A man was seen to approach a row of shops with a plastic bag containing what was three bottles.

Counter-terror police are leading an investigation into an arson attack on a business on Friday night. A man was seen to approach a row of shops with a plastic bag containing what was later found to be three bottles containing fluid.

He placed the bag next to the building and lit the items inside, but the bottles failed to fully ignite. There was minor damage to the shop front but no injuries were reported.

The man fled the scene in Hendon, north-west London. The Mirror reports that Metropolitan Police officers were called shortly after 10.30pm following reports of the incident.

They said the investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from the North West Command Area. However, the force said it is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

A spokesperson said: “Officers are keeping an open mind about the motive behind the attack. No arrests have been made at this time.”

Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the North West London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green but Counter Terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.

“I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible. We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders. I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community.

“Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation. The community can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area. Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up police patrols and vigilance to reassure communities and disrupt offenders.

“This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.”

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Iran has reportedly attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after earlier announcing the waterway had again been closed to shipping

Two gunboats belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have opened fire on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK’s maritime security monitoring service.

On Saturday morning, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) confirmed that both the tanker and its crew were reported to be safe.

Its map indicates the attack took place off the north-west coast of the United Arab Emirates.

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The UKMTO, which serves as the primary point of contact between military authorities and merchant vessels, stated that authorities are currently investigating the incident.

The UK warning stated: “Master UKMTO has received a report of an incident 20nm (nautical miles) northeast of Oman.

“The Master of a tanker reports being approached by two IRGC gun boats, no VHF challenge, that then fired upon the tanker.

“Tanker and crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating.”

Earlier on Saturday, Iran announced it had reimposed restrictions on the crucial waterway, after the US declared that reopening the strait would not bring an end to its blockade of Iran-linked shipping.

The statement came the morning after President Donald Trump declared that the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear programme.

The dispute over the crucial chokepoint threatened to worsen the energy crisis already weighing on the global economy.

Oil prices began to slip again on Friday amid hopes that the US and Iran were edging closer to an agreement.

About a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait and further limits would squeeze already constrained supply, driving prices higher again.

Control over the strait has proven to be one Iran’s main points of leverage and prompted the US to deploy forces and initiate a blockade on Iranian ports.

The blockade is part of an effort to force Tehran to accept a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire to end almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the US and Iran.

Despite the escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani officials say the US and Iran are still moving closer to a deal ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline.

Foreign minister Ishaq Dar said the ceasefire in Lebanon was a positive sign, noting that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had been a key sticking point before talks in Islamabad ended “very close” to an agreement last weekend.

Passengers on services travelling both north and southbound were affected, with delays for several hours due to the incident between Retford and Newark Northgate, in Nottinghamshire, on Thursday evening into Friday morning.

At one stage the intruder on the track was said to be on a rail bridge over a river, amid concerns he may fall.

But the incident was finally resolved and brought “to a safe conclusion” with the help of trained negotiators at 3.20am yesterday (Friday April 17).

At one stage nine trains were detained in a holding queue, including Lumo, Hull Trains, Grand Central Rail and LNER services.

LNER said in a statement that it apologised “unreservedly” for the subsequent knock-on delays but explained they were down to trains and passengers being out of place due to the overnight disruption.

David Horne, LNER managing director, said: “I would like to offer my profound apologies to all those whose journeys have been affected.

“We are aware that people were waiting at stations and onboard our trains for a long time, and we know that our customers will have been travelling for important reasons.

“I want to reassure everyone that our teams, both on the ground and behind the scenes, were working hard to get people moving towards their destinations as quickly as possible.

“However, due to the sensitivity of the incident and with the safety of everyone involved being paramount, we could only run our services through the affected area when British Transport Police determined it was safe to do so.

“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding while teams responded to the sensitive situation.”

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “We were called just before 7:40pm yesterday (April 16) to reports of a trespasser on the line near Retford Railway Station.

“Officers responded alongside Nottinghamshire Police and other emergency services, and a man was located in a precarious position on a bridge.

“A specialist police negotiator also attended the scene to bring the incident to a safe conclusion due to concerns for the man’s welfare.

“At 3.20am on April 17, the man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the railway and taken into police custody where he remains.”

Gunnar Lindahl, joint operations director for Network Rail and LNER, said: “Our teams worked closely with the emergency services and train operators during this serious and sensitive incident to keep everyone safe and reopen the railway as soon as it was safe to do so.

“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey was affected while the situation was brought to a safe conclusion.

“Once the line was clear, our teams worked quickly to restore services and support operators in getting trains on the move again.”

LNER customers booked on services on April 16 or 17 are eligible to use their existing tickets on any LNER service to their destination up to, and including, Monday April 20.

