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US airstrikes on Iran after Trump says ceasefire violated in Strait of Hormuz

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Manchester Evening News

The US military has carried out airstrikes on Iranian drone and missile storage facilities and coastal radar positions

The US has launched retaliatory strikes against Iran following a drone attack on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

US forces carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian drone and missile storage facilities, as well as coastal radar installations on Friday, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM described the strikes as a “powerful response” to Thursday’s attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz – which Donald Trump had earlier called a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement.

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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that a cargo ship was struck 7.5 nautical miles south-east of Oman’s port of Dahit by “an unknown projectile” on Thursday. No casualties were reported.

CENTCOM confirmed that Iranian forces targeted the Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged vessel, using a one-way attack drone, reports the Mirror.

“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire,” CENTCOM said.

“Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.”

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned its response to the US strikes would be “swift and decisive, at the time and place we choose”, according to Iranian state television.

The IRGC also claimed to have repelled a US assault on Sirik Island, situated along the shores of the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes followed shortly after Trump told reporters at the White House: “You’ll find out,” when questioned about whether the US would respond to the drone attack.

“I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn’t be doing that,” he added.

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In an earlier post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump accused Iran of launching at least four drones at passing ships, with one striking the vessel.

“Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” he wrote.

The Ever Lovely’s owner, Evergreen, confirmed the vessel had been travelling along the UKMTO’s recommended route through the strait at the time it was struck.

“All crew members remain safe as does the vessel itself and all cargo,” it added.

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Footballer, 18, dies in Venezuela earthquake as ex-Premier League star leads tributes

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Daily Mirror

An 18-year-old Venezuelan footballer, who represented his country at the Under-17 World Cup last year, has died after two earthquakes hit the South American country

The Venezuelan Football Federation have announced that under-20 international Yimvert Berroteran has died after two earthquakes hit the South American country.

They said in a statement, translated into English from Spanish: “The Venezuelan Football Federation deeply regrets the passing of Yimvert Berroterán. Today, Venezuelan football bids farewell with immense sorrow to a young man who proudly, committedly, and lovingly represented the colors of our country.

“His departure grieves the entire Vinotinto family and leaves an indelible mark on all who shared time with him on and off the field. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaching staff, and loved ones during this time of profound sadness. Yimvert, your light will continue to shine in every Vinotinto heartbeat. May he rest in peace.”

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The former Everton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion striker replied to their Instagram post by saying: “He cannot be a holy God!!!” and punctuated the comment with three broken heart emojis.

The FVF captioned their post: “Your light will continue to be present in every heartbeat, Vinotinto.” They signed off message with the infinity emoji.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.

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Two houses on fire after being ‘struck by lightning’ amid thunderstorm warning

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Daily Mirror

Fire crews are battling the blazes tonight in East Sussex as big thunderstorms batter the UK after record-breaking high temperatures across the country this week

Two houses have been set alight after being struck by lightning in the early hours of the morning.

The homes, both in East Sussex, are ‘well alight’ with four fire crews being rushed to the scene of each blaze on Saturday, June 27.

Crews remain at the scene tonight – they have urged the public to avoid the area while emergency services try to bring the incident under control.

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East Sussex Fire and Rescue said in a statement: “Lightning is reported to have started fires in Eastbourne and in Bexhill.

“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.03am on 27 June 2026 to a roof alight on a house in Selmeston Road, Eastbourne. At 12.19am, we were called to Long Avenue in Bexhill following reports a house was alight after being struck by lightning.

“Joint Fire Control have received multiple 999 calls. Crews are working hard, with four fire engines sent to each incident.

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“At this time there are no reports of injuries. Please avoid the areas.”

It comes as the Met Office said the third consecutive day of June’s record-breaking temperatures came as parts of the UK were transitioning to more of a westerly influence, bringing the risk of thunderstorms.

Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said: “The UK is seeing a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with those to the southeast of England retaining the warmth the longest, where an amber extreme heat warning remains in force through much of Saturday, though peaks are more likely to be in the low 30s Celsius.”

