The weather caused major disruption at the Manchester Airport

Holidaymakers faced major disruptions at the Manchester Airport yesterday after three planes were struck by lightning.

One plane was grounded, another diverted and a third was impacted by the “adverse weather conditions” as it arrived at the airport on Tuesday (June 9).

A Jet2 flight had to make an emergency diversion to Manchester after it was struck by lightning as it took off from Leeds Bradford Airport. Firefighters were called to a runway at Manchester Airport at around 4:30pm.

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Two fire engines from Wythenshawe and Cheadle along with a technical response unit from Leigh attended.

The flight was travelling from Leeds to Lanzarote Canary Islands before having to make the sudden detour. According to the Manchester Airport, passengers were transferred to another plane before resuming their journey.

A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: “It departed from Leeds Bradford. At some point it was struck by lightning and had to come back here.

“It circled around over Liverpool way for a little while and then came to us. Passengers have been transferred onto a different aircraft that was already on the ground here.

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Also caught in the malaise was a Pegasus Airline flight travelling from Manchester Airport to Istanbul. The pilots manning the Turkish plane were force to return to the airport after the aircraft was struck during take off.

A passenger who was onboard told the M.E.N how a ‘massive explosion’ was heard as the plane left the runway.

Speaking of his ordeal, Nassar Massalha, said: “As soon as the plane left the ground, it was struck by lightning. For a second it looked like a ball of fire on the left-hand side of the aircraft.

“All passengers and crew are fine. Around five minutes after take-off, the captain announced that we had been struck by lightning and would be returning to Manchester as a precaution.”

He told the M.E.N, the aircraft circled the air for ‘around 40 minutes’ before returning to the airport for safety. Passengers were transferred to a replacement flight.

A spokesperson for Pegasus Airline said: “As a precautionary measure, passengers were transferred to another aircraft.”

A TUI flight was also seemingly struck by lightning at the Manchester Airport yesterday. According to reports, an aircraft arriving from Santorini was hit as it arrived. TUI officials say the aircraft landed safely.

A TUI spokesperson told the M.E.N: “While we do not comment on individual flights or operational matters, adverse weather conditions at Manchester Airport today may have resulted in an aircraft being struck by lightning.

“At this stage, however, this has not been confirmed. Nevertheless, the flight number you mentioned landed safely.”

Jet2 has been approached for comment.

Sinn Féin’s Róis-Máire Donnelly said she was visited by the police on Tuesday night and advised to take extra precautions around her personal security

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The Lord Mayor of Belfast said she has received death threats amid violent disorder following the stabbing attack in the city.

Sinn Féin’s Róis-Máire Donnelly said she was visited by the police on Tuesday night and advised to take extra precautions around her personal security.

Ms Donnelly also urged the people of Belfast to reject violence following rioting on Tuesday night in which mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire, with people targeted based on their race.

In a statement, she said: “I want to make it clear that these threats will not deter me from fulfilling my role as mayor of this great city.

“I will continue to represent everyone. I want to express my full solidarity with the victim of the vicious attack in north Belfast on Monday evening, and also with the community heroes who intervened and saved the victim’s life. They deserve our enormous gratitude for their heroic actions.

“Belfast is home to many people who have come here from other countries and who have made this city their home, who have worked hard, who have looked after our friends and family in our hospitals in their time of need, who have opened businesses and created jobs, and who have become valued members of our community.

“We must stand with these people now in their time of need. Those people who took part in violent racist attacks and destruction last night should be ashamed.”

On Wednesday, Hadi Alodid, 30, was remanded in custody after appearing in court in Belfast charged with attempted murder over Monday’s knife attack in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye.

The unrest in Belfast has been widely condemned by politicians and authorities across the UK, while pleas have been made for calm on Wednesday night.

Ms Donnelly added: “Burning family homes, burning businesses, burning buses and cars, destroying all round them. Young children being evacuated from their home carrying their teddy bears.

For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here.

“It is disgraceful and disgusting. It is racism, it is intimidation and it is absolute thuggery.

“I call on those involved in this violence to stop, and stop now. You do not represent Belfast.”

Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill said the threat was “totally unacceptable”.

Stormont ’s First Minister Ms O’Neill and Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey joined Ms Donnelly outside Belfast City Hall on Wednesday to speak to reporters about the development.

“This isn’t acceptable,” said Ms O’Neill.

“This is the mayor of Belfast, who represents all the people here, who’s only been installed 10 days ago, and who wants to be inclusive and welcoming and reach out to everybody.

“But yet, she’s in her first short week in office and she’s been visited by the PSNI to say her life is under threat. That is not acceptable, and if anybody thinks that makes their community safer, it beggars belief to me.

“So, it’s totally unacceptable. And obviously, we stand in solidarity with the mayor here today.”

For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here.

David Harbour has finally addressed the rumors about tension between him and his Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown.

Just one week after Harbour’s ex, Lily Allen, released her scathing October 2025 breakup album West End Girl, a report claimed that Brown, 22, had filed a harassment and bullying claim against her co-star, 51, before they started shooting the show’s final season.

Speaking to Variety about the report and its timing, Harbour said it was “a weird thing” that “came out in a weird way.”

“It’s a show that went on for 10 years. We worked together for 10 years during her formative teenage years, playing father and daughter,” he explained. “I don’t know if people have families and friends that you spend a lot of time with for 10 years — you occasionally get in arguments, disagreements.

“In families, it’s OK because you’re just in a disagreement and then you come back together. The problem with a billion-dollar show is that there’s just hundreds of people who want to get involved.”

Harbour even hinted at a future working relationship with Brown, saying: “You’ll see more of me and Millie — 10 years wasn’t enough. There is a special bond there. I love her. She loves me.”

For her part, Brown told Variety via email: “Obviously I changed so much from Season 1 to Season 5, and David was there through all of it. Over time, our relationship became much more collaborative creatively. When you work with someone for that many years, we could really push each other emotionally in scenes. Even though the series has ended, there’s still a lot of gratitude. Getting to share that experience with him for so many years is something I’ll always remember and value.”

Throughout the five seasons of Stranger Things, Harbour played Hawkins police department chief Jim Hopper, who adopted Brown’s character Eleven at the end of the first season.

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Shortly before the season five premiere, the Daily Mail, citing an unnamed source, reported that Brown filed “pages and pages of accusations” against Harbour before filming began on the Netflix series’ final season. Netflix reportedly investigated the claims “for months,” the Mail reported. Harbour and Brown were co-stars on the Netflix megahit for a decade.

Amid the rift rumors in November, Brown and Harbour put on a united front at the Stranger Things season five premiere in Los Angeles and were pictured hugging and smiling while posing for photos on the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre together.

Brown then spoke about her relationship with Harbour shortly after the premiere. Asked what their connection meant to her, she said: “So much, so much. I mean, we play father and daughter.”

“And similar to Noah [Schnapp] and Winona [Ryder], you have an amazing friendship,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the First Minister could undo the progress he has made over the past two years with his opposition to any inquiry.

John Swinney may rue his party’s temporary win in his forever war of opposing an inquiry into the Peter Murrell scandal.

The SNP and the Scottish Greens clubbed together to defeat a plan for Holyrood to look under the bonnet of Murrell’s theft.

Swinney and the Green co-leaders will be pleased, but their victory could be short-lived.

Thwarting a Holyrood probe, which the SNP and Greens would have controlled, could make way for a more troublesome inquiry led by Westminster.

The Scottish Affairs Committee in the Commons is a cautious body and its work rarely hits the headlines.

But the members of the Labour-dominated Committee have an opportunity to make a name for themselves by delving deeper into a crime of huge interest to the public.

Westminster committees also have more power than their Holyrood equivalents.

MPs and witnesses have parliamentary privilege and can say what they want without being pursued through the courts.

Westminster committees also have the power to send for “persons, papers and records”.

Refusing to cooperate, which may be the favoured tactic of the SNP, would look terrible for Swinney.

If the First Minister tried to obstruct the Committee, they could issue a summons for him to appear.

Snubbing this edict could result in Swinney and co being held in contempt of parliament.

