Matt Jackson

Eleven-year-old Faith Curran was found dead in the Gore Water near Shanks Bridge in Gorebridge, Midlothian, after being reported missing. Her family and local residents paid tribute to her as a happy, adventurous and outgoing girl, while flowers were left near the bridge. Police Scotland is treating the death as unexplained but does not believe there are suspicious circumstances; investigations will continue before a report is submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The body of an 11-year-old girl was recovered from the Gore Water near Shanks Bridge in the Gore Glen area near Gorebridge, Midlothian, on 6 August 2026. Police Scotland said officers were called after concerns were raised about the girl, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is being treated as unexplained, and enquiries are ongoing; her family has been informed.

Nine-year-old Minnie Merriman died after being found critically injured at the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath during the early hours of August 3. She had reportedly been camping with her Yorkshire-based family, and four other people were taken to hospital and later discharged. A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with her death and is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court. Police Scotland’s investigation remains ongoing, while witnesses and local residents have described the scene and expressed shock.

A 35-year-old man has been charged after a nine-year-old girl was found seriously injured at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath and later died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Three other people were reportedly hospitalized and released. Police Scotland is treating the death as suspicious, believes the girl and accused knew each other, and says no one else is being sought. The man is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court, while the girl's family is receiving specialist police support.

Kyle Simpson, a 26-year-old volunteer crew member at Rhyl RNLI lifeboat station, died suddenly after joining the crew only a few months earlier. The station lowered its flag to half-mast and praised his enthusiasm, maintenance work, training progress, social involvement and infectious laugh. The RNLI expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

A woman suffered a medical emergency while visiting Caldey Island near Tenby on July 31, 2026. Coastguard personnel requested assistance, prompting two Tenby RNLI lifeboats, a Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic and a Coastguard helicopter to respond. The woman was treated on the island, transferred by helicopter and flown to a hospital in Cardiff.

Kevin Smith was issued two £100 penalties after using East Midlands Airport’s rapid drop-off zone to take his son to and collect him from a flight. Although he paid the £5 charge for each visit through the app, both payments were made before he had left the barrier-free ANPR-controlled area, contrary to the payment instructions. The airport and parking operator APCOA say drivers must leave the zone before paying and can pay by midnight the following day. One penalty has been cancelled, while Smith is disputing the other and says he will challenge it in court if necessary.

Norwegian teenager Johannes Kongsnes Natland was found guilty at the Old Bailey of conspiring to murder an unnamed person in the UK after allegedly receiving instructions from an account called “Agent 47,” linked to the Foxtrot Network and Iranian-regime criminal operations. He travelled from Norway to Manchester, collected firearms and cash in Huddersfield, and was arrested two days later before the planned shooting. Police recovered two guns, 19 rounds of ammunition and extensive digital evidence, while Natland claimed he never intended to carry out the killing. He had already pleaded guilty to firearms and ammunition offenses and is due to be sentenced in October.

Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to intercept and escort Qatar Airways flight QR23 after it caused concern to civil authorities while approaching Manchester Airport. The precise reason for the alert was not disclosed, although unconfirmed reports suggested air traffic controllers may have lost contact with the aircraft. The alert was stood down before arrival, and the plane landed safely at 8:01pm without an emergency-services response.

Tracy Shaw said breast-cancer chemotherapy has not shrunk the lesions in her left breast as much as she had hoped, although scans found that lumps in her right breast were cysts. The 52-year-old actor said further treatment may be needed before surgery is possible and shared the emotional update while urging supporters to remain hopeful. Friends, including Sally Ann Matthews and Baga Chipz, and fans responded with messages of support.

Terrence King, 60, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years and one day after being convicted of murdering 15-year-old Devon Simmonds-Caines in Langley, Middleton. King deliberately chased Devon, who was riding an e-bike stolen earlier that day, and drove into him at speed without braking. Although King claimed he intended only to block the bike and argued there was no intent to kill, the court found that he intended to cause really serious harm and described the killing as an unlawful act of private retribution. Devon's family described the devastating impact of his death, while police said they hoped the verdict would bring them some closure.

Two women, Demi Oliver and Kelly Rees, chased and slashed Warren Harper during a violent incident in a Milford Haven home after a night of drinking. Harper suffered significant knife wounds to his wrist and arm before escaping and receiving hospital treatment. Both defendants pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and were sentenced at Swansea Crown Court, with Oliver receiving 17 months in prison and Rees receiving an additional 27 months on top of an existing sentence.

Passengers on a Ryanair flight from Barcelona to Manchester were left in extreme heat for more than two hours as the aircraft remained stationary on the tarmac, with temperatures reportedly exceeding 40C inside the cabin. Travellers described overheating, fainting and limited information before eventually being allowed to disembark and later reboard for a delayed departure after midnight. Ryanair attributed the disruption to thunderstorms and said passengers were given updates and refreshment vouchers.

