Explosives of “devastating power” have been found near a pipeline supplying Russian gas to Hungary and Serbia, according to Serbia’s president.
Aleksandar Vucic said two backpacks with “large packages of explosives” had been left a few hundred metres from the Balkan Stream pipeline.
It’s an extension of the Turk Stream pipeline that carries gas from Russia under the Black Sea to Turkey.
Advertisement
Mr Vucic said millions could have been cut off if the explosives had detonated.
“I just had a talk with [Hungarian prime minister] Viktor Orban, and informed him that if the gas pipeline had been cut there, Hungary would not have had gas and we in northern Serbia would not have had gas,” he told reporters.
Mr Vucic warned anyone trying to destroy Serbia’s infrastructure would face a “merciless” response and “harsh and severe punishment”.
On Instagram, he said the explosives potentially had “devastating power”.
Advertisement
Mr Orban, who arranged an emergency defence council meeting for Sunday afternoon, said on X “the equipment needed to detonate it” had also been discovered.
The incident comes seven days before Hungarian voters decide whether to extend his 16 years in power.
Advertisement
His party is currently behind in the polls, although many people say they are still undecided on who to back.
Mr Orban, who is seen as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies in Europe, increased security around the country’s energy infrastructure in February and has framed the election as a choice between war or peace.
Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-themed dining chain, is shutting down after almost three decades in business.
Darden Restaurants — which operates restaurants including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Ruth’s Chris — is shuttering 14 of its tropical-themed Bahama Breeze locations and converting another 14 to different brands.
The company made the announcement in February, with many of the remaining Bahama Breeze locations closing for good Sunday, April 5. The closures and rebranding will mark the end of the chain.
Last May, Darden closed approximately a third of its Bahama Breeze locations and in June said it was searching for new opportunities for the brand.
Advertisement
The stores that will be rebranded include 10 locations in Florida and one each in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. The stores that are closing are located in Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, as well as five Florida locations, Restaurant Dive reports.
Darden Restaurants is closing half of its remaining Bahama Breeze restaurant locations and converting the other half of the remaining stores into different brands. The final day for the Bahama Breeze chain will be on April 5 (Getty/iStock)
“The conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said in a statement.
The company said it hopes to place as many of the affected workers as possible in other roles across its restaurants.
“Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio,” the company said.
Darden said that it doesn’t expect the end of the Bahama Breeze chain to have “a material impact on its financial results.”
Advertisement
The company did not reveal what the rebranded Bahama Breeze locations will become.
It’s a tough time for casual dining locations like Bahama Breeze, as inflation and the affordability crisis have made eating out more of a luxury than in past years. The rise in popularity of fast-casual restaurants has also eaten into the primary customer base for chains like those in Darden’s portfolio.
The company has seen growth thanks to its Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse brands, with both posting strong same-store sales growth last quarter.
But other chains are struggling.
Advertisement
Last year, Bravo Brio, an Italian chain, went bankrupt for the second time and closed some of its locations. Outback Steakhouse closed several locations ahead of a planned 2026 brand overhaul. Other chains — including Hooters, Bar Louie, and Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe — shut down stores and filed for bankruptcy in 2025.
Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, located near the Tyne Bridge in Gateshead, has built a reputation as one of the region’s leading fine-dining destinations.
Sir Ian McKellen (Image: RAVAL)
In recent years, that reputation has travelled far beyond the North East, attracting a steady stream of A-list visitors.
Among the most notable names to dine at Raval is legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen.
The star of The Lord of the Rings and X-Men chose the restaurant during a visit to the region, a moment manager Nas Islam described as a particular honour.
Advertisement
Claire King from Emmerdale (Image: RAVAL)
“It was a real privilege to welcome Sir Ian McKellen,” he said.
“For someone of his stature to choose to dine with us speaks volumes about the standards we aim to maintain every single day.”
The glittering guest list does not stop there.
Tony Hadley (Image: RAVAL)
Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has been spotted enjoying the restaurant’s refined dishes, while acclaimed classical pianist Martin James Bartlett visited ahead of a performance at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, just a short distance away.
Advertisement
Raval has also struck a chord with pop royalty.
Brendan Cole (Image: RAVAL)
Boyzlife duo Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden praised the food during a recent visit, and 1980s music icon Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet fame described his experience as “first-class”.
Television favourites have likewise been drawn through its doors.
