CrossCountry revealed the newly upgraded Voyager train, 220033, at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane facility in Derby today (Tuesday, February 10).

The Voyager fleet has served as the company’s primary long-distance train for more than 20 years, and the refurbishment project will see all 70 Voyager trains overhauled over the next two years.

Refurbished CrossCountry Voyager – first class seats (Image: CrossCountry)

Shiona Rolfe, Managing Director at CrossCountry, said: “This train marks an important step in our commitment to improving the experience for everyone who travels with us.

“The Voyager fleet has served passengers well for more than two decades, and these upgrades will ensure it continues to meet modern expectations for comfort, sustainability, and security.

“We’re proud to be investing in the future of long-distance rail travel and look forward to welcoming passengers on board our refreshed trains.”

Refurbished CrossCountry Voyager – power points (Image: CrossCountry)

The £75.1 million refurbishment programme is being funded by rolling stock company Beacon, which leases the Voyager fleet to CrossCountry.

Each train will receive new seating with increased legroom, enhanced under-seat storage, and integrated power sockets, including three-pin, USB-A, and USB-C ports.

Other improvements include upgraded tables, new carpets, refreshed interior and exterior artwork, more efficient LED lighting, refurbished toilets and vestibules, and upgraded onboard CCTV systems.

Refurbished CrossCountry Voyager – first class-2 (Image: CrossCountry)

The project is also noteworthy for its environmental approach.

Alstom, which is carrying out the refurbishments, operates under a no-landfill waste policy.

Materials that would otherwise be discarded are instead recycled, with further options under consideration to maximise reuse.

The trains are being refurbished by a team of around 130 staff at Alstom’s Derby site, while ongoing maintenance is carried out at the company’s Central Rivers Depot.

Refurbished CrossCountry Voyager – standard class-2 (Image: CrossCountry)

Steve Harvey, Alstom’s Services Director UK and Ireland, said: “This milestone reflects the strength of Alstom’s refurbishment capabilities in the UK and the expertise of our team in Derby.

“Upgrading a fleet as intensively used as the Voyagers demands precision, innovation, and deep technical knowledge – and our people have delivered exactly that.

“Working closely with CrossCountry and Beacon, we’re ensuring this trusted fleet is equipped for many more years of reliable and comfortable service for passengers across Great Britain.

Refurbished CrossCountry Voyager – standard class 2 (Image: CrossCountry)

“I’m proud of the quality and dedication our team has brought to the first Voyager to leave Litchurch Lane and I know that same commitment will define every train we deliver throughout this programme.”

The first upgraded train has already covered more than 5.8 million miles since it was originally built in 2000.

Adam Cunliffe, Chief Executive Officer at Beacon Rail, said: “Beacon is proud to support CrossCountry in delivering this substantial upgrade to the Voyager fleet.

“These trains have underpinned long-distance rail travel in Britain for more than two decades, and this investment ensures they remain reliable, comfortable, and fit for the future.

“Through our close partnership with CrossCountry and Alstom, we remain committed to providing sustainable, high-quality rolling stock that enhances the passenger experience.”

Since their introduction in 2000, Voyager trains have played a key role in modernising long-distance rail travel across the UK.

Features such as air conditioning and electronic seat reservations helped double passenger numbers from 12 million in 1997 to 24 million in 2007.

In 2025, CrossCountry delivered 39.6 million journeys, serving more than 100 stations.

The company’s Class 170 Turbostar trains are also currently being refreshed, with seven already back in service on routes between Birmingham, Leicester, and Stansted Airport, and between Cardiff, Birmingham, and Nottingham.

Keir Starmer’s fightback against an attempted Labour leadership coup has been overshadowed by a fresh scandal involving one of his closest former aides.

Labour announced on Tuesday evening that it had suspended Sir Keir’s former communications chief Lord Matthew Doyle over links to a convicted paedophile who the prime minister has elevated to the Lords in December.

The latest development will raise new questions over Sir Keir’s integrity and judgment with echoes of the Peter Mandelson scandal which has already cost him his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and brought his premiership to the brink of collapse.

