The comment was made in a staff group chat after the boy’s mum had asked Into The Woods to help find his lost toy

The mum of a young boy who was called “some loser” by staff at a Carryduff soft play area has said she is disgusted that “her child was mocked” when she asked for help finding his lost toy.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the mum, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is a “disgrace” that her son, who is non-verbal with additional needs, was mocked in a staff group chat at Into the Woods, Carryduff, after she had asked for help in finding his favourite toy that he had lost while playing.

She said it was the fourth time that she had attended the play area that week with her son who “loved the place”, saying that it is advertised as somewhere suitable for children with additional needs due to the sensory equipment it has there. However she now says she would never return after the way her son was spoken about.

The concerned mum said that she only discovered what was said about her son when a former staff member made a post on social media about the business which highlighted what was said in the staff group chat.

The message said: “Some loser lost their toy. Search party first thing”, and had a number of laughing reactions.

She said: “It is a disgrace that people who are working at a soft play area for young children would talk about my son like that. To use that language about children is just horrendous.

“My son had loved going to Into the Woods because of the sensory toys that were there and it was the fourth time we had been that week. He ended up losing his favourite wee toy there and I had messaged them asking if they could have a look out for it and sent a pic of my son with the toy. I never imagined that they would then go and mock him.

“I only found out about this from a former employee there and I have been told that the person who made the comment is a manager there, although they have denied that.”

Into the Woods has said that it has apologised for the remark made about the young boy and issued a statement saying: “To address the language used in the message. We immediately gave a verbal warning to the member of staff that make the comment (it was not the owner). They assured us it was not meant with any malice or ill intent but an attempt at ‘Belfast Banter’. We explained to the staff member, that regardless of the intent, it was still unacceptable and we apologies for their behaviour.

“The staff member in question is autistic with learning difficulties and struggles with social cues, they feel deep remorse for the misunderstanding and any upset the situation has caused. We want to highlight that this is not an excuse but simply an explanation. We cannot comment on anything further at this time, due to legal action we are taking against a disgruntled former employee.”

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‘Nobody wants to see our young people criminalised or hurt, but this issue cannot be ignored’

A local councillor in West Belfast is calling on the Justice Minister to act on the growing misuse of scramblers and e-scooters.

Cllr Paul Doherty said he regularly receives reports of vehicles racing through residential areas and near misses on pavements, and is calling for action to address this.

It comes ahead of a motion being brought to Stormont by the SDLP this week focusing on ways to address the issue, including giving the PSNI stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, as well as initiatives to promote responsible use of scramblers and e-scooters.

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Cllr Doherty previously brought a proposal to Belfast City Council looking at alternative ways to address issues around these vehicles.

West Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty said: “Too many communities across the North are being plagued by the misuse of scramblers and e-scooters. I regularly receive reports of vehicles racing through residential areas and near misses on pavements, and this is happening far too often.

“Efforts to deal with these issues have been too slow. Across this island we have unfortunately seen people seriously injured and even killed in incidents involving these vehicles and that cannot be allowed to continue. While other jurisdictions have taken action, we continue to lag behind.

“Nobody wants to see our young people criminalised or hurt, but this issue cannot be ignored. I have brought forward proposals in Belfast including dedicated sites for scrambler use, alongside proper training on the risks and responsibilities involved.

“We have seen up to a 90% reduction in illegal use through programmes delivered alongside local schools and youth centre initiatives that take this activity away from our parks, roads and community spaces, and instead point young people towards safer, more responsible use – rehabilitating and upskilling towards positive use of these vehicles.

“This week the SDLP Opposition is calling on the Justice Minister to build on that good work, alongside giving the PSNI stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour. We need to end the scenes of scramblers and e-scooters being driven dangerously across our pavements, parks and greenways, putting both riders and pedestrians at risk.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up this afternoon:

Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall; McNeil, Ndiaye, Beto.
Substitutes: Travers, Patterson, Keane, Barry, George, Dibling, Alcaraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Substitutes: Woodman, Pesci, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha.

Kerry Katona was reportedly snubbed from being asked to appear on the latest season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Earlier this month the latest season of the ITV reality series returned to screens – this time seeing celebrities who previously took part returning to compete in South Africa.

Those currently in the running to be crowned Legend of the Jungle include Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sinitta, Adam Thomas and Sir Mo Farah.

However, one past star of the show whose been noticeably absent in All Star versions in recent years has been former Atomic Kitten member Kerry.

