Rosie Shead

JD Wetherspoon has banned customers across its 792 UK pubs from playing music or taking calls on phone speakers, asking them to use silent mode or earphones after complaints about amplified sound. The policy follows wider efforts, including Liberal Democrat proposals for fines on public-transport “headphone dodgers” and a London campaign backed by Sadiq Khan. The pub chain is also facing slower-than-expected sales growth, higher operating costs and profits forecast to fall below market expectations.

A stag was shot by a Royal Parks wildlife officer after injuring a man in his 60s during a picnic in Richmond Park, south-west London. The man suffered chest injuries but was assessed in hospital as neither life-changing nor life-threatening. Royal Parks said the deer had likely learned to associate visitors with food and was considered a danger to the public. The organisation warned visitors not to feed, approach or touch deer, advised keeping at least 50 metres away, and urged people to report dangerous behaviour rather than intervene.

Henry Nowak’s family voiced disappointment after Kiran Kaur received a three‑year prison sentence for removing the knife used to kill their son. Kaur was convicted of assisting her son, Vickrum Digwa, who was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The family pledged to continue seeking full accountability and urged government action. The case has prompted investigations into police conduct during Nowak’s arrest, while both Digwa’s sentence and conviction are heading to appeal proceedings.

Two young hackers, Thalha Jubair and Owen Flowers, were jailed for five years and six months for a multiday cyber attack on Transport for London that compromised critical systems and caused £29 million in damage. The pair gained high‑level access after tricking a helpdesk, disrupted multiple TfL services, and livestreamed parts of the intrusion. Prosecutors warned that their actions could have shut down the entire network, forcing TfL to disconnect its systems to prevent further harm. Both defendants admitted conspiracy charges, and Flowers also faced additional counts linked to attempted hacks on U.S. healthcare systems.

Two young hackers, Thalha Jubair and Owen Flowers, were sentenced to five and a half years in prison for a cyber attack that forced Transport for London to shut down systems and caused £39 million in damage and lost income. The intrusion granted them high-level access, disrupted payment and refund systems, and required all employees to reset credentials. Both defendants were linked to the Scattered Spider group, and Flowers also admitted attempting to breach US healthcare systems.

TV licence numbers have fallen sharply, prompting a government review of the BBC’s funding model. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has called the fee unenforceable and insufficient, while the BBC says it is open to major changes. Potential alternatives include advertising, subscription models, taxation and a sliding payment scale, each raising concerns about impacts on public services, accessibility and editorial independence.

Pitbull broke a Guinness World Record at British Summer Time in Hyde Park by leading the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps, with 22,141 fans participating. The idea originated from BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James, who presented Pitbull with the official certificate. The event marked the first officially adjudicated attempt of its kind and reflects a growing trend of fans dressing as the artist at his concerts.

High temperatures across the UK have triggered an elevated wildfire risk, prompting national fire authorities to warn against using disposable barbecues and other actions that could ignite fires. Rail services face reduced speeds and cancellations due to the risk of buckling tracks, while health officials have issued heat‑health alerts for much of England citing likely impacts on vulnerable groups. Water safety experts are urging caution after previous spikes in drownings during hot weather, advising gradual water entry and flotation techniques in emergencies.

Andy Burnham ruled out an early general election, committed to maintaining the pensions triple lock, and supported pursuing a more ambitious trade deal with the EU. He voiced strong backing for proportional representation, pledged full support for Ukraine and defence investment, and shared personal preferences such as favourite films during his Reddit AMA.

Meghan shared a Father’s Day photograph of Prince Harry with their children Archie and Lilibet, with Archie wearing an England football shirt ahead of England’s upcoming World Cup match. The post comes amid reports of a possible reunion between the children and King Charles during the Sussexes’ expected visit to the UK next month, which will include Invictus Games events and charity engagements. The article also notes a separate Father’s Day and birthday photo shared of Prince William with Princess Charlotte.

The Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning for central and southern England and Wales as temperatures are expected to exceed 38C. The UK Health Security Agency cautioned that the heat poses significant risks, especially to older adults and people with health conditions, and may strain health and social care services. Travel disruptions and infrastructure impacts are also likely. The article explains the Heat-Health Alert system, outlining the criteria and implications of green, yellow, amber and red alert levels.

Meghan Markle shared a Father’s Day photograph of Prince Harry with their children Archie and Lilibet, with Archie wearing an England football shirt. Meghan added a warm tribute to Harry on Instagram, while the family is expected to visit the UK next month for Invictus Games and charity events. The royal family separately released a new photo of Prince William and Princess Charlotte for his 44th birthday and Father’s Day.

