Kirstie Mccrum

A man is believed to have fallen overboard from Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition cruise ship approximately 36 nautical miles east of Arbroath in the North Sea. HM Coastguard coordinated a major search involving helicopters, aircraft, RNLI lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams and nearby vessels after the ship berthed in Dundee. More than 1,000 passengers and crew were initially kept aboard but were later allowed to disembark. The man remained missing, while Police Scotland continued its investigation and confirmed that his next of kin had been informed.

A 10-year-old girl was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow with life-threatening injuries after a Volkswagen Golf crashed on the A721 near Carnwath, South Lanarkshire. The 44-year-old female driver and a 72-year-old female passenger were also taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police Scotland is investigating the collision and appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage and CCTV.

Two people died when a light aircraft crashed in a remote area near Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd after failing to arrive at Caernarfon airport. North Wales Police coordinated a multi-agency air and ground search, located the aircraft on Friday afternoon, and confirmed both occupants were dead at the scene. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has deployed investigators to determine the circumstances of the crash.

The Met Office forecasts that rain could move southeast across the UK between late Monday and Tuesday, with some locally intense downpours. However, confidence in the rainfall prediction is low, and any rain is unlikely to end drought conditions because it may be brief and run off dry ground. Longer-term forecasts are more unsettled, with possible further rain, particularly in northwestern areas, but high pressure could also return.

Police were called to Sea Walls in Bristol to manage disorderly crowds scrambling for complimentary solar eclipse glasses distributed by We The Curious before a rare partial eclipse. Thousands gathered because the eclipse would obscure at least 90% of the sun, with the next event of similar magnitude not expected for nearly 70 years. Witnesses reported disruptive behaviour after the glasses ran out and severe parking congestion. Experts warned that only ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses are safe, while ordinary sunglasses offer inadequate protection. The Royal Greenwich Observatory also confirmed it had sold about 15,000 pairs of glasses and depleted its stock.

Around 100 relatives, friends, colleagues and political figures attended Ann Widdecombe’s private requiem Mass at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, died on July 8 after being attacked with a hammer at her home; Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder. Nigel Farage did not attend, reportedly to respect the family’s request for privacy, but is expected at a public memorial later in the year. Tributes highlighted Widdecombe’s Catholic faith, public service and personal warmth, while memorial donations will support The Leprosy Mission and projects linked to the Christian Endeavour Hostel in India.

Octopus Energy has warned that solar generation will sharply decline during Wednesday’s eclipse, when more than 90% of the Sun will be obscured over parts of the UK between 6:17pm and 8:06pm. Because the eclipse coincides with peak evening electricity demand, the company is asking customers to reduce consumption between 6pm and 8pm to help ease pressure on the grid and avoid additional fossil-fuel generation. Customers who use less electricity for at least 30 minutes during the period will receive a free hour of power on Sunday. The warning follows a record-sunny July in which solar power supplied 14.4% of the UK’s electricity, peaking at 44% of generation.

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across Yorkshire and the Humber and most of England, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius and peak on Thursday. The UK is also experiencing worsening drought, low river and reservoir levels, hosepipe bans, crop and livestock concerns, and major wildfires. England and Wales recorded their driest July since records began, while prolonged heat has contributed to more than 2,800 excess deaths and over 40 open-water fatalities this summer. Forecast rain later in the week is expected to provide only limited relief, as extreme conditions linked to climate change continue to strain communities, agriculture and emergency services.

Experts warn that counterfeit eclipse glasses, ordinary sunglasses, homemade filters and unfiltered optical equipment can expose viewers to damaging ultraviolet and infrared radiation during the August 12 partial solar eclipse. More than 90% of the Sun will be obscured over the UK, but retinal damage may be painless and symptoms can emerge hours later, sometimes causing permanent impairment. The public is advised to use undamaged ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses, view the event indirectly or use properly filtered equipment. The Perseid meteor shower will also peak that night.