A drugs gang operating across Anglesey and the North Wales coast was dismantled following a major police operation, leading to significant prison sentences for several members. Gareth Rowlands headed the operation, supplying cocaine and cannabis through couriers Joseph McCormick and Steven Powell, while downstream dealers distributed the drugs locally. Searches uncovered large quantities of cash, jewellery and drugs. Defence teams highlighted addiction, debt and personal trauma as mitigating factors. Judge Nichola Jones emphasised the widespread harm caused by the gang. North Wales Police said the operation removed harmful substances from communities and reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised crime.

Ofcom opened a formal investigation into Channel 4’s Married At First Sight UK following a fairness and privacy complaint linked to allegations of rape and sexual misconduct highlighted in a BBC Panorama documentary. A cast member was arrested and bailed as the Metropolitan Police continues its inquiry. Senior officials including Ofcom’s Melanie Dawes and MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee expressed concern and sought clarity on Channel 4’s handling of complaints and duty of care. Channel 4 is reviewing contributor welfare and has paused decisions on airing the next season after withdrawing episodes ahead of the documentary’s broadcast.

A Southampton woman, Kiran Kaur, received a three-year prison sentence for assisting her son, Vickrum Digwa, by removing and hiding the knife he used to murder 18-year-old Henry Nowak. The court found that her actions impeded police efforts and supported her son's false claims of being racially abused. Digwa had already been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years. Prosecutors argued Kaur’s involvement was crucial in concealing the weapon, while the defense described her actions as a panicked response based on misinformation from her son.

A Jet2 flight from Glasgow to Lanzarote diverted to Faro after a passenger required urgent medical attention. Emergency crews met the aircraft, and the passenger was taken to hospital. The flight continued to its original destination about two hours later.

Prosecutors allege that Scott Silkstone murdered amputee Dwayne Tuohey in his flat using multiple objects, including Tuohey’s prosthetic leg, before dragging him into a lift and leaving him outside. CCTV footage presented to jurors shows Silkstone before and after the alleged assault, reportedly covered in blood when later detained. Forensic evidence indicates that several blood‑stained items, including the prosthetic leg, were used as weapons. The prosecution asserts that Tuohey, unable to defend himself, was struck at least 28 times. Silkstone denies murder.

A post-mortem found that Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters died from blunt-force trauma in their Bedfordshire home. Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, arrested in Johannesburg after leaving the UK, has been charged with their murders and remanded in custody. UK and South African authorities are coordinating his return to the UK while investigators continue work under active legal proceedings.

A ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen was closed after an outbreak of crusted scabies. Hywel Dda health board confirmed that treatment was offered to all identified contacts and that enhanced infection‑control measures were implemented. NHS guidance was cited on symptoms, risks, transmission and treatment timelines for scabies.

Katie Price’s children Junior and Princess describe how her cocaine use during their childhood left them feeling lonely and uncared for, recalling incidents that led them to seek stability with their father. A forthcoming Sky documentary features Price reflecting on her addiction, mental health struggles and past relationships, including a recent impulsive marriage. She credits time at The Priory with helping her recover and rebuild her relationship with her children, while family members express concern and hope for lasting stability in her life.

The UK has entered its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to peak at 35C later in the week, particularly in southern England. The Met Office confirms several regions are meeting heatwave criteria, while Scotland remains cooler with rain and winds before warmer air moves north by the weekend. Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for much of England, warning of pressure on health services and increased risks such as water-related incidents. Travel and road safety organisations advise precautions as rail services and vehicle recovery firms anticipate higher demand. UV and pollen levels are forecast to remain high throughout the week.

Authorities launched a Section 42 Care Act inquiry into a man with reported learning difficulties who was arrested and bailed on suspicion of attempting to throw a three‑year‑old boy into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire. The child sustained severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries, and his family remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital as further operations are planned. Police confirmed the suspect was deemed unfit for interview, while the zoo’s co‑owner reportedly entered the enclosure to help rescue the boy.

A 13-year-old boy, Coby Keogh, died from injuries sustained in a house fire in Blackpool after being taken to hospital in critical condition. A 19-year-old, Joey Gregory, remains in serious condition while three others received minor injuries. Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are jointly investigating and currently believe an e-bike caused the blaze, with no evidence of third-party involvement. Family members expressed ongoing hope for Joey’s recovery, and authorities requested information from the public.

A prison officer, Beverley Frank, admitted to misconduct in public office after sending intimate photos to a male inmate and forming an illicit relationship at HMP Millsike. Monitoring of inmate communications uncovered the exchanges, leading to her arrest and discovery of images on her phone. Frank expressed remorse and cooperated with authorities. Hull Crown Court imposed an eight‑month suspended sentence, unpaid work, rehabilitation days and a ban on contacting the prisoner, citing risks to prison security and staff safety.