Forecasters warn of a potentially record-breaking heatwave in the UK, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 38C and surpass previous June records. An amber extreme heat warning from the Met Office and health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency highlight risks to vulnerable people and likely disruption to transport. Temperatures are set to climb through the week, particularly in southern England and south-east Wales, prompting advice to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun, and check on those at risk.

A fire in a single‑storey pavilion on New Zealand Way in White City, west London, resulted in the deaths of three men after firefighters rescued them from the building. Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters brought the blaze under control by 9.25pm. The cause is under investigation by London Fire Brigade fire investigation officers alongside the Metropolitan Police.

A fire in a single‑storey building on New Zealand Way in White City resulted in the deaths of three men after firefighters rescued them from the scene. Around 100 firefighters and 15 engines brought the blaze under control within a few hours. The fire damaged more than half the building and is now under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police.

A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a bladed article after a knife attack at Co-op Academy in Blackley, Manchester. Two pupils and a staff member were injured, though none suffered serious harm. The investigation has been taken over by counter-terrorism officers, although the incident has not been declared terrorism-related. The girl was detained under the Mental Health Act and later released to police custody. Police urged the public not to speculate about the case and emphasised ongoing support for victims and the school community.

Counterterrorism officers have taken over the investigation into a stabbing at Co-op Academy in Manchester, where two students and a staff member were wounded. Police state the incident has not been declared terrorism-related, though new information prompted the shift in investigative lead. The 14-year-old girl arrested at the scene remains in custody following a mental health assessment. All victims have been released from the hospital, and authorities report no ongoing threat as they continue to reassure the local community.

Residents were removed from The Bell Hotel in Essex, previously used to house asylum seekers, after the Home Office vacated the site without advance notice to the local council. The move is believed to be connected to fire safety concerns. The hotel had been the focus of protests following the conviction of resident Hadush Kebatu for sexually assaulting a minor. Epping Forest District Council had unsuccessfully sought legal action to prevent the hotel from being used for asylum accommodation. The Home Office stated the decision aligns with its broader effort to close asylum hotels and shift residents to basic accommodation, citing a significant decline in the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels.

A 14-year-old girl arrested after a stabbing at Co-op Academy in north Manchester has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Two 14-year-old pupils and a 27-year-old staff member were treated in hospital and released. Greater Manchester Police said staff quickly intervened to prevent further harm and urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues. Officers remain present in the area to support the school community, which briefly went into lockdown after the incident.

A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured in a machete attack in Dudley after being approached by two men on a moped, with police recovering CCTV and appealing for witnesses. The victim underwent surgery and is in serious but stable condition. The report also references a separate recent case in which two teenagers admitted murdering 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa in a machete attack on a London bus.

MPs call for a full Competition and Markets Authority investigation into Live Nation after a parliamentary committee reported overwhelming market dominance and widespread fear among industry contributors. The committee cites Live Nation’s control of most primary ticket sales, use of restrictive venue agreements, and failure to support a levy for grassroots music. Recent issues with Ticketmaster’s Oasis ticket sales reinforce concerns about transparency. Government officials emphasise consumer protections, while Live Nation rejects the report as inaccurate and based on flawed data.

MPs called for a full Competition and Markets Authority investigation into Live Nation's dominance of UK live music ticketing, citing significant market control, restrictive contracts and a climate of fear preventing open testimony. The committee criticised the company for not supporting grassroots music and urged action before the end of the year, a move supported by the government and acknowledged by the CMA.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe made their first public appearance as the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting team during a visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The trio, set to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in 2025, posed for photos and shared behind-the-scenes moments from their introductory BBC photoshoot. Each brings prior experience with Willis’s hosting background, Widdicombe’s comedic work and past Strictly appearance, and Radebe’s tenure as a professional dancer and West End performer.

Charlie Heaton has been photographed in character as Charles Shelby for a new Peaky Blinders spin-off set in 1950s Birmingham. The series follows the next phase of the Shelby family story and features Jamie Bell, Lashana Lynch and Jessica Brown Findlay. Created by Steven Knight, the show spans two seasons and will debut on BBC platforms in the UK and on Netflix internationally.

Charlie Heaton appears as the adult Charles Shelby in a new Peaky Blinders spin-off set in 1950s Birmingham, following the family’s postwar struggles and shifting dynamics. The series, taking place a decade after Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, features returning and new cast members including Jamie Bell, Lashana Lynch and Jessica Brown Findlay, and will air on BBC platforms in the UK and on Netflix internationally. Creator Steven Knight describes the project as the next era of the franchise.

