Ricky Swindells died last week. An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) probe is underway.

The death of a man arrested in Salford is being investigated by the police watchdog. Ricky Swindells, 28, was detained by officers last Friday (July 24) after they attended a property on Duchy Road following a 999 call.

A report of concern for Mr Swindells’ welfare was made, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. During the call, at around 7.40pm, his family said he was autistic and in ‘significant distress’.

Police handcuffed Mr Swindells to restrain him, the IOPC added. Body worn camera footage shows officers saying that was done for his own safety, the watchdog said.

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Mr Swindells then became unresponsive, the IOPC said, before receiving treatment at the scene. Officers began CPR at 8pm and paramedics arrived seven minutes later, the watchdog added. Officers gave CPR before North West Ambulance Service personnel took over, the IOPC said.

Mr Swindells was taken to hospital, where he died the next day, Saturday, July 25. Greater Manchester Police said it is supporting the investigation. The force said Mr Swindells was ‘restrained by officers responding to a report by family members of a man in crisis’.

“The information provided to responding officers was that a man was having potential mental health episode, had been violent and that the family needed assistance to restrain him,” GMP added.

“Officers arrived at 7.49pm and were at the scene for 10 minutes where they attempted to work with the family to deescalate the situation. A 28-year-old man was presenting as in crisis on the floor, and appeared to be in distress, agitated and a potential risk to himself.

“While detained, officers continued to try and bring calm to the incident. They became concerned for the man’s breathing at 7.59pm. Officers identified he was breathing but unresponsive, through the provision of first aid.

“They began to commence CPR at 8pm. Officers continued with CPR for 14 minutes, during which time paramedics arrived at 8.07pm to begin to assist the officers.

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“He was later taken to hospital by paramedics where he remained over the weekend. He sadly passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.”

The results of a post mortem were inconclusive. Further forensic investigations – including toxicology tests – continue, GMP said.

Due to police contact with Mr Swindells prior to his death, a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC. “Our Professional Standards Directorate have made initial enquiries including reviewing all available body-worn video and other available footage,” GMP added.

The IOPC added: “From an initial review of the available body-worn video footage, we have established that relatives were on the phone to the ambulance service at the point police arrived.

“As part of our investigation, we will consider the actions and decision-making of the officers, including the necessity, proportionality and rationale for the decision to handcuff Mr Swindells,” a statement added.

The probe will look at the ‘full circumstances’ surrounding the incident, the IOPC said, ‘including the use of restraint, the police response and medical intervention once it became apparent he had become unresponsive’.

IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe added: “Our thoughts are with Mr Swindells’ family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death.

“Our investigation will be entirely independent of the police and ensure we understand events surrounding his detention. We will carefully examine the actions and decision making of officers involved – including the restraint used in this case.

“This was clearly an extremely distressing incident and our investigation will be thorough to help establish the facts and get answers to the family’s questions. Our findings will be shared with the coroner in due course.”

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “This is a really distressing time for all concerned – particularly the family of the man who has sadly passed away after this incident. We are doing what we can to establish what happened to answer any questions they will have.

“Our officers attended to try to help what was a complex and challenging circumstance. We are ensuring they are getting the support they need at this time.

“It is vital that this a proper investigation, independent of the police, is able to be carried out. We are fully assisting with the IOPC’s enquiries and are committed to accountability to help ensure the facts are established.”

Death in Paradise star Ralf Little started his career in the BBC sitcom Royle Family back in the late 1990s.

The BBC sitcom remains popular with viewers over 20 years later.

In 1998, the likes of Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson joined forces for The Royle Family, which was created by their on-screen daughter Caroline Aherne, who played Denise and Craig Cash, who starred as Denise’s fiance Dave.

Also starring in the show was Death in Paradise actor Ralf Little, who was the younger brother Anthony. Although it came to an end more than two decades ago, it still remains a staple for many people.

Recently, Ralf Little shared a clip from his 2020 travel show with Ricky Tomlinson as the pair travelled the North of England together.

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During their trip, the 46-year-old reflected on one scene they had together which left him less than impressed, reports the Express.

He said: “You opened these pork scratchings and rested them on your belly. You were eating them, I say this with the greatest respect, it was disgusting!”, reports the Express.

Ricky erupted with laughter as Ralf recounted the memorable scene, gleefully re-enacting the moment himself, adding: “I really think that’s when Jim Royle was truly born, just the grossness of him.”

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People were quick to comment on the pair together on-screen once again, with many calling for either The Royle Family or their travel series to return.

One person said: “Absolutley LOVED that scene. Wished The Royal Family returned.” Someone else wrote: “Just watched your tour of the north again with my parents, we loved it! Hope you and Rick do something together again soon.”

Another commented: “Absolute quality…… The Royal Family…. They don’t make them like that any more.”

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One person added: “One of the best tv series ever made, pitch perfect in every way.”

While another shared: “Just watched The Royle Family for the first time. What a timeless classic! Comedy at its finest!”

