A+E After Dark series 7 captures unprecedented access to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital A&E department, showing the night shift reality for NHS staff

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The gripping documentary series A+E After Dark makes its return for a seventh series on Thursday evening on 5 Star.

This new season has been filmed within the A&E departments of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Newham Hospital in East London, and Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The programme provides extraordinary access to the night shifts where staff come under immense pressure, face violent incidents and make critical life-or-death decisions.

The opening episode features disturbing racist abuse directed at an A&E nurse in Newham, desperate efforts to save both a stabbing victim and their attacker in Norwich, and four injured young men involved in a 70mph collision during adverse weather conditions in Belfast.

A synopsis for episode one states: “At Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, doctors race to save both victim and attacker after a shocking stabbing brings two critically injured men into A+E at the same time.”, reports the Mirror.

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“In Belfast, a high-speed crash during extreme weather leaves multiple patients at risk of spinal injuries, while an elderly woman undergoes a painful procedure for a broken femur.

“Meanwhile in Newham, security intervene when a patient refuses to stop live streaming inside the department, and in Norwich, a team fights to restart a patient’s heart during a sudden cardiac arrest.”

In a chilling preview clip of the Belfast collision, four young men are seen being rushed into the department following a high-impact car crash at 70mph.

The programme then shows Doctor Michael assessing one of the front-seat passengers, David, who is experiencing considerable discomfort. In a recorded segment, Doctor Michael elaborates: “Obviously, the faster the car is going, the more severe injuries you will get.”

While examining David, Doctor Michael indicates the patient will require X-rays of his face, neck, lower back and knees to ensure there are no fractures or breaks.

This comes as NHS England sadly reports a three-year peak in violence directed towards staff. Nearly 1 in 7 NHS employees (14.47%) suffered physical assaults from patients or members of the public last year, with a record figure of staff experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour, climbing steeply to almost 1 in 3 ambulance personnel (31%), while 9% reported encountering discrimination – the highest proportion ever documented, according to fresh statistics from NHS England.

A+E After Dark documents the unrelenting nature of nocturnal emergency care throughout the UK. The latest series tracks committed teams in Belfast, Newham and Norwich as they contend with fatigue, overcrowding and mounting violence while striving to preserve lives.

**A+E After Dark airs on 5 Star at 9pm on Thursday 2 April and is available to stream on My5. You can follow the series on **Facebook** and **Instagram** and **TikTok.

Waste linked to Emily Scurrah, of Bessingby Gate, Bridlington, was discovered dumped on land off Gypsey Road in the town on May 13, 2023.

An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson said despite requests, she did not attend an interview under caution with officers, so the case was taken to court. 

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Scurrah appeared before Hull Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 20, where she pleaded guilty to an offence of failing in her duty of care to ensure her waste was disposed of legally.

The council spokesperson said she told the court she had paid two men to take away her rubbish but had not checked whether they were authorised waste carriers.

She was fined £120 and ordered to pay £459.15 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Carl Skelton, director of streetscene services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Waste found dumped, like in this case, could have easily been put in a wheelie bin at home, which are provided by the council. 

“Even if you give your waste to someone else to dispose of you are still responsible for that waste and where it ends up. 

“Fly-tipping is never acceptable.”

The film is not currently streaming anywhere but fans have a chance to see the underrated gem

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A ‘original’ sci-fi film penned by the writers behind the ‘best horror movie ever’ is set to air on television tonight.

The film, 65, first hit screens in 2023 and offers movie enthusiasts the perfect way to kick off their extended bank holiday weekend. According to its synopsis, the narrative follows a solitary pilot named Mills, who after a devastating crash, finds himself on an uncharted planet.

He swiftly realises he’s actually stranded on Earth… 65 million years in the past. With just one opportunity for rescue, Mills and the sole other survivor, Koa, must traverse an unfamiliar landscape teeming with hazardous prehistoric creatures in a monumental battle for survival.

Those wishing to catch the film can do so tonight (April 2) from 9pm on Film4. Viewers should ensure they tune in to avoid missing it, as at the time of writing the title is not currently available on any streaming platform. Alternatively, audiences can catch it on Film4+1, where the film will commence an hour later at 10pm, reports the Mirror.

Adam Driver, renowned for his portrayal of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, heads up the cast as Mills, alongside Ariana Greenblatt as Koa. Greenblatt, a former Disney actress, has since featured in Barbie, Borderlands and Now You See Me Now You Don’t.

