Pol Allingham

Alan Dore, 48, has been charged with murder and attempted murder after Samantha Turner, 52, was fatally stabbed at an address on Askew Road in Shepherd’s Bush, west London. A second woman, aged 32, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening stab injuries. Dore was arrested at the scene and is due to appear at Hendon Magistrates’ Court.

Researchers from the Global Network on Extremism and Technology warn that AI-generated TikTok videos depicting violent fruits and vegetables can normalise cruelty, expose young users to graphic material and create pathways toward online radicalisation. The clips reportedly echo propaganda associated with Islamic State, neo-Nazi groups and extreme-right accelerationism while exploiting TikTok’s recommendation algorithms and moderation gaps. GNET urged TikTok to develop stronger countermeasures, arguing that repetitive, easily produced videos and their comment sections can act as attention traps and gateways to extremist communities.

Temperatures are expected to reach 36C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England as the UK faces its fifth heatwave of the summer. Yellow heat-health alerts are in force across most of England, with vulnerable people at heightened risk after previous heatwaves caused more than 2,800 excess deaths. Drought conditions affect half of England and all of Wales, prompting hosepipe bans for 26 million customers, while exceptionally high wildfire risks are forecast across eastern and south-eastern England.

Counter Terrorism Policing London has reopened an investigation into an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s home after identifying a line of inquiry that was not pursued during the original Metropolitan Police investigation. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is examining whether a staff member failed to act on it. The development comes amid the murder investigation into former Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe’s death; Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.

Yellow heat health alerts were issued across most of England as the UK faced its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C in parts of East Anglia and southeast England. The prolonged hot, dry conditions followed record-breaking heatwaves, England’s driest July since records began, worsening drought, falling reservoir levels, hosepipe bans and multiple wildfires. Authorities warned that fire severity could become exceptionally high in eastern and southeastern England, while health agencies highlighted risks to vulnerable people and those with existing medical conditions.

Counter Terrorism Policing London has reopened its investigation into an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s Greater London home in April 2025 while investigating the murder of Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. Police identified a previously overlooked line of inquiry and referred a staff member to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over an alleged failure to pursue it. Joshua Kerry has been charged with Widdecombe’s murder, but has not yet entered a plea.

Counter Terrorism Policing has reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in Greater London in April 2025 as part of the murder inquiry into former minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is separately investigating whether a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member failed to identify and pursue a relevant line of inquiry. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her Devon home after being struck with a hammer, and Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder.

Counter Terrorism Policing London has reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in Greater London in April 2025 after identifying a new line of inquiry connected to the ongoing investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death. The original burglary probe closed without arrests. The force referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is investigating whether a staff member failed to identify and pursue the relevant lead.

Further arrests have been made in Thetford after several nights of disorder targeting homes linked to asylum seekers. Two police officers were hospitalized after being attacked, while crowds reportedly smashed windows, attempted break-ins and threw missiles at police vehicles. Norfolk Police defended using Pava spray after a bystander in a mobility scooter was affected. Suspects face allegations including public-order offences, inciting racial hatred and possession of an offensive weapon.

A power failure at Manchester Rail Operating Centre disrupted signalling and communications, causing widespread cancellations and delays across the Midlands and north-west England. Northern and TransPennine Express warned that disruption would continue into Friday because trains and staff were out of position. Network Rail engineers were working to restore the systems, while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander received regular updates. An unexploded wartime bomb near the line between Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent caused further disruption.

A power failure at a Network Rail operating centre in Manchester caused widespread rail delays and cancellations across the Midlands, Greater Manchester and northwest England. Several operators advised passengers not to travel because of communication system failures, while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed regret. Further disruption was expected on Friday morning, with passengers urged to check National Rail Enquiries before travelling.

A power failure at Network Rail’s Manchester operating centre caused widespread rail delays and cancellations across Greater Manchester, the Midlands and north-west England. TransPennine Express and Northern advised passengers to check before travelling, while multiple operators reported disruption caused by communication-system failures. Network Rail warned that knock-on delays and cancellations would continue the following morning. A wartime bomb found near the railway between Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent added to the disruption.