Mandelson was made ambassador to the US – the UK’s most important diplomatic role – despite the prime minister knowing of his ongoing relationship with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

open image in gallery

In a statement Lord Doyle has apologised for his past association with a paedophile councillor as he was suspended from the Labour party.

Lord Doyle, who formally became a peer earlier this year, campaigned for Sean Morton when he ran as an independent in May 2017. In January that year, Mr Morton had appeared in court charged in connection with indecent child images.

Lord Doyle said: “I want to apologise for my past association with Sean Morton. His offences were vile and I completely condemn the actions for which he was rightly convicted. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by these crimes.

“At the point of my campaigning support, Morton repeatedly asserted to all those who knew him his innocence, including initially in court. He later changed his plea in court to guilty.

“To have not ceased support ahead of a judicial conclusion was a clear error of judgment for which I apologise unreservedly.”

The news broke just hours after Sir Keir had broken cover to launch his personal fightback with a speech focussed on the cost of living at a community centre in Hertford.

He insisted: “I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country. I will never walk away from the people that I’m charged with fighting for. And I will never walk away from the country that I love.”

In a bid to limit the damage, sources in Downing Street last night briefed that No10 was not aware Lord Doyle had campaigned for Sean Morton at time of appointment. Nevertheless there were media reports on the issue before Lord Doyle was sworn as a peer.

But the development comes as a blow to Starmer just a day after his government was rocked by the departure of a second key aide, director of communications Tim Allan, and a public demand for the PM’s resignation from Labour’s own leader in Scotland Anas Sarwar.

He was also facing questions over sacking cabinet secretary Sir Christopher Wormhald a year after appointing him with home office permanent secretary Dame Antonia Romeo the expected replacement.

Lord Doyle worked for Keir Starmer in opposition and entered Downing Street with him in 2024. He entered the House of Lords last month, weeks after his links with Morton were reported.

Already, Sir Keir had been embarrassed by his health secretary Wes Streeting who had unanimously published private messages between himself and Mandelson to clear his names over “smears” about their relationship. The publication broke cabinet collective responsibility by revealing Mr Streeting disagreed with Middle East and economic policy in the government of which he is a part.

While Sir Keir was too weak to sack him, energy secretary Ed Miliband hit out at the health secretary for breaking collective responsibility and the Metropolitan Police and Cabinet Office warned other ministers against further publications which could undermine any criminal action against the disgraced former Labour peer Mandelson.

Last week Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, wrote to Sir Keir calling on him to publish “vetting advice and due diligence” received ahead of Mr Doyle being handed a peerage. Sir Keir also faced questions about the appointment at a meeting of Labour MPs on Monday night.

Reacting to the latest scandal, Ms Badenoch said: “Keir Starmer handed a peerage to Matthew Doyle despite knowing about his ongoing friendship with a man charged with child sex crimes. The Prime Minister has now suspended the whip, but he must come clean about what he was told before making this appointment. We won’t let this go.”

Despite not taking the Labour whip, Lord Doyle will remain a peer. Currently peers can retire from the House of Lords but cannot be removed, although Sir Keir discussed plans to change that process in the wake of the Mandelson scandal.

On Monday the PM was also hit by the resignation of another Downing Street director of communications Tim Allan, less than 24 hours after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned, as Labour tries to weather the Mandelson-Epstein scandal.

Mr McSweeney stepped down on Sunday over his advice to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite Mr Mandelson’s previous association with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement Lord Doyle added: “Those of us who took him at his word were clearly mistaken.

“I have never sought to dismiss or diminish the seriousness of the offences for which he was rightly convicted. They are clearly abhorrent and I have never questioned his conviction.

“Following his conviction any contact was extremely limited and I have not seen or spoken to him in years. Twice I was at events organised by other people, which he attended, and once I saw him to check on his welfare after concerns were raised through others.

“I acted to try to ensure the welfare of a troubled individual whilst fully condemning the crimes for which he has been convicted and being clear that my thoughts are with the victims of his crimes.

“I am sorry about the mistakes I have made. I will not be taking the Labour whip.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, let me conclude where I started. Morton’s crimes were vile and my only concerns are for his victims.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Under questioning from Democrats Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that he had met with Jeffrey Epstein twice after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child, reversing Lutnick’s previous claim that he had cut ties with the late financier after 2005.