The film was penned and helmed by the writing duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The pair are best recognised for crafting the original horror thriller A Quiet Place before passing the franchise’s creative reins to John Krasinski. They collaborated again on Heretic, with audiences hailing both their spine-tingling works as ‘one of the best horror movies ever’

However, 65 didn’t replicate the box office triumph of their earlier work. It generated just $60 million globally against a $45 million production budget. Despite receiving a rather disappointing 35% score on Rotten Tomatoes, numerous viewers insist it merits attention.

One critic, revisiting the film, offered a reassessed perspective on its value several years following its debut.

The film provides a gripping sci-fi survival tale where action propels a story of solitude and human connection. Enthusiasts of creature features and suspense will value its compact structure, emphasising impact and rhythm, mirroring the legacy of dinosaur films that have consistently occupied a distinctive space in blockbuster entertainment.

Numerous viewers go as far as completely rejecting the unfavourable critical assessments. Its economical 93-minute duration is also praised as a welcome alternative to enduring a lengthy marathon viewing experience.

One enthusiast went as far as declaring it the “best dinosaur movie ever made”, with numerous viewers drawing comparisons to its superior action sequences when stacked up against the Jurassic World franchise. Another viewer enthused: “This film deserves 10 STARS!!! Instant Classic!!!”

A further viewer proclaimed: “This movie checked off all the boxes. Space travel, dinosaurs, suspense, emotional connection, and Adam Driver! It doesn’t waste any time grabbing your attention, and the compelling story line is a great ride all the way through.”

Not everyone is in agreement, however, with some expressing disappointment primarily with the film’s conclusion. Others contend that 65 was denied a fair opportunity at the box office, having been released alongside major franchise blockbusters such as John Wick 4, Shazam 2, Scream VI and Creed III.

Perhaps the most glowing endorsement came from one viewer who commented: “Think Jurassic Park but much better and believe me when I say a lot better. This is that rare science fiction action movie that people have tried to make but didn’t get it right. Here, they finally not only got it right but they excelled!! Plus, real life marine Adam Driver is top notch in a really exciting movie.”

65 airs tonight at 9pm on Film4.

U.S. egg prices have fallen 60% from last year’s record highs, making it easier for consumers to fill their Easter baskets and Passover Seder plates.

Bird flu was to blame for elevated retail prices during the first five months of 2025, and the course of the highly contagious disease is a big reason why prices are much lower now. An outbreak forced farmers and commercial producers to slaughter entire broods of egg-laying hens, but ebbing cases in the second half of last year helped restore egg supplies, said Mark Jordan, the executive director of agricultural research firm LEAP Market Analytics.

The stubborn outbreak is still affecting U.S. poultry flocks, with the number of infected commercial flocks rising in March. But farmers have been rapidly replenishing flocks that died or had to be destroyed. Between July 2024 and July 2025 the number of egg-type chicks hatched in the U.S. rose 8%. It was the first sustained and substantial increase in the availability of specially-bred layer chicks since the bird flu outbreak began in 2022, Jordan said.

The Trump administration’s decision to import nearly 1 billion eggs last year also helped lower prices, Jordan said, although imports have since returned to more normal levels. The U.S. also exported fewer eggs last year to help boost domestic supplies.

But what’s good for consumers isn’t necessarily good for farmers, who are finding it difficult to recoup their costs as egg prices plummet. They also may have to pay more for feed, including corn and soybean meal, because of the Iran war.

“Farmers are no strangers to volatility. It’s part of the business. But in recent months, many have been selling eggs at or below the cost of production,” said Emily Metz, the president and CEO of the America Egg Board, a trade group.

Here’s a look at U.S. egg prices by the numbers, according to government figures:

— $2.50 per dozen: Average U.S. price for a dozen eggs in February.

— $6.23 per dozen: Average U.S. price for a dozen eggs in March 2025, which was an all-time high.

— 315.8 million: Number of egg-laying hens in the U.S. as of March 1. That’s 8% higher than last year.

— 45 million: Number of egg-laying hens in Iowa, the top U.S. state for egg production.

— 205.7 million: Number of chickens and other birds in commercial and backyard flocks that died or were culled due to bird flu since February 2022.

