The 37-year-old was arrested at Bitterley CofE Primary School, and has been released on bail
Joe Smith News Reporter and Adam Care
19:18, 05 Jun 2026
A woman was arrested at a school nursery at the weekend, accused of administering a “noxious substance”.
Police officers were summoned to the nursery at Bitterley CofE Primary School, near Ludlow, Shropshire on Saturday.
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West Mercia Police said a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and has since been released on bail, reports the Mirror.
No serious injuries were reported, the force has said.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “A number of enquiries have been carried out, and a 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance.
“She has been released on bail as the investigation continues.
“We are also working closely with the school, Shropshire Council’s safeguarding team, Diocese of Hereford MAT and the Integrated Care Board to ensure that all appropriate safeguarding measures are being followed.
“Thankfully no serious injuries have been reported.
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“Understandably, people will have questions about what has happened, but we would ask people to avoid speculating while we carry out our investigation.”
Six postcodes from the region won £1,000 each in recent draws, with cash prizes going to residents in Middlesbrough, Guisborough, Wynyard, Sunderland, Hexham, and Borrowby in North Yorkshire.
The People’s Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which aims to raise money for charities while also bringing cash prizes to homes across the UK.
Players enter using their postcode as a ticket and pay £12.50 a month to take part in each draw.
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It unveils daily prizes for postcodes across the UK, including £30,000 jackpots for every winning ticket in a postcode on weekends, and £1,000 prizes for 20 different postcodes every day.
The lottery not only gives cash prizes but also helps raise funds for charities in the UK and beyond.
To date, players have raised more than £1.7 billion for thousands of charities and community projects, with winners changing every day.
Featured in the list of supported charities are Maggie’s, Dogs Trust and the NSPCC, who have all benefited from funding.
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The Postcode Lottery winners and prize amounts this week are:
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were ordered to shelter inside the Dragon spacecraft today due to a worsening air leak.
NASA said the issue is affecting part of the station’s Russian segment – the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel – a narrow, pressurised passageway at the back of the ISS.
This area has suffered from cracks and leaks which have worsened over time since 2019, forcing NASA to classify it as the station’s highest-level safety risk.
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A crew member had been attempting repairs today while astronauts were told prepare for a possible evacuation if the situation deteriorated further.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said Russia’s cosmonauts trying to fix the problem had paused their attempts while “more measurements and data is assessed.”
She said: “We look forward to working with Roscosmos on a collaborative approach to address the leaks.”
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Russia’s Roscosmos space agency said earlier that two leaks had been identified on board the ISS – and that one has already been fixed – according to the country’s Interfax news outlet.
Manchester United will be keeping a close eye on developments over the future of academy graduate Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood could provide a financial boost to Manchester United, with Fenerbahce claimed to have reached an agreement with the forward. Greenwood’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time.
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The former United man has impressed for Marseille since making the move to France from Old Trafford in 2024. In the season just gone, he scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in 32 Ligue 1 appearances.
Greenwood is expected to move on this summer after Marseille missed out on Champions League qualification. Roma, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are all linked with an interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
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His future will be a subject that United will be keeping a close eye on over the next couple of weeks and months. The club included a substantial 40 per cent sell-on clause in the £26 million deal that saw him move to Marseille.
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It seems that a move from France to Turkey could be on the cards, with Fenerbahce presidential candidate Hakan Safi announcing that the club have reached an agreement with Greenwood over personal terms.
“We have signed a four-year agreement with Mason Greenwood,” he said. He has proven himself at the highest level of European football.
“He has agreed to join Fenerbahçe during the most valuable and productive years of his career.
“I said I would bring a star player. Today, I am experiencing the justified pride of keeping my promise.”
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While personal terms have reportedly been agreed, Fenerbache may still have to come to an agreement with Marseille over a fee. It’s reported that the French club are looking for a fee of around £47.5 million for the 24-year-old.
If the clause sees United get 40 per cent of the full fee, that price would earn United around £19 million.
