Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called at around 4.50am on Saturday, March 28, to reports of a collision on Market Street, Stoneclough, where a vehicle had struck a residential property.

Roads in the area were cordoned off as police launched an investigation.

The crash caused extensive damage to the home, with the vehicle ploughing through an iron fence and front door before coming to rest inside the hallway.

The vehicle had gone through the iron railing fence into the home (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Homeowner Tony Walters, 72, described the moment of the impact, saying: “I was asleep, I thought a bomb had gone off.

“There’s been significant structural damage to my house.

“The vehicle went straight through my steel iron railings and front door and came to rest in the hallway.

“I was in shock.”

“Thankfully, my wife is away at our holiday home, so it was just me and my son. We’re not injured, but the house is very badly damaged,” he added.

Tony said: “It’s also damaged my neighbour’s property, taking parts off the wall and sending a brick through a window.”

More pictures from the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

A nearby bus stop was also hit and later removed due to the damage.

Emergency services, including officers. and fire crews, attended the scene, with fire crews saying it was a police led incident.

A Bolton Council Highway Maintenance vehicle arrived to help clear the scene (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The Serious Collision Unit was on the scene throughout the day carrying out investigations.

The car was removed late afternoon , and council highway maintenance teams attended to clear debris and take away a damaged Bee Network bus stop sign.

A large cordon remained in place for much of the day, affecting sections of Market Street and surrounding roads.

Roads remained closed throughout the day (Image: Phil Taylor)

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “There is significant damage to a house and enquiries are ongoing to understand the collision and how it occurred.

“To help understand the full circumstances, officers are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident or of the moments leading up to the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 547 of 28/03/2026.

Information can also be shared via GMP’s online reporting tools or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris, and detained a person, authorities say.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors have begun an investigation after a man allegedly tried to ignite an improvised explosive device close to the US bank’s premises.

The incident happened early on Saturday when officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near the building in the capital’s 8th arrondissement, or district, according to RTL radio, citing police sources.

One of the suspects, who was holding a lighter, was attempting to light a device, RTL said.

He was arrested in the area at around 3.25am local time (2.25am UK time) and was taken into custody, according to Le Parisien.

The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

The detained suspect told police he had been contacted via Snapchat and paid 600 euros (£520) to carry out the act, adding he was driven to the scene by another person, ⁠Le Parisien reported.

The newspaper said the device consisted of a 5-litre container ​filled with an unidentified liquid and an explosive charge made of 650g ​of powder.

It was secured and handed over to forensic experts from the Paris police laboratory, according to Le Parisien.

The Paris police authority declined to comment.

“We are aware of the situation and are communicating with the authorities,” a Bank of America spokesperson said.

An investigation into alleged terrorism-related offences has been opened by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, or PNAT.

The suspected offences include attempted damage by fire or by a dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, and involvement in a terrorist criminal association.

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France’s interior minister Laurent Nunez praised officers, saying on social media: “Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris.

“Vigilance remains at a very high level.

“I commend all security and intelligence forces, fully mobilised under my authority in the current international context.”

Since the Iran war started, French authorities have strengthened the protection of Iranian opposition figures and increased security around sites that may be a target, including those linked to US interests and to the Jewish community, Mr Nunez previously said.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff 6-2 4-6 6-3 to retain her Miami Open title and extend her exceptional start to 2026.

Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, is the fifth female player – and the first since Iga Swiatek in 2022 – to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’ by winning titles at Indian Wells and Miami in the same season.

Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters and Steffi Graf are the other three women to have previously achieved that feat.

Sabalenka has won three WTA Tour titles and 23 of her 24 matches during this calendar year.

Her only loss was in January’s Australian Open final to world number two Elena Rybakina, who had been the only player to win a set against Sabalenka in 2026 before American Gauff sent the Miami final into a decider.

In exploring lost and abandoned villages dating back to the 13th century, The Northern Echo has uncovered several places that no longer appear on modern maps but are recorded in historical documents and guides.

Lost and abandoned villages of Darlington and County Durham

Old Richmond

Located near Gainford in the civil parish of Barforth, Old Richmond is one such vanished settlement.

Barforth, situated in the Teesdale district of County Durham, had a population of just 77 at the time of the 2001 Census, remaining under 100 by 2011.

Due to its small size, details are now preserved within the nearby parish of Ovington.

Positioned along the northern banks of the River Tees, Barforth is home to the remains of Old Richmond.

