Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

Missing Ben Needham’s mum says DNA results could identify man as her lost boy

Published

on

Daily Record

Ben Needham was aged 21 months when he disappeared on the Greek island of Kos in 1991

The mother of a boy who went missing in 1991 is anxiously waiting for a DNA test on a man who could be him. Ben Needham from Sheffield, disappeared on the Greek island of Kos on July 24, 1991, aged 21 months.

Now over 20 years later, Kerry Needham has seen his photos which bear an ‘uncanny’ resemblance to her family. According to the Mirror, she says the images sent to her also look like her missing son’s age progression image.

Advertisement

His family, including Kerry’s parents and two brothers, had moved to Kos before he went missing to start a new life.

Despite one of the longest missing person investigations in British history – including two excavations at the farmhouse where he was last seen – his whereabouts remain unknown. Recently police in the US have been investigating claims of a sighting, amid claims he could have been illegally adopted but their investigation had stalled.

Illegal adoption in the US during the 1980s and 1990s has been connected to international child trafficking scandals. Private adoption agencies and lawyers often bypassed regulations, matching stolen children with American parents.

Now Kerry has been contacted by a woman claiming her boyfriend could be one of those illegally adopted children. She wrote to Kerry, saying her adopted boyfriend ‘looks exactly like this future drawing’ and explained he was ‘supposedly adopted in 1993’.

“He has always had questions about his adoption and his adopted parents.” She claimed they wouldn’t give him his birth certificate and acted “insane” when he asked.

“I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, especially Kerry’s, but I feel like he is Ben. He is really hoping so as well… There are too many coincidences to ignore this.”

Reacting to the development, Kerry said: “This is another mystery email from a similar area and sounds pretty genuine. This man was adopted. I’m not going to sit here and get my hopes up but there are similarities. There are things not quite right about it, it can’t be ignored. It probably isn’t Ben but this is again out of the blue and again it’s America.

Advertisement

“More and more lately there have been some bizarre links with the US. He has agreed to have his DNA taken but doesn’t want any publicity.”

Now Kerry may be facing weeks of waiting for Interpol to arrange the DNA test.

“The next step is to hopefully obtain a DNA sample through a request via Interpol. This process can take time, but we are grateful that things are now moving forward again and that there is still a path towards getting the answers we’ve all been hoping for.

Advertisement

“Out of respect for his privacy and well-being, we won’t be sharing any personal details about him. What matters most is making sure he feels supported and protected throughout this process.

“We want him to know that he is not alone in this. We will continue to do everything we can to support him and help guide this process in the most respectful and careful way possible.

“Thank you to everyone who continues to follow, care, and offer support to our family. We’ve been here many times before. It’s an anxious time, you are on edge, waiting.

“We have been down this road before and I feel for the person in question as they have not been down this road before. He must be nervous.”

Advertisement

Kerry urges anyone to take a look at Ben’s website and the photos to see if they can help put an end to her nightmare, which began 35 years ago in July..

Ensure our latest stories 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.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Person cut from car after crash in Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate

Published

on

The vehicle was left on its roof after the crash in Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate, shortly after 1.15pm on Monday (March 16).

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the car’s occupant was left with paramedics after being freed from the vehicle.

A service spokesperson said: “Crews from Harrogate responded to a single vehicle road traffic collision, involving a car that had rolled on its roof into a ditch.

“Crews rescued one occupant using cutting gear and small tools to remove the door and boot of the vehicle.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

ITV Gone viewers ‘work out’ who killed Sarah Polly – and it’s not Michael

Published

on

Daily Mirror

ITV Gone viewers think Michael is hiding a ‘big secret’

ITV Gone viewers are convinced Michael Polly is hiding a “big secret” as they claim he isn’t Sarah Polly’s killer.

Advertisement

Viewers will know that music teacher Sarah disappeared and was later found murdered in the woods by her house. An unknown person strangled her to death before dumping her dead body and making a run for it.

Detective Annie Cassidy has been investigating the mysterious death and in a chilling twist her main suspect is Sarah’s husband, Headmaster Michael.

During tonight’s (March 16) episode of the six-parter, Annie and her colleagues begin to see things in a new light as fresh information continues to emerge.

There’s no denying that Michael’s behaviour has been odd since the disappearance of his wife so it comes as no surprise that he came under scrutiny.

Advertisement

He was not the only one as Sarah’s lover Stephen Sedgwick was also questioned about their whereabouts around the time Sarah disappeared.

Michael insisted that he had no part to play in his death but the police were not fully convinced as Michael did have motive if he knew his wife was having an affair.

Unfortunately the police didn’t have enough evidence, so they had no choice but to release him. Annie wasn’t ready to back down so she decided to interview Michael at his home and record him without his knowledge.

