But the headline attraction is in East Asia, where Inoue defends his four belts in the 122-pound division for the seventh time in a super fight. ‘The Monster’, one of the sport’s modern pound-for-pound greats and most formidable knockout kings, can add another exceptional chapter to his remarkable legacy on home soil, though is wary of the challenge posed by Nakatani. ‘Big Bang’ is himself a three-weight world champion who held the unified bantamweight titles before stepping up again in preparation for facing Inoue.

Sir Mark Rowley has spoken out over a torrid rise in antisemitism

The UK’s most senior police officer believes British Jews are now facing their greatest ever threat after a surge of antisemitism in the country. Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, says Jews are caught in the middle of a ‘ghastly Venn diagram’ of hate from people across the political spectrum – which he described as an ‘epidemic’.

It comes after a string of horrific attacks – including the Heaton Park synagogue attack, which saw Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby killed in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur last October. In London, a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites over the past six weeks has been followed by the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green earlier this week.

Sir Mark – who has faced criticism from politicians and some members of the Jewish community in recent weeks – says British Jews are facing an outpouring a hate, whipped up by social media. He believes this is now a growing threat to the safety of Jews across the UK, where the terror threat level was raised from substantial to severe on Thursday (April 30).

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Speaking to the Times, Sir Mark said: “Every racist or extremist or terrorist group has a list of people they hate because they all create an ‘other’ who they want to blame everything on and visit everything on. The ghastly fact is that Jews are on everybody’s list, all of those hateful groups, whether you’re extreme right, whether you’re extreme left, whether you’re Islamist terrorist, whether you’re right-wing terrorist, and some hostile states as well now with some sort of Iranian-related threats.

“There’s a ghastly Venn diagram that they’re at the middle of.” The ‘social media-led’ news ecosystem which has developed online means more people are getting their views from ‘non-traditional sources’, Sir Mark said, adding that antisemitism was ‘becoming more and more mainstreamed’.

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The Met Commissioner also revealed he has requested urgent funding to recruit 300 officers to protect the Jewish community, with plans for a dedicated group of police to patrol north west London. Sir Mark also defended the two officers who detained the suspect in the Golders Green attack.

In footage shared on social media, the officers appeared to kick the 45-year-old suspect in the head after they had used a Taser to force him to the ground. The Met chief and Sir Keir Starmer were both highly critical of Green Party leader Zack Polanski after he shared a social media post which accused the officers who detained the suspect of acting ‘violently’.

Sir Mark told the Times: “One of the Taser shots has connected but he’s still not giving up the knife. It’s pretty obvious the sort of suspicion they’re going to have that he may have an explosive device.” He said he had spoken to the officers two hours after the incident took place, adding: “It’s very traumatic for them. They’ve got to live with that.”

The Prime Minister had earlier defended the two officers in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme. He told the BBC: “There’s a guy on the ground, he’s got a rucksack on.

“And I don’t know what was going through the mind of those officers, but if I was there, I’d be thinking, he’s going to detonate something. He’s going to blow me up and everybody around here. In those circumstances, I think you can quite see why what could have gone through their mind is, we need to do whatever we can to disable this guy.”

The Prime Minister also branded Mr Polanski ‘disgraceful’ and ‘not fit to lead any political party’ for reposting the criticism of police officers. The Green leader has apologised for ‘sharing a tweet in haste’.

But Mr Polanski then hit back, saying in response to a clip of the Prime Minister’s interview: “Yesterday in Hastings, in the wake of antisemitic attacks in Golders Green, I faced Nazi salutes. Today the Prime Minister uses his office to attack the only Jewish party leader to score political points.”

Mr Polanski is expected to meet Sir Mark following the local elections on May 7, to discuss matters related to his apology, the Met confirmed. Earlier, the Director of Public Prosecutions warned of a ‘deeply troubling rise’ in antisemitic incidents across the country, as he vowed to use the ‘full force of the law’ against perpetrators.

Following the Golders Green incident, suspect Essa Suleiman appeared in court on Friday charged with thee counts of attempted murder, including of his own friend before allegedly stabbing two Jewish men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76. Suleiman, who was born in Somalia and came to the UK legally as a child in the 1990s, was remanded in custody until the next hearing at the Old Bailey on May 15.

The perinatal pelvic health service (PPHS), based in north-east England, supports women with pelvic floor issues during pregnancy and up to 12 months postnatally.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause urinary and anal incontinence, which affects up to two thirds and one quarter of pregnant women, respectively.

Kelly Nixon, perinatal pelvic health specialist midwife, said: “By providing timely, specialist care, our service seeks to reduce the number of women living with pelvic floor problems after childbirth and later in life.

