Josh Payne

England’s World Cup run ended with a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina after a late comeback, prompting Prince William and Keir Starmer to express disappointment while praising the team’s efforts. Emotional scenes followed both on the pitch and among fans, including the display of a provocative Falklands banner and clashes outside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium that required police intervention.

Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a tense World Cup semi-final, with late goals overturning Anthony Gordon’s opener and ending England’s hopes of reaching the final. Prince William and Keir Starmer expressed disappointment while praising the team’s effort. Fan reactions ranged from frustration over tactical decisions to broader reflections on England’s performance. Celebrations and tensions between supporters escalated outside the Atlanta stadium, prompting police intervention, while fans across the UK reacted with shock and disappointment.

Argentina and Spain will contest the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey after semi-final wins over England and France. The third-place match between England and France begins Saturday, with the final scheduled for Sunday at 8pm BST. The tournament opened at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, with games hosted across Mexico, Canada and the United States, and all knockout matches from the quarter-finals onward held in the US.

Prince Harry challenges 14 Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday articles, alleging they relied on unlawfully obtained information, including private details about his relationships, travel, communications, and family matters. His legal team argues the information could only have come from illicit methods such as accessing flight records, phone data, or confidential sources. Associated Newspapers Limited denies wrongdoing in every case, asserting that journalists relied on legitimate sources, friends, palace press officers, or freelancers. The articles span 2001 to 2013 and form part of a broader legal action involving other public figures.

England defeated Mexico 3–2 in a dramatic World Cup last-16 match at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca after a weather delay, penalties for both sides and a red card for Jarell Quansah. Harry Kane scored the decisive second-half penalty. Prince William congratulated the team, while Donald Trump also praised Kane, and supporters celebrated across the UK. England will face Norway in the quarter-finals.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain struck Mexico City hours before England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca. FIFA issued a shelter-in-place order for stadium personnel and said play could not begin until 30 minutes after lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius. Despite forecasts indicating a high risk of thunderstorms, FIFA had not moved the scheduled kickoff, while England supporters faced the additional challenge of playing at altitude.

More than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests, alongside Guardia Nacional officers, a police dog and a drone, are guarding England's hotel in Mexico after fans created a hostile reception. England had tried to keep its location secret following disruptive tactics used against Ecuador, but hundreds of supporters gathered outside. The World Cup knockout match in Mexico City is expected to proceed at its scheduled time despite storm concerns, while Harry Kane said England hoped its performance would provide relief for supporters watching in the UK.

England defeated Panama 2–0 through goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, securing top spot in their group and qualification for the World Cup knockout stages. Supporters at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium found the rain-affected first half unexciting but remained optimistic about England’s tournament prospects, with the team set to play in Atlanta. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also celebrated the qualification.

England fans travelling to the World Cup match against Ghana in Foxborough, near Boston, were warned to expect expensive transport, long queues and significant delays. Special event train tickets cost $80, parking could reach $180, and alternative Uber and shuttle services were also costly. Fans described planning early departures, driving and tailgating to avoid rail congestion, while the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority introduced revised queues and pedestrian routes and urged supporters to book tickets in advance.

England fans travelling to the 2026 World Cup match against Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough face sharply higher transport and parking costs, along with delays of several hours after the game. Train tickets have risen from around $20 to $80, parking can cost up to $180, and alternatives such as Uber and shuttle buses are also expensive. The MBTA advises supporters to buy special event tickets in advance, with nearly 70% of the England–Ghana service already sold, while previous Scotland supporters recommend arriving several hours early.

Six people were arrested during England’s 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, including individuals accused of criminal trespass, drug offences, public intoxication and trademark counterfeiting. None were British nationals. Police also responded to two fights without making further arrests, while drones, Segways and perimeter patrols supported a major security operation. Nearby Texas Live drew a large England-supporting crowd that consumed 45,349 pints of beer, while ITV reported more than 14 million viewers and a peak audience of 15.4 million. A nearby pub had previously closed after alleged disorder and property damage linked to England supporters.