Ricky & Ralf’s Very Northern Road Trip is available to watch on Channel 4.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Republican leader of the Indiana Senate announced Friday that he would give up his position after six GOP incumbents who opposed President Donald Trump on his congressional redistricting push in the state lost their primaries.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray drew the ire of Trump in December when he voted against the redistricting plan after saying for weeks that it didn’t have enough support to pass. The rejection came after intense lobbying from Trump, Vice President JD Vance, national conservative groups and others.

Bray, who has held his leadership position since 2018, said in a statement Friday that he would not seek reelection to the post when Senate Republicans choose their leaders in November. His current Senate term runs through 2028 and he will remain in office, albeit not as the Republican Senate leader.

Trump reacted to the news in a social media post by saying Bray had “foolishly led,” the state Senate, noting the May primary defeats of those who defied him on the redistricting plan.

Bray did not mention Trump or the redistricting fight in his statement announcing his position to step down from the leadership position. Bray said holding the job “has been among the most significant honors of my life, but it’s time for the Senate to choose another leader.”

Help and support:

What do critics think of 2026’s Tony?

Tom Powell, who performs at weddings across the North East and beyond, has been nominated for the 2027 Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA).

Unlike many awards, the TWIA nominations are not decided by public votes.

Instead, suppliers are nominated by couples they have worked with, with winners judged on private, verified feedback from clients over the previous 12 months.

Tom said this made the recognition particularly meaningful.

He said: “Knowing that someone went out of their way to nominate me, and that the results rely entirely on the real feedback of my past couples, means the absolute world.

“It’s a wonderful reminder that all the late nights and motorway miles are completely worth it.”

Teesside performer Tom Powell has been nominated for the 2027 Wedding Industry Awards. (Image: Tom Powell Music)

Over the years, Tom has appeared on BBC One alongside Robson Green, supported pop star Olly Murs and, alongside his wedding work, performs internationally as a guest entertainer on cruise ships.

“It’s been an incredible 15-year journey – I started out gigging locally around Teesside,” he said.

“Now, alongside travelling across the North East and beyond for weddings each year, I also fly out internationally as a guest entertainer on cruise ships.

“The business itself has grown massively too. I started out as a solo guy with a guitar, and now Tom Powell Music has a network of amazing session musicians, allowing us to offer everything from solos, duos and trios right up to full live bands and DJ, sax and bongos experiences.”

Teesside performer Tom Powell has been nominated for the 2027 Wedding Industry Awards. (Image: Tom Powell Music)

Despite performing across the country and overseas, Tom says staying connected to his home region remains important.

After spending seven years living in London, he returned to Teesside in 2021 and regularly supports local organisations and community groups, including Yarm Wellness and CPAD Ingleby Barwick.

Tom said: “Even with weddings, TV appearances and international cruise work, I’ll always keep my roots firmly in the local Teesside community.

“Honestly, seeing a care home resident’s face light up when you hit the high notes of a song from their youth is just as rewarding as playing to a packed wedding dance floor.

“It keeps you grounded and reminds you what music is actually all about.”

Teesside performer Tom Powell has been nominated for the 2027 Wedding Industry Awards. (Image: Tom Powell Music)

To celebrate the nomination, Tom is launching a competition giving couples the chance to win £200 off any booking in 2027 or 2028.

Entries open on Saturday (August 1) and close at 2pm on Thursday, August 20.

Couples can enter via the Tom Powell Music Facebook and Instagram pages by following the account, liking the competition post, commenting on what they are celebrating and tagging three friends.

Emergency services were called to the front of the store on Monday (July 28) after a black Hyundai Tuscan was targeted by a gang on electric bikes and a quad bike.

The quad drove at the car, causing damage, before the men dragged two men and a woman out of the vehicle and assaulted them.

The two men were taken to hospital with stab wounds to their abdomen and sides, but their injuries were deemed to be non-life threatening. 

Cleveland Police has today (July 31) confirmed that the victims have since been discharged from hospital. No arrests have been made at this time, the force said. 

Police and paramedics were both called to the attack, with the Leeholme Road car park being taped off as a result.

A grainy image taken at the time showed several 999 crews parked outside. 

A fourth man in the passenger seat of the car was not hurt in the incident.

Earlier this week, police asked any witnesses or anyone who has not yet spoken with police to get in touch. 

Anyone with footage of the incident, or the quad and e-bikes riding away, is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 148971.

By JAMES COHEN, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 16:49 BST, 31 July 2026 | Updated: 17:15 BST, 31 July 2026

WNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle, after claiming that their marriage is ‘irretrievably broken.’

The Connecticut Sun star officially submitted the court documents in Fulton County on Thursday, according to records obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The filing revealed that the couple, who had been married since 2019, officially separated on July 24 following a breakdown in their relationship.

Griner, 35, is seeking ‘joint legal and physical custody’ of the couple’s two-year-old son, while also requesting an equitable division of all marital assets. 