Advertisement

She was quick to notice that his daughter Alana was nowhere to be seen but he insisted that she was staying with her grandparents because she wanted to look after them during this heartbreaking time.

However he was unable to keep up with his lies as he later cracked and claimed that Alana went to her grandparents to get away from him and said he was to blame for the affair.

Throughout his chats with Annie, it was clear that his story wasn’t adding up and viewers watching at home were quick to spot Michael’s odd behaviour.

Advertisement

Many insisted that he is “covering for someone” and the real killer might be his daughter. One fan took to X and wrote: “Michael didn’t kill his wife he’s covering for someone @davemorrissey64.”

Another questioned: “Is he protecting someone? #Gone.” A third commented: “Michael didn’t do it ,so who did , the daughter #gone.”

Meanwhile one praised: “Wow, what an episode the 2 leads are incredible. The tension. Eve Myles and David Morrisey what chemistry.”

You can stream Gone on ITVX

Advertisement

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Moises Caicedo says ‘underrated’ Chelsea star is ‘one of the best’ | Football

Published

on

Moises Caicedo says 'underrated' Chelsea star is 'one of the best' | Football
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo (Picture: Getty)

Moises Caicedo believes Chelsea already have ‘one of the best players in the world’ in ‘underrated’ striker Joao Pedro.

Brazil international Pedro has enjoyed an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances.

Chelsea signed the 24-year-old last summer in a £60m deal from Brighton and have been pleased with his development.

Pedro was expected to battle with Liam Delap for a place in the Chelsea team but quickly established himself as the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.

Advertisement

Caicedo is rightly regarded as one of the best midfielders on the planet but the Ecuador international insists he is by no means the only world-class star in west London.

Chelsea’s former record signing claims Pedro is not only one of the best players in the Premier League but in the world and says he has ‘everything’.

Asked to name his ‘most underrated’ teammate at Stamford Bridge, Caicedo told Sky Sports: ‘Joao Pedro. People don’t know how good he is.

Your football fix

Metro‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.

Advertisement

Sign up here, it’s an open goal.

Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
Chelsea summer signing Joao Pedro (Picture: Getty)

‘For me he’s one of the best players, not just in the Premier League but in the world. His movement, the way he plays, how he scores goals – for me, as a striker he has everything.’

Caicedo also heaped praise on another Chelsea star, Andrey Santos, claiming the Brazilian is often one of the best players in training.

Advertisement

Santos has made 35 appearances for Chelsea this season and featured heavily since his former Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior took over in January.

‘There are a lot but Andrey Santos,’ Caicedo said when asked which player often impresses in training.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

Advertisement

‘He’s so good every day in training and now he’s doing really well in games too so I’m so happy for him.’

Chelsea, who lost to Newcastle United last time out, will try to overturn a three-goal deficit when PSG visit Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday night.

‘I think this week was difficult for us,’ Pedro said ahead of the visit of Champions League holders PSG.

Advertisement

‘We know our strengths, we still believe because we showed in the Club World Cup when we won 3-0. The group believe, the manager believes, the fans should believe as well.’

Chelsea boss Rosenior added: ‘If you look at the game in isolation and the scoreline, we were punished by very good players for our own mistakes.

‘We have been undone in games by those moments. We can’t make mistakes tomorrow.

‘We have to remember PSG are European champions for a reason but we know we can compete.’

Advertisement

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
FacebookTwitter and Instagram
.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

First look at Belfast International airport’s Northern Quarter as it repens following refurbishment

Published

on

Belfast Live

It has reopened following months of refurbishment

Northern Quarter reopens at Belfast International Airport

The Northern Quarter at Belfast International Airport has reopened following months of refurbishment work.

It closed its doors, and a temporary bar was set up in January to serve the area, making way for the new and improved restaurant and bar.

The new and improved part of the airport comes with a new menu. You can pick up traditional breakfast items as well as burgers, sharing plates and light bites.

It will come with a fully serviced bar, and customers can pick up pints on draught, wine and spirits. It also provides non-alcoholic alternatives like 0.0% Guinness and Heineken.

As well as the new restaurant and bar, visitors to the airport will be able to pick a coffee from the new Bewleys coffee area within the Northern Quarter.

This comes alongside the wider refurbishment work that has been taking place in Belfast International Airport.

Advertisement

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Convict set fire to youth hostel and threatened to petrol bomb site a day after release

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

He set fire to Christmas decorations in the foyer of the hostel

A day after being released from prison, a Cambridge man set fire to a youth hostel foyer, sending him back to jail. The convict had threatened to smash the door down and petrol bomb the centre when he was refused entry.

Advertisement

Nigel Hensby, 27, was released from prison after possessing a knife and a public order offence. After serving time for those offenses, he set fire to Christmas decorations in the foyer of a youth hostel. Hensby threatened the staff member after being denied entry in the building to get a mobile phone from a former partner.