Six people were arrested during England’s 4–2 World Cup victory over Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The alleged offences included drug-related charges, public intoxication, trademark counterfeiting and criminal trespass, with none of those arrested identified as British nationals. England supporters also caused disruption at The Londoner Pub in Dallas, which temporarily closed after reported disorder and property damage.

The Londoner pub in Dallas was ordered to close by the fire marshal after England supporters caused severe overcrowding and disorder during the team’s victory over Croatia. The venue reported selling more than 5,000 beers and making roughly £30,000, though it later disputed the sales figure because it did not account for property and landscaping damage. Police cleared the pub shortly before 10pm, while some fans remained on the balcony for hours; the pub cited maximum capacity and limited security as factors. It planned to reopen the following morning.

The Londoner pub in Dallas was ordered to close by a fire marshal after becoming severely overcrowded during England’s World Cup celebrations. Police were called to clear the venue, which reportedly had only two security guards despite attracting thousands of supporters and selling more than 5,000 beers the previous day. The pub said it planned to reopen the following morning.

Hundreds of England supporters gathered at the Londoner Pub in Dallas before England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, consuming more than 5,000 beers. The venue closed early after reaching capacity, but many fans remained on the balcony despite requests to leave, prompting a significant Dallas Police Department presence. England captain Harry Kane expressed confidence in the team’s chances, while organizer John Gallivan described the difficulties of coordinating supporters across the United States and criticized FIFA’s pricing of tournament tickets.

England supporters attending the 2026 World Cup in Texas have visited the DFW Gun Range and Academy in Dallas to experience American gun culture, which they say is unavailable in England. The range reported a sharp increase in British visitors after earlier crowds of Dutch and Japanese fans. Supporter Matthew Connell described the activity and the wider differences between life in the United States and England, while saying he would not want comparable firearm access at home. Range staff characterized the international visitors as friendly and viewed shooting as an ordinary recreational activity in the United States.

England fan Ben King quit his chef job to remain in the United States and support the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup. He planned to stay through England’s opening match against Croatia and longer if the team advanced, but work commitments ultimately limited his plans. His friends Joe and Sam Parrott said flights were expensive but fairly priced, while criticizing the high cost of match tickets and broader living costs in the US.

England fan Ben King has quit his chef job and extended his stay in Texas to support England at the 2026 World Cup, while friends Joe and Sam Parrott discussed the trip and the team’s prospects. The group praised the affordability of general travel and living costs but condemned match ticket prices as excessively high, saying resale prices had prevented them from attending Argentina’s match against Austria. Joe remains confident that England can win the tournament.

A SWAT team and heavily armed Arlington police responded to a barricade situation involving a domestic dispute and a weapon near AT&T Stadium in Texas. Police said no injuries were reported, the suspect was taken into custody, and there was no indication of any threat to the World Cup or its venues. The report also details the theft of England training equipment during transit, for which Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal were charged with receiving stolen property; some items were later recovered and none were considered essential.

Arlington Police, including a SWAT team, responded to an armed domestic dispute involving a barricaded resident near AT&T Stadium, where England are scheduled to play Croatia. A suspect was taken into custody, no injuries were reported, and authorities said the incident was unrelated to the World Cup. Separately, some of England’s training equipment was stolen while being transported to Kansas City; some items have been recovered, and Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal were charged with receiving stolen property.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of Air India flight AI171's crash in Ahmedabad, says he continues to suffer serious psychological and physical effects a year after the disaster, including the loss of his brother. His representative says Ramesh has received £21,500 in interim support from Air India but remains unable to work and is living with his wife and young son on less than £1,000 a month. Ramesh and other affected families are seeking transparency and answers while investigators have yet to issue final findings. His solicitors are considering civil claims against multiple parties, and Ramesh's representatives have criticized the UK Government for failing to provide tailored assistance. Air India says it remains committed to supporting him and has held constructive discussions with his representatives.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the June 2025 Air India crash that killed 241 people, is calling for honesty, transparency and answers about the disaster, in which his brother died. A preliminary investigation found that the aircraft’s fuel switches moved to the cutoff position shortly after take-off. Ramesh says he continues to suffer serious physical and psychological effects, cannot return to work and is facing financial hardship despite receiving £21,500 from Air India. He is pursuing civil action while solicitors examine the investigation, and Air India says it remains committed to supporting those affected.

