Fire crews cut off a door to allow emergency services to work
Fire crews had to cut off a car door to allow emergency services to work after a crash. Saffron Walden fire crewswere called to a crash in Ickleton at about 8am on Monday (March 23).
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At the scene, crews removed the driver’s door from one of the vehicles to allow paramedics access. Two patients were taken to hospital after the crash.
A spokesperson for Saffron Walden fire station said: “Shortly after 8am this morning, both of our fire engines were mobilised to a road traffic collision between Strethall and Elmdon. Using specialist equipment, we quickly removed the drivers [sic] door off one of the vehicles to give our colleagues in the ambulance service some more space to work.
“We, the crew, wish both drivers a speedy recovery. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing seat belts and taking extra care when navigating our country roads.”
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.10am to a road traffic collision on Elmdon Road in Ickleton. Two ambulances were sent to the scene and two patients were transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further treatment.”
At around 1.20pm today, Eluned Morgan will take the lift from the fifth floor of Ty Hywel, the office block in Cardiff Bay, pass through the Senedd canteen, and head along the glass corridor towards the newly-reopened Senedd Siambr.
Placing her red ringbinder on the lectern in front of her, as she has done since she took over as First Minister on August 6, 2024, she will then face up to an hour of questions, some from her own party, but the trickier ones likely to come from Senedd members in opposing parties.
She is not alone in dreading this session. When you speak to most leaders, they say this is the bit they hate most. The chance to be caught off guard in a gotcha moment with the cameras pointing at you adds a huge level of jeopardy.
She’s previously told WalesOnline how she goes to a tranquil cove, overlooking the sea near her home in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, to sit and prepare on a Sunday for what is seen in the political world at least, as the big door prize.
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But there is every chance this could be the last time she will carry that red folder.
As is ever the way, some of the questions she will know, the schedule shows she will be asked about higher education, nuclear regulation, Hywel Dda health board and the ongoing battle to resolve penson inequalities of Allied Steel and Wire workers.
But the follow-ups to those, or the questions she faces from the opposition leaders are not. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and Conservative Darren Millar will both take their shots at getting a question to her they can use in the following press releases and social media clips.
In recent months, Rhun ap Iorwerth has tended to focus on why he thinks Labour in the UK administration has done little to help her party here, while the Tories tend to go for a national issue they know will sit well with right of centre voters.
This will be the last First Minister’s Questions of this, the Sixth Senedd. Anyone who has tuned into proceedings in the last few weeks will have heard the platitudes between colleagues as they thank each other for their work, and prepare – in some cases – to say goodbye.
But for her, personally, there is a lot at stake. Not only is her Welsh Labour Party facing an epic electoral battle to be re-elected, but she is too.
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Mrs Morgan is standing in the new constituency of Ceredigion Penfro, and the projections based on current polling show she could herself find herself losing her job in the most public way possible – on a stage with cameras pointed at her when the votes have been counted on May 8.
It means that if the polls are right, and she fails to keep her seat, today isn’t just her last First Minister’s Questions, it may well be her final visit to the Siambr.
Even her rivals have questioned why she didn’t try to contest a safer seat – she does also have a home in Cardiff.
From her point of view, she’s been bullish: “I have to be able to be true to myself. So whatever happens, I’ve got to live with myself. In the future, whether I win or whether I don’t win, I have to be able to be true to myself,” she told me last August.
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She has known for some time it is a battle of epic proportions.
Some of the reasons for that are totally outwiith her control. The tide started turning, the polls show, when Vaughan Gething had to quit as First Minister. Sir Keir Starmer’s unpopularity is something Labour activists will tell you comes up again and again, and world events impacting any chance of Labour’s cost of living promises giving any respite have all played their part.
Yet as she takes to her feet, she will know that few, if any, within Labour realistically think they can perform a miracle and retain the role they have held at the top of Welsh politics for the 27 years of devolution so far, but they are banking on a bounce.
Those in and around the First Minister believe that when Labour, with all its experience and resources, gets out in earnest in the next few weeks, thjat the party faithful will be able to convince people to mark their X in the box next to the Labour rose.
But they know Plaid Cymru and Reform UK have topped polls consistently now for months. They know their local and national records are counting against them, as is the performance of the UK Government.
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While Friday is officially the last day of Senedd business, with dissolution following Easter on April 8, it’s fair to say that the action is easing off. Attention is being diverted to campaigns, manifesto launches, and door knocking sessions.
