Ethan Davies

A five-year-old girl in Garland, Texas, died after being left inside a family car for several hours during temperatures of about 37°C. Police believe an adult family member returned home from school with the girl and her sibling but did not realise she was missing until later. Relatives performed CPR and called emergency services, but she was pronounced dead in hospital. Detectives are continuing their investigation, and no arrests or charges have been made.

A Tesco customer called 999 after mistakenly buying £6 worth of non-alcoholic Gordon’s gin and tonic at a Hertfordshire Tesco Extra. He wanted police to mediate after staff refused to refund the remaining cans because he had already consumed one. The call handler said the dispute was not a police matter and advised him to speak calmly with Tesco management. Hertfordshire Police used the incident to remind the public that unnecessary 999 calls divert emergency operators from genuine life-threatening situations.

A fire at the five-storey Shikha Inn Hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata killed nine people, including six men, two women and a child. More than 60 people escaped unharmed, while firefighters rescued at least nine unconscious victims who were taken to hospital. Police had not confirmed the victims’ identities, although reports said all were Bangladeshi citizens. The blaze may have started in an air-conditioning unit, but its exact cause remained unconfirmed.

A funeral notice for 15-year-old Joe Carthy, one of five teenagers killed in a head-on collision on Ireland’s M9 motorway, was removed from RIP.ie after angry and abusive comments appeared in its condolences section. The teenagers had been travelling in a BMW on the wrong side of the motorway when it collided with a Hyundai carrying a family of four, who remain seriously injured. Gardaí said the BMW was travelling above 74 mph and had been legitimately purchased for €1,100; they no longer believe it was stolen. Funeral notices for the other four teenagers had not yet been published.

Five teenagers—Jeremy O'Brien, Alex McCarthy, Joey Carthy, Jack Kennedy and Kamil Pustkowski—died when their BMW travelled the wrong way on Ireland's M9 in County Kildare and collided head-on with a Hyundai. Four members of a family in the Hyundai were seriously injured while travelling to Dublin airport for a wedding in England. Gardaí now believe the BMW was legitimately purchased rather than stolen, while Fiosrú examines police contact with the vehicle before the crash. The deaths have prompted debate over police pursuit procedures, road-safety enforcement and dangerous driving filmed for social media.

Nathan Brown, 41, allegedly used a screwdriver to kill his wife, Kristen Brown, and their seven-year-old daughter, Evie, at the family’s basement daycare in Hopkins, Minnesota, on August 12, before taking his own life. Investigators also believe he killed a 78-year-old woman in nearby Burnsville earlier that day. Six children were present at the daycare but were not physically harmed. Police have not established a motive, while a search warrant indicates Kristen had recently planned to close the daycare because of relationship problems with Nathan.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected across 10 UK regions on Friday, marking a sharp change from the country’s fifth heatwave and recent temperatures of 38.1°C. Scotland is forecast to receive the heaviest early rain, while showers and downpours are expected later across northern and eastern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of the Midlands. The rain could provide relief from drought conditions and wildfires affecting much of England and Wales.

A £12 million fleet of Royal Navy K3 Scout drones reportedly transmitted routine “heartbeat” communications from their cameras to an IP address in China. The issue was discovered at the Special Boat Service headquarters in Poole after the drones entered service, prompting a cyber vulnerability assessment. The Ministry of Defence says no sensitive data or systems were accessed or compromised, while manufacturer Kraken Technology Group says an audit found and closed potential vulnerabilities involving components in third-party cameras. The incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of the UK government’s efforts to improve relations with China, including its approval of a new Chinese embassy complex and Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing.

A power-supply failure at Manchester Rail Operating Centre caused widespread cancellations and severe delays across Greater Manchester and north-west England. Engineers restored the electricity and signalling systems overnight, but trains and crews remained out of position, leaving residual disruption into Friday morning and potentially until midday. Northern advised passengers not to travel before 10am, while Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales and other operators warned of cancellations and reduced services. Ticket restrictions were relaxed, with affected tickets accepted on some alternative trains, buses and trams, and refunds or compensation available in qualifying cases.

A power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre caused widespread rail cancellations and delays across Greater Manchester and North West England. Engineers restored the electricity and signalling systems overnight, but trains and crews remained out of position, leaving residual disruption on Friday morning. Northern advised passengers not to travel before 10am, while Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales and other operators warned of short-notice cancellations and reduced services. Ticket restrictions were eased and some alternative bus and tram services accepted rail tickets, with disruption expected to continue through the morning.