A widespread electricity supply failure at a National Rail communications centre caused major delays and cancellations across parts of the UK rail network, particularly in Greater Manchester, the Midlands and north-west England. Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales and potentially CrossCountry services were affected, with disruption expected through the end of the day. Passengers were advised to check National Rail updates, avoid unnecessary travel and allow extra time, while Greater Manchester’s Bee Network accepted affected rail tickets on its Metrolink and bus services.

Stephen Bear pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court to five breaches of sex offender notification requirements, including failing to report travel to Brazil, his return to the UK, a replacement passport and two new bank cards. The breaches followed his 2023 conviction and imprisonment for voyeurism and disclosing private sexual images of former girlfriend Georgia Harrison. Sentencing was postponed because Bear is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court over a separate restraining-order breach.

A body believed to be that of a 13-year-old boy who went missing after entering the sea at Hornsea, East Yorkshire, has been recovered. Humberside Police said the boy’s family had been informed, that the death was not being treated as suspicious, and that a file was being prepared for the coroner. The incident comes amid increased warnings about open-water swimming, cold-water shock and swimming in undesignated areas.

A body was recovered from the sea off Hornsea, East Yorkshire, during the early-morning search for a 13-year-old boy who disappeared after getting into difficulty while swimming. Formal identification was pending, but police believed the body was that of the teenager and had informed his family. The death was not being treated as suspicious, and a file was being prepared for the coroner. The incident prompted renewed warnings from emergency services and water-safety organizations about the dangers of open water, including cold-water shock, amid a rise in water-related deaths across the UK.

Veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan died aged 68 after living with prostate cancer. His friend and fellow news anchor Matt Barbet said the death came as a profound shock, recalling Murnaghan’s upbeat manner and mentorship during their long-distance cycling rides. Barbet is taking part in the Tour de 4 charity ride in Murnaghan’s memory and raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK, while noting that Murnaghan had encouraged him to take a PSA test.

Matt Barbet remembers broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan as upbeat and healthy-looking during their final cycle ride together, only months before Murnaghan died aged 68 after prostate cancer. The pair became friends through cycling and spent years completing long Sunday rides. Barbet is now taking part in Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 charity ride in Murnaghan’s memory and has raised £2,808 for Prostate Cancer UK. Murnaghan had encouraged Barbet to join the ride and obtain a PSA test, having regretted not taking one earlier.

A fourth UK heatwave is expected to bring temperatures of 32–33°C to parts of southern England from Wednesday, while northern areas face cloud and rain. The hot spell is forecast to be brief, with temperatures returning close to average by the weekend. Exceptionally dry conditions and low humidity are sustaining a serious wildfire risk, particularly in eastern and southern England, following recent fires that forced evacuations in Wales and Scotland.

A fourth summer heatwave is expected to bring temperatures of 32–33°C to parts of southern England from Wednesday, while northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland face cloud and rain. The short-lived heatwave follows an unusually hot and dry July, increasing wildfire danger, with the Fire Severity Index forecasting an exceptionally severe risk in parts of eastern, southeastern and southern England on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures are expected to return to near-average levels by the weekend.

An EasyJet flight from Tenerife South to Liverpool returned to the Spanish island about 30 minutes after takeoff when a fight involving roughly 10 passengers threatened onboard safety. Police met the aircraft at the crew’s request, and the flight later continued to Liverpool. The incident comes amid a UK government proposal to enable airlines to share information and ban disruptive passengers across carriers.

Larry, the long-serving Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, is described as welcoming his seventh prime minister, Andy Burnham, after Burnham accepted King Charles III’s invitation to form a government. Adopted from Battersea in 2011, Larry has become a popular fixture of British political life, appearing during major political events and official visits. The piece recounts his disputed rodent-catching record and clashes with other animals, including Palmerston, Freya and the Starmers’ pets, while highlighting his enduring public popularity.

