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NewsBeat

The elite Welsh coaches who must be brought back to help blood Wales’ next generation

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Wales Online

Welsh rugby needs experience moving forward

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The Welsh Rugby Union is still planning a radical restructuring of the professional game and player pathway.

While the WRU has vowed to publish a plan to reduce the number of professional teams to three in June, it is also planning to invest £28m into the pathway over the next five years.

Part of that investment must be directed towards coaching and player development. The WRU already has highly capable figures in place, but building on those foundations will be essential if Welsh rugby is to move forward.

The WRU’s new technical director, Rhys Long, will have a big part to play in this.

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Former FA man Long will be responsible for designing and delivering performance strategies across both the men’s and women’s games for the national and regional teams.

While it is important to bring in fresh blood, it is also essential to have people in place with experience and a proven track record of success in both results and player development.

If the WRU are truly looking to do things properly, maybe it is time to call upon those heavily invested in Welsh rugby who, at one time, helped create incredible success for Wales.

These eight figures could still offer something to Welsh rugby, either at one of the regions or within the future national academy system.

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Dai Young

The former Wales prop is currently head of performance rugby at Cardiff Met.

Young has a strong track record as both a coach and director of rugby. The 57-year-old won the European Challenge Cup with Cardiff in 2010, leading the Welsh club and Wasps through some very difficult periods.

What is often overlooked with Young is his success in developing players.

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Young fast-tracked the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton and Jamie Roberts into the senior Cardiff team. While at Wasps, he also played a pivotal role in the development of future England internationals such as Jack Willis, Tom Willis and Elliot Daly.

Many who have worked with Young point to his high standards and no-nonsense approach as qualities which could benefit Welsh rugby.

He still has plenty to offer.

Stephen Jones

The former Wales outside-half has only recently signed a multi-year contract at Newcastle Red Bulls as part of new head coach Dan McFarland’s coaching team.

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But Jones should be a primary target for the WRU as part of any new structure, perhaps even as head coach of one of the three remaining teams.

To many Welsh fans, Jones is tainted by his association with former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

But Wales played some of their best attacking rugby in years under Jones, with a Six Nations title, Triple Crown and a victory in South Africa on his CV.

In Wales, there is often a tendency to discard coaches after one or two rocky spells, but failure is part of the journey to success — just look at Steve Hansen’s time with Wales. Prior to his stint with Wales, Jones was regarded as one of the most innovative coaches in the game.

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The former Wales outside-half was the mastermind behind the Scarlets‘ PRO12 title win in 2017 and their run to the Champions Cup semi-final a year later.

He has also worked alongside All Blacks legend Tana Umaga at Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.

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Adam Jones

The Wales scrummaging legend must surely be a major target for the WRU.

Jones was part of Warren Gatland’s backroom team as scrum coach on sabbatical from Harlequins for the 2025 Six Nations and the summer tour of Japan under Matt Sherratt.

Harlequins’ goodwill towards Welsh rugby, however, has now worn thin after head coach Danny Wilson left the club on the eve of the Gallagher Premiership season to join Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching team as forwards coach, having previously held the role during a sabbatical in the summer of 2025.

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Wales have used Duncan Jones and Paul James as scrum coaches, but Jones must surely be on Tandy’s shopping list.

Jones has done a tremendous job with Harlequins and has played a pivotal role in developing a number of England internationals, from Kyle Sinckler to Fin Baxter.

Imagine how beneficial it would be for young Welsh tightheads within the pathway, such as Jac Pritchard or Kian Hire, to work regularly with Jones.

Robin McBryde

The former Wales and Lions hooker is currently working at Irish province Leinster but should be a long-term target for the WRU.

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McBryde worked under both Gareth Jenkins and Warren Gatland, winning four Six Nations titles and reaching two World Cup semi-finals.

The 55-year-old also took charge of the Lions’ forwards for the 2021 tour of South Africa during Covid.

He is highly respected within professional rugby circles and has a strong track record in developing young forwards.

