diligence and local engagement.

Jasmine Beverley told Hull Crown Court that her baby son Sunny’s remains were found nearly two years after his birth inside a brown paper bag on the floor of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors’ premises. She and three other women received incorrect ashes after entrusting their babies’ care to Robert Bush. Bush, who operated the funeral homes, admitted 31 additional charges involving the prevention of lawful and decent burial and theft from charities, alongside previously admitted fraud offences. The sentencing hearing is continuing, with Bush remanded in custody.

Michael Gannon, 49, from Dublin, pleaded guilty to criminal damage after damaging an electronic boarding gate at Birmingham Airport on 8 November 2025, as well as to a racially or religiously aggravated disorder offence. The estimated repair cost was revised from £21,000 to approximately £10,256.81, but the figure still requires verification. Birmingham Magistrates' Court postponed the case until later in the year and allowed Gannon to remain on unconditional bail.

Liam Robinson says Hull City Council staff flattened his baby daughter Cora’s grave and removed sentimental decorations, including a rose from her casket, without adequate care. The council says the items were unauthorised, that the family was contacted twice and given 28 days to remove them, and that staff acted according to cemetery policy. Robinson has lodged a formal complaint and raised the matter with Humberside Police, while the family continues to seek answers.

Arabella Mayer, who was born at Royal Stoke University Hospital on 12 June 2025, died after being found unresponsive in her exhausted mother Lydia Pass’s arms several days later. CPR restored her heartbeat, but she had suffered severe brain damage after being without oxygen for about 50 minutes, and life support was withdrawn on 20 June. Medical experts said the collapse may have resulted from an undiagnosed condition or the position in which she fell asleep. A coroner recorded a delayed sudden death in the context of unsafe sleeping, while Staffordshire Police found no evidence of neglect or intentional harm and emphasized that Arabella had been lovingly cared for.

A 15-year-old boy was taken to James Cook University Hospital with non-life-threatening head injuries after being struck by a bus on Redcar High Street. Emergency services responded around 7pm on July 20, with the road temporarily closed while the incident was managed. The air ambulance was dispatched but later stood down. Cleveland Police are appealing for witnesses or footage related to the collision.

Tommy Fury escalates his feud with KSI by calling him a derogatory name during a rapid‑fire Q&A on his BBC podcast with father John Fury. The exchange occurs in an episode focused on relationships, where the pair also discuss meeting partners and dating culture. KSI’s recent appointment as a Britain’s Got Talent judge and his past boxing match with Fury provide context for the hostility, adding to earlier remarks in which Fury said he hates the YouTuber‑turned‑TV personality.

Alison Hammond attributes her renewed confidence and appearance to her supportive relationship with partner David Puttnam while rejecting concerns about their age gap. She expresses pride in her son Aiden’s independence and happiness, reflects on her strong bond with co-presenter Dermot O'Leary, and supports the new Strictly hosting lineup. Hammond discusses navigating health challenges, her evolving career, and her collaboration with Tropic skincare, praising both the products and founder Susie Ma’s story. She also speaks candidly about grief for her late mother while emphasizing her commitment to embracing life.

A proposal for a 14‑mile road and rail tunnel under the Peak District aims to cut travel times between Sheffield and Manchester by around 30 minutes. Infrastructure firm Future Works estimates the project would cost just under £2 billion and could be financed through tolls or regional investment rather than national funding. The scheme is expected to reduce surface traffic through the National Park and could begin construction before the end of the decade, with completion in the mid‑2030s.

Forecasts warn that temperatures in parts of Spain and Portugal could reach 50C as heatwaves intensify across southern Europe. Experts caution that dangerous conditions may force tourists to remain indoors, with the elderly and vulnerable facing heightened risks. Scientists link the extreme heat to accelerating climate change, noting that Europe is warming faster than any other continent and that summer heatwaves are expected to worsen without significant emissions reductions.

Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England triggered controversy after several players displayed a banner asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The act, viewed as a political statement, may result in FIFA sanctions under rules prohibiting political messages on equipment. The incident followed an on-field altercation between players and comes amid provocative comments from Argentina’s vice-president ahead of the match. FIFA and IFAB guidelines indicate both players and teams could face disciplinary action.

A restaurant worker was seriously injured after Jodie Sainsbury smashed a glass into his face during a confrontation sparked by Alexander Ledger stealing two bottles of wine from a Hull restaurant. Both attackers assaulted staff when confronted, leaving the victim with facial lacerations and another manager with a black eye and scratches. CCTV and DNA evidence later linked them to the incident. At Hull Crown Court, Sainsbury received a suspended one‑year sentence, unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements, while Ledger received a suspended 15‑month sentence, probation sessions, rehabilitation days and a fine. Each was ordered to pay £500 in costs.

A father and a passerby drowned while attempting to rescue two children struggling in the sea at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool. Witness Davey Short helped save one of the children after the father and another man were swept away by strong waves. Emergency services, including RNLI crews and police, conducted an extensive search before recovering the victims. Locals highlighted the dangers of riptides and the need for greater public awareness.

A Hull drug‑dealing couple, Thomas Crombie and Marley Hadfield, were sentenced after evidence including a photo of Crombie posing on a bed covered in cash and a video of Hadfield boasting about drug sales was shown in court. Police recovered £10,000 in drugs and cash during a raid. Crombie received a 27‑month prison sentence, while Hadfield received a two‑year suspended term with unpaid work and rehabilitation, with the judge ruling she was a willing participant despite claims of manipulation.

