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Rats can take over your garden if 1 unlikely item is stored outside

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Rats are super active in summer, and storing a certain item outdoors can cause them to take over your garden. Advice has been shared on how people can prevent the issue

The prospect of rats invading your garden is something no homeowner wishes to encounter, which is why understanding how to keep them away is absolutely vital. What many homeowners don’t realise is that August is actually one of the peak times for rats trying to access properties, as it aligns with their breeding season — meaning extra caution is required.

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This results in heightened activity around homes during summer, making sightings in your garden considerably more probable. However, leaving particular items outside can actively attract them, so it’s worth being careful about what you keep in your garden and how it’s stored.

There are, indeed, numerous things that should be on your mind right now regarding rats. Certain items left outdoors could make it surprisingly straightforward for rats to establish themselves on your property.

What draws them in?

If you’ve been visiting the garden centre to purchase soil and compost, more often than not, those extra bags end up stored beneath the decking to maintain a tidy patio appearance.

It appears to be a perfectly logical approach but, according to Allan Jeffrey, gardening expert at Ultra Decking, it’s one of the most frequent ways homeowners inadvertently invite pests onto their property. While compost may be wonderful for your flowerbeds, it is equally appealing to rodents and insects — particularly when kept in the dark, damp conditions that commonly exist beneath decking.

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There are several reasons why it proves so attractive to unwanted visitors. Compost bags are filled with organic matter and retain moisture, generating precisely the kind of warm, humid environment that rats and mice seek out when nesting.

Yet rodents aren’t the only worry. Ants and soil-dwelling insects are attracted to the very same conditions and, once they’ve settled in near your decking or fencing, they can be extraordinarily difficult to remove.

Once rats and mice establish themselves, the issues tend to escalate rapidly. Allan explained: “Nesting rats are a big problem.

“Their numbers grow quickly, and they’ll soon start gnawing through garden structures like your decking, your fencing and that kind of damage doesn’t come cheap.”

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Firewood poses another potential hazard. “Those storing leftover winter logs under their decking are also at risk,” he added.

“Timber that’s picked up moisture over winter is the perfect hiding place for wood-boring insects, and that’s when the real damage starts.”

How to store your garden supplies

Allan suggests a simple method to keep pests away:

  • Raise and air out. Store compost bags and firewood on an elevated platform at least one to two metres away from the house and any timber structures. Good ventilation prevents moisture building up and makes the spot much less appealing to pests.
  • Move to sealed containers. If space is tight, move compost into robust plastic bins with secure clip-on lids. These are significantly more difficult for rodents and insects to penetrate.
  • Complete a 60-second check. Take a torch and conduct a swift examination beneath your decking for warning signs – torn plastic, small access holes or dark droppings.

Identifying issues early is nearly always the distinction between a simple clear-up and a costly pest control visit. A small amount of preparation now can prevent considerable trouble, and ensures you’ll be able to properly enjoy your garden this summer.

If you suspect rats may be present nearby, contact a pest control professional for guidance.

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Viral seafood boil restaurant Crabbish to open in Newcastle

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Viral seafood boil restaurant Crabbish to open in Newcastle

Crabbish has taken the social media world by storm in recent months with its theatrical presentation, steaming food and customers wearing bibs.

The Louisiana-inspired restaurant guests to sit around a communal table and wear bibs as a bag of boiling seafood is sliced open and poured out, with various items often ending up in the customer’s lap.

Customers scramble to get their hands on boiled prawns, crabs, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, potatoes and more thrown in the middle of the table.

While some say the experience is “great”, with many returning to try it for a second time, others assume it would be their “idea of hell” and ask “how is that even edible?”.

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A waiter serving a bag of Seafood Boil at a ‘Crabbish’ restaurant (c) Crabbish (Image: Crabbish on Instagram)

A picture of one of ‘Crabbish’s’ dishes shared on Instagram (c) Crabbish (Image: Crabbish)

The theatrics have, unsurprisingly, generated millions of views with customers flocking to the existing Crabbish branches in Liverpool and Manchester.

