It’s important to keep your home cool during a heatwave, especially if you have children and pets

A touch of sunshine can be delightful outdoors, but it can pose challenges when trying to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. British homes are designed to retain warmth, which works brilliantly in winter but proves less helpful in summer.

With certain areas of the nation experiencing a heatwave, maintaining a cool home environment becomes crucial, particularly for households with children and pets.

Fortunately, numerous straightforward methods exist to help you stay comfortable, according to British Gas. The energy supplier has outlined six simple approaches to keeping your property cool, including cost-free techniques that require no purchases whatsoever.

Close curtains and windows

Writing on their blog, British Gas said: “Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep rooms cool in summer. So try to only let in the air early or late in the day.”

Create a cooling effect with simple tricks

To “really cool a room down” with a fan, place a deep dish of ice in front of it to chill the airflow. Alternatively, you can direct a box fan outwards through an open window during evening hours to expel warm air rather than simply circulating it within the space.

Encourage air flow

If your aim is to cool a room with a fan, shutting off unoccupied rooms throughout the day will help maintain a cool home during summer. Likewise, opening interior doors when you open windows in the evening will promote air circulation.

The experts said: “A good strategy is to open windows on opposite sides of your home in the early morning or late evening when the outdoor temperature is lower.

“This encourages airflow by letting the warm air inside escape and be replaced by cooler air from outside. If that’s not an option, for example, if you live in a flat that only has windows on one side, open internal doors and use a fan to get the air moving.”

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Install reflective window film

An economical and “super effective” method for maintaining a cool home is by fitting reflective window film.

It can be fitted yourself and can cut heat and glare by up to 99%, according to British Gas. Some households have even experimented with using tin foil, which they already have in their cupboards.

Make smart use of extractor fans

The experts said: “Extractors don’t just get rid of smells and steam from cooking and showering, during hot weather, they can be put to double use. Open your internal doors and leave your bathroom and kitchen extractor fans running for a while to create airflow to help remove warm air.

“It’s best to do this after cooking or showering, which can both increase humidity and heat. Make sure to open windows and vents elsewhere so that fresh cooler air can come in to replace the warm air expelled by the extractor fan.”

Keep yourself cool, too

During a heatwave, taking a lukewarm shower can help regulate your body temperature and reduce energy consumption and costs on your bills. After stepping out of the shower, opt for loose, breathable garments made from natural fabrics to help regulate body temperature.

Wearing looser clothing allows air to circulate more freely, helping your body cool down even in the slightest breeze.

Netflix psychological crime thriller Mindhunter has captivated viewers who report binge-watching both seasons

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If you’re searching for something new to watch, one show in particular has left viewers completely hooked. The Netflix series has garnered widespread praise from fans for being so gripping that many have powered through entire seasons in a single sitting.

The programme was thrust into the spotlight on Reddit when a television enthusiast was on the hunt for a new series to sink their teeth into. They were after something specific, posting: “Best TV show that you watched in one sitting? I was wondering what series had you up all night because you just couldn’t turn it off?”

The question sparked considerable debate, and it’s not the first time viewers have been discussing their favourite television programmes of late. Another Netflix title has similarly had audiences burning the midnight oil to watch it through to the very end.

After the question was put to the public, however, one show dominated the responses. Countless viewers admitted they found themselves glued to their screens for hours on end, utterly absorbed.

The good news is that two series of the programme are currently available on Netflix, meaning there are plenty of episodes to keep you thoroughly entertained, reports the Mirror.

One user was quick to respond: “Mindhunter had me binging for two days.” Another was in full agreement, posting: “Same.”

A third remarked: “My husband binged that one in a night and it was sooooo creepy!” Elsewhere on social media, another person commented: “Mindhunter was absolutely amazing. It deserves much more hype than what it got.”

A further enthusiastic fan declared: “Mindhunter is so good. It’s been the best series I’ve watched recently.”

Numerous viewers were eager to praise the programme, which is still available to watch on Netflix. The crime drama has captivated audiences in their droves, despite having been around for several years.

With 19 episodes altogether, you’ll probably only get through one series in a day – unless you’re exceptionally committed. However, many fans confessed that once they began watching, they found it impossible to stop.

For those unfamiliar, Mindhunter is an American psychological crime thriller developed by Joe Penhall. It takes its inspiration from the 1995 true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker.

The programme first premiered in 2017 and spanned two series, yet it remains incredibly popular today. Fundamentally, Mindhunter chronicles FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, with psychologist Wendy Carr also featuring prominently throughout.

Together, they operate the FBI’s Behavioural Science Unit within the Training Division at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Essentially, the trio work in partnership on pioneering research, interviewing imprisoned serial killers.

The interviews are carried out in a bid to develop a more profound understanding of criminal psychology, with the overarching goal of applying these insights to assist in solving active cases. While only two series are presently available to stream, the show’s catalogue may appear modest – however, judging by the enthusiastic reviews, they are undoubtedly worth watching.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Brooklyn Beckham rang in his father-in-law Nelson Peltz’s birthday wearing matching cowboy hats, amid an ongoing rift with his own parents.

It comes after the 27-year-old did not publicly acknowledge his parents, Victoria Beckham and Sir David Beckham’s Father’s Day posts to Instagram, which included pictures of him.

But he has now been pictured at a Florida bash with his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, for her billionaire father’s 84th birthday on Wednesday.

The actress, 31, posted a carousel of pictures on her Instagram page, which included the Peltz family enjoying a meal together in coordinated straw hats.

One photo showed Nelson with Nicola and Brooklyn crouching next to him in sunglasses, while another group photo included the businessman with five of his sons, as well as the married couple.