Saudi officials are reportedly preparing for coordinated attacks on economic and civilian infrastructure from Iraqi militias and Yemen’s Houthis, allegedly overseen by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The warning follows Saudi-US air strikes against Iranian-supported groups and renewed Houthi attacks near the Yemeni border, in which 11 civilians, including a four-year-old child, were injured. Houthi strikes in Yemen also reportedly killed at least 30 government troops, while Saudi Arabia has continued attacking military targets in Yemen. The developments come amid US-Iran peace talks and a planned defense agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.

Ruben Altidore, 36, was arrested in Margate, Florida, after allegedly attacking his sister with a machete and shouting, “why aren’t you dead yet?” The woman suffered severe hand injuries, while her one-year-old child was unharmed but covered in blood. Doorbell footage reportedly captured her seeking help from neighbor Luis Pereria. Altidore faces charges of attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse and a probation violation, and is being held in Broward County Main Jail while the motive remains unclear.

Experienced kitesurfer and airline pilot Jonathan Peskett, 54, drowned on the Isle of Tiree in October 2025 after apparently suffering a head injury that rendered him unconscious. His friend Matthew Taylor found him unresponsive, dragged him to shore and performed CPR, but he could not be revived. An inquest at Cornwall Coroner's Court heard that the kitesurfing equipment was functioning properly and that Peskett had not consumed drugs or alcohol. The coroner recorded the cause of death as consistent with drowning, while Peskett's wife Deborah described him as a devoted family man who lived for adventure.

Jetstar will end its free 7kg overhead cabin-bag allowance from February 2027, allowing passengers to bring only a small under-seat bag for free. Travelers who want to use the overhead lockers must purchase Priority Carry-on, starting at A$25 (£13), with higher fees on popular or longer routes. CEO Stephanie Tully said the change is intended to eliminate gate weighing, improve boarding efficiency and help flights depart on time. New size limits are 40 × 30 × 20cm for under-seat bags and 56 × 36 × 23cm for overhead bags.

Multiple loud bangs were reported near Dubai during the early hours of August 5, with thick smoke and a fire visible over the Jebel Ali industrial area. Witnesses said emergency services were responding and a nearby road was closed, while the exact building and cause remained unconfirmed. Iranian media attributed the incident to a Houthi attack, whereas other regional sources described it as an industrial accident. The fire occurred amid negotiations involving Iran and Oman over reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Around 150 Ryanair passengers were stranded at Krakow Airport for nearly 15 hours after flight FR6359 to Liverpool was delayed by a technical issue requiring a replacement aircraft. The flight eventually departed at 12:32 a.m. on August 4 and arrived in Liverpool about 15 hours and 20 minutes late. Passengers, including Marcin Tkaczyk, criticized the lack of personal updates and said they were upset by the prolonged wait. Ryanair said passengers received updates and were offered refunds, free rebooking or the option to wait, with those who waited receiving five vouchers worth 85 Polish zloty in total.

Rain and showers are forecast for Northern Ireland, Scotland, western England and Wales on Tuesday, but much of the Midlands, eastern England and south-east England is expected to remain dry. The update follows England’s driest July on record, with drought declared across half of England and all of Wales. A record 20 days of UK temperatures at or above 32C has been recorded in 2026, while heat-health alerts remain in force and recent heatwaves have contributed to more than 2,800 excess deaths. Farmers warn that poor yields, limited water supplies and livestock feed shortages could threaten food production, while wildfires continue to affect parts of Suffolk and South Wales.

Rain and showers are forecast for Northern Ireland, Scotland, western England and Wales on Tuesday, but much of the Midlands, eastern England and southeast England is expected to remain dry. England and Wales have experienced record-breaking dryness, with drought declared across half of England and all of Wales, while southern England recorded its driest July on record. Continued heat has produced a UK record of 20 days at or above 32°C in 2026, prompting health alerts and warnings of additional NHS pressure. Farmers report poor yields, water shortages and increased reliance on winter feed, while wildfires have affected areas in Suffolk and South Wales.

The Met Office forecasts rain across 181 UK council areas on Tuesday, including all of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and 116 areas of England. The heaviest rainfall is expected in northern England, with more than 32mm possible in the Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire, while Cornwall, Devon, Newcastle and the Scottish Borders may also see heavy rain. Temperatures should remain seasonally warm, reaching 28C in London, and conditions are expected to become drier and sunnier from Thursday.