Residents in the North East, however, won’t have to head south for long; the chain announced on social media this week that they are opening a restaurant in Newcastle.

The restaurant is set to open in Pandon Bank, Quayside, with an official date to be confirmed.

The seafood boil phenomenon, which has raked in over nine million online watchers, said: “Crabbish is coming soon to Newcastle, bringing seafood boils loaded with crab, prawns and plenty more to the city centre!”

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The post continued: “If getting stuck into a huge seafood boil sounds like your idea of a good time, this is definitely one to keep an eye on!”

The announcement has been met with a lot of excitement, one user writing: “Can’t wait for this one! Love my seafood.”

“Very excited for this,” another said.

While excitement is through the roof to experience the seafood, questions have also been raised about whether local produce will be used.

One comment read: “North East crab? I hope I hope I hope.”

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With questions already arising, it is clear the people of Newcastle are not only thrilled, but ready, for the boiling bag to arrive in the North East.

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Rod Stewart cancels all 2026 tour dates after undergoing heart surgery

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Rod Stewart cancels all 2026 tour dates after undergoing heart surgery

Sir Rod Stewart has cancelled the remainder of his 2026 US tour dates after undergoing heart surgery.

The 81-year-old singer, who was performing his One Last Time tour, will take four weeks off to recover after undergoing a coronary stent procedure, effectively cutting short the US and Mexico performances for the remainder of the year, which was due to stretch into September.

He was scheduled to perform events across Ohio, Illinois and Mexico, as well as a six-night stretch at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” he said in a post on Instagram.

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“I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.

“I am deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”

His representatives said Sir Rod was “doing very well” following the procedure and had “returned to his normal daily activities”.

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The statement added: “On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage.

“Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.

“Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues.”

Two further dates in Colorado are scheduled for September 2027.

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The announcement came after Sir Rod postponed shows in Cincinnati and Cleveland following medical concerns.

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Two further dates in Colorado are scheduled for September 2027
Two further dates in Colorado are scheduled for September 2027 (Getty)

Cleveland’s Rocket Arena earlier confirmed the cancellation on social media, writing: “Following a period of monitoring, doctors have advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours. As a result, his performance tomorrow night, August 11, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland has been cancelled.

“Rod is disappointed to miss the show and appreciates everyone’s understanding. He looks forward to returning to the stage soon.”

Health problems had also forced the cancellation and postponement of shows in May and June.

In May, the Maggie May singer sent “apologies to my family of fans” in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal after cancelling performances in Nevada, adding: “I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection.”

Less than a month later, he cancelled his San Diego show after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection that resulted in laryngitis.

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Earlier this month, the rocker welcomed his sixth grandchild after his daughter Ruby gave birth to a son called Levi.

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The difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke explained

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The difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke explained

With temperatures forecast to climb to 36°C in parts of the UK, heat health alerts are once again in place – and for many people it will mean more than an uncomfortable few days.

The human body normally keeps its core temperature at around 37°C, and when the air around us heats up, it has to work harder to hold that line. Heat stress occurs when the body gains heat faster than it can lose it.

Its main defence is sweating and sending more blood to the skin, where the heat can be released into the environment, but that system has limits. When the heat becomes too much, or hot, humid air stops sweat evaporating, or dehydration leaves too little fluid for the body to sweat and circulate blood properly, these cooling mechanisms start to fail. That’s what leads to heat exhaustion and, in more serious cases, heatstroke.

The two conditions are often used interchangeably, but the difference between them matters. Knowing which one you’re looking at could save a life.

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Some are more vulnerable

Anyone can develop heat-related illness, but some people are far more exposed to the risk than others.

Older adults and young children are less efficient at regulating their body temperature, and that vulnerability can be compounded by underlying health: heart, kidney and respiratory disease all reduce the body’s ability to cope with heat, as can medications that affect sweating, hydration or blood flow.