Three Royal Navy personnel—Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green—were killed when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton in Devon. Fisher, 31, was Britain’s only serving female Navy commando and had previously worked as an exploration geologist, competed in triathlon for Great Britain and served during the Channel migrant crisis. Defence Secretary John Healey described all three as dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons.

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green were killed when a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field at Sourton Down near Okehampton, Devon, shortly before 4am during a training exercise. Fisher, 31, was Britain’s only female Royal Navy commando; Gayson, 42, was an experienced pilot and commander; and Green, 24, was a rapidly advancing aircrewman. Defence officials, colleagues and the families of the three victims paid tribute to their professionalism, dedication and character.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, British nationals imprisoned in Iran on espionage convictions they deny, have lost their appeal, according to their family. The couple were sentenced to 10 years in February after being detained during a motorcycle journey, and their family says they were not allowed to attend the appeal hearing or properly understand the documents involved. Both are reportedly on hunger strike, while communication between them has been cut off. Their son, Joe Bennett, criticised the UK government for failing to provide clarity about pressure being applied to Iran. The case has reportedly been referred to Iran’s Supreme Court, while the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to warn British nationals against travelling to Iran.

British nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman have lost their appeal against 10-year prison sentences in Iran on espionage charges they deny. Arrested while travelling through Iran in January 2025, the couple are reportedly on hunger strike, while their family says Iranian authorities have cut off communication and prevented them from attending the appeal hearing. The family has urged the UK government to apply greater pressure on Tehran and criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the case.

Kenneth Law, a 60-year-old Canadian, admitted in an Ontario court to 14 counts of aiding suicide after selling lethal substances through Canada-based websites to roughly 1,200 people in 40 countries. Authorities say 286 people in the UK received his products and that 112 deaths followed, including 79 deaths directly linked to the Canadian charges. The UK will not bring separate prosecutions, partly because Law could challenge extradition after a Canadian conviction. Victims’ families have criticized that decision and called for a statutory public inquiry.

Canadian national Kenneth Law pleaded guilty in Ontario to 14 counts of aiding suicide involving Canadian victims after selling about 1,200 packages of lethal substances through Canada-based websites to customers in 40 countries. UK authorities said 286 people in Britain received his products and 112 deaths were linked to them, but Law will not face a separate UK prosecution because the offences will be considered in Canada. The National Crime Agency and Crown Prosecution Service said incorporating UK victims into the Canadian case would ensure the full scale of his conduct is considered at sentencing, while bereaved families criticised the decision and demanded a UK inquiry into how the sales were allowed to occur.

Kenneth Law, a Canadian accused of selling lethal substances connected to 112 deaths in the UK, will not be extradited to face prosecution there. The Crown Prosecution Service and National Crime Agency said his alleged offending should be dealt with in one Canadian case, where he is expected to plead guilty to aiding suicide. Law allegedly sold about 1,200 packages in 40 countries, including 330 to the UK. Bereaved families and the Molly Rose Foundation criticised the decision and called for a public inquiry into how the substances were made available.

Canadian authorities are prosecuting Kenneth Law, who is accused of selling about 1,200 packages of lethal substances across 40 countries, including 330 to the UK, in connection with more than 100 British deaths. The Crown Prosecution Service and National Crime Agency will not seek his extradition, as Canadian authorities expect him to plead guilty and address the full scope of his alleged offending in a single sentencing process. Bereaved families have condemned the decision and called for a public inquiry into how the deaths occurred.