Toadie from Neighbours (Image: RAVAL)
Emmerdale star Claire King, a long-standing fan favourite, and Ryan Moloney, known to millions as Jarrod “Toadie” Rebecchi in Neighbours, have both sampled the restaurant’s signature blend of authentic Indian flavours and contemporary presentation.
Advertisement
Raval’s rise as a celebrity hotspot comes as little surprise given its growing list of accolades.
The restaurant was named Best Indian Fine Dining Restaurant outside London at the 2024 Asian Curry Awards and currently sits at the top of the British Indian Good Food Guide’s national rankings.
Known for its elegant setting and carefully curated menu, Raval has carved out a distinctive niche in the UK’s competitive fine-dining scene.
It is hard to believe that Easter is behind us and we are a third of the way through 2026.
Advertisement
If you are the type to keep on top of your Bank Holidays to maximise your annual leave, you may be wondering when our next day off falls.
It is hard to beat a nice little long weekend so we have rounded up the remaining Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland for the rest of the year.
Whether you are looking to get a holiday booked or like to organise your nights out around a Bank Holiday weekend, there are six Bank Holidays left this year to work with.
Here is the list of the remaining Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland for 2026:
The C2K school system, provided by Capita, is used as a curriculum support and the Education Authority had apologised to those preparing for exams over the Easter break
20:43, 05 Apr 2026Updated 20:44, 05 Apr 2026
Advertisement
The Education Authority is making “good progress” to restore access to a school IT system following a cyberattack.
The C2K school system, provided by Capita, is used as a curriculum support and the Education Authority had apologised to those preparing for exams over the Easter break.
In a statement on Sunday, the Education Authority (EA) said: “We are continuing to make good progress to restore access to the C2K system following the recent cyber attack.
“Our teams have been working hard through the weekend to restore access to the system safely and securely, starting with post primary schools.”
Advertisement
It added: “This work will continue over the coming days, as we move to stand the system back up in all schools as soon as possible.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
The EA said the investigation is at an early stage and it “cannot yet be confirmed if any personal data has been affected”.
It said it would continue to provide updates on its social media channels and website.
Seven-time winners City, 4-0 victors over Liverpool, will be bidding for a place in the final for the fourth successive season having lost to Manchester United and Crystal Palace respectively following their last win in 2023, while the Saints will be looking to rekindle memories of their 1976 success.
The West Yorkshire club led 2-0 at the London Stadium, but saw the hosts score twice in added time to take it to an extra 30 minutes, only for the visitors to eventually triumph 4-3 on penalties and claim a place in the last four for the first time since 1987.
Chelsea, 7-0 victors over League One Port Vale, famously provided the opposition for Leeds in the 1970 final, which went to a replay eventually won by the Londoners, one of eight occasions on which they have won the FA Cup.
Chelsea and Leeds memorably contested the 1970 FA Cup final (Getty Images)
The ties will be played on Saturday 25 April 25 and Sunday 26 April at Wembley.
Rats carry lots of diseases and they can leave a mess behind so you might want someone else to help you with your rodent problem.
Let’s take a look at what you need to do and who you should call if you spot rats in your home or garden.
Who should you call if you find rats in your home or garden?
To report a pest problem, the government website encourages you to get in touch with your council to see if they provide pest control services to get rid of rats.
You can ask for help when it comes to removing rats from your home or garden (Image: Getty)
You can enter your postcode and the website will match the postcode to a council and direct you to their website for more information.
The website explains: “They are trained in rat control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides and tools, which are not available to the public.
“Knowing how much, where, and when to deploy products is where professionals are able to take control of situations efficiently. There’s also a growing issue with resistance, due to incorrect choice of rodenticide or widespread use by members of the public.
“Professional pest controllers will take an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to tackling your infestation.
Advertisement
“A pest professional will have access to monitoring equipment, which they will use to confirm entry points into your property, the size of the infestation and to track the rat to its harbourage (nest).
“They can then recommend a proofing strategy and decide on the best course of action in terms of control; this could be traps, rodenticides or a combination of both.
“You should always expect to receive a full, written report from a professional pest technician.”
Recommended reading:
Advertisement
You can find a pest management company using the BPCA website. You’ll need to enter your postcode and state whether your property is commercial or residential and the service you’d like.
Then, companies that are BPCA members and located in your area will be listed with contact details.
The BPCA says all of its members have the correct insurance and use trained and qualified technicians.
They all have to be audited to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
Advertisement
Have you spotted rats in your house or garden? Let us know in the comments below.