Speaking about Greenwood’s future, Marseille sporting director Gregory Lorenzi told L’Equipe: “He [Greenwood] is one of the players that we are really thinking about [with regard to] their future. If an opportunity presents itself, naturally, we will think about it.
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“But there is the club’s position [and] that of the player. It is also up to us to manage internally to find the best possible solution for all parties.”
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
England have a golden opportunity for victory in the first Test against New Zealand despite a chaotic collapse of four wickets for one run in 11 balls on the second day at Lord’s.
After 16 wickets fell on day one, another 17 came on Friday on a devilishly difficult surface for batting – an alarming amount of uneven bounce has been added to the sideways movement.
At the end of it all, New Zealand are 36-3 in pursuit of a victory target of 254. Captain Tom Latham was out to the third ball of the chase and, crucially, Kane Williamson was palpably lbw to Josh Tongue, before Gus Atkinson cleaned up nightwatchman Will O’Rourke.
Though the weather forecast for Saturday and Monday is poor, there will be a result in this match, with England strong favourites to secure a morale-boosting win following their heavy Ashes loss.
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Ollie Robinson marked his comeback with best Test figures of 5-39, taking the final wicket as New Zealand were bowled out for 113 in their first innings – an England advantage of 27.
England, helped by Emilio Gay’s half-century on debut and more New Zealand dropped catches, steadily built what looked to be an imposing lead. Gay was put down and could have been out lbw in his 57.
When Gay eventually fell, it began the carnage. Harry Brook, Joe Root and Ben Stokes all followed inside two overs. While an England implosion was familiar, perhaps only Stokes was culpable for his dismissal.
England’s lead was 154, with four wickets in hand. They were in danger of handing the initiative to New Zealand, only for important runs from the lower-order. Jamie Smith made 39, Atkinson 14 and Robinson swiped 29.
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The hosts were eventually bowled out for 226, New Zealand’s Nathan Smith outstanding for his six wickets.
It comes as the South Eastern Trust marks 70 years of its Volunteer Service
A woman from Northern Ireland has spoken about her love for volunteering after 46 years spent dedicating her time at a Co Down hospital.
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Angela Martin is a member of the Ards Hospital Ladies Committee, and is one of the South Eastern Trust’s longest-serving volunteers. This week the committee joined the Trust for a special afternoon tea at the Ulster Hospital to mark 70 years of volunteering with the Trust’s Volunteer Service.
For 70 years, members of the Ards Hospital Ladies Committee have dedicated their time to supporting patients and raising funds for vital medical equipment for use in hospital wards, outpatient clinics, and departments throughout Ards Hospital.
Angela joined the Committee in 1980 and explained that volunteering has always been an important part of her life. She said: “I was brought up in a family where people volunteered. Everybody was involved in something and gave their time to the community.
“I always felt that if you can give back to the community, you should. We have fundraised over the years for patient comforts to furniture for the Nurse’s homes at that time to early detection cancer equipment, wheelchairs, trolleys, pulse oximeters and medical equipment.
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“I am very proud to have volunteered these 46 years, I enjoy telling people in the Outpatients in Ards Hospital that some of the equipment you are using we fundraised to buy it.”
When asked if she was going to volunteer for another 46 years, the 82-year-old replied: “I hope so, but I don’t think so!”
She added: “I’ve been Chair of the Committee on three different occasions now and also held the role of Secretary. I’m still going strong and you make the most of it. Ards Hospital is there for everybody and by volunteering you are helping the whole community.”
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Treasurer of the Committee, Concepta Meredith explained how the Committee has spent £60,000 over the past ten years in purchasing medical equipment for the hospital. “We raised it by hosting coffee mornings and myself and another Volunteer, Julia Henderson counted it on my dining room table!” laughed Concepta.
“I am very proud to be a Volunteer, it helps and that is what it is all about. It is very important that the Committee continues, we have purchased ECG machines, blood pressure machines, loads of stuff and that keeps people out of hospital.
“I would encourage young and old, those who are retired, to Volunteer as it is so rewarding.”
Volunteer, Maureen Boyd, who joined in 2020, explained how her mother-in-law, Helen was a founding member of the original committee.