— 5.22 million: Number of chickens and other birds that died or were culled because of bird flu in March 2026. That is more than double the number affected in March 2025.

— 657%: The percentage increase in U.S. imports of shell eggs in 2025 compared to the year before.

— $1.05: Average cost for farmers to produce a dozen eggs, not including labor and transportation, according to the American Egg Board. In late March, the national average wholesale price of eggs was $1.17 per dozen.

— 40,000: Number of real eggs that will be used for this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll,

A lot has changed since the starting point, with the election of a mayor in 2017, ongoing regeneration of the former Redcar steel works (now Teesworks), the nationalising of an airport, the Teesworks Review, and the organisation now finding itself under a Best Value Notice, to name just a handful.

Local councils (like Middlesbrough and Stockton) are a necessity in this country – they have statutory duties including providing social care, while more visible services include bin collections.

In comparison, combined authorities could be described as a nicety  – approximately half the country survives without a metro mayor, although the government is committed to the mayoral model and there will be an expansion of combined authorities in the coming years.

So the big question is has the combined authority been a net good?

At times it has found itself embroiled in controversy, recently incapable of fulfilling its duties to get its accounts signed off by auditors.

However, having a mayor for the region has certainly brought more attention to Tees Valley, the region hosts the UK’s largest freeport, and TVCA works with partners on transport projects, including hundreds of millions pumped into train stations across the patch, part funded by the combined authority. 

Who’s in charge?

When the combined authority was brought into existence 10 years ago, it didn’t have a directly elected leader.

In fact it operated for just over a year without a metro mayor, until May 2017, when Conservative then-Councillor Ben Houchen narrowly defeated leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Labour’s Sue Jeffrey, to the post, with an underwhelming 21.3 per cent turnout. In Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, less than one in five eligible voters cast a ballot on the matter. 

Mayor Houchen was re-elected with a huge majority in 2021 and with a comfortable lead again in 2024, surviving the anti-Conservative swing that continued into the general election just two months later.

Tees Valley residents continue to not pay a mayoral precept, which can be introduced by regional mayors.

What does TVCA want to achieve?

Initial ambitions reported back in 2016 (prior to Mayor Houchen’s tenure) for the combined authority included a new Tees crossing, which hasn’t happened yet, electrification of the Teesport to Northallerton rail line, which hasn’t happened yet, as well as A66 and A19 improvements, where work has been done, but a lot still remains to do – the two roads still regularly cause headaches for drivers to this day.

In its own words, TVCA’s website currently says its purpose is to secure investment, create jobs and grow the economy.

While being a combined authority gives the region financial benefits, TVCA does not yet have an integrated settlement, which would translate to greater funding powers, seen in “established” combined authorities.

Even though TVCA has been in existence longer than its neighbour to the north – the North East Combined Authority – which has been conferred top tier “established” status, the government confirmed in early 2025 that TVCA did not meet the criteria for receiving the higher level status. 

This is due to the Tees Valley Review – which looked into Teesworks – and the resulting Best Value Notice.

While the review found no evidence of corruption or illegality, there was a list of 28 recommendations, most of which applied to the combined authority, along with some scathing remarks during the wider report. 

Employment and wages

Data from Nomis, who provide labour market statistics on behalf of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows the levels of people who are currently in employment across Tees Valley, including both employees and self-employed.

In the final year before TVCA was established, April 2015 to March 2016, a total of 68.8 per cent of the eligible population (16-64 year olds) were in employment in the combined authority area. This compared to 69.5 per cent in the North East and 73.7 per cent nationally.

In the most recent measure available online, taken between October 2024 and September 2025, the percentage of those in employment across Tees Valley has risen to 70.4 per cent, overtaking the wider North East, which has an in-employment rate of 70.3 per cent. The greatest rise has been the national (GB) figure, which is up to 75.6 per cent.

Average (mean) pay statistics across Tees Valley, available from the ONS, shows that ‘pay as you earn’ employees are still earning significantly less than the UK average, as was the case a decade ago.

Across the country, the average monthly pay in March 2016 was £2,247, compared to £1,922 in Tees Valley at the same time. Fast forward 10 years to the latest figures from January 2026, and monthly wages averaged £3,461 across the UK, compared to £2,878 in Tees Valley. 

The view from the mayor

In the context of TVCA celebrating its tenth birthday, Mayor Houchen was asked what his highlight and lowlight had been over the past decade.

