Saif al Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s late dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has been shot dead by gunmen who broke into his home, officials have said.
The 53-year-old was killed during a “direct confrontation” with four armed men in the Libyan town of Zintan, south-west of the capital Tripoli, his office said in a statement on Tuesday.
His lawyer, Khaled al Zaidi, and separately his adviser Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim, both confirmed his death on Facebook, without providing details.
Image: Saif al Islam Gaddafi greeting supporters in Tripoli in 2011. Pic: Reuters
Despite holding no official position, the second son of the longtime dictator, was once seen as the most powerful figure in the oil-rich North African country after his father, who ruled for more than four decades.
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Saif al Islam Gaddafi shaped policy and was involved in high-profile diplomacy, including talks on weapons of mass destruction and compensation for the families of those killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in Scotland in 1988.
Educated at the London School of Economics and a fluent English speaker, he was once seen by many governments as the acceptable, Western-friendly face of Libya.
But when a rebellion broke out against his father’s regime in 2011, he became an architect of a brutal crackdown on rebels.
After fighters took over the capital, he was captured attempting to flee to neighbouring Niger – about a month after his father was hunted down and shot dead by rebels.
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Image: Saif al Islam Gaddafi soon after his capture in November 2011. Pic: Reuters
In 2015, a Libyan court sentenced him to death for war crimes. He was also wanted by the International Criminal Court, accused of crimes against humanity.
He spent six years detained in the town of Zintan. It was a far cry from the charmed life he had lived during his father’s rule when he had pet tigers and mingled with high society on trips abroad. He was released by the militia in 2017 under an amnesty.
Image: Saif al Islam Gaddafi in court in 2014 for crimes linked to the 2011 uprising. File pic: Reuters
In 2021, he attempted to run for president, but was opposed by many who had suffered at the hands of his father’s rule. He was also disqualified from the election because of his 2015 conviction.
His candidacy became a point of contention and the election process stalled amid arguments between powerful armed groups.
Image: Saif al Islam Gaddafi at a charity event in Berlin, Germany, in February 2008. Pic: Jens Kalaene/picture-alliance/dpa/AP
In an interview with The New York Times Magazine in 2021, he discussed his political strategy.
“I’ve been away from the Libyan people for 10 years,” he said.
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“You need to come back slowly, slowly. Like a striptease. You need to play with their minds a little.”
Libya remains deeply divided, with rival administrations in the east and west, after the nation descended into anarchy following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
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The former dictator was killed by opposition fighters during the uprising, which turned into a civil war. Most of his eight children had significant roles in government.
Telly auctioneer Charles Hanson wasn’t feeling ‘flush’ after finding himself locked in the loo on the train from Derby to London – and he caused a stink in the comments!
Bargain Hunt auctioneer Charles Hanson took to social media to plead for help after getting himself stuck in a train toilet.
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He begged someone to come to his rescue after the door jammed in the notoriously stinky facilities on board. Charles was heading to the capital for a charity auction when he got locked in. He uploaded a video of his trauma on X, formerly known as Twitter, and was met with predictably unhelpful replies.
“I’M STUCK IN THE LOO,” he posted. “If anyone is on the Derby train to London.. can you let me out the toilet? the door won’t open & I’m stuck.” He detailed a little more in the clip, and banged on the door asking anyone who was outside to try and get it open.
“If one is on the delayed 17.46 train to London but I’m locked in the loo…. If anyone is on the train and can help, I would be grateful,” he said. “For some reason, when I press these buttons, nothing happens. Hopefully I will be OK – have a lovely weekend, whatever you are doing.”
He forgot to tag in the train company, but one of his more helpful followers did. East Midlands Railway noticed, and replied: “I believe I’ve managed to track the train down based off of the video posted – I have contacted the Train Manager on board, and asked that they take a look and set him free (if I have managed to locate the right train!) Thank you for bringing this to our attention!”
Others on X were not as supportive. One posted: “The buttons have a smell sensor. Once the stench of your number 2 has gone, the doors will open. It’s a protection mechanism for other passengers.” Another said: “I bet you were a little flushed, not very convenient.”