Though the village itself has disappeared, several historic structures survive, including a dovecote, the ruins of St Lawrence’s Chapel and the still-inhabited Barforth Hall.

Ulnaby

Ulnaby is another deserted village with deep historical roots.

Recognised as an ancient monument, it lies within the grounds of Ulnaby Hall Farm near High Coniscliffe.

This former “toft” village was occupied from the late 13th century until the 16th century. Temporary buildings were later added during the 19th century.

Ulnaby Hall Farm, which dates from the late 16th century, is believed to have replaced an important medieval manorial enclosure connected to the original settlement.

The village once covered around 6.6 hectares, with visible ridge and furrow farming remains to the north and west.

An 1841 document refers to three named fields in the area: Back Field, Eastern Field and the Garths, along with New Acridge Carr to the south.

Whessoe

The medieval village of Whessoe once stood on the northern edge of what is now Faverdale, between High Faverdale and Whessoe Grange farms.

For centuries, earthworks and fragments of medieval buildings marked the site.

However, these remains were levelled in the 1950s.

Up until the mid-20th century, the surrounding area was largely rural, made up of properties including Faverdale House, Middle and High Faverdale farms, Cockerton Grange and Rise Carr.

Originally part of the Cockerton civil parish, the area was incorporated into Darlington in 1915.

Do you remember any of these villages? Let us know in the comments.

Officers were called at 5.55am on Saturday to Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe, to reports of a young woman being found unconscious, West Yorkshire Police said.

She was found to have suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Four people – two women aged 18, a man aged 20 and a boy aged 17 – were all arrested from a nearby address on suspicion of murder, police said.

All four remain in police custody and a crime scene is in place while officers carry out further inquiries.

The victim remains unidentified and inquiries are ongoing to identify her, police said.

Detectives are also releasing details of her identity in the hope that someone will recognise her.

She is of slim build and has tanned skin. She is described as 5ft 2ins tall and believed to be in her mid to late teens, with green eyes and brown hair with darker roots and blonder ends.

She also has fixed metal braces to her upper and lower teeth.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Marc Bowes said: “This is an extremely complex investigation where a young woman has sadly lost her life.

“We are treating her death as murder and have arrested four people in connection with it.

“Despite carrying out extensive inquiries throughout the course of today we have not yet been able to confirm her identity.

“We hope by releasing these details that someone will recognise who she is and come forward.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who was in the Kennerleigh Avenue area in the early hours of this morning, or anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the vicinity.”

If you can assist this investigation then call 101, or use the live chat options at westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat, quoting log 280 of 28 March.

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Britain’s Got Talent hosts Ant and Dec ‘changed the rules’ after one act’s future was hanging in the balance

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Britain’s Got Talent presenters Ant and Dec were forced to intervene and ‘change the rules’ after one contestant’s future on the show hung in the balance.

During Saturday’s (March 28) episode of the popular ITV talent programme, judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI returned to our screens in their quest to discover the next standout act.

With a £250,000 prize and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance up for grabs, it comes as no surprise that the contestants pulled out all the stops to impress the panel.

One performer in particular caused quite a stir. Kevin Hogg, widely regarded as a dance legend and known as Gateshead’s very own MC Tazo, stepped onto the stage and set about winning over the crowd with his MC abilities.

With his wife and two children, Tyler and Riley, watching proudly from the audience, he encouraged everyone to get to their feet and dance as he performed an original track dedicated entirely to Britain’s Got Talent, reports Belfast Live.

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KSI was clearly won over, with the musician and YouTuber dancing along and declaring Tazo’s song a “banger”. Fellow judge Simon was equally entertained and awarded him a ‘yes’.

Amanda and Alesha, however, were less enthusiastic and both delivered a ‘no’. With three ‘yesses’ required to advance to the next round, it appeared Tazo’s journey was over.

Yet Geordie hosts Ant and Dec had other ideas, stepping in to ‘change the rules’ and securing his place in the next round. As Ant walked onto the stage, he asked: “Can we just give a ‘yes’ then that will be three ‘yesses’?”

With the audience applauding, Simon responded: “OK right, I changed the rules.” Gesturing towards KSI, he clarified: “Two ‘yesses’, four ‘yesses’, he is through.”

Meanwhile, viewers were left puzzled by Simon’s surprising response to another act, with some suggesting “he’s lost the plot”.

