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Riots erupt in Australia over Indigenous girl’s death as locals assault suspect

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Riots erupt in Australia over Indigenous girl’s death as locals assault suspect

Violence broke out in a remote town in northern Australia after police arrested the main suspect in the murder of a five-year-old Indigenous girl.

Jefferson Lewis, 47, was arrested late on Thursday night local time in Alice Springs.

The young girl, referred to by her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby in line with Indigenous customs, was reported missing from her central Australian home late on Saturday.

Authorities located the body, believed to be hers, shortly before midday on Thursday, about 5km south of the original crime scene.

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Local reports said a crowd attacked Mr Lewis when he appeared in a local community and beat him unconscious before police intervened.

Police said they had long suspected that Lewis received assistance from people in the community before he appeared at a town camp.

“For him to be able to appear in Alice Springs last night just confirms to us that he was getting support from somebody,” police commissioner Martin Dole of the Northern Territory said.

“My message to those people is, look out because we’re coming for you as well.”

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Community unrest outside the Alice Springs Hospital where a man arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Kumanjayi Little Baby was taken on 30 April 2026
Community unrest outside the Alice Springs Hospital where a man arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Kumanjayi Little Baby was taken on 30 April 2026 (Reuters)

When officers took him to a local hospital, hundreds of “angry” residents gathered, shouting for him to be killed and demanding “payback”, according to the ABC.

The situation escalated into rioting as people threw rocks and bottles, set vehicles on fire, and damaged property. Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to control the crowd.

Several officers were injured in the violence.

The unrest continued into the next day, leaving streets littered with debris and signs of looting nearby. Authorities later transferred Mr Lewis to Darwin for his safety and to prevent further violence.

“As a result of presenting himself, members of that town camp decided to inflict vigilante justice upon Jefferson, and we received numerous phone calls saying he was in the process of being assaulted,” Mr Dole said on Friday.

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A picture released by police shows Kumanjayi Little Baby
A picture released by police shows Kumanjayi Little Baby (Northern Territory Police)

The violence followed days of search for the girl, who had gone missing from a remote Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs.

Hours after the girl’s death was confirmed, Mr Lewis was reportedly seen wandering near the Charles Creek town camp in central Alice Springs.

“Members of that town camp decided to inflict vigilante justice upon Jefferson and we received numerous phone calls saying he was in the process of being assaulted,” Mr Dole said.

“Our police officers were attacked at that time, as were the St John Ambulance crew that attended to assist. They were turned on by about 200 people, but they were able to get out of there and get Mr Lewis to hospital.”

A police officer reacts next to a damaged vehicle during community unrest outside Alice Springs Hospital
A police officer reacts next to a damaged vehicle during community unrest outside Alice Springs Hospital (Reuters)

Videos from outside the Alice Springs Hospital showed protesters demanding “payback”, meaning a form of traditional punishment under Aboriginal law in Central Australia.

Reports said anger within the community remained high. “The feeling is that the police are protecting this guy. They are shooting us with rubber bullets,” Harley Myers, an Arrernte man from Alice Springs, said.

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“It’s like the system is not sticking up for us and letting us get our own traditional payback.”

“We’re united because it hurts all of us,” he added, “because she was only five years old and it could happen to any of our kids. I don’t want that to happen to any of our kids at all.”

Indigenous leaders, however, urged calm. “Bringing the word ‘payback’ into this scenario just fuels violence,” Michael Liddle, an Alyawarre man and Alice Springs local, told the BBC.

“There’s a system set up here, where there is a person in custody, and the Western rules will deal with that person.”

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A police vehicle burns after community members clashed with police outside Alice Springs Hospital in Australia
A police vehicle burns after community members clashed with police outside Alice Springs Hospital in Australia (Reuters)

The girl’s grandfather also called for calm on Friday. “What has happened this week is not our way,” Robin Granites, a senior Yapa elder, said in a statement.

“Our children are precious, of course, we are feeling angry and hurt at what has happened. This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course while we take the time to mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby and support our family.”

On Thursday, the girl’s mother, who was not named, said: “It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you. Me and your brother will meet you one day.”

Mr Dole said charges against Mr Lewis were likely to be filed in the coming days.