He confirmed he had been released earlier this evening after even Edwina Currie saw his SOS. He told her: “All safely out, thank you Edwina… and back on track to the charity auction!”
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The star recently offered followers a glimpse into his personal life as he stumbled upon an unexpected discovery at his home. In a clip posted to his TikTok account, he explained exactly what had happened. Alongside the footage, Charles wrote: “Ripped my carpet up and you won’t believe what I found. Yes, I know, wrong tool, but I was excited.”
He went on to say: “I’ve had a very late night tonight. I’ve been busy with my screwdriver, and look at this. Old carpet. Underneath I’ve been revealing some of the original tiles which graced my house probably 140 years ago, but just look at what I’m revealing.” He went on: “It’s wonderful. Just look at this – at what I’ve done so far. It’s a revelation.” He then swings the camera around to show the state of the floor, and it’s safe to say the results are pretty spectacular, reports the Express.
In March, a thug who broke into his auction house to steal more than £21,000 in valuables was sentenced. He spoke after Shane O’Malley was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Derby Crown Court.
He said: “The emotional and financial impact of burglaries on homes and businesses is significant. I am pleased the police were able to bring this person to justice. I would say that while justice has been done, I would like to see harsher sentences imposed for crimes of this nature.”
The Towie legend, 45, has had a few breakdowns in the jungle, as she returned to take on more of Ant and Dec’s bushtucker trials after her memorable three-day stint in 2014.
Despite lasting much longer than the first time, Gemma was close to walking out in tonight’s episode, as she declared, ‘I’m done’.
The GC has joined the likes of Scarlett Moffatt, Adam Thomas, Harry Redknapp, Ashley Roberts, Beverley Callard, and Sir Mo Farah, with David Haye, Sinitta, Craig Charles, and Jimmy Bullard completing the line-up, and Seann Walsh, who was the first celebrity to be evicted.
Gemma was about to become the second star to leave this series when she burst into tears at the thought of doing another trial.
Thinking they were all about to be put through their paces once again in a trial called ‘Prison of Hell’ and facing crawlies and critters, including rats and snakes, Gemma called out: “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”
“I’m done,” she said. “I can’t do any more. I can’t go through any more.”
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As her co-stars rallied behind her to offer their support, she tearfully went on: “I’ve done so much, I’ve been through so much, I can’t go in a prison. I just can’t do any more, guys.”
However, Gemma didn’t have to follow through with her threat, as Harry revealed he had been pranking the camp.
As they reeled from his joke, she said: “For me, that’s claustrophobic, I would just have to say them fateful words!”
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Viewers were left concerned, with one sharing on X: “I was so worried Gemma was gonna leave for a sec, she can’t leave yet.”
“I hope they don’t use Gemma as a cop out vote off decision, she’s got so much value in there and deserves to get further,” another said, as another laughed: “HARRY, THAT’S NOT FUNNY I THOUGHT WE WERE ABOUT TO LOSE AR GEMMA.”
This comes after Gemma wept over washing up in last night’s programme, while she spoke to Adam as they completed their chore.
The pair had been talking about burnt food and carcinogenic risks, as Gemma began: “You shouldn’t eat burnt food, honestly, it’s making me feel so ill, even the smell of that.”
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Breaking down into tears, she then said: “It’s been a difficult day, I don’t know why, and obviously I’ve got close with Adam, I just had to break down and let it all out.”
She added that she did feel good in herself “mentally”, but needed to let it all out.
“It’s just I can’t wash properly, I can’t have anything nice, I’ve got to wash up every five f**king minutes… I’m not used to this, I’m so not used to this, it’s not f**king me.”
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When Adam tried to tell her it was all part of “character building,” she replied: “How’s washing up building my character? I just feel like a downtrodden person right now.”
Things only got worse for Gemma, as she was later forced to endure a nighttime trial with Scarlett, and despite facing critters, crocs, and coal, she came back defeated.