And there will be little respite, once she leaves the chamber because just after she finishes First Minister’s Questions, we expect the latest voting intention poll by YouGov and ITV Cymru Wales to be published.
In recent months they have been nothing to cheer about, the First Minister will be one of those hoping for better news this time.
A BBC doctor has delivered a verdict on a new social media ‘health hack’ that has been growing in popularity. It tells people to stop taking their statins and instead eat 24-month aged garlic to reduce their cholesterol levels.
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BBC Morning Live’s Dr Tosin revealed even her own family had started carrying around cloves to eat “every single day wherever they went”. She told BBC viewers the same thing she told her family and delivered her verdict on the ‘hack’.
She said: “If you’ve been prescribed statins by your GP, that’s for a reason. It can prevent cardiovascular events, diseases to your heart and your blood vessels in the future.”
However, she also noted that this garlic trick may have a little bit of science behind it. She said: “This hasn’t come out of nowhere. There have been studies that have looked into how taking garlic can possibly lower high cholesterol levels.
“However the results from these studies have been mixed and the results definitely don’t outweigh the benefits we know statins can provide.” Garlic costs around £0.80 at most high street supermarkets for packs of three or four bulbs.
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Dr Tosin noted that while statins have proven benefits, some people want to stop taking the medication because of the side effects they experience. Those on the medication were told to contact their doctor if they spot any of the common side effects.
She said: “Please speak to your doctor because there are lots of options that we can explore.” The NHS also notes that of the five types of statins available in the UK, not all of them are suitable for everyone.
Patients may need to try different types until they find the one that works for them. Common side effects of statins, according to the NHS:
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Headache
Dizziness
Feeling sick
Feeling unusually tired or physically weak
Digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting
Muscle pain
Sleep problems
Low blood platelet count
Statins are a common group of medicines that can help lower cholesterol levels. Having high cholesterol is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ as it won’t trigger many symptoms on its own but can lead to devastating medical events like heart attacks.
People are usually prescribed statins if they are diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease or have a family history of this and lifestyle changes haven’t reduced their risk of developing it too.
Statins are often taken in tablet form every day, although the exact dose will depend on your own personal circumstances. Most people have to take this medication for life even once their cholesterol levels have come down in order to prevent it from rising again.
The former Admiral Court nursing home, located at the junction of Cleveland Road and West View Road in Hartlepool, will be torn down in the coming weeks after years of community complaints and a prolonged legal dispute.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Residents have waited a long time for this moment, and I’d like to thank them for their patience.
“This has been an extremely complex and challenging issue, but the council has never given up on securing the right outcome.
“I am delighted to be able to confirm that work is finally about to begin and I’d like to thank the local councillors who have fought so hard for action over many years and to all of the council officers who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point.
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“The demolition of Admiral Court represents an important step in improving the local environment and responding to concerns raised by the community and it is another example of our commitment to improve neighbourhoods and restore pride in communities across the borough through our Pride in Place programme.
“Removing this derelict building will make a real difference to the appearance and safety of this important gateway to the Headland.”
The site has been renowned for arson, vandalism and fly-tipping. (Image: Google Maps)
The long-abandoned building has attracted vandalism, fly-tipping, and arson, raising serious concerns among residents and councillors who have repeatedly called for its removal.
Hartlepool Borough Council confirmed that a demolition contractor has now been appointed, bringing an end to what it described as “an exceptionally complex matter.”
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The clearance is part of the council’s wider Pride in Place programme, which aims to restore pride in neighbourhoods across the borough.
Councillor Hargreaves praised the determination of both local councillors and council staff, saying their sustained efforts have made the demolition possible.
Further updates on the demolition timeline and site clearance will be issued by Hartlepool Borough Council as the project progresses.
Ring in the season of rebirth and renewal (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Spring is the astrological New Year’s season, the perfect time to make a commitment, a shift, a step towards growth and new horizons.
Rebirth and reinvention feel more natural right now than January 1.
After the heaviness of winter, this is about small, intentional shifts that change your trajectory.
So, here’s the one step, ritual or action your star sign needs to take this spring.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Do the hard stuff first
This spring, pick the one task you keep mentally rehearsing — the application, the conversation, the booking — and do it within 72 hours of reading this! Action restores your confidence faster than reassurance.