Stephen Bear has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to breaching a restraining order protecting Georgia Harrison. The former Celebrity Big Brother winner had continued an online harassment campaign against Harrison after his release from prison for voyeurism and disclosing private sexual images. The sentence, which includes a new indefinite restraining order and eligibility for release after serving at least half the term, is expected to prevent Bear from attending the birth of his first child in September. The judge condemned his social media posts as harmful and accused him of victim-blaming, while Essex Police highlighted the serious impact of harassment and urged victims to report it.

Radis Homecare apologised after a vulnerable woman in Portsmouth was fed dog food, force-fed, denied food on some occasions and left unattended for prolonged periods. A Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigation found that she suffered significant personal injustice, and also highlighted the mishandling of a do-not-attempt-resuscitation document. Radis said the meal was mistakenly served because its commercial packaging resembled a human ready meal, but acknowledged that staff should have checked it. The worker who prepared it is no longer employed, another faced disciplinary action, and Radis said it had strengthened safeguarding, care planning, nutrition oversight, record keeping and quality assurance. The company withdrew from its Portsmouth contract in December 2025.

A teenage boy is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a black BMW X1 collided with three teenage cyclists on the A4010 near Little Kimble Railway Station in Princes Risborough. One other cyclist suffered minor injuries and the third was uninjured. A 36-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop. Thames Valley Police is seeking witnesses and CCTV, doorbell-camera or dashcam footage.

An ombudsman investigation found that Mrs Y, a bedbound Portsmouth woman receiving home care after a fall and mini-stroke, was repeatedly left unattended, sometimes left wet or in darkness, denied food and ultimately fed three mouthfuls of microwaved dog food. The care provider, GP Homecare Ltd, trading as Radis, accepted responsibility, disciplined staff and apologized. Portsmouth City Council ended its contract with Radis, apologized to the family and was ordered to reimburse care costs and make a £1,000 payment recognizing the family's distress and delays in the safeguarding investigation.

Karen Marks, 34, died after her Fiat Punto crossed the central line and collided with a coach on the A10 near Ely on December 28, 2025. An inquest heard that she was thrown from the car and died at the scene, while a passenger suffered serious injuries. Toxicology showed Marks had 128mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood—above the legal limit of 80mg—and cocaine and its by-products in her system; experts said these substances likely impaired her judgment and control and contributed to the crash. The coroner recorded her death as resulting from a road traffic collision.

The Met Office forecasts temperatures reaching 31°C in London on Monday, 3 August, with Manchester expected to reach 29°C and Cardiff 28°C. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts for London, the East Midlands, the East of England and the South East from 9am on 3 August until 9am on 5 August. Authorities warn that the heat could place additional pressure on health and social care services, increase risks for people aged 65 and over or those with medical conditions, and contribute to dangers such as overheating indoors, cold-water shock and drowning.

Two Bell firefighting helicopters leased by Greece's fire department collided during aerial wildfire operations near Psatha in the Attica region. The four crew members aboard the aircraft were the subject of an ongoing search-and-rescue operation after the helicopters departed from Elefsina military airport. Nearly 500 Greek firefighters, supported by teams from France and Romania, were mobilised as wildfires caused evacuations across Crete, central Greece and several islands. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said extreme heat, strong winds and weather conditions had challenged the capacity of emergency services despite increased investment in civil protection.

Michael Bretton was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 29 and a half years, after being convicted of murdering lorry driver Craig Hurcombe. Bretton had stalked his former dating partner Kate Saunders and Hurcombe, using GPS trackers and surveillance before following Hurcombe to a yard in Gurney Slade on January 1, where he fatally stabbed him with a samurai sword. He attempted to conceal the crime by burning Hurcombe's car and clothing, burying the body, discarding the weapon and impersonating Hurcombe through his phone. The jury rejected Bretton's claim that Hurcombe had accidentally fallen onto a metal shaft. Police described the killing as planned and premeditated, while Hurcombe's family paid tribute to him and expressed their profound loss.

