Carrington Walker

Eleven-year-old Faith Curran was found in the Gore Water river after being reported missing during a family outing at Gore Glen Woodland Park near Gorebridge, Midlothian. Police Scotland is treating her death as unexplained but not suspicious, with enquiries continuing. Her father, Joe, and younger brother, Jude, have received community support, including a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial costs.

Levi Wilson, 33, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to six years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to wounding with intent. He attacked a man at a Preston flat on Halloween after arriving with a knife and demanding money or drugs, then repeatedly punched the victim in the face. The victim suffered multiple facial fractures, permanent scarring, impaired vision, facial numbness and PTSD, and said the injuries affected his work, finances and relationship with his children. Judge Darren Preston described Wilson’s actions as cowardly and noted his previous drug-dealing conviction and cocaine use while on licence.

An inquest heard that Sophie Shambley, a 38-year-old mother of two from Ashton-in-Makerfield, sent final messages to her family before she died at Bryn Railway Station on December 19, 2025. Her husband and father described her long history of depression, anxiety, post-natal depression and recent bereavements, while her GP said she had generally engaged with support services and that her suicidal thoughts had been fleeting. The coroner recorded her cause of death as polytrauma and concluded that she had died by suicide.

Paris Wilson was sentenced to nine years for attempted kidnapping and manslaughter after helping a gang locate her former partner, Danny Cahalane, for a sulphuric acid attack at his Plymouth home. Cahalane suffered life-changing and life-threatening injuries and died ten weeks later. Abdul-Rasheed Adedoja and Israel Augustus received life sentences for murder, while Ramarnee Bakas-Sithole was sentenced to ten years for manslaughter. The prosecution said the attack followed Cahalane's £120,000 drug debt, and the judge described Wilson's planning as calculated but unsophisticated.

Elisabeth Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens on 18 July, approximately eight days after her death. Greek investigators are conducting toxicology and post-mortem examinations and are treating the site as a crime scene, although no suspect has been named and no visible injuries or evidence of a third party have been found. Authorities believe messages sent from Ross’s phone after her death may have been intended to make relatives believe she was alive. Greek police, Interpol, American investigators and Police Scotland are assisting the inquiry, while friends and family remember Ross as a kind and caring person.

The remains of 38-year-old Scottish woman Elisabeth Jane Ross were found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens on July 18. DNA analysis later confirmed her identity as a British woman who had travelled to Greece via Cyprus after leaving the United States. Greek police found no visible injuries or signs of a struggle and are awaiting a post-mortem examination while interviewing witnesses and tracing her final movements. Interpol, US investigators and Police Scotland are assisting, but no suspect has been identified.

Christopher Yates was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to seriously injuring his seven-month-old son by shaking him repeatedly while drunk on 11 cans of Foster’s lager and after using cocaine. The baby suffered a brain haemorrhage, seizures and extensive eye injuries, leaving him blind and dependent on lifelong care. Yates delayed seeking medical assistance and initially lied about the cause of the injuries. The child, who had recently been placed in Yates’s sole custody despite family concerns about his drinking and ability to cope, has returned to his foster carers. The judge described the harm as catastrophic, while the defence cited Yates’s mental-health difficulties, childhood violence and fear of losing custody.

Fire chiefs have warned that wildfire risk remains elevated across the UK after 208 incidents were recorded in England and Wales between July 16 and 28, bringing the 2026 total to 706. Hot, dry conditions linked to an approaching heatwave are expected to raise the risk particularly in London, the South East and eastern England, while an amber heat-health alert has been issued for several regions. Officials are monitoring eight active incidents, including the major fire at Tintwistle Moor, and say climate change, dry weather and rural harvesting activity could produce larger and more complex fires in future. The public has been urged to avoid actions such as using disposable barbecues, leaving litter and improperly discarding cigarettes, and to report fires immediately.

Christopher Wright, 73, was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court of murdering his former lodger Richard Dyson and hiding his body in a concrete-filled barrel at Alderthwaite Farm near Barnsley. Dyson disappeared in 2019, and his remains were discovered in July 2025 after evidence from phone records, CCTV, forensic testing, firearms analysis and a farm diary linked Wright to the disposal site. Wright's accomplice, Karl Schwalbe, was also convicted for helping obstruct the investigation and lying to police. Prosecutors said Wright retained firearms after his licence was revoked and used building materials to conceal the killing, while police expressed hope the verdict would provide Dyson's family with some clarity.