Lutnick once again downplayed his relationship with the disgraced financier who was once his neighbor in New York City as he was questioned by Democrats during a subcommittee hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He described their contact as a handful of emails and a pair of meetings that were years apart.

“I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with him,” Lutnick told lawmakers.

But Lutnick is facing calls from several lawmakers for his resignation after the release of case files on Epstein contradicted Lutnick’s claims on a podcast last year that he had decided to “never be in the room” with Epstein again after a 2005 tour of Epstein’s home that disturbed Lutnick and his wife.

The commerce secretary said Tuesday that he and his family actually had lunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012 and he had another hour-long engagement at Epstein’s home in 2011. Lutnick, a member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, is the highest-profile U.S. official to face bipartisan calls for his resignation amid revelations of his ties to Epstein. His acknowledgement comes as lawmakers are grasping for what accountability looks like amid the revelations contained in what’s known as the Epstein files.

In countries like the United Kingdom, the Epstein files have triggered resignations and the stripping of royal privileges, but so far, U.S. officials have not met the same level of retribution.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the Democrat who questioned Lutnick, told him, “There’s not an indication that you yourself engaged in any wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein. It’s the fact that you believe that you misled the country and the Congress based on your earlier statements.”

Meanwhile, House members who initiated the legislative effort to force the release of the files are calling for Lutnick to resign. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky called for that over the weekend after emails were released that alluded to the meetings between Lutnick and Epstein.

Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, joined Massie in pressuring Lutnick out of office on Monday.

“Based on the evidence, he should be out of the Cabinet,” Khanna said.

He added, “It’s not about any particular person. In this country, we have to make a decision. Are we going to allow the rich and powerful people who are friends and (had) no problem doing business and showing up with a pedophile who is raping underage girls, are we just going to allow them to skate?”

Northstowe Nursery in Cambridgeshire has been rated expected standard in all areas by Ofsted following its latest inspection

A Cambridgeshire nursery described as ‘calm and harmonious’ has been praised by inspectors in its first Ofsted report. Northstowe Nursery, in Stirling Road, has been rated as “expected standard” in all areas after an inspection in December 2025.

The nursery, a purpose‑built 80‑place setting for children aged from 9 months, said that it offers a “nurturing environment that encourages social, emotional, and cognitive growth”.

The report by Ofsted said that older children enjoy the company of staff, who are enthusiastic and support their learning. The report said “children flock to staff during story sessions, giggling at the funny voices they use to engage them in books”.

Inspectors found that children “feel happy and safe in their environment” and demonstrate a “sense of belonging” in their nursery. The report said that “babies wave and smile when new adults enter their room” and “older children are keen to show visitors around their vibrant environment and encourage them to join in their favourite activities”.

It continued: “Children build warm and close relationships with key staff who are attentive to their needs. These relationships are particularly strong with children who are new to the setting and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

Lisa Peacock, Executive Director of Peacock Early Years Provisions and owner of the nursery, said: “The inspection outcome is testament to the incredible team who have created strong bonds with the children and meaningful partnerships with families and the wider community. We are proud to serve the community of Northstowe and look forward to many years of collaboration.”

The report said children “cooperate well in play, which contributes to a calm and harmonious learning environment”. The Ofsted report emphasised that staff adapt teaching for all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The report continued: “Staff understand how these children learn best and focuses their teaching around this. For example, staff have constructed an indoor playground where children with SEND can explore all areas of learning based on their strong physical skills.”

To improve, Ofsted asked leaders to “consider ways to enhance learning opportunities for babies during daily routines, such as mealtimes”. They also need to “enhance the organisation of the key-person system to ensure that babies are cared for by staff who have a consistent understanding of their early experiences in order to maximise support and teaching”.

The Creuddyn pod in Ceredigion is just 15 minutes from Aberystwyth but also offers a peaceful countryside base

Creuddyn in Ceredigion is a distinctive holiday pod that has quickly built a strong reputation, earning Sykes’ Gold Award for Best in Mid and South Wales in 2025, following a Bronze Award for Best Newcomer in 2024. The back-to-back recognition has helped establish it as a standout short-stay option in Wales.