Kenneth Law, a Canadian man accused of selling lethal substances through websites to people in dozens of countries, is not expected to face prosecution in the UK despite an investigation linking packages sent to Britain with 112 deaths. The Crown Prosecution Service and National Crime Agency have decided that he should be sentenced in Canada for the full extent of his alleged offending, where he is expected to plead guilty to aiding suicide. Bereaved families and the Molly Rose Foundation have criticised the decision and called for a statutory public inquiry into how the substances reached vulnerable people in the UK and why existing safeguards failed.

The UK government will allow pubs to open until 2am if any home nation reaches the World Cup knockout stage. Chief Constable Mark Roberts warned that the measure could increase crime and place additional pressure on police, arguing that individual licence extensions would be more controlled. The British Beer and Pub Association expects the relaxed hours to generate significant additional sales, potentially £275 million if England reaches the final.

Police leaders, including Cheshire chief constable Mark Roberts, warned that automatically extending pub opening hours to 2am during the World Cup could increase alcohol-related problems and require additional police shifts. They argued that venues should instead apply individually through existing licensing procedures, criticizing ministers for passing the operational burden to police. The British Beer and Pub Association backed the extension, estimating that a strong England run could generate an additional £275 million in pub sales and 55 million pints over the tournament.

More than 1.2 million UK travellers received US ESTA approvals between October and April, the highest total of any nationality, as the United States prepares to host 78 matches at the 2026 World Cup. Despite more than five million approvals overall and expectations of over five million visitors, high ticket prices, dynamic pricing and the tournament’s vast geography are discouraging some England and Scotland supporters. Fans cited the expense of tickets, travel and accommodation as reasons for reconsidering their plans, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it was preparing for a safe and efficient influx of visitors.

Shuttle bus fares from Grand Central Terminal and Port Authority to MetLife Stadium for England’s World Cup match against Panama have been cut from $80 to $20 after widespread fan criticism. New Jersey Transit return fares have also been reduced from $150 to $98, while 20% of shuttle tickets will be reserved for New York residents.

Keir Starmer’s premiership is presented as increasingly unstable after Labour’s 2024 landslide victory. The timeline highlights policy reversals over winter fuel payments, welfare, inheritance tax and digital identity; resignations and internal disputes; controversies involving donors, officials and Peter Mandelson; electoral losses to Reform UK and the Greens; and pressure from Labour MPs and potential challengers. It also covers Starmer’s difficult dealings with Donald Trump, the UK’s positions on Ukraine and Iran, the Chagos Islands agreement, steel nationalization measures and immigration policy. Following Labour’s poor 2026 local-election results, more than 60 backbench MPs and several figures publicly called for a change of leadership, leaving Starmer’s position under significant pressure.

Four government aides have resigned and more than 60 Labour backbench MPs have called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to quit after heavy Labour defeats in local elections. Joe Morris, Tom Rutland, Naushabah Khan and Melanie Ward cited lost authority, public confidence or the need for new leadership. Catherine West also urged Starmer to step aside after withdrawing an immediate leadership challenge, while MPs including Richard Burgon and John McDonnell joined calls for his resignation.

CCTV footage shown at Leeds Crown Court appears to show convicted sex offender and former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins emerging from his cell covered in blood after being stabbed three times at HMP Wakefield. Prosecutors allege Rico Gedel entered Watkins’s cell and attacked him with a homemade knife before speaking with co-defendant Samuel Dodsworth. Both men deny murder and weapons charges, and the trial is ongoing.

CCTV footage shown to a jury at Leeds Crown Court depicts former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins emerging from his cell at HMP Wakefield covered in blood after being stabbed. Prosecutors allege that prisoner Rico Gedel entered Watkins’s cell and stabbed him three times in the head and neck with a homemade knife, then spoke briefly with co-defendant Samuel Dodsworth. Both men deny murder and possession of a makeshift weapon, and the trial is continuing.

