Nearly 4,000 police officers have been injured in the line of duty in the past five years, with almost half sustaining an injury as a result of an assault.

New figures released to Belfast Live by the PSNI under a Freedom of Information request shows the number of injured at work years between January 1 2021 and Dec 31 2025.

The number of PSNI officers who were injured in the line of duty in the last five years stands at 3,778 with 2,039 sustaining injuries as the result of an assault.

READ MORE: Northern Ireland streets generate £8.4million in parking fines in one yearREAD MORE: The millions spent by NIFRS attending false call-outs in last five years

More than 2,000 sustained injuries including bites, fractures, bruises, headaches, cuts and abrasions.

PFNI Chair Liam Kelly told Belfast Live he is appalled by the high number of officers who are assaulted.

He said: “Every year there are additionally a higher number of attacks that thankfully did not result in any physical injuries being reported. The price officers pay for doing their job and safeguarding this entire community is far too high. They are often singled out for brutal, unprovoked and unwarranted attack by thugs.

“Our award-winning ‘Let Them Protect’ campaign in June last year highlighted the extent to which officers are targeted. We said then that nine of our men and women are assaulted every day.

“Thankfully, in the last year that daily total has reduced to around seven a-day. It’s a slight improvement but there’s still a long way to go before we effectively tackle and reverse this worrying trend.”

Mr Kelly added: “These figures remain intolerable and unacceptable. We know there are new sentencing guidelines on the way and it’s imperative they are sufficiently robustly applied by the courts to effectively punish offenders and deter would-be attackers.

“What these figures show is the clear need for a zero-tolerance, no-nonsense approach by the courts and the Department of Justice. We have to call ‘time’ on assaults on officers and we look to our courts and legislators to have our backs.”

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Comparisons to Wunderhorse abound in early coverage of the band, with singer Finn Keogh’s heartfelt delivery and the raw, grunge-flecked sound of many of their songs making the comparison almost inevitable. There are worse acts to be lumped in with than a breakout star who easily sold out Alexandra Palace on his last UK tour, but to cast Keo as just a copycat band is unfair in the extreme. Sure, the angsty snarl of ‘Thorn’ leans that way, but ‘Best I Can Do’. aired for the first time at their Electric Ballroom show, is inimitably their own and points to a band who are more than comfortable in their own lane.

The DWP has confirmed most legacy benefit claimants have now moved to Universal Credit, with migration notices continuing to be sent to remaining claimants ahead of March 2026 deadline

The DWP has issued an update regarding a significant benefits change concerning Universal Credit. The department has been dispatching letters to specific claimants about the matter.

Millions of individuals receiving older benefits being phased out in favour of Universal Credit have been progressively transferred to the new system. The process of transitioning people from these former payments, referred to as ‘legacy benefits’, has been taking place in phases over several years.

The vast majority of recipients have now switched to Universal Credit. The DWP had previously confirmed that certain benefits would cease at the end of March 2026 as part of the initiative, reports the Mirror.

Recipients of these six legacy benefits have been transferred as part of the migration programme:

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

The DWP was approached for an update on the initiative and who remains to be moved to Universal Credit.

A DWP spokesperson stated: “The department has been migrating people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit since 2022 and most have now moved. Help is at hand for those making the move to Universal Credit, including our dedicated helpline, guidance on gov.uk, and the Citizens Advice’s free and independent Help to Claim service.

“All legacy benefit claimants who have received a migration notice continue to receive their legacy benefit up until the point they move over to Universal Credit, or the deadline passes.”

These migration notices are correspondence sent out inviting recipients to apply for Universal Credit. You typically need to submit your application for the new benefit within three months, enabling you to begin receiving payments through the scheme.

Once the deadline passes, your payments through your existing benefit will cease.

The DWP provides an ‘enhanced support journey’ to assist more vulnerable claimants on Employment and Support Allowance, and on Income Support, with the transition. This can include telephone calls and even a home visit to help you complete your application and transfer across.

The department has also pledged that if you transfer over and your circumstances remain unchanged, your benefit entitlement will remain the same when you are on Universal Credit.

In an appeal to nations affected by the oil price spikes on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.”

“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised travel advice for countries.

British citizens have already been evacuated from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and other areas affected by the Middle East conflict.

Now, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised travel advice for further countries.

Bristol Live reports the most vulnerable will be given priority for booking onto charter flights and the Foreign Office has said it will contact those who have registered their presence in the region.

The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.

“If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.

“Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.”

The full list of countries below:

Afghanistan

You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.

Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open. There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan.

If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan.

Belarus

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.

There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus.

