Matthew Cooper

Police in central London intervened to protect a lone Argentina supporter who was surrounded and verbally abused by England fans after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat. The Metropolitan Police reported seven arrests elsewhere in the area, including cases involving dangerous driving, affray, assaulting an emergency worker and racially aggravated assault. The match attracted a peak BBC audience of 24 million and an average combined BBC1 and BBC iPlayer audience of 22.1 million, making it the year’s highest-rated live television event.

A murder inquiry is underway after 16-year-old Khadeem Parris from Motherwell died from a stab wound following an incident in Northampton. His family paid tribute, remembering him as a kind, humorous and resilient boy preparing to start college. Police confirmed a 21-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of murder, while three others arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail.

A jury at Nottingham Crown Court found Michael Thompson guilty of raping and murdering his estranged wife, Kimberley Thompson, after staging her death to resemble a suicide at their Northampton home. Evidence showed he controlled and abused her and fabricated messages and a false scene to mislead investigators. A post-mortem contradicted the staged suicide, and the jury convicted him of rape, murder and perverting the course of justice. Police also confirmed that a renewed investigation into the 2000 death of his former partner Rhonda Anderson concluded without sufficient evidence for further action.

Andrew Gorrell received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years for murdering 82‑year‑old John Edwards by setting a wheelie bin on fire outside his home, causing a blaze that also left two family members in comas. The court noted Gorrell’s long history of fire‑setting and alcohol abuse, his lack of explanation for travelling to the area, and his limited remorse. The judge described the act as an evil and deliberate attack, alongside multiple other fires set that night.

An inquiry into severe flooding during Storm Babet recommended demolishing 26 terraced houses on Tapton Terrace in Chesterfield after the death of resident Maureen Gilbert. The local council and Environment Agency determined that demolition is the only long-term solution due to escalating flood risks driven by climate change. Homeowners are to receive market-value compensation and additional support. Local MP Toby Perkins said the decision is difficult for residents but broadly accepted as necessary for safety.

A review by the Environment Agency and Chesterfield Borough Council recommends demolishing 26 homes on Tapton Terrace after the death of 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert during Storm Babet’s flooding. Authorities concluded that demolition is the only long‑term way to address severe and worsening flood risk. Residents will receive fair market value and compensation, with relocation planned but not immediate. Local officials and the Environment Agency cite the coroner’s report and the area’s unique geography as drivers of the decision, while pledging continued support for affected households.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm after a shooting in Birmingham that left a 16-year-old critically injured. West Midlands Police continue to investigate and appeal for witnesses, while local councillors urge the community to avoid speculation, respect the investigation, and support those affected.

A Birmingham Crown Court judge sentenced Sarah Ngaba to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years and 154 days for murdering her seven‑week‑old daughter, Eliza. Jurors heard that Eliza’s fatal injuries resulted from violent shaking and a severe head impact, and that Ngaba delayed seeking help and attempted to hide her involvement. Prosecutors emphasised the sustained nature of the assault and Ngaba’s lack of remorse, while police noted the dedicated care Eliza received from her foster parents before her death in 2022.

A woman, Sarah Ngaba, received a life sentence with a minimum term of just over 12 years for murdering her seven‑week‑old daughter, Eliza, following a violent assault involving shaking and head impact. The court found she delayed seeking medical help, attempted to conceal her actions and showed no remorse. The judge condemned her behaviour while praising the foster parents who later cared for the child. Prosecutors described the attack as prolonged and driven by hostility, while police and CPS officials highlighted Ngaba’s shifting accounts and the severity of the injuries that ultimately led to Eliza’s death.

A 16-year-old girl, Lillianna Tomlinson, died after getting into difficulty in the River Tame near Kingsbury Water Park during a heatwave. Her family expressed devastation and thanked the community for its support while requesting privacy. Authorities recovered her body following an hour-long search, and police are supporting the family. Safety organisations highlighted the dangers of cold water shock as several similar fatalities occurred across the UK during the hot weather.

A 37-year-old man, Nathan Gothard, received a 10-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of 66-year-old David Darke, who died from severe brain injuries after being punched outside a pub in Appleby Magna. Jurors acquitted Gothard of murder but found him guilty of manslaughter. The court heard that Gothard had behaved aggressively in the pub before being removed and losing a fight with another man, after which he attacked Darke. The victim’s family described their loss and highlighted his generosity, including organ donation. Investigators criticised Gothard’s decision not to walk away, noting the enduring impact on the family.

