Joe Smith

One man died and three others were hospitalized after a suspected explosion at an industrial unit on Brunel Road in Bedford. Bedfordshire Police attended at about 3:50 p.m., lifted the safety cordon and reopened surrounding roads, while the Health and Safety Executive is expected to take over the investigation. Witnesses described the blast as sounding like a bomb, but police urged the public to avoid speculation.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that British military bases used to support attacks on Iran, as well as the British monarchy, could become legitimate targets. The warning followed reports that a US B-1 bomber may have launched from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, though the aircraft’s exact departure point remains uncertain. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer had authorized US use of the base for purportedly defensive strikes while refusing direct British participation in the war. The threat has intensified controversy and prompted anti-war protests at Fairford. Separately, the Iran-aligned Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers after declaring a blockade of the Bab al Mandeb Strait, contributing to renewed regional tensions and pushing oil above $100 per barrel.