In the unlikely event that conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals will be severely limited. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign Office.

Burkina Faso

FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country.

There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance.

If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.

Haiti

The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and its ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.

If you choose to travel to or remain in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.

Iran

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, the Foreign Office said: “carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying”.

British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.

Iraq

The FCDO advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq due to recent escalation in regional conflict.

There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable. The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The border crossing from Iraq into Kuwait is closed.

“British nationals wishing to cross into Kuwait must contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance. The British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will determine entry.”

Advertisement

Israel

The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. You should inform the UK government you’re in Israel, register your presence if you’re in the region for further updates.

The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.”

You should follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.

Mali

The FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Mali, you should leave “immediately” by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.

The Foreign Office said: “The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.”

There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako.

“If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk,” said the guidance. “You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.”

Niger

The FCDO advises against all travel to Niger. It said: “This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.”

Support for British nationals is severely limited in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.

In-person assistance is not available. If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.

Palestine

The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. If you are a UK citizen in the area, inform the UK government you’re in Palestine, register your presence for further updates.

If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart, check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.

The Foreign Office said: “The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”

Russia

The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia owing to the risks and threats from its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity, lack of flights to return to the UK and limited capacity for the UK government to provide assistance.

The Foreign Office said: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.”

South Sudan

The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan owing to the risk of armed violence and criminality. Travel guidance said: “The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.

“If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.”

Syria

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria owing to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks. Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria.

The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Yemen

The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to the entirety of Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions. The advice given was: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”

Support for British citizens is severely restricted in Yemen. Services at the British Embassy in Sana’a have been suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.

The UK government cannot assist British nationals in leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.

If you decide to stay in Yemen, you should limit your movement within the country and within cities and towns, keep an eye on developments in the local security situation and adhere to other safety measures.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Designer radiators from Best Heating are available in a range of styles and colours, from sleek vertical panels to classic column radiators in bold finishes

Radiators might not spring to mind as stylish home features, but Best Heating reckons it’s transforming domestic heating. Wave goodbye to that uninspiring white box lurking in the corner – these designer radiators are crafted to inject character into walls whilst providing dependable warmth.

From slimline vertical panels that maximise space to traditional period-style columns, or striking shades like matte black, vivid orange and brushed brass, there’s something to complement any décor. Price-wise, the firm currently stocks a selection of bestsellers up for grabs, including the Milano Aruba Vertical Designer Radiator for £99, available in various colours, heights, widths and panel dimensions – or the Milano Windsor Traditional Horizontal Column Radiator – Metallic Custom Colours for £274.95.

With such an array of options, swapping out a radiator might seem overwhelming, but Best Heating maintains it’s pretty straightforward. Drawing on more than 15 years in the business , their approachable team offers support throughout the entire process.

READ MORE:

Their Advice Centre, for instance, provides hands-on assistance for selecting the perfect radiator, working out BTU output for specific rooms (which gauges heat output), and detailed fitting guides.

The brand emphasises that Best Heating radiators are engineered for longevity and undergo testing to satisfy recognised technical benchmarks – what’s more, they’re backed by industry-leading warranties extending up to 20 years. Energy-saving alternatives, including intelligent heating systems, allow households to control their energy consumption whilst maintaining aesthetic appeal, reports Wales Online .

bestheating designer radiators

According to the brand, BestHeating radiators are built to last and are tested to meet trusted technical standards and come with industry leading guarantees of up to 20 years.

Each purchase comes with a 30-day happiness guarantee (excluding bespoke items) plus complimentary standard UK delivery, ensuring designer radiators are accessible to all homes.

Shoppers might also consider the Urban Vertical Radiator – Anthracite, priced at £149.95 from Victorian Plumbing . Offered in various other shades, this model boasts ‘distinctive rectangular tubes’ and reportedly creates visual impact whilst occupying minimal wall space.

Big Bathroom Shop stocks the Milano Aruba Flow – Vertical Designer Radiator in white for those preferring something more understated – starting from £204.99. This option comes in multiple widths and heights (pricing varies accordingly) and showcases a ‘space-enhancing vertical design and attractive oval-shaped columns’.

The Milano column radiators from Best Heating have garnered impressive reviews, with one customer sharing on Trustpilot: “Excellent price, I ordered white and pearl Milano column radiators – 8 altogether, and I was very impressed with the pearl custom paint spray, both in colour and finish. The brass wall hanging pieces are of great, heavy quality and really aesthetically pleasing; the finishing touch. Superb customer support too, truly beyond words; they quickly reserved and sent additional legs overnight, which was necessary as my plumber was booked for just two days.