She later sobbed: “I feel like you’re trying to kill me, you’re going to kill me, it’s not even funny.
“I feel like you’re definitely trying to kill me.”
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I’m A Celebrity airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
The Sky Blues’ lowest ebb came when they dropped into League Two in 2017 but they have fought their way back and, after losing to Luton in the play-off final in 2023, have stormed the Championship under Lampard this season to secure their Premier League return with three matches to spare.
It comes in the wake of a report highlighting the number of vulnerable women who were the alleged victims of police officers abusing their positions for sexual purposes
The Police Ombudsman has revealed the number of open investigations into cases involving members of the PSNI abusing their positions for sexual purposes.
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The watchdog revealed the 34 investigations in a meeting with the Policing Board’s Performance Committee where it discussed a report that was released earlier this year that highlighted 36 vulnerable women who were the alleged victims of police officers abusing their postions from 2018 to 2024.
The current investigations involve some of those cases along with others that have been reported to the Ombudsman since January 1, 2025.
At the meeting Chief Executive Hugh Hume and other Police Ombudsman staff presented the findings of the report, answered questions and discussed the potential next steps to “support a system-wide response”.
Following the release of the Ombudsman report in March, Police Ombudsman Chief Executive Hugh Hume said police predatory behaviour is one of the most serious forms of corruption in policing. Mr Hume confirmed that the Police Ombudsman is currently investigating allegations of police predatory behaviour which involve a total of 39 victims and 20 serving and two former police officers.
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“We are seeing a rise in these cases and the majority of those are coming from the PSNI itself. This is welcome and shows a very clear willingness at the most senior level to identify and eradicate this kind of behaviour.
“I hope this analysis will support the PSNI further in recognising and addressing predatory police behaviour, as well as strengthening their systems so the opportunity for this type of corruption is reduced.
“I also believe our work to date is a tangible demonstration that the Police Ombudsman is supporting the Northern Ireland Executive’s strategy to end violence against women and girls. We will continue to contribute to that aim as we test these emerging findings against the outcomes of more investigations as they conclude.
“Although this is a small number of officers relative to the size of the PSNI, the abuse of their position for their own sexual gain inflicts significant and long-lasting damage on their victims.“Such is the power imbalance that many women do not report the offending directly for fear of reprisal and others can be so vulnerable that they do not recognise that the officer is abusing them and instead see him as a ‘knight in shining armour’ figure. Others do not see themselves as victims at all.“We hope one of the outcomes of publishing this report will be that any woman who has had a similar experience with a police officer will feel reassured that we take this kind of offending seriously and know that if this has happened to them, we will listen and we will investigate.”
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Despite tough market conditions, the Group says it continues to see long-term drivers of demand across its core sectors.
Within the Infrastructure sector, Electricity transmission continues to see growth and strong demand in both the UK and Europe.
Rail activity is steady but subdued, with good visibility on future project pipelines, the update continued.
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It reported positive leads in water, with higher revenues expected.
The Specialist Construction market remains supportive, particularly in London and Eire.
Housebuilding remains subdued, but with stronger prospects as Homes England’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026-2036 commences.
The immediate impact of the Middle East conflict has been limited to higher fuel costs, largely mitigated through customer pricing.
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Since her appointment in February, the company said Chief Executive Alice Woodwark has focused on enhancing operational discipline and accelerating strategic execution.
This includes boosting cross-divisional efficiency with more multi-division projects.
A sharper focus on specialist infrastructure-led markets.
And using more digital tools to improve pricing, customer service and cross-divisional working.
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While market conditions remain mixed, Vp said its diversified model, financial strength and infrastructure exposure provide a solid foundation, and the Board remains confident in the Group’s positioning and future performance.
The Group’s balance sheet remains strong, supporting continued disciplined investment and value creation, with leverage remaining within stated targets.
Vp CEO Alice Woodwark said: “Vp has continued to deliver a disciplined performance and good strategic progress. Our focus on infrastructure-led markets, operational efficiency and digital delivery positions us well to navigate the near-term environment and build long term sustainable value for stakeholders.”
