Following its initial year in operation in the North East, Project Vigilant will continue with further deployments planned during 2026 to build on the good work already carried out in the partnership scheme.

The initiative is aimed at targeting perpetrator behaviours, which are often displayed before a sexual offence, or those of spiking and theft takes place.

It is a joint effort involving the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria police forces and all three regional Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).

Their combined aim is to ensure a safer environment for members of the public enjoying a night out.

Proactive policing in the night-time economy to target potential perpetrators of sexual, spiking or theft offences (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Project Vigilant began in Thames Valley in 2019, and has spread nationwide, with its introduction in North Yorkshire in 2023, and in the three North East force areas, in December 2024.

Specially trained plain-clothed officers are deployed in and about night-scene venues, identifying individuals displaying predatory behaviour.

Plain-clothes officers helping to spot potential perpetrators of sexual, spiking or theft offences in the night-time economy (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

These include harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour.

They are stopped by police, inquiries are carried out, dispersal orders given or, where necessary, arrests are made.

Both uniformed and plain-clothed officers patrol areas where busy night-time venues thrive looking for potential offence perpetrators (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

A total of 42-per cent of the individuals identified and stopped by officers during the most recent deployment had previous links to offences of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse or sexual offending.

One man stopped and arrested was in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and another man was found to have quantities of controlled drugs on him, including two capped needles.

Detective Chief Inspector Max Leonard, of NEROCU, said: “We know women are taught from a young age to stay extra vigilant on a night out, but that responsibility shouldn’t be on them.

“We want to reassure all members of the public that these targeted police operations will continue to be carried out across the North East, with the aim of proactively preventing violence and sexual offences against women and girls and ensuring a safer environment for all.

“Our efforts alongside our partners will not slow down, and I want to state clearly to the public that we remain committed to support the regional mission to tackle this issue

“We also urge anyone with any concerns about someone’s behaviour to report it to police.”

Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “It is extremely important that women and girls feel they can socialise in the evening and fully take part in the night time economy without fear of abuse or harassment.”

His Durham counterpart, Joy Allen, said: “These results prove the value in tackling predatory behaviour early.

“Undoubtedly, the swift actions of officers have prevented harm and protected women or girls becoming victims of appalling offences, the emotional impact of which could last a lifetime.”

Northumbria PCC, Susan Dungworth: “This week it’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week and I think it’s really important to be highlighting proactive policing efforts like Project Vigilant which involves officers working hard behind the scenes to help keep people safe on a night out.

Read next … more crime stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

“This activity sends a clear message that our police forces are working together, through the NEROCU, and are doing so much more than responding to crimes and supporting the vulnerable.”

Any victim of a sexual assault, whether recently or in the past, is encouraged to contact their local police force.

If anyone has information or concerns about someone’s behaviour they can report it to police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on (0800) 555111.

French rugby was rocked by the sudden retirement of tighthead prop Uini Atonio, who suffered a cardiac event recently. At fly-half, Bordeaux’s Matthieu Jalibert starts, with Toulouse fly-half Romain Ntamack out injured. Anthony Jelonch starts at number eight, with Gregory Alldritt not in the squad.

France starting XV: 15 Thomas Ramos; 14 Theo Attissogbe; 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Yoram Moefana; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey; 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain); 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Charles Ollivon, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Oscar Jegou, 8 Anthony Jelonch.

Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Emmanual Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Kalvin Gourgues.

The injuries have piled up for Ireland as there is no Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, Mack Hansen or Robbie Henshaw available this week. With a number of props missing, Jeremy Loughman and Thomas Clarkson are given the chance to start. Jacob Stockdale has been given the nod to start on the wing ahead of James Lowe. Sam Prendergast has earned the nod to start at fly-half. Head coach Andy Farrell has opted for a six-two forwards-backs split on the bench.

Ireland starting XV: 15 Jamie Osborne; 14 Tommy O’Brien; 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey; 11 Jacob Stockdale; 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Thomas Clarkson; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Cian Prendergast, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (captain).

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Craig Casey, 23 Jack Crowley.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is relaxing rules that restrict when food companies can claim their products have no artificial colors.

The agency announced Thursday that food labels may claim to have “no artificial colors” when they are free of petroleum-based dyes, even when they contain dyes derived from natural sources such as plants. In the past, the FDA has allowed companies to make those claims only when products “had no added color whatsoever,” the agency said in a statement.