“This company is ridiculously fantastic. I don’t know where they find their staff, but they’re exemplary, friendly, knowledgeable and generous with their time. A real person who speaks clearly, answers your calls immediately and finds and implements solutions immediately. Plumbing a very old house isn’t easy. Thank you so much! I’m finally warm, which I haven’t been in 10 years.”

Another customer commented: “Fantastic radiator looks stylish and a great statement piece in our hallway. Ordering was easy, delivered swiftly. I have no complaints, I’m planning to buy two more for other rooms.”

Some buyers did express reservations, with one noting: “Arrived as expected, what I would say is that the radiator sections were not all aligned, some up and some down. After emailing Best Heating customer service, this was resolved to my satisfaction.”

A different purchaser mentioned: “Instructions could have been a bit better, but overall good.”

The vast majority were thoroughly satisfied, though one buyer commented: “Quick delivery of an excellent product at a good price.”

A variety of stylish radiators can be purchased from Best Heating here.

EastEnders star Max Bowden hit the town in Coventry after the play he is touring with, Murder at Midnight, stopped off at the town – but a video of his karaoke performance left fans stunned

EastEnders star Max Bowden left drinkers stunned as he channeled his inner Elton on the karaoke at his local pub earlier in the week. The Ben Mitchell actor belted out Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, as he shared the mic with another singer at the Town Wall Tavern in Coventry.

The 31-year-old played Phil Mitchell’s son on the BBC soap between 2019 and 2024. But his character abruptly departed from Albert Square when he was convicted of fraud, extradited to America and sentenced to six years in prison, leaving behind his husband Callum Highway, and daughter Lexi Pearce.

Advertisement

As he sang Elton’s 1974 hit, he wore a white long-sleeved top and jeans, as he joined another pub-goer on the stage. Proudly posting the video on their TikTok account, the pub wrote: “Karaoke at Coventrys little Theatre Pub we often see famous faces! #karaoke #coventrycitycentre #fridaynight #eastenders #pub.”

TikTok users commented on the performance, although it was a mixed bag, with the verdict on a future singing career firmly undecided. One fan wrote: “I didn’t expect that voice to come out of him!”

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Another gushed: “He’s amazing! I’m guessing that’s a karaoke mic as well! Imagine if he was in a studio.”

Others weren’t convinced, with one deciding: “Sorry max the other guy out sung you. Someone else wasn’t impressed, adding: “That’s f***ing awful.” But another reflected fairly: “There’s too much gravel in Max’s voice here, other videos of him singing shows him in a better light. But kudos to them both x”

Meanwhile, soap fans weren’t interested in his singing, with one saying: “we want u bk Ben Mitchell.” Another echoed: “We need you back in eastenders.”

Advertisement

Max is likely to be taking his mind of his recent breakup, after he and fellow soap star Katie McGlynn are said to have split in December. Max was seeing Corrie star Katie, but she reportedly “decided to end things”, despite them still working together on the Murder at Midnight stage tour, which was in Coventry from 3-7 March.

A source told The Sun previously: “Max and Katie have had a bit of a whirlwind romance. Working together has meant they didn’t have much time for anything else and one thing led to another but Katie has come to her senses and decided to end things.”

They added that Max was “pretty cut up” by the split and that things backstage on the Murder at Midnight tour were “awkward”. The tour is heading to Bath and Darlington, where it ends in April.

Katie and Max were very publicly affectionate with each other during their relationship and were seen on multiple nights out together. But Katie is not the only soap star that Max has dated.

In the past, he has been linked to Shona McGarty, who played Whitney Dean on EastEnders before her time on I’m A Celeb, and Danielle Harold. Danielle played Lola Pearce on the show, who had a daughter, Lexi, with Max’s Ben Mitchell.

Meanwhile Katie has previously been linked with TOWIE star Ricky Rayment. He was said to be devastated when he found out that his ex had moved on with Max, and was reportedly hurt by the photos of the pair kissing.

A source previously told The Sun : “[Ricky] wishes her the best, he would just rather not have seen those snaps while things are still pretty raw for him.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Having pride in what your local area can offer and hoping it can improve in the future can go hand-in-hand, and Pontypridd has a chance to achieve this

I’ve visited, worked in and lived near Pontypridd my entire life.

In recent times, I’ve lived just three miles down the road and found myself frequently visiting the town frequently once more and fell in love it all over again. While the high street has seen better days no doubt, I believe Ponty – as I have to call it, because it’s what I always have – is a brilliant choice for UK Town of Culture 2028.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council and the Town and Culture Partnership, are joining forces to submit Ponty for the inaugural Town of Culture, which, if successful, will see the winning town will receive £3 million to deliver an ambitious cultural programme in 2028, running for approximately six months.