In 2004 she won her season of the show – which also saw Peter Andre and Katie Price take part.

Although Kerry’s win drew in an estimated 14 million viewers – a stark contrast to last year’s season which only pulled half that figure – she’s not been invited back for either of the two All Stars series’, despite her desire to take part again.

It’s now been reported that her highly publicised private life – which has included drug admissions, bankruptcies and divorces – could be affecting her casting chances.

‘Everyone at I’m a Celeb loves Kerry and they’ll always back her as one of the most popular winners of the show,’ a source explained to The Sun.

‘But times have changed and bosses have such a fine line to tread when it comes to keeping the audience happy. Kerry will tell you herself she’s like marmite, you either love her or you hate her!

‘There are also big hoops to jump through when it comes to who can cope in such an environment.’

They went on to share: ‘She was actually considered for the current All Stars series but not everyone was on board. Sadly, it looks like – despite her being synonymous with the show – she’ll never get a chance to do it again.’

The source said Kerry ‘had a big mouth and won’t be filtered’, a trait that was ‘something everyone loves her for’.

However, they said bosses ‘can’t take the risk of not knowing what she’ll say after the show is filmed, especially as the series is shot so far in advance’.

Kerry – who went on to appear on other reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice and Celebs on the Farm – recently revealed she’d spoken to producers about returning to I’m A Celebrity…but they never replied.

‘I keep getting turned down for some reason,’ she also told The Sun.

‘I think it’d be amazing. I’ve been to the interviews for both series.

‘And they said, “Definitely, Kerry. You were the first queen and had the highest ratings”, but then they never came back. I’d do it in a heartbeat, not even to win it. Just for me.’

The last time Kerry appeared in a reality show was for her own ITV2 series The Next Chapter, which wrapped up in 2011.

She also last performed with Atomic Kitten in 2017. Although she reunited with Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton in 2013, she left the group again after getting drunk and hitting Natasha following a performance in Australia.

Last month her former bandmate shut down speculation they could ever work together again.

Speaking to The Mirror, Natasha shared: ‘I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She’s a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl.

‘There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.’

Last year she also told The Daily Mail: ‘I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I’ve spent a lot of time with Jenny [Frost] this summer.’

Jenny joined the band after Kerry’s exit. They released three albums, going on hiatus in 2004 before their official split four years later.

Metro has contacted ITV and representatives for Kerry Katona for comment.

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LONDON (AP) — U.K. police said Sunday they are investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies, as the country’s chief rabbi said British Jews are facing a campaign of violence and intimidation.

The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing fires at synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.

No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue on Saturday night.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.

“We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” she said.

“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London,” she added.

Israel’s government has described Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, whose name means the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, as a recently founded group with suspected links to “an Iranian proxy” that has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The police force has deployed extra uniformed and plainclothes officers to northwest London after attacks in the past month on synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and a Persian-language media organization critical of Iran’s government.

In the most serious incident, four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were torched on March 23 in the Golders Green neighborhood,

No one has been injured in any of the incidents, which all happened within a few miles of each other. Several people, ranging in age from teens to people in their 40s, have been arrested and charged.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attacks, and pledged that “those responsible will be found and brought to justice.

“This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” Starmer said.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia also posted a video claiming Israel’s London embassy was going to be attacked with drones carrying dangerous substances. Police said the embassy was not attacked, but the force shut the nearby Kensington Gardens park on Friday as officers examined discarded items including two jars containing powder. Police said nothing harmful was found.

The U.K. has accused Iran of using criminal proxies to conduct attacks on European soil targeting opposition media outlets and the Jewish community. Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence service says that more than 20 “potentially lethal” Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year to October.

Some security experts say Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said any “thugs for hire” who carried out such attacks would face justice.

“Let’s be really clear — it’s a mug’s game,” he said. “That’s what people who are now serving long prison sentences have found out, and the same fate awaits those responsible for these recent crimes.”

Shay Holmes was initially charged with attempted murder but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his plea to the lesser charge.

The 23-year-old also pleaded guilty to a count of dangerous driving following the alleged ‘hit-and-run’ on January 8 this year.

He entered a not guilty plea to the charge of attempted murder but guilty to GBH with intent.

Paul Abrahams, prosecuting, said: “The Crown has reviewed this case very carefully and I have had a case conference with the police and we are content with the offer of the pleas.