In the future, Wales should benefit from McBryde’s quality and experience.

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Rob Howley

The former Wales attack coach has his critics, but his record stands up to scrutiny. Working alongside Warren Gatland, Howley helped deliver three Grand Slams, a Six Nations title and played a role on three British & Irish Lions tours.

The former scrum-half has also worked extensively within the pathway system and boasts a strong track record in developing Welsh talent.

At a time when the game in Wales is searching for direction, there is a strong case for drawing on that experience.

Aled Walters, Trystan Bevan and Mark Bennett

These three know what success looks like and how to achieve it.

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Walters, from Llangadog, is widely regarded as one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in world rugby, if not the best.

Having started his career at the Scarlets, Walters spent time with Taranaki in New Zealand before becoming an athletic performance coach at the Brumbies in Super Rugby.

From 2012, he spent six years as head of athletic performance at Munster under Rassie Erasmus, who later took him to South Africa. Walters helped the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup in 2019, with many South African players identifying the Welshman as a key component of their success.

He later spent time with England and is currently head of athletic performance with Ireland. Walters is not just very good — he is world class — and it is quite frankly embarrassing on the WRU’s part to see a Welshman help many of its rivals achieve success.

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Getting Walters back to Wales should be a major target for the WRU, especially after Gatland identified fitness as an issue in the wake of a dour autumn campaign.

Bevan has been involved in elite sport for years and has built a strong reputation within the game, having been head of physical performance at both Cardiff and Wasps under Dai Young.

He was also a key part of the WRU’s national academy, helping to develop Welsh rugby’s golden generation, including Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and Jamie Roberts.

Bevan is currently general manager of performance at women’s football club Gwalia United but would be a strong appointment for one of Wales’ professional clubs or within the WRU’s pathway.

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Mark Bennett was head of strength and conditioning at the WRU between 2005 and 2014, while he has also worked in professional tennis. He is currently head of athletic performance at the Auckland Blues.

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Police ‘increasingly concerned’ for missing Jonathan

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Police 'increasingly concerned' for missing Jonathan

Jonathan, 50, was last seen at a family address in Gateshead on June 2.

Officers say Jonathan, originally from the Consett area, has links to Bishop Auckland.

He is described as 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with dark brown shaved hair and a stubbly beard.

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Jonathan was last seen wearing a flat cap, a black tracksuit top with white stripes down the arms, cargo trousers and walking boots. He was also carrying a rucksack.

Police are appealing for information as concerns grow for his welfare.

Anyone who has seen Jonathan, or who has information about his whereabouts, is asked to call 999.

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North Yorks Police ready for ‘odd’ World Cup amid anti-social warning

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North Yorks Police ready for 'odd' World Cup amid anti-social warning

​A Chief Inspector of North Yorkshire Police has said the force is prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday, June 11, and will “wait and see” what demands it faces.

​With 13 different kick-off times, some matches will start at 5pm (BST) while others will not get underway until 5am.

​Speaking to coastal councillors last week, Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Lucy McNeill said: “It is a real unknown, because we have never had one like this, with matches at such different times over the course of the night.”

​Chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, Cllr Liz Colling, asked how the force would address cases of domestic abuse.

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She said: “With the World Cup and lots of drinking, are we expecting a peak in domestic abuse, is that the pattern, and how do we resource support for that?

​Chief Inspector McNeill said: “I think it is a bit of an odd World Cup this year as the matches are happening at really strange and different times.

​“It is a bit of an unknown as to what impact that is going to have on spikes in domestic abuse, the level of drinking, and the demand on police and other agencies as well.”

​She added that North Yorkshire Police will have “some additional staff on for some of the key matches, that we think will be very popular, but really a lot of it is wait and see”.

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​Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is encouraged to contact NYP at https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/.

​Chief Superintendent Fiona Willey, of North Yorkshire Police, said fans and residents could expect “firm, fair and friendly policing” which was particularly focused on keeping the nighttime economy safe.