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Dwayne Johnson stopped by police after attending Walk of Fame ceremony

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Dwayne Johnson stopped by police after attending Walk of Fame ceremony

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Dwayne Johnson’s showbiz celebrations came to a sour end yesterday when, shortly after attending Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, he was pulled over by cops.

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Still, he was every inch his cool, calm, collected self, turning a run-in with law enforcement into somewhat of a red carpet moment.

The Rock joined the Devil Wears Prada 2 stars as they were honoured with stars on the landmark walkway, joining major A-list names from Marilyn Monroe to Martin Scorsese.

Johnson, 53, is a long-time co-star of Blunt’s, having worked with the actress on Jungle Cruise (2021) and The Smashing Machine (2025), so it’s no surprise he was there to give a speech.

The real drama came afterwards, however, when the film icon was stopped by police for overly tinted windows, as reported by TMZ. California window tint law requires front windows to allow more than 70% of light to pass through, while windshield tinting is only permitted on the top four inches.

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A fine is typically given for non-compliance, and removal or modification of the tinting is required.

Dwayne Johnson was pulled over by cops after attending Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci’s Walk of Fame ceremony (Picture: Backgrid)
BGUK_3565865 - *PREMIUM-EXCLUSIVE* Hollywood, CA *MUST CALL FOR PRICING BEFORE USAGE* Dwayne Johnson was pulled over for tinted windows in Hollywood after leaving Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci's Walk of Fame ceremony at the El Capitan Theatre. Pictured: Dwayne Johnson BACKGRID UK 30 APRIL 2026 UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
The actor was reportedly stopped for his overly tinted windows (Picture: Backgrid)
BGUK_3565865 - *PREMIUM-EXCLUSIVE* Hollywood, CA *MUST CALL FOR PRICING BEFORE USAGE* Dwayne Johnson was pulled over for tinted windows in Hollywood after leaving Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci's Walk of Fame ceremony at the El Capitan Theatre. Pictured: Dwayne Johnson BACKGRID UK 30 APRIL 2026 UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
He was handed a ticket by an officer (Picture: Backgrid)

Johnson was pulled over on his way home by Los Angeles Police Department; thankfully, the exchange was calm, and the Jumanji star even shared a friendly handshake with the officer who ticketed him.

Still sporting his crisp white shirt and cream trousers, the dapper actor stepped out of his vehicle to cooperate.

Pictures and video footage show Johnson chatting calmly to the cop, signing paperwork before heading on his way, keeping things professional.

Just hours earlier, the Baywatch star had been surrounded by fellow celebs for a huge milestone in Blunt’s and Tucci’s careers.

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The wrestler-turned-actor shared some heartfelt words, as did Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr, and Matt Damon.

‘Every single day, knowing Emily, as many of us do, that is one grateful woman who will wake up feet on the ground, being grateful about every moment,’ he said, joking that ‘it’s about time’ she was given a Walk of Fame star.

BGUK_3565865 - *PREMIUM-EXCLUSIVE* Hollywood, CA *MUST CALL FOR PRICING BEFORE USAGE* Dwayne Johnson was pulled over for tinted windows in Hollywood after leaving Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci's Walk of Fame ceremony at the El Capitan Theatre. Pictured: Dwayne Johnson BACKGRID UK 30 APRIL 2026 UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
Only The Rock could look so cool during a run-in with law enforcement (Picture: Backgrid)
BGUK_3565865 - *PREMIUM-EXCLUSIVE* Hollywood, CA *MUST CALL FOR PRICING BEFORE USAGE* Dwayne Johnson was pulled over for tinted windows in Hollywood after leaving Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci's Walk of Fame ceremony at the El Capitan Theatre. Pictured: Dwayne Johnson BACKGRID UK 30 APRIL 2026 UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
Keeping things professional and friendly, he also shook the cop’s hand (Picture: Backgrid)

‘I feel like when you’re grateful about every moment, that then leads to the thing I think we all look for, which is joy and peace of mind, and those are all the things I think that make up Emily and so much more.’

Johnson already has his own star on the Walk of Fame, and it sits proudly beside those of Vince McMahon and Kermit the Frog, as you do.

Blunt, 43, was accompanied by her supportive husband, John Krasinski, and her sister Felicity Blunt, who has also been married to Tucci, 65, since 2012, making the whole thing a sweet family affair.