Set in the village of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, the single-storey pod sits among open green fields and offers a peaceful countryside base while still being within easy reach of the coast. Aberystwyth is around a 10–15 minute drive away, giving guests access to restaurants, shops and attractions without sacrificing the quiet of a rural setting.

Inside, the pod has a studio-style layout with a bunk bed, kitchen, dining and seating area, electric heating and two smart TVs.

Outside, there is a fully enclosed garden featuring a patio, hot tub, fire pit, barbecue and outdoor furniture. Many guests have highlighted the hot tub as a particular bonus, especially for evenings spent overlooking the surrounding village and countryside.

The property description notes that the pod makes the most of both countryside and coast, making it suitable for couples, friends or small families looking to explore the area. While it has an intimate feel that works well for romantic breaks, it can accommodate up to four guests.

In the property description, the pod does not accept dogs or smoking, and children must be over the age of three. The property is accommodating and provides towels and robes for the hot tub as well.

If you wanted to go for a place closer to a national park, Pen Y Lodge, located in the Brecon Beacons is within easy reach of the amazing landscapes and is now available to book for four nights at the price of £416.

Or the Lodge At Brynbanc, located in Narberth, is also a great romantic getaway option to book, available for £477 for four nights.

Demand for Creuddyn remains high, with limited availability for February and March. A stay in March costs around £450 for a two-to four-night break on Sykes Cottage

Guest reviews consistently reflect positive experiences. One visitor described a “brilliant stay,” praising the pod’s location, facilities and relaxing atmosphere, “10-15 minutes from Aberystwyth town, with plenty of restaurants and attractions. The cottage itself was perfect size for a couple for a long weekend, the hot tub made for a relaxing time looking out across the village. Kitchen facilities had everything we could need. Would recommend to anyone looking for a short, quiet, relaxing stay.”

Another couple chose the pod to celebrate their engagement, describing it as: “The pod was beautifully presented and the views were absolutely immaculate. We chose to stay here to celebrate our engagement, hoping for a peaceful place to relax and spend time together after a busy Christmas period, and it was exactly what we needed. The snowfall made our stay feel even more special, and your thoughtful message checking in with us made us feel very welcome and safe. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable place to celebrate such a special moment.”

The unveiling by IBM of two new quantum supercomputers and Denmark’s plans to develop “the world’s most powerful commercial quantum computer” mark just two of the latest developments in quantum technology’s increasingly rapid transition from experimental breakthroughs to practical applications.

There is growing promise of quantum technology’s ability to solve problems that today’s systems struggle to overcome, or cannot even begin to tackle, with implications for industry, national security and everyday life.

So, what exactly is quantum technology? At its core, it harnesses the counter-intuitive laws of quantum mechanics, the branch of physics describing how matter and energy behave at the smallest scales. In this strange realm, particles can exist in several states simultaneously (superposition) and can remain connected across vast distances (entanglement).

Once the stuff of abstract theory, these effects are now being engineered into innovative, cutting-edge systems: computers that process information in entirely new ways, sensors that measure the world with unprecedented precision, and communication networks that are virtually impossible to compromise.

To understand how this emerging field could shape the future, here are five areas where quantum technology may soon have a tangible impact.

1. Discovery for medicine and materials science

A pharmaceutical scientist seeks to design a new medicine for a previously incurable disease. There are thousands of possible molecules, many ways they might interact inside the body and uncertainty about which will work.

In another lab, materials researchers explore thousands of different atomic combinations and ratios to develop better batteries, chemicals and alloys to reduce transport emissions.T raditional supercomputers can narrow the options but eventually meet their limits.

This is where quantum computing could make a decisive difference. They use quantum bits, or qubits – the most basic unit of information in a quantum computer. Qubits do not simply consist of 1s and zeroes, like bits in conventional computers, but can exist in a variety of different quantum “states”.

Indeed, the ability to develop and control qubits is central to advancing quantum computing and other quantum technologies. By using qubits, quantum computers can simulate vast numbers and different possibilities simultaneously, revealing patterns that classical systems cannot reach within useful time-frames.