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She said: “It is fantastic to look over the old photos, there are so many stories behind them in terms of getting together to organise things. Generations of our family have been involved as Volunteers and it means an awful lot to me.
“There is great camaraderie with the Committee and knowing that what you are doing, is benefitting someone, is big thing.”
South Eastern Trust Chairman, Jonathan Patton shared how it is a “privilege” to meet Trust Volunteers and to share a cup of tea with members from Ards Hospital Ladies Committee.
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He said: “It is incredible how our hospitals have benefitted from our Volunteers who are working for patients, working for staff and raising funds that have provided equipment and assistance to so many people.
“I am incredibly privileged in the role, as Chairman, to meet our Volunteers, to see their passion, and to work alongside them and hear their stories.
“I think it is vital that we find the next generation of Volunteers. Volunteers have been the life blood of this hospital and Trust for so many years, and I would love to find the next generation of Volunteers coming forward offering some time, an hour, a day that could help us, support us and our staff deliver the care that we do.”
South Eastern Trust, Volunteer Services Manager, Sonya Duffy added: “It is such an amazing feeling to be able to work with people, who are so kind and who are so generous. They do so much for our patients and clients.
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“We have 370 volunteers with an age range of 16-25 who are keen to help and learn and then we have our older, more mature Volunteers who come with a wealth of life experience and skills. It is really important to our society that we have people volunteering to help others and for our younger generation to see the generosity and thoughtfulness shown for other people.
“It is amazing to mark seven decades of volunteering in the South Eastern Trust, I am so proud of that and I am so proud of our Volunteers, we want them to stay with us forever as they make such a difference to our patients and clients.”
If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Team at volunteer@setrust.hscni.net or call (028) 9056 4817 to find out more.
Entertaining but inconsequential cinematic addition to television show.
The first Star Wars film to hit cinemas in seven years, this also sees the titular pair make the jump into hyperspace from the small to big screen.
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The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his apprentice Grogu face up to several new foes as they embark on perilous adventures across the galaxy.
The danger with this movie was always going to be that it would just feel like an extended episode of the TV show and, inevitably, that is what happens.
You will have fun along the way, however nothing comes across as particularly consequential, and the characters don’t develop at all from what we’ve previously seen.
Fortunately, the bond between Pascal and his little green friend remains superbly sweet; this is a duo that would do anything for each other.
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The other star of the show is Ludwig Göransson’s magnificent musical score which, unlike the flick overall, builds on his earlier work on The Mandalorian show.
Writer and co-writer Jon Favreau must have called in a few favours or friendships too as legends Sigourney Weaver ( Colonel Ward ) and, more bizarrely, Martin Scorsese (voicing Hugo Durant ) make appearances – either that or they have always wanted to feature in a Star Wars film.
The major tie-in we get to George Lucas’ original trilogy is relatives of the notorious Jabba the Hutt , although I found The Bear star Jeremy Allen White’s voice work as Rotta the Hutt ill-fitting and distracting.
We visit several different locations, mostly dimly lit and adorned with sand and metal, and a gladiator-style fight pit is an action sequence that feels done to death.
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Other showdowns, like a face-off with the massive Dragonsnake and familiar aerial battalion back-up, impress more but nothing here would make any of the franchise’s top set-pieces list.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is Star Wars -lite, then, but if you are a fan of the TV show it makes for a diverting, enjoyable and instantly-forgettable addition.
● What is your favourite Star Wars flick?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
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Kelly Dewar said: “I just finished watching The Boroughs on Netflix and it was a lot of fun that kept you guessing.”
● The Mandalorian and Grogu is showing in cinemas now.
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Senedd candidate Wayne Erasmus was sentenced after pleading guilty to Animal Welfare Act offences
Swansea Council has welcomed the outcome of a long-running investigation into complaints about the welfare of goats and pigs kept by a man who was sentenced this week.
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David Wayne Erasmus has been issued with a lifetime ban from keeping animals after pleading guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
Rhys Harries, the council’s animal welfare team leader, said: “The decision of the court to ban Mr Erasmus from ever being allowed to keep animals is the right one. During repeated visits by my officers they witnessed animals being kept in appalling conditions.”