The Football Association of Wales has formally withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president, citing failures in governance, leadership, communication, stakeholder management and judgment. The decision follows Infantino’s abandoned plan to create an investment-backed private company to run FIFA’s major competitions, reportedly involving Joshua Kushner, which triggered opposition from UEFA, criticism from CONCACAF, adviser resignations and support for a boycott of FIFA competitions. With other British associations yet to withdraw their backing and Infantino’s March re-election approaching, pressure on his leadership is intensifying.

Australian hiker Will Standish, 28, was found dead in Wyoming after attempting the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail for a second time. His final Garmin check-in was sent on July 23 from the Tetons, and search teams located his orange backpack and body several days later. Teton County Search and Rescue said evidence suggested he had fallen from a steep, high-altitude ridgeline. His family and friend Katie Jackson paid tribute to him, while Jackson launched a fundraiser to help repatriate his body.

A major wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk has scorched roughly 200 football pitches, devastated rare lowland heath habitat and forced hundreds of holidaymakers and residents to evacuate. Firefighters, supported by a helicopter dropping seawater, have stabilised the situation, with no reported casualties or total loss of buildings, although the incident remains classified as a major incident and crews may stay until at least Monday. Evacuees were briefly escorted back to collect essential belongings and vehicles. The National Trust says the damage to habitats supporting rare birds, reptiles and butterflies could take up to 25 years to recover and has launched an emergency appeal. The fire's cause remains unknown, while a separate wildfire in Colchester was also being brought under control amid drought conditions and extreme summer heat.

Researchers identified genetic traces from two previously unknown “ghost” hominin lineages in modern human DNA. One lineage appears to have lived in Africa roughly 50,000 years ago, while a “super-archaic” lineage dates back about 1.8 million years. The study suggests these groups interbred with Denisovans, who later passed some of the ancient DNA to Homo sapiens. Modern Africans and non-Africans appear to carry similar amounts of ghost ancestry—about 0.5% to 1% of an individual’s genome—indicating that much of the interbreeding may have occurred before humans migrated widely beyond Africa.

A report by climate think tank E3G warns that the UK’s reliance on gas boilers for home heating is a strategic national-security vulnerability. Around 85% of the country’s roughly 30 million homes use gas boilers, consuming more than a third of the UK’s gas, about half of which is imported. The report links this dependence and poor household energy efficiency to supply disruption, price volatility and the cost-of-living crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It recommends a government-led “home front mission” to accelerate home electrification, phase out oil and gas heating, decentralise the energy system and treat gas dependence as a security threat.

Britain’s fourth summer heatwave is expected to end with up to five days of rain across much of the UK in early August. Forecasts indicate heavy rain will spread from Northern Ireland and Wales into northern England and Scotland on Monday, followed by torrential downpours in Devon and Cornwall, including St Ives, Newquay, Bude and Dartmoor, on Tuesday. The rainfall could provide relief for drought-affected areas, with half of England currently classified as a drought zone and several other regions experiencing prolonged dry weather.

The M1 southbound between junctions 11A and 11 near Luton was closed after a multi-vehicle collision involving an overturned HGV caused significant barrier damage and a substantial diesel spill. Emergency services and National Highways completed vehicle recovery and began clearing, resurfacing and repairing the carriageway, while delays and queues continued as one lane remained closed. A diversion was provided for vehicles under 7.5 tonnes, and London Luton Airport remained open.

Tesco and the Food Standards Agency have warned shoppers not to drink certain Grahams Family Dairy semi-skimmed milk products with a 31 July 2026 use-by date. The affected one-pint, one-litre and two-litre bottles may contain trace veterinary antibiotics, posing a risk to people with antibiotic or penicillin allergies. The milk was reportedly sold through Tesco stores in Scotland, and customers are advised to return it for a full refund. Grahams Family Dairy said the recall is precautionary and that no other products or use-by dates are affected.

Care worker Louise Harris was jailed for three months after pleading guilty to ill-treating 81-year-old dementia patient Elizabeth Anne Shipton and causing criminal damage. During a trial shift at Shipton’s home in Wales, Harris allegedly screamed abuse, pressed an arm against the woman’s chest while demanding money, and waved a kitchen knife after drinking vodka. Shipton’s daughter, Tracy Faram, witnessed the incident through CCTV and called police, who forced entry. Judge Huw Rees described Harris’s conduct as heartless and cruel, but Faram is seeking a review of the sentence, saying Harris may serve just over a month and that the punishment is unduly lenient.