Enclosed spaces such as parked cars and poorly ventilated rooms can heat up rapidly, causing body temperature to rise quickly, particularly in children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

People who work or exercise outdoors face additional risks. Physical activity generates extra heat within the body, which, along with the burden of environmental heat and humidity, causes further rises in core temperature.

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Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is what happens when the body is struggling to cope but still just about managing to keep its core temperature below dangerous levels – you might notice heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, cramps or simply feeling wiped out.

Heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration because large amounts of fluid and salts are lost through sweat.

Staying hydrated helps reduce risk, but drinking water alone is not always enough. Even a well-hydrated person can develop heat illness if temperatures are very high, humidity prevents sweat evaporating, or activity continues without adequate cooling and rest.

However, heat exhaustion does not inevitably progress to heatstroke. Most people recover fully if they are cooled down and rehydrated promptly.

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Stay hydrated.
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Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system begins to fail and core temperature rises to dangerous levels, typically above 40°C. The most important difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke is the effect on the nervous system.

Heatstroke looks different: confusion, disorientation, behaving strangely, collapse, seizures – the nervous system itself starts to fail.

Heatstroke can damage the brain and other organs and can be fatal without urgent treatment. It can strike during heatwaves or during intense physical activity when the body generates more heat than it can lose.

Temperature readings can be helpful, but they should not be relied upon in isolation. Measurements taken on the skin, forehead, or in the ear may not accurately reflect true core temperature. Look at the whole picture rather than relying on a temperature measurement.

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If someone develops these symptoms, act quickly: get them somewhere cool, loosen their clothing, encourage cool fluids, and cool them down with whatever is to hand — a fan, damp towels, even a cold shower. Most people should improve within about 30 minutes.

If the person becomes confused, behaves unusually, collapses, has a seizure or loses consciousness, assume they have heatstroke and don’t delay in calling the emergency services.

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Rod Stewart health update as star, 81, has surgery and cancels tour

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Wales Online

Health problems had also forced the cancellation and postponement of shows in May and June

Sir Rod Stewart has cancelled the remainder of his 2026 US tour dates after undergoing heart surgery. The 81-year-old singer confirmed on Instagram that he will take four weeks off to recover after undergoing a coronary stent procedure, effectively cutting short the US and Mexico performances for the remainder of the year, which was due to stretch into September.

“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” he said. “I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me. I am deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”

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He was scheduled to perform events across Ohio, Illinois and Mexico, as well as a six-night stretch at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

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His representatives said Sir Rod was “doing very well” following the procedure and had “returned to his normal daily activities”.

The statement added: “On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.

“Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues.”

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Two further dates in Colorado are scheduled for September 2027. The announcement came after Sir Rod postponed shows in Cincinnati and Cleveland following medical concerns.

Cleveland’s Rocket Arena earlier confirmed the cancellation on social media, writing: “Following a period of monitoring, doctors have advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours. As a result, his performance tomorrow night, August 11, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland has been cancelled.

“Rod is disappointed to miss the show and appreciates everyone’s understanding. He looks forward to returning to the stage soon.”

Health problems had also forced the cancellation and postponement of shows in May and June. In May, the Maggie May singer sent “apologies to my family of fans” in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal after cancelling performances in Nevada, adding: “I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection.”

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Less than a month later, he cancelled his San Diego show after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection that resulted in laryngitis.

Earlier this month, the rocker welcomed his sixth grandchild after his daughter Ruby gave birth to a son called Levi.

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Lawless lidos: Lifeguards pushed in the water, brawling drunk teenagers, thefts and break-ins force London’s pools to ramp up security during summer holiday heatwave

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Video footage shared with the Daily Mail shows a huge poolside brawl over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Parliament Hill Fields Lido in north London

Lidos in London have tightened security after a spate of chaotic poolside incidents – including one which saw a sunseeker smashed over the head with a bottle.