Western parts of Scotland and much of Northern Ireland will see rain for a time on Saturday, with showers likely spreading further south in places on Sunday, though these will be fairly light in nature.

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Those to the south east could remain dry through the weekend, although there is a risk of thunderstorms here before temperatures return more towards average later on Sunday and into Monday.

Friday was confirmed by the Met Office as the UK’s hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 37.3C recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, surpassing the high of 36.7C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday.

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Iran-US war latest: US military carries out strikes on Iran after ships struck by drones in Strait of Hormuz

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Iran-US war latest: US military carries out strikes on Iran after ships struck by drones in Strait of Hormuz

Alex Croft27 June 2026 00:00

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JD Vance: ‘Violence will be met with violence’

Vice president JD Vance has spoken out after the US launched strikes on Iran.

He said: “Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone.

“But violence will be met with violence.”

Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 23:13

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US strikes a ‘reckless violation of ceasefire’ warns Iran’s national security chief

The head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee has described US strikes as a “reckless violation of the ceasefire” which will lead to “retreat and regret” from the United States.

They added that Donald Trump showed no commitment to the principles of negotiation or ceasefire.

Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 23:07

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Trump shrugs off deadly Iran school strike as questions over U.S. role remain

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that it may never be determined who was responsible for a deadly strike on a girls’ school in Iran that killed scores of children on the first day of the Iran war, as questions continue over whether U.S. forces were involved.

The February 28 strike in Minab, southern Iran, killed more than 175 children and teachers, according to Iranian officials, triggering international outrage and renewed scrutiny of the U.S. military operation.

Trump, speaking to reporters, said the circumstances surrounding the attack may never be fully resolved.

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“I don’t know that they are ever going to solve that problem,” Trump said, referring to questions over responsibility.

“I don’t know that they are ever going to solve that problem in terms of whose fault was it because there were missiles flying all over the place, and it’s horrible what happened but there were missiles flying all over the place,” he added.

Alex Croft26 June 2026 23:00

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Strikes on Iran have finished – report

Strikes on Iran have reportedly finished, CNN has reported, citing a US official.

So far it is understood that Sirik in southern Iran has been impacted. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to “repel” the US attack.

The US claimed to target Iranian missile and drone storage locations, as well as coastal radar sits.

It remains unclear how these strikes have impacted Iran.

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Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 22:35

IRGC ‘repelled’ US attack against Sirik Island

The ‌Guards said ‌they repelled an ⁠attack by the US against Sirik Island, which is located ‌on the ​shores ‌of ⁠the Strait ⁠of Hormuz.

Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 22:29

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US to face ‘swift and decisive’ response after strike, IRGC warn

Iran’s revolutionary guards (IRGC) has warned that retaliation to a US strike on Sirik Island will be “swift and decisive” as tensions rise between the two nations.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a “powerful response” to an attack on the M/V Ever Lovely on Thursday.

The Singapore-flagged cargo ship was exiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast at the time of Iran’s attack.

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Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 22:24

Strikes against Iran a ‘powerful response’ to attacks on M/V Ever Lovely, CENTCOM claims

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that the strikes against Iran on Friday were a “powerful response” to attacks on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

A US aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites, CENTCOM reported.

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The US claimed that Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, in an act of “unwarranted aggression” that “clearly violated the ceasefire.”

“Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behavior undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor,” CENTCOM added.

Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 22:10

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Strikes on Iranian targets ‘ongoing’

US strikes on Iranian targets are “ongoing”, Fox News has reported.

We will bring you the latest updates as the conflict continues.

Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 22:05

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Iranian media report projectile strike near pier in southern Iran’s Sirik

Iranian media said a projectile struck the ⁠area around a pier in ⁠Sirik ​in southern ⁠Iran on ⁠Friday.

The report ​came after ⁠the ‌US military said it had conducted ‌strikes against ‌Iran.

