Catherine Mackinlay

Four men aged 34, 39, 42 and 52 were taken to hospital after allegedly being stabbed on Endell Street in Covent Garden. Two remain in treatment with injuries not considered life-threatening or life-changing, while two have been discharged. A 47-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon, and police recovered a pair of scissors. The Metropolitan Police said the incident is believed to be isolated and mental health-related, with no further suspects sought, while officers maintain a visible presence as the investigation continues.

Ski Yodl Ltd, which traded as Yodl and sold ski holidays and mountain accommodation, has entered voluntary liquidation after shareholders approved the move on July 22, 2026. All package holidays booked through the company have been cancelled. ABTA said it did not believe there were current package-holiday bookings at the time of liquidation but advised potentially affected customers to submit details for review. Accommodation-only bookings were not ABTA-protected: card customers should contact their card issuer, while customers who paid by bank transfer must register claims with liquidator RCM Advisory Limited.

A fire at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford, Shropshire, destroyed the zoo office and killed three animals kept as personal pets: stick insects, a hedgehog and a snake. Owner Will Dorrell said his wife and father were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and later discharged. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby wooden buildings and animal enclosures. The cause remains unknown, and the zoo planned to reopen while repairs continued and affected visitors were offered rebookings.

Zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson released a statement following the incident in which a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, resulting in severe injuries. They thanked emergency services, visitors and staff for their rapid actions and expressed support for the boy’s family. The child remains in stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital, while a 30-year-old Norfolk man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder has been released on bail as the investigation continues. The Tropical House has since reopened after temporarily closing out of respect for the family.

A 6.1‑magnitude earthquake west of Cuba caused widespread reports of shaking across Florida, including Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville, according to the National Weather Service and the US Geological Survey. Officials confirmed there is no tsunami threat. The tremors occurred as England’s football team prepared for the 2026 World Cup in West Palm Beach, with Scotland’s squad based in North Carolina. Orlando remains a major destination for British travellers.

A British Army service member died in a training accident in northern Iraq, with the Ministry of Defence confirming the incident and withholding further details at the family’s request. Defence Secretary John Healey informed Parliament of the death. The report also references the earlier death of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney during a training exercise in Northumberland, with an investigation into that incident ongoing.

The US administration warns Iran that military action remains possible if nuclear negotiations fail, with President Trump stating the US would "finish the job" should Tehran not meet Washington’s demands. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes diplomacy while noting other options remain available. Conflicting reports about a draft agreement are dismissed as fabrication, and US officials claim Iran’s military and economy have been severely weakened. Negotiations continue amid concerns about escalating regional tensions.

Major European airlines sought to reassure passengers amid warnings that jet fuel shortages could emerge if oil blockades in the Strait of Hormuz persist. The International Energy Agency cautioned that Europe could face limited supplies within weeks, prompting travel concerns. TUI and easyJet told customers they do not anticipate immediate disruption, while Ryanair warned of a modest supply risk in May and June if the conflict continues. Iran announced the strait had reopened, though the United States plans to maintain its blockade until an agreement is reached, leaving uncertainty over fuel availability heading into the summer travel season.

Donald Trump praised King Charles as a close friend ahead of the monarch’s planned US visit while sharply criticising the UK Government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer over immigration and energy policies. In a call to Sky News, Trump questioned the state of the US‑UK special relationship and suggested the trade deal between the two countries could be reconsidered due to Britain’s policy direction and lack of support on Iran. Despite his criticism of the government, he expressed strong admiration for the King and appeared surprised that royal visits are arranged by the UK Government rather than at the monarch’s discretion.

Strikes by Groundforce staff at Palma Airport are causing long queues and flight delays as Easter travel begins. The walkouts, organised by the CCOO, UGT and USO unions, affect 12 airports during designated time slots and are ongoing indefinitely. Travellers have been warned of continued disruption, coinciding with initial use of the EU’s new Entry and Exit system, with around 800,000 passengers expected over the holiday period.

Footage shared by Donald Trump shows major explosions over Isfahan amid reports of a joint US-Israeli strike on an Iranian munitions facility. US officials said bunker‑buster bombs were used in an operation targeting military stockpiles, causing large secondary blasts. The incident marks a sharp escalation in ongoing conflict despite active diplomatic efforts, following earlier indications of potential ceasefire progress. Concerns are heightened by reports that Iran recently moved highly enriched uranium to underground facilities and by the recent history of similar strikes on the city.

Funding for Operation Grange, the Metropolitan Police investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, has been extended with £86,000 allocated for 2026–27, reducing from the previous year’s amount. The inquiry, active since 2011 and costing about £13.3 million to date, continues to focus on prime suspect Christian Brueckner, though he remains uncharged. Some former officers question the continued funding, while sources close to the family express relief and hope for progress. The case remains a missing persons investigation involving cooperation between UK, Portuguese and German authorities.