Days after HBO released the trailer for the forthcoming series adapted from J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, comedian Kam Patterson appeared Saturday on “Weekend Update” as Professor Severus Snape — a character previously played by the late white actor Alan Rickman, but now being portrayed by Black actor Paapa Essiedu.
After “Weekend Update” host Colin Jost introduced Snape, Patterson joked that the franchise’s titular character was “racist as hell.”
“We got this new kid. His name is Harry Potter, and he’s racist as hell,” Snape said. “Harry Potter — or, the Proud Boy Who Lived — spent the whole year telling everybody that the school’s only Black teacher was secretly evil.”
Advertisement
Jost replied, referring to the plot of the first book in the series: “I think he’s just worried because he knows someone’s trying to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
Kam Patterson played Professor Snape on a Weekend Update segment on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (NBC)
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ (HBO)
Snape responded, “So somebody stole something, and the number one suspect is Black Snape?”
As the audience laughed, Snape joked that he was used to other characters jumping to conclusions with racist undertones.
“It happens all the time,” he said. “I showed up at Hogwarts, and on the first day they looked at me and said, ‘You’re the professor of the Dark Arts.’ I never even studied that! I majored in African Muggle Studies.”
“The whole wizarding world is racist,” Snape continued before joking about how Rowling’s books included a Black character named Kingsley Shacklebolt, which he said was “a name I’m guessing they got out of the Wu-Tang name generator.”
Advertisement
“Everyone’s in these dignified robes. They dressed him up like he was selling cocoa butter incense out of a barbershop,” he said about the character’s portrayal in the original movies.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Jost joked, “Well, for the very first time, I’m starting to think J.K. Rowling might be problematic.”
Advertisement
Snape went on to say, “The whole wizarding world is messed up. We have magic, we have wands that can do anything, and people in my world still have slaves,” referring to the house elves in the series.
Patterson’s appearance concluded with Snape’s message to Harry Potter, referencing another plotline: “Your mama was thick as hell, dog. I miss her so much.”
Paapa Essiedu (left) is playing Professor Snape, who was previously played by Alan Rickman (right) (Getty Images / Warner Bros Pictures)
Essiedu’s casting has raised eyebrows, especially after the release of the first trailer, partly due to Snape being a figure that Harry mistrusts due to his own assumptions. However, the casting also sparked a wave of racist backlash against the actor over the fact that Snape was written as white.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” Essiedu told The Times. “The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.”
Advertisement
He said, “Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
Dressed in a pastel pink corset complete with bunny ears and a bow tie from Ann Summers, Helen’s cheeky Easter outfit quickly caught the attention of fans.
One wrote: “You look so beautiful Helen, wishing you and your family a lovely Easter.”
Another added: “Wow, that’s an Easter bunny.”
Helen Flanagan in her Easter finery (Image: Instagram/HelenFlanagan)
The 35-year-old regularly teams up with the high-street lingerie retailer for seasonal collaborations.
Advertisement
It comes after a whirlwind few months for the mum-of-three, who swapped the stage in Bolton for the drama of reality TV.
In February, the former Westholme School pupil took to the stage at the Octagon Theatre, starring in The Memory of Water.
Playing Catherine in the emotional yet witty production, Helen showcased a different side to her talents in front of a home crowd, with the show proving a hit among theatre-goers.
But there’s been no rest. Just weeks later, she was back in front of the cameras — this time appearing on Celebrity Ex on the Beach.
Filmed in a luxury villa, the Paramount+ show sees a group of famous faces navigating explosive relationships, shock arrivals and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
Advertisement
Helen has long-standing links to Lancashire and Bolton, and fans will no doubt be enjoying seeing her back in the spotlight — whether on stage, on screen, or lighting up social media.
In a recent interview, she said: “I know who I am. And I think my children will always have respect for me, because all they see is their mum working hard to provide for them.”
She added: “In ten years’ time, I think I will have a lovely husband; a man who will be my best friend. By the time I am 45, I think my life will be peaceful and that I will be really, really happy…”
Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one
Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams.
Advertisement
Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.
Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling 01482 908084.
Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.
