Kirstie Mccrum

A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen was forced to return to Greece after an engine fault caused debris to strike a cabin window, partially pulling passenger Ljubiša Karović outside the aircraft. His wife and other passengers held onto him until the plane landed safely. He was treated for injuries including a neck wound and bruising. Ryanair confirmed the window dislodgement and arranged a replacement aircraft for onward travel.

Pubs across Wales have been granted permission by Downing Street to remain open until 5am for England’s World Cup round‑of‑16 match against Mexico, scheduled for 1am on July 6. A list of participating Welsh pubs has been published, and readers are invited to submit additions.

A 44-year-old pilot and mother of four, Nicola Wright, died when the light aircraft she was flying crashed near Dunkeswell airfield in Devon. Her family paid tribute to her as an adventurous, devoted mother and an accomplished pilot, skydiver and mountaineer. Emergency services responded to the crash and investigations are underway by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and Devon and Cornwall Police. Her family requested privacy and urged the public not to speculate on the crash circumstances.

Blackpool Tower will be illuminated blue on July 27 in memory of murdered toddler Preston Davey following a request linked to his birth mother. Preston was killed by adoptive father Jamie Varley, who was convicted of murder and multiple abuse offences and given a whole-life order, while partner John McGowan-Fazakerley received a 25-year sentence for related crimes. The pair’s former home, acquired shortly after the child’s death, has been listed for auction with a disclosure noting the occupant's custodial sentence. Authorities and local tourism officials confirmed the memorial lighting plans.

An inquest found that Destiny Harrison and her daughter Linnea died after being struck by a car while using a pedestrian crossing on Victoria Road in Plymouth. Evidence from eyewitnesses, the driver, and collision investigators could not determine the traffic light status at the time or whether emergency braking occurred. Police concluded the driver's actions did not fall below the standard of a careful and competent driver, and no charges followed. The coroner ruled the deaths resulted from a road traffic collision and offered condolences to the family.

A train struck a car at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, killing one person and leaving a child with life‑threatening injuries. Emergency services, including police, fire crews and ambulance teams, responded, with the child airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. No train passengers were injured. Police have launched an investigation and are urging witnesses to come forward.

A 26-year-old Nottingham man, Isaac Clare-Watts, was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District following summer solstice celebrations. Derbyshire Police are treating the death as a murder and have arrested a 41-year-old man. Investigators are appealing for attendees and anyone with video footage from the weekend to come forward to help establish the circumstances. Clare-Watts, a joiner who had recently returned from travelling, was remembered by colleagues as a skilled and well-liked team member.

Record-breaking June temperatures in Surrey have prompted red heat warnings across southern and central England, with widespread disruption to schools, transport and public health services. A heat-dome over western Europe has intensified conditions, leading to calls for stronger government action to address the increasing risks posed by extreme heat linked to climate change. Health agencies issued alerts advising the public to take precautions, while transport operators warned of significant service disruptions and urged people to avoid non-essential travel.

A personal trainer, Megan Murphy, was sentenced to six years in prison for causing the death of Darryl Tomlinson after repeatedly driving over him while her car windows were covered in ice, leaving her with almost no visibility. The court heard she drove the wrong way on a one‑way street, ignored road rules to save time, and later lied to police about not seeing him. Emergency services had been alerted earlier but failed to locate Tomlinson due to an incorrectly recorded address. CCTV showed Murphy making minimal effort to clear her windscreen and continuing to drive despite poor visibility. Judge Nicholas Clarke described her actions as deliberate and dangerous, while police highlighted the preventable nature of the incident and the importance of proper vehicle preparation in winter conditions.

Allan Finnegan, a Britain’s Got Talent 2020 semi‑finalist and Baptist minister from Bootle, has died at 59 after a nearly five‑year battle with ocular melanoma that later spread to his liver. His family announced his death on Father’s Day, sharing details of his final moments and expressing gratitude for public support that helped fund extended treatment. Despite receiving an incurable diagnosis in 2023, innovative therapies funded through a GoFundMe campaign allowed him to live beyond medical expectations. Known for his gentle humour and dedication to both ministry and comedy, he remained positive throughout his illness and reflected on valuing each day after his prognosis.

A three-year-old boy remains in critical but stable condition after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire. Zoo owners Tracey and Andrew Johnson, along with their son Edward, entered the enclosure to rescue the child. Police arrested a 30-year-old Norfolk man on suspicion of attempted murder and released him on bail after determining he was unfit for interview. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident, while the zoo has closed its Tropical House out of respect for the family.