He said there have been “lots of highlights” and “wouldn’t necessarily want to pick one” but said: “For me personally, the work that’s going on at Teesworks, [and] the corner the airport is now turning.”

He said “freight” developments as well as progress made over the last 12 months will make a “very significant difference” to the airport’s fortunes in the long term.

As for the flip side of the question, he asked himself: “Do I have any lowlights? No, I don’t think I do. Enjoyed it all. It’s hard, not always easy, but I don’t regret any of it,” adding: “If I had my time again, there isn’t a single decision I would have taken differently.”

The three-day gig at Wireless feels like another box-tick on a public rehabilitation tour. Despite all the handwringing from the political right over ‘cancel culture’, it’s clear that, if you’re famous enough, you can say anything, do anything, and still rise to the top of entertainment (or politics) if enough people in your entourage stand to benefit. A three-day festival is less pressure than an international tour, but it’s in a field, not a venue set up to manage the crowds a popular and controversial figure will draw. Wireless has been silent on how it will ensure the safety of a vulnerable headliner — and failed to reassure locals that extra safeguards will be in place.

Emergency services, including armed police and the dogs unit, were called to Stand Lane on Monday, March 30, after receiving reports of a disturbance at around 2.15pm.

Pictures and videos, taken by Phil Taylor, showed armed police outside Sunflower Massage, and a woman, who claimed to be the landlady of the building, said she received a call from a person alerting her of a police presence.

Counter-terrorism police were initially said to be involved with the incident, before Greater Manchester Police confirmed it was not terror-related.

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(Image: SWNS/Phil Taylor)

Police were called to incident on Stand Lane, Radcliffe (Image: SWNS/Phil Taylor)

Motorists faced disruption throughout the day as Bury Council told drivers to “find alternative routes”, with Stand Lane closed both ways from Radcliffe New Road to Thornley Street.

A reporter at the scene said a number of police gathered around the front of the shop before a “loud bang followed by a rush of police officers” led to a person being taken out and put in a van.

After “negotiations” with a suspect inside the property, Greater Manchester Police said a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making threats with a bladed article.

The force has now confirmed that Ben Mason, 26, of Bury, has been charged with two counts of breaching the Public Order Act and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

He will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on July 27.

A giant Seychelles tortoise, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, is alive and well after claims he had died turned out to be part of an alleged crypto scam.

Posts emerged on Wednesday claiming Jonathan, who is thought to be 193 years old according to the official website devoted to him, was dead.

Reports of his demise were posted on X by the account @JoeHollinsVet, named after Joe Hollins, a vet who has taken care of Jonathan and previously spoken of his experiences.

The message read that he was “heartbroken” to announce that the “beloved” creature “has passed away today peacefully”.

Describing himself as Jonathan’s “vet for many years”, he said: “Rest easy, old friend. You’ll be missed more than words can say” and later thanked people “for the outpouring of love for Jonathan as we mourn his passing”.

But the Friends of the British Overseas Territories, quoting the island’s governor, Nigel Phillips, said “the real Joe Hollins does not have an X account, and that Jonathan the tortoise is alive. This account is soliciting crypto donations, has recently changed its username”.

Mr Phillips “has confirmed Jonathan Tortoise is alive and well – he has just checked on him”, he added.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Hollins commented on a screen grab of the X post, saying it was “a hoax” and “not even an April Fool”.

He wrote that: “IT IS NOT TRUE. The hoaxer is asking for crypto donations. It’s a con. Please forward guys because this has spread. Even our researcher friends in the US unravelling his DNA have just sent condolences.”

There was a good deal of negative reaction to the original X post, with one commenter calling it a “nice prank, you scam artist”, while another said “he’s alive, you plonker”, and a third simply told the account it had been “BUSTED”.

Jonathan, who lives on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, “is believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal”, the website says, while admitting “we don’t actually know his exact age”.

His home is in the grounds of Plantation House, the residence of the Governor of St Helena, an exclusive address he shares with three other giant tortoises, named Emma, David and Fredrik.

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The website says it is “generally accepted” is one of three giant tortoises brought to the island in the 18th and 19th centuries and was named in the 1930s.

St Helena was discovered by Portugal in 1502, before being claimed by Britain after they arrived on the island in 1659. It has remained British ever since.