Workers at Parliament Hill Fields Lido in leafy Hampstead Heath have told how break-ins, brawls and boozing forced the spot into closure twice this summer.

It comes as Britain grapples with a record-breaking drought which has seen some areas go a staggering 59 days without a drop of rain. 

Temperatures are forecast to soar to a peak of 38C on Thursday during the sixth heatwave of this year, meaning the country’s outdoor pools could hit capacity. 

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Yet London’s lidos have spent much of the summer contending with a ‘concerning’ rise in antisocial behaviour. 

Dozens of sunseekers were filmed taking a plunge in Ruislip Lido despite warnings stating that swimming was prohibited, meanwhile organisers at Tooting Bec’s pool were forced to increase security in a bid to tackle surging attendances.  

And video footage shared with the Daily Mail this week displayed one shocking incident at north London’s Parliament Hill which left a visitor in hospital. 

A crowd of youths are seen embroiled in a huge poolside fight over the May Bank Holiday weekend as lifeguards – some of whom are later pushed into the water – desperately try to restore order. 

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Video footage shared with the Daily Mail shows a huge poolside brawl over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Parliament Hill Fields Lido in north London

The clip shows hordes of youths fighting as lifeguards desperately try to restore order

The clip shows hordes of youths fighting as lifeguards desperately try to restore order

Parliament Hill lido has been forced into closure twice this summer amid 'inappropriate behaviour' from visitors

Parliament Hill lido has been forced into closure twice this summer amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ from visitors

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Security guards at Tooting Bec Lido in south London check customers' bags at the door - and no one can enter without a wristband

Security guards at Tooting Bec Lido in south London check customers’ bags at the door – and no one can enter without a wristband

The eye-opening incident was sparked after a swimmer was slammed over the head with a stolen wine bottle, according to witnesses who said youths had forced their way onto the site. 

A waitress at the lido’s cafe, situated just a stone’s throw from homes worth more than £1million, told the Daily Mail: ‘We have a lot of break-ins. They stole a wine bottle from us and smashed it on this guy’s head. 

‘A lot of them were really drunk and they pushed a lifeguard in. The man was bleeding across his head.’ 

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The victim was rushed to hospital before two men were arrested, but later released due to a lack of information.

Regulars, however, say that such incidents are far from uncommon at the north London lido, nestled in a quiet corner of Hampstead Heath’s sprawling 800 acres. 

When the Mail visited this week a frustrated manager told how ‘brawls break out every summer’ and knives have been found hidden in visitors’ bags. 

He added: ‘There’s something happening every summer. We’ve had knives and stuff in the past. It used to be really bad. 

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‘We’ve had issues in the cafe too. We’ve had people trying to jump over the counter because they couldn’t get booked in. 

‘In the summer it’s common for fights to break out. This is a posh area but it borders not so privileged areas. It’s mostly kids, they can’t drink in the pool but I suspect they probably do before they come. We used to have issues with people smuggling bottles in, but I don’t think so anymore.

‘If I was here with my kids (when the fight broke out), it would have been really concerning.’

In the wake of the violent incident, the City of London Corporation (COL) – the body which runs the site – was forced to impose stricter rules in a bid to ensure good behaviour. 

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They included a ban on under-16s entering without a parent, random bag searches, additional security and ID checking. Pictures this week also showed how 10-foot-high walls have been installed in a bid to deter sunseekers from climbing in. 

But just days later a fight was said to have broken out as swimmers waited for upwards of 40 minutes in lengthy queues outside. Eventually, at the end of June, the lido closed for two consecutive evenings due to ‘poor behaviour’. 

