Ellie Crabbe

Counter Terrorism Policing has reopened its investigation into an alleged firebombing at Nigel Farage’s Greater London home in April 2025 after identifying a potentially relevant line of inquiry that was not pursued at the time. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member over the handling of the earlier attempted-burglary report. The development emerged during the investigation into the alleged murder of Reform UK spokesperson and former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, for which Joshua Kerry has been charged and has not yet entered a plea.

Stella Gollovena, 47, was charged with four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of scissors as an offensive weapon after four men were allegedly stabbed in the back in Covent Garden, London. Police said the victims, aged 34 to 56, were treated at the scene and taken to hospital, where they were later discharged. Gollovena did not enter pleas and was remanded in custody until a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

A major incident has been declared after a wildfire burned approximately 150 hectares in Llanwonno near Ferndale in Wales’s Rhondda Valley. Twenty fire engines, specialist wildfire teams, senior officers, pumping equipment and drones are tackling the blaze, with steep terrain complicating efforts. Residents have not been ordered to evacuate, but a rest centre has opened and people are being advised to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed because of smoke. A no-fly zone is in place for a week, and controlled burns are expected as crews remain on site for several more days. The fire comes during a period of extreme heat and drought, with the Met Office reporting Wales’s driest July since records began in 1836.

Police released eight men as part of an investigation into an alleged extreme right‑wing threat targeting the UK Ijtima Islamic gathering in Suffolk. Thirteen arrests were made in total, but no evidence has been found to support charges linked to the alleged threat. Searches resulted in one man being charged with unrelated weapons offences. Counter‑terrorism officials emphasized that inquiries are ongoing and reassured the Muslim community while thanking event organizers and local residents for their cooperation.

A man identified as Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma has been charged with murdering his wife and two daughters after being arrested in Johannesburg through a coordinated operation involving South African police, Interpol and UK authorities. The victims were found dead in their home near Bedford earlier in the week. UK prosecutors authorised charges following a review of evidence, and Bedfordshire Police are working with international partners to return Tshuma to the UK as the investigation continues.

West Midlands Police charged Trevor Dunkley with the murder of Patricia Lashley, who disappeared in 1998 after being last seen at her Dudley flat. Lashley, known by several names and connected to multiple UK regions, was 33 at the time. Police appealed for anyone with information about Lashley or Dunkley to come forward as investigators continue seeking closure for her family nearly three decades later.

Experts advise England fans facing a 1am World Cup kickoff to avoid staying up, citing impaired sleep quality and next-day grogginess, though a 20–30 minute power nap may help those determined to watch live. Recommendations include resting rather than aiming to fall asleep, avoiding long naps, banking sleep ahead of the match, and seeking morning daylight to reset circadian rhythms. Children are discouraged from staying up due to developmental sleep needs, and broadcasters will offer multiple catch‑up options for viewers.

A man with more than 100 fare‑dodging convictions was warned at Westminster Magistrates’ Court that he could face prison if he fails to pay outstanding fines and compensation totaling £34,486. Judge Nina Tempia ordered him to begin paying £5 per week starting 31 July and adjourned the case to late August. The defendant cited delays in receiving benefits but agreed to begin payments, having previously received a suspended three‑month sentence for repeated unpaid rail journeys.