​Anti-social or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, she added.

​Chief Superintendent Willey commented: “As we approach the start of the World Cup, it’s important to remember that our town and city centres are shared spaces, with people celebrating, working, visiting and going about their lives. A little respect goes a long way towards making sure everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable night.

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​”Sadly, for some people, major football tournaments can also be a time when the risk of domestic abuse increases. While football itself doesn’t cause domestic abuse, certain behaviours linked to these events, such as alcohol use, can make abuse more likely.

​“Our priority is to support and protect anyone who may be at risk, and to use all available powers to identify and arrest those who cause harm.”

​According to the women’s aid charity Solace, when England lose a World Cup game, incidents of domestic violence increase by 38 per cent and by 26 per cent when they win.

​The charity said that major sporting events are “the catalyst for a rise in domestic violence”.

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In 2024, Women’s Aid launched the ‘No More Years of Hurt’ campaign highlighting the spike in domestic abuse during big football games.

​Women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support.

​Men can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm) for non-judgemental information and support.

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World shares are mixed after Wall Street’s latest AI sell-off

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World shares are mixed after Wall Street's latest AI sell-off

World shares were mixed on Thursday following another sell-off of artificial-intelligence stocks that dragged the U.S. market sharply lower.

Oil prices fell after rising earlier as the U.S. launched a second round of airstrikes against Iran.

In early European trading, Germany’s DAX was nearly unchanged at 24,188.88 and the CAC 40 in Paris gained 0.4% to 8,192.55. The FTSE 100 in London added 0.5% to 10,307.39.

The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.8%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7%.

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Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 edged up less than 0.1% to 64,217.27 after falling earlier in the day, while the Kospi in South Korea gained 0.4% to 7,763.95.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7% to 24,249.29, while the Shanghai Composite index was down 0.2% to 3,987.01.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 likewise shed 0.2% to 8,633.20.

Taiwan’s Taiex slipped 0.2% and India’s Sensex rose 0.2%.

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On Wednesday, Wall Street’s former superstars continue to face heavy scrutiny.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.6% for its first back-to-back drop in three weeks. Closing at 7,266.99, it’s back to where it was in early May.

The Dow tumbled 1.9% and the Nasdaq composite led the market lower with a 2% slide.

Wall Street has been shaky since last week, when AI stocks went from roaring to records to suddenly turn lower. Among the worries is that their prices may have shot too high, too fast because of AI mania. The question now is whether the break lower has cleared out excessive optimism that may have built into their stock prices, or if it’s the start of a longer downturn.

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Micron Technology swung from an early loss of nearly 4% to a modest gain and back to a loss of 4.7%. It’s coming off a wild stretch where it sank 7.7% last Thursday, then plunged another 13.3% Friday and rallied 9.9% Monday.

Nvidia, the chip company that’s grown into a nearly $4.9 trillion behemoth because of the AI boom, was the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after falling 3.7%. The second heaviest was another AI winner, Broadcom, which fell 5.1%.

Some of the pressure on AI stocks could also be coming from investors pulling cash out to prepare for high-profile debuts on the U.S. stock market for several AI giants. SpaceX’s initial public offering could come later this week, for example.

Early Thursday, Brent crude oil, the international standard, fell $1.30 to $91.80 per barrel. It was at around $70 a barrel before the start of the war in late February.

U.S. benchmark crude oil was down $1.22 to $88.81 a barrel.

Oil prices climbed on Wednesday after President Donald Trump warned Iran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations between the two sides. The war in the Middle East has been keeping the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut to oil tankers, which has prevented the delivery of crude from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide.

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High oil prices have sent inflation higher, and a report on Wednesday showed that prices for U.S. consumers jumped in May at the highest speed in three years.

Traders are betting the Federal Reserve will have to hike its main interest rate at least once this year, given price pressures and the strength of the U.S. job market.

High yields can slow entire economies and undercut prices for all kinds of investments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. They hit investments seen as the most expensive in particular, and some critics are calling AI a bubble where investment inflated too far.