Vanessa Trump announced on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and recently underwent a medical procedure. She said she is working with her doctors on a treatment plan, expressed gratitude for their care, and asked for privacy while she focuses on recovery. She shares five children with Donald Trump Jr and is currently in a relationship with golfer Tiger Woods.

Channel 4’s chief content officer Ian Katz said the broadcaster ensured support for women on Married At First Sight UK after allegations of rape and sexual misconduct surfaced in a BBC Panorama documentary. The claims involve accusations by Shona Manderson and two anonymous women, all of which the men involved deny. Katz expressed confidence in the initial decisions made while confirming Channel 4 will review its welfare procedures.

A new British Library exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s death will display personal items including her typewriter, correspondence, photographs and original notebooks. The exhibition explores how her life and travels shaped her writing and characters, with her great‑grandson noting the insights it offers into her professional and personal achievements.

A new British Library exhibition titled Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery will mark the 50th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s death, showcasing previously unseen personal items including her typewriter, correspondence, photographs, and manuscripts. Developed with Agatha Christie Limited and the Christie Archive Trust, the exhibition explores her life, influences, and legacy, highlighting her impact on crime fiction and continued popularity through adaptations. Supported by Great Western Railway, it will run in London from 30 October to 20 June.

Prince William will join Heart Breakfast hosts Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden for a live broadcast from the Isles of Scilly during a visit that includes opening a new hospital wing in St Mary’s. The appearance marks Heart’s first national broadcast from the islands and highlights ongoing Duchy of Cornwall initiatives supporting the local community. The programme will air on Friday morning via Global Player and YouTube.

Channel 4 removed all seasons of Married at First Sight UK after serious allegations of sexual abuse by former participants, adding to a series of scandals across major UK reality programmes. Love Island, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother, The Jeremy Kyle Show and MasterChef have each faced controversies ranging from suicides and racism to bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. Multiple investigations, programme cancellations and dismissals of high‑profile presenters and contestants have followed as broadcasters face increasing scrutiny over safety, welfare and accountability in reality television.

Kylie Minogue urges fans to recognise her vulnerability as she discusses her forthcoming three-part Netflix documentary, which traces her rise to global fame through archival footage and interviews with family and colleagues. The series addresses her past public scrutiny and her battle with breast cancer, highlighting both personal and professional challenges. Speaking at a London Q&A, Minogue emphasised the importance of authenticity and resilience, echoed by director Michael Harte’s praise for her energy and dedication. The documentary debuts on Netflix on 20 May.

Matt Brittin begins his role as BBC director-general, taking charge of the broadcaster’s editorial and operational leadership under the current charter, which runs until the end of 2027. The BBC Board, chaired by Samir Shah, appointed him and is also seeking a new deputy director-general to support strategic and editorial oversight. Brittin’s background includes senior roles at Google, consulting experience, media board positions, and Olympic-level rowing. His salary matches that of outgoing director-general Tim Davie, continuing a line of high-profile predecessors.

Kylie Minogue reflects on her vulnerability ahead of the release of a three-part Netflix documentary exploring her rise to fame, personal history and battle with breast cancer. Featuring interviews with family, friends and former colleagues, the series highlights both the public and private sides of her life, with director Michael Harte praising her resilience and dedication. The documentary is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on 20 May.

Actor David Burke, known for playing Dr Watson alongside Jeremy Brett in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, has died at 91. His agent confirmed he died on 10 May and is survived by his wife Anna Calder‑Marshall and son Tom Burke. His career spanned stage, television and radio, including roles in King Lear at the National Theatre, Midsomer Murders and The Woodlanders. Burke left the Sherlock Holmes series after one season to spend more time with his family. Tom Burke, now known for Strike and The Musketeers, recently appeared in the Netflix series Legends.

An American influencer, Melissa Rein Lively, and her partner, Philipp Ostermann, were charged following an alleged incident at Bond Street Underground station in October. Rein Lively faces an assault by beating charge, while Ostermann faces racially aggravated public order and additional public order offences. The case involves two alleged victims and is scheduled for a first hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 19.

David Burke, known for playing Dr Watson in the 1980s series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, died on 10 May at age 91. His agent announced his death, and he is survived by his wife Anna Calder‑Marshall and their son Tom Burke. His career spanned stage, television and radio, including roles at the National Theatre and in Midsomer Murders. He chose not to continue in a second Holmes series to prioritise family life, a decision later described by his son.

A UK Health Security Agency rapid response team and mobile laboratory have been deployed to St Helena and Ascension to support testing, assessment, and infection‑control training following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Ten residents are being repatriated to the UK for precautionary self‑isolation. At least 11 cases and three deaths have been reported, with Public Health Scotland warning of potential contacts in Scotland.