Marvin Ducksch received a 14‑month driving ban, fines and compensation payments after pleading guilty to drink‑driving following a three‑car collision in Warwickshire. Magistrates warned he was fortunate no one was killed. Prosecutors said he admitted drinking before driving and losing control while adjusting music. His defence highlighted his cooperation at the scene, insurance coverage and disciplinary action taken by Birmingham City. The court approved a repayment plan for more than £20,000 in total penalties.

Gareth Stark was sentenced to nine years in prison for manslaughter after fatally shaking his three‑month‑old son days after previously striking him at a KFC restaurant, an assault captured on CCTV. Prosecutors detailed severe injuries consistent with abusive head trauma, and evidence showed Stark misled responders about finding the baby unresponsive. The judge cited the earlier assault as an aggravating factor. Defence counsel noted Stark’s mental‑health history and expressed his apology. The child’s mother described devastating loss, while the Crown Prosecution Service emphasised Stark’s betrayal of parental responsibility and the role of investigative work in establishing the circumstances of the death.

Testimony to the Nottingham Inquiry described how Valdo Calocane’s brother interpreted troubling text messages in 2020 as signs of suicidal intent rather than threats toward others. Elias Calocane said his brother, later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, believed he was being monitored and expressed anguish, paranoia, and religious references in his messages. He stated Valdo had never been violent before the 2023 killings and that he was unaware of his brother’s schizophrenia diagnosis or warnings about potential danger until months after the attack. The inquiry reviewed messages referencing harming others and Calocane’s deteriorating mental state as relatives attempted unsuccessfully to reassure him. The proceedings continue.

A murder investigation was opened after footballer Tyler Fairman died in hospital three days after being struck, along with other pedestrians, by a car that mounted a kerb in Arnold, Nottinghamshire. Police confirmed the case had shifted to a murder inquiry and urged the public not to share videos of the incident circulating online. Duane Anthony was charged with attempted murder and several driving offences and remanded to appear at Nottingham Crown Court. Fairman’s club, Woodthorpe Park Rangers, confirmed multiple team members were injured and paid tribute to him.

A 19-year-old man, Omar Majed, was remanded in custody after being accused of making a false bomb threat that forced the evacuation of nearly 13,000 people from a Peter Kay show at Birmingham's Utilita Arena. During his hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, he was ordered to leave following repeated outbursts while bail was denied. Police confirmed no suspicious items were found, and the case was adjourned to Birmingham Crown Court for 1 June.

A 19-year-old man, Omar Majed, was remanded in custody after repeated outbursts during a hearing over an alleged bomb hoax that forced the evacuation and cancellation of a Peter Kay show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. Prosecutors said Majed claimed a bomb had been left at the venue, prompting thousands to be evacuated, though police later confirmed nothing suspicious was found. The judge rejected his bail application and referred the case to Birmingham Crown Court for a June 1 hearing.

A convicted fraudster, Craig Rees, was extradited from the Czech Republic to the UK after his location was revealed by an iPhone email signature, adding six months to his existing seven‑year sentence for film-related tax fraud. Rees had fled during his trial, claiming to be in Ukraine, and was tracked by HMRC’s fugitive unit following extensive international efforts. His brother Carl was also previously jailed for their roles in submitting fraudulent Film Tax Relief and VAT claims involving fabricated or inflated film production costs. A man in Manchester was arrested on suspicion of assisting Rees and released under investigation.

A judge expressed concern that John Ashby, who committed a religiously aggravated rape in Walsall, had been discharged from psychiatric detention without required after-care provisions. Medical records showed he had experienced psychosis, drug abuse, violence, and threatening behavior during his hospitalization. Despite recent aggression toward staff, he was released three days before attacking a stranger. Ashby received a life sentence with a minimum of 14 years, with the court highlighting failures in post-discharge support required under the Mental Health Act.

A homeless man, John Ashby, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years for raping and assaulting a Sikh woman in a religiously aggravated attack in Walsall. He followed the victim into her home, beat her, attempted to strangle her, and shouted racist and anti-Muslim abuse. DNA evidence, fingerprints and CCTV linked him to the crime. The judge condemned his racist motivations, while prosecutors highlighted the strength of the case and the victim’s courage.

A homeless man, John Ashby, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years for a religiously aggravated rape of a Sikh woman in her West Midlands home after following her from a bus. During the assault he used racist and anti-Muslim slurs. He changed his plea to guilty mid-trial. Prosecutors and the judge emphasised that the attack was driven by religious hatred.

