Pictures showed how the ground had been scorched by the fires with litter left dumped on the grounds

An amateur football club in Salford has shared its fury after a group of youths tore down a gate and broke onto the pitch before lighting a BBQ on Wednesday evening (May 27).

Salford Storm FC, an amateur club for youths based off Stott Lane, said that a group of young people, as well as some adults, gained access to the ground after ‘ripping down’ a perimeter gate. They then held a BBQ on the pitch and lit fires before dumping litter behind.

Pictures shared online showed how the ground had been scorched by the fires, with images also showing damage to the gates, which had been put in place to prevent break-ins to the site. The club said that police will be informed of the incident which was slammed as ‘completely unacceptable’.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

A status shared by the club read: “Yesterday, a group of youths along with some adults gained access to our grounds, caused damage to club property, ripped down one of our perimeter gates, held a BBQ on the pitches, lit fires, and left rubbish across the facility.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable. This matter will be reported to the police. If this is your child, family member, or someone you know, we strongly suggest you have a serious conversation with them.

What may seem like ‘just messing around’ is actually criminal damage, trespassing, vandalism, anti-social behaviour, and unlawful access to private property.”

Advertisement

The statement continued: “People need to understand that this doesn’t just damage a fence or leave litter behind it directly impacts the club, our volunteer coaches, and most importantly the hundreds of young people who use these facilities every single week.

“Our coaches and volunteers work tirelessly to provide a safe, positive environment for local children to enjoy football and stay active. Every pound and every hour spent repairing damage is money and time taken away from improving opportunities for those young people.

“It’s extremely disappointing that a facility built for the community is being treated with such little respect. We ask everyone in the local area to help us protect and respect the club and the facilities that so many children and families rely on.”

Grenfell Next of Kin, which supports people affected by the tragedy, posted to X: “Residents have been raising this for years. Nine years after the Grenfell Tower fire, the Walkways blocks are still relying on a ‘temporary’ boiler system. Temporary does not mean nearly a decade later.

LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — Crews resumed the painstaking search Thursday for nine workers feared dead at a Washington state paper mill where a chemical tank ruptured, devastating a community where many families have worked in local mills for generations.

Authorities have said there was no hope of finding survivors of Tuesday’s tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, which was of one of the deadliest U.S. workplace accidents in recent decades.

Two workers were confirmed dead and the nine still missing are presumed dead. Among the 11 are a grandfather who was always willing to help anyone and a young husband described as selfless and caring, according to friends who organized fundraisers for the victims’ families.

The partially collapsed tank spilled more than 500,000 gallons (1.9 million liters) of a highly corrosive chemical mix called white liquor that is used to break down wood into certain types of paper products.

Fire officials said Wednesday that the recovery of the missing would be slow and deliberate because of the dangers posed by the remaining chemicals.

Authorities said the cause of the disaster is still under investigation and they haven’t released the names of those who were killed.

Gilbert Bernal, a grandfather who was an electrician at the plant, was the first confirmed death, said his friend Todd Cornwell.

“He was one of the most genuinely good people that you’ve ever met. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was always there willing to help in whatever needed to be done,” Cornwell said.

CJ Doran, who was 26, was among those presumed dead, according to a GoFundMe post verified by the crowdfunding site.

He was a husband who was “the spiritual leader of their family, the joy of their home, and the family provider,” the post said.

The tank failure also injured eight people, including a firefighter. Some suffered burns or inhalation injuries, authorities said.

The mill’s Japanese parent company, Nippon Paper Group, said in a statement Wednesday that it was offering its “deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.”

Authorities said Wednesday that the the spill hadn’t contaminated the air and drinking water in and around Longview, a city of about 40,000 people near Washington’s border with Oregon that has deep ties to paper and lumber industries. Generations of families have worked in the mills, and many residents who spoke with The Associated Press had family members or friends who currently or previously worked at the Nippon Dynawave plant.

Crews were working to flush water from ditches near the plant and dilute it before pumping it into the Columbia River, which flows by the mill.

Some contamination has reached the river, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has had no noticeable effect.

___

Johnson reported from Seattle. Associated Press Martha Bellisle in Seattle, Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed.

Pillings Fish and Chips, based on Ashburner Street Market, is the only Bolton shop to be shortlisted in any category at this year’s awards, earning a place in the North West Best Fish and Chip Shop category.

For Peter McGowan, 66, the recognition means far more than just an award nomination.

“It is very good news,” he said.

“We run it as a family. My wife’s father started the business in 1968 and I’ve worked here for the last 40 years.”

Pilling’s over the years (Image: Public)

Over the decades, Peter says the shop has become far more than just somewhere to buy fish and chips.

He said: “You get to meet a whole sway of people from all spectrums of society, from the richest to the poorest.

“Some customers come from Cheshire, and we’ve got a lot of people from Hong Kong living in Bolton now. It’s like a mini Hong Kong at times with all the regulars we see.”

Many of those regulars have been visiting the shop for longer than Peter himself has worked there.

“Some people have been coming in longer than I’ve been here,” he said.

“It’s meant a lot really. It’s just nice to get a little bit of recognition.”