“These symptoms are common but not normal and many women do not seek help.

“Our service is designed to change that.

“We are open, honest and frank with our patients as we work to resolve their pelvic floor issues.”

The PPHS was launched in June 2025 at University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool.

It aims to prevent, identify, and treat mild-to-moderate pelvic floor dysfunction through early intervention.

The service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including specialist midwives, a physiotherapist, and a consultant urogynaecologist.

Patients can access support through weekly telephone assessments, face-to-face clinics, and consultant-led reviews where needed.

Women are referred via their community midwife, GP, or other healthcare professionals.

The team is also exploring the option of self-referral in the future.

PPHS staff hold monthly meetings with senior midwifery and gynaecology leadership to review and adapt the service based on feedback and emerging needs.

Natasha McManus, senior pelvic health physiotherapist, praised the collaborative effort behind the project.

She said: “We’ve worked hand-in-hand with our maternity colleagues to develop the service.

“We’re bringing our specialised pelvic physiotherapy skills to the table and want to reassure women that all the support they need is available.

“Pelvic floor problems are common, treatable and not something women have to live with.”

The service is funded by the North East and North Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal System.

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Hannah Matthews, head of midwifery, highlighted the contribution of midwifery leadership.

She said: “The success of the perinatal pelvic health service shows what midwives can do.

“Midwives are clinical specialists and leaders in their own right.

“Working with a team of experts across a range of clinical subjects has resulted in the team developing an incredible new service.”

A 19-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence, remains in custody, West Midlands Police said.

The comedian’s show was halted after a “potential suspicious bag” was found.

In an update on Saturday morning, police said: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night, no items of a suspicious nature were found.

“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our inquiries continue.

“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”

Witnesses said two members of staff came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the performance, whispered into Kay’s ear, and then escorted him off.

Steve Aspinall, who was at the gig with his wife, told the Press Association: “Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side.”

He said the audience was told to look for security guards and listen out for any announcements.

“To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first,” Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon, said.

“It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening.

“But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”

A spokesperson for the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) said: “Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands Police after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby.

“The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority. We can confirm everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure.

“Ticket holders will be contacted directly in due course.”

Pace bowler Mark Wood is hoping to bowl later in the summer as he looks to come back from the knee injury that ruined his Ashes.

Wood had surgery on his left knee in March 2025 and returned to play for England in the first Test against Australia in November. He bowled only 11 overs in Perth before being ruled for the rest of the series.

The 36-year-old is among the fastest bowlers to ever play for England, but has regularly been hit by injuries in his 38-Test career. Prior to the Ashes he had not played Test cricket for 15 months, firstly because of an elbow injury, followed by the knee problem.

“I need to take it slow,” Wood told the BBC’s Strategic Timeout programme., external

“Realistically I’ve got maybe one more chance at doing this right. If I rush it back, then it’s not good, that could be it.

“I’m still trying to get back to bowling, hopefully later on in the summer.”

Last month, Wood admitted to having thoughts about what life after his playing career could look like if this latest rehabilitation does not go well.

The Durham right-armer is centrally contracted by England until the autumn. Despite this latest injury, he said he will “laser” on the goal of adding to his 146 caps across all formats.

“You’ve got to keep your eye on the prize, which is ultimately for me trying to get to playing for England,” he said. “That’s my focus.

“It’s mega frustrating. It’s been a long time, over a year since I had the initial surgery.

“To build it back up for seven months to play one game, and then be out again takes its toll.

“With the age I’m at, I don’t want to miss games. You want to be involved. I was bowling quickly and well before this injury started and I haven’t been able to get back to that level.”

Detectives have issued an appeal to identify a cyclist who they believe could have important information about the incident

A man in his 40s remains in hospital with a significant head injury after a suspected racially aggravated assault. Suffolk Police were called by the ambulance service at 7:45pm on Saturday, April 18, to reports of an injured man in the Tesco car park in Cangle Road, Haverhill.

It was reported that the victim was assaulted at around 7pm on the old railway line footpath in Haverhill. The man was walking with his partner when he was reportedly approached by a group of approximately five males who shouted verbal abuse.

After he tried to speak to them, one of the males allegedly hit him on the head with a large branch. The injured man was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with a significant head injury where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Suffolk Police are treating the attack as an incident of racially aggravated grievous bodily harm. Detectives have issued an appeal to identify a cyclist who could have important information about the incident.

The potential witness was cycling near the skate park by the old railway line, just off Howe Road, just over 25 minutes after the attack is believed to have occurred. The cyclist encountered two of the suspects and so could have important information.

