Warrants were issued for three properties in the Eston area to crack down on the problem.

The operation was carried out by Redcar and Cleveland trading standards in partnership with Cleveland Police as part of a multi-agency effort to tackle the supply and distribution of illicit tobacco.

Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare and Housing Support, Cllr Ursula Earl, said: “The trade in illicit tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law.

“The National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HRMC is playing a significant role in disrupting this illicit trade and is helping to take illicit tobacco products off the streets.”

Lord Michael Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The illicit tobacco trade is driven by organised criminal gangs and poses serious risks to local communities, especially young people.

“Since its launch in January 2021, Operation CeCe – a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC – has removed 102 million illegal cigarettes.”

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council say further investigations will be undertaken by the relevant enforcement authorities.

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.

Fans in pubs and fan zones across the country looked crestfallen as Argentina scored two goals in just seven minutes to go 2-1 ahead just before the final whistle. 

England, who are looking to secure their place in the final for the time in 60 years, had been leading 1-0.

The match kicked off at 8pm UK time in Atlanta, Georgia – and while thousands of supporters have travelled stateside to watch England play, millions more are watching screenings of the game across the country. 

Fans had been nervously gripping their pints as both teams were both goalless at the end of a fiery first half that saw 19 fouls and two yellow cards. 

But in the 55th minute Antony Gordon put England ahead after he snuck the ball into the corner of the net past Argentinian goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

There were delirious scenes in Leeds, where 4,500 England fans have piled into the city’s Millennium Square to cheer on the team.

Pints were flung high in the evening sky as fans celebrated wildly with one another.

Supporters then began chanting ‘football’s coming home’ – knowing that a first World Cup final in 60 years is possibly little over 30 minutes away.

More than 3,000 pints had been poured before the 8pm kick-off – with vendors ordering in extra kegs to cope with demand at the sold-out fan zone.

Fans in Manchester celebrate England’s goal and dance on tables 

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Anticipation is building across the nation, with supporters anxiously waiting to see if the Three Lions can secure a place in the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years

Fans inside the The Clock pub in Hebburn go wild as England go ahead against Argentina in their world cup clash 

England fans bite their nails in anticipation as the match gets underway in Atlanta, Georgia

England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham, before the England v Argentina semi-final

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Football fans get ready for kick off in Manchester where pints are already being drunk 

Student paramedic Kaye Davey, 19, out with Findlay Thomas, 20, a pipefitter, had a vision of how the World Cup semi-final would pan out.

She said: ‘I’ve predicted all the England games correctly up until now. I think this one will be 3-2 to us – and then we’ll beat Spain in the final. It’s going to be a night to remember.’

Construction worker Tony Jenkinson, 44, from Leeds, was slightly more cautious.

He said: ‘I think England have done amazingly well to get this far – but it’s going to be really tough.

‘We’ve got to keep Messi quiet to stand a chance and just hope that the referee is strong and doesn’t fall for the Argentine dark arts.

‘I think it’s going to go the distance – extra time and penalties. Then it’s a complete lottery.

‘If we do come through it, then I think our name is on the trophy.’

Meanwhile, England World Cup 1966 Winner Sir Geoff Hurst said: ‘It’s a big day for England. 

Two hours before kick off supporters, proudly donning Three Lions shirts of sides current and past, were in buoyant spirits

Participants in a Jude Bellingham lookalike competition at BOXPARK Shoreditch

Fans party at Luna Springs in Birmingham before kick off at 8pm tonight 

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England fans gather ahead of the match against Argentina tonight 

‘I really believe we can do it tonight! Kane, Bellingham, Rice all world class . Fingers crossed. Good luck for tonight boys. It’s time to win this thing again. Come on boys.’

Among the watering holes being gripped by the anticipation is the Greyhound in Diss, Norfolk, where punters have been promised a free shot for every time England scores.