Japanese music group Arubai appeared on stage and performed one of Queen’s most iconic songs in a style never before seen on the BGT platform. Their rendition of Don’t Stop Me Now was delivered as a Japanese punk number.

Simon was the only judge to vote ‘yes’, a decision that promptly sparked debate amongst fans who flocked to social media to voice their opinions.

One viewer posted on X: “wtf has happened to Simon he’s lost the plot #bgt.” Another queried: “Simon liked it.? #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”

Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturday nights on ITV and ITVX.

For Caster Semenya, the new Olympics rules are not about providing clarity and protecting women’s sport but caving into political pressure, and are discriminatory.

Having fought athletics chiefs over her own gender eligibility, the double Olympic champion is shaping up for a new battle with the International Olympic Committee.

“If we have to say women must stop taking part in Olympics, so be it,” the South African said in an exclusive interview with Sky News.

“I will encourage athletes to come together as a class action … because this does not make sense. It does not save women’s sport.”

The South African is encouraging a challenge against the landmark decision to reintroduce sex testing alongside banning transgender women and athletes – like herself – with differences in sex development (DSD) from women’s competitions.

“I’m fighting for women’s dignity,” Semenya said. “Those who say, ‘I am not going to be tested to prove that I’m a woman’ … I will encourage them to do that to stop this nonsense.”

This goes beyond sport since Donald Trump seized on stopping “men beat and batter female athletes”.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic champion swimmer, and many other women in sport now align with the US president.

The Zimbabwean determined it is not fair for biological males to compete in the female competitions because physiological advantages of having gone through male puberty, or the presence of XY chromosomes, can be the difference in determining medals.

“This regulation is totally shameful,” Semenya said. “It’s something that her as a president should have not allowed such to happen.”

But the IOC has said there is at least a 10% advantage in most running and swimming events for men – rising beyond 100% for sports requiring “explosive power” like boxing, which creates dangers beyond fairness of competitions.

I put this to Semenya.

“Based on what?” she responded. “There’s no scientific proof about what has been said. It’s an ideology.”

The full scientific research behind the decision has not been published. Nor has the IOC said what has changed in recent years scientifically or medically.

But is it not clear in combat sports there are safety concerns when a biological woman takes on a fighter who was born a man, with higher testosterone levels and greater muscle mass?

“What do you expect in boxing?” Semenya responded. “We understand that it’s a dangerous sport. We all sign in, in all sporting codes, knowing that there are safety precautions.

“There are risks, but you cannot come and then try to measure someone’s power based on how they look because you think they’re intersex or you think that they’re transgender.”

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Semenya has become the face of scrutiny of eligibility rules since her gender was questioned based on her appearance after winning gold at the world athletics championships as a 19-year-old in 2009.

Enforced verification tests showed that while she always identified as female and had female traits, Semenya also had the typical male XY chromosome pattern and high levels of naturally occurring testosterone.

After being cleared to race, Semenya was still able to win Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016.

But then she refused to artificially reduce her hormone levels as required by World Athletics and lost further legal challenges. So the 35-year-old now coaches.

Mandatory sex verification testing for all entrants into Olympic women’s events will ensure a competitor isn’t singled out for tests because they might have masculine characteristics.

The IOC’s stance has transformed since ruling out a return to the “bad old days” of sex testing during Paris 2024 when Thomas Bach was in charge.

But Semenya said: “There is no respect for women. The minute you start asking a woman to be tested to take part in sports, that’s not dignity.”

When the IOC said this policy would apply to all their events I asked Ms Coventry if that includes the Youth Olympics. It does, meaning girls as young as 15 will have to take sex tests.

She said: “We really went above and beyond, I think, talking to a lot of different athletes, around how the process should be followed and what does that look like, and the support networks that need to be in place.”

For Semenya this just adds to safeguarding issues.

“Testing a girl, a child, it is harmful and it is shameful,” she said.

Will the rules stand up to a legal challenge ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

While Semenya says she is fighting for the dignity of women, the IOC insists this is about protecting the safety and integrity of women’s sport but could need to produce more evidence.

Now recovered from an arm injury that forced the initial postponement of this show in January, Itauma is looking to make the biggest statement of his career so far against what on paper is his toughest test, one he sees as the final piece of the puzzle before pursuing world title opportunities. Franklin has never scaled the heights of boxing’s glamour division but is a tough and durable customer who gave Whyte plenty of trouble before dropping a close decision back in 2022 and was then beaten but not stopped by Anthony Joshua.