In a ‘fit of rage’ Hensby went to the Cambridge Youth Foyer, in Rustat Close, on December 5 last year. He demanded to see his former partner to get a mobile phone back, but he was refused entry by a member of staff.

Hensby threatened to smash the door down and petrol bomb the building and the staff member hid in an office and called the police. When she checked the reception area, Hensby had set fire to some Christmas decorations with a lighter and run off.

Police say that no one was hurt in the fire, but lives were put at risk. Hensby was arrested in Station Road, Cambridge, at about 9.40pm, shortly after the incident, and admitted to the officer he had started the fire.

Advertisement

On Tuesday (March 10), at Peterborough Crown Court, Hensby, of Drayton Road, Norwich, was jailed for two years. At an earlier hearing, he also pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

DC Becky Bertozzi-Wilson, who investigated, said: “Hensby deliberately set fire to a foyer in a building with vulnerable people inside, putting their lives and staff members lives at risk, simply because staff would rightly, not allow him access. The consequences of his actions could have been fatal.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Track Greg James’ Comic Relief ride towards County Durham

Published

on

Track Greg James’ Comic Relief ride towards County Durham

It started in Weymouth on Friday, March 13, and will see the DJ travel all the way to Edinburgh in a 1,000km journey.

He will be passing through County Durham on Wednesday, March 18, if all goes to plan.

Track where Greg James is on his journey here:

Speaking ahead of the challenge, he said: “Yes, I am mad, and I do think it will be a ludicrous challenge, and one that I don’t know whether or not I can do.

Advertisement

“But I’m going to try it.

“A little bit of pain is worth the overall goal of raising loads of money for Comic Relief.”

This is Mr James’ third challenge for Comic Relief, despite previously vowing not to take on another.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC Radio 1 (@bbcradio1)

Advertisement

He completed five triathlons in five days in 2016, and in 2018, cycled between and climbed the UK’s three highest peaks: Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis.

Throughout the journey, Mr James will be joined by special guests, listeners, and fellow presenters.

He said: “I need them to be good cyclists.

“The reality of it might be that they wobble and we both fall off.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Newscast – Can Starmer Keep Saying No To Trump?

Published

on

Newscast - Epstein Files: New Mandelson and Andrew Allegations

Available for over a year

Today, President Trump has reiterated his requests for support from Nato allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz – days after saying we don’t need” UK aircraft carriers in the Middle East.

For now, the PM and other European allies are holding off – with Sir Keir Starmer saying the UK doesn’t want to get drawn into the wider US-Israeli war with Iran.

James and Chris are joined by Panorama film maker Jane Corbin to discuss the ongoing disagreement between the two sides of the Atlantic.

Advertisement

Plus, The Economist’s defence editor Shashank Joshi joins James to explain why Trump has requested European support in the Gulf, and whether it would actually make a difference.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

Advertisement

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters was James Cook. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Harry Craig. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell Davis. The technical producers were Philip Bull and Rohan Madison. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Programme Website

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

7 brilliant Easter holiday things to do in and around Cardiff

Published

on

Wales Online

If you’re already planning those days off in the Easter break this might give you some inspiration

Easter isn’t too far away and you might be thinking you need to sort out a few activity days in advance so you know you’re not sitting at home doing nothing for two weeks during the school holidays.

Luckily south Wales has a number of things happening around the capital including a musical outing, castle trip filled with Easter activities, and a cooking workshop.

There’s something for everyone so we’ve pulled together some of the best options you can still book. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

Advertisement

1. Easterland at Fonmon Castle

At £10 a ticket there’s a lot packed into this Easter fun day at the Vale of Glamorgan castle.

There’s an Easter egg stamp trail, Alice in Wonderland themed area, a golden egg hunt, and Easter crafts. You can also explore the castle and the dinosaur trail too.

Find out more here.

When: March 28-April 6

Advertisement

2. Flowers And Friendship Bracelets, New Theatre

Dubbed as ‘the ultimate pop concert’ to celebrate the biggest hits from pop stars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and more it’s definitely one for your potential pop queens.

Tickets are a little on the pricier side at £30 and you can get them here.

When: April 7

3. Girl-Coded, Wales Millennium Centre

One for the teenagers this Easter as the play explores themes of consent, identity, and the complex ways young women navigate relationships and intimacy throughout adolescence. It follows three childhood best friends, Lauren, Ange, and Cas, who reunite on August 13, 2024, exactly five years after their friendship fell apart at the hands of jealousy during Ange’s results day party.

Advertisement

Girl-coded is suitable for 14-plus and it’s a pay what you can event. Click here to get those tickets.