They said: ‘To celebrate England, with each goal they score, we have consistently stuck to our word in rewarding our loyal patrons with a free shot for every single customer.

‘With 13 goals, you can imagine what my accountant thinks, haha.’

Another pub in South Benfleet, called the Anchor, is to remain open despite a car crashing into the building.

Landlord Hayley Sewell told the BBC: ‘We wanted to remain open for the Benfleet community, who have given us so much.’

And while she said the incident was a ‘nuisance’, the business has managed to keep its doors open by boarding up any damage.

An Essex Police spokesperson said no life-threatening or life-changing injuries were reported following the crash. 

England fans at a bar near the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, ahead of the match 

England fans outside the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

Three Lions fans have begun packing out fan zones across the country as Thomas Tuchel’s squad prepares to take on Argentina in a historic clash tonight

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England fans gather at Castlefield Bowl, Manchester head of a screening of the game 

A casualty was rescued from one of the cars by fire crews from Grays and Rayleigh Weir and was later attended to by the ambulance service.

Meanwhile fans in London hoping to rush to homes and pubs to watch the crucial match could face potential delays following reports that the E-bike rental app Lime is down across the capital. 

The Daily Mail have contacted Lime for a comment. 

Elsewhere in London, a hunt for the UK’s best Jude Bellingham lookalike has been sparked, with his ‘doppelgängers’ set to gather at BOXPARK Shoreditch ahead of tonight’s match.

The winner is set to receive £1,966 in Deliveroo credit, while fans can also enjoy free drinks and other prizes as part of Deliveroo’s ‘Believeroo’ campaign.

But the palpable joy has not been felt nationwide, as one pub faces losing its licence after a ‘killjoy’ fan made a complaint to the council about fans cheering.

Landlord Antony Lunn was left ‘gobsmacked’ when he received a letter about the ‘ridiculous’ noise complaint at his pub, The Rustic Arms in Ackworth, West Yorkshire.

The warning from Wakefield Council threatened to revoke his licence after reports of ‘particularly bad’ noise levels on Sunday, June 28, after England beat Panama 2-0.

The pub has been ‘absolutely electric’ during the tournament, Mr Lunn said, who has been screening games outside as fans cheer in ‘pure happiness’.

Fans looked tense throughout a nail-biting first half which ended 0-0 – with zero shots on target for either team but 19 fouls and two yellow cards

England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham, before the England v Argentina, semi-final

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England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham, before the England v Argentina semi-final

England fans party before kick off in Birmingham 

He added that they have caused ‘no trouble’ and that the football has been the ‘only positive thing’, saying it was a real ‘kick in the teeth’ to receive the complaint.

Mr Lunn, 37, said: ‘It’s a ridiculous complaint. It came through yesterday, and I was a bit shocked by it.

‘I looked at it, chucked it on the side, cracked out a laugh and went for a brew. Some people literally need to get a hobby.’

Taking to Facebook, the pub shared a photo of the letter captioned ‘buy a house near a pub then start complaining to the council the noise is too loud at the football’.

Mr Lunn said the letter warned that if they received further complaints, they could revoke his licence, take him to court, or remove any equipment.

Many users took to the pub’s defence, with one user saying the complaint was ‘hilariously stupid’.

The landlord said the pub will ‘absolutely not’ do anything differently when England take on Argentina in the semi-final tonight.

Wakefield Council claims that the complaint relates to multiple occasions of ‘amplified music’ and is not a one-off incident.

However, Mr Lunn claims they have no outside music and that the only noise they make outdoors has been the match, including on the cited evening.

Cross-party members at Durham County Council criticised the changes, imposed through national legislation, which means planning committees will be replaced by a single panel.

The changes, brought in to comply with the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, will see the council’s County Planning Committee, three Area Planning Committees and Highways Committee replaced by a single Planning and Highways Committee.

Joe Quinn, the council’s cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, said the new arrangements would make decision-making “more efficient and effective”, but acknowledged they would reduce local decision-making powers.