Prosecutors told Leeds Crown Court that prisoner Rico Gedel allegedly stabbed former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins three times in his cell at HMP Wakefield on 11 October 2025, while fellow prisoner Samuel Dodsworth acted as a lookout and helped dispose of a homemade knife. Gedel allegedly made comments suggesting he expected notoriety from the killing. Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences, died after prison staff and paramedics attempted to treat him. Gedel and Dodsworth deny murder and possession of a makeshift knife, while the prosecution argues the attack was jointly planned.

Hate crime prosecutions are to be fast-tracked across England and Wales following a deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents. Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has issued guidance allowing supporting evidence to be obtained after the initial evidential threshold for a charge is met, with the aim of making charging decisions more quickly and efficiently. The measure follows attacks on Britain’s Jewish community and wider concerns about escalating antisemitism.

England and Wales’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, has introduced guidance allowing hate-crime prosecutions to be fast-tracked once the evidential threshold is met, with additional evidence gathered afterward. The measure responds to a reported rise in antisemitic incidents and alleged copycat attacks, including arson at Jewish sites, a double stabbing in Golders Green and suspected arson at a former synagogue. Keir Starmer has also warned Iran against encouraging violence in the UK, while Parkinson supports considering a ban on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps if it would strengthen prosecution efforts.

Former Conservative councillor Philip Young pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court to 56 offences, including years of raping, sexually assaulting, drugging and secretly filming his ex-wife Joanne Young, as well as publishing more than 500 intimate images and videos without her consent. He also admitted making and possessing illegal child sexual abuse images and possessing extreme pornographic material. Five other men have been charged with sexual offences against Joanne Young, with some denying the allegations and scheduled to stand trial.

Former Conservative councillor Philip Young, 49, pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court to eight additional charges involving the making and possession of indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornographic images. He had previously admitted 48 offences against his former wife, Joanne Young, including 11 rapes, drugging her, sexual assaults, assaults by penetration and voyeurism, committed between 2010 and 2024. He also admitted publishing more than 500 intimate images and videos of her without consent. His guilty pleas to all 56 charges mean he will not stand trial. Five other men charged with sexual offences against Joanne Young are due to stand trial in October; one has pleaded guilty and four deny the allegations.

Claire Freemantle, 49, has been charged with causing the deaths of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight, and serious injury by dangerous driving after her Land Rover crashed into The Study Prep school in Wimbledon in July 2023. Her lawyers say she will plead not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 June. The charges follow criticism of the Metropolitan Police’s initial decision not to prosecute, which cited an epileptic seizure. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating four serving officers over alleged racism and gross misconduct in their handling of the case.

Cheshire Constabulary arrested and later bailed a senior hospital figure on suspicion of perverting the course of justice as part of Operation Duet, an investigation into alleged corporate and gross negligence manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The suspect is understood to be one of three former hospital leaders arrested in 2025. The investigations continue alongside renewed questions from Lucy Letby’s legal team about her convictions for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, while paediatrician Stephen Brearey has called for hospital managers to be held accountable for ignoring earlier concerns.

A senior leader connected to the Countess of Chester Hospital has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and released on bail. Cheshire Constabulary’s Operation Duet is investigating potential corporate and gross negligence manslaughter linked to the deaths and attempted murders associated with convicted killer nurse Lucy Letby. The arrested individual is reportedly one of three hospital leadership figures previously arrested over the investigation.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has refused to confirm or deny whether ministers received briefing materials on petrol and diesel prices in February and March. It argued that acknowledging such information could trigger mass fuel purchasing, disrupt supply chains, increase crude-oil and financial-market volatility, and cause wider economic damage. The department said ministers are considering responses to the effects of the Middle East conflict on UK consumers, as fuel-price rises have contributed to renewed inflation. The stance recalls panic buying and fuel shortages seen at UK petrol stations in 2021.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is reopening its investigation into allegations of rape and sexual assault made against influencer Andrew Tate between 2014 and 2015, after previously closing the case in 2019. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is separately examining the force’s handling of the allegations, with three former officers facing potential misconduct investigations. The complainants welcomed the reopening but said it was long overdue. Tate denies the allegations. The Crown Prosecution Service said in September 2025 that the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges, while a civil case brought by four women is scheduled to begin at the High Court in June. Tate and his brother Tristan also face separate legal proceedings in Romania and deny wrongdoing.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has reopened its investigation into rape and sexual assault allegations against influencer Andrew Tate, originally reported between 2014 and 2015. The decision follows the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s announcement that a former detective constable may face gross misconduct proceedings over alleged failures to properly investigate the case.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Hertfordshire Constabulary’s handling of sexual abuse allegations made against Andrew Tate by three women. A former detective constable may face gross misconduct proceedings, while two former detective sergeants are being investigated for alleged misconduct. The case, closed in 2019 after a four-year police investigation, is also the subject of a High Court civil trial and a challenge to the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision not to authorise criminal charges. Tate separately faces legal proceedings in Romania and a UK extradition warrant over alleged rape and human trafficking offences, all of which he denies.