Larry the Cat, Downing Street’s chief mouser, is described as a beloved fixture of British public life after 15 years in office. At 19, he has served through seven prime ministers, beginning with David Cameron, and reportedly welcomed Andy Burnham after Burnham accepted King Charles III’s invitation to form a government. The article recounts Larry’s adoption from Battersea, his disputed record on catching rodents, and his encounters with other politicians’ pets and visiting world leaders.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with preparing to carry out acts of terrorism in connection with an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton, south London. He also faces a racially aggravated criminal damage charge relating to a car window. Police said documents of concern were found during a search and that the investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The boy has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Police are working with local partners to reassure the Muslim community and have increased patrols in affected areas.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism over an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton, south London. He also faces a racially aggravated criminal-damage charge relating to a car window. The boy was arrested on 9 July, remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Counter Terrorism Policing London and the Metropolitan Police are working with the affected venues and increasing patrols to reassure the Muslim community.

A 14‑year‑old boy has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism linked to an alleged plan to target two mosques in Sutton, south London, as well as a racially aggravated property damage offence. The investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, followed his arrest after officers discovered concerning documents. Police leaders highlighted the potential impact on the Muslim community and outlined ongoing support, increased patrols and cooperation with local partners. Authorities urged parents and caregivers to report concerns about radicalisation to prevent young people from being drawn into extremist activity.

Olivia remained the most popular girls’ name in England and Wales in 2025, marking its tenth consecutive year at the top. Muhammad, Noah and Leo led the boys’ rankings, with Leo replacing Oliver in the top three. Lily moved ahead of Amelia to take second place among girls. Several names entered the top 100 for the first time, while Eliana and Vinnie recorded the largest increases in popularity among girls’ and boys’ names respectively.

Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Derbyshire during a summer solstice weekend. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Police are appealing to anyone who attended the event between 19 and 23 June, or who has video or dashcam footage, to come forward as investigators work to establish what happened.

Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, was found dead at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District after a summer solstice event. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Derbyshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit are seeking witnesses, video and dashcam footage from the event held between June 19 and 23.

The UK is expected to experience renewed extreme heat from Sunday, with temperatures forecast to reach 34°C or higher early the following week. The Met Office has issued an amber extreme-heat warning for Monday and Tuesday covering London, eastern and southeastern England, parts of southwestern England and Wales. Authorities warn of health risks for vulnerable people, overnight urban temperatures above 20°C, water-safety incidents and workplace hazards, while Saturday is expected to provide only brief relief.

Two East Midlands Railway services collided near Bedford at around 5:15pm on Friday, killing one driver and injuring more than 80 people. Passenger Pete Knapp described being thrown into the seat ahead of him and hearing people cry and scream, with some passengers suffering broken legs. Paramedics reported 11 very serious injuries, 22 serious injuries and 56 further injuries, prompting local hospitals to declare a major incident.

Two East Midlands Railway trains collided near the Elstow interchange south of Bedford at around 5:15pm on 19 June, killing one train driver and injuring more than 80 people. Emergency services declared a major incident, with 11 people suffering very serious injuries and 22 serious injuries, while hospitals urged people to avoid emergency departments unless necessary. Survivors described being thrown from seats, struck by falling debris and luggage, and seeing passengers with severe injuries. British Transport Police, Bedfordshire Police and other emergency services responded as investigators worked to establish the cause of the crash.

A collision involving two passenger trains near Bedford left one person dead and 33 seriously injured. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Unite general secretary Sharon Graham expressed condolences and concern, while Unite said it would be involved in investigating the cause of the crash.

Alirza Dag and Murat Kodalakoglu, both 23, deny burgling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during Beyoncé’s concert on 16 June last year. The men are accused of entering a VIP rooftop terrace and causing £1,700 of damage to an electronic access keypad. Dag admitted criminal damage, while Kodalakoglu pleaded not guilty to that charge; both deny intending to steal. Their trial is scheduled for 18 February 2030.