In healthcare, faster drug discovery could bring quicker response to outbreaks and epidemics, personalised medicine and insight into previously inscrutable biological interactions. Quantum simulation of how materials behave could lead to new high efficiency energy materials, catalysts, alloys and polymers.

Although fully operational, commercial quantum computers are still in development, progress is accelerating, with existing paradigms combining quantum and classic computational approaches already demonstrating the potential to reshape how we discover and design cures.

2. Sensors for navigation, medicine and the environment

A new range of sensors can exploit different quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to detect changes that conventional instruments would miss, with potential uses across many areas of daily life.

In navigation, they could guide ships, submarines and aircrafts without GPS by reading subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic and gravitational fields.

In medicine, quantum sensors could improve diagnostic capabilities via more sensitive, quicker and noninvasive imaging modes.

In environmental monitoring, these sensors could track delicate shifts beneath the Earth’s surface, offer early warnings of seismic activity, or detect trace pollutants in air and water with exceptional accuracy.

3. Optimisation for logistics and finance

Many of the hardest challenges today concern the optimisation of staggeringly complex systems; the task of choosing the best option among billions of possibilities.

Managing a power grid or investment portfolio, scheduling flights or financial trading, or coordinating global deliveries all feature optimisation problems so complex that even advanced supercomputers struggle to find efficient answers in time.

Quantum computing could change this. Quantum algorithms could be used to solve optimisation problems that are intractable using classical approaches.

By using quantum principles to explore many solutions simultaneously, these systems could identify solutions far faster than traditional methods. A logistics company could adjust delivery routes in real time as traffic, weather and demand shift.

Airlines and rail networks could automatically reconfigure to avoid cascading delays, while energy providers might balance renewable generation, storage and consumption with far greater precision. Banks could use quantum computers to evaluate numerous market scenarios in parallel, informing the management of investment portfolios.

4. Ultra-secure communication

Security is one of the areas where quantum technology could have the most immediate impact. Quantum computers are inching ever closer to being capable of
breaking many of today’s encryption systems (such as RSA encryption which secures data transmission on the internet), posing a major cybersecurity challenge.

At the same time, quantum communication techniques, such as quantum key distribution (QKD), could offer intrinsically secure encrypted communication.

In practical terms, this could secure everything from financial transactions and health records to government and military communications. For national security agencies, quantum-safe encryption is already a strategic priority. For the average person, it could mean stronger digital privacy, more reliable identity systems and reduced risk of cyberattacks.

5. Supercharging progress in AI

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping industries, but is reliant on the immense computing power needed to train and run large models. In the future, quantum computing could boost AI by handling calculations that classical machines find too complex.

While still at an early stage of development, quantum algorithms might accelerate a subset of AI called machine learning (where algorithms improve with experience), help simulate complex systems, or optimise AI architectures more efficiently. That could lead to AI systems that learn faster, understand context better, and process far larger datasets than today’s models allow.

Think of AI assistants that understand you more naturally, medical diagnostic tools that integrate genomic and environmental data in real time, or scientific research that advances through rapid, quantum-boosted simulations.

Why this matters… and what to watch

Quantum technology is no longer just a theoretical pursuit. Optimism is increasing that commercially viable and scalable quantum technologies may become a reality over the next ten years. With billions in global investment and a growing number of prototypes being tested outside the lab, the “quantum era” is starting to take shape.

Governments see it as a strategic priority, and industries see it as a competitive edge. Its ripple effects could touch nearly every sector from healthcare, energy, and finance, to defence and beyond.

That means we should be asking whether our education systems, workforce dynamics, infrastructure and governance mechanisms are effective – and whether they are keeping pace.

Those who invest early and strategically in quantum readiness and who have the patience to sustain this effort will shape how this technology unfolds. When it does arrive, even if we might be a few years away, its impact could reach far beyond the lab into every part of our connected, data-driven world.

An inquest heard the 50-year-old should have been assessed within 10 minutes but instead was not called for two hours by which time he had already left

A suicidal patient walked unnoticed from the emergency department of a Belfast hospital shortly before he died, a coroner has found.