Anyone with relevant CCTV or doorbell camera footage or anyone driving in the area at the time with a dash camera is asked to contact police. The cyclist, or anyone with information about this incident, is asked to contact West CID at Bury St Edmunds Police Station, quoting reference: 37/22010/26.

On a grey Tuesday morning, a handful of people are milling around the centre of St Helens.

It is market day but the town is quiet, with just a handful of locals making their way between the offerings of clothes, phone cases, flowers and fresh produce.

Among them is Janet Wylde, who has always called this corner of Merseyside home, but doesn’t mince her words when asked about how it has changed.

“It’s awful”, Janet tells The Independent in no uncertain terms.

She and her sister Sandra Hilton, 75, meet up in the town centre every week but they don’t claim to enjoy it.

“There’s no joy coming here – we look at the markets because there’s no shops”, she adds.

Now retired, the 79-year-old used to work in the head office of glass company Pilkington. Founded in 1826, it revolutionised production and, alongside coal mining and pharmaceuticals, powered St Helens’ growth as a thriving industrial town.

Pilkington is the only remaining large employer – itself now stripped back and a subsidiary of a Japanese firm.

Janet and Sandra believe the town centre, punctuated by empty units, takeaways and vape shops, is indicative of its struggles. It is a story seen in post-industrial towns across the North West.

As concise as her sister, Sandra describes the scenes around her as “horrendous”. They are in agreement that St Helens feels forgotten about, with Janet offering a reason why: “I think Liverpool gets the most money”, she says.

St Helens may be part of the Liverpool City Region, but this is not Liverpool. It is around 15 miles away from the city and you will not hear many Scouse accents here. Most prominently though, this is a rugby league town, with football very much secondary.

But what Liverpool and St Helens do share is a story of post-industrial decline.

While the port city’s docks endured a slump in the second half of the 20th century, coal and glass jobs left this part of Merseyside.

Whereas urban regeneration, culture and a thriving hospitality industry powered Liverpool’s recovery from the dark days of post-war deindustrialisation, there is a strong feeling here that they are still waiting for their turn.

Change is on the horizon, however. Much of the town centre is now a building site as work continues on wide-ranging upgrades – made up of a new market hall, a hotel, homes and shops – while a new £35m transport interchange is also being built nearby.

It might be the change that many in the town have been asking for, but it could have come too late.

Market trader Paul Donovan, 61, is not sold on the idea that a hotel will change its fortunes.

“It needs people”, he says. “And it needs more shops. Because all it’s got is a bakery, bookies and barbers.

“All the big boys have left, all the big shops have gone to the retail park. Each time the town has gone boom, onto the floor.”

St Helens will go to the polls next week to elect its borough council.

As an industrial town, its ties with the Labour party run deep. Other than a six year period of no overall control in the 2000s, it has always been run by Labour, which has 28 of its 48 councillors.

But there is growing feeling that this could be the first area in the red stronghold of Merseyside to fall for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

On a visit to nearby Southport in early April, Mr Farage told the BBC his party will give Labour a “run for their money” in elections on Merseyside, having last year enjoyed success in the wider region when it took control of Lancashire County Council.

“I don’t want to overly raise expectations, but what I will say is the map of local government will look very different after 7 May across the North West”, he said.

Speaking to the Daily Mail last week, Mr Farage mentioned the borough by name as he said that Reform could win in dissatisfied ‘red wall’ areas which did not even contemplate voting for Boris Johnson and the Conservatives when he swept parts of the north in 2019.

“Boris never got a sniff of winning Gateshead,” he said. “Or Barnsley, or Tameside or St Helens.

“This is going way beyond anything that remarkable Brexit election produced in 2019, and my view is that this switch is not a one-off… this is a fundamental shift away from the Labour Party.

The Labour mood on the ground in St Helens appears to be rather despondent – Reform poses a new threat, one which is not burdened with the baggage that the Conservative name carries here.

Latest figures from PollCheck suggest a huge swing to Reform would give it 25 councillors required to control the local authority, with Labour set to fall to nine.

A Merseyside Labour source tells The Independent that it is “inevitable” that Reform will control the council after next month’s elections.

“I think the best case scenario for Labour is that it’s the largest party but not a majority”, the insider adds.

“The worst-case scenario, which is much more likely, is that Reform win an outright majority.

“I think Reform will clean out the Labour party. I think they’ll clean out the Green party and take out most Labour councillors.”

There is no love lost for Labour among those who speak to The Independent in the centre of this town, which is the 29th-most-deprived local authority in the country.

