PARIS (AP) — French and British teams rescued 157 migrants who were trying to cross the English Channel after the engine of their boat caught fire, French maritime authorities said.

On Tuesday morning, while the boat was still in France’s search-and-rescue zone near British waters, its engine caught fire and it rapidly began to break apart, the maritime prefecture for the English Channel and the North Sea said in a statement. French authorities deployed two rescue ships, a Navy helicopter and medical personnel. Britain’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Border Force also responded.

The rescue operation brought 157 people to safety — 103 rescued by French vessels and 54 by British vessels. All were due to be disembarked at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in northern France, for medical assessment and assistance.

The boat had initially departed Monday from Normandy shores and was being monitored by French rescue vessels. During the night, five people onboard required assistance and were brought ashore at Boulogne-sur-Mer, while the remaining passengers refused help from French rescuers, the statement said.

French maritime authorities said migrants attempting the crossing in makeshift, overloaded boats often refuse rescue unless faced with an immediate danger. Rescuers do not force people off the boats because of the risk of capsizing that would put people’s lives at risk, the statement said.

Last week, four people died in two separate attempts to cross the Channel on small boats.

Earlier this year, the U.K. and French governments signed a new multimillion-euro deal aimed at reducing the number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, with increased police patrols and enhanced surveillance in northern France.

The plan includes the deployment of new technologies aimed at reducing departures of “taxi boats,” the term authorities use for small motorized vessels that are typically inflatable and are used by smugglers to pick up migrants along long stretches of the northern French coast.

“It was a historic election result for the SNP, the largest ever gap, if I remember correctly, between us and those who came into second place, so I was really proud to stand in that election alongside John Swinney on a positive future for our country, on always standing up for Scotland.”

Flames have been burning on Llanwonno mountain above the Rhondda for days now

People are deliberately setting fires on a Rhondda mountain which has been burning for days. Fire crews have been trying to tackle a serious wildfire at Llanwonno since Saturday afternoon which led to a major incident being declared on Monday due to the scale of the fire and the amount of resources being used.

On Tuesday South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) confirmed the major incident status remains active “due to the ongoing scale of the wildfire and challenging conditions on the mountain, including poor visibility caused by today’s low cloud, mist and rain”.

In a joint-agency message with South Wales Police, SWFRS said that while work is ongoing to prevent further spread and protect nearby properties, there were reports of deliberate fire-setting on the mountain overnight.

Anyone with information about these deliberate fires is asked to contact South Wales Police or neighbourhood policing and fire crime teams.

As part of the ongoing response to the blaze, which has left an area of land as large as 200 football pitches scorched, Natural Resources Wales has secured the deployment of a specialist firefighting helicopter.

However, poor weather conditions, including low visibility, mist, rain and forecasted thunderstorms, have delayed deployment. Conditions are being assessed throughout Tuesday.

Despite the damp weather seen in the Rhondda overnight the fire service said the mountain is continuing to smoulder. It is continuing to advise nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed where possible.

Anyone experiencing health concerns as a result of smoke exposure should seek appropriate medical advice, the fire service said.

The fire service said communities in Ferndale are well protected, with ongoing work looking to protect the Cwmaman side of the mountain while continuing efforts to contain the fire within forestry and upland areas.

A number of road closures remain in place in the small village of Blaenllechau to allow the fire service to get equipment to the mountain, with members of the public asked to avoid the area.

People are also being reminded that a temporary no-fly zone, including for drones, is in place in the area.

The latest update from the fire service reads: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to work with partner agencies to contain and extinguish the wildfire on Llanwonno mountain in Ferndale and prevent further spread, helping to protect nearby properties and communities.

“There were reports of deliberate fire-setting on the mountain last night. We ask anyone with information to call South Wales Police on 101, report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or speak to the Neighbourhood Policing Team or Fire Crime Team, who will be patrolling the area.

“Firefighters worked throughout the night in challenging conditions to tackle the fire and protect properties. Incident commanders at the scene have confirmed that communities in Ferndale remain well protected, with today’s operational priority focused on protecting the Cwmaman side of the mountain while continuing efforts to contain the fire within forestry and upland areas.

“The incident remains a major incident due to the ongoing scale of the wildfire and challenging conditions on the mountain, including poor visibility caused by today’s low cloud, mist and rain.”

Anyone with information about fire-setting on the mountain can contact South Wales Police on 101, report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or speak to the Neighbourhood Policing Team or Fire Crime Team, who will be patrolling the area.

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The man suspected of killing Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Jane Ross in Greece is 26-year-old Sharif Ahmadzai, the BBC understands.

He was arrested after the body of the 38-year-old was found in a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on 18 July, several days after she was reported missing.

Ahmadzai, who was born in Afghanistan and is a champion boxer, travelled to Greece as a refugee.