The site, situated within Hampstead Heath, has since chosen to install 10-foot-high walls to stop sunseekers climbing in

The site, situated within Hampstead Heath, has since chosen to install 10-foot-high walls to stop sunseekers climbing in

Swimmers caused havoc a few hundred yards away at Hampstead Heath's Model Boating Pond in May

Swimmers caused havoc a few hundred yards away at Hampstead Heath’s Model Boating Pond in May

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Such problems are however not consigned to Hampstead Heath’s outdoor pool. During the same period, hordes of sunseekers caused havoc at a wildlife pond situated a few hundred yards away. 

Dozens descended upon the Model Boating Pond for a dip during May’s heatwave despite the water being a ‘no swimming zone’ and safe haven for nesting birds. 

The groups ignored signs as boisterous swimmers were filmed scaring groups of ducks, throwing balls amongst each other and playing blaring music on the banks of the water. 

Furious residents described the protected habitat as a ‘party destination’ and accused swimmers of showing a lack of respect. 

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One fumed: ‘It’s absolutely terrible what they’re doing. They are violating absolutely everything it’s supposed to be and it’s so upsetting.’ 

Videos which emerged from Ruislip, west London, in May showed a packed out lido with dozens of people in the water despite the site’s red flag flying.

The flags typically mean there is no lifeguard on duty and there are hidden hazards present, such as poor water quality or toxic algae.

Yet many took the risk to take the plunge amid warnings from authorities about the danger of taking to the water without the proper assistance or supervision.

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The latest figures produced by Better, the leisure company which runs the London Fields, Charlton and Oasis swimming pools, reveal that some 524,988 visited those three sites between June and August 2025. 

That figure marked an increase of 30 per cent on the same period a year earlier, meaning the number of Londoners flocking to outdoor pools this summer will likely have increased again. 

Jem Collins, who runs the online guide All The Lidos, says antisocial behaviour is caused by casual visitors, rather than swimmers who visit lidos all year round.

She told the Mail: ‘I do think that this summer there have been more incidents than I’ve been aware of recently, and that is due to the heatwave. It got hot in May and it really hasn’t stopped.

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‘You have 500 to 1,000 people queuing outside of a pool, getting hot, and waiting to get in. That’s when tensions start to rise and things start to fizz. 

‘I think sometimes people have an expectation that they’re going to be sat by the pool with a cocktail, almost as if they’re abroad, but that’s not really what lidos are like in the UK – you wouldn’t find a poolside bar anywhere. 

‘The lido scene here is much more about the water and the swimming, and it’s open to anyone. If you want to sit in the sun and not do much swimming then that’s fine… but what it isn’t, is the boozing and the “lads, lads, lads” environment.’ 

Tooting Bec welcomes more than 3,300 per day at its busiest and boasts the country's largest outdoor pool

Tooting Bec welcomes more than 3,300 per day at its busiest and boasts the country’s largest outdoor pool

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At Tooting Bec Lido, the country’s largest outdoor pool, security levels are increased depending on the number of visitors. Bags are checked at the door and no sunseekers can enter without a wristband. 

At its busiest, the south-west London site welcomes more than 3,300 visitors per day – but incidents of antisocial behaviour are rare, according to security guards. 

One said as temperatures hit 27C on Tuesday: ‘We have more of an issue with there being too many people than customers getting aggravated. Anywhere that’s got a big capacity, there’s always going to be people that do things. 

‘If it’s busy, we have about six security guards, it changes depending on how many people are here. They run the place really well here. 

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‘You can see where it’s going though. As the UK gets hotter in somewhere like London, there’s no seaside, no water, so everybody who wants to have a beach experience goes to their local pool.

‘It’s something that I think is going to be a big problem. I think with public spaces if there’s a mass congregation of people anywhere, there’s always going to be problems. 

‘It’s like when you go to a festival, what’s the difference between that and being somewhere where there’s loads of people. You get the same kind of results.’

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said of the incident at Parliament Hill Fields Lido in May: ‘At around 16:56hrs on Monday, 25 May, officers were called to reports of an altercation at Parliament Hill Fields Lido, Camden.