Stop looking for comfort or reasons to delay and start taking the steps that will break this issue down, start to address it, and get things moving. It’s all going to go a lot better than you think.
Decluttering is a natural spring task but when you look around your home, it can feel utterly overwhelming. So, start small. One area a week, one small step. I guarantee it will change your mood and momentum. Pick one drawer. One wardrobe rail. One digital folder.
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Taurus energy is deeply tied to comfort and security — and clutter quietly blocks both. As you purge and clear the space, your mental headspace will declutter too, leaving room for new thinking and ideas.
You’re brilliant at keeping things light (in fact it’s a default habit), but something unsaid has been lingering. Clarity matters more than charm right now. You must express your feelings fully, vulnerably, and without varnish or gloss. Other folk need to hear this. And then they need to sit with it.
Don’t try and have all the answers. You are looking for an ally, for support, for understanding, but above all a willingness to work together to help resolve this.
You give endlessly — emotionally, practically, quietly. This spring, make non-negotiable time for your own self nurturing, whether that’s done in or outside the house.
Putting your needs and interests and desires first is not selfish. It’s necessary to keep your wellbeing and mental state on point. When you refill your own cup, you stop feeling resentful and start feeling radiant. Whatever it is that you really want to do…. do it once a week on this special night!
You’ve outgrown something (maybe a role or relationship or expectation), but you’re still dressing, speaking or behaving like the old version of you. Cue refreshing something tangible and visible (so that you see and feel it) — hair, wardrobe, routine, stationery, CV, photos, decor.
Leo energy blooms when seen. And this is not a vanity move, this is about aligning your outside with your inside and making your new, true self visible. It will feel so good and you really don’t ever need much of an excuse for a glow up
You’ve been holding yourself to a perfect standard (that no one else does or explicitly asked you to). Perfect parent. Perfect partner. Perfect employee.
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Choose a standard that has felt heavy or impossible recently and consciously lower it. Notice when you start to drift back towards it and distract your thoughts with a mantra, conversation or music. Keep drowning out that inner judge. Done is better than perfect. The mental space you reclaim will do more for your progress than self-criticism ever has.
The season of procrastination or seeking outside validation or permission is over. This spring, choose something based purely on what you want. Go ahead and invest, say yes, commit, book it, plan it, pay for it, do it.
Take one bold leap into the unknown that excites you, and do it without really telling anyone else about it. Own your life choices, feel powerful.
Scorpios are built to hold grudges and seek revenge, even the sweetest, nicest ones! But something you’re holding onto is draining more energy than it’s worth.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to reunite, reconnect or even meet. This could simply be a mental shift and processing that releases you from this feud. Write it down, rip it up, block them, archive the message — whatever symbolises closure for you.
You are a freedom seeker, a traveller, a character greedy for expansion and growth. If you’ve felt flat, it’s because you’ve been stuck in routine. So, book a trip, a course, a day out — even if it’s small.
Optimism is created by having something meaningful and exciting on your horizon, something to aim for and work towards. This will put instant pep into this spring season.
You have endured something with great maturity and patience but now it’s time to advocate for yourself. Whether that’s a pay rise, clearer boundaries, or more support at home — speak up.
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By valuing yourself and setting this standard, you are teaching others how to treat you in the future so this is not only worthwhile in the moment, but also the long run. Get what you’re owed and what you deserve. Be authoritative about this. It’s time to stand up.
The petty and mundane details of everyday life have pulled you into the weeds lately and you’ve felt overwhelmed by itty bitty humdrum ‘adulting’. Step back and ask: what am I building long term? Revisit an old idea. Update a forgotten goal.
It’s time to look beyond the here and now and reactivate your innovative spirit by designing a fresh new future. Change your outlook, expand your mindset, think lon- term, create a vision board that inspires you.
When life feels overwhelming, you have a tendency to drift — scrolling, daydreaming, postponing, fantasising, escaping. This spring asks you to restore some gentle discipline in your everyday routine. Create one simple daily ritual: morning walk, journalling, 20 minutes of focused work.
Structure is means of stabilising you, so that the day feels manageable, easier, organised and, from there, your imagination and creativity have more space to roam and expand.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
Zoe Turnbull, 46, has won a compensation payout against William McBurnie after the violent thug rammed his car through a funeral parlour.