Kensington Palace has confirmed that 12-year-old Prince George will attend Eton College from September, following his father Prince William and uncle Prince Harry. The prestigious Berkshire school is near the Waleses' home and has long been associated with influential alumni, although George's boarding arrangements remain unknown. His current school, Lambrook, is also attended by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

British-Jordanian A&E doctor Nadeem Crowe is bringing a discrimination claim against Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and responsible officer Jane Hawdon. He alleges he was suspended from bank shifts in August 2024 because of anti-Zionist social media posts supporting Palestinians, pressured to delete them, and subjected to race- and belief-based harassment that worsened his anxiety. The respondents argue that no disciplinary action occurred and that the process was an informal fact-finding exercise following a complaint that described the posts as antisemitic under the IHRA definition. Crowe’s suspension was lifted after he deleted the posts, but he later stopped working at the hospital; the employment tribunal proceedings are continuing.

Janice Nix was convicted of manslaughter for forcing her five-year-old stepdaughter Andrea Bernard into a scalding bath in 1978 and of cruelty toward Andrea’s brother, Desmond. The death was treated as accidental for decades until Desmond gave police new information in 2022. Nix’s memoir, Breaking Out, details her progression from shoplifting to large-scale cocaine dealing, imprisonment, drug-related violence and carrying a pistol. It also describes her later efforts to rebuild her life through prison education, employment and work with the Probation Service, although her rehabilitation programs were affected by funding cuts and privatization.

The UK recorded its hottest May day on record, with Kew Gardens reaching a provisional 34.8C. The Met Office forecast temperatures of up to 35C–36C across parts of southern England and Wales, while thunderstorms could affect final readings. Heatwave conditions were reported across England and Wales, prompting the UK Health Security Agency to issue its first amber health alert of the year. A Met Office study said climate change has made record-breaking May temperatures three times more likely, while water-supply problems and a major fire in Edinburgh accompanied the extreme heat.

Andrew Crowley, 46, admitted dishonestly making a false representation to Sotheby’s while attempting to sell four ancient statues he had inherited from his grandfather. He supplied invoices supposedly dating from 1976, but forensic analysis found that the printing methods were not developed until 2001, while Sotheby’s experts also identified spelling errors. Although the items could have been worth up to £680,000 if genuine, the court assessed the relevant value at £340,000 because of the uncertainties involved. Crowley received a two-year suspended sentence, was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £1,630 in costs. The judge accepted that Crowley believed the statues were genuine and that the dishonesty concerned the forged paperwork.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan blocked a proposed £50 million Metropolitan Police contract with Palantir after MOPAC found a serious breach of procurement procedures. The Met had not submitted its procurement strategy for approval, failed to run a competitive process and treated Palantir as the sole supplier. Deputy Mayor Kaya Comer-Schwartz also criticized the explanation for the failure and the deal’s projected £25 million annual cost. Khan plans to discuss whether companies’ ethics should be considered in public procurement, arguing that public funds should reflect London’s values.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan blocked the Metropolitan Police’s proposed £50 million, two-year contract with Palantir to use artificial intelligence for criminal-investigation intelligence analysis. The Met failed to submit its procurement strategy to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and had seriously considered Palantir as the sole supplier, preventing adequate competition and market testing. MOPAC also raised concerns that negotiations had increased the annual cost to £25 million and could put pressure on other policing budgets. Khan is expected to discuss whether companies’ ethics should be considered in public procurement, while maintaining that the Met should continue sourcing technology that improves its operations through proper value-for-money procedures.

The UK is forecast to experience a very hot bank holiday weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C nationally and 33C in parts of southern England. That would exceed the current May record of 32.8C set in 1922. Forecast temperatures are expected to surpass those in popular destinations including Ibiza, Hawaii, Zante, Malaga and Crete, while Wales may meet heatwave criteria and Scotland and Northern Ireland could reach the mid-20s the following week.

The Treasury reportedly asked supermarkets to voluntarily cap prices on essentials such as eggs, bread and milk in exchange for regulatory concessions, including possible delays to packaging and healthy-food rules. The British Retail Consortium, represented by chief executive Helen Dickinson, opposed 1970s-style price controls and argued that energy, commodity and domestic policy costs are driving food prices. The government said it wants to help families manage costs and is considering measures to prevent price gouging, while seeking assurances that farmers would not lose income. The proposals come as UK food inflation reached 3.7% in April and amid broader concerns about global food-supply disruption.