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In her own speech, the A Quiet Place star said: ‘It’s very difficult to sum up how meaningful this is to me, and the juggernaut that showed up to speak about me has just blown my hair back.’

She added, according to People: ‘You guys and the great loves of my life, who are all here, have made life such a deep privilege.’

Meanwhile, Damon, 55, said he ‘just can’t think of two people more deserving to be added to this cultural landmark, to be giving young artists hope’.

Dwayne Johnson at the ceremony honoring Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Johnson had given a speech just hours earlier to honour his long-time co-star Blunt (Picture: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock (16852197dp) Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci to be Honored with Double Walk of Fame Star Ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, California, USA - 30 Apr 2026
She and The Devil Wears Prada 2 co-star Tucci were finally added to the landmark (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: (L-R) Stanley Tucci, Felicity Blunt, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski attend the Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony for Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt on April 30, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Making things a sweet family affair, the actors were joined by their supportive partners, Felicity Blunt and John Krasinski (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

He told Blunt and Tucci: ‘You guys have just been doing consistently stellar work for decades, and it is such a joy to watch you guys.

‘But beyond that, you’re two of my favourite humans that I’ve ever met on this planet.’

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‘You’ve been able to navigate and thrive in an incredibly difficult business with such grace, and you’ve been able to navigate personally and thrive so beautifully in a very, very tricky world. We love you so much,’ he added.

Following the speeches, Tucci was equally as moved, having been declared a ‘national treasure’ by Streep.

‘I never thought that I would be, first of all, working with her, but to be here today and have her say those things about me is probably the greatest honour I’ve ever had,’ he said of Streep, whom he appears opposite as Nigel in the Devil Wears Prada sequel, which lands in cinemas today.

‘At any rate, it has been an honour and absolutely exhausting to be a part of Hollywood for 45 years,’ stated the award-winning actor.

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‘But I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.’

Reps for Dwayne Johnson have been contacted for comment.

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What Happens When A Baby Is Born On A Plane? Flight Expert Reveals Key Role Cabin Crew Play

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What Happens When A Baby Is Born On A Plane? Flight Expert Reveals Key Role Cabin Crew Play

It’s extremely rare for a baby to be born on a plane – but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. In fact, in the past week, a baby was born on board a Caribbean Airlines flight to JFK Airport in New York, just as the plane was landing.

Dubbed ‘skyborns’, there are thought to be less than 100 people born on flights globally. One study analysing data on all in-flight births on commercial airlines found there were 74 babies born on commercial flights between 1929 and 2018 – 71 of which were known to have survived.

Of the births analysed, 10% were born at 37-38 weeks, 16% were born at 34-36 weeks, 19% were born at 31-33 weeks and 12% were born prior to 32 weeks. To put that into perspective, a pregnancy is considered full-term at 39 weeks – so, all of them were early to some degree.

As the chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (or 32 weeks for those carrying twins), some airlines won’t let you fly if you’re near these dates. But policies differ between airlines. A medical certificate from a doctor or midwife confirming you’re “fit to fly” is typically required after 28 weeks of pregnancy.

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So, what actually happens if you give birth on a flight?

First things first, labour can be a pretty long process (although for parents having subsequent children, it can certainly be quicker). Some expectant parents might be able to touch down before their baby’s arrival.

If contractions begin during a flight, the cabin crew should be made aware and they can then move the person to a more comfortable part of the plane. They will also alert the pilot, who will relay the message to air traffic control.

Per Flightright UK, the cabin crew will then make an announcement, calling on any medical professionals among the passengers for assistance. Cabin crew receive basic training on handling an emergency delivery but they aren’t trained midwives or doctors, so do not have the training to deal with complications.

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The study charting ‘skyborns’ found in 45% of the births recorded on planes; physicians, nurses, the flight crew and other medical personnel provided medical assistance.

“In extreme cases, the pilot can initiate an emergency landing to provide the mother and newborn with professional medical care as quickly as possible,” added Flightright.

The aircraft might be diverted to a hospital, HuffPost UK understands, however there are other aviation safety considerations for the pilot, and an immediate diversion is limited by the route of the aircraft – for example, if it’s crossing an ocean.

Last year, a baby was born mid-flight from Dakar to Brussels, delivered by a cabin crew member, newly-graduated nurse and doctor (who were passengers).