In other dealings early Thursday, the dollar slipped to 160.54 Japanese yen from 160.56 yen. The euro fell to $1.1534 from $1.1537.

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Wackers Scarborough seeks pavement seating in town centre

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Wackers Scarborough seeks pavement seating in town centre

​The Wackers fish and chip establishment in Scarborough is seeking a new pavement licence from the council.

​David Atkin’s application to North Yorkshire Council proposes siting three tables and nine chairs outside the town centre restaurant at 1 Vernon Road.

​Representations are currently open regarding the proposal and members of the public have been invited to comment on the scheme.

​The deadline to contact the licensing authority is Wednesday, June 24.

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​Wackers is rated 3.9 out of five on Tripadvisor based on more than 400 reviews, and is listed as 21 out of 99 for ‘quick bites’ in Scarborough.

​Anyone wishing to make representations regarding the application should give notice in writing to: North Yorkshire Council, Licensing Services, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG.

​The authority can also be contacted by email at licensing.east@northyorks.gov.uk.

Vernon Road, Scarborough. Google Maps

​The council’s website states: “It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.”

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Councillor responds after Sharples firebomb attack

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Councillor responds after Sharples firebomb attack

Emergency services were called to Eastgrove Avenue at around 9.20pm on Wednesday, June 10, after reports of a suspected arson attack at a property.

The family have been left in shock after the incident.

Greater Manchester Police said all occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Detectives believe the incident was targeted and have launched an investigation.

The incident is being treated as a “targeted” attack and the family believe it may have been racially motivated.

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Cllr Hilary Fairclough, of Astley Bridge, said: “Obviously everyone would be disturbed by what happened.

“I hope we can all work together and get something sorted. I will liaise with the community safety team.”

The fire happened last night at roughly 9.15 pm. (Image: Public)

Police have said officers will carry out reassurance visits in the area while enquiries continue.

Cllr Fairclough said incidents of this nature were unusual for the area, although there had been reports of other crimes nearby in recent weeks.

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She added: “It isn’t usual; there have been a few different things, not racially, but I know recently around Rainshaw Street in a similar area, they’ve had a few cars broken into.”

The councillor encouraged anyone worried about the incident to seek support and report concerns.

Cllr Fairclough added: “If residents are concerned or worried, then contact me by all means, or the police, and I’ll work with them to make sure they feel safer.”

Words from another local representative have been said from a civic leader of Bolton.

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Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Leads UK: “The reported fire bombing at an Imam’s house in Bolton is deeply disturbing and sickening. My thoughts are immediately with the Imam, his family, and the wider community.

(Image: NQ)

“Incidents like this shake our sense of safety, community and belonging – and every civic and community leader in this borough needs to say so, loudly and clearly.

“I am calling on Greater Manchester Police to investigate this swiftly and thoroughly. The community deserves answers quickly.

“To everyone in Bolton feeling anxious or afraid right now – I stand with you. We need to come together, stay vigilant, and make clear that attacks like this have no place in our town.”

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Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police quoting log 3561 of June 10, 2026 to police.

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Bolton Eastgrove Avenue firebomb attack was ‘targeted’

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Bolton Eastgrove Avenue firebomb attack was 'targeted'

Police said officers were called to Eastgrove Avenue in Sharples at around 9.20pm on Wednesday, June 10, after reports of a suspected arson.

Emergency services attended and all occupants were safely evacuated from the home. No injuries were reported.

The Patel family said they were left terrified after the attack on their home.

The fire happened last night at roughly 9.15 pm. (Image: Public)

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said: “Incidents like this are not acceptable in our community and no one should be made to feel threatened or intimidated. Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the consequences of this suspected arson attack could have been very different.”

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Police said they believe the incident was targeted, but stressed there is no wider risk to the public.

Officers will carry out reassurance visits in the community as enquiries continue.