London could experience its first heatwave of the year by Sunday, with temperatures forecast to reach 28C on Friday and potentially remain high into the following week. The Met Office defines London’s heatwave threshold at this time of year as 28C for three consecutive days. Most of England and Wales, along with parts of Scotland, are expected to see above-average temperatures, although cloud and thundery showers could limit Saturday’s heat.

London is forecast to reach 28°C on Friday, potentially becoming the hottest day of the year so far. Warm conditions are expected to continue into next week across England and Wales, with a heatwave potentially declared in the capital by Sunday if temperatures remain at 28°C for three consecutive days. Scattered thunderstorms may affect Saturday, while above-average temperatures are also expected across much of England and Wales and parts of Scotland.

Temperatures in London could reach 28C on Friday, potentially making it the hottest day of the year after an unusually cool May. Warm conditions are expected to continue into the following week across England and Wales, with above-average temperatures also forecast in much of Scotland. A London heatwave is possible by Sunday but remains uncertain because it requires three consecutive days at or above 28C.

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, died after falling from her horse shortly after leaving the arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her commanding officer and colleagues remembered her as an immensely professional soldier, exceptional jockey, fearless horsewoman and natural leader. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed his shock and offered condolences to Sullivan’s family, friends and colleagues.

John Scott, 36, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Norwich Crown Court after admitting involvement in cocaine supply, cannabis possession and dangerous driving. While serving a five-year driving ban, he filmed himself driving at up to 119mph on a Norfolk country road, singing and smoking. Police later seized his phone, finding the videos and evidence of drug dealing in the Breckland area.

John Scott, 36, was sentenced to three years and nine months at Norwich Crown Court after admitting involvement in cocaine supply, cannabis possession and dangerous driving. While serving a five-year driving ban, he filmed himself using his phone and driving at speeds of up to 119mph on Norfolk roads. Police later seized his phone and found evidence that it had been used to facilitate cocaine supply in the Breckland area, alongside videos showing further reckless driving.

Roman Lavrynovych told jurors at the Old Bailey that he did not know Keir Starmer and only knew Boris Johnson when he allegedly carried out arson attacks on a former Starmer vehicle and two properties linked to the prime minister. He said an individual known as El Money instructed him via Telegram and promised cryptocurrency payment, but claimed he was never paid before his arrest. Lavrynovych, Stanislav Carpiuc and Petro Pochynok deny conspiring to damage property by fire, while Lavrynovych also denies two counts involving potential danger to life. The trial is continuing.

Labour has lost control of Birmingham City Council after 14 years, with no party securing an overall majority. The council is now divided among five parties, while Reform UK, the Green Party and independent candidates made significant gains. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the result devastating for Labour, and outgoing council leader John Cotton urged the new administration to address the prolonged bin strike. Counting for two of the 101 seats remains incomplete.

Prince William celebrated Aston Villa’s 4–0 victory over Nottingham Forest from the stands and joined the players in the dressing room afterward. The result secured a 4–1 aggregate semifinal win and set up a final against Freiburg in Istanbul. Goals from Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and John McGinn overturned Forest’s first-leg advantage, while it remains unclear whether William will attend the final.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating an incident in which a car allegedly mounted the kerb and drove towards three Jewish schoolboys in Barnet, London, as a religiously aggravated assault. The boys avoided injury but one was reportedly shaken, and no arrests have been made. The police have appealed for witnesses and announced a 100-officer community protection team focused initially on safeguarding Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism. Separately, a 50-year-old man was arrested after allegedly making threats to kill on a north London bus; that incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

Alex Jenkinson, 39, from Stowmarket, Suffolk, has been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour after an alleged incident involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near his home on the Sandringham Estate. Jenkinson also faces a charge of failing to provide a blood specimen in custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.

