A man and woman who died in the sea off Britain’s most famous surfing beach are feared to have fallen from rocks into choppy waters while holidaying in Cornwall.

Witnesses to the tragedy claim the victims may have been a father and daughter who were walking at Fistral, Newquay.

The man, in his 60s, and the woman, in her 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday evening.

The sea was said to be very rough last night, with strong winds causing large waves to break against the rocks.

It came as another man died after getting into difficulties at West Wittering in West Sussex yesterday.

Sand Phoenix said he was sleeping on Fistral Beach at 9.30pm on Sunday when the coastguard and ambulance service were called. He sprinted to help with the search.

Sand claimed the male victim was fully clothed and had ‘gone in to try and rescue his daughter’, adding: ‘He had been pulled from the water but had been submerged for about seven minutes.

‘I had an adrenaline pen, which I used on him, and tried to give him oxygen, but his lungs were full of water and there was no response,’ he said.

‘The paramedics arrived and carried on performing CPR. He was still wearing his trousers, so I don’t think he had been swimming. It looks like they had been walking near the rocks and fallen in.’

Another witness said: ‘Another man came up soaking wet and wrapped in a foil blanket. He knew them and had been trying to help. I’m just in shock. It was awful to watch.

‘A man came running up the cliff saying there were people drowning in the water. A woman was desperately trying to ring someone but couldn’t get through and was in tears.

‘They recovered one body on the beach, while the other was brought up the cliff.’

A helicopter swoops in to help with the rescue at around 9.30pm

Coastguard at the scene at Fistral last night after two people died in the water 

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A man and woman have died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral beach, Newquay. Witnesses claim they may have been walking on rocks or a cliff and fell in

Nine emergency vehicles and a helicopter rushed to the long and sandy Cornish beach, known as the ‘home of British surfing’.

Images from Fistral last night showed people crowding on the sands trying to help with the rescue effort. But tragically the two people in the water perished. 

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Police were called by the South Western Ambulance Service at around 9.45pm on Sunday following reports that two people had been recovered from the water at Fistral Beach, Newquay.

‘Emergency services attended and a cordon was put in place, which has since been removed.

‘Sadly, a man and a woman were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their families have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.’

The tragedy came just hours after a man died and another was taken to hospital after getting into trouble in the water at another popular British beach on the south coast. 

The temperature in West Wittering reached highs of 26.5C in the afternoon. In Newquay, a maximum temperature of 20.2C was recorded by the Met Office. 

Emergency services rushed to West Wittering Beach in West Sussex at 2.30pm on Sunday following concerns for the safety of two adults in the water.

Two men were pulled from the sea by rescuers but one was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The other man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The pair are not believed to have known each other.

In a statement, Sussex Police said: ‘Emergency services were called to the beach near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering, around 2.30pm on Sunday, 26 July, after two adults got into difficulty in the water.

‘Both were pulled from the sea and received treatment from emergency services at the scene.

‘Sadly, one of the men was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘The other man has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

‘The men are not believed to be known to each other.

‘Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the coroner’s officer.’

Coastguards and paramedics were pictured on the beach at West Wittering on Sunday afternoon where two more people died.

In a post on social media, West Wittering Beach administrators said: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that a 55-year-old man has sadly passed away following an incident at West Wittering Beach.

‘Our lifeguards responded immediately and together with the ambulance service, coastguard and other emergency services, provided advanced first aid and CPR.

‘Despite their best efforts, he was sadly pronounced deceased.

‘The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently being established, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this time.

‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the man’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident. We would like to thank our lifeguards, emergency service colleagues and members of the public who assisted during the response.

‘We respectfully ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this incredibly difficult time.’

Meanwhile in Kent a man and two children remain in hospital in a stable condition after getting into difficulty in the sea off the coast of its most famous resort.

Emergency services descended on Margate Main Sands at about 4.30pm on Saturday following reports of three people struggling in the water.