A 15-year-old boy, Tadhg Callaghan Carter, died after a rally car left the road and struck spectators during the Donegal International Rally, injuring two others. Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club cancelled remaining events and launched an investigation with Gardaí, who urged the public not to share footage of the incident. Saint Euan's College issued a tribute to the student and announced support services for the community. The two injured spectators are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Mark Hughes announced the sudden death of his 38‑year‑old son Alex, prompting a statement from the League Managers Association requesting privacy for the family. Alex Hughes worked in football recruitment for several clubs, most recently Grimsby Town, following earlier roles at Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, 1860 Munich, Reading, AFC Fylde and Morecambe. Mark Hughes and his family described themselves as totally heartbroken by the unexpected loss.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US and Israel of violating ceasefire commitments amid renewed Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The shutdown came days after maritime traffic had resumed following an interim peace agreement. Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people on Saturday, while intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah a day earlier left more than 50 dead. Hezbollah accused Israel of ceasefire breaches but stated it remained committed to the truce. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported over 3,900 deaths and extensive displacement since the conflict began in March.

Two East Midlands Railway passenger trains collided between Luton and Bedford, killing one person and injuring many others. Emergency services declared a major incident, with hospitals preparing for numerous casualties. Police, fire, and ambulance crews responded at scale while rail operators suspended services in and out of London St Pancras for the remainder of the day. Eyewitnesses reported sudden impact without warning, and government and local officials expressed concern as investigations began.

Two young brothers, Tobias and Finley Rice, died following a multi‑vehicle collision on the A30 in Cornwall while travelling to St Ives during half‑term. Their parents issued a tribute describing the boys as energetic, kind and loved, and thanked emergency services and NHS staff for their support. Police continue to investigate the crash, with a local man arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. Specially trained officers are supporting the family as appeals for witnesses continue.

Three people suffered non‑serious knife wounds during an incident that forced Co‑op Academy in Manchester into lockdown. Police and emergency services attended in large numbers, and a schoolgirl was arrested. Authorities reported no wider threat to pupils or staff while maintaining support for the school.

Three members of a family died after falling from the 36th floor of a London tower block, with friends describing the parents as successful professionals caring for their disabled son. The circumstances remain under investigation, with an inquest pending. Police confirmed the deaths as unexpected and appealed for information while friends and colleagues expressed shock and described the family’s background and charitable involvement.

A 22-year-old woman died after years of ketamine addiction caused severe physical deterioration, including chronic pain and bladder damage. Her mother described repeated unsuccessful efforts to secure medical support and highlighted missed opportunities by health professionals. An inquest heard that the victim continued accessing ketamine even during hospitalisation and ultimately discharged herself shortly before her death. The cause of death was recorded as respiratory depression from toxic levels of morphine and gabapentin, with biliary sepsis as a contributing factor. Testimony from a drug support worker noted rising ketamine misuse and a cycle of dependency driven by long-term physical harm. The inquest remains ongoing.

Nine Year 6 pupils at Jesse Gray Primary School in West Bridgford were taken to Queen's Medical Centre after eating tree seeds on school grounds, with all discharged unharmed after monitoring. The school cordoned off the area, arranged for tree removal, and reinforced safety guidance to students, while emergency services deployed multiple units, including a hazardous response team and air ambulance personnel. Parents expressed reassurance over the school's response, and local councillor Jonathan Wheeler said residents reported concerns after seeing numerous ambulances, though the checks were precautionary.

A North Wales family continues to support 31-year-old Tasha Farah, who remains in critical condition following a severe injury in April, while the community rallied to give her son Roman a morale-boosting visit to Anfield for a Liverpool FC match. Relatives describe her recovery as uncertain and financially challenging, prompting a GoFundMe campaign that has surpassed £11,000. Family members emphasise their struggle to manage both Tasha’s medical needs and Roman’s wellbeing as they await further developments.

A Royal Navy helicopter crashed in a field near Sourton Down in Devon, prompting road closures and a response from emergency services. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the incident and coordinated traffic restrictions around the A386 and A30. The Ministry of Defence verified that the aircraft belonged to the Royal Navy and has launched an investigation. Traffic monitoring services reported controlled traffic conditions as authorities continued managing the ongoing situation.

The World Meteorological Organisation warns that an El Niño event is highly likely to develop between June and August 2026, potentially intensifying global heat and increasing the risk of 2027 becoming another record‑breaking temperature year. UN leadership urges governments to treat the forecast as an urgent climate warning and accelerate climate action, citing exceptionally warm subsurface Pacific waters and strong atmospheric indicators. Scientists caution that a potentially strong El Niño could worsen droughts, heavy rainfall and heatwaves, while global agencies emphasise the importance of early warnings and sector‑specific preparedness.

Emergency services in Yorkshire are conducting a major search for an 11-year-old boy last seen entering the River Don near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough. Land, air and water teams, including specialist divers, helicopters and drones, have been deployed, while the public is asked to avoid the area. Police say the boy’s family has been informed and is being supported as the coordinated multi-agency effort continues.