Olivia Bridge

Three people, reportedly including a British couple on their honeymoon and an experienced military pilot, died when a Bellavia Aviation Services helicopter crashed and caught fire near homes on the Greek island of Sifnos. Witnesses said they heard an unusual noise before the aircraft went down, shortly before it was due to land at the island’s heliport. Firefighters recovered all three bodies from the wreckage.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly exchanged a few messages with someone impersonating Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, before becoming suspicious. UK officials feared Wiles's accounts may have been hacked, and the British embassy in Washington reportedly raised the issue with the White House. Downing Street declined to comment on national security matters, while US authorities have investigated similar impersonation attempts. The incident comes as Burnham seeks to manage relations with Donald Trump and has said he would defend Britain's national interests even when they conflict with the US president's views.

An emergency alert was sent to mobile devices across England and Wales warning of a very high national wildfire risk and urging people not to use disposable barbecues, firepits, fireworks or other potential ignition sources. The alert followed several major fires, including a Stourbridge wildfire that destroyed 19 homes. Andy Burnham said the request came directly from fire and rescue services and urged residents to follow official guidance while firefighters and emergency responders continued efforts to protect lives and property.

Thousands of people in the UK watched a partial solar eclipse, but specialists warn that viewing it without certified protective eyewear can damage the retina and macula, potentially causing solar retinopathy and permanent central vision loss. Symptoms may be delayed and can include blurred or distorted vision, dark spots, altered colour vision, light sensitivity and reduced vision. Anyone experiencing these signs should promptly consult an optometrist. There is no specific treatment, although many cases heal over time; prolonged exposure increases the risk of lasting damage.

Eighteen-year-old Dyfan Hughes from Llangollen remains hospitalised in China after being hit by a lorry during a 6,000-mile charity cycle from Wrexham to Thailand. His parents flew to China and have stayed at his bedside, while fellow riders Louis Dennis and James Thomas said he is receiving good care, remains bright and alert, and is in good spirits, although the full extent of his injuries and recovery timeline are still unknown. The ride, organised to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and honour Tony Edge, has raised more than £50,000.

A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Limoges diverted to Stansted shortly after take-off on August 5 after a crew member became ill. The aircraft landed safely, and Ryanair arranged a standby crew, allowing the flight to continue after a delay of one hour and 41 minutes.

Teacher David Brown, 35, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to offences involving the grooming and sexual abuse of a schoolgirl. Police found four phones in his classroom containing about 700 sexually explicit messages between Brown and the girl. The court heard that he contacted her for months, used video calls and took her to secluded locations to abuse her. He was also ordered to sign the sex offender register. The victim's mother described the lasting impact on the family, while police said Brown had exploited his position as a trusted teacher and urged victims of sexual offences to seek help.

A 20-year-old man from Salford, Bradley Belhomme, remains in a coma in an Athens intensive care unit after a quad bike collision with a coach on Zante. Attempts to reduce sedation and remove him from a ventilator have been unsuccessful, and he has developed pneumonia. His family is arranging to repatriate him to Salford Royal Hospital but must fund a specialist medical flight costing over £40,000. Fundraising efforts are under way as his mother works with the British Embassy and local supporters to facilitate his return.

A two-year-old child in Hallandale Beach, Florida, died after being found in a hot car in 38C heat, reportedly left there by a babysitter. The father discovered the child, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Police are investigating and have released limited details while calling the case an active and ongoing inquiry. The police chief urged caregivers to adopt back‑seat checks to prevent similar tragedies. The incident occurred less than a week after another child in nearby Plantation died in a similar hot‑car incident, which also remains under investigation.