Alex Jenkinson, 39, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, has been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour after allegedly intimidating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near his home on the Sandringham Estate. He also faces a charge of failing to provide a blood specimen. Police arrested him in Wolferton after responding to a report of intimidating behaviour; he remains in custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, London, in an apparent antisemitic attack. The incident followed a series of attacks on Jewish sites and community facilities across the UK, including the fatal 2025 synagogue attack in Manchester, the torching of Hatzola ambulances, attempted arson at synagogues and media offices, and attacks in Hendon and Harrow. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Israel’s Foreign Ministry said stronger government action was needed, while counterterrorism police investigated the latest stabbing and links to HAYI were examined in several earlier incidents.

Santander will participate in the Financial Conduct Authority’s compensation scheme for unfairly handled motor finance agreements rather than challenge it. The scheme covers eligible deals taken out between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, with compensation expected to average about £829 per case. The FCA estimates total redress of approximately £7.5 billion, with most payments expected by the end of 2027. The arrangements primarily involve discretionary commissions, which allowed brokers to raise interest rates and earn higher commissions without properly informing customers. The FCA tightened eligibility rules after consultation to ensure compensation goes only to consumers treated unfairly.

A 34-year-old mother and her seven-year-old son died after getting into difficulties in the water at Elthorne Park in Ealing, west London. Emergency services and members of the public attempted lifesaving measures, but both were pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police said the deaths were a tragic accident and are not being treated as suspicious; specialist officers are supporting the family.

A UK shadow home secretary said it would be reasonable for King Charles III to discuss the Falkland Islands’ sovereignty with Donald Trump during his planned US state visit. The suggestion follows a leaked Pentagon email indicating that Washington could reconsider its support for the UK’s claim, potentially in response to Keir Starmer’s stance on a hypothetical conflict with Iran. Downing Street and the Falkland Islands government maintain that sovereignty is not in question and that islanders have the right to self-determination, while Argentina has renewed its call for negotiations. The King’s visit remains scheduled despite a recent shooting in Washington, with security arrangements under review.

A leaked Pentagon email reportedly considered reviewing US support for UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands as retaliation for Keir Starmer’s refusal to back US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it would be reasonable for King Charles to raise the issue with Donald Trump during the King and Queen’s state visit, while Downing Street reaffirmed that the islands are British territory and that only the islanders can determine their future. Argentina renewed its call for talks, and the Falkland Islands Government said it trusted the UK to defend its right to self-determination. Security arrangements for the royal visit are also being reviewed after a shooting injured a law-enforcement officer at a Washington event attended by Trump.

Social media influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, died six days after being struck by a car outside a nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho. Former X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington, 29, who was initially charged with attempted murder, is expected to face a murder charge following Zakrzewska’s death. Carrington also faces allegations of dangerous driving, drink-driving and injuring three other people, and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 19 May.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, laid a wreath at London’s Cenotaph on Anzac Day to commemorate Australian and New Zealand troops who died during the 1915 Gallipoli landing in the First World War. The wreath, signed by Catherine and William, honoured soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Anne, Princess Royal, also took part in a dawn service at Wellington Arch, while commemorations were held in Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and France.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a solo appearance at London’s Cenotaph to lay a wreath for Anzac Day, commemorating Australian and New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The ceremony included poetry, the Last Post, a minute’s silence and hymns, while Australia’s and New Zealand’s high commissioners laid wreaths alongside her. The Princess Royal attended a separate dawn service at Wellington Arch, and commemorations also took place in Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and France. The Princess of Wales was scheduled to attend a later service at Westminster Abbey.

A life jacket worn by first-class Titanic survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli sold for a record £670,000 at an auction held by Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, Wiltshire. The vest, recovered from lifeboat No. 1, bore the signatures of eight fellow survivors. Other notable sales included an 18-carat gold pocket watch belonging to passenger Frederick Sutton for £180,000 and a lifeboat seat cushion with a White Star burgee plaque for £390,000, reflecting continued public interest in Titanic memorabilia.

