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Police ‘attacked with bottles’ by youths during ‘reckless’ disorder in West Belfast

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Belfast Live

An evidence gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now underway to identify those involved

PSNI officers were attacked with “bottles and masonry” following disorder in West Belfast on Monday night.

Police are appealing for information after crowds gathered in the Stewartstown Road area of the city to attend a ‘car cruise’ organised online. Chief Inspector George said: “Police received a number of reports that large crowds of people and vehicles, had gathered and were driving dangerously in the vicinity of Blacks Road, Bell Steele Road and Diary Farm areas.

READ MORE: MLA slams ‘disgraceful scenes’ at Stewartstown Road car cruise eventREAD MORE: Northern Ireland Bank Holiday dates remaining for 2026

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“Officers attended and subsequently came under attack by youths throwing bottles and masonry. “Two officers were struck and number of police vehicles were damaged in the attack. “I would appeal to those people involved in this kind of reckless behaviour on our roads to think about the possible serious consequence of their actions. “Not only does this kind of activity impact on the lives of local residents, but it can present a significant danger to other road users. “I would also urge those involved to be aware that police will use all powers available to them to ensure the safety of road users, including the power to seize vehicles. “We have been, and will continue to work with our partner organisations, including local politicians, to address this issue, and work towards delivering a safe solution. “An evidence gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now underway to identify those involved in disorder.”

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker hit out at those who travelled to the Colin area and caused ‘chaos’.

The West Belfast MLA said: “The scenes in the Colin area tonight were absolutely chaotic and nothing short of a disgrace.

“Lives were put at risk as cars freely spun around the road and motorbikes sped up and down. I strongly condemn those involved.

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“There is frustration in our community tonight, particularly directed at those who took part in this shocking behaviour, but also at the PSNI who did not arrive until the situation had already got out of control.

“Police were made aware several hours ago of this pre-planned event and I urged them to deploy preventative measures to stop the cavalcade of cars from entering the area.

“These concerns fell on deaf ears, and by the time police arrived it was too late.

“I will be requesting an urgent meeting with police to reflect the feelings of people in the Colin who feel completely let down.

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“I am also urging swift action to ensure those involved in this reckless behaviour are apprehended.”

Paul Doherty also took to social media to condem the action of “thugs” in the area on Monday night.

He said: “Absolutely disgraceful scenes on the Stewartstown Road tonight. Someone could have been killed here tonight by these thugs.

“People are wreaking havoc in this community, putting residents, pedestrians and road users at serious risk. It is totally unacceptable.

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“Police needed to act immediately and end this. Should never have got to this in the first place as it was widely spread on social media.”

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

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Games Inbox: Is Saros on PS5 a disappointment?

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Games Inbox: Is Saros on PS5 a disappointment?
Saros – have you played it yet? (Sony Interactive Entertainment)

The Tuesday letters page wishes Forza Horizon 6 was coming out on PS5 this month, as a reader is surprised by Sony’s obsession with Until Dawn.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Disappointing return
I’ve been playing Saros over the bank holiday weekend, and I was really looking forward to it after enjoying Returnal so much. It has been good, but even after knowing of the drawbacks from GC’s review I still find myself disappointed.

Yes, the combat is amazing. There is no argument from me on that, but I don’t like the story, all the areas I’ve been so far are too samey, and I think the skill tree actually makes it feel more repetitive than before. The underground machine level is the only one that doesn’t look like a rejected biome from Returnal and I don’t find any of the characters sympathetic.

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But the problem with the skill tree, I find, is that when you die you come back and unlock a few things but with Returnal it was more subtle than that. You were more looking to see what the new layout was and maybe upgrading your gun a bit, but the focus was on you training yourself up and getting better.

In Saros it almost feels like you’re just dying a set number of times until you’re powered up enough to win. It’s not quite that obvious but I’ve found it quite demoralising at times and the whole thing is just miserable and grey instead of the weird, dreamlike Returnal. It’s good but I’d say it’s a step back and quite disappointing.
Cranston

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New battlefields
I can’t believe there’s a new Star Wars film out in a couple of weeks and I haven’t even bothered to watch the trailer. If my younger self knew that it would absolutely blow his mind, but here we are.

I do agree that the games have been doing a lot better than the films, and been more consistent than TV, even if I don’t feel there’s been a top tier game out of any of them yet. For me the Star Wars Jedi games are slightly overrated. They’re good but the whole Dark Souls thing seems a bad fit to me and some of the level design is very contrived, including in the second one.