He told councillors: “To do nothing is not an option. We have little to no choice on this matter and we can thank the Labour Government for that.”

The reforms also mean many smaller planning applications, including householder, minor residential and minor commercial developments, must be decided by planning officers rather than councillors under a new national scheme of delegation.

Larger applications, changes to existing permissions and proposals involving listed buildings or tree preservation orders may still be considered by the committee, but only if they pass national “gateway tests” agreed by both a senior planning officer and a nominated councillor.

Yet, the changes prompted criticism from opposition members.

Labour group leader Rob Crute said: “This is a retrograde step. It’s taking away the voice of local people.”

Green councillor Jonathan Elmer described the reforms as “a disgrace”, adding: “The loss and influence of local communities is a very serious matter.”

Liberal Democrat leader Amanda Hopgood said she wanted safeguards to prevent developers taking advantage of the new arrangements.

She said: “This is absolute madness. We all know how developers like to, on occasion, circumnavigate the system and once planning permission has been approved, then come back for extra.”

Deputy council leader Darren Grimes also raised concerns about the impact on residents.

He said: “Residents feel utterly powerless and this will render them more so.”

The government says the Planning and Infrastructure Act is designed to speed up planning decisions by ensuring committees focus on the most significant or controversial applications, while routine cases are determined by officers.

Durham County Council said the constitutional changes were necessary to ensure it complies with the new national planning framework.

And that’s the end of the first half in Atlanta. Here’s John Cross’ player ratings:

Jordan Pickford 6

Good long range kicking but was left clutching air at a couple of shots.

Reece James 6

A surprise selection at right back and did not make his crossing opportunities count.

John Stones 7

Rightly rewarded for his heroics against Norway and put in another assured shift.

Marc Guehi 7

His calmness and quality on the ball really settles the defence. Top class.

Djed Spence 7

What a warrior. A surprise pick but he set the tone early on by leading the charge.

Declan Rice 6

Back after recovering from illness. His passing was off key and his mistake let in Messi.

Elliot Anderson 7

Flew into tackles, combative and strong. Another excellent display. Booked for foul on Messi.

Morgan Rogers 6

Got the nod on the right wing over Saka and Madueke, didn’t completely solve the right wing issue.

Jude Bellingham 7

One magical turn to leave Giuliano Simeone on his back side. Bang up for it.

Anthony Gordon 7

Worked hard, ran hard and pressed hard. Passed up one big shooting chance.

Harry Kane 6

Surpassed Wayne Rooney’s caps record for an outfield player. First half passed him by.

Victoria Beckham leaped into David’s arms as she celebrated England’s goal against Argentina during the tense World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday.

Posh Spice, 52, made sure to celebrate this time round after she was ridiculed for failing to react to Jude Bellingham‘s goal in the quarter-finals last week.

The legendary footballer, 51, poked fun at his wife becoming an instant meme and insisted she was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after her subdued reaction went viral.

Victoria jumped out of her seat as David roared with victory after Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up against Argentina.

David has followed the Three Lions around the US in the hope they will finally take home the World Cup trophy.

The couple watched the semi-final with their children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, Harper, 15, as well as Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

The family joined England fans singing the national anthem, only to be drowned out by Argentina fans booing loudly.

David will have to face watching his beloved country’s team go against his good friend Lionel Messi, who is part of his Inter Miami team.

Posh Spice, 52, was ridiculed for failing to react to Jude Bellingham’s goal in the quarter-finals last week (pictured) 

And she certainly made sure to celebrate this time round as she jumped into David’s arms

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David supported the Three Lions with wife Victoria and their children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, Harper, 15, as well as Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30

David roared with pride as he celebrated England’s victory against Norway last week. 

When photos Victoria, who famously rarely smiles, stayed seated during the goal, it prompted David to jokingly defend his wife.