Ultimate sanctions for a continued failure to cooperate include fines and imprisonment – although these have proven to be rare.

Swinney wants the first 100 days of his new administration to focus on the cost of living crisis and combating child poverty.

He now faces the prospect of senior members of his party, including himself, dominating the news for refusing to dodge scrutiny on a crook.

The SNP’s attempt at casting Westminster as an illegitimate authority also undermines their broader goal of independence.

Swinney wants to negotiate indyref2 with the next Labour prime minister when Keir Starmer inevitably falls.

But trashing the same parliament and questioning a Committee’s legitimacy, when most of its members were elected by Scots voters, seems an odd strategic move.

Defiance would harden relations between both governments at a time when Swinney needs Westminster to give him an inch on a second referendum.

A Holyrood inquiry, with a remit agreed by the pro-independence parties, could have been tightly focused and completed quickly.

A Westminster probe, comprised of the SNP’s political enemies, could drag on into 2027.

The SNP inherited by Swinney two years ago was a shambles politically and financially.

The party under Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf had lost trust with the voters and the SNP was punished at the general election.

Swinney regained control and deserved his win on May 7th.

Obstructing an inquiry is a throwback that will remind voters of the bad old days and Swinney needs to get on the front foot.

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Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town head coach to take a break from football.

The 40-year-old coach, who had just guided the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League, had been heavily linked with Fulham after Marco Silva’s departure.

Yet McKenna will not take up that job, nor another job, in the near future as he steps away from the spotlight to focus on spending time with his family.

Following confirmation of his departure, Kieran McKenna said: “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.

“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.

“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.

“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.

“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”

She shared her pride in her dad taking to the stage with Boyzone for the final time last weekend

Mikey Graham’s daughter has shared the conversation she had with her dad before he went on stage last weekend – and revealed that he was cool, calm and collected backstage.

Mikey joined Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy on stage as Boyzone performed their final two shows at London’s Emirates Stadium last weekend.

The Dubliner’s daughter, Sienna, has now spoken about the experience, admitting she was more nervous than he was.

Sienna said: “I think I was more nervous than him in all honesty.

“I was like, ‘God, I hope this is everything he dreams of,’ and it definitely was.

“He was cool, calm and collected [backstage].”

Sienna and Mikey had a heartfelt conversation before the shows, where his proud daughter said it felt “really important” to see her dad perform on stage.

“We had conversations prior to the show,” Sienna told Kieran Cuddihy on RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline.

“I said to him, ‘I think this is going to be a really amazing experience for you, something that will stick with you for the rest of your life’.

“Even he said on stage it was everything he dreamed of as a kid. To see someone live out their dream was really important.”

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Boyzone received some negative reviews and criticism following the shows.

Mikey only appeared on stage for a handful of numbers, and it was never addressed why, leaving many fans confused.

Reacting to the negativity, Sienna explained: “In all honesty, we’d be of the same opinion to not give too much time to those sorts of things.

“There’s no point looking at all of those things. All I can really say is, as his daughter, I’m just so proud of everything he’s achieved.

“In a stadium there are a lot of people, so it’s an achievement in itself to go up and do that and sing in front of all those people again.”

Sienna added that nasty commentary online from trolls can be “frustrating.”

She said: “Thankfully, my dad is experienced with all of this.

“The lads in Boyzone, they’ve been doing this for 30 years.

“I don’t think they are any strangers to the media and stuff – thankfully they are quite secure in themselves.”

Sienna said it meant a lot to see her dad on stage again – not only for himself and his family, but for Boyzone fans as well.

She told Kieran: “It was an amazing moment which is going to live on in their memories for years to come.

“As his daughter, it will certainly live on in mine.

“Even for the fans to relive their youth and see the boys again, you could see how much it meant to them.

“It certainly meant a lot to me seeing my dad up on stage again.”

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All of the animals have tragically perished

Fire has ripped through a children’s soft play centre and mini zoo in Hertfordshire. All of the animals in the building were tragically killed as a result of the blaze.

A total of 10 fire engines were dispatched to The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford after a blaze was reported at around 3am on Wednesday morning.