Coroner Anne-Louise Toal said a delay in assessing 50-year-old Stephen Loughead at the Mater Hospital was a “missed opportunity” to potentially prevent his death in March 2024.

The coroner said Mr Loughead from north Belfast should have been assessed by a doctor within 10 minutes, but instead was not called for two hours, by which time he had already left the hospital.

Ms Toal delivered her findings in the inquest at Belfast Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

She told the court that Mr Loughead had attended Musgrave PSNI station in the early hours of March 15 2024 and was “clearly experiencing deteriorating mental health”.

The coroner said police took him to the emergency department of the Mater Hospital but did not accompany him inside. Ms Toal said this action was “contrary to the joint guidance” between police and hospitals.

However, she said the failure to accompany him to ED did not alter the way in which he was treated. Ms Toal said Mr Loughead waited more than an hour to be triaged, in excess of the target time of 15 minutes.

The coroner said he was correctly triaged as a higher risk category two patient.

She said he was then brought to wait in a chair beside the nursing station, the only area of the hospital available for observation of higher risk patients.

The coroner said: “Due to staffing pressures, it was not possible to closely monitor him as was appropriate and as a result it is unknown what time he left the department, other than it was after he was last seen at 7.30am.”

Ms Toal said that as Mr Loughead was recognised as being “actively suicidal”, he should then have been seen by a doctor within 10 minutes.

She said: “Due to chronic severe pressures existing within the ED, he was not called for another two hours, by which time he had left the emergency department unnoticed.

“I find the environment in the emergency department and the protracted wait in a noisy and busy unit exacerbated his condition and contributed to his leaving the department before being assessed and this represents a missed opportunity to treat the deceased’s suicidal ideation at that time.”

The coroner said it was not possible for her to say if the patient would have been detained at the hospital if he had been assessed earlier.

But she added: “I do find there was a missed opportunity to assess him in a timely manner, which may have prevented his leaving the emergency department on that day and the tragic events that followed.”

The coroner said emergency department staff are in an “unenviable position”.

She said: “It is a stark reality that, as per the evidence heard by this inquest, was the deceased to walk into the Mater ED today, it is unlikely that anything would change in the way that he was dealt with, not due to a lack of want or care, but due to a chronic lack of resources in a milieu of increasing pressures.”

The coroner said Mr Loughead was last seen by nursing staff at the morning handover at 7.30am and at some point in the next hour he left the hospital and travelled towards the city centre.

She said Mr Loughead was later seen in the River Lagan after 9am.

Despite a rescue operation, Mr Loughead died in the Royal Victoria Hospital from hypoxic brain injury caused by cardiac arrest as a result of drowning.

The coroner passed on her condolences to the family before closing the inquest.

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Aswat began riding aged five at St James City Farm – an inner-city stables in Gloucester – before linking up with trainers Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls.

She was hooked by the sport after racing a pony at Cheltenham.

Her win earlier this month came in just her fourth professional ride after taking out her jockey’s license in autumn 2025.

“All the racing community have been very supportive and nothing has held me back,” Aswat said.

“Every time I would go to Cheltenham I wouldn’t see people the same colour as me, so in that sense it was daunting.”

Bailey could see Aswat’s “natural talent” straight away.

“I take photographs of horses schooling the whole time for my owners and I’ve never had a photograph of her being out of place – that’s quite a unique thing,” Bailey told BBC Sport.

“It’s very, very hard for [conditional jockeys] to get going – 90% of the jockeys now are either sons of trainers or sons of owners who put a lot of money into the business.

“I ring up an owner and say ‘I’ve got this really good young black girl who wants to ride. Will you let them ride your horse?’ Well, I mean, frankly, you’re paying the same for her as you would do for [reigning champion jockey] Sean Bowen or anybody else. It’s quite a difficult one.

“She’s got to be strong enough to take all that and I’m pretty confident she will be able to cope with the additional attention, including potential social media abuse.

“She will always be a role model.”

An armed gang in southern Italy posed as police and blew up an armoured van in a bid to carry out a raid, in what local media referred to as a scene out of the “wild west”.