(Jan) (Née Dawson) of Cambridge, passed away at her home on Saturday 7th March 2026. Loving wife of Ian, much loved mum of Rachel and Lorraine and adored nana, who will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service at Histon Baptist Church on Monday 20th April at 1.00 pm followed by private burial at Fulbourn Cemetery. Family flowers only please, but if desired, donations, made payable to Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (for the Breast Unit) may be left at the service or sent c/o R. J. Pepper & Son Family Funeral Directors 1, Telegraph Street, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8QU Tel: 01954 251919
Passed away peacefully on Saturday 14th March 2026, aged 76 years. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. A funeral service will take place at Cam Valley Crematorium, on Monday 20th April, at 10.30am. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, may be made in memory of Malcolm to Macmillan Cancer Support via his ‘In-Memory’ page www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk or sent c/o Peasgood & Skeates, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, CB11 3AQ.
Of Cambridge. Passed away on Thursday 19th March 2026 at Arthur Rank Hospice, aged 52 years. Dearly loved Mother to Jake, Tom, Alfie and Mollie (and Oscar the dog). Treasured Sister to Matthew and Ben. Sara shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Friday 10th April 2026 at Cambridge City Crematorium, West Chapel at 10:15am. Donations, if desired, to the benefit of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity may be made online via Sara’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255
Sadly passed away peacefully on 20th March 2026, aged 75 years. She will be greatly missed. Funeral service to take place at Cambridge City Crematorium on Friday 17th April at 1:30pm. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Judy will be gratefully received for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and can be made by visiting her In Memory Page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk or sent c/o Peasgood and Skeates, 45 Moorfield Road, Duxford CB22 4PP.
Died peacefully at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, Lynne (formerly of Borrowdale, Cambridge) aged 78 years. The dearly loved mum of Nick, Nadine, Nathan and Laurence and granny of Daphne and Zachary. Funeral details to follow. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Woodland Wishes funeral services, 4 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH 01223 880002
Ken, beloved husband, father, son and brother died suddenly and unexpectedly on 2nd March 2026. The Thanksgiving memorial service will take place on Tuesday 31st March at 2.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church BS8 1NU, following a family cremation at noon at Canford. Formerly of Mill Hill and Muswell Hill London, Ken followed his wife, Pearl’s church ministry which took them to Cambridge, St Ives, Kenton, Sunbury and Lambeth, finally Downend, Bristol and retirement in Shirehampton. Ken died at 66, a few months after stopping work in late 2025. He was an admired and diligent colleague in many fields, especially social work, advice work, volunteer coordinating and working wiith both adults with learning difficulties and the elderly. He was bookish and his last job was with Bristol Home Library Service. Ken was an especially gifted storyteller and Methodist preacher. He was also an enthusiast for history and tour guiding. Noteably Ken had been Mr Brunel for a season and acted as a guide on the Bath buses a few seasons running. Tributes and donations here please: https://kennethgrahamluxon.muchloved.com/ or to ‘All we Can’ and ‘Hope and Play’
Sadly passed away on 10th February 2026, aged 61 years. Much loved son, brother, uncle and cousin. He will be greatly missed. Funeral service to take place at St. Felix Catholic Church, Felixstowe on Friday 17th April at 11am. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Sean may be made to Diabetes UK online at seanmunnelly.muchloved.com or sent c/o David Button Independent Funeral Directors, The Old Bank, 225 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe IP11 9DT.
Died on 19th March 2026 aged 92 years. Funeral Service to take place at St Peter’s Church, Duxford on Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 2.00pm. All enquiries to Peasgood & Skeates, Tel: 01223 833463.
(Mitchell) Wife of the late Professor Alan A Wells, died peacefully on 18th March 2026 at The Grange, Littleport. Late of Grove House, Mepal. Deeply missed by her children, Nick, Nigel, Sophie, Robin and Adrian, and their partners, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral will be held in St Mary’s Church Mepal, CB6 2AJ on 22nd April 2026 at 3pm, followed by private cremation for family only. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, for Great Ormond Street Hospital, may be given at the service or online donations can be made via RJ Pepper, Funeral Directors, 14 Prickwillow Road, Ely, CB7 4QT. Any enquiries to RJ Pepper, tel: 01353 665300.
Sadly passed away at Littleport Grange on Tuesday March 24th 2026 aged 96 years. Husband to the late Daphne and Father to Katharine, Sheila and Leslie, father in law to Paul and Ben and a dear grandfather and great grandfather Funeral service at Fenland Crematorium, March on Thursday April 16th at 2-30pm. Family flowers only, donations if desired will be gratefully received for the British Heart Foundation at the service or c/o A.G. Carter Funeral Director, 6 Froize End, Haddenham, Cambs, CB6 3UQ.
To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk
Advertisement
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login