Essex Police identified 41-year-old Shelina Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter, Sameeha, as the two people who died after six family members got into difficulty while swimming off Mersea Island on July 22. A seven-year-old boy remains in critical condition, while other relatives are recovering after hospital treatment. Police are investigating the circumstances with support from witnesses, emergency services and local authorities, and have appealed for information or footage from the public.

James Desborough, 40, was convicted at Winchester Crown Court of murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman, whose dismembered remains were hidden in Sticker Woods near St Austell, Cornwall. Desborough denied the killings but admitted preventing the lawful burial of the bodies and spending the victims’ money on drugs and alcohol. Prosecutors presented evidence including notes about killing and escape plans, while Desborough’s references to the television show Dexter were also heard. He was already imprisoned for strangling fellow inmate Steven Kempster, making him responsible for three killings within five months.

Ryanair flight FR661 from Birmingham to Dublin declared a medical emergency shortly after departure and broadcast the general emergency transponder code 7700 while flying about 8,000 feet above the Irish Sea. The aircraft received priority clearance, landed safely at Dublin Airport’s Runway 28L roughly 40 minutes after takeoff, and was met by emergency ground crews.

Kira Cousins has spoken publicly about deceiving her former boyfriend, Jamie Gardner, and relatives into believing she was pregnant and had given birth to a daughter, Bonnie-Leigh Joyce. She says she suffered a miscarriage but became unable to tell Gardner, eventually using a lifelike plastic doll and fabricating evidence including scans, medical visits and a gender-reveal event. Gardner says he genuinely believed the doll was their newborn and disputes Cousins’s claim that she tried to tell him about the miscarriage. The deception was uncovered in October after family members became suspicious, ending the couple’s relationship.

A man in his twenties was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after two women reported separate attacks in Rochdale-area parks less than two hours apart. Police believe the incidents are linked and are investigating CCTV showing a suspect leaving the Coco Lounge at about 5am. The suspect reportedly matched descriptions of a man wearing smart black clothing and carrying a briefcase; he remained in custody while enquiries continued.

Ben Dooley, 23, was one of four men in their twenties killed when a black Cupra collided with a lamppost on Liverpool Road in Huyton, Merseyside, shortly before 2am on July 24. A fifth man, aged 27, survived and remained in stable condition in hospital. Dooley’s mother, sister and friends paid tribute to him as a kind, caring and family-oriented sports psychology student who loved football, padel, darts, travel and festivals.

A wildfire has burned across Cairngorms National Park for 10 days, prompting Police Scotland to declare a major incident and evacuate residents near Nethy Bridge. More than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, while strong winds and dry heathland make its spread unpredictable. Residents have described the smoke as apocalyptic and criticised the response; some were told to leave their pets and evacuate. Smoke advisories remain in place, with people urged to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

A two‑year‑old boy suffered serious facial injuries after being mauled by a dog in the beer garden of The Wulstan pub in Wolstanton. Witnesses described the aftermath as horrific, with the child and his mother covered in blood. Emergency services responded quickly, and the boy was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital before being discharged. Staffordshire Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

VAT will be removed from domestic electricity bills starting October 1, a measure Prime Minister Andy Burnham says will ease cost-of-living pressures and cut about £45 from the average bill. The change, funded by scrapping the digital ID programme, is expected to cost £850 million in 2026–27 and affect the next Ofgem price cap. Newly appointed Chancellor John Healey said the move will help households and contribute to lowering inflation. Small businesses, charities and residential care homes eligible for reduced VAT rates will also benefit. Burnham’s first days in office include reshaping the Cabinet and emphasising immediate action on living costs.

Andy Burnham formally became UK Prime Minister after receiving the King's invitation to form a government during a meeting at Buckingham Palace. Following Keir Starmer’s resignation speech, Burnham prepared to announce his cabinet and outlined intentions to ease cost‑of‑living pressures. Debate continues over potential energy policies involving North Sea drilling and the possible temporary nationalisation of Thames Water, while environmental groups urge adherence to Labour’s previous commitments.