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‘Officers attended the scene and located a 15-year-old boy and a man in his 40s with minor injuries.

‘A boy, aged 17 and a man, aged 25 were arrested on suspicion of affray.

‘Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD5578/25MAY, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’

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Top of police spending priorities should be station space to lock up crooks

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Public faith in policing will be undermined if wrongdoers feel they can avoid a night in the cells, writes Record View.

The most basic function of the police is to keep the public safe by detecting and preventing crime. Not everyone arrested by officers needs to be temporarily locked up at a local station.

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But to keep communities safe there is a clear need to remove some criminals from the streets when they are arrested. This means having a custody suite available for use.

Speak to any off-duty, rank-and-file officer, and they’ll likely tell you that’s easier said than done. Three times last year, the cells at Greenock police station were out of action.

That meant officers were forced to make time-consuming return journeys to Clydebank or Govan, where custody suites were available.

Many members of the public will likely be surprised that Police Scotland now opens new stations with no cells at all – Ayr being one prominent example.

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The result, according to the Scottish Police Federation, is officers being discouraged from making arrests because there is no room to detain people.

Police Scotland say they are simply making use of other sanctions like fixed penalties. But opposition MSPs insist there is a problem with a lack of capacity to detain criminals in our police stations.

The situation has been exacerbated by the dozens of police stations which have been closed since the old regional constabularies were merged in 2013.

Police Scotland must take a long, hard look at its spending priorities. Top of the list should be ensuring there is space available in police stations to hold potentially violent offenders.

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Public faith in policing will be badly undermined if wrongdoers feel they can act as they please and still avoida night in the cells.

Back to school

Nicola Sturgeon famously said she wanted to be judged on education. But instead the former first minister is now using public appearances to decry anyone who has the temerity to question whether pupils are really being given the best schooling possible.

The data doesn’t lie. The attainment gap between the richest and poorest pupils remains stubbornly high.

The gold-standard Pisa report, which compares educational outcomes around the world, showed a clear decline among average pupil attainment in Scots schools between 2018 and 2022 – when Sturgeon was in charge.

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The Covid pandemic between 2020 and 2021 had a devastating impact on schools and young people in particular. But that doesn’t explain why Scotland now lags behind England in international league tables.

John Swinney and his government should be offering solutions to these problems, not resorting to excuses like Sturgeon.

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Rod Stewart cancels US tour dates after heart surgery as music legend shares health update

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Daily Record

The music legend has shared a health update on social media following a coronary stent procedure

Sir Rod Stewart has withdrawn from the remainder of his US tour dates after undergoing heart surgery.

The 81 year old rock icon took to Instagram to reveal he will be taking four weeks off to recover following a coronary stent procedure.

“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend,” he said. “I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.

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“I am deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”

His team confirmed Sir Rod was “doing very well” after the operation and had “returned to his normal daily activities.”.

The statement added: “On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage. Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.

“Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues.”

The announcement follows Sir Rod’s postponement of gigs in Cincinnati and Cleveland due to medical issues.

Cleveland’s Rocket Arena later announced the cancellation on social media, stating: “Following a period of monitoring, doctors have advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours. As a result, his performance tomorrow night, August 11, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland has been cancelled.

“Rod is disappointed to miss the show and appreciates everyone’s understanding. He looks forward to returning to the stage soon.”

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Health concerns have also led to the postponement and cancellation of several gigs throughout May and June.

In May, the ‘Maggie May’ hitmaker issued “apologies to my family of fans” via a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal after scrapping Nevada dates, explaining: “I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection.”

Less than a month later, he pulled the plug on his San Diego concert following a diagnosis of a respiratory infection which developed into laryngitis.

Earlier this month, the rock icon celebrated becoming a grandfather for the sixth time as his daughter Ruby gave birth to a baby boy called Levi.

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She wanted to switch off from the world, but then she decided to make a difference

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Manchester Evening News

On Huddersfield Road, a lifeline has been created. From outside it might look like any other coffee shop, but speak to the person behind it and you soon realise it’s much more.