He is expected to appear in court in Athens on Wednesday.

The BBC understands Ahmadzai, who left Afghanistan after being orphaned aged 15, lives in Greece with his American wife and child.

His father, a commander in the Afghan army, was shot dead and his mother and siblings were killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul.

He travelled to Greece via Iran and Turkey, according to the charity, external The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), before settling in a refugee camp on the island of Lesbos.

It is understood this is where he met his wife and converted to Christianity. The pair then set up the charity Love Every Nation Athens to help other refugees.

It is thought that he met Ross through the charity.

Warren Barnes, 38, orchestrated the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis across Greater Manchester while on the run abroad.

He was arrested in Bolton on August 19, 2025, after failing to return to police bail following a conspiracy to produce cannabis dating back to 2015.

Warren Barnes (Image: GMP)

Police Constable Brown, of our Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “This investigation exposed an organised crime group that relied heavily on trusted associates to facilitate the large-scale supply of illegal drugs and the laundering of criminal profits.

“Despite spending years outside the UK, Barnes continued to direct offending from abroad, believing distance and encrypted communications would protect him from law enforcement.

“He was wrong.

“The evidence gathered by investigators clearly demonstrated the scale of this operation and the roles played by those involved.

“Drug trafficking fuels violence, exploitation and misery within our communities.

“Through the dedication of officers and partner agencies, this group has now been dismantled and those responsible have been brought to justice.”

The investigation uncovered that Barnes had been living in Dubai, Spain and Canada while directing criminal operations across Greater Manchester using encrypted communication platforms.

He used the handle ‘Pablo Picasso’ and referred to himself as a ‘cocaine artist.’

On Friday, May 12, 2023, officers executed a warrant at the Salford home of associate Paul Taylor, of Swinton.

Paul Taylor (Image: GMP)

A search of the property led to the discovery of 182g of cocaine, more than 3kg of cannabis, £5,000 in cash, and other drug-related paraphernalia.

The drugs had an estimated street value of more than £45,000.

Seized cash (Image: GMP)

Examination of Taylor’s phones revealed he used the username ‘Del Boy’ to communicate with Barnes on encrypted platforms.

Messages showed Barnes instructing Taylor to supply drugs, manage finances, and operate cannabis farms while Barnes remained abroad.

The investigation also found that Taylor had enlisted his son, Adam Taylor, in these activities.

Adam Taylor (Image: GMP)

Adam Taylor was stopped by officers in Salford on November 18, 2023.

A search led to the discovery of a cannabis farm and evidence that he was also supplying cocaine, cannabis and ketamine.

When Barnes was arrested in Bolton, officers seized three mobile phones, including two encrypted devices.

Evidence from these devices revealed he had orchestrated the supply of approximately 11kg of cocaine and 159kg of cannabis.

Investigators also found debtor lists, cryptocurrency transactions, and images of Barnes’ affluent lifestyle during his time abroad.

(Image: GMP)

Barnes was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison at Manchester Crown Court for offences including being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, possession of a Class A drug, conspiracy to produce a Class B drug, being concerned in the movement of money, and possessing criminal property.

Paul Taylor was jailed for five years and three months for related offences, including possession with intent to supply both drugs.

Adam Taylor received a three-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to supplying cocaine, cannabis, and ketamine, as well as producing cannabis.

Programme Challenger is Greater Manchester’s partnership response to serious and organised crime.

Officers and partner agencies work within communities to disrupt and dismantle criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, exploitation, firearms offences and money laundering.

Anyone with concerns about organised crime is urged to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Firefighters west of Athens raced to exploit a break in high winds on Tuesday, working to strengthen containment lines as forecasters warned that stronger gusts and rising temperatures would return in the coming days.

Several fires that burned through mountain communities and coastal areas west of the Greek capital were brought under control overnight. Planes and helicopters dumped water inside the contained perimeters through the morning, dousing hotspots while the winds stayed calm.

The army deployed tracked earth movers to carve fire breaks across the scorched hillsides, while specialist units pushed into forest areas on foot to extinguish smoldering embers before they could reignite.

Crews were working against the clock: Winds typically pick up in the afternoon, a coastal phenomenon common across the Mediterranean in summer as land heats faster than the sea and draws in stronger breezes.

The blaze jumped containment lines a day earlier.

More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from around the seaside resort of Porto Germeno and other areas west of the capital, including more than 250 rescued by boats from beaches in the area.

There has been plenty of speculation about the prospect of an eleventh series, but no plans have materialised as of yet.

Crissy explained she would jump at the chance of returning to the show and hailed the brilliant script writing behind her character Janey Yorke.