Running from 10am to 4pm, the free showcase will bring together a wide range of exhibitors, model ship displays, and maritime artefacts.

Ship Ahoy!, a one-day, family-friendly event celebrating Scotland’s maritime heritage, will take place at Coatbridge’s Summerlee Museum on April 25.

Running from 10am to 4pm, the free showcase will bring together a wide range of exhibitors, model ship displays, and maritime artefacts, offering an engaging and educational day out for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can explore displays from across the maritime and heritage sectors, including ship models, historical material, and interactive exhibits designed to appeal to both enthusiasts and families alike.

To make access even easier, a vintage MacBrayne shuttle bus will operate throughout the day, transporting visitors between Coatbridge Sunnyside railway station and Summerlee Museum, adding an extra touch of heritage to the visitor experience.

The event also forms part of wider celebrations marking significant milestones for Scotland’s maritime history, including the 80th anniversary of the launch of Paddle Steamer Waverley.

Paul Sweeney MSP, patron of Ship Ahoy!, expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, saying: “I am proud to have been appointed to serve as patron of Ship Ahoy!

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“This fantastic free annual event celebrates Scotland’s extraordinary maritime history, engineering excellence, and the vibrant communities that have built and sailed our ships over the last two centuries; from the Scots who first pioneered marine steam propulsion, to those who continue this great tradition today.

“Whether you are a ship model enthusiast, maritime historian, industry professional, or simply looking for a great family day out, Ship Ahoy! offers something for all those who share a passion for our island nation’s legendary history of marine navigation.

“I look forward to seeing the displays and meeting exhibitors and visitors on Saturday, April 25.”

Lu McNair, museums and collections manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to host the Ship Ahoy! event again this year at Summerlee Museum.

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“The event is a highlight in the calendar at Summerlee and is loved by our visitors.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone again this year to celebrate maritime heritage, as well as enjoy our usual Summerlee fun.”

Ship Ahoy! is free to attend and open to all, making it an accessible and enjoyable day out for families, enthusiasts, and the local community.”

For more information, visit www.shipahoyshow.co.uk

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

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BBC Sport joined the queue for World Cup tickets alongside the supporters on Wednesday at about 15:20 BST.

A holding message was in place, and at 16:00 this changed to a red circle with the message: “Almost there…”

By 17:00 a countdown clock had appeared. We were two minutes from the front when the time suddenly jumped back up to 15 minutes.

When we did gain access, we experienced the same technical glitch as thousands of fans.

Supporters who logged on early were wrongly directed into a queue for “PMA tickets”, reserved for fans of this week’s play-off winners.

Once through, users were sent to a page where a code was required to open up a sale for those fixtures.

By the time the mistake was realised, those supporters were forced to start again at the back of the correct virtual line. Any chance of securing a ticket for one of the more attractive matches had gone.

Fifa did not provide a reason for the error but said that by 17:00 the links were working properly.

Once back in the queue it took six hours and 14 minutes to be granted access to the ticket page.

Of the 72 group games, 35 matches were listed with tickets available – but there was no allocation for the England or Scotland games, or any of the knockout matches, by the time we made it through.

Across the 35 matches, prices ranged from $140 (£106) to $2,985 (£2,261). The average price of those displayed was $358 (£271).

The most expensive match seen was the first of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa at $2,985 (£2,261), with only a tiny proportion of the 87,000 capacity available.

Additionally, we were able to view corporate hospitality packages, including one for England v Panama which was $124,800 (£94,444) for a luxury suite with 24 match tickets, food and drink – $5,200 (£3,935) per person.

The availability of games appears to be changing all the time, and Fifa has indicated new tickets could be released for any game right up to kick-off.

By 08:00 on Thursday, 13 games were still showing – though six of these only had wheelchair companion tickets, which should not be sold to the general public.

Controversially, Fifa has not made free tickets available to the assistants of fans using wheelchairs. Tickets must be bought at full price and they may not be situated next to each other.

The USA’s opening game against Paraguay on 13 June had the most tickets still on sale, with 1,406 category one tickets priced at $2,735 (£2,072).

Canada’s first match against Bosnia-Herzegovina was the only other match with relatively good supply – 846 category one tickets still on sale at a cost of $2,240 (£1,697).

Fifa’s resale platform, which will likely bring even higher prices – with both buyer and seller charged a 15% fee – reopens on Thursday.