When: April 9-11

4. Cook Stars Easter workshop, Cyncoed

If your child is keen on helping out in the kitchen this could be just the Easter activity for them. Children will be baking some delicious Easter treats and making and decorating Easter baskets. Classes are £25 and ages from two to 11 can attend. Click here for more on Cook Stars and to book the event.

When: March 28

Advertisement

5. Easter Eggstravaganza, Rhondda Heritage Park

Ticket price includes an egg hunt with chocolate treat at the end, a chance to explore the Easter Bunny’s underground burrow, small children’s rides, Easter craft, balloon modelling, a petting farm, and a teddy bears’ picnic. Click here for tickets and more information.

When: April 1-2

6. Easter at The Meadows, Caerphilly

The Easter experience at The Meadows will cost £13.50 for kids aged thee and up and tickets include park entry, Easter trail, chocolate prize, Easter craft activities, and rabbit and guinea pig petting sessions. The farm itself has an exotic barn, reptile house, and a wallaby walk-through. Buy tickets here.

When: March 28-April 66

Advertisement

7. Easter fun with dragon trails at Caerphilly Castle

The Easter bank holiday weekend will see eight days of dragon-egg-themed trails, face painters, crafts and storytellers. Advice is to book your ticket for the castle in advance.

When: April 3-6

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man dies after Whitby ‘disturbance’ – four arrests

Published

on

Man dies after Whitby ‘disturbance’ - four arrests

Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident shortly after 11.10pm on Sunday night (March 15) in Whitby, North Yorkshire Police said.

The force said a manslaughter investigation has been launched after the man, in his late 40s and from the Halifax area, died at an address in Flowergate.

“On arriving, officers encountered a man in his late 40s who was unresponsive and gave him CPR while the ambulance arrived,” a police spokesperson said.

Advertisement

“Sadly the man, who is from the Halifax area, could not be revived by medics and was pronounced dead following sustained attempts to save his life.

“Detectives at North Yorkshire Police have launched a manslaughter investigation and the man’s family is being supported by officers.”

They said four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation while police inquiries continue.

The spokesperson said there would be a “significant police presence in the area to support the community”.

Advertisement

They urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Detectives have already spoken to a number of witnesses but are urging anyone with information who has yet to speak to them to get in touch,” the police spokesperson said.

“Please contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101, and quoting reference 12260046853.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Surprise cocktail bar nestled inside shop yards from popular Welsh beach

Published

on

Wales Online

If you’re going to Saundersfoot this year then you need to treat yourself to a cocktail

There’s a lot to love about the seaside Pembrokeshire village of Saundersfoot. The long, sandy beach, plentiful pubs, fish and chip shops, cafes, and shops are all draws.

Advertisement

But did you know there is also a speakeasy tucked away on the main street making fresh gold-sprinkled cocktails? Hourglass’s stylish small bar is within the Hourglass boutique so there’s an opportunity for some vintage shopping at the same time.

Hourglass, found in The Strand, was previously an antique shop but when owner Holly Thompson decided on a change of scene for the shop Hourglass became somewhere to to relax with an espresso martini or coffee as well as pick up a stylish piece of jewellery or outfit.

Owning the shop with her mother Kim the pair, as well as Holly’s dad Colin and partner Harrison, redesigned and refurbished the shop themselves. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

Holly said: “When we had the antiques shop the plan was always to move it more towards a boutique and focus on the fine jewellery, designer bags, and accessories we were already selling. Just before starting the refurbishment we had the idea to add a cocktail bar.

“I’ve always loved the idea of a speakeasy-style bar but I didn’t want to leave the jewellery and pre-loved designer industry, so we thought: ‘Why not combine the two?’ We wanted to create somewhere people could shop beautiful pieces, enjoy a cocktail, and have an experience they wouldn’t expect to find in a small seaside village.

“We’ve always focused on excellent customer service and creating a unique client-focused experience and the cocktail bar really adds to that.”

With a menu changing seasonally those wanting to escape from the hubbub of Saundersfoot at peak time can enjoy Old Fashioneds, Cherry 75s, and Martinis or cool down with an iced matcha.

“Our cocktails change seasonally with around 20 on the menu at any one time,” said Holly. “As we’re a small space we like to focus on offering a good variety while keeping things special. We use fresh quality ingredients and try to support local suppliers wherever possible.

“We’re really proud of the cocktails and the feedback we’ve received. It’s another way for us to be creative, especially with the presentation – and there’s always a touch of gold. We also serve great coffees, matcha, and loose-leaf teas.”

Advertisement

Holly added customers coming in and seeing the bar for the first time are surprised but she hopes it makes an impact all the same.

“Some people aren’t quite sure what to expect at first when they see the bar. We love that moment of surprise – it creates a memory and makes someone’s day or holiday a little more special and we love being part of that.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025