“Therefore, in due course we will offer no evidence on count one (the attempted murder charge).”

Judge Jonathan Carroll remanded Holmes in custody to allow time for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.

“You will be sentenced in due course,” he said. “You should understand that a custodial sentence is inevitable.

“I will adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report so the question of dangerousness can be assessed.”

Carr Lane in Spennymoor (Image: ANNA BARNES)

His arrest was made after a 44-year-old man was left with critical injuries after being hit by a car on Carr Lane shortly after 1am.

The surrounding area was taped off following the incident, with pictures showing police cars at the scene while a number of items lay in the road.

At the time Durham Police later launched an appeal for any residents with CCTV to get in touch.

Holmes, of Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor, will return to court on June 19 to be sentenced.

The spate of burglaries occurred on Elliott Street, in Tyldesley, on the night of Wednesday, April 15, between 11.45pm and 3am.

Greater Manchester Police say they have been patrolling these areas and securing evidence to identify those responsible.

GMP are also urging business owners in the area to “ensure that they are extra vigilant with safety measures by securing their premises with locks, shutters and alarms”.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “We are patrolling these areas and want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to secure evidence.”

• If you have any information that would assist police in their enquiries, please report this online or call 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, if offenders are on site, ensure your safety and call 999 immediately.

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in domestic-related shootings at different homes early Sunday, police in Shreveport said.

The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were people shot.

The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes, which extended across three locations. Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.

___

This story has been corrected to attribute the statements about the shooting to police spokesperson Chris Bordelon, not Police Chief Wayne Smith.

The Sweet Trap, on Potto Street in Shotton Colliery, had its licence revoked by Durham County Council following significant concerns from the police and residents. 

It comes after the store received a three-month closure order in March due to several incidents and repeated complaints. 

But the owner of the Sweet Trap said he “strongly disagrees” with the closure notice and will be appealing the decision. 

A licensing committee was told that there has been a “significant and sustained increase” in anti-social behaviour since it opened in October 2025.

The Sweet Trap in Shotton Colliery received a three-month closure order from the police. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Sergeant Caroline Dickenson said: “The premises has become a focal point for large groups of youths, resulting in ongoing disorder, intimidation, and nuisance to the local community. 

“Despite engagement from police and partner agencies, there has been a persistent failure by management to exercise effective control of the premises.”

The meeting heard that incidents, including a police car’s windows being smashed and off-road motorcycles causing a nuisance in the community, have been reported near the store. 

Police said numerous requests to the business owner for CCTV footage have not been complied with. “This has significantly hindered criminal investigations and demonstrates non-compliance with licence expectations,” Sgt Dickenson said 

In a statement to the council, she added: “The premises is now widely regarded as a hub for disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

A total of 32 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported in Shotton Colliery throughout March, but just 10 occurred after the store closed. Since the start of April, just eight incidents have been reported, the meeting was told. 

A local police officer said: “Shotton still has issues with youths but people now feel safe. They don’t have to cross roads away from youths. 

“We have had a massive reduction – it’s definitely improved – and it’s a better place to be and live.”

Despite the disorder concerns, there is no evidence of alcohol being sold to underage customers. 

Mr Sproat did not attend Friday’s hearing at County Hall in Durham. 

Revoking the premises licence, committee chair Stephen Franklin said: “We cannot be satisfied that the continuation of the licence will not undermine the licensing objectives, and the licence is revoked.”

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic scored four goals in extra time to overcome St Mirren 6-2 at Hampden and reach the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline

St Mirren were forced to put their faith in a teenage goalkeeper who had only just got his driving licence.

However, it was Celtic who successfully manoeuvred their way back to Hampden.

Martin O’Neill is set for a Scottish Cup Final clash – facing his old protégé Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline.

The final 6-2 scoreline shouldn’t deceive you – this match was far from simple.

The comprehensive victory felt unjust on the brave Buddies, who battled back from being two goals behind to push the game into extra time before ultimately being defeated, the Daily Record reports, reports the Irish Mirror.

Celtic appeared exhausted at that stage but surged forward with an extraordinary spell at the start of extra time that decided the outcome.

Craig McLeish’s team suffered major setbacks. Stand-in goalkeeper Ryan Mullen gifted Celtic an early advantage within 55 seconds before limping off with an injury, bringing on 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius – who had only recently acquired his driving licence.