Caitlin Anderson pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to being disruptive on a Ryanair flight bound for Newcastle on 10 July 2026. Crew alerted police after she became involved in an altercation, acted erratically and pulled out her own hair extensions. Officers arrested her after landing, and she was briefly taken to hospital amid concerns she may have consumed a substance. Anderson was fined £1,477 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £591 victim surcharge.

Nell Saffron Raven, a 53-year-old British-born author, and her 10-year-old daughter Irena “Ira” Mereacre were buried together in County Cavan after dying from injuries sustained in a two-car collision. At their funeral in Milltown, Nell’s husband Alexandru paid tribute to their family life in Ireland and described Nell as a talented writer and cancer survivor, while Ira was remembered for her kindness, creativity, music and Irish dancing. Ira’s organs were donated to four children. The service included personal mementoes, music and poetry before the pair were buried at Drumlane cemetery.

Sixteen-year-old Connor Magee Campbell from the Clonoe area died after a collision between a scrambler bike and a lorry on Derryloughan Road in Coalisland, County Tyrone. He was taken to hospital after the crash but later died from his injuries. Family, St Joseph's College and the Ógras Centre paid tribute to him, remembering his compassion, humour, resilience and strong community ties. Local councillors also expressed condolences, while the PSNI appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage as the investigation continues.

Eight motorcyclists from Devon face two £60 penalty notices each after stopping at Llyn Tegid in Bala to buy ice creams, unaware that new ANPR-controlled parking charges had begun. The scheme, introduced by Eryri National Park Authority to address overnight camping, non-payment and summer congestion, charges motorcycles £1 and other vehicles up to £8 per day. Bala residents have launched a petition demanding free access, arguing that the limited one-hour off-peak concession is impractical and that a private parking company now controls access to a community lake. The authority says the pilot will run until the October half-term before operational data and community feedback are reviewed.

Greek authorities are seeking a homeless man known as Markos after the body of 38-year-old Edinburgh woman Elisabeth Jane Ross was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens. Police are treating Markos as a person of interest but have not formally named a suspect, while also investigating Elisabeth’s final movements, her unexplained contacts in Kypseli and the use of her phone after her death. Interpol confirmed the remains were those of a British woman, and Police Scotland and UK officials are assisting Greek authorities and her family.

A major incident was declared after a wildfire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston, Suffolk, spread across about 100 hectares. More than 100 firefighters and 18 engines were deployed, while Sizewell B nuclear power station and the Sizewell C construction site monitored the fire; both said operations were continuing and the risk remained low. Cliff House Holiday Park, housing around 200 caravans, was evacuated, with local residents sheltering around 40 people from the wider area. The blaze also damaged parts of the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, destroying habitats for rare birds and potentially requiring more than a decade to regenerate. Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for an emergency Cobra meeting to address the wider series of UK wildfires and extreme heat.

Rachel Anne Gwilliam, a 41-year-old accountant from Billingshurst, West Sussex, died after falling from cliffs at Pentreath Beach on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula. She was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on 20 July but died the following day from a traumatic brain injury. A coroner has opened an inquest and adjourned it until a full hearing. Coastguard, ambulance, RNLI and air-rescue teams attended the incident.

Harley Seal, 18, died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a white Mercedes A180 on Chestfield Road in Whitstable on July 24. Police launched a murder investigation, arrested two men and charged Connor Todd, 19, with murder. Todd appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court and is due at Maidstone Crown Court, while another 18-year-old man was released on bail. Kent Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage.

Sophie Joanne Ashwood, 20, was found dead in her Bodmin flat on October 3, 2025. An inquest at Cornwall Coroners’ Court heard that she died from acute cocaine toxicity, with the drug present at nearly two and a half times the fatal threshold, and recorded a conclusion of suicide. Evidence described her troubled childhood, time in foster care, mental health difficulties, emotional personality disorder, previous overdoses and reluctance to engage with mental health services. Her friends and grandmother paid tribute to her kindness, humour and importance in their lives.