I am hoping for the best with Zero Company and the new Knights Of The Old Republic, but I can’t say I’d care too much if Eclipse never happened, given who’s making it. What I’m dying for though, is for them to announce a Battlefront 3.

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I worry that the last two weren’t quite big enough though and it’d need a new film with lots of ground action to justify one, and I don’t think anything like that is coming soon. The next film after is Starfighter with Ryan Gosling though, so hopefully that will inspire some new games at least.
Caliban

Eternal Dawn
For a game that has never been that popular, and where they scared away the original developer so they can’t work on it anymore, Sony sure does have a strange obsession with Until Dawn. Now there’s rumours about another spin-off as a PlayStation 6 game?

I mean, if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to convince people to part with £500-odd for a console they know they don’t need it’s a spin-off to a 11-year-old interactive horror movie that isn’t very scary. And even if it’s not Until Dawn related the rumour is still something horror-based. Is that really a good idea for a lunch game?
Tacle

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

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Mad world
The number of times I have to question reality itself when reading the news nowadays is getting truly disturbing, but I didn’t think I’d be doing it with gaming as well. GameStop is going to buy eBay by borrowing $20 billion? GameStop… the shop that sells boxed games and Funko Pops? I don’t even know what to say, except why has the whole world gone mad?

I’d actually forgotten, until you mentioned it, that EA has done the same thing to themselves as well, and that wasn’t even a hostile takeover. Of course, it’ll be superyachts for everyone when it comes to the execs but give it five years, or less, and none of these companies are going to exist anymore.

I’d be surprised if Xbox did either or Ubisoft come to that. It’s all the American companies, of course, so no surprises there and… I’m not sure I even care anyway. They all make so few games nowadays, and the ones they do are so completely uninteresting and safe, that I’d barely notice. If it wasn’t for the thousands of developers that’ll be losing their jobs I’d say good riddance to them.
Bernie

GC: Ubisoft is French.

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Busman’s holiday
Two new indie titles have recently been released and I highly recommend everyone goes and checks these out. They are Restore Your Island from Paiband Game Studio and Bus Simulator: Ultimate from Gamersky Games.

These are good games to own and play and it shows that there are some good indie titles being made. They are currently on Microsoft Windows and hopefully these can come to next generation consoles in the future.
gaz be rotten (gamertag)

GC: Well, as long as it’s the ultimate bus simulator and not just a run-of-the-mill one.

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Timed exclusive
While I don’t disagree that Xbox is a worrying mixture of delusional and running scared, I think the stupidest thing they’ve done lately is not releasing Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation 5 at the same time as Xbox. They’re going to do all the marketing and making all that fuss and then the format that it’s going to sell the most on has to wait for who knows how many months. It doesn’t make any sense.

If the PlayStation 5 version wasn’t going to be ready until next year I’d get it, but it’s out this year. Why on earth wouldn’t you just delay the Xbox and PC versions until then and have them all come out at the same time, with one big marketing blow out.

The only excuse I can think of, other than stupidity (which I wouldn’t rule out), is that this is what the new Xbox boss means by exclusivity. Having a new game appear on Xbox for a few months early and then going to PlayStation 5.

I can’t really see any benefit in that though and if they think people are going to be so jealous of Xbox they’ll run out and buy a new console, just to get a game a couple of months early, I think Microsoft are going to be very disappointed.

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Forza Horizon 6 should’ve been the biggest multiformat release ever for Microsoft and it still probably will be, once it reaches PlayStation 5, but they’re really not dong their best to take advantage of it.
Curly

Infinite money glitch
GTA 6 might not ending up cost £100 but I will be surprised if it doesn’t involve some kind of subscription service, probably connected to GTA Online 2.

It probably will be just £70 but there’ll definitely be deluxe versions that will cost much more and I best some kind of thing for the online, where you’ll get free items and money and whatever. They’ll definitely do a battle pass too.

A company as successful as Rockstar knows you don’t need to make all your money just from the first purchase, they can have people paying for years to come. Based on GTA 5, maybe decades.
Charlie

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Keep it coming
I’m actually really glad to see so many Resident Evil rumours going around at the moment. Even if most of them are fake I’ve never seen it like this before, which goes to show just how much bigger Requiem was than usual. I’m not convinced about the movie myself yet, but the extra buzz from that is definitely going to help too.