Brenda Fricker, the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award, has died at 81 following a period of ill health. Her agent Phil Belfield announced the news and praised her legacy and impact on film and television. Fricker won an Oscar for her role in My Left Foot, gained international recognition as the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2, and appeared in productions including Casualty, Veronica Guerin, Holding and The Catch. Her recent solo performance in The Swallow was highlighted for its power, and her memoir She Died Young reached the Irish Sunday Times bestseller list. She was recently honoured with the Freedom of the City of Dublin.

Andy Burnham was elected Labour leader after winning support from 379 MPs, significantly surpassing the threshold required. In his victory speech he pledged to restore hope and reaffirm Labour’s traditional values, expressing gratitude to outgoing leader Keir Starmer for rebuilding the party and contributing to major policy achievements. Burnham received backing from most affiliated trade unions, with the result announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood at a special conference.

A three‑year‑old boy seriously injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire has undergone a seventh surgery involving a nerve graft to restore function in his left arm. His condition is stable but he faces a long recovery, with more than £64,000 raised to support his care. A 30‑year‑old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and bailed. The zoo temporarily closed its Tropical House out of respect and praised staff and emergency responders for their swift actions before reopening.

A 17-year-old Hampton School pupil, Eugene Enoch Kwon, died while snorkelling in Lake Malawi during a school expedition. Malawi police launched a search before divers located him underwater, and he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The school expressed condolences and is supporting its community. The incident follows a recent similar tragedy involving London student Umar Dumbuya, who died during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Wales.

A British mother, Nishika Samaratunga, has been missing with her two young sons for more than three months after failing to return them to their father in Colorado, violating a court order. High Court and Colorado authorities have issued multiple legal measures to locate the children amid concerns for their welfare, as both boys have autism and are believed not to be receiving proper care. Their father, Ben Baier, is seeking their safe return following custody rulings that designated him the primary custodial parent. Multiple organisations have been ordered to assist in tracing her whereabouts, but no information has yet emerged.

A 31-year-old hiker, Brittany Clark, was fatally attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in Florida. Her boyfriend, Chance Allison, attempted to free her from the alligator and called 911 as she suffered severe injuries, including the loss of her arms. Officials later captured and euthanized two large alligators for DNA analysis. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported the couple had been swimming in shallow water and noted that fatal alligator attacks remain rare despite the state's large alligator population.

A mother of three, Jessica Folds, was found strangled in a wooded area in Lanett, Alabama, alongside her boyfriend Daniel Robbins, who reportedly died of a heart attack while attempting to drag her body. Police believe Robbins killed Folds during a domestic dispute before collapsing. A passerby discovered the scene after noticing an abandoned truck with its engine running. Authorities followed drag marks leading to the bodies, and the district attorney confirmed the suspected sequence of events. The motive remains under investigation.

A seven-year-old girl, Leonna Ruka, died after a tree collapsed in Chalkwell Park in Southend, trapping her and several other children. Her parents, Leo and Floreta Ruka, shared a tribute expressing enduring grief and pride in their daughter’s character and impact. The incident left another child critically injured and three others with minor injuries. Leonna’s family emphasised the lasting pain of their loss and their commitment to honouring her memory.

Bodycam footage shows a van driver assisting armed officers in Kent by giving one a lift during a foot chase after a suspect involved in a serious assault. The driver followed directions, enabling the officer to intercept and arrest the fleeing man. Police praised the driver’s quick and selfless actions, noting they were crucial to the successful apprehension.

Two brothers from Stoke-on-Trent, Chris and Dave Rogers, died four days apart, leaving their family devastated. Dave suffered a sudden aneurysm requiring extensive surgery but was declared brain-dead, while Chris, already struggling with severe liver and kidney complications, died shortly afterward, reportedly calling out for his younger brother. Their partner and family described the rapid, unexpected loss and the close bond between the brothers. A joint funeral is being arranged, and a fundraiser has been launched to help cover costs.

The family of 15‑year‑old Declan Sawyer, who drowned at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln during a May heatwave, urged parents to warn children about the dangers of open water as an inquest into his death opened. Emergency services recovered his body after a search, and a post‑mortem confirmed drowning as the cause of death. The inquest, opened by Coroner Paul Smith, was adjourned and will resume in November.