John Ashby pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to rape, robbery, intentional strangulation and religiously aggravated assault of a Sikh woman in Walsall. Evidence included DNA, fingerprints and CCTV footage. The judge warned that a life sentence is under consideration and commended the victim for her bravery. A courtroom disturbance occurred when a man confronted Ashby before the plea change.

A 32-year-old man, John Ashby, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in Walsall after following her home in October 2025. He used anti-Muslim slurs during the attack despite the victim being Sikh and threatened her with a piece of wood before assaulting her. Initially denying the charges, he admitted responsibility during the latest hearing, with police detailing the victim’s account of the violent intrusion.

A nursery worker received a prison sentence for gross negligence manslaughter after tightly restraining a 14‑month‑old in unsafe sleeping conditions, leading to his death. The nursery’s owner was given a suspended sentence for safety violations, and the company operating the nursery was fined for corporate manslaughter. Regulators highlighted longstanding unsafe practices and noted increased government funding aimed at strengthening nursery inspections.

A 14‑month‑old boy, Noah Sibanda, died after being restrained in a sleeping bag and left face down in a tepee at Fairytales Day Nursery in Dudley, where dangerous sleep practices were routine. Nursery worker Kimberley Cookson has admitted gross negligence manslaughter, and the nursery has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter. Victim impact statements from Noah’s parents described profound grief and anger. The owner, Deborah Latewood, has admitted a health and safety offence for failing to recognise unsafe practices. Court CCTV footage showed Cookson tightly wrapping and restricting the child before he was later found unresponsive. Sentencing proceedings continue.

A man who posed as an unofficial carer was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 19 years for murdering disabled Telford resident Leon Pratt and hiding his body for up to a month. Jason Trundle, who had moved into Pratt’s home after meeting him on social media, was found guilty after a post-mortem revealed severe injuries. Alongside the murder conviction, he received concurrent sentences for preventing a lawful burial and fraud. Police said Pratt trusted Trundle, while investigators cited deception and violent actions that prolonged the family’s distress.

A pastor, Cheryl Bartley, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the drowning of Robert Smith during a baptism ceremony in Erdington in October 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed and emphasized the need to avoid prejudicing the active case. Bartley is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

British Transport Police issued an urgent appeal after a reported rape at Nuneaton railway station and are searching for 36‑year‑old Billy Ormiston, who has links to Nuneaton, Coventry and Atherstone. The public is urged not to approach him and to report sightings or information via emergency services or Crimestoppers.

British Transport Police issued an appeal for information on the whereabouts of Billy Ormiston, whom officers wish to speak to in connection with a reported rape at Nuneaton railway station on 13 March. Authorities warned the public not to approach him and urged immediate sightings to be reported via emergency services, with additional information accepted through standard police contacts or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

A murder investigation has begun after a 27-year-old woman was found dead with serious injuries at a property in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Police arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of murder and say they are not seeking additional suspects. Detective Chief Inspector Andy McWatt urged anyone with relevant information to assist the inquiry.

An Afghan asylum seeker, Ahmad Mulakhil, received a 15-year prison sentence at Warwick Crown Court for abducting, raping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton. He was convicted of multiple charges, including child abduction and making an indecent video. The judge highlighted the victim’s vulnerability and ongoing trauma. Mulakhil claimed he believed the girl was 19 and that she initiated the encounter. His co-defendant, Mohammad Kabir, was acquitted of related charges. The attack had previously sparked protests in Nuneaton.

An Afghan asylum seeker, Ahmad Mulakhil, received a 15-year prison sentence for abducting, raping, and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, with the court highlighting the victim’s vulnerability and lasting trauma. He was also given an additional 12 months on licence. The case prompted protests in the town, while co-defendant Mohammad Kabir was acquitted of all charges.

Mohammed Durnion was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the manslaughter of Reanne Coulson, whose body he buried in a shallow grave near Coventry. Adam Moore received six years for helping dispose of the body. The judge said evidence indicated Durnion strangled Coulson and criticised his actions in concealing her death. Durnion claimed she died from a drug overdose, but the court heard he attempted to burn and hide the body. Family members described profound grief and lasting trauma. Durnion’s prior convictions and drug use were noted during sentencing.

A man was convicted of manslaughter after the body of Reanne Coulson was found in a shallow grave in Binley Woods more than a month after she went missing. Mohammed Durnion was cleared of murder but found guilty of setting part of her body on fire and later leading police to the burial site. His friend Adam Moore was also convicted for assisting in disposing of the body, and West Midlands Police reviewed their initial search after failing to locate the victim earlier.