DCI Sharples added: “We understand this incident may cause concern within the community; we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We believe this was a targeted attack, and there is no risk to the wider public. Officers will be providing reassurance with visits in the community throughout the day.”

The attack happened at a family home with footage showing a masked person throwing a lit object through a front window.

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Homeowner Hassan Patel previously said his son had just taken the bins out when he saw two people on a motorbike nearby moments before the explosion.

His son, Umair Yusuf, described the fear felt by the family after escaping the blaze previously, saying they had a sleepless night following the shock

Fire crews from Bolton North and Farnworth stations attended the scene and worked alongside police to make the area safe, according to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Police are now appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage.

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DCI Sharples said: “Our enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing, and we urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 3561 of 10/06/2026, or contact police via the LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Ely riots teen threw missile and celebrated when officer was hurt – live updates

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Wales Online

A 16-year-old girl threw a missile during the Ely riots and celebrated when an officer was hurt, the fourth day of the sentencing hearing has heard. The violence began following the deaths of two teenage boys in an electric bike collision on May 22, 2023. A total of 30 people who were involved are being sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

Around 150 people attended the riot which saw hours of violence and vandalism take place on the streets on and near Wilson Road in the west Cardiff suburb.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed while riding an electric bike through the streets in the area. The two young boys were involved in a fatal collision and were later pronounced dead at the scene. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

The mothers of the two teenagers attempted to run to their children, grief-stricken and in desperation, but their path was blocked by the police.

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Moments after the collision large crowds consisting of members of the close-knit community of Ely came out to witness the horror as it unfolded.

(Image: John Myers)

Shock and sadness quickly turned to distress and anger at how the police were handling the scene and as rumours circulated that the police were responsible for the death of Kyrees and Harvey who had previously been pursued by a police van.

Police officers set up a cordon to protect the scene but as time went on a larger proportion of the crowd became hostile towards the police with that hostility quickly escalating to the point the police were facing a flat-out riot.

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Hundreds of police officers were directed to assist colleagues as missiles were thrown from the crowd including bottles, bricks, plasterboard, and fireworks.

Cars parked in the street were rolled over and set alight, doors were taken off their hinges and thrown at officers, mattresses were set alight, and petrol bombs were thrown with one police officer engulfed in flames.

On Wednesday, a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard Jasmine Smith – who was cousins with Harvey Evans – joined in with mass riots in the Cardiff suburb after police were wrongly blamed for the boys’ deaths.

Matthew Cobbe, prosecuting, told the court on Wednesday how Smith threw two missiles later on in the evening of May 22, 2023. She was seen shortly before 8pm approaching the front of the cordon which had been erected by police and she witnessed the aggression of others and told an officer: “You want to kill another kid tonight, I’m here.”

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Jayden Westcott(Image: WalesOnline)

Smith said she had a poor recollection of the riots due to intoxication. Sali Harmes, for Smith, told the court Harvey was Smith’s cousin. At that point Smith became tearful in the dock.

Ms Harmes said of Smith: “Her emotions were heightened due to what happened to him [Harvey]. She saw Harvey and Kyrees’ mothers were crying at the scene, but didn’t know what happened to them. After it was announced they had died, she became swept up in the mob instead of dealing with her grief.”

McKenzie Pring was described as a “good friend” of the boys, and spoke to one of their mothers while trying to “support people”, but when information seeped through and others began challenging the police, Pring threw three missiles.

Lianna Tucker was said to have been confrontational and was heard saying: “Get your f****** hands off me.” She was one of the last to move back, picked up items off the ground and handed them to fellow defendant Kyle Telemaque.

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She was also seen picking up items from the floor and throwing them. The defendant told one officer: “You daft c***, keep away from me.”

Tucker later told police in her interview she thought the police had killed Kyrees and Harvey. She said: “I heard feds, I went up by Wilson where the boys had died. I was told by everyone it was the feds who killed them, and did something I shouldn’t have and joined in. I thought it was you guys who had killed them.”