Erasmus serves on town and community councils in Carmarthenshire and Swansea and was a candidate for the Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency at last month’s Senedd election representing pro-Welsh independence party Gwlad. Two years ago he was an independent candidate for Gower in the general election. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
Swansea Council, which brought the prosecution, said over an extended period its officers investigated animal welfare concerns raised by the public and carried out repeated visits to Erasmus’ field at Bolgoed Road, Pontarddulais.
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During the visits animal welfare officers removed pigs and goats that were observed being kept in unsuitable conditions. Following the visits, said the council, Erasmus bought more animals which were subjected to similar conditions.
A sentencing hearing at Swansea Crown Court on June 4 heard the defendant housed the animals in old windowless shipping containers awash with liquid faeces, urine, and rotting food, and outdoor pens which were just mud. Several pigs rescued from his land died days after being removed from his care.
Lee Reynolds, on behalf of the council, said the prosecution was brought on the basis that Erasmus’s ability to provide the required standard of care was “significantly lacking” and he was “ill-equipped” to look after them rather than him intending to cause suffering to the animals.
Mr Reynolds said the charges covered 27 goats, kids, and pigs. Erasmus, 66, of Arlan Gwili, Hendy, near Pontarddulais, had previously pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences. The pleas were entered on the basis he had not intended to cause suffering to the animals.
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The court heard the defendant asked for two offences under Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations to be taken into consideration. The prosecutor said those offences related to animal bones, skeletons, and entrails being put in a watercourse which ran across the field “apparently to build some sort of dam structure”. He said further animal by-products were found in Erasmus’ vehicle while animal skins, bones, and fat were found in feeding trays on the land.
Matt Murphy, on behalf of Erasmus, said he had taken a leasehold on the land from the Penllergare Estate with a seven-year plan to establish a market garden with nearby farm food shop to benefit the local community. He said it was accepted the defendant had not provided competent care to the animals.
Mr Murphy said his client had mental health and neurodiversity issues and had also been dealing with the emotional and financial impacts of a breakdown of a 28-year marriage as well as a tragic family bereavement.
Judge Huw Rees made Erasmus the subject of an 18-month community order with a mental health treatment requirement and he must complete a rehabilitation course. He was banned from keeping or having the care of animals indefinitely save for the dog he currently has and his mother’s cat and chickens.
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Mr Harries, referring to the visits by animal welfare officers, said: “Each time we did what we needed to do to remove these animals and ensure they were made safe. This case should send out a very clear message to others that we will do whatever is necessary to protect the welfare of animals and to keep the safe and healthy.”
Erasmus serves on town councils in Carmarthenshire and community councils in Swansea.
One of them, Grovesend and Waungron Community Council, said people had been in touch after hearing about the case and that it recognised the “strength of feeling within the community”. It said: “While we understand and share residents’ concerns the community council has no authority to act directly on this matter.”
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Some venues in the city could be set to stay open as late as 5am to show matches during the tournament which starts on Thursday, June 11.
The Government has also relaxed licensing rules so pubs and bars can stay open later during quarter, semi or final matches with home nations teams without applying for permission.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, City of York Council’s Labour culture spokesperson, said there was nothing like getting behind England together and hoped everyone would enjoy the matches and atmosphere that comes with them.
It comes ahead of the start of the World Cup which is being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US.
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The time difference means many of the fixtures will be broadcast late in the evening or during the night.
The Government announced a World Cup extension for pub and bar hours in England and Wales earlier in the year.
It allows them to stay open beyond their usual hours to show some home nations games without applying for Temporary Event Notices (TENs).
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Venues can stay open until 1am for any quarter-final, semi-final or final if it starts before or at 9pm UK time and a home nation is playing.
They can stay open until 2am if any of those fixtures starts at 10pm.
Venues screening matches after 10pm would still need a TEN.
They will still have to apply to stay open later to show other games during the tournament.