The football legend commented on stand-up comedian Jenny Johnson’s summary of the match, after she wrote: ‘There’s nothing like cheering your heart out for England from home, then they cut to Victoria and we see that classic Posh Spice smile! It’s so infectious!’

‘I used to think I got animated while watching sports, but Victoria blows my enthusiasm out of the water! Each time I see her I shout, “SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!!!!” because her energy is electric!!!’

Commenting with a string of crying laughing emojis, David wrote: ‘She was celebrating inside I promise her reactions were slightly slower than mine.’ 

The fashion designer and singer has famously said that she wasn’t a fan of football when she met David at a Manchester United match in 1997.

Ever the doting wife, Victoria ensured she attended every game she could, but confessed she didn’t enjoy the sport because she didn’t feel ‘wanted’ when she was pitch side. 

However, in recent years Victoria has had a change of heart after David retired and set up his own club Inter Miami.

Victoria told the Financial Times in 2024: ‘I never enjoyed watching football. I never felt necessarily wanted [at the matches]. I’m not saying this as in, poor me, but it was never the fun that it is now.

‘Now, when we’re in Miami, I feel wanted. I’m friends with the families of the players.’

The legendary footballer poked fun at his wife becoming an instant meme and declared she was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after he subdued reaction went viral last week

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Victoria jumped out of her seat as David roared with victory after Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up against Argentina

David couldn’t contain his happiness as he cheered on the Three Lions taking the lead

David wiped away his nerves at the start of the game

The tense-looking footballer has followed the Three Lions around the US in the hope they will finally take home the World Cup trophy 

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The Beckham clan stood for the singing of the national anthem

David appeared teary-eyed as he wiped his face during the national anthem

As the game kicked off, Cruz lifted his arms in the air passionately while David explained the game to Victoria

Victoria consoled David as he appeared to get something in his eye

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David roared with pride as he celebrated England’s victory against Norway last week

David and Victoria chatted in the stands to calm their nerves ahead of the game

David gave his fans a thumbs up in the stands

The family larked around with each other before the game kicked off

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David was spotted getting acquainted with Timothee Chalamet as they cheered on rival teams at the France vs Spain World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

Timothee’s father is French and he is bilingual in both English and French. The star holds dual United States and French citizenship.

The Dune star, who is dating Kylie Jenner, threw his support behind the French side as he attended the nail-biting match where they were defeated 2-0 by Spain.

David played in both Spain and France during his career, with a stint at Real Madrid from 2003 to 2007, and five months with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

But his loyalty lay firmly with Spain, who scored a penalty in the first half and netted a goal in the second to leave the tournament favourites dumbfounded.

Despite supporting rival sides, the two stars still found common ground as they caught up in the VIP hospitality box on the night.

They looked to be exchanging friendly banter in the match breaks, where David was joined by his wife Victoria and their children.

His children followed suit by supporting the side, with Harper and Romeo both sporting jackets from his brand Intra in Spain’s colours.

Harper was also seen looking slightly starstruck as she greeted Timothee.

Meanwhile, Romeo shared a photo of their meeting on his Instagram page shortly after the match ended.

Both Timothee and the Beckhams were left starstruck while eagerly posing for photos with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who performed on their home turf during the match.

The DCC have soared to superstardom since featuring in three seasons of Netflix‘s hit docuseries America’s Sweethearts.

Victoria, who stuck to her famous Posh pout during the football match, even managed to raise a small smile as she excitedly posted a series of snaps with the cheerleaders, posing with pom poms and asking ‘did I make the squad?’

‘ABSOLUTELY’ replied the DCC girls as they reposted the photo along with a sweet family snap which showed them posing with Victoria, David and their kids.

The family were also treated to a special performance of the DCC’s famous Thunderstruck routine, with Victoria sharing a video of the cheerleaders in their kick line on the field after the match had finished.