Customers were advised to make a new seat reservation, for free, via the LNER app, website, or at its Travel Centres.

One of the affected passengers, James Horton, who was on a Kings Cross to Edinburgh LNER service on Thursday evening, finally reached Edinburgh Waverley station several hours later than planned, shortly after 8am on Friday.

But he was full of praise for rail staff on the train on which he was on board.

Taking to social media platform LinkedIn, he said they handled “a difficult situation”, which was not of their making, “very well”.

Mr Horton added: “I can’t thank the staff on the train personally, but credit should be given to them.

“Everyone got to where they needed to be and coffee and water were served all night and morning.”

Mojtaba Khamenei praised his forces for standing up to American and Israeli “arrogance” before warning of “new defeats”.

Iran’s Supreme Leader has blasted Donald Trump and US forces in a fiery new threat. Mojtaba Khamenei praised his forces for standing up to American and Israeli “arrogance” before warning of “new defeats”.

He also boasted that his enemies have had their “weakness and humiliation” exposed to the world, in a new statement released via an Iranian state news agency.

Mojtaba has not been seen in public since the US-Israel war with Iran began and was chosen as the new leader after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial strikes in February. Mojtaba spoke of how his army has “stood up to America’s sinister schemes”.

His statement said: “With its strong divine and popular support and in dense, fortified ranks, it [the army] stands shoulder to shoulder with other mujahideen of the armed forces against the two armies at the forefront of the front of kufr (disbelief) and arrogance, clashing with them hand-to-hand and exposing their weakness and humiliation to the eyes of the world; just as its drones strike like lightning against the American and Zionist criminals, its brave navy is ready to make the enemies taste the bitterness of new defeats.”

The warning comes after Iran today said it was closing the Strait of Hormuz again, writes the Mirror. There have already been reports of Iranian gun boats opening fire on tankers attempting to cross the crucial waterway.

Mojtaba finished his message by saying: “Greetings and blessings of the Almighty upon all the mujahideen of the Islamic Republic Army of Iran, from its emirs and commanders to its staff and silent, anonymous soldiers; and greetings and blessings of the Almighty upon all its self-sacrificing volunteers and wounded veterans; and His special mercy upon the honorable families of all the martyrs of the imposed war waged by America and the Zionist regime against the great nation of Iran. And peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.”

Iran’s joint military command also said on Saturday that control of the Strait of Hormuz has “returned to its previous state… under strict management and control of the armed forces”.

It warned that it would continue to block passage through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.

Two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center said. It said the tanker and crew are safe but did not identify the vessel.

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There are delays on the busy road

There are currently delays on a major Cambridgeshire road following an incident in the area. One lane of the M11 has been closed today (Saturday, April 18) after a car crash happened involving two vehicles at around 12.50pm.

The incident happened on the M11 southbound between J9 (Saffron Walden) to J8 A120 (Bishops Stortford). The traffic is moving slow along the road.

Emergency services have been contacted for more information. Drivers should leave extra time for their journeys.

Inrix, the traffic data monitoring company, said: “Slow traffic and one lane closed due to accident on M11 Southbound after J9A A11 (Saffron Walden). Two cars are currently in lane two.”

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The force said the attack is not being treated as a terrorist incident

Counter-terror police have announced they are investigating an arson attack in north-west London “due to the similarities” with recent incidents in the area.

Police were called to the scene in Hendon at 10.31pm yesterday, April 18, after a man was allegedly spotted approaching a row of shops carrying a plastic bag later found to contain three bottles of “fluid”. According to the Metropolitan Police, he placed the bag by a building before lighting the items inside, and when they failed to fully ignite, the man fled the scene.

Counter Terrorism Policing London is said to be leading the investigation, with the support of the Met’s north-west command area, and no arrests have been made as of yet. The force added that it is not being treated as a terrorist incident, nor is it currently being linked to other incidents in the area. Fire crews were also in attendance at the scene.

Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the north-west London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green, but counter-terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.

“I would ask that anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation gets in touch with police as soon as possible.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible for this and other, similar, hateful acts against London’s communities.”

This follows an incident in the early hours of March 23, when four Jewish community ambulances were torched in Golders Green. Additionally, on Wednesday night, April 15, an “ignited container” was thrown into a Persian media organisation’s premises in Wembley in an attempted arson attack, the force said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Since the incident in Golders Green last month we have spoken extensively to community leaders.

“I understand and appreciate their concerns, and I know this latest incident will add to fears in the community.

“Local officers are working closely with Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation.

“The community can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area. Since last month’s attack in Golders Green, we have stepped up police patrols and vigilance to reassure communities and disrupt offenders.