The Met Office identifies August 10–24 as a possible window for a fourth UK heatwave of the summer, with temperatures likely to be above normal and rainfall below normal, particularly in southern areas. The forecast follows three heatwaves since May and worsening dry conditions, including a drought declaration in Wales. Early August may bring unsettled weather, heavy rain and strong winds before conditions potentially become more settled.

A wildfire that has burned on Tintwistle Moor since June has forced the continued closure of the A628 Woodhead Pass, expected to remain shut until at least July 27. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, which declared a major incident earlier in the month, urged the public to respect closures, avoid the area and refrain from activities that could spark additional fires. Smoke may still affect nearby residents, who are advised to follow public health guidance as emergency teams and partner agencies monitor the situation.

The family of six-year-old Kourtney McCormick expressed deep gratitude to a woman who helped rush the child to hospital after she was struck by a van in Newry and later died of her injuries. They thanked medical staff at Daisy Hill and Royal Victoria hospitals for their efforts, police and clergy for support, and the wider community, school, friends and local businesses for their compassion. The family also acknowledged the professional handling of the funeral arrangements and announced details of the Month's Mind Mass.

An inquest in Blackburn concluded that Gemma Freeman died by suicide after leaving letters attributing her actions to the breakdown of her relationship with estranged husband Alan Cooper. Family members described a pattern of psychological and physical abuse, including claims that Cooper told her to kill herself. Police investigated Cooper for potential manslaughter but found the evidence did not meet the criminal threshold, though the family has requested a review. The coroner ruled the death a suicide, noting that Freeman herself linked her relationship to her decision to end her life.

Two men died after entering the sea at Seaton Carew to help two children who were struggling in the water. Emergency services, including RNLI, Coastguard and ambulance crews, responded and the children were taken to hospital as a precaution. The men were pulled from the water and given medical attention but were pronounced dead shortly afterward. Police stated the deaths are not treated as suspicious and urged the public to avoid entering open water due to safety risks.

Police are investigating the reported rape of a man in his twenties at Padworth Common Nature Reserve in West Berkshire, during which £50 was stolen from the victim. Officers are appealing for witnesses, dash‑cam footage, and information about a red vehicle seen in the area. An increased police presence will continue as enquiries progress, and the public is urged to contact Thames Valley Police or Crimestoppers with relevant information.

Police investigating the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe have confirmed they will not release further details, including suspect descriptions or CCTV, to avoid compromising inquiries. A 26‑year‑old man arrested earlier was released without charge. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman urged the public not to speculate and to report information through official channels. Widdecombe, found dead at her Devon home after suffering serious injuries, was active in public life shortly before her death. Nigel Farage visited the area to pay respects and said his party had reviewed emails for threats but found none.

A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen returned to Greece after an engine malfunction caused debris to smash a cabin window, partially pulling passenger Ljubiša Karović outside the aircraft. His wife, Svetlana Grković, and other passengers held him until he was pulled back inside. He suffered injuries but remained conscious and was taken to a Thessaloniki hospital. Ryanair confirmed the window dislodged mid‑flight and said a replacement aircraft completed the journey.

An 18-year-old identified as Karl Holland died after getting into difficulty at Dovestone Reservoir, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and family describing him as kind-hearted and devoted to his siblings following the earlier loss of their mother. Emergency services were unable to save him despite rapid response efforts. Greater Manchester Police said enquiries are ongoing and urged the public to avoid swimming in open water during recent heatwaves due to recurring fatalities.

Veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has died at 68 following a year-long battle with stage four prostate cancer. His family reported he passed away peacefully at home and thanked medical teams for their care. Murnaghan, known for a five-decade career across Channel 4, ITV, the BBC, and Sky News, had campaigned for greater awareness of prostate cancer and urged men to seek early testing. His funeral will be private, with a memorial service planned at St Bride’s Church, and the family encouraged donations to prostate cancer charities and the North London Hospice.