A Warwick Crown Court jury found Mohammed Durnion guilty of manslaughter for killing Reanne Coulson, whose body was discovered in a shallow grave in Binley Woods after she went missing in May 2025. Prosecutors said she was attacked and strangled, while Durnion claimed she died from a drug overdose before he panicked and hid the body. Evidence included a neighbour’s 999 call, Durnion’s actions after the incident, and police footage of him leading officers to the grave. Adam Moore was convicted of assisting an offender for helping dispose of the body. West Midlands Police expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and noted a review of the initial search. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday.

Police identified 30‑year‑old Ali Alshmari as the victim of a fatal stabbing in Birmingham, with a 32‑year‑old man arrested in connection. A woman sustained hand injuries and was discharged from hospital. West Midlands Police recovered a knife believed to be used in the attack and confirmed it was not terrorism‑related. Officers are reviewing CCTV, gathering public footage and maintaining an increased presence in the area to reassure the community. A nearby school briefly went into lockdown, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with information.

Cast and creators of The Immortal Man attended its Birmingham premiere, where Steven Knight confirmed that a follow‑up Peaky Blinders series will begin filming soon. The film, featuring Cillian Murphy returning as Tommy Shelby and Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby, follows the family confronting a Nazi plot during the Second World War. Knight and director Tom Harper highlighted the significance of shooting in Birmingham, while cast members praised the production and creative environment. The film opens in select cinemas before its Netflix release on 20 March.

Police searching for missing 60-year-old Gary Piatek have arrested 11 people, with nine still in custody, as investigators conduct an extensive search at a property in Evington, Leicester. Detectives report no evidence of life since April 2024 and are appealing for information while emphasising that the case is unrelated to counterterrorism. Several suspects have been released under investigation or without further action as inquiries continue.

A 15-year-old pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross in a random knife attack in Yardley Wood in January 2025. The defendant also admitted multiple previous violent offences involving separate victims. Police determined the stabbing was unprovoked and that the attacker discarded the murder weapon in a river and falsely spoke to officers at the scene. Sentencing is scheduled for 10 February, with the youth remanded into detention.

Two 17-year-old asylum seekers, Jan Jahanzeb and Israr Niazal, were sentenced at Warwick Crown Court to more than nine and ten years in youth detention for abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl in Leamington Spa. The court heard that the victim was led away against her will to a secluded area, where she made repeated protests and screamed for help. Both defendants pleaded guilty, and reporting restrictions were lifted to prevent speculation and misinformation. Background presented in court detailed their recent arrivals from Afghanistan as unaccompanied minors seeking asylum. The victim described lasting trauma in an impact statement. Both offenders face possible deportation after serving their sentences.

Bin collections across Birmingham were suspended after agency workers joined striking refuse staff amid allegations of bullying and blacklisting, which the city council denies. Unite’s Onay Kasab said around 40 agency workers walked out over safety and treatment concerns, calling the escalation unprecedented. MP Zarah Sultana supported the picket, criticising the council’s handling of the dispute. The council stated collections will resume, emphasized contingency efforts, and said an investigation found no evidence of blacklisting.

Two Young Boys supporters were arrested after violent clashes with police during Aston Villa’s 2-1 Europa League win at Villa Park, where away fans threw items including broken seats and coins, striking player Donyell Malen. Police in riot gear intervened, and Superintendent Paul Minor condemned the behaviour and confirmed an investigation using video evidence. The incident follows previous sanctions against Young Boys for similar supporter misconduct.

Jon Ruben admitted drugging and sexually assaulting two boys at a Leicestershire summer camp and committing child cruelty against six others, alongside charges involving indecent images and drugs. Prosecutors described his decades of running a holiday camp where children frequently became ill after participating in a so‑called sweet game involving drug‑laced sweets. He denied one charge of assault by penetration, which prosecutors are still considering. Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.

A Sudanese asylum seeker, Deng Chol Majek, was unanimously convicted by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court for murdering hotel worker Rhiannon Whyte in a stabbing attack on a Walsall railway station platform. CCTV evidence identified him as the assailant who inflicted 23 wounds, and he showed no reaction as the verdict was delivered.

A 61‑year‑old man, Peter Windsor, was found guilty of stalking broadcaster Myleene Klass and her colleague Katie Breathwick after sending them disturbing items including an air pistol, handcuffs and unsettling letters. Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court unanimously rejected his insanity plea after more than four hours of deliberation, leaving sentencing options that include prison or a hospital order.