A UK rapid response laboratory team has been deployed to St Helena and Ascension to assist with PCR testing, infection control and training following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Ten residents are being repatriated to complete self‑isolation, and the outbreak has caused 11 cases and three deaths. Public Health Scotland is tracing possible exposures in Scotland, while UKHSA states the public risk remains very low.

American influencer Melissa Rein Lively has been charged with assault by beating after an incident at Bond Street Underground station, while her partner Philipp Ostermann faces racially aggravated public order charges. The alleged incident occurred on 11 October 2025, and both defendants are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 19 May.

King Charles joined Idris Elba and DJ Christian St Louis at a Buckingham Palace garden party celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust. Elba joked that the King pressed play on the DJ set but did not stay long. Beneficiaries of the charity, including Darnell Allman-Smith, described how Trust programs helped them overcome personal challenges and pursue media careers. The event featured celebrity ambassadors and several thousand guests despite rainy weather, highlighting the Trust’s long-standing impact on youth across the UK.

Rachel Corp has stepped down as ITN chief executive after more than three decades with the organisation and will remain until May 22 to support a transition. Ian Rumsey, a long‑serving ITN editor and executive, will take over the role. Statements from Corp, Rumsey and ITN chair Kyla Mullins emphasise Corp’s significant contributions, Rumsey’s suitability to lead, and confidence in the organisation’s future amid a rapidly evolving media landscape.

ITN announced that chief executive Rachel Corp has stepped down after four years in the role and will remain until May 22 to support the transition. Ian Rumsey, a longtime ITN leader and award‑winning producer, will replace her. Statements from Corp, Rumsey, and ITN board chair Kyla Mullins highlighted Corp’s long tenure, Rumsey’s experience across ITN divisions, and the organisation’s confidence in its future amid a rapidly changing media landscape.

Recently recovered love letters John Keats wrote to Fanny Brawne will be displayed in London before being auctioned in New York after having been stolen for nearly 40 years. Eight letters, part of a larger collection from 1819–1820, resurfaced this year and were returned to the Whitney estate with assistance from the New York District Attorney’s Office. The documents provide insight into the couple’s relationship and mark their first London exhibition in 140 years before being sold by Sotheby’s for an estimated $1.5–2.5 million.

Eight long-missing love letters written by John Keats to Fanny Brawne have been recovered nearly 40 years after being stolen and will be exhibited at Sotheby’s London before being auctioned in New York, where they are expected to sell for up to $2.5 million. Rediscovered after appearing with a Manhattan rare book dealer, the letters were returned to the Whitney estate with assistance from the New York District Attorney’s Office and offer rare insight into Keats’s relationship with Brawne.

Marie Curie launched a fundraising campaign featuring life advice from terminally ill patients, displayed on placards by nurses during an event at a Superdrug store in London. The guidance emphasizes living in the present, valuing relationships, and practicing forgiveness and self‑care. The initiative seeks to raise £200,000 between 22 April and 19 May to support more than 8,500 hours of end‑of‑life care.

Terminally ill patients shared life advice through a Marie Curie fundraising campaign featuring nurses displaying messages at a Superdrug store in London. The guidance focuses on forgiveness, expressing feelings, valuing identity and small acts of self-care, and prioritising meaningful experiences over work or worry. Capital radio DJ Kemi Rodgers supported the initiative, which runs from April 22 to May 19 and aims to raise £200,000 to help fund more than 8,500 hours of end-of-life care.

A 27-year-old man, Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, has been charged with murdering 21-year-old filmmaking student Finbar Sullivan, who died after a stabbing in Primrose Hill. Ogunyankinnu is due to appear at Stratford Magistrates’ Court, while another man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released without further action. Sullivan’s family expressed deep heartbreak over his death.

More than 500 people were arrested in Trafalgar Square for showing support for the banned group Palestine Action, with the Metropolitan Police confirming 523 detentions ranging in age from 18 to 87, including musician Robert Del Naja. Protesters criticised the ban and alleged rough handling. Police resumed arrests in March despite a High Court ruling against the government's proscription, which remains under appeal.

Police identified 19-year-old Jamie-Lea Biscoe as the victim of a fatal dog attack in Leaden Roding, Essex. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog and later bailed, while the seized lurcher cross is undergoing breed testing. Essex Police continue investigating, providing support to the victim’s family and encouraging anyone with information to come forward, including through Crimestoppers.