“This includes armed police patrols as well as deployments of officers from Project Servator, who are specially trained to spot anyone who may be planning or preparing to commit criminal acts.”

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We spoke to Sticky Black Tarmac, a record shop in Leigh, ahead of the big day, to learn more about the store.

What’s your full name?

Brandan Nolan

What’s the name of the business?

Sticky Black Tarmac

What’s the address?

Floor 3 @ Leigh Spinners Mill (WN7 2LB)

Are you the owner/manager?

Yes

When did you open the business?

2021, but have been based in Leigh Spinners Mill since 2023.

Sticky Black Tarmac has been based in Leigh since 2023 (Image: Supplied)

Has it always been in the same location?

Previously based in Walkden before making the move here.

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

Not from too far away, originally from Swinton.

Tell me a bit about your business

SBT stocks an eclectic and global mix of records, new and old.

All the essentials are covered here, your Arctic Monkeys, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, Amy Winehouse, Pink Floyd etc, but I pride myself on introducing people to new music that may not be on their radar, or older records that maybe didn’t get the respect they were due at the time.

It’s a place to explore and move through all sounds.

What do you do? What services do you provide?

Record collections are also bought here, if you’re looking to sell please get in touch!

The store has a large collection of records (Image: Supplied)

Another service offered is ultrasonic record cleaning, the best way to bring dirty or written-off records back to life.

Just ask if you want to know more!

Why did you decide to open your own business?

The freedom of working for myself was a big thing, but most importantly, it’s my passion.

I love connecting with people who share the same interest!

What’s your business background?

Nothing specific previous to this!

I just had a fairly run-of-the-mill office job.

I worked for a great company, but didn’t feel fulfilled in that, so I took the leap into flogging records quite blindly!

Why this type of business?

I love good records!

What makes your business different from others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I would say there isn’t really competition between record shops; everyone appreciates that you start doing it because you love it.

There aren’t many other options around here, so it is good to see Resurrection Records in Tyldesley improving the local offering.

Owner Brandan is passionate about what he does (Image: Supplied)

In terms of my shop’s identity though, I’m proud to have a really solid range of records from around the world to discover.

We have a great section of modern Brazilian records, alongside everything from Turkey and the Middle East, even some African classics to discover!

New 7” and 12” releases are also stocked for the local DJ’s.

This year I visited a great new label based in New Jersey called ’That’s Love Records’, who have been a big success here, especially on our online store.

It’s cool to build relationships with people overseas. 

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

I think the great thing about a love of music is that it is an endless pursuit.

People can visit the shop confident that they can both pick up an old favourite, but also a new one.

With social media and AI, it is information overload at the moment.

It’s nice to go to a record shop and have an in-person chat to catch up on what’s new.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

Who knows! For now, I am just focused on getting through Record Store Day.

I probably am at capacity with my current space, so I would love to get a bigger space in the future.

Scarlett Moffatt opened up about the pain of losing a baby on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa

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I’m A Celebrity… South Africa star Scarlett Moffatt has opened up in camp about the heartbreak of losing a baby while she and her partner were trying to have a second child.

The former Gogglebox star is engaged to ex-police officer Scott Dobinson. Together they share one son, Jude, who arrived in June 2023. However, their hopes of expanding the family have faced difficulties.

Speaking to Sinitta during Friday’s (April 17) episode, Scarlett said: “We tried for a long time and had some losses, and it’s not nice, is it? And because no one talks about it, you think something is wrong with you. You’re like, why is it not happening? It’s a hard one.

“After Jude was born, we tried again and got quite far on and miscarried, and I remembered Scott’s mum and dad took Jude for the day, and me and Scott just laid in bed crying. It was awful. Because in our head, we were like, ‘Oh, like, imagine them running downstairs at Christmas together’.

“You imagine it. When you lose a baby in that way, you’re sort of mourning a life that you imagined. It’s just really sad. We just have to be so grateful we have got ours,” reports the Mirror.

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Speaking in the Bush Telegraph after the conversation, Scarlett reflected on her ability to confide in her fellow campmates.

She said: “I feel like we’re really open in camp. You’re so far away from your normal world you can almost talk about anything. We’ve all listened and spoken with such care to each other that I really believe that we’ve got friendships for life.

“When all you want is a family. It’s really hard when that doesn’t just come naturally and easily. You know, you question yourself. You question, why is it not happening? Is it ever going to happen? And it’s just really hard, like it just makes life feel heavier.”

Scarlett, 35, won the I’m A Celebrity crown in Australia in 2016. Her relatable and genuine manner on the current series has endeared her to countless additional viewers.