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Several York venues have applied to stay open later during the World Cup (Image: Newsquest)
The York pubs and bars which have applied to stay open later during the World Cup
The following list includes venues whose applications have either been approved or are waiting a decision. Some have applied to stay open later on multiple dates:
Nags Head, Micklegate.
Roman Bath, St Sampsons Square.
Beagle, Foxwood Lane.
The Terrace, New Street.
Carlton Tavern, Acomb Road.
The Old Bank, Lendal.
Keystones, Monkgate.
Slug and Lettuce, Low Ousegate.
Lendal Cellars, Lendal.
The Golden Lion, Church Street.
Old White Swan, Goodramgate.
Cross Keys, Goodramgate.
Tank and Paddle, Merchant Exchange.
Yates, Church Street.
Punchbowl, Lowther Street.
Clifton Hotel, Water Lane.
Priory, Micklegate.
The Harry Hotspur, Micklegate.
Licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen said venues should plan ahead and ensure they apply for TENs in time.
Venues would need to apply for at least one TEN whether England finish first, second or third in their group to show matches kicking off after 10pm.
North Yorkshire Police and the council have asked venues showing World Cup matches to ensure measures including door staff, plastic glasses and limiting the amount of people allowed in.
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Pubs and bars have also asked to be aware of matches which take place on the same day as York Races fixtures and plan accordingly.
Council economy and culture executive member Cllr Kilbane said people should plan how they are getting home, look out for each other and be respectful while out watching the games.
Cllr Kilbane said: “York loves its football, so the question is whether England can show the same fighting spirit as York City and go all the way at this World Cup.
“Whether you’re watching at home with friends and family or in one of the many venues showing the games across the city, there’s nothing quite like getting behind the national team together.
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“And if you can’t make it to New York this summer, then the original York is a pretty good place to watch from.
“Let’s make it a great few weeks in York and hopefully keep the excitement going all the way to the final.
“Who knows, maybe this really is the year football comes home.
Former Geordie Shore star and radio presenter Vicky Pattison has revealed her rage towards husband Ercan Ramadan who spoiled their plans by going on an all-night drinking session
TV favourite Vicky Pattison has hit out at her husband after what she described as an all-night drinking session that left their weekend plans in ruins and sparked a ‘three-day hangover’ from hell.
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The former Geordie Shore star, 38, says she has been left fuming after her husband, clothing brand owner, Ercan Ramadan, went out for what was supposed to be a low-key evening, only to return home at dawn after a heavy night out with friends. Vicky claimed she woke at 8.30am to find her husband ‘skulking’ around the bedroom looking dishevelled and exhausted.
‘I said, “Are you alright babe?”. He just said, “I haven’t really slept very well,’” she said.
‘Then I checked my phone and at 5am he’d messaged saying, “Babe I am coming home now I swear,” and his friends were messaging me saying, “Don’t be mad at Ercan, we made him stay out.’ He got in at about 6am.”
The reality star insisted she isn’t trying to control her husband’s social life, but said the timing had been disastrous. ‘’We had a lovely day planned on Sunday, and it was completely ruined,’ she said.
Even now, three days later, he’s still in bed complaining of a headache.’ Vicky admitted the situation has left her boiling with rage.
She added that what frustrated her most was a lack of apology or accountability. ‘’I just want a bit of contrition,’ she told presenter Angela Scanlon on their Get a Grip podcast.
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‘I felt like a single mom who works two jobs and loves her kids and never stops for the last three days.’ She also joked that his refusal to get up and face the day had pushed her patience to breaking point.
‘I’ve been mad for three days about it, full of a white-hot rage, that’s consumed my soul. If it had been the time to be doing it that would be fine, but we had a lovely day planned and he ruined it. He’s like “If I don’t have to, I won’t get up.” And I am like, “Get up before I murder you in your sleep.”
Despite the row, insiders say the pair are still very much together and usually enjoy a playful, affectionate dynamic away from the occasional clash over late nights and social plans.
The couple first met several years ago through mutual friends and quickly struck up a romance. After getting engaged in 2022, they tied the knot in 2024.
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The enjoyed a romantic ceremony surrounded by family and friends . The couple have been married for around two years.
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