Iranian media, citing ⁠a military source, added that warning shots had been fired hours earlier ‌on ​Friday toward “violating vessels” ‌in ⁠the Strait ⁠of Hormuz.

Bryony Gooch26 June 2026 22:04

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World Cup 2026 top scorers: Ousmane Dembele emerges as new contender to Lionel Messi in Golden Boot race

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World Cup 2026 top scorers: Ousmane Dembele emerges as new contender to Lionel Messi in Golden Boot race

Messi leads the way with five goals, after following up his hat-trick against Algeria with both goals Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria.

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Nintendo Switch Online is what Game Pass wanted to be – Reader’s Feature

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Nintendo Switch Online is what Game Pass wanted to be - Reader’s Feature
Nintendo Switch Online – better than Game Pass? (Nintendo)

As Xbox struggles with an uncertain future, a reader argues that Nintendo Switch Online is a far more successful subscription service than Game Pass.

There’s a lot of post-mortems going on at the moment for Xbox and I can’t say they don’t deserve to have the benefit of the doubt taken away from them. Personally, I’ve never owned one and I’m certainly not going to start now, but while playing Star Fox 64 on Nintendo Switch Online last night (to make comparisons with the remake) a thought occurred to me that it has come a lot closer to being the Netflix of gaming than Game Pass ever did.

Like most people (including Microsoft) I thought Game Pass was going to be a massive hit that would change the industry. In fact, I was pretty sore about the whole idea because I felt like Microsoft was cheating and doing something with their money that no other company could match, thereby giving them an unbeatable advantage. Obviously, I shouldn’t have worried.

It took a while for people to understand why Game Pass hadn’t worked and then they realised that most people don’t really have time to play that many games, so not only do they not have the money to spend on playing something they might not like they don’t have the spare time either. Combine that with Game Pass’ rising prices and the lack of decent first party games and you’ve got a problem.

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Nintendo Switch Online is something I very rarely hear anyone talk about and yet apparently it’s got the same number of subscribers as Game Pass. I put this down to more people owning a Switch and it being quite a bit cheaper.

But there’s also the fact that it’s all retro based so you kind of already know what you’re getting. Even if you’ve never played a game before you’ve probably heard about it and maybe always meant to give it a go. You’re not paralysed with choice because there’s not that many per format and yet the service has been going long enough that it already has most of the top games available.

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It’s not a lazy crash grab either, as some of the games have never been released in the UK before and they have different versions of the same one from different countries. Also, Nintendo Switch Online has exclusive games sometimes – I really liked Tetris 99 – and you need it to play online for most games, so there’s always some reason to have it.

Personally, I also pay for the Expansion Pack, which is basically the Premium tier, but it’s still not that much money and it gives you more retro formats and most DLC for free.

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The thing is though, and this is where I think the big difference with Game Pass is, I often forget I’ve got it, because it’s cheap enough that it’s not a burden and, unlike Microsoft with Game Pass, Nintendo aren’t banging on about it every five minutes, making me sick of hearing about it.

Microsoft are constantly pushing Game Pass in your face, but Nintendo just gets on with it, and I think Nintendo Switch Online has quietly become just a given that most Switch owners pay for. Its reasonably priced, it doesn’t pretend to be the be all and end all of gaming, and it offers things you actually want.

The secret of Netflix’s success is kind of the same. It’s also something that a lot of people just consider a basic necessity, or at least one of the last luxuries they’d give up on. I feel that Nintendo Switch Online has reached that point for Switch, but the failure of Game Pass is that it never did for Xbox.

By reader Onibee

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Star Fox key art of the four main characters
Star Fox – you can’t get the remake for free on Nintendo Switch Online but you can play the original (Nintendo)

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Is it illegal to pick flowers in the UK? What the law says

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Is it illegal to pick flowers in the UK? What the law says

While gathering a handful of blooms may seem harmless, legal experts have warned that picking flowers in certain places could be against the law and could even result in a fine.