The feeling is that the party they have always voted for no longer represents areas like this – a factor that Mr Farage will hope to take advantage of – and that nothing has changed while Labour has been in power.

Janet is just as withering about the Labour Party as she is about St Helens itself.

“We were always Labour”, she says. But asked if she will be voting for the party next month, she is clear.

“Definitely no – and don’t get me wound up on them. It’s not Labour. That’s a cover. It’s not the old Labour we had.”

Her sister Sandra asks: “What have they done? We’ve got family waiting for houses and they can’t get one.

“I’m sorry, but they put all the immigrants in the new houses and they’re still waiting.”

She is not the only person to raise concerns about immigration in this town, which at the last census saw 93.5 per cent of the local population say they were born in England.

It is high on the list of concerns for market trader Ray Watt, who travels to St Helens from Liverpool for work.

“The country can’t cope with it”, the 58 year old says. “The country can’t cope with that and Labour are just soft in my eyes.

Though Ray says he “probably wouldn’t vote for Reform”, he has a theory on why Labour has held power in towns like this for so long.

“I don’t even think some people think too much about it”, he says. “I think they’re on autopilot – well we’re working class so we’re Labour. We’re just Labour. Well, they’re f***ing useless.”

The Liverpool City Region’s Labour mayor Steve Rotheram believes that a Reform win in St Helens, a prospect he describes as a “big if”, would threaten the “trajectory” of regeneration projects his combined authority is working on in the town.

“That genuinely all has a question mark against it if you have somebody who doesn’t believe in the same things that Labour in St Helens does”, the mayor tells The Independent.

However, Mr Rotheram is concerned that noise in Westminster is distracting from his party’s local campaigning and a flurry of u-turns in government has meant its successes have not cut through.

“There’s definitely a feeling that the ‘own goals’, the number of U-turns that the party made, have reflected really badly on everything else,” he says.

The mayor adds: “I think the way in which we need to approach these elections is a hyper-local, a really granular level – knocking on every single door and explaining that it’s not currently an election for national issues. It’s who’s going to run your town hall.

“Once we break beyond the people who are not supporting the likes of Keir Starmer, when we get beyond that and explain the type of town hall that Labour are proposing, then we get a much fairer hearing.”

Labour face an uphill struggle to hold onto this town. Even if the mayor is right and the local elections will be fought on local issues, people in St Helens will need convincing that their loyalty to the party should remain.

Sitting on a bench in the town centre, Keith Twist, 68, is looking over the town centre and sums up the dilemma Labour faces.

“I vote Labour but I don’t think I’ll be doing so this time”, he says,

Asked why, Keith says: “Well, can you see what’s happening here?”

Hull City host Norwich City this lunchtime, hoping for favours elsewhere

Hull City’s play-off hopes hang in the balance ahead of their home clash against Norwich City this lunchtime.

The Tigers head into the last day neck and neck on points with Wrexham, who occupy the final play-off spot.

Both teams are on 70 points heading into the final round of Championship fixtures, with the Welsh club boasting a better goal difference – but by the finest of margins.

Derby County are also lurking in the shadows in eighth and will be looking to pounce should either of the teams above them slip up against their respective opponents.

Here is everything you need to know about the Tigers’ match today.

What time is Hull v Norwich kick-off?

The game kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday, May 2, at the MKM Stadium, Hull.

Is the game on TV?

Yes, the game will be shown on Sky Sports+.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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What about streaming?

Sky Sports customers can stream the game via the Sky Go app.

How the table looks at present

6th: Wrexham P45 W19 D13 L13 GD4 – PTS 70

—

7th: Hull City P45 W20 D10 L15 GD3 – PTS 70

8th: Derby P45 W20 D9 L16 GD9 – PTS 69

Quotes corner

Sergej Jakirovic: “We won the league in Bosnia Herzegovina with seven games to go (with Zrinjski Mostar in 2022),” he recalled. “We won the league in Croatia (with Dinamo Zagreb, two years later), two games to go.

“So we haven’t had this before. Even the relegation battle with Kayserispor (last season), we did it with three games to go. This is first experience like this. But I have a lot of games (of experience).

“We have 10 people there (on the coaching staff). So it’s very easy. You have internet.”

Philippe Clement: “The players did amazing stuff in the last couple of months. They showed they were playing for this badge.

“Today they went behind, you are disappointed, but they dug in and went for the equaliser and after they went for the second goal.

“We were the best team in the first half. We should have scored two or three.

“In the second half, from the side it looked a clear penalty on [Mohamed] Toure but we don’t get that one. They are massive decisions that go against us.

“But I am proud of what the team is showing in mentality and quality.”