A three-year-old boy died in a parked car during a severe heatwave in Saint‑Gratien, France, after his parents believed he had gone to nap in his bedroom. He was found in cardiac arrest about 45 minutes later, with a passing bus driver attempting CPR until paramedics arrived. Authorities are investigating how he ended up in the vehicle. The incident occurred days after two young children were found dead in a similar case in Carpentras, where a manslaughter inquiry is underway and conflicting accounts have been given by the mother. Preliminary findings suggest heat exposure as the likely cause of both deaths.

Prosecutors told a Teesside jury that Alexandra Walker delayed calling emergency services while her two‑year‑old daughter Isabelle was gravely ill from a fatal head injury, after weeks of abuse that left her with 21 broken bones. Walker and her boyfriend Harrison Simpson deny murder, sexual assault and child cruelty. Evidence presented included Google searches made by Walker about the child's bleeding and CCTV capturing her concern without taking action. Paramedics arrived only after Walker’s stepfather insisted she call 999, but Isabelle died hours later. The prosecution argues both defendants knowingly inflicted and concealed ongoing violence, pointing to delays in seeking medical help and their responses during police interviews. The trial is ongoing.

A murder investigation has begun after a 26‑year‑old man was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Derbyshire during summer solstice celebrations. Police are appealing for anyone who visited the site between June 19 and 23, or who recorded video footage, to come forward as they work to establish the victim’s movements and the circumstances of his death. Detective Inspector Tony Owen described the killing as brutal and urged attendees to share any information that could assist the inquiry.

A 50-year-old father, Paul Whitley, was found dead in his tent at Download Festival by his daughter, Caitlyn, after he failed to respond to her on the morning of June 11. Emergency services attended, and police stated the death is not being treated as suspicious, with a coroner estimating up to 15 weeks for an official cause. Caitlyn and her mother, Emmilou Firshman, described the discovery and praised the festival team for their support. The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs.

A 58-year-old Tesco security guard, Mohamed Nassar, died 44 days after suffering a cardiac arrest triggered by choking on a doughnut while on shift at a Salford Tesco Express. Despite being resuscitated and hospitalised, he never regained consciousness due to severe brain damage. His family expressed devastation and thanked supporters for their prayers while noting ongoing financial hardship and the need for legal assistance. The store manager issued condolences, and a fundraising appeal continues to support the family with funeral and living expenses.

Wowcher apologised unreservedly for an email that appeared to mock a crocodile attack which left a three-year-old boy critically injured at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire. The email triggered widespread backlash from subscribers and social media users. The company pledged to review its marketing processes. Police continue investigating the incident, in which a man with learning difficulties was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail. The child remains in critical but stable condition after being rescued by zoo staff.

Allan Finnegan, a Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and Baptist minister from Bootle, has died at 59 after nearly five years battling ocular melanoma that later spread to his liver. His family announced his passing and shared emotional tributes describing his final moments and enduring positivity throughout treatment. Innovative therapies funded through a GoFundMe campaign extended his life beyond medical expectations. Finnegan, remembered for his gentle humour and warm presence, continued serving his congregation and performing comedy during his illness.

A train collision near Bedford on June 19 killed driver Shaun Burton and injured 100 passengers when an East Midlands Railway service from Corby struck the rear of a Nottingham-to-London train. Witnesses described chaos and serious injuries as emergency services responded. Network Rail expects the Midland Mainline to remain closed until June 28 during a complex recovery operation. British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are conducting investigations and have urged the public to avoid speculation while inquiries continue.

Donald Trump claimed on social media that Keir Starmer is preparing to resign as UK prime minister, accusing him of failing on immigration and energy policy and urging expanded North Sea oil extraction. The remarks surfaced amid ongoing speculation about Starmer’s future following Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament. UK ministers, including Peter Kyle, dismissed reports of an imminent resignation but acknowledged Starmer is reflecting on political challenges. Starmer spent the weekend at Chequers, sharing a Father's Day message while questions about his leadership continued.

A three-year-old boy was seriously injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon. A 30-year-old man, believed to be unconnected to the child, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The boy was attacked by a crocodile before being rescued and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Police are gathering witness accounts and supporting the family while the investigation continues.