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The filing also says she ‘should be awarded her separate, nonmarital property, including but not limited to inherited property as well as premarital property.’

The split comes after the couple tied the knot back eight years ago. Cherelle stood by Griner’s side during her harrowing 2022 ordeal in Russia, where the basketball star was detained for nearly 10 months before being released in a prisoner swap.

WNBA star Brittney Griner filed for divorce from wife, Cherelle, after eight years of marriage

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Griner, 35, is seeking ‘joint legal and physical custody’ of the couple’s two-year-old son

Customs discovered a small container of cannabis oil, which Griner later attributed to a ‘mental lapse’ on her part while she was packing to leave the US. 

At the time, Griner revealed she gave her wife Cherelle an ‘out’ in their relationship after she was handed a nine-year sentence. 

‘When I got sentenced to nine years, I wrote her a letter,’ Griner told Megan Rapinoe in a conversation for The Cut.

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‘I’m a realist. I was just like, ‘Nine years is a long time, babe. I get it,’ basically giving her an out. I asked, ‘Can you still be my friend? Write me.’

‘She was like, ‘Don’t ever write anything like that again.’ She never wavered. When I finally got back she was so patient with me. There were so many times when I just wanted to be alone, and there were days when she couldn’t get me away from her.’

The incident happened at the onset of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and Griner quickly became a significant trade chip in the geopolitical conflict.

Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison in a Russian penal colony, but was freed when the Biden Administration swapped arms dealer Viktor Bout for the WNBA star.

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Since her return, she has advocated for other Americans detained in Russia like former US Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. 

The update comes three years on from Griner’s harrowing experience in a Russian jail

Griner previously revealed she gave Cherelle an ‘out’ from their relationship when she was in a Russian prison – but her partner had stood by her side throughout the ordeal in 2022

The Biden Administration was able to negotiate their releases from Russia in 2024.

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Griner spent the first 12 seasons of her career with the Phoenix Mercury, winning a WNBA championship in 2014, before playing the 2025 season with the Atlanta Dream.

She joined the Connecticut Sun in free agency earlier this year. 

ESPN reported that the deal is worth over $1 million – something made possible by the collective-bargaining agreement that provides higher salaries for WNBA players. 

The scheme will not allow mayors to give their residents tax rebates, despite calls to do so by some politicians

Andy Burnham has announced plans for England’s mayors to keep a share of taxes collected in their area. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is among the mayoral areas affected by the announcement on Friday (July 31).

The Prime Minister announced that regional mayors will be allowed to keep a slice of income tax and business rates to spend on their priorities, as part of his drive to push power out of Westminster. Mr Burnham described the proposals as “the biggest shift of power out of Whitehall and Westminster” to regions across the UK.

Speaking at a community centre in Sheffield, he said: “What brought me into politics was a determination to make sure, wherever you live in this country, the postcode where you live, or where you were born, doesn’t actually determine what your life should be like. That’s what I’m on a mission to change.

“No kid here, born in any of these streets around here, should have a harder life or fewer life chances than anyone born anywhere else, and that’s what this is all about.”

The government has confirmed that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has been designated an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority. This means the Combined Authority is now better placed to work on future devolution arrangements, including a ‘right to request’ greater devolution, a spokesperson said.

Mr Burnham directly rejected the idea of mayors giving their local taxpayers rebates, telling broadcasters in Sheffield: “Well, I don’t go down that path, as some people are saying today, because this is about growth and investment.

“Britain is lagging on this front in the G7 because we are not investing as much as other countries in industry, in infrastructure, in housing. This is a growth agenda and an investment agenda, not a cuts agenda, because the cuts agenda has left us in a difficult position.”

He added: “We’re not going to repeat some of the mistakes of the past, the austerity of the past that then has left us with a low-investment, low-growth economy. This policy is designed to break that cycle.”#

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “For years, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has helped drive growth for the whole country while seeing too little of that returned to our local communities. Today’s decision is the first step towards changing that.

“Being recognised as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority puts us in a stronger position to secure new powers, greater funding flexibility and more control over the decisions that affect our region. The detail will matter, but if areas that create growth can keep more of the rewards, we can invest more in the transport, infrastructure, homes and skills our communities need.”

He continued: “Most importantly, residents should feel the benefits of growth. By keeping more of the wealth generated here, we can create more opportunity and help people live happier, healthier and wealthier lives.”

Details of the reforms – including what proportion of taxes the local leaders will keep – are expected to be announced in a white paper, published when Chancellor John Healey presents his first budget in the autumn. The rate of income tax that billpayers face will not change as a direct result of the reforms, according to the Government.

Ministers will retain an equalisation system, so areas where less tax is collected continue to receive financial support.

The paper also said the Government will give regional mayors and authorities across England the power to introduce a tourist tax, which it suggested could be collected and spent from March 2028.

Differing boundaries between local government, health authorities, and police forces could meanwhile be streamlined to avoid confusion about which authority provides services to which area, the Cabinet statement said.