The move is another step toward the Trump administration’s aim to phase out synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply.

In a joint statement, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the move would encourage companies to switch to natural rather than synthetic colors if they can claim their products contain no artificial colors.

“We are taking away that hindrance and making it easier for companies to use these colors in the foods our families eat every day,” Makary said in a statement.

Kennedy and Makary have urged U.S. companies to voluntarily remove synthetic dyes from their products — and many food makers, such as PepsiCo and Nestle, have complied. In addition, some states have taken steps to ban artificial dyes from school meals.

The move drew praise from Consumer Brands, a trade group for packaged foods, which said “all natural ingredients should continue to follow a rigorous science and risk-based evaluation process.”

“This is a positive example of the FDA taking the lead on ingredient safety and transparency,” Sarah Gallo, the group’s senior vice president, said in a statement.

But the label change could mislead consumers, said Sarah Sorscher, director of regulatory affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group. It would allow a claim of “no artificial colors” for any color additive that is not a petroleum-based certified color, including potentially harmful additives such as titanium dioxide.

Also on Thursday, the FDA said it had approved a new natural dye, beetroot red, and expanded the use of spirulina extract, a color derived from algae that provides a blue hue in foods. The FDA currently allows roughly three dozen natural dyes in food products. The agency banned a controversial dye known as Red No. 3 last year and has proposed banning a rarely-used hue, Orange B.

The agency also recently said it would review the six remaining petroleum-based dyes frequently used in the U.S. food supply: Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2.

Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing inconclusive studies that found they could cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues in some children. Other health experts have noted that bright synthetic colors are a key component of ultraprocessed foods marketed to children, increasing consumption of added sugar, fat and sodium that can lead to health problems.

Still, the FDA’s website on Thursday continued to acknowledge limited evidence for harms from artificial colors. “The totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them,” the site said.

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The family of a British woman who died after a holiday in Cape Verde have urged travellers to take hygiene warnings seriously as UK health authorities examine a spike in serious illnesses.

Four British tourists died between October and December last year after falling ill, having visited the popular winter sun destination off the coast of West Africa.

Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, was taken ill during a two-week break in Cape Verde last October.

During her illness, she slipped in her hotel room and broke her leg. After four days in a clinic she was flown to Tenerife for further treatment, where she died the following day.

Her sister-in-law, Kim Price, told Sky News Karen “lived the last few days on this Earth in agony”.

She added: “We are heartbroken. We still can’t get over it. I am angry and I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

Karen’s older brother, Keith, said: “One person [dying] is too many, if it goes on the way it is going, how many more are going to suffer?

“I would urge people to think before you book. If you do think about going, do a lot of research and make sure you have adequate insurance.”

This week, 200 more tourists have come forward to say they also suffered serious illnesses after travelling to Cape Verde.

It means the number of people taking legal action against holiday firm TUI has risen to 1,700.

New data from the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows cases of the stomach bug shigella are now falling after an autumn spike, but incidents of salmonella continue to rise.

More than 150 cases

Lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, Hannah Charles, said 158 cases have been linked to this outbreak since October 2025 “and we know at least 112 of these people have travelled to Cape Verde in the week before they became unwell”.

She said: “But it’s really good to see from the data that the number of new cases per week has been declining, which does indicate that the outbreak is slowing down.

“The latest figures, as well as showing updated figures on shigella, does highlight an increase in cases of salmonella that are also associated with travel to Cape Verde.”

‘Avoid salads and raw fruit’

She urged tourists to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves.

“We’re not saying ‘don’t travel to Cape Verde,’” she said.

“But it’s our responsibility to make sure that people are aware of the risks and we provide information on how people can reduce their risk and ultimately stay well and enjoy their holiday.

“So, taking measures like choosing food that is freshly prepared and piping hot.

“Avoiding salads and raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with unsafe water, drinking bottled water, avoiding ice in drinks is also a good idea and always thoroughly washing hands.”

200 more people approach lawyers

Lawyers acting for holidaymakers confirmed 200 more people had come forward this week, taking the total number of TUI customers involved to 1,700.