Police launched an investigation after a woman in her twenties reported being raped by several men outside Epsom Methodist Church after leaving the Labyrinth Epsom nightclub. Officers are working to identify the suspects and appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage from the area between 2am and 4am. The victim is receiving support from specialist officers, and additional information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Police charged a 27-year-old man with the murder of filmmaking student Finbar Sullivan, who died after being stabbed in Primrose Hill. A second man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released without further action. Sullivan’s father described his son as irreplaceable and said he had hoped to follow his grandfather, cinematographer Michael Seresin, into the film industry. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Metropolitan Police.

More than 500 people were arrested in Trafalgar Square during a protest against the government’s proscription of Palestine Action, with police stating all detentions were for showing support for a banned organisation. Demonstrators, many elderly, held signs opposing the ban and criticising Israel’s actions. Musician Robert Del Naja was among those arrested after publicly expressing support for the group. Tensions escalated amid accusations of heavy‑handed policing, including claims that some protesters required medical attention after being removed. The protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, aimed to show resistance to the ban as legal challenges continue, following the Metropolitan Police’s decision to resume arrests while the High Court appeal process is ongoing.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor, who was shot on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich on 2 April. The suspect, previously arrested and released on bail, was re-arrested and charged before appearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded to youth detention. Several others have also been arrested, with the investigation ongoing.

A 16-year-old boy has appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor, who was fatally shot in Woolwich on 2 April. The accused, who cannot be named, was remanded to youth detention ahead of an upcoming Old Bailey hearing. Multiple other arrests have been made in connection with the killing, with several individuals bailed as the Metropolitan Police continue the investigation. Eghosa’s family is receiving specialist support while inquiries remain ongoing.

A sexual assault survivor criticised Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell for cancelling a meeting with MPs about the attack, prompting concerns raised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Boydell apologised and acknowledged failures in the company’s handling of the incident, including security lapses that allowed the perpetrator to obtain a room key by deception. She confirmed awareness of other instances involving unauthorised room entry and said immediate policy changes had been made. An independent review led by barrister Paul Greaney KC will examine the chain’s room security measures and the response to the assault, while the survivor pursues legal action against the company.

Police are reassessing a previously closed case involving the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s mobile phone after discovering that officers recorded the wrong address. The error surfaced during a media inquiry, prompting the Metropolitan Police to review any available evidence. The stolen phone reportedly contained messages related to discussions about Peter Mandelson’s possible US ambassadorship. McSweeney resigned from Downing Street amid pressure following MPs’ demands for documents on Mandelson’s vetting and links to Jeffrey Epstein.

An arson attack destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, prompting the Metropolitan Police to investigate it as an antisemitic hate crime. CCTV captured three perpetrators setting the vehicles alight, causing gas canisters to explode. Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley cited growing Iranian-linked threats, while the government committed to funding replacements. Leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack and urged unity.

An arson attack destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, prompting a counter‑terrorism investigation into claims of responsibility by an Islamist group with possible Iranian links. Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned of rising Iranian‑linked threats but said it was too early to attribute the incident to the Iranian state. Three suspects are believed to be involved, and CCTV shows accelerant being used to ignite the vehicles. Political and community leaders condemned the attack, additional protective measures were introduced for Jewish communities, and the government pledged to fund replacement ambulances and support services.

An 18‑year‑old student, Juliette Kenny, died one day after developing meningitis B symptoms during an outbreak in Kent, prompting her father to call for improved access to meningitis B vaccination for teenagers. The family urged urgent action to expand protection as more than 100 students were recently turned away from receiving the vaccine after queues were closed.

An 18-year-old student, Juliette Kenny, died within hours of developing meningitis B symptoms, prompting her family to call for expanded access to the MenB vaccine for teenagers and young adults. Her father described the loss as immeasurable and urged the government to enact lasting change to protect young people. The Meningitis Research Foundation reiterated its long-standing call for routine MenB vaccination across at-risk age groups, arguing that previous cost assessments failed to account for the severity and lifelong impact of the disease. Health authorities reported 27 confirmed or suspected cases in Kent, while MPs pressed the government to accelerate vaccination reviews and improve awareness. The vaccine programme in the region has been expanded to students, staff and attendees of affected venues.

Three people from Coventry have been charged with the murder of Thomas Niven, whose body was found in a wheelie bin at Cash’s Park on 13 March. Tammy Sturdy, Camron Sturdy and Shane Turkington have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at Coventry Magistrates’ Court. Niven’s family described him as a supportive and caring figure.

Two men, Nematollah Shahsavani and Alireza Farasati, have been charged under the National Security Act for allegedly assisting an Iranian-linked intelligence service by conducting surveillance on Jewish community locations and individuals in London between July and August 2025. Both were arrested in March and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, while two others detained in the investigation were released without charge.