Westcott was seen dragging a trolley and encouraging others during the riot. He was arrested and interviewed, answered “no comment” and made the assertion “the police killed my mates”.

His mobile phone was seized and examined. Messages were found on the phone, in which he agreed “feds going to die tonight”. He also said he had “slit one’s face”.

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On Thursday, defendants Ryan Knight, Jumana Fouad, Jaydan Baston, Jamie Bateman and Liam Williams will be appearing at the sentencing hearing.

See all the key updates from the day in court below and sign up to get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here:

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Manchester City release first images of new museum opening at The Etihad Campus

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Manchester Evening News

Visitors will be able to visit ‘nostalgic environments’ from throughout the Club’s history, including Moss Side, the home of Manchester City’s Maine Road Stadium from 1923 to 2003

Manchester City has given a first glimpse at its brand new museum experience designed to immerse visitors in the history and culture of the club. The Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across ten spaces covering 1,700 square metres within the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at the Etihad Campus.

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Visitors will be able to visit ‘nostalgic environments’ from throughout the Club’s history, including Moss Side, the home of Manchester City’s Maine Road Stadium from 1923 to 2003. They can also take part in interactive experiences including football punditry or pose with all 48 major trophies won by the Club’s first teams.

Designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), who have designed The Crown Jewels Exhibition at the Tower of London, the London Transport Museum, and the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum, the new Manchester City experience will combine the ‘latest immersive technology’ with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history.

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A dedicated temporary pop-up space will allow new and evolving stories to be shared over time, while fan memories are woven throughout. Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are also embedded across the experience to ensure even the most devoted fans discover something new about the club.

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The experience will also feature the ‘City x PUMA Arena’, an interactive area where visitors can take part in a variety of active football challenges to test their football ability. This includes a shooting game inspired by Sergio Aguero’s last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers in 2012.

Commenting on the plans, Danny Wilson, Managing Director at Manchester City Operations, said: “Building a completely new museum has allowed us to create an immersive experience that celebrates the people and moments which have shaped Manchester City.

“But our story isn’t traditional and straightforward, so why should our museum experience be? We want something different. Something immersive which will resonate with our fans, as well as excite the wider city.

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“In doing so, we have developed something that appeals to fans, complements the Etihad Campus and provides a year-round attraction for the city.”

The new £300m entertainment destination opening next to the Etihad Stadium will be known as Medlock Square. Once complete, the venue will operate 365 days a year and include a new 401-bed hotel, office space, a range of food and drink options, a covered fan zone, and a roof walk experience.

There will also be a best-in-class flagship CityStore, delivered in conjunction with PUMA and club retail partner stichd – providing an immersive new retail experience for fans, spread over three floors. In addition to an increased merchandise offering and exclusive stadium store product, fans will also be able to enjoy a brand-new, enhanced personalisation experience.

The club also recently opened its newly expanded north stand, which has increased the capacity of the Etihad Stadium to more than 60,000. The newly developed north stand has been renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’ in recognition of their previous manager.

The Manchester City Museum Experience will complement the club’s existing stadium tour. Further information about the museum experience, including booking details, will be shared ahead of its opening later in 2026 during the phased completion of Medlock Square.

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SNP and Greens ‘sweeping things under the carpet’ after blocking inquiry into Peter Murrell scandal

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Daily Record

Pro-independence MSPs have been accused of dodging scrutiny after the Greens refused to join other opposition parties in demanding a probe into Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband.

The SNP and Scottish Greens have been accused of “sweeping things under the carpet” after they last night blocked a Holyrood inquiry into Peter Murrell.

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The environmentalists instead proposed a broader investigation into the financing of all political parties – despite the Scottish Parliament lacking any powers to legislate on the matter – which was supported by Nationalists.

The SNP is under mounting pressure to explain why it ignored whistleblowers concerned about the state of party finances years before Murrell was eventually jailed last month. The former Nationalist CEO was able to embezzle £400,000 over a decade without any senior party figures raising the alarm.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “The Greens amendment that they moved is literally a smokescreen and a place, if you like, that affords cover for the SNP.

