Firefighters battled for an hour and a half to get the fire under control at Errington Woods in New Marske, on Thursday (August 13).

They were called around 7.20pm to reports of smoke coming from a field near the woodland.

Four fire engines from Coulby Newham, Grangetown, Redcar and Saltburn attended and used water bowsers to put out the blaze. They left the scene at about 8.40pm.

Cleveland Fire Brigade believes the blaze covering an area of about 40,000 square meters, was started deliberately.

A spokesperson said: “We were called to an incident at Errington Woods, New Marske at 7.21pm on August 13.

“Four fire engines from Coulby, Grangetown, Redcar and Saltburn were in attendance.

“Approx 200m x 200m field well alight. Ground beaters and a water bowser were used. A stop message was received at 8.40pm. The cause is believed to be deliberate.”

A royal expert has claimed to have noticed a significant shift in the dynamic between Prince Harry and Meghan during their recent trips to Australia and the UK, suggesting Harry appeared to be leading the charge

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A royal commentator has suggested they observed an unexpected shift in the dynamic between Prince Harry and Meghan during their recent visits to Australia and the UK. The remark came while discussing the couple’s evolving public persona on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive podcast.

Harry and Meghan undertook a four-day visit to Australia in April which bore many of the hallmarks of a conventional royal tour, despite the couple travelling in a private capacity.

Their itinerary included events celebrating Indigenous culture, Australian sport, charitable initiatives and a visit to the national war memorial. Royal correspondent Bronte Coy told the podcast that she had been struck by the difference after seeing Harry and Meghan in Australia, having previously felt their life in the US had largely been shaped by Meghan.

She said: “I made this point when I came back from Australia when I was there earlier this year, I found this really intriguing because I agree that everything I’d seen of them prior to that was the Meghan show.”

She suggested Meghan had previously appeared to be the driving force behind their lives since stepping down as working royals, reports the Express.

“I think in the US, certainly, when this Megxit happened, she’s very much been sort of the architect of what their life was going to be,” she added.

However, Bronte said she noticed something different when the couple appeared together in Australia, as well as during their more recent UK visit. Harry recently travelled back to the UK for a series of engagements linked to charities and organisations including the Invictus Games, which he founded.

Meghan and their children later joined him, with the family understood to have visited Highgrove with King Charles in June.

Bronte added: “I was fascinated by the fact that when they arrived in Australia, and in this UK trip as well recently, it more felt like he was the one that was leading the charge, which surprised me.”

She suggested the shift might indicate Harry has grown more at ease with his life outside the Royal Family.

“So again, this may be a tonal shift over the years, you know, with him sort of figuring out what the rest of it was.”

TalkTV presenter Samara Gill suggested Harry’s behaviour could be connected to his experience of royal tours, arguing that this was a setting in which he seemed particularly confident.

She said: “It was more of a royal tour as well, and that’s what he’s kind of been trained to do, like a sort of well-trained racehorse or something. He knows exactly how to do it. That’s where he’s in his element.”

She noted that Meghan had never seemed as comfortable in that environment.

She said: “She’s absolutely not comfortable there and never was really, if you look at it.”

The couple’s previous Australian tour in 2018 took place while they were still working members of the Royal Family and drew substantial crowds, with tens of thousands attending during their nine-day tour.

The reception this time around was notably more muted, with the BBC reporting that many Australians were either unaware of or uninterested in the couple’s visit.

Their public appearances also drew criticism amid concerns that Australian taxpayers could be contributing to the cost of their security.

The couple’s UK visit also marked a significant family reunion for King Charles and his grandchildren, as Archie and Lilibet had not seen their grandfather in person since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

Andrey Santos joined Man Utd this summer and staff have been blown away by the impact he has made at the club.

Manchester United’s transfer business this summer might not have got pulses racing just yet, but inside Old Trafford there is a confidence that the signings they have made so far will be a success and that all three will add to the dynamic in the squad.

Karl Darlow has joined up with the squad on a more regular basis in Ireland this week as he continues to recover from a minor operation, while Youri Tielemans’ quality and leadership were clear even before he arrived at the club.

Andrey Santos was a more unknown quantity after he joined from Chelsea for £50million, but it is the 22-year-old Brazilian who has made the biggest impact, both on and off the pitch.

Santos looks a certainty to start against Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season and he has started every pre-season friendly so far. The make-up of Michael Carrick’s midfield looks like Santos and one of Tielemans, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo at the moment.

On the pitch, Santos has brought assurance to the midfield. He wants the ball at all times, drops deep to get on it and has a good passing range. He believes he can be an elite-level No.6 and is embracing the challenge of replacing Casemiro.

Off it, his leadership and maturity have stood out to staff. He has impressed staff in training and with his general demeanour around the group. Carrick spoke as highly of him on Thursday as I think I’ve ever heard a manager talk about a player.

“Andrey, for such a young man to come in the way he’s came in, his character, his personality is a dream. Literally, he’s a dream,” said Carrick.

“He’s so positive, so mature, so switched on; he wants to learn. He comes in straight away and he’s trying to help other players and talk in games and communicate in games, and has that personality where he’s got a real substance to him, and delighted to have him, delighted to have him when he came in.”

United have shifted their transfer policy in the last couple of windows and now place as much store in the kind of people they are signing as what they can do on the pitch. It has been a success, and the squad feels more harmonious than it did under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Santos has added to this balance and fits within the personalities that now frequent the Old Trafford dressing room. It has been noticeable in pre-season that he is a constant talker on the pitch, particularly when communicating with the centre-backs. That is an impressive and important trait for a young midfielder to have.