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At the time, Brussels Airlines shared a photo of the newborn baby, called Fanta, held by one of the cabin crew members who helped deliver her, saying: “It was a true reflection of teamwork, care, and the extraordinary moments that happen in the sky.”

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Thousand homes to be built on the seafront in major plans to transform Porthcawl

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Wales Online

They include proposals for hundreds of homes, a spine road, and a new lido swimming pool

Outline plans for the major redevelopment of the Porthcawl seafront have been submitted after years of talks between the local authority and the town’s residents.

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The hybrid plans which were submitted in April of 2026, will look for permission to build up to 980 new homes on Porthcawl’s waterfront along with the creation of a new spine road from the Eastern Promenade to Sandy Bay.

Documents say the site covers an area of 43.6 hectares and consists of a “mix of existing commercial and leisure brownfield (such as a fairground) with undeveloped green spaces to the east of Sandy Bay Bowl.” Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

This includes Griffin Park, the former Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Monster Park, and the Hillsboro Car Park, and is bound by Trecco Bay Caravan Park to the east and the Portway road to the west.

If given the green light by Bridgend County Borough Council the new homes would be situated in the Salt Lake, Coney Beach, and Sandy Bay areas, with ambitions for 50% to be set aside as affordable housing that would “prioritise local people”.

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Along with the new housing sites, these proposals would include plans to build a new lido swimming pool and gym, green spaces, shops, coastal defence works, and a number of other leisure attractions.

They could also see the alteration and expansion of the town’s Griffin Park if approved, along with proposed new facilities such as a MUGA sports area.

Additionally, part of the application requests permission to build a new 420m long single carriageway road, which would cut through a section of Griffin Park near the current tennis courts.

It says: “To the west, the spine road will connect to the Eastern Promenade in the form of a three-arm roundabout to the north of the existing ALDI foodstore.

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“The spine road scheme will incorporate Mackworth Road, the southern arm of which will be provided as a simple priority junction.

“Its northern arm will be stopped up, forming part of the wider development parcels.”

The long-term and potentially transformative plans for Porthcawl have been met with a great deal of opposition from some locals over the years, with protests and a number of public events held by both the council and residents who are against the contentious scheme.

Critics have raised concerns about the potential pressures that the hundreds of new homes could put on local infrastructure as well as to local medical services and parking capacity.

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Others have shared fears over a potential loss of the town’s identity in the wake of the regeneration with many preferring to see a new plan that focuses on tourism and leisure opportunities, as opposed to residential development.

Council bosses previously said they had addressed some of the issues within the plans with a number of changes after feedback from the public consultation process.

These included providing more public open space, reducing the number of proposed homes from an initial 1,100, and reducing building heights so that structures would be no taller than three or four storeys high.

They also say parking issues would be addressed with a refurbished open air car park at Hillsboro and a new public car park at Coney Beach.

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The proposed changes for the town come less than a year after the closure of the iconic Coney Beach Pleasure Park in October 2025, which shut for the final time after more than 100 years.

It also comes amid the multi-million refurbishment of the town’s iconic Grand Pavilion and work at the Hillsboro South Car Park which is set to become a civic space for community events.

The submitted plans will now be considered for approval by Bridgend County Borough Council’s planning department in the coming months – with potential for the work to begin in 2027 if they are taken forward.

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All of the Norfolk beaches banning dogs until October

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Cambridgeshire Live

These beaches along the Norfolk coast will have restrictions in place for dogs throughout the summer

Dogs will be banned from a number of beaches on the Norfolk coast from this weekend until the start of October. Restrictions limiting where dogs can go along the British coastline will be coming into place from Friday, May 1, and will last until Wednesday, September 30.

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Certain beaches in Norfolk will also be subject to Public Spaces Protection Orders, which tackle anti-social issues. The orders help to keep popular tourist beaches clean and safe for the public to use throughout the peak season.

The orders might also be in certain areas to preserve nature and wildlife. According to GOV.UK, if you breach one of the orders, you get an on-the-spot £100 fine, or a fine of up to £1000 if the issue goes to court.

It is worth checking individual beaches before travelling, as dogs might be allowed on some parts of the beach but not others. You might also need to keep dogs on a lead in different places in seaside towns.

