Paul Withers

Monzo’s banking app experienced a technical outage in the UK, with thousands of customers reporting failed or delayed transfers and problems accessing balances, savings and investments. Monzo activated its independent backup system, Monzo Stand-in, allowing most card payments, cash withdrawals and bank transfers to continue while a fix was deployed. Customers raised concerns about rent, school dinner money and property payments, with some demanding compensation. Monzo later said the issue had been resolved and that all services were operating normally.

A large fire on the verge forced the anti-clockwise M25 to close between Junctions 27 and 25 in Essex during rush hour. Fire crews and National Highways officers attended the scene, while delays grew to 60 minutes and congestion extended for eight miles from Junction 28. Drivers were advised to divert via the M11, A406 and A10 before rejoining the M25 at Junction 25.

Three people were injured when a vehicle collided with them on Stokes Croft in Bristol after an alleged incident of disorder at around 6:30am. Two people suffered non-serious injuries and a third was taken to hospital, with police later saying the injuries were less serious than initially feared. A man believed to be the driver was treated for facial injuries and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and dangerous driving. Damage was caused to a business premises, but police said there was no wider threat to the public. Road closures and cordons were later lifted, while the investigation continued and police appealed for witnesses and footage.

A heatwave is expected to bring temperatures of up to 36C, with weather maps suggesting a possible peak of 39C in parts of East Anglia and southeast England. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat-health alerts across seven regions, giving London, the South East, South West and East of England the highest risk score. Authorities warn of increased deaths, pressure on health and social-care services, overheating in care settings, and greater risks to vulnerable people. The Met Office advises staying cool indoors, drinking fluids, avoiding peak sunlight, and never leaving people or animals in parked vehicles.

A man was found dead inside a car after it caught fire on Harford Street in Portadown, County Armagh, on Saturday night. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which damaged the vehicle, smashed windows and caused scorch damage to a neighbouring property. Police said ammunition technical officers found no risk to the public, while a post-mortem examination will determine the cause of death and inquiries into the circumstances and cause of the fire continue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims Vladimir Putin is preparing to secretly mobilise up to 500,000 additional Russian fighters after Russia's parliamentary elections, potentially using deceptive work contracts and border restrictions to enlist men. Zelensky says the move would strengthen Russia's war effort, pursue control of Donbas and intimidate European NATO members into reducing support for Ukraine. He also alleges that Russia is seeking up to 50,000 North Korean fighters. The report additionally describes Russian missile and drone strikes on Kharkiv that killed at least two people and injured 13.

Yellow heat health alerts covering London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber are in force for 84 hours, from August 8 to August 11. The UK Health Security Agency warns of increased risks to health and social care services, particularly for people aged 65 and over and those with existing health conditions. The Met Office forecasts temperatures rising from around 29–30°C over the weekend to the low-to-mid 30s during the following week, potentially reaching 36°C in East Anglia and southeast England on Thursday, with increasing humidity adding to discomfort.

A serious crash on the eastbound M3 in Surrey between junctions 3 at Woking and 2 at the M25 caused lanes 1 and 2 to close, creating delays of up to 40 minutes and several miles of congestion. Emergency services attended the scene, while National Highways issued updates. All lanes later reopened, reducing delays to around 10 minutes, although one mile of congestion remained.

Stella Gollovena, 47, has been charged with four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon after four men were stabbed on Endell Street in Covent Garden, central London. The Metropolitan Police said officers arrested her at the scene and described the incident as isolated and potentially mental-health related. The injured men, aged between 34 and 56, were taken to hospital but later discharged after their injuries were found not to be life-threatening or life-changing. Gollovena was remanded in custody to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

Pamela Gwinnett, 63, was jailed for an additional two months after admitting she breached bail by fleeing to Tenerife while awaiting trial for stealing almost £300,000 from Joan Green, an 89-year-old widow in Chorley. Gwinnett had become Green’s carer, gained control of her finances and isolated her from family before using the money to fund an expensive lifestyle. She had already been convicted in her absence and sentenced to six years for theft and fraud by abuse of position. The judge dismissed her apology and explanation that she fled because of fear and poor mental health, ordered her to repay the stolen money and praised the agencies involved in bringing her back to the UK.

Seven areas of England—East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, the Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex—have been officially declared to be in drought after July rainfall fell to 7% of expected levels, and to just 1% in southern England. North Wales and the Upper Severn river basin have also entered drought conditions. The Environment Agency warned that water use is outpacing nature’s ability to replenish supplies. The UK is experiencing its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures potentially reaching 35°C in southeast England, prompting amber and yellow health alerts, while cooler and wetter conditions are expected in much of the country later in the week.

Donald Trump accused the European Union of unfairly targeting major US technology companies after the bloc fined Google €890 million for alleged digital antitrust violations. He announced that the United States would launch a Section 301 investigation into EU trade practices and warned that the bloc would pay a substantial price. The dispute comes amid new US tariffs on dozens of trading partners, including the EU and UK, and Trump's broader threats against countries imposing digital services taxes.

Bernadin Dedic was sentenced in absentia to 18 years in prison, with a five-year extension, after being convicted of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a woman he held at knifepoint and threatened to kill. He had been mistakenly released from HMP Wormwood Scrubs after an official wrongly recorded that bail had been granted, then travelled to Bosnia and failed to return for his trial or sentencing. The judge criticized his refusal to face the consequences, while the victim said she could not recover until his extradition was resolved. Dedic was convicted of multiple rape and sexual assault charges, threatening a person with a knife, and making a threat to kill.

Emergency services responded to an incident on Lincoln High Street where a man was found with non–life-threatening injuries. Police advised the public to avoid the area and refrain from online speculation while the investigation continues, with no further details released so far.

FIFA is considering moving the England–Mexico World Cup last‑16 match from its original 1am BST kickoff due to storms and lightning risks in Mexico City, with reports suggesting a shift to 7pm BST. Weather forecasts show high likelihood of thunderstorms, triggering rules that could delay or disrupt the match. Discussions with football authorities are ongoing, and UK pubs have been granted permission to stay open later for the game.

FIFA is reportedly considering moving England’s World Cup last‑16 match against Mexico forward by six hours due to forecasts of thunderstorms and lightning around Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca at the planned kickoff time. Local reports suggest a switch to midday local time, with forecasts showing clearer conditions earlier in the day. A schedule change would impact UK broadcasters, including the BBC, and comes as the UK Government has already authorised extended pub hours for the match. Discussions between the FA and FIFA remain ongoing, and no final decision has been confirmed.