Met Office forecasts rain across 53 council areas in the UK on Tuesday, with the heaviest conditions expected around 3am in central Scotland and showers continuing across parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, northern England and Scotland. The Midlands, East Anglia and southern England are expected to remain mostly dry, with sunshine and warm temperatures reaching up to 29C in London.

A mass shooting at Seattle’s Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle left three people dead and several injured, including a two-year-old boy. One suspect was detained, while police began searching for a second suspect. Officials urged the public to avoid Seattle Center as the investigation continued.

The Met Office has identified August 10–24 as a potential window for another UK heatwave, with above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall likely, particularly in southern areas. The forecast follows heatwaves in May, June and July, temperatures reaching 37°C in Norfolk, drought being declared in parts of Wales, and prolonged dry conditions elsewhere. Early August may bring heavy rain and strong winds before conditions become more settled, while wildfires have affected parts of the country during the dry summer.

Gatwick Airport lost its water supply for most of Sunday after an issue at Bough Beech Water Treatment Works, forcing restaurants, cafés and some toilets in both terminals to close. The airport distributed bottled water and said all scheduled Sunday flights departed. By late evening, water had returned to most of the airport campus, with management expecting toilets and food outlets to reopen before Monday’s first flights. The first departures were scheduled for 5:20am, including easyJet’s service to Athens and Wizz Air’s flight to Podgorica.

Twelve-year-old Jacob Freytes was fatally shot by a stray bullet outside Wanda Deli Grocery in The Bronx while riding a hand-me-down bicycle to the shops. Police are investigating whether an altercation involving the alleged gang groups Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni led to the shooting; two other people were injured. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the violence, while neighbors and friends remembered Jacob as a bright, respectful and adventurous child.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary called for airport bars to stop serving alcohol until 11am or noon, arguing that passengers who drink heavily during delays can become aggressive and disrupt flights. He said airports should use controls similar to duty-free purchase limits and offered to support a two-drink limit on Ryanair flights if airports adopted equivalent restrictions. O'Leary also criticized airlines' difficulty identifying intoxicated passengers before boarding and said Ryanair had been forced to divert flights because of disruptive behaviour. His comments came after the airline reported a near one-third fall in pre-tax profits, although he said rising passenger numbers supported a positive outlook.

The Met Office forecasts rainfall across 110 UK council areas on Sunday, July 26, bringing cooler and wetter conditions after recent warm weather. Most areas are expected to receive less than 1mm, but Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire could see up to 32mm, while parts of the Lake District, Lancashire, Hampshire and East Yorkshire may receive up to 8mm. Rain will affect 55 English council areas, 22 each in Scotland and Wales, and 11 in Northern Ireland, with temperatures reaching around 15–21°C depending on location.

Investigators are seeking to identify a man found hanged in Coronation Wood near Lichfield in April 1987. The unidentified man, believed to have been in his mid-50s, had distinctive physical features, spoke English with a strong Eastern European or possibly Russian accent, and was described as a friendly loner. A new lead suggests he may have used the former Friary School swimming pool, and detectives are examining whether a key marked with the number six found among his belongings opened a pool locker. Locate International and Staffordshire Police are asking former pool users, staff, betting-shop visitors and anyone who recognizes the man or his possessions to come forward.

Ann Widdecombe’s family will hold a private funeral followed by a public memorial later in the year, following her death from blunt-force head injuries at her Devon home. Joshua Kerry, charged with her murder, allegedly travelled from Rotherham and attacked her with a hammer, according to evidence presented at the Old Bailey. Detectives are examining potential political or terrorist motives. Widdecombe’s long political career included roles as a Conservative MP, prisons minister, MEP for the Brexit Party and later Reform UK spokesperson. Tributes from figures across politics, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage, highlighted her national impact.

An Oklahoma mother, Cherie Walker, faces multiple life sentences after being convicted of enabling her husband Dustin Walker to rape and impregnate her 11‑year‑old daughter, who later gave birth at home in deplorable conditions. The abuse came to light when the girl sought hospital care after the birth, and DNA tests confirmed Dustin as the father. Dustin Walker received a life sentence plus 42 years following a blind guilty plea to child abuse and neglect charges. Cherie Walker awaits sentencing, while her mother, Michelle Justus, is set to stand trial for child neglect.

Farmers warn that severely dry conditions and minimal July rainfall threaten the UK harvest, raising the risk of food shortages later in the year. Several regions are experiencing prolonged dry weather, prompting concerns over river levels, water abstraction limits and the safety of harvesting equipment amid heightened fire risks. Water companies are preparing hosepipe bans as temperatures are forecast to rise again, while limited rainfall is expected only in northwest regions. Authorities fear the rapid onset of flash drought, similar to conditions in 2022 that led to crop failures and higher food prices.