If you are looking to take a day trip to Norfolk and want to spend some time on the beach with your dog, you might want to avoid the beaches listed below.

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Here are all of the Norfolk beaches that will be affected by the restrictions:

  • Bacton
  • Cromer
  • East Runton
  • Mundesley
  • Overstrand
  • Sea Palling
  • Sheringham
  • Walcott
  • West Runton
  • New Hunstanton
  • Brancaster
  • Hemsby
  • Great Yarmouth
  • Gorleston-on-Sea

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Rivington day tripper bus service returns for the summer

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Rivington day tripper bus service returns for the summer

The route linking Chorley, Adlington and Rivington operates on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Lancashire County Council is reintroducing service 125R, utilising Lancashire Combined County Authority bus grant funding from HM Government.

The service will operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays until November 1.

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The route will run hourly between Chorley Interchange and Rivington Village Hall, with stops in Adlington and a new link to Adlington Railway Station, allowing passengers to connect easily with rail services.

The service will be operated by Pilkingtonbus. Lancashire County Council day tickets will be valid on the route, along with the discounted Sunday single fare.

Andrew Varley, head of service for passenger and fleet transport at Lancashire County Council, said: “This seasonal service provides a practical way for people to reach Rivington without needing to drive, particularly at busy weekends and Bank Holidays.

“The addition of a stop at Adlington Railway Station also makes it easier for passengers to combine bus and rail travel when visiting the area.”

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Timetables and further information are available on the Lancashire County Council website.

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Migrant was seconds from attacking London’s Israeli embassy before cops stopped him | News UK

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Migrant was seconds from attacking London's Israeli embassy before cops stopped him | News UK

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A migrant tried to launch a terror attack against the Israeli embassy in London ‘as an act of revenge’ for Gaza.

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Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 34, was caught scaling the fence of the diplomatic building in Kensington in April last year armed with two knives.

Footage shows the 34-year-old, wearing a red and white scarf wrapped around his head and sunglasses, being dragged down by armed officers before he is pinned to the ground.

He told officers he had weapons and wanted to ‘make a crime’ inside the Embassy.

Officers found a martyrdom note on him which explained that he intended to die ‘for the glory of God’.

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Albadri had entered the UK via small boat from France that same month and had been researching how to secure asylum status.

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But he was also found to heave searched various Arabic terms relating to suicide and martyrdom in the five days before the attemped attack.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, said: ‘Albadri wanted to carry out a terrorist attack at the Embassy, but thanks to the courageous and swift actions of officers on duty, they prevented him from breaching the security perimeter and stopped what could have been a deadly incident.

‘I want to praise the officers’ incredible bravery and professionalism, which, remarkably, resulted in nobody being seriously injured – despite being confronted by a man armed with knives, intent on carrying out a terrorist attack.

‘Those officers responded within seconds, and after his safe arrest, a thorough investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London ensured we gathered the evidence that secured this conviction.

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‘Sadly, the Embassy has faced various security alerts in recent times. However, CTP works closely with the Embassy and our colleagues in the Met to continuously review and strengthen protective security plans to ensure the site and the wider community is kept as safe as possible.’

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Superdry co-founder found guilty of rape after night out drinking

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Daily Record

James Holder, 54, had gone back to the woman’s home

The co-founder of Superdry has been found guilty of raping a woman after a night out drinking. A court heard how James Holder, 54, had gone back to the woman’s home, went to the toilet and then promptly fell asleep on her bed snoring.

The multi-millionaire fashion boss, the co-founder of the clothing brand, then woke up and beckoned the woman, who was trying to sleep in the lounge, into her bedroom and raped her.

Holder had denied charges of assault by penetration and rape and said what sexual activity took place between them was consensual.

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A jury at Gloucester Crown Court, sitting in Cirencester, acquitted Holder of assault by penetration but found him guilty of rape after deliberating for four hours.

Holder, who wore a dark suit and light blue shirt and tie, showed no emotion as the verdicts were returned.

The court heard the woman was attacked in the early hours of May 7 2022 after a night out at a bar in Cheltenham.

Holder and a friend had gone back to her home uninvited, and he attacked her after waking from a short nap on her bed.

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Giving evidence, the woman said she was crying and asking the married father-of-two to stop but he carried on.