Under the Theft Act 1968, you’re not committing theft if you pick wildflowers for personal use.

But if you pick them with the intention of selling them or using them for a commercial purpose, that does become an offence.

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However, it’s essential to remember that this only applies to flowers growing wild.

Picking from someone’s garden, a maintained park, or a public display could be considered theft and treated differently under the law.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 also offers further protection by making it an offence to pick, uproot, or destroy certain protected plant species.

In 2011, two young girls were led away in handcuffs while picking flowers on a walk with their parents.

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Is it illegal to take pebbles from a beach?

Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949 , the removal of any natural material such as sand and pebbles from public beaches in the UK is illegal.

Bans on seemingly harmless acts can be enforced by local councils, and can see offenders fined up to £1,000 as a penalty.

Yet while it may seem perfectly harmless, removing pebbles and other natural matter from the coast is in fact damaging to the environment.

As suggested by the name of the Act, and as stated in the introduction of the Act, taking natural material from a beach in the UK is illegal, in order to protect Britain’s beaches “against erosion and encroachment by the sea”.

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Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.

Is it illegal to sunbathe naked?

While temperatures aren’t soaring just yet, it’s important to know the rules when it comes to sunbathing – especially if you plan to strip off to avoid tan lines.

It may be surprising to find out that topless sunbathing is perfectly legal for both men and women in the UK. Full public nudity is also not a crime but only if the person who strips off has no intention to cause alarm or distress. There are specific offences relating to intentional exposure.

A person who commits a lewd, obscene or disgusting act could be guilty of outraging public decency. Similarly, if a person intentionally exposes their genitals with the intention that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress, they could be guilty of an offence under s66 Sexual Offences Act 2003. So, naturists who do not intend for people to be alarmed would not be committing an offence whereas person who intentionally exposes their genitals would.

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People can also be prosecuted under The Public Order Act 1986. Section 5 of the Public Order Act states that a person is guilty of an offence if they use threatening (or abusive) words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.

For those hoping to catch some sunshine in the garden these same rules still apply. It’s advisable to let the neighbours know this is what you’re planning or find a part of the garden shielded from view, so you can avoid causing any unnecessary shock or a call to the police.

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Man allegedly ‘stabbed to death in Dubai by Brit TikToker’ was convicted of attacking a woman

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Daily Record

Brooke George, 23, could face the death penalty by firing squad if convicted of the Dubai murder charge against her — but the British TikTok star claims she acted in self-defence

A man allegedly fatally stabbed in Dubai by a British TikTok influencer had previously been found guilty of assaulting a woman.

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Brooke George, 23, faces execution by firing squad if found guilty of killing fellow Briton Bill Treeby, 26, following their online encounter. Detained in Dubai – a campaign group representing her family – stated George acted in self-defence after suffering repeated assaults.

The former John Lewis retail worker, who boasts approximately 100,000 TikTok followers, reportedly travelled to the UAE after connecting with Treeby on Facebook, where he allegedly arranged a photoshoot.

The Mirror has learned that he was found guilty of unlawful wounding and common assault at Maidstone Crown Court in December 2023, relating to an attack on a woman and a man. Treeby received a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, a court official confirmed.

He was scheduled to face trial next year at the same court, accused of conspiring to supply cocaine after officers recovered the Class A substance, cash and cannabis valued at £80,000. Treeby was among seven suspects charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine in March 2024 following an investigation by Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team, reports the Mirror.

George, from Gravesend, Kent, remains in custody at the Gulf city’s infamous Bur Dubai police station. She described her initial visit to the country as lasting roughly a week and being positive, calling it “the time of my life”.

However, during her second visit to Dubai in June, she reportedly claimed he had purchased her a one-way ticket, confiscated her passport and assaulted her when she requested its return. An altercation occurred at a flat following an evening out together.

She maintained she was attacked and grabbed a kitchen knife in self-defence. George is understood to have organised a flight back with assistance from friends while attempting to escape, but was detained in the early hours of 22nd June at Dubai International Airport.