So, as far as I understand, we’ve got some kind of ‘minigame’ this month, story DLC probably not till next year, and maybe a Code: Veronica remake reveal this summer. It may be a bit early for that under normal circumstances but I feel that with Resident Evil being so hot at the moment Capcom will figure that at least a tease at the next remake will go down well.

As for the idea of bringing in new characters… well, first of all I wouldn’t believe a word Capcom says. They’re not going to give away any plans at this stage and can just say they changed their minds later. I don’t think anyone wants to see the Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny version of Resident Evil but I also don’t want to see Leon and the gang getting turned young again through some Umbrella virus, which I really worry they’re building up to.

At this point I think they need to commit to having them older and bring up a new group of younger characters, which I feel they’re doing well. I think everyone liked Grace and I definitely would like to see her again.

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I also don’t see any reason not to do flashback games to their younger days. In a way that’s what the remakes are so when they run out of those just do some of unseen missions of Leon, Jill, Claire, and the rest. What’s clear is the world wants more Resident Evil and hopefully Capcom is happy to provide.
Korbie

Inbox also-rans
Dear GameCentral, May the 5th be with you!
Tim Keeling

GC: Better late than never.

To celebrate Star Wars Day I played Jedi Power Battles just for the nostalgia kick. It was rubbish, as usual, but I still loved it. And that’s what Star Wars is all about, right?
Cooper

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New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

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Amanda Knox speaks out after outrage over her Edinburgh Festival Fringe gig

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Daily Mirror

Critics have branded the recent decision to sign 38-year-old Amanda Knox for a stand-up show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as “offensive” and deeply insensitive

Amanda Knox has vowed “not to let the bullies win” — as she defends her upcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe gig.

The 38-year-old author, who with her then boyfriend was convicted of roomate Meredith Kercher’s murder and then acquited two years later, will debut her first full-length comedy performance at the famous event this summer. It’s a move which has been slammed with critics describing it as “offensive”.

And even Amanda has admitted she feels “nervous” about the performance, but has chosen to do it in an attempt to challenger her “bullies”. The mum of two said: “Ultimately it comes down to wanting to silence me because I raise an uncomfortable reality. I feel wronged and I don’t like letting the people who wronged me win — I don’t want to let the bullies win.

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“I know I have something legitimate to say, I’m not just going up there just for the heck of it. It’s not just about me but it’s about what it means to be a woman in the world.”

READ MORE: Schoolgirl, 14, dies after horror incident on train tracks as police release statementREAD MORE: Girl, 4, killed by own gran who forced her to drink bottle of whisky in cruel punishment

Amanda was a 20-year-old student in Perugia, Italy, when her friend and flatmate Meredith, a British student, was killed at their home. She was covered in the DNA of the man eventually convicted as her murderer.

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But Amanda was convicted of the murder in 2009, and was sentenced to 26 years in prison. In 2011, the conviction was overturned and Knox was released, whereupon she returned to America. In 2013, her acquittal was overturned after a successful prosecution appeal and a retrial was ordered. In 2014, an appeals court in Florence, Italy, convicted Amanda of murder for a second time. In 2015, the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation definitively acquitted Amanda of Meredith’s murder.

Amanda’s address at Edinburgh Fringe, called Cartwheel, references what she says is the persistent fabrication that she turned cartwheels during police interrogation. The writer, originally from Seattle, Washington, continued: “There are a lot of situations where there are survivors of terrible ordeals and people who didn’t survive. Have we ever said, ‘You need to shut up and disappear because you make people uncomfortable?’

“The messaging from critics is any and every way that I’ve told my story has been wrong; because it is me, it must be at someone’s expense.”

The Times reports Amanda has a strong group of supporters, including executive TV producer Monica Lewinsky, who has argued society cannot progress unless women like Amanda speak without shame. Speaking to the publication, Amanda added: “I don’t like assuming the worst about people or places. I want to believe that at Edinburgh I could get a fair hearing.”

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Everything you need to know about new residents’ parking schemes in Northern Ireland

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Belfast Live

The scheme aims to give residents in busy areas the chance to park closer to their homes

A new “demand-led” residents’ parking scheme has opened for applications across Northern Ireland. The parking zones aim to give people in residential areas the chance to park closer to their homes or businesses.

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The scheme follows on from a pilot run in the busy residential streets close to Queen’s University in Belfast since 2018. There are certain criteria areas must meet to be eligible for the scheme, which is open for applications until July 31.