The ordeal ended when she managed to escape the bedroom, and Holder left her home a short time later.

The woman denied suggestions from Holder’s barrister that she had initiated the encounter.

“He forced me to try and perform oral sex on him,” she said.

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Michelle Heeley KC, defending, said: “Sex lasted for approximately 20 minutes.”

The woman replied: “I call it rape.”

Ms Heeley suggested: “This was a drunken sexual encounter that you regret?”

She replied: “Incorrect.”

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The court heard the businessman and philanthropist was “old school and chivalrous” towards women and “adored sex”.

He told the jury she had kissed him first and it was “evident what she wanted to happen”.

“We walked to the bedroom, which was about a minute away … and began kissing again,” he said.

He told the court the complainant performed oral sex on him before they progressed to consensual sexual intercourse, but stopped when she said it was becoming painful.

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“I did not see or hear her crying at any point,” he said.

Asked why he left the flat a short time later, Holder replied: “I had been out for much longer than I anticipated and I needed to go home.

“I let myself out. She was asleep on the bed.”

Under cross-examination, Holder denied the reason he had gone to the woman’s home was that he “saw an opportunity to have sex with her”.

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James Haskell, prosecuting, asked: “You saw something you wanted and you took it, because the truth is that when you got to the doorway of the living room you said something like: ‘What’s happening, is everything all right?’ as you wanted to entice her to the bedroom and that’s why you said: ‘Can you show me?’

“It ended because she managed to escape off the bed.”

Holder replied: “That’s not correct. She fell straight to sleep. She was fast asleep, so I popped my clothes on and left.”

Mr Haskell asked: “Is the truth that it suddenly dawned on you of the reality of what you had just done, and you wanted to get out of the flat as soon as possible?”

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Holder replied: “No, not true.”

The defendant, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on May 7.

Miss Heeley had asked for bail before the sentencing hearing to allow Holder “to put his affairs in order”, saying he had attended court promptly throughout the trial.

“I ask for bail as a matter of mercy to say goodbye to his wife and children and to put his affairs in order and financial matters,” she said.

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“This is a plea of leniency and mercy for this man at this stage.”

Recorder David Chidgey refused the bail application saying Holder was a flight risk following his conviction.

“Mr Holder is a man of considerable means and in my judgment the temptation to attempt to use his considerable resources to flee is too great as he faces a considerable custodial sentence,” he said.

“On one view the victim is this case did not have the opportunity to put her affairs in order when she suffered an appalling distressing event.”

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Madonna And Sabrina Carpenter’s Bring Your Love Makes Radio 1 A-List

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Madonna And Sabrina Carpenter's Bring Your Love Makes Radio 1 A-List

Madonna’s latest single has pushed her back onto Radio 1’s A-list for the first time in almost two decades.

On Thursday night, the Queen of Pop released her new bop Bring Your Love as the lead single from her upcoming album Confessions II.

Produced by former collaborator Stuart Price, the house-inspired tune features vocals from Sabrina Carpenter, and was first unveiled live when the two pop stars shared the stage at Coachella last month.

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Earlier this week, The Sun claimed that its youth-oriented station Radio 1 would be pushing Madonna and Sabrina’s duet on their A-list – meaning it would receive the heaviest rotation on the channel – which would be the Like A Prayer’s first time on there in 18 years.

Radio 1 then unveiled its A-list for the coming week on Friday morning, with Madonna’s new song nestled among new offerings from the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress, BTS and Sombr.

Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna performing together at Coachella last month

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella

Prior to this, Madonna’s music had sparked an ageism row when Radio 1 refused to play her music.

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“I thought it was so discriminatory and unfair,” she told The Sun in 2015. “Shouldn’t it be to do with whether you wrote a good, catchy pop song?

“We’ve made so many advances in other areas – civil rights, gay rights – but ageism is still an area that’s taboo and not talked about and dealt with.”

She added: “I’m so stupid. I didn’t know it was anything to do with my age. I just do my work.”

The BBC insisted at the time: “Radio 1 does not ever ban artists. Tracks are chosen on musical merit and their relevance to our young audience on a case-by-case basis and while around 40 per cent of the country’s 15- to 29-year-olds tune in to Radio 1 each week, an artist’s age is never a factor.”