The youngster performed admirably under immense pressure but his side agonisingly fell apart after staging a valiant fightback at the National Stadium.

Celtic looked comfortable when Tony Ralston struck a powerful second goal, but Mikel Mandron pulled one back before levelling matters in stoppage time.

Saints had momentum while the Bhoys were faltering. Nevertheless, the Hoops found another gear with replacement Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace, while Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren also found the net in a superb extra time display to keep O’Neill’s quest for more trophies alive.

It was devastating for a Saints side whose game plan fell apart in just 60 seconds after Mullen’s disastrous mistake.

The substitute keeper should have been aware of Maeda’s positioning and dealt with the ball more assertively.

Yet the Japanese forward’s tireless harrying exposed him, with Mullen left fishing the ball out of his own goal.

Celtic endured some nervy passages of play – but Ralston connected with Yang’s clever back heel and crashed a stunning strike in off the woodwork with the last kick of the first half.

Saints were hurt but returned with fresh determination after the break to deservedly reduce the deficit on 53 minutes when Mandron muscled past Kieran Tierney to thump his header into the bottom corner.

The Paisley side kept up their pressure and eventually drew level as the clock hit 90 minutes, with Mandron latching onto Jake Young’s touch to blast past Sinisalo.

Celtic were becoming rattled – but the tie took yet another remarkable turn in extra time with a succession of goals.

Iheanacho put them back in front when he expertly steered home James Forrest’s cracking cross, and moments later McCowan remained calm to tuck away the fourth.

The Nigerian striker superbly dispatched the fifth with his left boot at the near post before Nygren coolly slotted a sixth to finally enable Celtic to cruise through to victory.

Here are five talking points from a Hampden thriller:

FAIRYTALE FINAL

Things haven’t quite gone to plan for O’Neill during his remarkable return this season, but a Hampden final in May seems a fitting way to sign off.

The Northern Irishman is still in the hunt for the league title, although the Scottish Cup looks like the best chance of lifting silverware this term.

The added intrigue of taking on his former protégé Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline outfit only adds to the theatre of what has already been an astonishingly unpredictable season.

TOMBOLA TRUMPS

O’Neill will have plenty of time to ponder his Final starting eleven – although anticipating it remains nearly impossible.

Record Sport’s Chris Sutton called it the tombola, and yet again the Hoops’ boss’s team selection was filled with surprising picks.

Tomas Cvancara was left out completely, Sebastian Tounetki made an unexpected comeback while Arne Engels was brought back into the first team.

The strategy worked in spells – although ultimately not enough.

Celtic looked exposed, sloppy in possession and lacking real cohesion or control.

Iheanacho’s arrival changed the game, but with the forward unable to last 90 minutes, the tombola will keep on turning.

HAPPY DAIZ

Celtic’s opening goal was perhaps the most characteristic Daizen Maeda strike you could imagine. The early effort brought an end to a barren run of 17 games without scoring, and while Maeda was prolific last season, his form in front of goal has been poor this time around and he continued to struggle.

Iheanacho showed the difference a composed finisher makes, and O’Neill will be hoping Maeda’s goal can kickstart his goalscoring form.

KID’S A KEEPER

The loss of Shamal George in goal was already a blow – but it turned out to be just the start of Saints’ goalkeeping nightmare.

Replacement Ryan Mullen suffered a torrid 14-minute period, shipping a goal to Celtic inside 60 seconds before picking up a thigh injury moments later.

The ex-Hoops academy player tried to carry on but was eventually forced off, meaning teenage goalkeeper Grant Tamosevicius was thrust into action.

The youngster responded superbly with a number of fine saves and looked far more comfortable with the ball at his feet than either of the other two keepers on show.

The Buddies didn’t allow the goalkeeping mayhem to knock them off course and Tamosevicius acquitted himself well and didn’t deserve to ship six goals.

SAINTS IN A SCRAP

The dream cup double might be beyond Saints but there’s still much to fight for this season.

Lifting the League Cup back in December will live long in the memory, but the Buddies are intent on ensuring the campaign’s successes aren’t undermined by becoming caught up in a fight against the drop.

Judging by their latest displays, there should be little cause for concern. Form has genuinely picked up in recent weeks, and while the back-to-back defeat to Celtic was harsh, particularly given the severity of this scoreline, it ought to reinforce rather than shake the side’s determination.

Maintain this level of performance and Saints should have enough about them to avoid any play-off worries.

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