Former X Factor contestant Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, was convicted at Willesden Magistrates’ Court of drink-driving after recording 40 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, above the legal limit of 35. He said he drank whisky after learning of a friend’s death and had also taken NyQuil. Slimani was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a £600 fine, a £240 surcharge and £620 in costs.

Former X Factor contestant Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, was convicted at Willesden Magistrates’ Court of driving over the legal alcohol limit in Southgate on 13 December. Slimani said he drank Famous Grouse whisky after learning that a third close friend had died from cancer, despite being teetotal, and also took Nyquil before driving. A toxicologist said the medicine may have contributed 2mg per 100ml of breath alcohol but could not verify the information supplied. The court heard that Slimani failed a breath test but was calm and compliant when arrested. He was fined £600, ordered to pay a £240 surcharge and £620 in costs, and disqualified from driving for 12 months, with a rehabilitation course potentially reducing the ban.

Nineteen-year-old British tourist Orla Wates died on 2 April at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in Hanoi after a motorcycle crash on Vietnam’s Ha Giang Loop. Her parents, Andrew and Henrietta Wates, mourned her as beautiful, independent and funny, and said her organs were donated to save others in accordance with what they believed she would have wanted. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting the family.

Greg Davies will host the 2026 Bafta Television Awards, scheduled for 10 May at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The Taskmaster presenter and comedian said he aims to make the ceremony a warm celebration. Nominations are due to be announced Tuesday, while the public can vote for the P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award.

Moma Foods has recalled seven porridge pots and two porridge sachet products over possible mouse contamination at its manufacturing site. Customers are advised not to consume affected batches and to return them to the retailer for a full refund. The company says the contamination risk is low, that safety precautions prompted the recall, and that no other Moma products are affected.

Greg Davies will host the 2026 Bafta Television Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall on 10 May, with nominations due to be announced ahead of the ceremony. The Taskmaster presenter, who was previously nominated for a Bafta for Cuckoo, said he was thrilled to take on the role. Bafta executive director Emma Baehr praised his humour and warmth and highlighted the range of television talent being recognised. P&O Cruises is returning as partner for the fourth year, with the public voting on six nominees for its Memorable Moment Award.

Hundreds of children in England remain in hospital for weeks or years after they are medically ready to leave because of inadequate social care placements, funding disputes, shortages of home nursing and a lack of suitable housing. NHS data shows more than 260,000 children spent at least three weeks in hospital, including around 1,300 who stayed for over a year. Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza describes the situation as a hidden crisis that harms children’s development and worsens bed shortages, calling for coordinated action across health, social care and education, improved data, expanded home nursing and guaranteed palliative care.

Hundreds of children in England remain in hospital despite being medically fit to leave because community care, social care, suitable housing, home nursing and other support are unavailable. A Children’s Commissioner report found that more than 260,000 children spent at least three weeks in hospital during childhood, while 1,300 spent more than a year there; children from ethnic-minority and deprived backgrounds were disproportionately affected. The resulting bed shortages disrupt emergency and elective admissions and place significant burdens on families. Rachel de Souza called for coordinated government action, improved data, expanded home nursing and palliative care, specialist placements, and greater parental leave. Together for Short Lives attributed the problem to workforce shortages, fragile funding and weak accountability, while Cambridge Children’s Hospital leaders advocated closer integration between hospitals, schools, social care and community teams.

Benjamin Phelps, a former deputy boarding housemaster, tutor and performing arts technician at St Bede’s School in East Sussex, has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely after a professional-conduct panel found that he formed a personal and romanticised relationship with a pupil. He sent the student affectionate and sexually suggestive messages, met them outside lessons, hugged and kissed them on the cheek, exchanged photographs and moved conversations from the school’s Google Chat system to WhatsApp. The panel also found that he failed to follow safeguarding procedures after the pupil disclosed a matter to him and failed to report an attempted kiss. An allegation that his conduct amounted to grooming was not proved. Phelps was dismissed in April 2024 and cannot apply to have the prohibition order lifted until January 2030; he also has a right of appeal to the High Court.