I’ve seen what the town has to offer go from strength-to-strength over the past six years I’ve lived nearby. While new ideas, businesses and people move into the town, the iconic mainstays of Ponty stand strong. For 200 years it’s been a hive of activity thanks to its place at the heart of south Wales’ booming coal and metal industries and drew visitors from all across the valleys.

The markers of days gone by are all around if you look hard enough, the 1756-built old bridge at the Trallwn edge of town, the red sculpture sitting atop where Brown Lenox chainworks once stood – one of the last hurrahs of Ponty’s iron, steel and tin histories that drew thousands into the area to work. Just to the north of Pontypridd, you’ll find Hetty Winding House, a vivid and physical reminder of the area’s coal mining history, as it sits on the former Great Western Colliery site.

That’s currently looked after by Great Western Colliery Preservation Trust and is an impactful, and rare reminder of why communities were forged and families immigrated into the valleys for work, all those centuries ago.

Culture-wise, you can’t move for it in the town.. The revamped Muni, a long-standing arts space has now reopened. I’ve seen shows from Blur, Rhod Gilbert, there in the past and in 2024 it reopened after a long time shuttered, thanks to £5.4m from UK Government’s Levelling Up fund. It’s a place where you can book onto film nights, comedy clubs and live music and local acts, singers can be seen on the bill there, too.

Advertisement

Across the road you’ll find YMa, where community assemblies, poetry, wellness events and a massive range of activities are available.

These two community and performance-led venues go to show that Ponty is striving to harness culture – be it music, theatre, poetry, talents that are long-held in the area. Let’s not forget one of our country’s greatest songs, Cwm Rhondda was written just on the town limits at Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown – a staple of rugby matches, choir concerts and anyone enjoying a flush of hiraeth.

Let’s not even forget Ponty has its own museum, the ideal place to find out more about the town and its industrial history. Here you’ll find a plethora of industrial history detail, but also Ponty’s Celtic artefacts, local art exhibitions and coffee mornings for history buffs and new keen beans!

When it comes to representing culture through food, Ponty’s got it in heaps. We’ve got excellent coffee bar, Zucco, on Mill Street – which is a great little corner for dining and shopping at independent shops like Storyville Books and Martha’s Homestore.

The Mill Street collective proves to be a corner of Ponty that believes it, and the town have a lot to offer locals and people coming in from further afield, and mixes the traditional with modern shopping and dining out lifestyle – who doesn’t want their neighbourhood town to have a fresh Italian pizza spot, unique, locally made gifts, cards and art, and a local book store?

Around the corner Pontypridd’s Market Quarter is a testament to a town that kept the faith in the traditional indoor market. Owned by the John family, the 150 year-old market is home to traditional butchers, fruit and veg stalls, Welsh cakes, bakers and more to keep your kitchen stocked but it also has books, memorabilia stalls, music and a card shop.

From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

While shopping and eating might not be directly the arts, they still show a creative, willing passion to improve, to push Ponty forward and appeal to different generations, while holding onto Ponty personality.

A jewel in town’s crown is Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, which played host to the epitome of Welsh culture two years ago, the National Eisteddfod.

A massive green space in the centre of town, it’s home to tonnes of wildlife, beautiful trees and plants and tennis courts, a cricket pitch and acres of open space to explore. The lido play area is a brilliant playground for the kids, too.

Speaking of the lido, the art deco swimming pool was reopened in 2015 after a multi-million-pound redevelopment. Now called National Lido of Wales, it’s become a premier attraction in the town that’s too often written off. Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad Park has just been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award, which recognises green spaces that reach “international quality standard”, for the 13th year running, and has always been an idyllic outdoor space to escape the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre of Taff Street..

So while, like any other town in Wales, or indeed the world, Pontypridd isn’t perfect, but it’s got so much going for it and the voices who talk it up hopefully outnumber those who don’t. And if you needed any more reasons to marvel at Pontypridd, it’s also had the world’s longest platform after a reconstruction in 1914, it’s impressive red brick railway station is still a pretty attractive construction!

The UK Town of Culture is a new, UK-wide initiative led by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), building on the success of the UK City of Culture programme. For the first time, towns of all sizes are invited to showcase their creativity, cultural heritage and unique stories, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and accessible culture.

If you think Pontypridd will be a great recipient of the 2028 UK Town of Culture title email me your thoughts on kathryn.williams@reachplc.com