Residents are entitled to one permit per household, which allows them to park in spaces available within the zone. A pay and display option is typically available for those parking in the area without a residents permit.

READ MORE: 10,000 road defects and potholes repaired in eight weeksREAD MORE: New Translink train ticketing system to be rolled out, Minister confirms

What are residents’ parking schemes?

A residents’ parking zone is an area where only vehicles with a valid permit or parking ticket are allowed to park during certain times of the day.

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Residents and businesses can apply for a permit to allow them to park within that particular area. Only those with a valid permit are allowed to park within the zone during its hours of operation.

Which areas are included in the parking schemes?

To be considered for a residents’ parking zone, an area must:

  • have persistent commuter or nuisance parking
  • be all public (not private) roads
  • have less than 50 per cent of properties with access to off-street parking (driveways etc)
  • include evidence of local support for a scheme

How to apply for a resident’s parking scheme

You can apply to request a parking scheme in your street or area. When applying, you will need to outline the parking problem in your area and provide evidence to show local support for the proposed zone.

Applications to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for residents’ parking zones can only be made during the designated application window, which is open from April 28, 2026 and closes on July 31, 2026.

You can find out more and apply for a parking scheme by clicking here.

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Will a residents’ parking scheme guarantee a space outside my home?

No, residents’ parking schemes do not guarantee residents a specific space outside their homes or businesses. The aim of a residents’ parking zone is to improve the overall availability of parking within an area so residents can park close to their houses. A permit does not guarantee availability of parking spaces.

How does the scheme work for HMO properties?

If you’re a tenant in the residents’ parking zone area, you will need to provide your tenancy agreement and your V5C(NI) document for your vehicle.

A household which has been split into a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) but that only has one Unique Property Identification Number and therefore one rates bill, will only be eligible for one resident permit for the household.

How much does a resident’s parking permit cost?

If you live in the residents’ parking zone area, you can apply for a resident permit, which costs £30 per year.

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Permits are issued free of charge to Blue Badge holders who are residents within a parking zone, and residents of zones either wholly or partly within a Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

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

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Pictures – All the thrills and skills of Hopetown Circus Spectacular

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Pictures - All the thrills and skills of Hopetown Circus Spectacular

Stilt-walkers, jugglers, balloon artists and aerial performers from Newcastle Circus Arts gave displays of their talents and workshops for visitors to Hopetown.

The Hopetown Circus Spectacular included everything but the big top, with youngsters having a go at some of the basic circus skills.

Circus Spectacular at Hopetown in Darlington. 4.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern EchoHopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Foundry Green, at Hopetown, played host to the event, which benefited from a largely sunny day.

Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newcastle Circus Arts is a hub for circus arts and training in the North East, with the aim of inspiring trainees to try their hand at a range of multidisciplinary circus arts.

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Hopetown Circus Spectacular (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Read next … more cultural events from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

Hopetown Darlington is a railway-themed visitor attraction which formally opened in July 2024.

It highlights Darlington’s pioneering railway heritage, while serving as a community focal point, hosting events, activities and festivals.

Hopetown is situated on the route of the ground-breaking route of the 1825 Darlington to Stockton Railway, the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway.

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It shares the site with North Road Railway Station.

What do you think of this event? Let us know in the comments

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New Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales series starts next week

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New Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales series starts next week

The popular Channel 5 documentary is back on Tuesday, May 5, following Reuben Owen’s work and life in the Yorkshire Dales.

Owen, son of Our Yorkshire Farm’s Amanda Owen, stars in the show alongside close friends Tommy and Sarah as they grow his heavy plant machinery business in the countryside.

Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales (Image: CHANNEL 5)

Taking to Instagram this week, he said: “So excited for the start of the new series. Here are a few shots of what to expect. It’s going to be fantastic. Tune in next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 5.”

The programme offers a behind-the-scenes look at the farmer’s efforts to expand his business, Reuben Owen Ltd, which handles a variety of rural construction projects, including drainage, muck shifting, and landscaping.

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Season three opens with a job to build a sheep pen for a local farmer.

But when a gate post proves difficult to secure, the team is left scratching their heads and looking for a solution.

The episode also features a more personal moment, as they gather to celebrate Owen’s father Clive’s 70th birthday at the village pub.

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Now in his early twenties, Owen has quickly established himself as a young entrepreneur, running his own “five-star business”.