“This is about, as far as the Government and the SNP are concerned, sweeping things under the carpet, nothing to see here, we have just to trust them.

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“The reality is, this is probably one of the biggest scandals that I have witnessed in Scotland in the Scottish Parliament, and it doesn’t just impact on the SNP, it impacts on all our politicians, because the lack of trust that the public have is further undermined, so we do need a parliamentary inquiry.

“It should be cross-party, so there are questions that actually have nothing to do with the internal workings of the SNP.

“The internal workings of the SNP should be considered by them and should be considered by the Electoral Commission, but the reality is there are questions in relation to the length and cost of the police investigation.”

Murrell pleaded guilty last month to embezzling more than £400,000 over 12 years and will be sentenced later in June.

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Asked whether Scottish Labour would take part in the inquiry that was voted through Holyrood, Dame Jackie said: “If an inquiry is set up, we will of course take part.”

MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster could still step in and launch their own investigation.

The committee has made clear it feels Holyrood is the “most appropriate place for an inquiry”, with MPs now waiting to see if there is any change at the Scottish Parliament before they decide if they should “undertake substantive work on this matter”.

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Middleton Hall Retirement Village celebrates award success

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Middleton Hall Retirement Village celebrates award success

Members of the Middleton Hall Retirement Village team attended the North East BUSINESSiQ Awards (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village)

The nomination reflects the employee owned organisation’s continued growth as a trusted provider of retirement living and care services in the Darlington area and its contribution to the wider North East business community.

At a national level, Middleton Hall achieved significant success at the prestigious 2026 Care Home Awards, where it was shortlisted in four categories: Best for Wellbeing, Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining, Best for Architecture or Interior Design, and Best Retirement Living Village or Development with Care Provision.

The Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining Award recognised Middleton Hall’s high-quality dining experience and seasonal menus (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village)

The village went on to win Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining in a highly competitive category featuring 13 finalists from across the UK. This achievement recognises the high-quality dining experience, seasonal menus and resident-focused approach to nutrition and wellbeing within its care and retirement village setting.

The wellbeing award nomination highlighted the strength of Middleton Hall’s holistic care services, with a wide variety of activities designed to support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.

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The wellbeing award nomination highlighted the wide variety of activities designed to support physical health (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village)

The architecture and design category recognised the quality of the refurbishment of the village’s Middleton Grove supported living and independent retirement accommodation.

Further recognition includes shortlisting in the upcoming national Housing with Care Awards 2026 across three categories: The Garden Landscaper Award, Care Team Award and Senior Leader Award, demonstrating excellence across estates management, care delivery and leadership within an integrated retirement village environment.

The Estates Team are shortlisted for the Garden Landscaper Award in the national Housing with Care Awards 2026 (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village)

Recent investment continues to enhance life at Middleton Hall Retirement Village. The newly refurbished Drawing Room, formerly the village’s restaurant, has been reimagined as a multi-functional social and dining space inspired by the Georgian heritage of Middleton Hall and its connection to railway pioneer George Stephenson.

It now hosts dining experiences, activities, coffee mornings and community events at the heart of village life.

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The newly refurbished Middleton Hall Drawing Room is a light-filled dining and social space (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village)

In addition, the newly released Middleton Grove supported living apartments offer modern, accessible accommodation with kitchen, sitting room and bathroom facilities, with some featuring balconies or patios.

Residents benefit from flexible care packages, hospitality services, meals and housekeeping, combining independence with access to high-quality care services in a retirement village setting near Darlington.

The Middleton Grove supported living apartments offer modern, accessible accommodation (Image: Middleton Hall Retirement Village)

Together, these achievements reflect Middleton Hall’s position as a leading retirement village in the North East, delivering outstanding care, wellbeing support and lifestyle-focused services for later life.

Middleton Hall Retirement Village, Middleton St George, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 1HA. For further information www.middletonhallretirementvillage.co.uk

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