Peter, who is also an ordained minister, says his connection with customers often goes beyond serving food.

“I’ve even done funerals for customers as well as fish and chips,” he said.

Despite the shop’s long history, this is the first time Pillings has entered the awards.

The family-run business remains at the heart of the McGowan family.

Run by family for generations (Image: Public)

Peter works alongside his wife Tracy, 65, daughter and long-serving staff member Elaine, who Peter describes as “part of the family”.

The wider family including his three grandchildren also help during school holidays or weekends.

“It gives them confidence and helps them go on to do better things,” he said.

“We’ve had people work here who’ve gone on to become scientists in Cambodia, social workers and all sorts.

“Ninety per cent of the people who’ve worked for me have gone on to better things.

“You meet different people and encourage them to do better. That’s what businesses need to do.”

Pillings has become known for its traditional approach and quality food, with Peter proud of the fresh cod and haddock served to loyal customers year after year.

Accommodating up to 80 people Pilling’s fish and chips isn’t just a takeaway (Image: Public)

Peter has also witnessed huge changes in Bolton during his four decades behind the fryer.

Like many businesses, the shop faced challenges after the Covid pandemic.

“A lot of older people never really came back after Covid,” he said.

“They lost confidence and mobility after being locked up for so long and you can understand that.”

Although the future of the business remains uncertain, with Peter admitting the next generation may not take over the 80-seat chip shop, he says the nomination is a proud moment for the family and the community around them.

For now, the McGowans are simply enjoying seeing their Bolton institution recognised on a national stage after nearly six decades of serving the town.

With families growing faster than bedroom numbers, an intriguing trends in staycations sees friends meet in the middle with their families instead of having each other to stay

“I’d love to get together, but we just have no room for you all.” Sound familiar? It’s certainly true for me. And I’m by no means alone. As longtime friends grow their families, leading to limited space for guests in their own homes, a rising staycation trend is emerging that sees both parties meet in the middle at a holiday rental. Dubbed “nesting holidays”, the idea is simple. No space? No problem. Families avoid the squeeze by booking somewhere big enough for everyone at an equidistance from both homes.

I’m a mum to two girls, and I came across the idea of a nesting holiday by chance when trying to book in my best friend Emily to stay with us. She’d recently had twins, adding to her brood to take her tally up to three children. Along with her husband Mike, they were a family of five – too many for our small spare room. And with them in the middle of a house renovation, there was no room at the inn for our family of four there either.

Just what were a pair of Millennial mums to do? “Why don’t we meet in the middle?” I offered. “Somewhere wipe clean…” And, reader, I found the perfect place. Browsing Sykes Cottages, I came across Bears Court in Little Rissington in the Cotswolds. On first glance, I’ll admit looks a bit soulless. A plant wouldn’t go amiss…

It’s a newly built complex of holiday houses, each one identical to the next. There’s nothing traditionally “Cotswolds” about them. But – and it’s a BIG but – boy oh boy is there method in their madness. Where Bears Court lacked in country charm it made up for it in spades with space and amenities. And for parents looking for a wipe-clean “nesting holiday” they are nigh on perfect.

Set overlooking the stunning Cotswold countryside, albeit with fences too high to see any of it from the garden, they are slap bang in the middle of the action. It’s close enough to all the bustle of local villages, like Stow-on-the-Wold, for easy exploration, but remote enough for complete and utter peace. Five minutes in the car will take you into Bouton-on-the-Water to paddle in the low river, and feast on local ice cream.

15 minutes in the car will take you to The Plough Inn at Ford, a brilliant pub with an even more brilliant pub garden with kids menu and adventure playground. And right out of the front door are public footpaths to take you through the fields and meadows that surround the complex. Within seconds you are in nature. The Cotswolds Way is yours for the taking if you fancy a scenic hike.

The house itself (we had number five Bears Court) is minimal to say the least, but has everything you need for a relaxing weekend away as a group: big table, large lounge area, four bedrooms, multiple toilets, a ping pong table, dart board and – everyone’s highlight – a hot tub in the yard. The cavernous downstairs area was big enough for all five children to run around in, and the yard area was nice and secure with a bolted gate. There was nothing for the children to break or destroy, yet everything we needed from plentiful towels and a washing machine, to a fully equipped kitchen and picnic-style bench outside.

“Dare I say it, I feel relaxed,” said Emily as we sat in the sun with a cold beer and had our first face-to-face conversation in months. I couldn’t help but agree. Wipe clean and wonderful. As two tired parents in need of a natter, we couldn’t have asked for more.

*Seven nights at Bears Court starts from £1,722.

Scott Watson, 37, and Lauren Shimells, 30 – both of no fixed address – were both sentenced at York Crown Court after an incident in Scarborough last year.

Both were initially charged with aggravated burglary and criminal damage, however, the charges were later amended to criminal damage and possession of a bladed article – with the aggravating factor that threats were made using the knife, said North Yorkshire Police.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Watson pleaded guilty to both offences and Shimells pleaded guilty to criminal damage on a joint enterprise basis, with the remaining offence left to lie on file.