A huge multi-agency response was launched, with an air ambulance and a coastguard helicopter both landing directly on the sand near the town’s tidal pool.

Dozens of police vehicles, land ambulances, and specialist incident response teams lined the seafront as they received emergency medical treatment on the beach.

All three were airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

It has now been confirmed all three remain in hospital in a stable condition.

A police spokesman said: ‘Kent Police was called at 4.36pm on Saturday, July 25, to a report that a man and two children had come into difficulty in the sea at Margate, and were receiving medical treatment at the scene.

‘Officers attended to manage traffic in the area and to allow an air ambulance and coastguard helicopter to land.

‘The three casualties were all taken to hospital for further treatment and remain there in a stable condition.’

Steven Streeting, 50, died after suffering a serious head injury at 3am on Sunday, May 25, in the Church Street/Church Square area of Hartlepool.

A second man also suffered injuries and was treated in hospital before being discharged.

Aaron John Hopper, of Winterbottom Avenue, in Hartlepool, has since been charged with murder and attempted grievous bodily harm.

The 32-year-old was not asked to enter a plea to either of the charges.

Judge Francis Laird, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, remanded the defendant in custody until a further case management hearing on September 18.

In a tribute, Steven’s family previously said: “Steven was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, but above all else, a devoted husband and loving father.

“He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.”

A provisional trial date has been set.

The hearing will take place on November 23.

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We couldn’t have timed our visit better—a rare Irish heatwave hit right as we arrived, making for the perfect weekend of exploration

Finding a hotel that seamlessly balances adult relaxation with child-friendly fun is the holy grail of family travel, and we felt we struck gold on our recent visit to Newtown Park Hotel in Co Wexford. Formerly the Maldron, the Newtown Park has undergone extensive renovations inside, and work is continuing to revamp other areas of the hotel in the coming months.

Situated just a short 10-minute drive from Wexford town centre and 20 minutes away from the famous Curracloe beach, where an iconic scene from the Oscar-winning movie Saving Private Ryan was filmed, we found it the perfect base to explore the sunny south east.

The first thing that struck me immediately on entering Newtown Park was just how family-friendly it is. The first thing you see in the foyer is a beautiful fairy garden, which immediately caught my children’s attention. Again, as you move into the main reception area, you can clearly see the information board about the Newtown Ninjas kids club at the hotel, which offers a range of activities to keep the children entertained during your stay.

We couldn’t have timed our visit better—a rare Irish heatwave hit right as we arrived, making for the perfect weekend of exploration. Our second-floor room was exactly what we needed: clean, spacious, and perfectly configured for our family of four, with a large double bed and two singles. It even had a beautiful balcony overlooking the fountain and outdoor terrace, which was a lovely spot to unwind.

The bathroom was a little on the small side and a little dated, but I was happy to compromise on that for more space in the main area of the bedroom. And as I previously mentioned, the hotel is currently upgrading a lot of its facilities, with the main restaurant next on the agenda as well as the guestrooms.

The hotel itself is packed with family-friendly activities, including a large swimming pool, two outdoor playgrounds, and even mini golf on site.

The Newtown Ninjas Kids Club also runs each evening from 7-9pm so parents can dine in peace if they wish! There’s also a free movie in the cinema room each night from 7pm.

The bar and restaurant at the hotel has recently been refurbished, and it is simply stunning. A beautiful mix of relaxing and chic is how I’d describe both the decor and the vibe. The hotel has a beautiful seating area off the main bar as well, which was perfect for a sunny cocktail beside the fountain. The other bonus is the children’s playpark and mini golf is just around the corner, so the kids won’t be bored!

We had dinner in the Courtyard Bar, included in our stay on both nights, and I honestly couldn’t fault it. The menu has a great variety of options, and the dining is in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families with little ones.

There are also lots of big screen TVs in the Bar area and plenty of seating, which was perfect for our stay during the World Cup, as we could easily keep an eye on the games while we ate.