As my friend and I pause to reload our map of the Peak District and get our bearings, we meet the gaze of a seasoned hiker, his face lathered with suncream and his head covered by a sensible sunhat. He can see that we’re amateurs, and he’s keen to lend a hand. Within 15 minutes, the 91-year-old stranger named Brian has found us a scenic route through the ancient woodlands of Padley Gorge and shared tales of a childhood spent surrounded by this nature. The landscape has barely changed over the last century, he says, and it’s all the more beautiful as a result.
It’s the tail end of my long weekend in the Peaks. I spent Sunday night at the gorgeous Losehill House, a hotel and spa nestled in the picturesque Hope Valley. Before dinner that evening – a three-course, Michelin-worthy feast – co-owner Paul Roden, who runs the hotel with his wife, Kathryn, explained the historical significance of the building.
The Kinder Scout mass trespass led in part to the creation of the Peak District National Park (Getty/iStock)
In 1932, ramblers from Manchester and Sheffield gathered at what’s now the hotel to plan a mass trespass. These were industrial workers desperate for respite from their smoggy cities, so they spent their weekends exploring the Peaks, only to be met with resistance by landowners. Ramblers responded by walking on the privately owned Kinder Scout plateau, a gutsy protest that led to six arrests, and sowed the seeds of the right to roam movement. In 1951, in part due to their activism, the Peak District was named the UK’s first national park. It’s a mammoth sprawl of nature that stretches some 555 square miles across Derbyshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Summarising the myriad jewels in its crown would be an impossible feat.
You might already be familiar with Bakewell, famed for its tarts, Chatsworth, known for the regal Chatsworth House, and Buxton, beloved for its thermal springs. But the lesser-known Hope Valley is home to fabled villages, breathtaking viewpoints and unorthodox tourist spots. Better yet, it’s accessible on public transport via the Hope Valley railway line, which links Sheffield and Manchester.
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No visit to the Peaks would be complete without a stop at the village of Hathersage, home to a heated open-air pool. It’s an idyllic spot with a literary legacy; its rugged landscapes inspired Jane Eyre (there’s even a Jane Eyre walking trail), and you can visit the alleged grave of Little John, Robin Hood’s second-in-command, whose “little” moniker is actually an old-school dad joke in reference to his colossal height.
Any long walk requires fuel, so my first stop is Colemans Deli. The spacious cafe is run by Jim and Lizzie Mothersele, who took the reins from founder Ian Coleman back in 2006. Jim trained at Chatsworth House as a young chef and has spent decades perfecting his menu. It’s classic but elevated. They preserve their own lemons to blend into mayonnaise for their citrusy coleslaw, and even the tomato ketchup is made from scratch.
The chilli chicken sandwich is a bestseller, but the salads are delicious, inspired by a date night spent years ago at Middle Eastern restaurant Ottolenghi. My BLT comes with a side salad of crunchy green beans, peas, black lentils and mixed leaves. “We didn’t just want to do your standard lettuce, tomato and cucumber,” Jim explained. They sing the praises of Hathersage for its tight-knit community feel, as well as the scenery – Lizzie recommends the North Lees Hall Walk, capped off with food at the Barrel Inn.
Nearby – on foot if you’re brave, or a short trip on the 257 bus – is the “Plague Village” of Eyam, which experienced a resurgence of interest during the Covid pandemic. We wandered around the genuinely fascinating Eyam Museum, complete with dress-up boxes and trivia gems. The most memorable discovery? One plague “cure” involved holding the backside of a chicken over sores, so the chicken could “absorb” the plague.
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A grave marker at eerie Eyam village (Getty/iStock)
Eyam is home to more independent cafes – the scones at Village Green are among the best you’ll try – and scenic walks. We explored gravestones scattered throughout the neighbourhood of Stoney Middleton, reading memorial plaques and marvelling at the 17th-century stone cottages. For a post-walk feast, head to Stella’s Kitchen, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant serving everything from Sunday roast to plantain crisp, as well as sticky, spicy ginger cake.