Footage from the incident on a motorway in Italy’s region of Puglia shows the group wearing balaclavas and armed with Kalashnikov rifles during the attack on Monday morning.

The heist took place shortly after dawn on the 613 motorway connecting Lecce and Brindisi, when the armed group arrived on the scene in an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a Jeep Compass and Kia Sportage – all of which had fake emergency lights on, local media reports.

They then set a vehicle on fire, forcing the armoured van to stop.

The gang then used an explosive on the van, resulting in a huge plume of smoke.

According to some reports, the number of armoured vehicles blocked was actually two and they were carrying millions of euros – but this hasn’t been confirmed.

Video taken by witnesses shows at least six masked people, some of whom appeared to be in white suits.

As they later sought to escape, the armed group opened fire against the Carabinieri – Italy’s national law enforcement agency – which had intervened.

The heist, however, appears to have been unsuccessful.

Two people have reportedly been arrested.

The men’s curling team made history in 2025 as they won four of the five Grand Slams on offer, a feat never before achieved, and begin their Olympic campaign on Wednesday

Honesty is Team Mouat’s secret weapon as they vie for Olympic gold in Milan Cortina.

The men’s curling team made history in 2025 as they won four of the five Grand Slams on offer, a feat never before achieved.

Crucially, they regained their world champions title in that same year and moved their place at the top of the world rankings out of sight of any challengers.

Bobby Lammie, skip Bruce Mouat’s second, is the quietest member of the team and noted a confidence change that has allowed the team to soar.

He said: “I think one key area would be just being open and honest with each other, and always kind of looking for that extra edge and any way we can improve.

“We’re not afraid to tell each other if we think something’s lacking, whether that’s team dynamics or shot-making or technique or anything like that.

“We’re always open to helping each other and always open to feedback also. We are a team that all have our input, and we all try and do everything together.

“So, finding the balance for that and finding the rules for each person and finding how to get the best out of them and what makes them tick, is something that we’ve worked very hard on over the years.”

Losing out on gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics was not the turning point for Team Mouat; it was missing a medal entirely at the 2024 World Championships.

The men’s curling rink led by Mouat were beaten by long-time rivals Team Edin of Sweden in Beijing four years ago, losing by a point in an extra end.

However, it was a semi-final defeat at the 2024 worlds, followed by a loss in the bronze medal match, that forced a rethink and has seen the team become undisputedly the best in the world.

“It wasn’t a bad week,” Grant Hardie, Team Mouat’s vice-skip, said. “Even the semi-final against Canada, we were in a great position in the sixth end, with hammer, and we gave up a steal of three.

“The ice conditions changed quite a lot, and the other team picked up on it a lot quicker than we did, and we let that game kind of get away from us.

“Then, in the bronze medal game again, we were in complete control, we played really well. Well, Bruce played really well; he kind of kept us in the game for most of it.

“And he had a shot to win that he makes nine times out of 10, it was very unlike him to miss that shot.”

How each of the quartet reacted to the defeat speaks to their character. Hardie, an engineering graduate, immediately sought out British Curling’s performance director, Nigel Holl, to talk through how to avoid feeling the disappointment again.

The team’s cheerleader, Hammy McMillan Jr, Hardie’s cousin and son of a two-time Olympian, also called Hammy, was quick to reassure Mouat that he had won the side more games than he had lost them.

After the summer break, the team reconvened at the National Curling Academy in Stirling, prepared to have difficult conversations.

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The National Curling Academy was opened in 2017 in part thanks to UK Sport funding, and sees all members of the performance programme train alongside each other on the ice and in the gym.

The plan paid off and now it is about taking all that they have learnt and earning the one major title missing from their collection in Milan Cortina.

“There’s definitely one thing missing, maybe two if we’re counting both the mixed doubles and the men’s,” said Mouat, who’s journey to the Games has been powered by the National Lottery and as a member of UK Sport’s World Class Programme, has access to cutting-edge performance support.

“But I’m very happy with what I’ve done in my curling career so far. I would love to come away with a couple more medals and hopefully the right colour in Cortina.

“If I don’t, then I’ll move on, but I’m going to be going and working my ass off to try and make sure we do.”

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