They were sentenced on Tuesday (May 26) with Watson receiving a two-year jail sentence, with his previous three convictions for knife offences considered as an aggravating factor.

Shimells was sentenced to 28 days’ custody and released immediately due to time already served on remand.

Both were also handed five-year restraining orders.

The incident took place around 1.50am on December 6, 2025, when police were called to Eden Drive, Scarborough, after a man and a woman entered a garden shed without permission.

After hearing dogs barking, the resident discovered the intruders and sent her husband outside to confront them – who saw Shimells come out of the shed, followed by Watson carrying a knife.

Scott Watson has been jailed for two years (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Watson then verbally threatened the man – who fled in fear – before the pair moved to the front of the property, making further threats to stab the victim and damaging a vehicle parked on the driveway, before running from the scene.

The pair were quickly identified before being arrested.

Detective Constable Sam Rivers, of North Yorkshire Police’s Scarborough CID, said: “Knife crime isn’t clever, it isn’t impressive, and it is often a gateway to more serious offending.

“Let this be very clear: knife crime will not be tolerated. If you choose to carry a knife and threaten people with it, you shouldn’t be surprised when the next thing you pick up is a custodial sentence.

“Watson now has four convictions for knife-related offences, with his behaviour clearly escalating, I’m pleased that he is now behind bars where he can reflect on his actions.”

Long-time besties Kerry Katona and Katie Price have seemingly patched things up after their partners had a holiday bust-up, causing a rumoured rift.

In the whirlwind of events that is Katie’s latest romance, it’s easy to forget those early days of her blissful honeymoon with Lee Andrews in Dubai.

Since the shock wedding in January, which came days after they met, Lee’s been accused of being AI, being a scammer, being kidnapped, and has now allegedly turned up in jail.

Fans have been left baffled as Katie, 48, fluctuates between attempting to rekindle with her husband and joking that he’s ‘missing’.

While the romance was still fresh, best mate Kerry, 45, flew out to meet him – but things didn’t go to plan.

The Atomic Kitten’s own boyfriend, Paolo Margaglione, 33, joined and reportedly clashed with Lee, who is in his 40s.

Did Kerry Katona and Katie Price fall out?

All seemed to be going to plan as the group took some sun-soaked selfies together, posting them on social media.

However, things took a turn when Lee allegedly punched Paolo – who Kerry met on Celebs Go Dating – while at the hotel after some ‘cross words’, for which Kerry was not present.

At the time, reports alleged that Lee was acting in an ‘aggressive manner’ as he and Katie argued during their trip, prompting personal trainer Paolo to ‘step in’.

This only angered Lee, who reportedly began shouting at him as matters became ‘very heated’.

An onlooker claimed Lee had thrown ‘some punches’, with one of them landing Paolo ‘square on the head’, prompting the PT to leave.

Katie later denied that there were any ‘punch-ups’ between the two men, but Kerry quietly unfollowed Lee on Instagram after the holiday.

A source told The Sun: ‘At the end of the day, her loyalties are with Paolo, not Katie and her new man.’

‘She is still on speaking terms with Katie and following her, but she doesn’t want anything to do with Lee now. Publicly, she won’t badmouth him, but her unfollowing him speaks a thousand words.’

Are Kerry Katona and Katie Price friends again?

Ever since their partners clashed, fans have noticed a silence between the former pals, who have not been seen together in months.

That was until Katie commented on Kerry’s post out of the blue, just hours before she then deleted her entire social media.

Kerry had posted an advert for CBD oil from a fave brand of her pal, prompting the TV personality to comment.

‘It’s brilliant,’ commented the Mucky Mansion star, to which her singer replied: ‘Isn’t it’.

Katie’s Instagram has since vanished, hours after she claimed to have found her missing husband Lee in a Dubai jail.

When searching for the former glamour model’s page, an error message pops up saying the ‘profile isn’t available’.

‘The link may be broken or the profile may have been removed,’ the note continues, despite her being active hours before.

While Katie does appear to have deactivated her Instagram, her YouTube page – which includes her podcast with sister Sophie – remains active.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Vogue Williams ‘feels sorry’ for Katie Price and reveals her Lee Andrews theory

MORE: Katie Price mocks her ‘missing husband’ in video with Olivia Attwood

MORE: Katie Price has given the UK something we desperately needed

The Woodland Trust organised a Two Lads themed community walk for people to learn about the landmark’s history, the folklore and the theories of how the cairns came to be.

With walkers learning about the past, present and future of the monument, while taking in spectacular views.

The event sold out, but say the Woodland Trust it will be back.

A spokesman said: “The event sold out overnight, but we’ll be hosting more Two Lads events throughout the summer. Keep an eye on our Eventbrite and social media so you can grab a spot on the next one.”

Two Lads. Picture Gillian McGowan

The walk is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Two Lads Cairns is situated on Crooked Edge Hill, next to the historic Winter Hill, a popular destination for walkers in and around Lancashire.

The Woodland Trust is planning to restore Two Lads securely to deter vandalism and make the monument safer for visitors.

The trust states that it understands the local significance and the important memories people hold of the site.

And the plan is to preserve the cairn’s history for as long as possible.