Luckily for us, Losehill House was ideally located: it’s a five-minute taxi ride from Hope train station, but secluded enough to feel like a private oasis. Guests can book spa treatments like facials and massages, but we chose to swim laps in the indoor pool and soak outside in the hot tub. The in-house restaurant – also open to non-residents – is award-winning, and it’s easy to see why: the pan-fried trout was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. We tried a three-course menu, and catering for my vegan partner was happily straightforward, with a separate menu boasting dishes like shallot tarte tatin and a dark chocolate olive oil ganache.
Losehill House Hotel was ideally located for a weekend in the Peak District (Losehill House Hotel)
The final day of the trip started at Grindleford station, where we embarked on a long, circular hike around one of the Peak District’s most beautiful areas, Padley Gorge. It’s an ancient oak woodland rich in biodiversity, a birdwatcher’s paradise (we even spotted a wild nuthatch) and a magical backdrop for a surprisingly sunny walk. Children love paddling in the streams and hopping across stepping stones, and just a short hike away is the Longshaw Estate, an expanse of peaceful moorland with other wildlife-spotting opportunities. The cafe is well worth a visit, not least as there’s a regularly-rotating menu of scones – I tried the lemon and white chocolate version.
In the warmer months, you’ll find the Peaks’ natural attractions turn into unconventional tourist experiences. Peak Cavern – known locally as the “Devil’s Arse” – is in the gorge underneath the impressive Peveril Castle in Castleton, and in summer plays host to unique film screenings and one-off events. There are ongoing efforts to make the Peak District more accessible for wheelchairs, too; the recently-added accessible paths at Ilam Park are exemplary and in the Hope Valley, Ladybower Reservoir is a flat walk with the bonus option of an accessible boat ride.
Padley Gorge makes for a remarkable afternoon walk (David/Goache/National Trust Images)
It’s a surprisingly moving experience to make this pilgrimage through the Peaks, to venture through such an enormous stretch of unspoiled natural beauty. The Mass Trespass was an act of defiance, but it was also an act of love. In a world that too often treats nature as disposable, it’s heartening to while away the hours in woodlands which have survived the ravages of time.
How to do it
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Trains to Sheffield run from terminals across the country, including from London with East Midlands Railway and from Edinburgh with CrossCountry. Trains to Hope Station run from Sheffield and Manchester.
Where to stay
Rooms at Losehill House Hotel cost from £123 per night. The hotel is nestled in a secluded area of Hope Valley, but it’s a five-minute taxi ride from Hope station.
York Liberal Jewish Community is set to host their Spring Preloved Clothes Sale from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday (April 18) at York Unitarian Chapel
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The event is part of the community’s activities for Mitzvah Day which, according to Jewish tradition, is a time for performing good deeds and charitable acts – with proceeds going to the York Foodbank.
All clothes for sale will be pre-loved but good quality – giving people a chance to “spruce us their summer wardrobes” – and the event will also feature a gospel inspired sing-along.
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The event flyer (Image: Provided)
“Last year’s event was a successful clothes swap held in the Quaker Meeting House with money collected in aid of York City of Sanctuary.
“Our community’s social action group regularly puts on events to support local charities, especially for those who may struggle, as part of our Mitzvah Day activities, a day when Jewish people traditionally do good deeds,” said a spokesperson for the group.
David Haye caused a stir in the I’m A Celebrity camp once again after his comments towards Adam Thomas, which Scarlett Moffatt asking him to stop
David Haye was yet again called out over his blunt actions in the I’m A Celebrity camp. The former boxer is back on the ITV show for a second stint following his efforts Down Under in 2012.
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After finishing third last time out, the ex-sports star is causing a stir in the South African All Stars edition with his brash ways and controversial thoughts. And it was the way he targeted Adam Thomas in Friday’s edition that had fans fuming with the heavyweight star.