We tried a few of the menu options over the course of the two evenings, and my personal favourite was the Fish and Chips. I rarely eat seafood when I’m out unless I’m close to the coast, as I know it’s fresh and the Haddock was just that. A beautiful light, crispy and not greasy thin batter with the most flaky, white fish underneath, it was beautiful alongside their fresh chips and tartare sauce.

My husband and I both had the steak on the second evening and again it was cooked perfectly to our liking with a gorgeous pepper sauce and the usual trimmings of onions and mushrooms.

The children’s menu was also fantastic with a range of dishes to suit all tastes, from pasta to pizza and chicken and sausages as well as mini roasts, there really was lots of choice.

The highlight for the children, though, was of course the dessert and the cookie sandwich was a big hit on both nights with them. I also had to have a simple bowl of fresh Wexford strawberries and ice-cream, impossible to resist in a county famous for its berries!

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The Newtown Park was honestly a fantastic base for us, there was lots to do at the hotel and in the immediate vicinity. We spent a day in Curracloe beach, which was stunning and has incredible facilities, for changing, showering and a brilliant shop and cafe where you can get cool treats, hot food and pizzas to enjoy by the sea.

We also explored Wexford town, which is so quaint with its little streets bustling with shops and a lovely harbour area to watch the boats.

I’d highly recommend a coffee from The Pantry as you walk around town, followed by the most amazing chips I think I’ve ever had from The Cheeky Cod by the harbour in the sun.

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Breakfast at the Newtown Park was another winner, with the chefs making special pancakes to order for the children, which they loved!

We finished our weekend by taking in the Wells House Food Festival situated in the beautiful Wells House & Gardens, just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. There were plenty of food and drink options, as well as local market stalls selling their wares. It’s well worth a visit for its brilliant playground and little farm alone not to mention the beautiful walks around the grounds. The fairy trial was a big hit with our five-year-old.

All in all, our stay at the Newtown Park Hotel was a resounding success. It strikes that elusive balance between keeping the kids constantly entertained and allowing parents space to unwind. With its prime location for exploring the wonders of Wexford and the exciting ongoing improvements to its facilities, we are already looking forward to a return visit to see what’s next for this gem of a hotel.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

By ELIANA SILVER, SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 12:09 BST, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 12:38 BST, 27 July 2026

Three women, including one believed to be pregnant, were stabbed in the street near Porte de Clichy in Paris, France on Monday morning at around 11.30am. 

They were ‘treated by emergency services and transported to the hospital,’ the police said. One of the victims is in critical condition.

The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene following a police operation. 

He was armed with two knives, local media reports. 

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Videos shared on social media appeared to show a man in the area wielding two knives before he is pinned down with a chair by bystanders.

One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons. 

The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene

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One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons

French police and rescuers walk down a street after a knife-wielding man wounded three people in Paris

This is a breaking news story. More to follow. 

Center Parcs fans heading to one of the UK villages soon might notice a big change to the food and drink offering.

That’s because the holiday company has revealed it’s going to be adding something new to its sites across the UK.

Back in 2024, Center Parcs introduced a gastropub called The Dozing Duck to its Sherwood Forest village, and it’s proved so popular with visitors that they now want to open more. 

And there are already a few specific spots lined up to get their own gastropub soon. 

Center Parcs has revealed it’s looking to open a gastropub in Longford Forest, and then later in 2027 they’ll be looking to do something similar at Elveden Forest in Suffolk too.

Those familiar with the Elveden village will know it already has a pub-style venue, known as Foresters’ Inn, which will be the site of the new gastropub.

According to Suffolk News, plans have already been lodged with West Suffolk Council to transform Foresters’ Inn into The Dozing Duck.

If the proposal is approved, the pub will be extended and refurbished, with a new dining space added, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, shuffleboard, and crazy pool.

A new lobby and an extended terrace with four dining pods and a buggy park would also be on the cards.

A sweet tribute was dedicated to TV personality Bill Oddie on ITV’s This Morning following his death at age 85

This Morning shared a touching tribute following the death of wildlife presenter and comedian, Bill Oddie.