British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman, sentenced to 10 years in Iran on spying charges they deny, accuse the UK government of abandoning them and failing to defend their innocence publicly. Detained during a motorcycle trip in January 2025, they describe the situation as life-threatening, while their family has raised concerns about harsh prison conditions, an explosion near Craig’s cell and Lindsay’s deteriorating mental health.

A new law entering force in England and Wales makes entering a football match without a ticket a criminal offence. Ahead of the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley, offenders face fines of up to £1,000 and football banning orders lasting up to five years. The law also covers forged tickets or accreditation and falsely claiming to be stadium or playing staff, following Louise Casey’s review of the ticketless-fan disorder at the Euro 2020 final.

A new law in England and Wales makes entering a football match without a ticket, including by tailgating, a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 and a football banning order of up to five years. The measure follows Baroness Louise Casey’s review of the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, which found more than 20 near misses, around 2,000 unauthorised entries and 17 mass gate breaches. The law also criminalises the use of forged tickets or credentials and impersonating stadium or team staff, with ministers arguing that tougher penalties are needed to protect paying fans and deter dangerous crowd behaviour.

The BBC is seeking dismissal of Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit over a 2024 Panorama documentary that he claims falsely implied he encouraged supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol in 2021. The BBC argues that the case could create a chilling effect on journalism, lacks personal jurisdiction in Florida, and does not plausibly show that the broadcaster knowingly created a false impression. It also says the disputed clip formed only part of a longer documentary and was not targeted or available for viewing in the United States.

The BBC has asked a Florida court to dismiss Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit over a 2024 Panorama documentary that edited his January 6 speech in a way he says falsely suggested he encouraged the Capitol attack. The corporation argues Trump has not shown actual malice, failed to establish a valid defamation claim, and cannot demonstrate that the BBC purposefully targeted Florida. It also says the documentary was intended for UK viewers and was blocked from distribution in the United States, making litigation there unduly burdensome. The BBC says it will robustly defend the case, while the dispute follows criticism that led to the resignation of director-general Tim Davie.

The timeline details Peter Mandelson’s longstanding relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, including supportive messages, Mandelson’s alleged efforts to maintain contact while Epstein faced criminal charges, and his 2009 stay at Epstein’s Manhattan apartment. It traces renewed scrutiny following the release of Epstein-related documents and Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, after which Keir Starmer asked him to stand down. Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations that he passed sensitive information to Epstein and remains under investigation, while the government has released documents concerning his ambassadorial appointment and vetting.

Darren Connor, 55, has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs after reports that a man carrying an axe entered Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court. A second arrested man will face no further action. Nobody was injured, and Greater Manchester Police said the incident was not being treated as terror-related. Mosque volunteers reportedly identified a suspicious bag containing an axe and escorted a man away, while the mosque urged worshippers to remain vigilant. Keir Starmer expressed concern and cited up to £40 million in funding for security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres.