South African footballer Jayden Adams died at age 25 shortly after participating in the 2026 World Cup, prompting tributes from government officials, football associations and unions. Statements highlighted his talent, dedication and professionalism, including his decision to play shortly after his grandmother’s death. The cause of death has not been confirmed, and authorities urged the public to avoid speculation while offering condolences to his family, teammates and clubs.

Karl Hutchings received a life sentence for murdering Julie Buckley, dismembering her body with a saw and burying the remains in a field in Cambridgeshire. Evidence from phone activity, forensic analysis and witness accounts established the timeline of the killing, as well as Hutchings’ actions afterward, including using Buckley’s bank card and selling her belongings. A detailed police investigation involving multiple specialists recovered her remains and supported the prosecution. Prosecutors stated that Hutchings ultimately admitted the killing and disclosed the burial site, bringing closure to the victim’s family.

High pressure is expected to sustain the UK heatwave into next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 35C before the hottest conditions shift northwards. The Met Office indicates the heat will ease slightly in southern and eastern England while increasing across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Heat‑health alerts remain in place across all English regions, with amber warnings issued for five. Sea temperatures around the UK are up to 5C above average, and UV levels are forecast to be high or very high nationwide.

Hadi Alodid appeared by videolink before Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where he was told his attempted murder case involving serious injuries to Stephen Ogilvie will proceed to the Crown Court. Additional charges include threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife. The court granted a four‑week adjournment to await outstanding evidence, and Alodid was reminded to consider legal representation. He was remanded in custody until August 5.

Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton and announced plans to contest the resulting by-election after mounting scrutiny over undeclared financial support. Allegations include unregistered assistance from George Cottrell related to staffing and accommodation, along with an ongoing standards investigation into a £5 million gift from donor Christopher Harborne. Farage denied wrongdoing, claiming investigations are being used politically, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats called for probes by the Electoral Commission and parliamentary standards authorities.

A 14-year-old girl, Lilly Anne Jones, was found dead in a wooded area of Blaina with multiple stab wounds, according to details revealed at an inquest opening at Gwent Coroner's Court. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The provisional cause of death was given as multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk. Police investigations continue, and a full inquest is scheduled for April 2027. The local community and her school have expressed condolences and placed tributes near the scene.

Liam Gallagher jokingly teased Harry Kane after the England captain strained his voice while singing with fans following England’s 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico. Supporters and players joined in a rendition of Wonderwall at the Azteca Stadium, where the anthem has become a recurring rallying cry. Public figures including David Beckham, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Jamie Laing and Ross Kemp shared praise and celebratory reactions as England’s performance and manager Thomas Tuchel drew widespread acclaim.

An 18-year-old woman, Tallulah Bradford, died after being struck by a small articulated loading vehicle in Chalkwell Park, Southend, following an incident involving unlawfully taken machinery. Family and friends paid emotional tribute to her, describing her as kind, spirited and deeply loved. Essex Police continue to investigate, with two teenagers arrested and released on bail, and have appealed for witnesses and footage to assist the inquiry.

A large wildfire near La Bisbal d'Empordà in Catalonia forced 12 towns into lockdown as more than 200 firefighters and 11 aircraft worked to contain the fast‑moving blaze. Authorities warned residents in Barcelona to avoid travelling to the affected areas to support emergency operations. Officials suggested the fire may have been sparked by mechanical roadworks, while regional leaders urged the public to follow safety guidance. Spain’s vulnerability to extreme heat and drought was highlighted, with recent data showing extensive wildfire damage across the country in the previous year.

A renewed warm spell is expected across the UK next week, with temperatures in parts of eastern and southern England likely to exceed 30C. The Met Office warns that an ongoing marine heatwave could intensify to Category 4 as sea temperatures continue to run well above average. Despite warmer conditions, officials emphasise that cold-water shock remains a significant danger. Overnight temperatures will be higher than usual but not as severe as those seen during June’s exceptional heatwave.