Travel to Turkey, Cyprus and wider Middle Eastern destinations remains disrupted as the regional conflict continues, prompting airlines such as British Airways to scale back routes and leaving many travellers stranded. Travel expert Simon Calder advises that while the risk to tourists in Turkey and Cyprus is very low, many are rebooking to western Mediterranean destinations. He notes that cancellations trigger strong air passenger rights protections and predicts Foreign Office restrictions on Gulf hubs may lift soon. Passengers are urged to keep bookings open, follow official guidance and avoid cancelling flights prematurely to retain airline obligations and avoid higher future fares.

Airlines across the Middle East have issued updated guidance as the Iran war disrupts travel, grounding flights and stranding UK travellers. A US‑Israeli strike on Tehran triggered missile retaliation across the Gulf, prompting the UK Foreign Office to advise against all but essential travel to the UAE. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are operating limited or reduced services, while European carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa have suspended or curtailed routes. Tour operators are offering refunds or date changes, and many have cancelled Dubai holidays as safety assessments and airspace restrictions continue.

A passenger on Delta Flight 2557 was taken into custody after attempting to force entry into the cockpit before departure from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. The Boeing 717, carrying 85 passengers and five crew members, returned shortly after departure and was delayed more than an hour. Delta stated the individual approached crew and passengers but did not make contact with the flight deck. Police are investigating, and the airline emphasised its zero‑tolerance policy for unruly behaviour.

Shots were reported during a suspected home invasion in Christchurch, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a large response by police and emergency services. Residents were instructed to stay indoors as officers cordoned off the area and began investigations. Ambulances and patrol units remain on scene, with further details expected as the situation develops.

Rising living costs highlight the need for early planning and strategic buying during the festive season, with expert advice encouraging shoppers to use tactics such as Secret Santa gifting, email discount sign‑ups, cashback schemes, second‑hand marketplaces and year‑round sales. Additional suggestions include monitoring bank account perks, consolidating online orders to cut delivery fees, budgeting carefully and using Christmas savings schemes to spread costs. These approaches help reduce financial pressure and manage holiday spending more effectively.

Rising energy costs have increased interest in reducing household appliance use, prompting experts from ICON Printing and Matalan to outline five methods for removing clothing creases without ironing. Suggested techniques include making a DIY wrinkle‑remover spray, using shower steam, applying residual heat from hair appliances, pressing garments with a damp towel, and flattening wrinkles using mattress weight. Each method aims to save time and energy while keeping clothes presentable.

A bright fireball seen across Scotland was confirmed by the UK Meteor Network to be a small piece of an asteroid rather than space debris. Despite its unusually long 20‑second visibility, analysts determined its speed and breakup pattern matched a meteor. Data from detection cameras showed it travelled northwest over Belfast and Scotland before ending over the North Atlantic west of Islay, with any fragments falling into the sea. The network ruled out Starlink satellites as a source after checking their de‑orbit paths.

Lorraine Kelly reports losing 11 pounds by following a Weight Watchers plan guided by coach Suzie Stirling, replacing late-night chocolate with fruit dipped in Weight Watchers chocolate spread. She highlights healthier snacking habits learned during the programme after gaining weight in lockdown. The coach emphasises balanced eating and promotes bananas as a versatile, low‑calorie option to curb appetite.

Prince Harry remains fifth in line to the British throne despite stepping back from royal duties and moving abroad, as birthright determines succession. His likelihood of becoming king is minimal due to the number of heirs before him. Historical examples show how unexpected events have shifted succession, but Harry still retains his place and titles, though not his HRH style or military appointments. Meghan could become Queen Consort only if he becomes king, and the couple do not plan to return as working royals.

The return of The Great British Bake Off is confirmed for 8pm on 13 September 2022 on Channel Four, following schedule adjustments after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Twelve new contestants from diverse backgrounds are introduced, with judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood and hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas returning. Each contestant’s background, interests and baking style are outlined ahead of the season premiere.

A look back at memorable Strictly Come Dancing performances in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom highlights standout moments from celebrities including Ann Widdecombe, Judy Murray, Ed Balls, Simon Webbe, Debbie McGee and Caroline Flack. Judges’ reactions, high-scoring routines and iconic theatrical entrances underline Blackpool’s significance as a milestone event for the show, which returns to the venue after its pandemic hiatus.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in 2022 after a two‑year pandemic break, allowing the venue to showcase its £1.1 million refurbishment. Producers and fans regard the Blackpool episode as a key milestone in the series, which this year features fifteen celebrity contestants and themed weeks including Movie Week, Halloween Week and a BBC centenary celebration. The new season launches on 17 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

WhatsApp plans to roll out eight new features, including silent group chat exits, options to hide online status, view-once messages with screenshot blocking, status emoji reactions, improved web menu tools, a phone‑number sharing toggle and enhanced login security with approval notifications. These updates are being tested in beta and may be released later in August, with users able to try them through the WhatsApp beta program on Google Play.

Fleur East joins the 2022 Strictly Come Dancing lineup, sharing emotional reflections on honoring her late father. The article outlines her early struggles in the music industry, her rise through The X Factor, chart success, expansion into radio and television presenting, and her charity work. It highlights her personal background, marriage, and recent projects as she prepares for the upcoming series.