The TV star, who found fame in the 1970s as a member of comic trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, died on Saturday (July 25). Bill went on to host wildlife programmes for the BBC, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Sharing the sad news on This Morning during the segment Morning Views, presenter Dermot O’Leary said: “Bill Oddie has passed away. Naturalist, broadcaster, comedian, died at 85, his agent revealed this morning.”

Dermot then handed the reins over to guest Gyles Brandreth, who said: “I certainly knew Bill Oddie and I, of course, loved The Goodies.”

Gyles went on to speak fondly about the show The Goodies and how he loved the concept. He added: “The great thing for Bill Oddie is that he had a second public life, his passion – he had several passions – but one of them was art, he was a great painter. But also nature, he loved the outdoor world, he was a proper birder.”

Gyles ended his tribute by labelling Bill a “good guy”.

Presenter Alsion Hammond then said: “What a lovely way to remember him. Our thoughts are with his wife and his daughters. Thank you so much.”

Viewers who tuned in to This Morning also shared their condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter. One viewer wrote: “RIP Bill. Thanks for the memories. I will always remember the Funky Gibbon.”

Another penned: “Sorry to hear that comic and ornithologist, Bill Oddie has died.”

On Monday (July 27), a statement from his friend and agent, David Foster, was released to announce Bill’s passing. The statement read: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.

“Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.

“He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.

“As Bill’s agent I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey has become a cultural juggernaut, but it’s not just inspiring conversation: since its release, there has been a surge in people learning Greek.

The film is a certified box office smash, exceeding expectations by making more than $640m (£480m) at the global box office after just nine days.

While the film’s historic status as the first film to be fully shot in IMAX has certainly helped those figures, it’s also evidence of the enduring appeal of Homer’s ancient poem, composed almost 3,000 years ago.

According to Google Trends, searches in the UK for “learn Greek” have risen by 5,000 per cent in the last fortnight as anticipation for The Odyssey reached fever pitch.

A language trends expert for Preply, Madeline Enos, told The Times: “Homer’s Odyssey was composed in ancient Greek, which differs significantly from the language spoken in Greece today.

“Ancient Greek offers the opportunity to engage more closely with Homer’s original text and the wider classical world, while modern Greek can help people connect with contemporary Greek culture and communicate with speakers today.”

She credited The Odyssey with creating a spark that “can lead to a deeper understanding of Greece’s linguistic and cultural heritage”.

Sales for published copies of The Odyssey have risen by 70 per cent from last year, with 35,000 more copies sold this year in Britain compared with just 5,000 in 2025.

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While many were excited for The Odyssey ahead of release, scholars swiftly directed criticism at Nolan after the unveiling of first-look images and trailers.

They were left frustrated over production details, including costume design and the use of contemporary English language, including the fact that the male characters in the film wore trousers and not skirts, and also the use of the word “dad” over “father”.

The finished film has split these purists down the middle, with some calling them key omissions and others more accepting of Nolan’s artistic licence. Nolan himself told Time that he wrote an alternative ending to Homer’s poem in the film as the original “is so grim and so misogynistic”.

“I had to exclude some of that material,” he said. “But I didn’t want to completely take it off the table in terms of what it is saying about men and the way they wage war.”

The film has become one of the Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar and Oppenheimer filmmaker’s best-reviewed from his entire career. It’s also on course to become his most bankable, beating The Dark Knight Rises (2012), which made $1.085bn (£814m).

Manchester United have signed Kit Margetson and agreed personal terms with Manu Kone as they still eye Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, while they also have growing interest in Carlos Baleba and Ollie Watkins. Chelsea are preparing a new bid for Alex Scott after clinching a deal for Maxence Lacroix, with John Stones said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Liverpool are plotting a huge offer for Barcola, though Yan Diomande is joining Real Madrid and Maghnes Akliouche looks to have chosen Paris Saint-Germain.