David targeted Emmerdale star Adam Thomas and tried to make him take part in the Termite Terror trial. He was unable to accept that the former soap actor just wasn’t feeling up to it.
With Adam admitting it would be hard to get through it because of dehydration, David raged: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!”
David’s co-stars continually tried to remind him that Adam wasn’t up for the challenge, but the sportsman began trying to force him to take part. He went on: “When is your top form gonna come?
“Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well!”
Scarlett tried to diffuse the situation, asking David to lay off. She said: “Stop it David, he’s not well!” Gemma also told him to leave Adam alone.
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Scarlett said to the cameras that she knows it’s just banter, but she’s a bit concerned that David is crossing the line at times. And fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, agreed. One user said: “There’s a fine line between bantering and bullying and David Haye is certainly crossing it.”
Another added: “I think David Haye is the person I’ve disliked most on TV ever, I positively detest him.” But it wasn’t all hateful for the former sports star. One user wrote: “David Haye cracks me up.” They added crying with laughter emoji faces.
It’s far from the first time David has ruffled feathers. His sexist comments caused a stir in camp – and had an even bigger reaction with viewers.
Earlier in the series, he made comments about his girlfriend Sian. When talking about his partner cooking for them all, he then added: “She’s like tall, blue eyes. She’s lovely. She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”
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He went on: She has. Most ugly girls realise they don’t they’re not pretty enough to… they gotta have a personality to banter and to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing, straight away.
“Which is what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls are ugly, when they start off, and then they and then they kind of they, they get pretty as they get older. But they still got the personality of when they’re ugly. Does that make sense?”
“Our story began with a leap of faith and we hope it continues to inspire others to take theirs”
When Deirdre Kelly and Christine Swail decided to make a “leap of faith” to go out on their own over 25 years ago, they could never have imagined they would found one of NI’s longest-established HR consultancies.
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Started in a spare room a quarter of a century ago, Deridre and Christine hope their business’s story inspires others dreaming of starting their own to take the risk and follow their ambitions.
People Management Solutions, with locations in Belfast and Dungannon, began with a “simple but powerful belief” that SMEs deserved better, more personal and more commercially minded HR support.
Reflecting on 25 years in business, Deirdre said: “Looking back to those early days, we questioned our sanity more than once.
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“We walked away from secure senior HR roles on a Friday with no confirmed work for the Monday. But we had belief, drive and a clear vision: to offer SMEs the HR expertise they needed, delivered by specialists who truly understood their business.”
From Christine’s spare room in Belfast, the consultancy quickly grew, expanding beyond greater Belfast and into Co Tyrone. The company responded to the needs of organisations with 10 to 200 employees who lacked in-house HR but needed expert guidance.
Today, People Management Solutions is a trusted partner across manufacturing, IT, food, hospitality, professional services and the public sector, known for its “hands-on approach, deep expertise and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way”.
The company works with some of the biggest names in Northern Ireland, including Danske Bank, LIDL and Translink, but also a number of thriving small businesses such as Loud Mouth media, Go Pig or Go Home and Millbrook Lodge.
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Christine credits the company’s longevity to the complementary strengths of Deirdre and herself.
She explained: “One of us is cautious and meticulous, the other a natural networker and optimist.
“These strengths coupled with determination, honesty and a commitment to doing the work ourselves has been the foundation of our success.
“Our personal approach has been our unique selling point and remains at the heart of our business today.”
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From starting from square one on a Monday morning to being awarded CIPD HR Consultancy of the Year, Deirdre and Christine are incredibly proud to mark 25 years of supporting employers, strengthening workplaces and helping organisations thrive.
“Twenty-five years on, we still love what we do,” Deirdre added.
“We took the risk; we adapted when we needed to and we never looked back. Our story began with a leap of faith and we hope it continues to inspire others to take theirs.”
Two British men, Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, from Leyton, east London; and a 17-year-old boy, of dual British-Pakistani nationality, from Walthamstow; are each charged with one count of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered and were remanded in custody earlier this month.
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