Serious injury lawyer, Jatinder Paul, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “We continue to be contacted by more people who have reported being struck down by serious illnesses after travelling to Cape Verde.

“The first-hand accounts of their symptoms and how they say their holidays have been ruined are all too familiar and worrying.

“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as symptoms can lead to life-long and debilitating complications and even death.

“Our focus remains on continuing to support those holidaymakers who have instructed us to investigate their illnesses and whether more should have been done to prevent them.

“We once again call on tour operators – who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays – and authorities to take meaningful action to get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands.”

TUI did not respond to a request for a comment, but has previously said it is fully investigating the claims and ensures any customers who fall ill while on holiday have access to appropriate care and assistance.

The Cape Verde government issued a statement earlier this week that said it is one of the safest countries in Africa in terms of health.

It said it welcomes a million visitors a year and that recent cases “represent, in statistical terms, a residual occurrence, not evidencing any sustained epidemiological pattern nor any alteration in the national health profile”.

It added: “These are legal proceedings directed at private entities.

“The Ministry of Health does not accept that individual allegations, presented in foreign forums, be generalised or used to undermine the national health system and the country’s good image.”

A man has died and a girl is missing after heaving flooding hit Spain and Portugal. 

Storm Leonardo struck the Iberian Peninsula on Tuesday, with torrential rain and strong winds causing roads and towns to flood, damaging homes and forcing residents to flee.

A man, believed to be about 70, died in Portugal‘s southern Alentejo region on Wednesday after his car was swept away by flood water, local authorities said.

Meanwhile, rescuers have been searching for a girl who was washed away in the Turvilla river in southern Spain‘s Malaga province while trying to rescue her dog.

“We spent the whole afternoon and night yesterday searching in the river from ‌the place where the girl fell in until the very end of the river. We found the dog, but ​not her,” Malaga fire chief Manuel Marmolejo said on Spanish television.

The countries have been hit by a so-called “storm train” this winter, with Storm Marta expected to hit the region over the weekend, Spanish weather agency Aemet said.

In the Granada region in Spain, the streets of Huetor Tajar were flooded, along with nearby fields, after a river broke its banks, drone footage captured by the country’s Civil Guard shows.

The town of San Roque in Cádiz in Spain’s Andalusia region was also inundated by flood water.

Andalusia’s emergency services had attended to more than a million incidents by midnight on Wednesday, the agency said in a post on ​X.

Fourteen rivers and 10 dams were at “extreme” risk of overflowing, the regional government’s interior department’s head Antonio Sanz said.

Schools across Andalucia, except for in Almeria province, have been closed and some high-speed trains have been suspended in Andalucía due to the rain, according to Spain’s state-owned railway operator, Renfe.

Read more from Sky News:
Mozambique: Aid workers scramble to reach the starving after floods
Norwegian royal’s son cries and denies phone videos show rape

Meanwhile, people waded waist-deep through Alcacer do Sal in southern Portugal after ‌successive storms caused the river Sado to breach its banks. ⁠

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Restaurant terraces were completely submerged, with sandbags stacked in ‌front of doors to protect homes and shops.

“I’ve never seen anything ‍like this. It’s surreal,” said resident Maria Cadacha.

“There are a lot of people here, very good people, many shopkeepers, homes with damage. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.”

Portugal’s National Civil Protection said it had registered at least 70 incidents by Thursday morning.

Reconstruction costs in Portugal after last week’s Storm Kristin alone could total over €4bn (£3.47bn), the country’s economy minister Manuel Castro Almeida said.

Storm Kristin left six people dead and thousands without power.

Police found the vehicle in the early hours of the morning, with no driver to be seen.

An abandoned lorry was found blocking both lanes on a Cambridgeshire road. Cambridgeshire Police were called to the abandoned vehicle on Toll Bar Way, Sawtry, at around 3.20am on January 26.

Officers found the lorry in an unsuitable condition. It had a flat tyre, split to the side of it and a mini digger in the back.

No driver was found for the vehicle. An investigation is being carried out to try and find the owner of the vehicle.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Toll Bar Way in Sawtry [on January 26]. This lorry had been left abandoned and was blocking both lanes.

“It had a split to the side of it, a flat tyre and a mini digger in the back, but no driver to be seen. Officers searched the area, but unfortunately there was no one found. The investigation continues.”

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