Recent updates on the company’s Facebook page show the variety of work undertaken by his team, including installing 900 metres of water pipe in just one day across difficult, boggy ground.

The social media post drew praise from followers.

Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales (Image: Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales/INSTAGRAM)

Away from the cameras, Owen’s personal life has also attracted attention.

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He is in a relationship with Jessica Ellwood, whom he met at a Young Farmers’ convention in 2024.

Ellwood, who works on her family’s farm at Brough Castle, regularly appears in his social media posts.

The couple went public in November 2024.

Before his relationship with Ellwood, Owen was dating Sarah Dow, a long-time friend.

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Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, Owen confirmed the pair remain close despite no longer being together.

He said: “Me and Sarah were together, we’re no longer together but we’re still very good friends.

“She’s kind of gone her own way and is pursuing her own career.”

The new series is expected to build on the success of previous episodes by combining light-hearted workplace challenges with insights into daily life in rural Yorkshire.

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Viewers can expect a mix of mechanical mishaps, problem-solving, and the camaraderie that has made the show a hit.

It airs Tuesday, May 5, at 8pm on Channel 5.

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Thursday’s elections could be ‘Starmageddon’ for PM, Stephen Flynn warns

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Thursday’s elections could be ‘Starmageddon’ for PM, Stephen Flynn warns

In the midst of this there has been renewed speculation over Sir Keir’s leadership of the party, with suggestions that possible challengers to the PM, such as UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner could be preparing to move.

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Wu Yize reveals mother’s health struggles and huge sacrifices to become world snooker champion

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Wu Yize reveals mother’s health struggles and huge sacrifices to become world snooker champion

Wu Yize was able to celebrate the greatest moment of his young life as he lifted the World Snooker Championship trophy aloft in front of a packed Crucible crowd after one of the greatest finals of all time with Shaun Murphy.

The fact he was flanked by his parents resonated even more as he revealed the health struggles his mother had been through and the sacrifices he had to make to achieve his lifelong dream.

Wu came out on top in the first deciding frame in a world final for 24 years, holding his nerve to make a break of 85 and beat Murphy 18-17 – becoming the second-youngest snooker world champion in history and also just the second to come from China.

“My parents are the true champions,” an emotional Wu told the BBC after his triumph. “Since I made the decision to drop out of school, my dad has been by my side. My mum has also been going through a lot over the years, they are the source of my strength, I love them so much.”

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The 22-year-old – who moved over to Sheffield as a teenager with just his father in order to focus on his snooker career – expanded on his mother’s health struggles in his post-match press conference and delivered some good news about her current status.

“My mum wasn’t in very good health condition for a long time,” he explained. “During that time we were in Sheffield, she has been in hospital a lot. She is forever a source of strength to me.

“She is feeling much better now. This is the second time she has visited me in the UK, I think in the future I will take her more to tournaments to be by my side.

“She sacrificed everything for me. At that time she told me ‘don’t come back home, I can manage everything’. It was the second year I was playing in the UK. At that time my ranking was very low so it was a crucial time for me to achieve some good results and keep my professional status. She means everything to me.”

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Wu Yize celebrated winning the world snooker title with his parents
Wu Yize celebrated winning the world snooker title with his parents (Getty)
The team around him have helped Wu reach the pinnacle of snooker (Getty)

Wu’s rag to riches story is remarkable as he and his father sacrificed a lot to move from the Chinese city of Lanzhou to Sheffield, while speaking almost no English.

His father quit his job and moved to England so his son could practise his snooker but they were so short of money shared a “tiny windowless room, sleeping on the same bed” for the first two years in Yorkshire.

Homesickness was also a problem, with Wu initially brining in limited prize money to pay the bills and buy food.

Earlier in the tournament, Wu explained: “Especially the first year when I arrived in the UK to train and play I wasn’t mentally in a good place. But I’m really happy I overcame many difficulties to come to where I am today.

“There was definitely a lot of pressure and also there was a lot for myself to improve in terms of my game, so I was definitely feeling the pressure at the time.”

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Shaun Murphy was gracious in defeat against Wu
Shaun Murphy was gracious in defeat against Wu (PA)

Winning the world final lifts Wu to No 4 in the world and the £500,000 cheque for winning at the Crucible means his money troubles are now behind him.

But after beating Murphy, he confirmed that the thought of quitting snooker never crossed his mind.