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Madonna claimed later that year: “Radio is ageist. If you’re not in your 20s they won’t play you on the radio. It’s bullshit – but that’s the way it is.

“It is disappointing. We live in an ageist society. I’ve tried my hardest to do whatever I can to change peoples’ perception of women, of age, of what is possible and why should any of us limit ourselves in any way, shape or form regardless of our sex, our sexual preference, our age, our religious beliefs, our race etc.

“So for me it’s shocking in this day and age where we’re now accepting gay marriages that we still treat women in a very sexist way. That’s one frontier that has not been conquered. Because if I was a man, things would be different…”

A similar debate emerged just a few years ago, when Radio 1 declined to playlist Kylie Minogue’s Padam Padam – until it became a top 10 hit.

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Matthew McCallan: PSNI to take 40 more statements about Co Tyrone teen’s death

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Belfast Live

The 15-year-old died after attending a country music festival almost four years ago

Police are set to take a further 40 statements over the next four to six weeks in relation to the death of a teenager in Co Tyrone almost four years ago.

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Matthew McCallan was just 15-years-old when he died after attending a country music event in Fintona in December 2022. After a two-day search involving the local community, PSNI, and the Community Rescue Service, Matthew’s body was found in a ditch just two miles from the festival he had attended.

At a pre-inquest review hearing held on Friday, May 1, counsel for Coroner Joe McCrisken said progress has been made, with 135 pages of new material disclosed in relation to the case. As well as this, Mr Quinn added that CCTV exhibits were also available to the coroner and this would be assessed for its relevance to the inquest.

READ MORE: Co Tyrone mum fighting for answers three years on from son’s tragic death after night outREAD MORE: Matthew McCallan: Family launch fundraiser for new search and rescue kit on first anniversary of son’s death

The coroner was told this new information would not extend the case beyond its current and set scope, as it was looking at the immediate response, and civilian witnesses. Mr Quinn said the new statements would be provided to the coroner’s office on a rolling basis within the next four to six weeks.

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Additionally, he said an official within the Police Ombusman for Northern Ireland (PONI) office who had been dealing with the case had retired, with a new person now tasked to the case. A meeting was due to take place with their investigation team on new potential information.

The pre-inquest review also heard that discussions were taking place on whether expert evidence would be called during the inquest, and that it was also being reviewed whether a jury would hear the inquest.

Matthew’s parents had previously expressed concerns regarding the lack of progress with the inquest. Counsel for the next of kin, Michael McCartan, said it was clear “momentum is now building” in relation to the case.

A further pre-inquest review hearing has been scheduled to take place on June 26.

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Livingston MP announces extension to application deadline for Robin Cook Internship

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Daily Record

The paid summer internship, established in memory of the former Livingston MP and Foreign Secretary, offers S5 and S6 pupils from across the constituency the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of political life both locally and at Westminster.

Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has announced that the application deadline for the 2026 Robin Cook Internship has been extended following strong interest from local students.

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The paid summer internship, established in memory of the former Livingston MP and Foreign Secretary, offers S5 and S6 pupils from across the constituency the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of political life both locally and at Westminster.

Applications will now close at midday on Friday, May 15, giving more young people across the Livingston constituency the opportunity to apply.

The successful applicant will undertake a two-week placement during summer 2026, working alongside Mr Poynton and his team in the constituency and at the House of Commons in London.

READ MORE: Almond Valley SNP candidate visits Livingston Community Shed

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Announcing the extension, Mr Poynton said: “I’ve been really encouraged by the strong level of interest we’ve already seen in this year’s Robin Cook Internship.

“I want to make sure as many young people as possible across the Livingston constituency have the chance to apply, so we are extending the deadline to make sure we get as broad a range of applications as possible for this years programme.

“This internship is about opening up opportunities and showing young people that they can play a real role in shaping their communities and the future of our country. I would encourage anyone who is interested to put themselves forward.”

Applicants are required to submit (by email to Gregor.Poyton.MP@Parliament.uk) a CV and a 1,000–1,500 word essay on the theme:

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“How Can Young People Shape the Future of the Livingston constituency?”

The internship pays the Real Living Wage and is open to S5 and S6 pupils attending schools across the Livingston constituency.

READ MORE: Girls at West Lothian school establish clothing bank with touch of class

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