Inside She Remains Brave – a new community coffee shop and boutique in Newhey – staff laugh together as they brew fresh cups of coffee. Slices of cake are dished out and workers and customers put the world to rights.

For founder Becky Taylor, it’s exactly what she envisioned. Concerned people didn’t have anywhere to disconnect from phones and engage in meaningful conversations, she set about creating a space for everybody.

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While the cafe is already proving successful, it was born out of a particularly challenging period in Becky’s life. The cafe aims to raise awareness of sexual violence, support survivors and help build a more informed and compassionate community.

Throughout her journey, which involved a serious and traumatic incident, Becky has met survivors, families and individuals who felt isolated, unheard and unsure where to turn after similar experiences. It’s something Becky can relate to. She felt compelled to make a difference in her own community.

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Her main aim when opening the doors a few weeks back was to create a welcoming space where people could connect, access information, find support and feel part of a community. It’s something she was desperate for during the last few years.

“I was heartbroken, I didn’t know what to do,” Becky recalls of her last few years. “I felt so alone and lonely, I couldn’t talk to anybody around me. I switched off from the world. But that’s when I thought ‘what can I do to make a difference?’”.

Over the last few months, with the support of family, friends and local businesses, Becky and her team of volunteers have transformed an empty shop into a thriving community space.

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Alongside coffee and light refreshments, they provide a space for local makers and small businesses to showcase their products, while also offering a welcoming environment where people can access information, support and connection.

Shelves lined with handmade cards, keychains, teddy bears and candle melts – all made and produced by local people – sit next to vital resources from organisations like Andy’s Man Club and The Maggie Oliver Foundation, giving customers, visitors and anyone needing someone to talk to an opportunity to do so.

“I wanted to know how I could give back to people that have helped, and every shelf is a different person of business and we’re supporting them, because they support us. I love what we are building here.”

Becky continues to work alongside organisations supporting survivors and families affected by sexual violence, including The Maggie Oliver Foundation, and remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for positive change.

“The safe space we have created is not just [about] trauma and sexual assault, but I’m advocating for that in the background to get laws changed,” continues Becky.

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“You could have lost someone, be going through something so terrible but as a human being when we ask ‘are you okay?’. It’s a thin question, nobody really cares, nobody talks anymore. We need to bring back communication. We’re doing that here.”

To ensure that people felt visible and able to connect, Becky has made sure the kitchen is a focal point so customers can engage directly with staff. Similarly, to ensure it’s open to all, she has kept the costs low so there’s an affordable option for everybody.

On the menu there’s a range of toasties from £3.50, plus jacket potatoes at the same price and with a number of topping options. They also serve omelettes with salad or baked beans, plus soup, sandwiches and salad bowls.

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Many pop in for a brew, cake and a good chat, so their meal deal (£3) for a hot drink and a cake is catering for that. There’s also a children’s menu, plus a selection of freshly made baked goods.

Becky has used her life savings to bring She Remains Brave to life, something that not everybody could understand when she first set out to create the space. But now, many can see how important the space is for them and the community.

“My husband said to me ‘I always felt like this place was meant to be here,’ and a lot of others have said that too. I’d never felt so lonely in my life, but here, I feel more confident now.”

While they can’t expand the food and drink options too much without the extraction fan, the landlord has bought the building, meaning they can grow She Remains Brave in the months to come. This will ensure they have more spaces for counselling sessions, community groups and any activity that will support the community.

“This is the way I’ve coped, it’s my coping mechanism. I can make a difference now.”

She Remains Brave, 5 Huddersfield Rd, Newhey, Rochdale OL16 3RU

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Man United transfer latest: Three stars put up for sale as Myles Lewis-Skelly offer made

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Manchester Evening News

Manchester United are reportedly in the market for a new left-back and could find the solution has already landed on their lap

Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge of Manchester United grows ever closer. Though there is still plenty of transfer business to be done.