The soft play centre, which opened in June last year also included a mini zoo and pets corner that was home to a number of small animals, including meercats, owls, iguanas giant tortoises and a 16ft snake, The Mirror reports.

Sadly, after extinguishing the blaze, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all animals in the building at the time of the fire had died. No people were harmed during the incident.

Assistant chief fire officer Darren Cook said: “In the early hours of the morning we received calls to a significant fire at The Jungle Box in Buntingford.

“Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units. I’d like to thank all crews for their professionalism and hard work and fire control colleagues for their calm and efficient handling of the calls.

“We can confirm that a number of animals were inside the building at the time of the fire and did not survive.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.

The beloved crime drama is coming to an end soon as fans prepare for one more crime for DI Geordie and Reverend Alphy to solve.

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Following 12 years on air, the beloved ITV crime drama is drawing to a close as viewers prepare to bid farewell to Grantchester’s DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and Reverend Alphy Kottaram (Rishi Nair).

The tenth series concluded in February this year, with audiences keenly anticipating news about what lies ahead for the unlikely pairing’s final case.

With the last ever series set to broadcast in America this month, the two stars offered fans a preview of what they can look forward to.

In footage posted on Masterpiece PBS’ Instagram, Robson and Rishi appeared on location for the period drama beside an old-fashioned ambulance.

Robson said: “Season 11! But, it’s not just season 11, it’s the final ever season of Grantchester!”

The star then made a mock sobbing noise before throwing his arms around Rishi. He went on to ask what audiences can anticipate for Reverend Alphy in the programme’s concluding chapter, reports the Mirror.

Rishi replied: “Oh, he’s going through a lot. Up and down, he’s in the gutter. We have a falling out, don’t we?”

A short preview was then shown of the duo in character, with DI Geordie appearing distinctly unimpressed with Alphy’s actions.

Yet, regarding Robson’s longstanding portrayal in the show, the actor hinted there might be a successor waiting in the wings. He commented: “For Geordie, is it time for him to pass on the baton?”

A further clip was then revealed, depicting Geordie telling a younger colleague: “You’re a Detective Inspector in the making.”

While series 11 signals the conclusion for Grantchester, both Robson and Rishi acknowledged that it represents the programme’s finest season to date.

It did not take long before viewers responded to the announcement, expressing their dismay that the programme is drawing to a close after 12 years.

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One viewer said: “All GREAT things must come to an end…but the last season will be relished by those who love this show.”

Another wrote: “Sad it will be the last season, but can’t wait to watch the new season. This series is soooo good!” A further comment added: “Cannot wait, but sorry it’s the ending season.”

One viewer commented: “Sad it’ll be the last one, but can’t wait to watch it! Maybe you can do a few spinoff series? Maybe we can see what Will Davenport has been up to in Newcastle?”

Unfortunately, enthusiasts will need to exercise patience before viewing the final episodes, as the programme will premiere in America on 12 June, with no confirmed broadcast date for the UK, amid speculation it may not air until next year.

Season 1-10 of Grantchester are available to watch on ITVX

Two children and a member of staff were injured and a schoolgirl detained following the incident

A schoolgirl arrested after two students and a member of staff were stabbed at a north Manchester high school has now been detained under the Mental Health Act, police have confirmed.

Emergency services attended Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley yesterday morning (Tuesday, June 9).

Three people – a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy and a 27-year-old male member of staff – suffered knife wounds in the incident.

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“Staff were quick to detain a girl to ensure no further harm came to pupils or staff, and officers arrived shortly afterwards” Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A 14 year-old schoolgirl was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault. In an update issued this evening (Wednesday), GMP said she had not been detained under the Mental Health Act.

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All three of those injured were taken to hospital following the incident. Their injuries are not thought to be serious and all have now been released from hospital after being assessed, GMP said.

The force said their investigation into the incident was ongoing.

“As part of our investigation, we are also aware and are looking into social media posts in relation to this but would like to remind communities this is an ongoing live investigation” their statement said.

A senior officer added that names ‘related to the incident’ were being ‘circulated on social media’ which he said was ‘unhelpful’ as he urged people ‘not to speculate.’

Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock, from GMP’s City of Manchester North division said: “Our investigation has continued at pace since yesterday morning when we were first made aware of the incident.

“Our thoughts are with those that were injured and were caught up in the incident. Whilst the physical injuries were not believed to be serious, we know the impact to those that were involved or were witnesses to this will be significant, and we want to reassure our community we are taking this very seriously.

“As our investigation progresses, we are aware that names relating to the incident are being circulated on social media which are unhelpful for the investigation. This is also causing concern with the victims and those that have been impacted therefore we would stress that people do not speculate regarding this incident.

“Officers will remain in and around the area to provide support to ensure staff, students and the wider community feel safe. If you have any concerns, please speak to our officers who are there to support you.”

In a statement issued yesterday, the Co-op Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: “”Shortly after the start of the school day, an incident occurred on site involving a pupil with a knife. The school was immediately placed into lockdown, and staff acted bravely to quickly detain a student before emergency services arrived.

“Greater Manchester Police arrested the student, who remains in custody. Police have confirmed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

“Three people, two pupils and a member of staff sustained injuries. They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where they are in a stable condition with injuries not believed to be serious.

“While our policies outline strict screening and search powers in line with Department for Education guidance, weapons can unfortunately be small and easily concealed without prior indicators. We had no reason to conduct a search on any student this morning.”

The spokesperson said the school will be providing full support to students.

They added: “We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils. School will reopen as normal tomorrow, Wednesday 10th June. Full emotional support will be in place for pupils, and local officers will maintain a reassuring presence in the area.”

Viewers have declared the period drama to be ‘flawless’ and ‘perfect’, and it’s ideal for Game of Thrones fans.

Period drama fans have been left begging for more of a “masterpiece” programme.

The historical drama, set in Renaissance-era Italy, based on a real noble family of Spanish origins and their rise to power.

The Borgias first aired in 2011, running until 2013 across three seasons, and it’s now free to watch on Channel 4.

Starring Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, Francois Arnaud as Cesare, Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia and David Oakes as Juan, the series follows the family’s scandalous ascension to the papacy.

Focusing on the highs and lows they face as well as their struggles to maintain the power they hold, The Borgias fictionalises the unstable world of politics in 15th century Europe.

Perfect for Game of Thrones fans, The Borgias follows ruthless political play, and the backstabbing, betrayals and scandals involved within power-hungry dynasties.

The synopsis teases: “Rodrigo Borgia is cunning, corrupt and flamboyantly cruel. He’s also just been made Pope… Series 1 of the compelling drama depicting one of history’s most fascinating families.”

Several fans have hailed The Borgias as a “masterpiece”, as one begged: “For the love of god bring back that show! It’s exceptional and one of a kind show… I’m just in love with The Borgias!”

“So good it’s stunning,” another said, adding: “Overall, a superb and satisfying journey throughout that I will never forget.”

A third fan called it “too good for TV,” while another said: “10 out of 10 stars for the masterpiece that is this show!”

One viewer called it a “perfect mini series”, as someone else wrote: “This is by far the best historical drama I have ever seen! The acting was completely amazing and it kept me completely entranced up to the very last second!”

Another called it “magnificent,” saying: “The acting is flawless by the main characters! The story, script and costumes are wonderful! I’ve watched it over and over, many times!”

“The Borgias is one of the best series I have ever watched!” another said.

As well as widespread acclaim from viewers, The Borgias gained 16 Emmy nominations, and three wins, two for Outstanding Costumes for a Series and one for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.

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Despite the demands from fans, it was confirmed in 2013 that The Borgias wouldn’t be returning for a fourth season.

“It has been an honor to work with the great Neil Jordan and the incomparable Jeremy Irons on The Borgias,” David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc, said at the time, as per Variety.

“Neil has written nearly every episode of this series himself. His extraordinary storytelling combined with Jeremy’s fascinating portrayal of the infamous Pope Alexander VI, has made for truly outstanding television that will live on. I look forward to future collaborations.”

The Borgias is available to watch on Channel 4