Horrifying moment ex-cop ploughs car through window of ex-partner’s shop
Horror CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment a former police officer ploughed his car into his ex-partner’s funeral directors business while she was inside with her elderly mum. Zoe Turnbull has won a compensation payout against William McBurnie after the violent thug rammed his car through a funeral parlour.
McBurnie, 58, narrowly missed the 46-year-old and her 71-year-old mother, Beverly, after he drove his vehicle at speed through the building during a booze-fuelled rage. McBurnie was jailed for 11 years after he pleaded guilty to the attempted murders of the pair at the High Court in Livingston in 2024.
Footage of the shocking incident showed McBurnie’s vehicle approaching the shop at an alarming speed. The motor then ploughed through the window of Zoe’s shop. Zoe and her mother can be seen diving against a wall at the side of the room the vehicle narrowly misses smashing into both women.
Debris can be seen flying through the shop as the car smashes through the glass front. McBurnie can then be seen getting out of the car before making an exit. Zoe was left with hearing loss and injuries to her back and legs and, with the help of Digby Brown, she launched a legal action against McBurnie. Her solicitors have now confirmed to the Record that the case has been settled.
The amount Zoe received is unknown but Mairi Day, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, confirmed the legal action against the disgraced former police officer had ended. She said: “What happened to Zoe and her mother was life-changing – they suffered physical and emotional harm that will likely impact them both forever.
“After everything Zoe has gone through she has understandably requested privacy so I will not discuss the particulars of her civil action other than to confirm the case has now settled. I hope the end of the criminal and civil proceedings means Zoe can finally close this distressing chapter and focus on a positive future.”
Speaking after sentencing in 2024, Zoe described McBurnie as a “forceful monster” as she welcomed the jail term handed down by the judge. She said: “Finally, after two years of physical, emotional and practical chaos, we have justice. McBurnie was the Jekyll and Hyde of Jedburgh – charming in public but dangerous behind the scenes.
“I believe the attempt on my life happened because he knew he was losing his grip on me and this extreme act was some warped and cowardly attempt to control things. He was just a forceful monster who encroached on our lives and used violence to get his own way.
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“That man has shamed himself, the police service and his family – objectively, after what he did, jail really is the only place for him. I am grateful to everyone who supported us from the community to the NHS to the police and prosecutors who put him behind bars.
“My mother and I now hope to put this painful chapter behind us so we request our privacy is respected as we move forwards. But as a final note I’d just like to say to anyone suffering from domestic abuse – whether man or woman – please do not feel like you are alone, or trapped or have no options and please don’t wait for the worst to happen before acting. You have a voice and there are so many people around you ready to listen – and act – so you can get the help you need.”
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A wellness centre featuring a steam room, cold room, sauna, treatment spaces, and communal spaces was also proposed. The applicants said the glamping pods would offer “luxury accommodation” to people travelling from areas such as Peterborough, Wisbech, and Birmingham.
They added that the wellness centre would provide a “unique selling point” for the site and would be for people “seeking a relaxing retreat”. Fenland District Council has approved the plans.
The council planning officer said the site proposed to “redevelop a disused go-kart track” for “local community use”. A planning officer added: “It represents minimal issues in terms of visual or residential amenity and is acceptable in respect of highway safety.
“It will also enable small economic growth within a rural area and will improve local biodiversity and the overall character of the area.” Before approval, the plans were welcomed by locals, who submitted 12 supportive comments and no objections.
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One person in Williams Way, Manea, said the retreat was a “great idea” and it was a “lovely area” for it to be built in. Another resident in Landau Way, March said it would be a “great asset” to the town.
They added: “A wellness centre is something we do not have locally and would also be a great addition to the town. Creek Fen is a nice quiet location and has lots of wildlife around.”
Another person in Newlands Avenue, March, said: “What a wonderful idea, a sanctuary for people to relax and unwind, in a surrounding that feels like you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Manchester United’s summer transfer window is already taking shape despite uncertainty reigning over Michael Carrick’s future
After seeing such success from their 2025 signings, Manchester United will no doubt be targeting more of the same this summer. However, their success in the market could depend as much on deals for players leaving the club as it will on new arrivals.
The interim manager could well end up being appointed permanently if the team can return to European football’s premier competition. With that in mind, Mirror Football dissects the latest transfer stories revolving around Old Trafford this week
Many a United fan was disappointed to see Scott McTominay leave his boyhood club for Napoli in the summer of 2024. And after getting so much value out of the Scot, the Italian giants will aim to repeat that same magic.