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Following her arrest, she alleges she was refused legal representation and compelled to remove her clothing before male officers. She characterised the ordeal as “deeply humiliating and distressing”, becoming tearful when recounting it to relatives.

In a statement issued through Detained in Dubai, George’s mother, Thereza, said: “The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was desperately trying to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.”

His widow Karen – who described him as a ‘wonderful’ husband and father – wrote on Facebook this week that she was “broken” after losing her “darling son”.

Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling is pressing authorities to regard the incident as a domestic abuse matter and to grant George bail while an investigation proceeds.

She went on to say: “Over recent years, there have been increasing reports of women, including social media influencers, models and young travellers, being lured to Dubai with promises of luxury lifestyles, paid work, holidays or romantic relationships, only to later allege that they were subjected to forced attendance at [degrading, sexualised] parties, sexual exploitation, coercion, violence or other degrading treatment.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson stated: “We are in touch with a British woman detained in the UAE, we are supporting her family, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”

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‘Significant impact’ on health expected as soaring temperatures continue

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Cambridgeshire Live

The county has experienced a heatwave across this week

An amber health alert has been issued, with the soaring temperatures expected to have an impact on health and social care services. The heatwave continues in Cambridgeshire, highs of 38C sweeping across the county.

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While the temperatures are set to drop on Sunday (June 28), we are likely to still see 30C on Saturday (June 27). Amid the high temperatures, the UKHSA has issued an amber heat-health alert for the east of England.

This is in place from 9pm today (Friday, June 26) until 9am on Sunday (June 28). A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Significant impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.”

The UKHSA warns there could be a rise in deaths, particularly for people aged above 65 and over or with health conditions. A likely increased demand on all health and social care services is expected and internal temperatures in care settings could rise.

The heat could affect delivery services, delivery of medicines, cause staffing issues and an increased demand for power.

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Railway line reopening date confirmed after fatal Bedford train crash

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Cambridgeshire Live

The trains involved in the crash have been recovered

Railway lines will reopen after a fatal train crash near Bedford. Network Rail said recovery and repair work at the site of the Bedford train have now been completed, and passenger services on the Midland Main Line will resume on Monday (June 29).

The crash between two East Midlands Railway trains happened near Bedford on Friday (June 19). Recovery involved removing the overhead line equipment, constructing a temporary access road and concrete foundation, and then using two cranes to lift the trains and carriages from the site.

Engineers subsequently carried out a full inspection and repair of the track, signalling, and overhead line equipment before completing safety checks. Passengers travelling on Saturday or Sunday (June 27 and 28) should check the EMR and Thameslink websites for the latest information ahead of Monday’s service timetable, Network Rail said.

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Thameslink services will resume on Monday and there will be extra staff at stations along the route to help customers. Passenger services on the Midland Main Line will also resume on Monday.

Services will not run this weekend due to planned engineering works, which were scheduled before the crash. Rail replacement buses will continue to operate over the weekend between:

  • Bedford and Luton;
  • Luton and West Hampstead Thameslink;
  • Hitchin and Luton Airport Parkway via Luton;
  • Harpenden and Potters Bar via St Albans.

East Midlands Railway will be operating a full timetable on their Intercity route from Monday. Some journeys may still be subject to short-notice changes or cancellations, and customers are advised to check their journey before getting to the station.

Louis Rambaud, chief customer officer for GTR, which operates Thameslink, said: “The completion of the recovery work at Bedford is the result of a truly remarkable effort by Network Rail engineers and colleagues from across the industry, who have worked tirelessly and at extraordinary pace in very difficult circumstances.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Shaun Burton’s family, friends and colleagues, and with all those still recovering from the incident. The disruption of the past week will have had a real impact on our customers and I want to thank them sincerely for the patience and understanding they have shown.”