Timothee Chalamet and David Beckham were spotted getting acquainted as they cheered on rival teams at the France vs Spain World Cup semi-final on Tuesday

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Romeo shared a photo meeting Timothee on his Instagram page shortly after the match ended

Cruz also got in on the action posing for photographs with Timothee

Timothee was also left ‘thunderstruck’ by the cheerleaders.

The DCC Instagram account shared a video of the star meeting the girls, with a near-speechless Timothee admitting to the camera that he was ‘starstruck’.

Timothee singled out Anna Kate Sundvold, giving her a huge hug before borrowing some pom poms for a photo.

Dallas put on a show as the AT&T Stadium, temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium, hosted the first World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. 

The North Yorkshire coastal town secured second place on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ Staycation Index for 2026.

Other nearby destinations also made the list, with Staithes and Thirsk coming in at fifth and sixth place respectively.

Saltburn is praised for its Victorian pier, cliff tramway, and expansive sandy beach, while also offering easy access to the dramatic scenery of the North York Moors National Park.

Accommodation options like Nancy’s Blushes, a stylish apartment for three, provide great value for visitors looking for a comfortable and affordable coastal base.

Staithes offers an alternative seaside escape, described in the report as “one of North Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets.”

Staithes, North Yorkshire (Image: SUPPLIED)

The fishing village is known for its colourful cottages and historic harbour.

Sykes highlights Hillsover, a restored cottage set over three floors with bi-fold doors leading to a private roof terrace.

Guests can enjoy panoramic sea views and unwind after a day exploring the coast.

Inland, Thirsk rounds out the North Yorkshire trio.

The traditional market town sits between the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales national parks.

According to Sykes, holidaymakers can experience “The traditional market town is home to independent shops, cafés and the popular World of James Herriot.”

Kemps Yard Retreat, a cottage for four, is hidden behind the gardens of a historic Friends Meeting House and accessed via a 17th-century cobbled street. It offers a peaceful stay just moments from the centre of town.

The top 10 most affordable UK staycation destinations for 2026 are Louth, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Haworth, Hornsea, Staithes, Thirsk, Hereford, Liskeard, Okehampton, and Morpeth.

The index found that 23 per cent of Brits are choosing cheaper destinations for their holidays.

This rises to 30 per cent among Gen Z and 33 per cent among millennials.

To find out more, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/cheapest-holiday-destinations-uk/ or call 01244 617 683.

The full list of top 10 destinations is available on the Sykes Holiday Cottages website.

The blaze is believed to have been started by a faulty electrical charger

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An urgent appeal has been launched to support a young mother and her four children who lost “almost everything they owned” after their home was destroyed in a devastating blaze.

The fire, which broke out in Bro Rhos, Bethel, near Caernarfon, is thought to have been ignited by a faulty electrical charger on Tuesday. Firefighters from several nearby stations raced to the scene to battle the flames, with the road closed while emergency services attended the incident.

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Hannah Hughes to help the family start afresh. By 1.10pm on Wednesday, more than £7,800 had been raised towards a £10,000 target. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Local residents are also collecting physical donations of clothing, toys and household goods, as well as seeking urgent temporary housing for the family, reports North Wales Live.

In a statement posted on the GoFundMe page, Hannah Hughes wrote: “In just a few heartbreaking moments, the lives of a young mum and her four children were changed forever.

“Today, their family home in Bethel, near Caernarfon, was devastated by a house fire. While we are incredibly thankful that they are safe, they have lost almost everything they owned.

“Their home, their belongings, their treasured memories, and the sense of security that every family deserves have all been taken from them.

“No parent ever imagines having to tell their children that they have nothing left to go home to. This young family is now facing the unimaginable – trying to comfort four frightened children while wondering what tomorrow will bring. They urgently need our help as they begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives.”

Two girls, aged 13 and eight, and two boys, aged 10 and four, lived at the property.