A Birmingham Crown Court jury found Peter Windsor guilty of stalking Myleene Klass and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick after sending them disturbing items and letters. Klass described experiencing terror in response to the unsolicited packages. Windsor, diagnosed with schizophrenia, denied the charges but was convicted unanimously. Sentencing options include prison or hospital orders, with a decision expected next month.

Aimee Betro, a US citizen, was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of conspiracy to murder, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and evading ammunition import prohibitions. Prosecutors said she travelled to the UK in 2019 to target the family of businessman Aslat Mahumad as part of a feud involving Mohammed Nazir and Mohammed Aslam. Betro attempted to shoot Sikander Ali while disguised in a niqab, but the gun jammed, and she later returned to fire shots into his empty home before fleeing back to the US. She will be sentenced on 21 August.

Advice encourages fantasy football leagues to plan draft parties around Labor Day weekend, prepare detailed setups including food, themes and draft boards, and introduce perks or punishments to boost engagement. A designated vibes commissioner helps maintain energy and ensures participants stay invested throughout the season.

Miyu Yamashita won the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl with an 11-under total, helped by a strong second round. Charley Hull finished second, marking her fourth runner-up result in a major. Rising English golfer Lottie Woad tied for eighth, drawing praise from experts for her talent and potential after recent wins in the Irish and Scottish Opens.

Miyu Yamashita won the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl with a decisive performance built on a strong second round, securing her first LPGA victory. Charley Hull made the closest challenge but finished second, while rising English star Lottie Woad continued her rapid ascent with a tied‑eighth finish after recent breakthrough wins in Ireland and Scotland. Several figures in golf praised Woad’s skill, temperament and potential, comparing her emergence to past prodigies. Additional notable performances included a rare hole‑in‑one sequence by Mimi Rhodes and Stephanie Kyriacou, and commentary highlighted the promising futures of young talents such as Grace Kim. The piece reflects growing excitement around the next generation of women golfers while noting the need to balance expectations.

Jeremy Corbyn backed striking Birmingham bin workers at a large picket event, arguing that underfunded local authorities face widespread financial pressures and warning that a loss in the dispute could prompt wage cuts elsewhere. Birmingham City Council initiated contempt of court proceedings against the Unite union over alleged breaches of an injunction preventing vehicle blockades. Unite dismissed the legal action as a distraction and said it would respond in court. Corbyn urged council leader John Cotton to reach a settlement and avoid wage cuts, noting strong public support for the workers.

A 10ft mural of former England football manager Sam Allardyce eating chips appeared on a wall in Dudley, referencing his time at West Bromwich Albion. Allardyce welcomed the artwork, calling it a good likeness, while local reactions ranged from appreciation to confusion.

A 10-foot mural of former England football manager Sam Allardyce eating chips appeared on a wall in Dudley, prompting curiosity about its anonymous creator. Allardyce expressed gratitude and amusement after seeing the artwork, while local reactions ranged from appreciation to confusion.

Unite’s Onay Kasab condemned Birmingham City Council’s plan that he described as fire and rehire, accusing the Labour-run authority of mishandling a months-long bin workers’ strike and calling for council leader John Cotton to resign. The council said it had offered reasonable terms and must proceed to resolve equal pay liabilities, with voluntary redundancy, retraining and redeployment still available. Both sides remain divided over proposed pay cuts and the path to ending the dispute.

Prince William visited the England women’s football team at St George’s Park to offer support ahead of their Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, praising their teamwork and impact on inspiring young girls. He spoke with manager Sarina Wiegman, presented jerseys to the squad, and underscored the team’s strong camaraderie.

A man died after falling from The Cube building in central Birmingham. West Midlands Police responded and confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, with the man's family being supported. The Cube temporarily closed its commercial venues while emergency services investigated, later allowing residents to return. Building management expressed condolences and said they are cooperating fully with authorities.

A bull that escaped from a Birmingham abattoir was safely contained by council staff and cared for by police before being offered a permanent home by Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk, where it has now joined hundreds of other rescued cattle.

Two siblings from Birmingham, Mya and Isaiah Marsh, were convicted of murdering 21-year-old Minister Enfrence in a knife attack captured on CCTV. Prosecutors said the stabbing, inflicted with more than 20 wounds, may have stemmed from a dispute over cannabis or a damaged bicycle. The attack occurred near the defendants’ home, and both denied murder and manslaughter. After delivering guilty verdicts, the judge remanded them in custody ahead of sentencing. Police highlighted the brutality of the attack and expressed hope that the verdict would offer some comfort to the victim’s family.