“I never had a thought to give up,” he said. “Obviously that time was a very tough moment in my life. Living in a poor condition like that, I had so much acne, maybe because of an infection from the air conditioning.

“But I think it was a strength I have built over the years. If you really love snooker it is the path you have to go through and fight through.”

Wu has risen to No 4 in the world rankings
Wu has risen to No 4 in the world rankings (Reuters)

Wu always had an immense work ethic, which is now paying off, and childhood coach Roger Leighton – who tutored the new world champion as an 11-year-old in Foshan, China – spotted it immediately.

“When he came to me, his highest break was 49,” Leighton told The Independent earlier this month. “After a couple of weeks, he hit an 86. I said, ‘That’s great, amazing.’ He said, ‘It’s no good, because Ronnie [O’Sullivan] would have cleared up.’ That’s his mentality. But he was a fun-loving kid. If he missed a ball he hated it, but he laughed a lot and that was his way of releasing pressure.”

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That fun-loving kid has now won snooker’s biggest tournament but not without a few hurdles along the way.

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“It wasn’t in our plans” – Conor Laverty on rebuilding for Down’s Tailteann Cup campaign

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Belfast Live

After suffering a 28-point loss to Armagh in the Ulster SFC semi-final, the Mournemen face Leitrim in the first round of the Tailteann Cup

It isn’t where Down wanted to be. They were aware of the risks. They knew the consequences.

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Two years on from winning the Tailteann Cup, they find themselves back in the second-tier competition.

Winning Division Three this season gave them a fighting chance of making the Sam Maguire, but Westmeath’s surge to the Leinster final ultimately denied them that opportunity.

Of course, Down could have controlled their own destiny. After their heroic defeat of Ulster champions Donegal in Letterkenny, another scalp against Armagh would have demoted Cavan to the Tailteann.

Alas, the Mournemen fell on their sword and succumbed to a record-equalling 28-point loss in Clones .

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Back in 2024, they had the consolation of knowing they gave Armagh an almighty fright with Kieran McGeeney’s men needing a late Jason Duffy winner to edge a tight semi-final battle.

How does Conor Laverty now galvanise his men after such a harrowing loss?

“That’s the million dollar question,” stated Laverty.

“How we get ourselves back in a position and a frame of mind but I suppose it’s too early now to explain how that plans because it wasn’t in our thoughts at all.

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“We have to take a bit of time now and reflect on our performance and reflect what has gone right for us in many ways over the last number of weeks but also what didn’t work and then assess our plans.

“We’ll have to chat to the lads and see where our hunger is at. We are in the Tailteann Cup now, it wasn’t in our plans but that’s life, that’s where we are at.

“Fair play to Westmeath, they didn’t get out of Division Three but for their performances over the last couple of weeks, you have to give them credit for that as well.”

With Westmeath’s Leinster SFC semi-final against Kildare going to extra-time in Tullamore, Down would not have been aware of the result prior to throw-in against the Orchard men.

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However, with Laverty taking a seat in the Gerry Arthurs Stand, news soon filtered through that Down would need to win in order to clinch a spot in the Sam Maguire.

“We all knew, that’s the rules. So there is no point complaining about that, that’s just where it is,” added Laverty.

“We’d probably felt we had done our part in Division Three, to win it, and it was still in our own hands coming here today.

“It’s not where we wanted to be, it’s not where the group wanted to be but we’ll have to dust ourselves now, reassess things and have a long hard think about the next part of the jigsaw and how we approach this and what manner we approach the Tailteann Cup.”

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Down will have two weeks to prepare for their round one clash at home to Leitrim, managed by Mourne native Steven Poacher, on the weekend of May 16/17.

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Daily horoscope May 5, 2026: Predictions for your star sign

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Daily horoscope May 5, 2026: Predictions for your star sign
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

The Moon moves into Capricorn, linking to Mercury and the North Node, bringing insight and intuition. Ground yourself using all senses today.

Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, your creativity shines and you easily tune into your surroundings. Fresh perspectives are on your side.

Don’t shy away from big decisions, as the comos implores you to take action. Remain humble, but tap into the highly concentrated power at your fingertips.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday May 5, 2026.

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Aries

March 21 to April 20

With the Moon moving later today into the practical Capricorn and forging a positive link to both Mercury and the North Node, an intuitive nudge could give you some guidance about a work or worldly issue, which can benefit from both sensitivity and being grounded in your approach. Your enthusiasm can remain high, but getting a tangible result will be satisfying.