The GoFundMe statement continued: “As a community, we have an opportunity to remind this family that they are not facing this alone. Every donation, no matter how small, will help provide the essentials they now desperately need – clothing, food, toiletries, school items, furniture, appliances, and the everyday necessities that most of us take for granted.

“The funds will also help ease the financial pressure while they secure temporary accommodation and begin to rebuild their lives. If you are unable to donate financially, there are many other ways you can help.

“We are looking for donations of children’s clothing, toys, bikes, furniture, appliances, and other household essentials. If you have something to give, please post it on the community page Cymuned Bethel (Facebook) so collection can be arranged or Contact Caffi’r Bedol, Bethel.

“We are also urgently looking for a house to rent in Bethel, either through a private landlord or a housing association. Any leads would be hugely appreciated. For anyone wishing to make an immediate cash donation, a collection pot has been placed at Bedol Bethel. Bethel has always been a community that looks after its own.

“Now is the time to come together once again. Whether you can donate £5, £50, offer an item, or simply share this fundraiser, you are helping to give this family hope at a time when they need it most.

“Please keep this family in your thoughts, and if you are able, help us show them that even after the darkest day, they are surrounded by compassion, kindness, and a community that cares. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for any support you can give.

“Efforts to support the family are already well underway across the village, with residents being urged to coordinate physical donations and local housing leads to help the mother and her children recover from the disaster.”

A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 15:05 yesterday (15 July) to a property fire in Bethel. Firefighters from Caernarfon, Bangor and Colwyn Bay attended. The fire is believed to have been caused by a faulty charger.

“This incident is a reminder that electrical fires can happen at any time. Chargers can become very hot, so never leave items charging unattended or for long periods.

“Always switch off the charger at the plug, even when it is not connected to a device. Do not mix and match chargers or use aftermarket versions; always use the charger supplied with the device.

“Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using electrical items and switch them off and unplug them before going to bed. Be prepared for a fire by ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home and keeping escape routes clear so you and your family to exit your home as quickly as possible.”

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An elderly woman in Florida has become the talk of her retirement community after vehicle licensing officials assigned her with a racy number plate.

Pompano Beach resident Nancy Dello Stritto says she “went ballistic” when she discovered her new license plate number was “SQZ A55”.

“I don’t think a senior who is almost 77 will be driving around with a plate that has that to say,” Dello Stritto told CBS News in Miami, adding: “How could that pass inspection?”

She said some neighbours have encouraged her to exchange the plate, while others – including family members and her sons – have told her to keep it.

Dello Stritto said she was expecting a replacement plate and, at first, did not notice anything amiss when she got it in the mail.

Despite her displeasure, she has decided to keep the plate “just to see what happens”.

“I’m resigned to it; maybe it was destined for it to be on my car,” Dello Stritto said.

“I can handle it if I get a few honks here and there. Actually, being over 70, I might like a few honks.”

According to CBS, Florida license plates have been manufactured at a state prison in North Florida for nearly 100 years, before being distributed through state agencies.

Broward County officials have said plates that are deemed offensive can be exchanged for free.

Adam has not been seen by his family since May 26

Police have said they are concerned for the welfare of a missing man who was last seen at the end of May in Lurgan.

Adam Mroz, 41, who is Polish but living in the Lurgan area, was last seen by his family on May 26, however, he was seen visiting the library in Lurgan on July 4. Police have said there is a chance he has travelled outside of Northern Ireland.

He has been described as 5’10 with short brown hair and of a heavy build.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police and the family of Adam Mroz, 41, who is from the Lurgan area, are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare. “Adam, who is Polish, has not been seen by his family since May 26th, 2026.

“He was seen visiting the library in Lurgan on July 4th, 2026. “He is described as being approximately 5’10” tall, with short brown hair, and is of a heavy build. “Police believe there is a possibility that Adam may have travelled outside Northern Ireland. “If you have seen Adam, or if you have any information in relation to his whereabouts, please contact police via 101, and quote reference number 525 of 03/07/26.”

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