Crissy Rock attending the ITV Summer Party 2019 (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

Speaking on behalf of BestBettingSites.co.uk, home of the best casino sites, she said: “I’d love Benidorm to come back. And if it did come back, I’d love to be a part of that, but you never know. Never say never.

“I think what happened was everybody saw someone they knew or they associated with in that programme — or someone you’ve encountered on holiday at places like that.

“And the writer was so clever; he observed every character like he knew them.

“And I think the bunch of people he picked helped to make it as well, like the Garveys and everyone else. So it was lovely and I was pleased that I was a part of it.”

Rock spoke specifically about the inspiration behind her portrayal of Janey, and whether the possibility of a new series could come to fruition.

“I took my kids on a holiday once where there was a rep, and this woman just didn’t want to be there, didn’t want to be a rep — hated children, hated people. I took that inspiration from her.

“We rumble all the time [about a new series], but until it’s actually there with a script in your hands, you can’t say yes or no.

“If it did happen, I would love to be a part of it — I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t. But you don’t know. It’s ten years have gone by now.”

Should a new series of Benidorm not materialise, Crissy would love to appear on one of the UK’s longest-running TV soaps after a similar experience starring in Celebs on the Farm.

“I think I’d like to do Emmerdale,” she added.

“I’ve done a thing called Celebs on the Farm, and absolutely loved it. And I thought, if that’s Emmerdale Farm, I want to go! I’ve still got my rosettes and everything.

“I like Emmerdale. I’d also love to do The Traitors — I’m addicted to that. I’d probably give myself away. But I also love the show — I watch that all the time. When they’re picking the Traitor, you go, ‘No, he’s not the traitor.’.”

More recently, Crissy’s career has taken her on the road, having recently finished a tour with her aptly titled show From Bedlam to Benidorm, which brought her written life story to life.

When revealing her inspiration behind the show, she explained: “What happened was a lot of people were asking me where they can get the book. And I’m going to get in touch and see if I can get it reprinted.

“I talked about my life and being abused — me and my brother being abused. But it gets people laughing and crying at the same time. Like when I got married the first time, it was a £1.10 silver wedding ring, half a pound of boiled ham, and a Victoria sponge.

“The best man was his probation officer.

“And then when I was married to my second husband, I didn’t realise he was a functioning alcoholic.

“I’d never seen him drunk because I’d never seen him sober.

“But it’s all about not letting things that have happened pull you back. You cannot change the past ever. You can only change the future.

“So I could spend my life going, ‘Poor me, poor me, poor me’, but you have to just say that was the cards that were dealt, and I have to try and make a hand out of it.”

The council received a number of noise complaints about the unlicensed music event in Monmouthshire

An illegal rave held in the woods saw nearby villagers enduring loud music throughout the night. Police officers were sent to the unlicensed music event which was held in Chepstow Park Wood during the early hours of Sunday, July 26.

Residents across Monmouthshire reported that “really loud music” could be heard coming from the woodland, in areas including Mathern, St Arvans, Devauden, and as far away as the Severn Bridge and the coastal path at Black Rock.

The council has since confirmed it is investigating after six noise complaints were received in relation to the illegal rave. A spokesperson for Monmouthshire council added that it had “no prior knowledge of the event taking place”.

Gwent Police said its officers attended Chepstow Park Wood after receiving reports of an unlicensed music event being held in the early hours.

“Officers attended, advised those in attendance to stop the music before safely dispersing the area”, a statement from the force said.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: “We can confirm that Monmouthshire County Council had no prior knowledge of the event taking place.

“The event organisers did not engage with the Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) process. ESAG is a multi-agency forum chaired by Monmouthshire County Council and it provides an opportunity for event organisers to receive specialist advice and input to their event to ensure a safe and legal event can take place.

“Advice covers a range of issues, including the mitigation of any potential noise nuisance. ESAG is a voluntary process and whilst there is no legal requirement to engage, we do receive requests from numerous event organisers.

“It is disappointing that this event did not engage with this forum. We will continue to work with our partners, including Gwent Police, to seek to identify the organisers of this event and encourage them to engage with ESAG and prevent any future issues of a similar nature arising.

“We encourage all event organisers to engage with ESAG and further information is available here: Event Planning – Event Safety Advisory Group – Monmouthshire.”

Greater Manchester Police said the discovery was made by road workers shortly after 11pm yesterday (August 3), near a bridge between junctions 3 (Hyde) and 4 (Hattersley) of the M67 in Tameside.

The force believes the remains have been identified and is working with specialist teams to establish what happened.

An officer said: “We are working with specialist teams to understand the circumstances behind this incident.

“The road will be closed between junctions 3 and 4 while detectives carry out their investigation.”

The force said the road will remain closed while detectives carry out their investigation.

The force has asked the public to continue to avoid the area, and said it will provide updates when it has them.