Enzo Conticello pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to stealing a handbag in Soho on 7 November 2024 that contained a Fabergé egg, a watch, a laptop and credit cards. The Fabergé egg and watch, owned by the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, are valued at more than £2 million, but the egg has not been recovered. Conticello also admitted using the stolen bank cards and remains in custody pending his next court appearance on 6 March.

Enzo Conticello, also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to stealing a handbag in Soho that contained a Fabergé egg, a watch, a laptop and bank cards. The egg and watch had a minimum combined value of $2.8 million and belonged to the Craft Irish Whiskey Company; the egg remains missing. Conticello also admitted three fraud charges after using the stolen cards to buy cigarettes and other goods. He was remanded in custody and is due to return to court on 6 March.

Russell Brand pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court to two additional sexual offences, including rape, allegedly committed in 2009 against two women. He had previously denied five charges involving four other women and alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005. The total number of alleged victims is now six, and Brand is scheduled to stand trial in June.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told Keir Starmer that Australia would support removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession. The position follows Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and allegations concerning his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, as well as claims of inappropriate taxpayer-funded spending. Albanese said the allegations were grave and that the law should take its full course.

Families of Nottingham attack victims Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates view the forthcoming two-year public inquiry as a critical opportunity to establish the truth and secure accountability. Chaired by retired judge Deborah Taylor, it will examine the actions of prosecutors, police and medical professionals before Valdo Calocane killed three people and attempted to kill three others in June 2023. The inquiry will also investigate mental health and risk-management failures, the indefinite hospital order imposed on Calocane, and alleged unlawful access to victims’ medical records.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at Sandringham on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations connected to files released about Jeffrey Epstein. Police are searching his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor. King Charles III expressed his deepest concern but said that the law must take its course; the arrest is described as unprecedented for a senior member of the modern British royal family.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by UK police at Royal Lodge on suspicion of misconduct in public office, reportedly on his 66th birthday. King Charles expressed deep concern and said the law must take its course, while William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are understood to support the statement. Buckingham Palace and the King were reportedly not informed before the arrest.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations connected to Jeffrey Epstein, including claims involving trafficking and the sharing of sensitive information while Andrew was a UK trade envoy. King Charles expressed his deepest concern, pledged full support and cooperation with the investigation, and said the law must take its course. Buckingham Palace was reportedly not informed in advance, while the Prince and Princess of Wales support the statement.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations connected to Jeffrey Epstein, including claims involving a trafficked woman and the sharing of sensitive official information. Thames Valley Police is searching addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire and has warned that the active investigation creates contempt-of-court risks. The force said the arrested man remains in custody and that further updates will be provided when appropriate.

Anna Podedworna was unanimously convicted at Derby Crown Court of murdering her former partner, Izabela Zablocka, as well as preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice. Prosecutors said Podedworna used her butchery skills to cut Zablocka’s body in half, bind it, and bury it beneath concrete in the garden of their Derby home after Zablocka disappeared in 2010. Podedworna claimed she acted in self-defence after Zablocka attacked her, but concealed the death instead of seeking medical help. Zablocka’s remains were discovered in June, and Podedworna is due to be sentenced.

Anna Podedworna was convicted of murdering her former girlfriend, Izabela Zablocka, in Derby in 2010. The court heard that Podedworna, a skilled turkey butcher, dismembered Zablocka’s body and buried the remains in bin bags in the garden of their shared home. Zablocka was reported missing, but her remains were not discovered until 2025, after Podedworna contacted police. Podedworna was also convicted of preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice, and awaits sentencing.

Legal letters reportedly found in Jeffrey Epstein’s documents allege that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein asked an exotic dancer to participate in a threesome at Epstein’s Florida home in 2006. The dancer’s lawyers claimed that she and other dancers were offered $10,000 each, while a proposed $250,000 payment would have secured her confidentiality. The allegation is separate from Virginia Giuffre’s accusations against Andrew, which he denies. Other documents reportedly support the authenticity of a photograph showing Andrew and Giuffre, which Andrew has disputed.