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That’s after it emerged Napoli are targeting as many as four soon-to-be out-of-contract United players this summer. Antonio Conte’s side could have another batch of bargains on their hands if their Old Trafford fishing expedition comes off – and reunite McTominay with one or more former United colleagues.
CalcioNapoli24 has reported Napoli are lining up moves for Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Tom Heaton. Each among the quartet are currently due to see their deals expire this summer.
Maguire, 33, is also reportedly in advanced talks to put pen to paper on a new short-term contract, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein. It’s been claimed the England defender could almost halve his wages in order to stay put at Old Trafford, but the prospect of starting afresh in Naples may also appeal.
Napoli are free to discuss terms with any of the four players now they’re each in the final six months of their respective deals. Both McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, who has been on loan with the Serie A club this season, can vouch that the grass is sometimes greener elsewhere.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
Man Utd linked with Alphonso Davies
In the event Malacia does depart at the end of this season, Alphonso Davies could arrive as cover at left-back. The Canadian has been out of Vincent Kompany’s plans this term due to repeat injury issues, including an ACL tear that kept him sidelined at the start of the campaign.
But Bild’s Christian Falk has reported United are very much interested in his signature. The club wants fresh competition for Luke Shaw, who has weathered his own share of injury setbacks but still remains highly favoured for the role when fit.
Diogo Dalot has returned to playing right-back on a more permanent basis since Carrick took over in January. Patrick Dorgu was also signed to fill in on the left flank, but it appears his future could be further upfield.
That’s said to have turned United toward Davies, who is barely 12 months into a Bayern contract that’s due to run until 2030. However, the appropriate offer could convince Die Roten to sell after seemingly growing disillusioned with the value they’re getting in light of his injury issues.
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You may need to call up Nationwide about the issue
Nationwide Building Society has outlined its rules regarding changes to accounts. The organisation issued the clarification after an enquiry from a customer.
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The customer reached out to the group on social media, explaining that they held a credit card and a savings account with Nationwide. They asked: “I’ve recently opened up a joint account with my partner. How long does this take to appear on my mobile banking app?”
With a joint account, both individuals can access and withdraw funds from the account using separate cards. Should there be an overdraft, both parties share joint liability for it. At Nationwide, you will both be members of the building society, though only the first named account holder will be entitled to cast their vote on matters where customers have a say.
Responding to the customer, Nationwide said: “It can take seven days for the account to show on your account list, if it’s been longer than this please call us on 03457 302011 to look into this further.” Nationwide has previously pledged to retain all of its existing high street branches until at least 2030.
The organisation confirmed it will not shut any of its 605 branches unless circumstances outside its control compel it to do so. Dame Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide Building Society, said: “Our customers can be confident that they can bank with us whichever way they choose.
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“Branches are important to our customers, to communities, and to the health of our high streets. That’s why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open in addition to our investment in online and telephone channels.”
Stephen Noakes, director of retail at Nationwide, recently spoke to MPs about the significance of maintaining a high street presence for the building society. He revealed that 56 percent of customers have used face-to-face services over the past year,
He told the Treasury Committee that these services hold particular importance for older customers. He said: “We are probably seeing a disproportionate number of those customers who are offline, but I think it is good for the development of the banking sector that you have a large mutual – it is not just ourselves; other building societies are in the same situation – that will continue to do more channel of choice.”
“Eleven million students complete Grade 12 [final school year in India] each year, with roughly 1.5-1.7 million falling within the top academic bracket. India’s top-tier institutions admit only about 200,000 of them annually,” Aritra Ghosal of OneStep Global, which helps foreign universities enter the Indian market, told the BBC.
Call police if you see man wanted on recall to prison with links to Cambs
A man wanted on recall to prison has links to a Cambridgeshire city. Hertfordshire Police is appealing for information to find Michael Pomroy, 41.
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Pomroy, who is also known as Michael Reynolds, has links to Stevenage, Peterborough and Luton. A police spokesperson said: “We are appealing to the public for their help in locating a wanted man.
“Michael Pomroy, aged 41 and also known as Michael Reynolds, is wanted on recall to prison. He has links to Stevenage, Peterborough and Luton.” Anyone with information should call police on 101 or report it online.
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