Isabelle Bates

Guests, including children, were evacuated from the Hampton by Hilton on Birmingham’s Broad Street after a fire alarm sounded at about 8 a.m. on August 20, 2026. Three fire engines attended, with crews positioned at the front and rear of the property, while guests waited outside in their pyjamas for permission to re-enter. West Midlands Fire Control confirmed the initial call was received at 8:04 a.m., and Hilton was contacted for comment.

Dani Baker and her partner Keiran say their £2,000 TUI holiday at the Kipriotis Panorama Hotel and Suites in Kos was marred by faulty air conditioning, stained and damaged carpets, mould, a loose ceiling, sewage smells and a broken door lock that forced them to barricade the room with a chair. Baker, who has POTS, says the heat and stress worsened her health, while TUI’s helpline allegedly failed to resolve the complaint promptly. The couple left after about a day and paid for alternative accommodation and related expenses. TUI offered a €200 future-holiday voucher or €100 meal voucher, which Baker rejected, and later declined compensation. She has referred the matter to ABTA, while TUI declined to comment.

A loose overhead tram cable near Lower Bull Street and Corporation Street in Birmingham reportedly struck the ground and caused loud electrical blasts. Witness Ian Collins said he had to dive out of the way. Police and fire crews attended, while West Midlands Metro suspended services between St Chads and Edgbaston Village, introduced emergency switching procedures and accepted tickets on local buses. National Express West Midlands services were temporarily rerouted before returning to normal routes.