Union leaders from multiple sectors gathered in Birmingham to support striking refuse workers engaged in a prolonged dispute with the city council over pay cuts. Speakers warned that wage reductions represented a broader threat to workers nationwide and urged solidarity across industries in the face of austerity. Representatives from education, rail, firefighting, and political advocacy groups emphasized collective action, criticised both local and national Labour leadership, and expressed confidence that the strike was nearing a successful resolution.

A bin collection strike in Birmingham has left rubbish uncollected, creating conditions that pest control experts warn are increasing disease risks as rodents feed on rotting waste. Nearly 400 council bin workers are striking over jobs and pay in a dispute between Unite the Union and Birmingham City Council, with the disruption potentially lasting into the summer. Residents are urged to take waste to local tips and secure rubbish to limit pest attraction.

Chef Glynn Purnell closed his Michelin-starred Birmingham restaurant after 17 years, citing declining bookings, reduced footfall and city factors such as parking changes, the Clean Air Zone and traffic disruptions. He noted recent demonstrations also deterred visitors. His other venues, Plates by Purnell’s and The Mount pub, will continue operating, and he plans to focus more on cooking and new projects.

The Rock revealed on Instagram that he told Cody Rhodes he planned to make him bleed during their confrontation on WWE RAW ahead of WrestleMania 40, later shown continuing the attack in the parking lot. The article outlines the potential outcomes of the two-night WrestleMania event, including tag-team and championship match stipulations based on who wins on the first night.

CM Punk returned to WWE on RAW, announcing he will serve as a commentator at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia while provoking several top wrestlers. He also made an indirect jab at former CEO Vince McMahon during an exchange with Drew McIntyre. McMahon’s recent resignation from TKO following sexual misconduct allegations provides context for the remark. Punk is scheduled to appear at WrestleMania on 6–7 April and may play a larger role given his confrontational segment.

Bill Goldberg criticizes WWE and expresses frustration that Asuka surpassed his undefeated streak, adding to his broader grievances against the organization and Vince McMahon. The comments follow similar criticism from Ronda Rousey as attention builds toward WrestleMania 40.

UK retailers expect the upcoming pre-Christmas weekend to be the busiest trading period of the year after months of subdued footfall and spending driven by high living costs and mortgage pressures. The British Retail Consortium anticipates strong demand for last‑minute gifts and Christmas food shopping, which many households have delayed. MRI Software data shows footfall rose 6.5% last weekend and could increase by nearly 17% this weekend, with updated figures due Sunday.

Forty‑six men were charged after violent clashes involving Legia Warsaw supporters outside Villa Park that left officers and police animals injured. West Midlands Police reported public order offences, assaults on officers and a knife possession, with a special court convened to handle the cases. Authorities continue to review footage to identify further suspects. Police prevented away fans from entering the stadium due to the violence. West Midlands mayor Andy Street condemned the disorder and called for strong action, while Legia Warsaw argued Aston Villa and local authorities failed to provide adequate security and breached UEFA regulations, rejecting blame for the incidents.

Nottingham City Council issued a Section 114 report after forecasting a £23 million in-year budget overspend, driven mainly by pressures in adult and children’s social care and homelessness. The council said it is not technically bankrupt or insolvent and has enough resources to pay staff, suppliers and grant recipients, but spending restrictions will apply. Nottingham’s Labour group blamed rising demand and real-terms reductions in government funding, while the Local Government Information Unit warned that many more councils could face similar financial crises.

Tyrone Hollywood, 17, and Leighton Williams, 28, were convicted of murdering 50-year-old Kelvin Ward during a machete attack in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, captured on CCTV. Rusharn Williams-Reid and Aaron Coates were convicted of conspiring to murder Ward’s son; Williams-Reid was cleared of unlawfully killing Ward, while Coates was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter. The victim’s son escaped after attackers rammed his car, and all four defendants will be sentenced on January 26. Ward’s partner called for longer sentences for people carrying knives and machetes.

Two brothers from Birmingham, Muhammad Abdul Haleem Heyder Khan and Muhammad Hamzah Heyder Khan, were sentenced to 10 and eight years in prison after pleading guilty to preparing for acts of terrorism. They had become increasingly radicalised, bought clothing and equipment for a planned journey to Afghanistan, and completed applications to join Islamic State and its Khorasan Province branch. Both men will also serve four years on extended licence because the judge considered them to pose a significant risk of causing serious harm.