Schools across England and Wales plan early closures due to extreme heat as temperatures are expected to exceed 30C, with southern areas potentially reaching 36C. The UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat‑health alerts, and the Met Office confirmed record numbers of days above 34C this year. The National Fire Chiefs Council warned of heightened wildfire risks and urged caution with barbecues and other potential fire sources.

Warm weather increases fly and maggot infestations in household bins, but a social‑media cleaning expert recommends sprinkling cayenne pepper and cinnamon inside bins to repel flies and stop egg‑laying. Capsaicin in cayenne irritates flies, while cinnamon’s natural oils overwhelm their senses and are toxic to insects. Keeping homes clean, covering food and using sealed food‑waste containers or biodegradable waste bags further helps reduce fly problems.

Police found more than 27g of high‑purity cocaine after stopping Timothy and Nicola Downes on their way to Bradford, uncovering extensive phone messages linked to drug supply. Prosecutors said the pair expected significant financial gain, though both claimed personal or pressured motives. Mitigation highlighted remorse, improved circumstances, and reduced substance use. Each received a three‑year suspended sentence, with Timothy assigned 200 hours of unpaid work and Nicola given unpaid work and rehabilitation days.

Expert testimony at Teesside Crown Court stated that toddler Isabelle Welsh’s extensive spinal, limb, and skull fractures were likely inflicted rather than accidental, caused by forceful slamming or twisting. Her mother, Alexandra Walker, and her partner, Harrison Simpson, deny charges including murder, causing or allowing her death, assault by penetration, and child cruelty. The expert indicated the injuries were extremely rare in children and inconsistent with accidental scenarios. The trial continues.

A former neighbour described years of troubling behaviour by Jamie Varley, a former teacher now serving a whole‑life sentence for sexually abusing and murdering his adopted 13‑month‑old son, Preston Davey. She detailed past incidents of aggression and dangerous conduct, including anti‑social behaviour, property damage and attempts to set children's toys on fire. Additional accounts from colleagues highlighted patterns of instability, including unexplained absences and erratic incidents before the killing. Varley, recently sentenced at Preston Crown Court, joins a small group of UK criminals serving whole‑life orders.

Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital after injuring his wrist during post‑match celebrations following England’s 3‑2 World Cup victory over Mexico. Manager Thomas Tuchel described the injury as serious, with Henderson remaining in Mexico City for treatment and not returning with the team. England secured the win despite playing much of the match with ten men after Jarell Quansah’s dismissal, advancing to a quarter‑final against Norway in Miami.

Schools across the UK are adjusting Monday start times to accommodate families after England’s 1am World Cup match against Mexico, with several primary schools allowing arrivals up to mid‑morning or offering match replays. The move follows comments from England manager Thomas Tuchel encouraging children to watch the game, though Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Downing Street emphasise the need for regular attendance. Reactions among parents are mixed, with some prioritising education and others favouring the one‑off experience.

Annabel Croft recounts the distressing final hours of her husband Mel Coleman’s life, describing an encounter with a nurse whose harsh delivery of information about his condition left her traumatised. She says the nurse dismissed the family’s concerns, spoke bluntly about his impending death and contradicted Mel’s wish not to have a do‑not‑resuscitate order. Croft highlights the contrast between this experience and the compassionate care provided by other medical staff, noting the emotional toll the incident continues to have on her family.

Paul Flack was found unresponsive at his Norwich home on June 21 and later died in hospital, with a preliminary post‑mortem identifying cardiac arrest due to hanging. An inquest is set for October. Months earlier, he appeared in a documentary about the death of his sister Caroline Flack, expressing ongoing frustration over media and police treatment of the case. His final Instagram post included a childhood photo of Caroline and a pointed message directed at those he believed contributed to her distress.

Police are seeking a man captured on CCTV after a woman had her hijab grabbed and pulled tightly around her neck at Hull Paragon station, leaving her bruised. The incident, treated as a racially aggravated assault, occurred on 8 June. Investigators believe the man pictured may have information relevant to the case and urge the public to contact British Transport Police or Crimestoppers with any leads.

Food and drink prices at Wimbledon have risen, with pints approaching £9, specialty lagers exceeding that, and champagne bottles surpassing £100. Wines, cocktails, and Pimm's have also increased in cost, while soft drink options and reusable water bottles remain available at lower prices. Food stalls offer a range of options, though many items have also seen slight price rises, including the traditional strawberries and cream.

Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo’s wife and two children were found dead in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes that killed around 1,500 people. After a 74‑hour search, his club confirmed the deaths, echoed by statements from fellow players and friends. The earthquakes caused widespread destruction in La Guaira, left tens of thousands missing, and claimed additional victims, including other athletes and family members.

A woman with multiple chronic conditions reported being denied access to an airport’s reduced mobility lane despite showing disability documentation. She described the encounter as abrupt and humiliating, saying staff claimed the lane was only for wheelchair users and suggested she purchase fast-track access. After reviewing her documents, staff eventually allowed her through. She filed a complaint and received an apology. She later shared her experience to highlight challenges faced by people with hidden disabilities and to call for better training and support. Liverpool John Lennon Airport apologised and cited initiatives aimed at improving accessibility for passengers with visible and non-visible disabilities.