Three men in their 30s and 40s were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault inside a residential property on Duncairn Parade in north Belfast. Police and emergency services responded shortly before 6pm on July 20 and remain at the scene while the suspects are in custody assisting with enquiries. Authorities issued an appeal for information through official reporting channels.

Rioting erupted in Buenos Aires after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, with clashes between fans and police near the Obelisk resulting in at least 15 detentions and several injuries. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons after crowds threw bottles and attempted to breach protective fencing. Argentina’s president Javier Milei later announced a forthcoming national holiday to mark the team’s campaign, with the date to be set by players and coaches.

A body language expert described Donald Trump’s primetime address as unusually restrained, noting his controlled posture, serious expression, and adherence to script while promoting the Save America Act and alleging foreign involvement in voter fraud. The expert highlighted a single moment of heightened emotion linked to opposition to the bill. Trump announced plans to release intelligence he says shows vulnerabilities in US election systems, while past findings from the US intelligence community reiterated no foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Ofcom opened an investigation into TikTok to determine whether its age‑verification and safety measures comply with the Online Safety Act after a prior review found weaknesses in identifying under‑18 users. Regulators cited concerns about the effectiveness of age‑assurance systems used by TikTok and other platforms relying heavily on age inference methods. Additional scrutiny was directed at Google and Bing for enabling access to pornographic content without effective age checks. Ofcom urged search engines and tech companies to strengthen protections as new UK social media restrictions are introduced.

US regulators recalled around 67,000 Junpower CR2032 coin batteries sold on Amazon after determining that incorrect packaging allowed easy access for children, creating a risk of ingestion and serious injury. Consumers are instructed to stop using the batteries, mark them as recalled, submit a photo to Junpower and dispose of them to receive replacements. No injuries have been reported.

New EU aviation rules taking effect in mid‑2027 will require airlines to display ticket prices inclusive of hand luggage from the start of booking, ending practices that add baggage fees later. The framework also bans penalising passengers for missing outbound flights, expands protections for travellers with reduced mobility and maintains existing compensation levels for delays and cancellations. The rules apply to flights within, to and from the EU, with non‑EU airlines subject to the same requirements. UK passengers may benefit indirectly, and the UK transport secretary is considering adopting similar regulations.

Fresh US strikes in Iran targeted coastal defense systems, missile sites and maritime assets as part of a continuing multi‑night operation ordered by President Trump. Iran struck two UAE‑flagged tankers, killing one crew member and injuring eight, prompting the UAE to warn of potential responses. Trump notified Congress the US is at war with Iran, enabling 60 days of military action without congressional approval. Oil prices rose following the President’s decision to impose a 20 percent fee on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. Sirens were reported in Bahrain as regional tensions escalated and explosions were reportedly heard in Dubai.

UK airport drop‑off fees, including Gatwick’s £1‑per‑minute charge, face potential government review after the House of Lords rejected a bill and pushed for further examination of the charges. Lords from several parties argued the fees burden families and disabled passengers, calling them a rapidly growing revenue stream. The government maintained that current consumer protection and competition laws already cover such practices, citing a Civil Aviation Authority finding of insufficient evidence for investigation. The broader bill would also introduce new rules on flight operations, lost luggage responsibilities, pricing transparency, and protections for disabled travellers.

Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation into the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe after new evidence emerged, leading to the re-arrest of a 28-year-old suspect on terrorism-related grounds. Political leaders and MPs expressed shock and raised concerns about the safety of public figures, while authorities urged the public to avoid speculation and provide any relevant information. Tributes highlighted Widdecombe’s long political career and personal impact, as police continued to appeal for witnesses and maintain the integrity of the investigation.

A pickup truck carrying wedding guests in Java was crushed between two lorries near Kiajaran Kulon in Indramayu, killing 13 people and injuring five. The vehicle had slowed to make a U-turn when struck from behind and pushed into oncoming traffic, where it was hit again. Survivors remain hospitalized as authorities investigate the cause amid broader concerns about Indonesia’s frequent deadly road accidents.

A major incident was declared as a large wildfire burned across Tintwistle Moor near the Peak District, scorching an area equivalent to 350 football pitches. Firefighters continued to face difficult conditions, with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service coordinating a multi-agency effort involving regional support teams and partner agencies. Residents were urged to keep windows closed, and the public was advised to avoid the area as operations pause overnight and resume in the morning. The blaze follows prolonged hot, dry weather during the UK’s third heatwave of 2026, with similar fires also affecting Somerset, Dorset and North Wales.

Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative MP, MEP, and Reform UK spokesperson, has died at 78. Widdecombe served in Parliament from 1987 to 2010, held ministerial roles under John Major, and later became a prominent figure in the Brexit Party and Reform UK. Known for her outspoken views, campaigning for Brexit, and her media presence including Strictly Come Dancing, she continued influencing public debate until recently. Tributes from colleagues across political lines highlighted her conviction, public service, and distinctive presence in British political and cultural life.

Morrisons is offering £2,000 to franchisees who switch their convenience stores from rival brands as part of a push to expand its Morrisons Daily network. The initiative, announced at the company’s national franchise conference, includes doubling its referral reward and launching a Hot Weather Club that supplies stores with water and ice during heatwaves. With more than 1,600 Morrisons Daily stores and plans for further growth, the supermarket aims to strengthen its position in the competitive UK convenience market following its earlier expansion boosted by the acquisition of McColls.

Emergency services responded to a home in Two Rocks, north of Perth, where an 11‑month‑old was found critically injured after reportedly being violently shaken. The infant remains in critical condition at Perth Children’s Hospital. A 25‑year‑old male relative has been arrested and charged with aggravated grievous bodily harm and was granted bail ahead of a court appearance on July 29. Authorities have not released his name.

A 77-year-old Guillain-Barré syndrome patient from Stockport criticises Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for closing Stepping Hill Hospital’s hydrotherapy pool, which he credits with helping him regain mobility and confidence during recovery. The trust cites high running costs and operational pressures, saying patients will be transitioned to alternative rehabilitation options. Concerns are raised about financial barriers to private hydrotherapy services and the potential negative impact on patient recovery, prompting local political engagement to challenge the decision.

Multiple areas in London and the Home Counties face water shortages after major supply issues across Thames Water’s network during a summer heatwave. Residents in parts of east and northwest London, as well as several affected postcodes in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, are reporting no water. Thames Water has issued advice to customers and is expected to provide further updates by Thursday morning as temperatures are forecast to reach 33C.

Multiple London districts and parts of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire experienced water supply disruptions during a heatwave, with Thames Water confirming incidents in east and northwest London caused by a burst water main and other issues. Affected postcodes were listed, and repair teams were deployed overnight. The UK Health Security Agency’s amber heat alert remained in effect as temperatures were forecast to rise.

Britain enters its third summer heatwave, with forecasts showing temperatures reaching up to 34C in southern England and more than 30C across ten UK regions. Amber heat‑health alerts have been issued for much of England, with yellow alerts in northern areas. Major cities such as London and Birmingham are expected to exceed 30C, while Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see slightly lower highs. Officials warn of potential health impacts, including increased deaths among vulnerable people, pressure on health and social care services and risks linked to high overnight temperatures, UV exposure and water‑related incidents. The heatwave is expected to last until Sunday evening.

Warnings from the Office for Budget Responsibility highlight that maintaining the state pension triple lock could significantly increase public spending and push debt to unsustainable levels. Andy Burnham signalled support for retaining the triple lock in line with Labour’s manifesto, while OBR projections show state pension costs rising sharply due to both the policy and an ageing population. Modelling indicates that switching to earnings-based increases could reduce long‑term spending pressures, prompting renewed calls for early government action to stabilise public finances.

Police cordoned off St Saviour’s Road in Birmingham overnight following an unspecified incident that prompted a large emergency response involving multiple police cars, an ambulance and reported drone activity. The cordon remained in place into the early hours, though the emergency presence was later reduced. Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident, and the nearby school is not believed to be involved.

A 37‑storey Manhattan skyscraper undergoing conversion to residential use was evacuated after two structural columns buckled, causing five floors to collapse and the building to continue shifting. Emergency services, including the FDNY, Department of Buildings and NYC Emergency Management, ordered evacuations of nearby structures and urged the public to avoid the area. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as serious, noting ongoing assessments and planned stabilisation work once conditions allow. The collapse caused major commuter disruption, and a nearby school was closed, though no injuries were reported.

A collision at the intersection of Mount Lindesay Highway and Gould Hill Road in Gleneagle left a primary school-aged child with life-threatening injuries and two others hospitalized with non-life‑threatening conditions. Police say a southbound Subaru Impreza collided with a Nissan Qashqai carrying the child and two other passengers. The road was closed as emergency services responded, and investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit are seeking public information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, to assist their inquiry.