Swedish-born actor Kjell Nilsson, best known for playing Lord Humungus in Mad Max 2, has died at 76 after a four-year battle with kidney disease. Nilsson, a former Olympic-level weightlifter who later moved into acting, earned cult status for his role in the 1981 film. His representative, Chris Carbaugh, remembered him as a generous and inspiring figure who deeply appreciated his fans. Nilsson also appeared in several other film and television projects throughout the 1980s, but his Mad Max character remained his most enduring legacy.

A light aircraft crash near Dunkeswell airfield killed 44-year-old pilot Nicola Wright, whose family described her as a devoted mother of four and an accomplished adventurer. Emergency services responded and investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Branch have launched an inquiry. Her family requested privacy and urged the public not to speculate about the cause of the crash.

A 19-year-old man died after entering the water at the Ystradfellte waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons, prompting a multi-agency rescue effort involving police, ambulance services, fire crews, mountain rescue teams and Wales Air Ambulance. Despite extensive resuscitation attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin were informed. Emergency agencies detailed their coordinated response and expressed condolences to the family.

Blackpool Tower will be illuminated in blue on July 27 in tribute to murdered toddler Preston Davey, following a request believed to have come from his biological mother, Sarah Davey. Preston, aged 13 months, was killed by adoptive father Jamie Varley, who received a whole-life sentence after being convicted of murder and multiple abuse offences. John McGowan-Fazakerley, Varley’s partner, was sentenced to 25 years for related crimes. A property the pair moved into shortly after the child’s death is now up for auction, with the listing noting the seller’s custodial status for transparency.

Bruce Foxton, bassist of The Jam, revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, following earlier cancer treatment and the recent cancellation of scheduled shows. He described the diagnosis as a major shock and detailed ongoing physical and mental challenges. Supporters responded with messages of sympathy and encouragement.

An inquest found that Destiny Harrison and her daughter Linnea died after being struck by a Nissan Qashqai while crossing Victoria Road in Plymouth in 2024. Evidence from witnesses, a forensic collision investigator and police indicated no faults with the vehicle and no basis for criminal proceedings against the driver, Brenda Marriott. The investigation concluded her speed was within an estimated 27 to 32 mph and that insufficient evidence existed to determine traffic light status or pedestrian movement. The coroner ruled both deaths resulted from a road traffic collision and offered condolences to the family.

Twin 15‑month‑old sisters were found dead in their beds in Beuvrages, France, with authorities investigating dehydration as a possible cause amid high temperatures in the room. Their parents were taken into police custody, and four other young siblings were discovered suffering from dehydration, with one in critical condition after an emergency airlift. The Valenciennes public prosecutor confirmed an autopsy would determine the exact circumstances of the deaths.

Four Irish tourists from Mullingar were involved in a fatal car crash near Malaga, resulting in the deaths of Mark McCullagh, Michaela Newcombe and Amy McCullagh, while Ian McCullagh was seriously injured. Local officials and community representatives expressed shock and grief, and the Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance as authorities investigate the collision.

A man suffered a potentially life-threatening arterial arm wound after slipping while trying to open a beer with a knife on a beach in Aberdyfi, North Wales. Members of the public helped stem the bleeding before RNLI volunteers, first responders, paramedics and the Wales Air Ambulance provided treatment and transported him to hospital. Emergency crews highlighted the effective multi-agency response and urged the use of appropriate tools to prevent such accidents.

A man identified as Jon Ismaili received a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 and a half years after being convicted of murdering sex worker Catalina Birlea in Cambridge. He visited her residence on October 2, after which she was found unresponsive by a friend and later pronounced dead. A post‑mortem determined her death was due to neck compression. Police apprehended Ismaili three days later, and investigators highlighted both the thorough detective work that led to his arrest and the risks faced by sex workers, urging those experiencing violence to report it.