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Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Today’s celestial guidance for Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Your great gift is for knowing that continuity and stability have their place and not everything needs radical change in order to keep evolving but can benefit from sensible adaptions along the way. Yet, you could find yourself really enthusiastic about a fresh approach now. And someone can be very encouraging about the pathway you want to gently embrace.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Today’s planetary forecast for Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

For all the excitement of Uranus’s recent arrival in your sign and the glamour of having Venus with you too, your ruler is in a sensitive connection today with the powerful if subtle Point of Destiny. So however much something seems bubbly and bright, it’s still a good thing to listen to your instincts. Some quiet research can also prove beneficial and unearth revealing facts

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Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

How the stars aligned for Gemini today

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

The Moon is going to move into your sector of relating. It’s a great place for her to be because it’s going to help you to be conscious of both others’ needs but also being aware of yours too. If something needs to be discussed around a partnership matter, the chances are you can do it with sensitivity, but also practicality, with Mercury showing up in the mix too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Celestial energies for Cancer today

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Although you have a reputation of being comfortable with the limelight, not every Leo needs to be in charge of every situation. And yet, with both the Sun and also Mercury in a very visible part of your situation, you could be asked to take on some kind of leadership role or show direction to others. Fortunately, a mix of common sense and perception can assist you.

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Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Your daily zodiac insight for Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

If you enjoy writing, teaching, training or publishing you can truly sparkle today, Virgo, particularly later in the day when the Moon emerges from a sheltered location and into a much more effervescent one. Your words and ideas can land just so with the people that you’re connecting to. Even if you see yourself as cautious, just be guided by your instincts.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Things are being shook up just now, but in a gentle enough way for you to see what needs to evolve or be released. The Moon makes a fleeting but important connection today to Chiron, the healer, giving you an opportunity to interact with someone and share your wisdom around a relationship issue they have, but equally, they could give you some powerful input too.

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Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Your daily stellar guidance for Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Conversation doesn’t always equal comprehension but today gives you a platform to not only have a two-way discussion but also get some important insights from it. And if you’re enjoying a developing relationship, the Sun’s link to the charming Venus suggests that there’s a lot that could reassure you about the direction that it’s taking, in whatever type of bond.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Star alignments for Scorpio today

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Although you’re very much a free spirit, there’s lots to be gained today by tackling practical issues that may constrain your freedom a little bit now but will help you to create a framework that gives you greater liberty at a later date. You could also support a friend, relative or colleague with a thoughtful gesture that can be much appreciated and create some goodwill.

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Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Today’s astral messages for Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Your creativity and flair are amped up today in a really bright way and are supported by some intuitive nudges. These can grow stronger as the day goes on and the Moon arrives in Capricorn this afternoon, adding more self-belief. All this can see you enjoy some sparkling encounters and with a dash of fun, but can also see you busy, productive, and upbeat.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Your zodiac forecast for Capricorn today

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

If you’re a maker or a home hobbyist, you’re being nudged to try some fresh approaches. But equally, there may be a small business idea that you’ve been grappling with that can start to shape up positively. You have a rare gift for blending innovation with practical tactics, and this can shine out brightly. However, later today, you may enjoy retreating into your own space.

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Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Daily cosmic update for Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Two complementary planetary angles are supportive to you today, Pisces, and both of these can see your mind agile, but it doesn’t mean to say that you need to sacrifice your appreciation of atmospheres and how things feel. If you want to discuss family matters or make some home improvements, today’s energies can be very helpful to these too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your cosmic energy update for Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

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Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of May here.

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2 cabin crew members arrested at Manchester Airport

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2 cabin crew members arrested at Manchester Airport

The pair were taken into custody after concerns were raised surrounding their fitness to perform their duties.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to an inbound flight at Gate 49 at Manchester Airport on Saturday, May 2.

It is understood that captain of the flight was requested to go to the gate after he raised concerns.

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Both cabin crew staff were arrested after initial breath tests showed readings were above the limit for aviation duties.

However, further tests in custody revealed they were within the legal limit, and both individuals were released without charge.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Police attended the Manchester Airport on 2 May 2026 after concerns about the fitness of two cabin crew members to perform their duties.

“Both individuals were arrested after initial breath tests indicated readings above the limit for aviation duties.

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However, subsequent tests in custody they were within the legal limit, and they were released without charge.

“Any further action is a matter for the airline.”

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