She’s also proved popular amongst her fellow campmates, forging friendships with the likes of Sinitta and Ashley Roberts, and tackling a challenge alongside Ashley last week.

In an interview with Heat Magazine earlier this month, she quipped that her postponed nuptials might mirror her parents’ 27-year engagement, ensuring they were certain about each other.

Scarlett said: “I’m not stressed about it, and I think that’s the problem. I got engaged three years ago. I think me and Scott are so laidback that nothing gets done.

“We need an intervention where someone comes in and physically books everything for us because we just keep going, ‘We’ll sort it next year.’”

However, she confirmed she wants it arranged before reaching her landmark birthday in 2030. She added: “We’re in no rush, but I’ve definitely said before I’m 40, ideally. But then you might ask us that question at 40, and I’ll say 50.”

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is available to stream on ITVX

The Sands National Helpline provides a safe, confidential place for anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby. You can call the Sands Helpline on 0808 164 3332 or visit www.sands.org.uk

Hollywood A-lister, Alec Baldwin, was found not guilty of manslaughter following the fatal shooting on the set of his film, Rust – however he now faces a civil trial

Alec Baldwin is due back in court following the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins. The cinematographer and mum-of-one, 42, died on the set of the actor’s film, Rust, in 2021 when a live round was discharged from a revolver that Baldwin, 68, was using as a prop.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico stated that neither Baldwin nor first assistant director David Halls knew that the gun in question was loaded.

On January 31, 2023, the district attorney charged Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with one count each of involuntary manslaughter. Halls agreed to plead guilty to the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon.

On February 23, 2023, Baldwin pleaded not guilty, and on April 20, it was reported that prosecutors had indicated that the charges against him were being dropped.

However, on Friday, April 17, a Los Angeles judge ruled that a lawsuit filed by Rust crew member Serge Svetnoy against the actor will proceed.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter ruled that a lawsuit brought by Svetnoy will proceed to determine if Baldwin negligently fired a loaded revolver on the film set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, which struck and killed the mother, according to Mail Online.

The new lawsuit comes after the 30 Rock star said the aftermath of the fatal shooting has ‘taken 10 years off’ his life.

Back in October, manslaughter charges were dismissed by a New Mexico judge after she determined that prosecutors allegedly withheld evidence.

Now, Svetnoy is suing the film’s star and production company for emotional distress suffered due to alleged negligence on set.

Prior to the shooting, several crew members reportedly walked off set, citing safety concerns, including two previous accidental discharges of prop guns.

Baldwin, who fired the fatal shot from a prop revolver, has always maintained that he had no idea the gun was loaded with live rounds and denied ever pulling the trigger. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also injured in the shooting.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Svetnoy’s attorney, John M. Upton, said they were ‘pleased with the Court’s decision to deny the motions for summary judgment brought by Rust Movie Productions and Alex Baldwin.

‘These rulings enable our client to present his case at a jury trial, now scheduled for October of this year,’ he added. ‘He looks forward to finally having his day in court on this long-pending matter. ‘

The Mirror has contacted Baldwin’s rep for comment.

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Emergency crews raced to the M90 late on Friday night.

A major Scottish motorway has been locked down for more than 12 hours following a reported “fatal” crash. Emergency services were called to a serious collision on the M90 near Kinross at around 10.30pm on Friday.

Amey North East Trunk Roads, which maintains roads on behalf of Transport Scotland, has been sharing updates since the initial crash. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, at 11.40pm, the transport agency said the motorway was “closed in both directions between Kinross and Arlary” with a diversion in place.

In an update shortly after 1am, Amey reported that the crash had claimed someone’s life. Amey wrote: “The M90 remains closed in both directions due to a fatal RTC. Northbound Lane 1 will be opened shortly. Police and Amey crews are on site. No delays in the area.”

The northbound carriageway had one lane reopened before 3am on Saturday, with fire crews departing the scene in the same period.

Crash investigations reportedly completed at around 10.30am, and vehicle recovery was completed around an hour later but only one lane was open northbound by 1pm, with the southbound carriageway still fully closed.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The M90 southbound is still closed at Kinross, between junctions 6 and 9, following a two-car crash.

“We were made aware around 10.30pm yesterday and emergency services remain at the scene. A local diversion is in place. Please avoid the area.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received the call at 10.40pm to a two-vehicle crash on the M90. Three appliances were dispatched, with the last one leaving the scene at 2.36am.”

The latest Amey update at 12.40pm read: “M90 Southbound remains closed due to an RTC, with lane 2 remaining closed Northbound. Crash investigations have been completed. Recovery has been completed; the debris clean-up has now commenced. Standard diversion remains in place. No delays showing in the area.”

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