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Mark Budden, East Midlands route director for Network Rail, said: “This has been a complex and challenging recovery operation, and I’d like to thank our engineers and colleagues across the railway for the professionalism, skill, and dedication they’ve shown in safely completing the work as quickly as possible to get passengers moving again.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the incident, including driver Shaun Burton’s loved ones, and those still recovering.

“With repairs now complete, we will be able to reopen the Midland Main Line on Monday. We understand the disruption that this closure has caused, and we’re grateful to passengers for their patience while we carried out this essential work.”

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I’m honestly not buying GTA 6 because it’s digital-only – Reader’s Feature

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I’m honestly not buying GTA 6 because it’s digital-only - Reader’s Feature
There’ll be no pre-order bonuses for some people (Rockstar Games)

A reader is so upset by GTA 6 not having a disc version that he vows not to buy the game, as he accuses Rockstar of trying to manipulate fans in an attempt to make even more profit.

I can only imagine how rich Rockstar Games must be now, since they started taking pre-orders for GTA 6. Its success was always guaranteed and now it’s taken an important new step on its way to being the biggest thing ever – no exaggeration, this is going to be bigger than any movie or game by a long shot. We still don’t know much about it, but despite the nitpicking over the graphics, I’ve no real doubt it’ll be a great game and exactly what we’ve all been hoping for. But I’m not getting it.

I know there’s already lots of people talking about boycotts and petitions and everything, but we all know very few people are going to be able to resist the temptation of getting the game, and I don’t criticise them at all. Maybe I’ll cave in too, but at the moment I’m committed to not getting it. Because not only do I believe in physical media but I don’t like being manipulated into doing what a giant, billion dollar company wants me to, just so they can make an extra buck.

If this rumour about a proper disc version in December turns out to be true then fine, I’ll get it then. But it’s not going to change my newfound distrust of Rockstar and how they want to fleece us for money but won’t just be upfront about it.

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Before this week, everyone was prepared for GTA 6 to cost £100, because that’d been the rumour for a while and it really is true that they could charge anything for it and people would’ve paid. I would’ve, if there’d been a disc version, as there’s no way I didn’t get £100 worth of entertainment out of GTA 5 and I’m sure the new game will be no different.

However, what seems to have happened is that Rockstar decided that while they could’ve charged more for the game they didn’t, and I think for a fairly obvious reason. They want to get people online and spending money on microtransactions and people aren’t going to flock quite as much to it if the price is so high.

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Put it’s not just that, they’re also trying to tempt people into buying the more expensive Ultimate Edition by putting in exclusive content, including quests, so that anyone that wants to see and do it all has to buy it. They could’ve just done cosmetics and cars and weapons, which would have been fair enough (up to a point) but they went further and put story content behind a paywall.

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And that’s not to mention that the whole reason they don’t want to put out a disc version is that they make more money from digital. Why share a cut of sales with shops when you can take it all for yourself? Never mind that it’s anti-consumer and might put a small fringe (including me) off, when the vast majority will go along with it, even while complaining.

As consumers we’re manipulated like this all the time by every kind of company. They want the maximum amount of money from us as they can get but they know they’ve got to be clever about it and make us think we’re getting a bargain, even though they know they’ll actually make far more money another way.

The only reason GTA 6 didn’t come out before now is that they make so much money from GTA Online they didn’t need to bother. There was only five years between GTA 4 and 5 and that’s not just because games were quicker to make in those days, it’s because GTA 4 didn’t have an online live service mode. So once sales started to slack off, they needed a new game to keep the money rolling in.

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Any good business knows you sell low to get people onboard and then hit them with the upsell afterwards, in this case microtransactions. Well, if I do end up buying the game I can guarantee I won’t be buying any of those. And to be honest, after typing all this out, I feel even less upset at missing out on the game anyway. I don’t want to be a pawn in some accountant’s spreadsheet, I just want to buy and own a game, and play it on my own terms.

By reader Taylor Moon

GTA 6 old man leaning over desk with a huge map spread across it
GTA 6 – there’s plenty more fish in the sea (Rockstar Games)
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