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United have already bolstered their squad in several key positions this summer, welcoming Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their midfield ranks and back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Their pre-season results have also been stellar.

Carrick’s squad are unbeaten in their last three fixtures since opening the summer with a friendly defeat to Wrexham. Carrick’s side drew 1-1 against Champions League titleholders Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday after beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 and Rosenborg 5-0.

But for the new Premier League season, the club have made it no secret that left-back is a position they wish to reinforce. Arsenal could help out their top-flight rivals with this issue, as the Manchester Evening News rounds up the latest gossip emerging from Old Trafford.

Mourinho makes trio available

Jose Mourinho is reportedly willing to offload three players considered surplus to requirements at Real Madrid. United could be well placed to take advantage of one or more of those available assets.

According to Spanish daily AS, ‘The Special One’ has indicated he wants a squad of 20, plus the sidelined trio of Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy. However, Mendy is among those who could be moved on due to the heightened competition at left-back following Marc Cucurella’s arrival.

Mendy has no desire to depart the Bernabeu, yet his injury record has done little to instil confidence in Madrid. Former United prospect Alvaro Carreras is the other left-back option understood to be ahead of the Frenchman in the pecking order.

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Eduardo Camavinga finds himself in a comparable situation and has no wish to leave Real. United have previously been heavily linked with the midfielder and could capitalise on his versatility, given Camavinga has already demonstrated his ability both in midfield and at left-back.

The other Real name reportedly available is academy product Raul Asencio. United, however, are not currently thought to be actively pursuing reinforcements in central defence.

United have already endured considerable frustration with Luke Shaw’s persistent unavailability through injury over the years. For this reason, Camavinga may not be the only name at Real with a realistic prospect of making the move to United this summer.

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Lewis-Skelly ‘offered’ to United and Chelsea

The £75million acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes looks set to trigger a knock-on effect at the Emirates Stadium. Reports have emerged that Myles Lewis-Skelly has been offered to both United and Chelsea this week.

Despite initially showing considerable promise as a left-back, Mikel Arteta deployed Lewis-Skelly in midfield throughout last season. The 19-year-old made some vital contributions towards the latter stages of the campaign as the Gunners secured the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final.

As it stands, United have a pressing need for a new left-back as they seek a long-term replacement for Shaw. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has been strongly touted as a candidate for that position, though the Magpies are reportedly unwilling to part with him.

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football.london first reported the Lewis-Skelly offer, with Arteta appearing settled on Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie as his left-back options. Chelsea could also pose a significant threat to any attempts to land Lewis-Skelly, given his London roots and his previous experience training at Cobham as a youngster.

The teenager would suit United’s transfer requirements given they are understood to be pursuing at least one more midfield option alongside a new left-back prospect. The England international fits both criteria, though precisely how much Arsenal would demand for Lewis-Skelly’s signature remains to be seen.

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Ohio lightning strike: 16 inmates hit outside Ohio prison

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Daily Mirror

Just before 6pm local time ambulances from Lorain, Medina and Cuyahoga counties were dispatched to the Grafton Correction Institution after lightning sttic

At least 16 inmates were struck by lightning outside a correctional facility in Ohio, authorities said.

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Just before 6pm local time ambulances from Lorain, Medina and Cuyahoga counties were dispatched to the Grafton Correction Institution.

A spokesperson for Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said: “Initial reports indicate a lightning strike occurred this evening while incarcerated individuals were returning from the evening meal.

“At this time, 16 individuals are being transported to an outside hospital for treatment, including one individual who was life-flighted. There have been no reported deaths at this time. We are continuing to assess and monitor the situation.”

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Officials said the inmates were leaving one building and heading to another after a meal when they were struck.

All were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries although some of the patients were described as being critically hurt.

It came after Ohio was battered by powerful storms that flooded parts of the state with several feet of water killing at least one person.

This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

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