Britain’s Got Talent made a return to ITV on Saturday with a brand new episode

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Britain’s Got Talent hosts Ant and Dec were forced to step in and ‘change the rules’ after one act’s fate was left hanging in the balance.

During Saturday’s (March 28) episode of the ITV hit talent show, judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI were back on our screens as they searched for the next big act.

It comes as no surprise that they went all out in a bid to impress the panel and win the £250,000 cash prize as well as a spot on the bill of the Royal Variety Performance.

However it was one performer that caused quite a stir. Kevin Hogg, who is known as a dance legend and Gateshead’s own MC Tazo, took to the stage and attempted to win over everyone with his MC skills.

As his wife and two children, Tyler and Riley, watched on from the crowd, he invited everyone in the audience to get up and dance as he MC’d his way through an original track all about Britain’s Got Talent.

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It was clear that KSI was a big fan as the musician and YouTuber danced along and described Tazo’s song as a “banger”. Fellow judge Simon also enjoyed the performance and gave him a ‘yes’.

However Amanda and Alesha weren’t feeling it and ultimately they weren’t that impressed and said ‘no’. It looked like Tazo was heading home as he needed three ‘yesses’ from the judges to go through to the next round.

But Geordie hosts Ant and Dec were not going to let that happen as they stepped in to ‘change the rules’ and put him through to the next round.

Walking onto the stage, Ant asked: “Can we just give a ‘yes’ then that will be three ‘yesses’?” As the crowd cheered, Simon replied: “OK right, I changed the rules.” Pointing at KSI he explained: “Two ‘yesses’, four ‘yesses’, he is through.”

It comes as elsewhere viewers were left baffled after Simon”s unexpected reaction to one act insisting “he’s lost the plot”.

Music group Arubai from Japan took to the stage and transformed one of Queen’s biggest hits into a genre yet to be heard on the BGT stage. They performed Don’t Stop Me Now as a Japanese punk track.

Simon was the only judge to say ‘yes’ and that moment didn’t go unnoticed by fans as they rushed straight to social media to share their reaction.

One fan wrote on X: “wtf has happened to Simon he’s lost the plot #bgt.” Another questioned: “Simon liked it.? #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”

Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturday nights on ITV and ITVX.

BBC One viewers shared their excitement as one show returned for its fifth year

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BBC One audiences shared identical reactions within moments of The Big Night of Musicals beginning, as the beloved event returned to television for its fifth year.

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals came back on Saturday, March 28 on BBC One with comedian Jason Manford returning as presenter.

This year, viewers enjoyed special performances from some of Britain’s most prominent West End and touring shows including The Lion King and Wicked.

Taking to the stage were recognisable performers including Eurovision star Sam Ryder in a world exclusive, delivering a stunning performance from Jesus Christ Superstar before his debut in the production this summer. X Factor’s Alexandra Burke was also scheduled to perform as Chaka Khan in I’m Every Woman.

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Broadcasting on BBC One at 7.45pm, it had been previewed: “Back for a fifth year and filmed in front of an audience of 12,000 at Manchester’s AO Arena, the show brings together some of the biggest and most exciting productions currently on stage alongside exclusive previews of shows opening this year and unique one-off collaborations created especially for the night.”

Within minutes of the programme starting, viewers expressed the same sentiment as they flocked to social media to voice their enthusiasm, reports the Mirror.

Writing on X, one viewer said: “Hooray they’ve gone back to the original show and not showing clips.” Another posted: “Been looking forward to this #BigNightofMusicals.”

A third viewer posted: “#bignightofmusicals I defy anyone who says they don’t get musical theatre to watch #thelionking and not be moved.”

A fourth wrote: “I’ve waited a very long time to watch #BigNightOfMusicals, it’s finally here!!”

One person shared: “Love Big Night Of Musicals on BBC1 but I’m in floods of tears as they started with Lion King. Great one this time as I’ve seen most of the shows on tonight’s one.”

Another said: “Fuming I didn’t get tickets for The Big Night Of Musicals this year because Lion King would’ve had me sobbing.”

One BBC audience member remarked: “I love Big Night of Musicals” while another contributed: “#BigNightOfMusicals is pure joy. Love it!”

The programme opened with a special performance from The Lion King, which moved viewers to tears, before continuing with Oliver the musical and The Producers featuring Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin.

Big Night of Musicals is available on BBC iPlayer