In the caption to the post, Nicola wrote: ‘Happy birthday Dad! I love celebrating you! I feel truly blessed to have grown up watching you be such an incredible role model in every way possible.’

She went on to describe him as ‘the best father I could ever dream of,’ adding: ‘You love us all unconditionally, encourage us that our dreams are never too big to chase and to always always be a good human before all else.’

It comes after Brooklyn was reported to be ‘fuming’ with his parents for posting him on their social media for Father’s Day over the weekend.

The former footballer shared a vintage snap including his estranged son, writing: ‘Being a dad is my most important job… I love you all & thank you mummy for giving me our beautiful family.’

A man who died a suspected murder at a summer solstice event at has been named by police.

Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, was found at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, in the Peak District in Derbyshire, at around 1.38pm on Monday.

Derbyshire Police said a 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and remains in custody

In a previous statement, the Peak District National Park Authority said: “We have been made aware of the tragic news and the investigation is being handled by our colleagues at the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

“Our condolences are with the young man’s family during this difficult time.”

Officers have said a number of people were in the area over the weekend for the summer solstice and are urging anyone who was there between June 19 and 23, and anyone who has any video footage from the event during the same time period, to come forward.

The force is also asking anyone with dashcam footage of vehicles arriving and leaving over the weekend to contact officers.

Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation, said previously: “I am urgently appealing for anyone who attended the summer solstice event over the weekend to please speak to officers as soon as they can.

“A young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

“This is why we urgently need to speak to everyone who was at the scene over the weekend.

“You may have only been there briefly and think you can’t help, but you could hold the key piece of information we need to understand what has happened and help us to get justice for this young man’s family.

“So I would ask, please, that if you attended the event, you contact us urgently so we can build up a picture of the event itself and what has led to this man’s death.

“I also really urge anyone who captured video footage from the event over the weekend to please come forward.

“You could play a key role in helping us with this murder investigation.”

Derby Mountain Rescue Team, which was called out to assist East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene, said in a statement on Facebook: “Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and family at this difficult time.”

According to English Heritage, Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a small early Bronze Age stone circle “traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday”.

A woman who visited the historic site for the solstice said the news was “very sad and upsetting”, adding she believes there should be more of a presence of medical organisations for such events, such as the St John Ambulance first aid charity.

A major incident portal has been set up at mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25A84-PO1, or information can be given to police on 101 quoting reference 26*364216.

Excitement is mounting as The Cure are due on stage any minute now.

It was revealed by Blackweir Live that they would take to the stage to perform at the outdoor music venue at 8pm, following the two support acts. However, it appears that they could instead start at 8.15pm.

Many fans have waited until the weather has cooled down before heading to the concert and are now queuing to enter.

Wales Online’s breaking news editor, Cathy Owen, is at tonight’s event and has said: “It is busy but well organised and moving quickly.”

The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said she has reported multiple issues relating to drugs and anti-social behaviour at her Sailortown home

A mum says she is desperate to leave her home which she claims is “full of drugs” after her daughter was taken to hospital after being stuck with a needle playing outside.

The terrified parent, who does not wish to be named, lives in Clanmil Housing Association apartments on Pilot Street in the Sailortown area of North Belfast, and says she has reported anti-social behaviour and drug abuse at the property since she moved in a few years ago.

She also claimed she has regularly found drugs and drugs paraphernalia inside and outside of the building but very little action has been taken to deal with the issue.

Now, following an incident on Sunday, June 21, where her daughter was stuck with a used needle a number of times while playing outside of the apartments, the worried mum says she is desperate to leave for her children’s safety.

She said her daughter was playing with other children while she chatted with their mums when the incident took place. While she says it was a accident that her daughter was stuck with the needle, she claims the rampant unaddressed drug use in the area is the reason there was a needle nearby in the first place.

The mother said: “Since I moved into these apartments there has been problems with drugs and the scary thing is, the place is full of children.

“I have found drugs in the building and even had a crack pipe thrown on to my balcony, but it feels like nothing is ever done to deal with the people causing the problems and it has been going on years.

“Now that this has happened with my daughter I am terrified living in this place, I just need to leave. From Wednesday to Sunday there are issues here and it is constant and the sad thing is the building is full of young children and parents who are trying to live their lives among it all.”

A Clanmil spokesperson said: “At Clanmil we are committed to providing a safe and peaceful environment at all our housing schemes.

“We are investigating recent reports of anti-social behaviour at our apartments in Pilot Street and are aware of an incident involving a needle, which we understand was found on a grass verge on the street across from the apartment block. We have been in contact with the family affected to support them through this distressing event.

“We work closely with the PSNI and the Harbour Police to address any anti-social behaviour including drug taking and we will fully co-operate with them in any investigation. Where there is evidence of a breach of tenancy, we will take robust action against those involved.

“We have staff working on site at the apartments regularly along with out-of-hours security patrols and CCTV.

“We encourage anyone with information about anti-social behaviour to report it to the PSNI, the Harbour Police and to our team so that action can be taken.”

Police have said they are aware of the incident on Piliot Street with Inspector McCullough saying: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident, and we would appeal to anyone who might have any information which could assist us to get in touch via 101, quoting reference number 789 of 22/06/26.”

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He continued: “Officers would also remind those who use needles of the risks to others that they cause by discarding these items so wantonly. Such items can be dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found.

“Police will continue to use high visibility, targeted patrols and every method at our disposal to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and put them before the courts.

“Drug and substance misuse and dealing is a policing priority and police will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity. Police are asking everyone for their support and co-operation in tackling this problem through the criminal justice system.

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“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action. Ring us on 101, or report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.”

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