So swift has Santos’ impact been that you wonder if United have signed a future captain. His leadership credentials are not in question, despite his youth and the fact he is still learning his trade in the Premier League. He moved to this country from Brazil in 2023 when joining Chelsea from Vasco da Gama, but has settled quickly.

There have been six caps for Brazil so far and that tally could rise swiftly if he carries his pre-season form into the competitive action, but for a measure of how highly he is rated within federation circles, he has captained his country on numerous occasions at age-group levels.

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He has captained Brazil Under-23s on six of his eight caps and led the Under-20 team at the Under-20 South American Championships and Under-20 World Cup in 2023. The 13 games he played as captain in those tournaments saw him score eight goals as he led from the front.

That is evidence he can play as a more progressive midfielder, but at United, his future lies in a deeper role. He is one of two No.6s in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 and looks likeliest to be the one sitting back and trying to dictate play. Carrick wants a midfield that can control games.

Santos looks like he can deliver that, and a whole lot more as well. He hasn’t even made his competitive debut for the club so far, but it doesn’t seem particularly far-fetched to talk of him as a potential future captain, given the impact he has made. Bruno Fernandes is going nowhere this summer, but at some point over the next few years, that armband will be available.

Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

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Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.

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City could conceivably spend £300m on central midfielders this summer, an outlay that has plenty quoting a slightly lower figure in a mixture of anger, disbelief and ignorance at how the Blues can splash such cash. Until a decision is finally reached on the outstanding 115 charges, that mud will continue to be splattered in City’s direction. But if those furious at a club spending so much on new talent wanted to look, there are more subtle explanations than crying financial foul play.

For one, few can match the revenues City are able to rake in, with the Blues earning £694.1m in the financial year ending June 30, 2025, albeit with a marginal loss of £9.9m, and more than £700m in the two years prior to that.

Read more here>>>

The Strictly Come Dancing class of 2026 came together for the first time on Thursday as they headed to their first dance rehearsals. 

Despite fans branding the lineup the ‘worst ever’ in the show’s 22-year run, the contestants still looked in great spirits as they arrived at the studio in London. 

Ready to give Strictly another go after an injury forced her out of last year’s lineup was Dani Dyer, who flashed a smile as she walked in.

Dani – who was paired with Nikita Kuzmin last year but fractured her ankle before the first show – looked effortlessly stylish in a black top and leopard print skirt. 

Also looking chic was Delta Goodrem, who paired a white top with a brown leather skirt and towering heels. 

Meanwhile, Jaime Winstone embraced the UK heatwave in a pair of denim hotpants and brown cowboy boots. 

Despite fans branding the lineup the ‘worst ever’ in the show’s 22-year run, the contestants still looked in great spirits as they arrived at the studio in London (pictured: Delta Goodrem, left, and Jaime Winstone) 

Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, who was announced as the final star to join the line up this week, couldn’t stop beaming as she met up with her fellow contestants.

Also in this year’s lineup is EastEnders’ Lacey Turner, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Love Island star Cach Mercer, Big Brother host Will Best and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey. 

They are joined by House Of The Dragon’s Bethany Antonia, footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, presenter Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Hall, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, YouTuber John Nellis and Olympian Tabby Stoecker.

Strictly is one of the BBC‘s most popular shows, with millions tuning in every weekend and the professional dancers quickly becoming household names. 

This year, however, there’s been one big problem – that the dancers are better known than the ‘stars’ they’re set to partner up with. 

YouTuber John, for example, doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. 

But that doesn’t seem to matter to producers, who are said to have specifically selected stars who have large social media followings.

Stars such as Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist Chris might not be a household name, but he does boast a huge social media following with 4 million fans on Instagram. 

John has an even bigger fanbase, with 15.7 million YouTube subscribers.

Ready to give Strictly another go after an injury forced her out of last year’s lineup was Dani, who flashed a smile as she walked in

Dani – who was paired with Nikita Kuzmin last year but fractured her ankle before the first show – looked effortlessly stylish in a black top and leopard print skirt

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Dani also shared a selfie on her way to the studios 

Also looking chic was Delta, who paired a white top with a brown leather skirt and towering heels. She accessorised with a small snake print handbag

Jaime Winstone embraced the UK heatwave in a pair of denim hotpants and cowboy boots

Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, who was announced as the final star to join the line up this week, couldn’t stop beaming as she met up with her fellow contestants

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EastEnders star Lacey Turner looked summery in a pastel striped midi dress 

Love Island’s Cache Mercer sported a grey vest and baggy jeans 

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton opted for double denim in a shirt and jeans 

Chris was spotted giving fellow Strictly star Lawrence Robb a hug 

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Lawrence was casually clad in a navy vest paired with white trousers and sandals 

Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips opted for a black T-shirt and white trousers

Graeme ‘The Dogfather’ Hill kept things casual in a paisley shirt and shorts 

Olympian Tabby Stoecker paired a white vest with linen trousers and flip flops 

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Tabby also shared a throwback from when she met last year’s Strictly contestant Montell Douglas who taught her how to waltz

However, loyal fans have been left scratching their heads over the lineup, with many of the comments on the Strictly social posts asking who the celebrity is, rather than expressing any excitement. 

Indeed, while bosses may be keen to attract Gen Z – the majority of Strictly viewers are in fact Gen X and Baby Boomers.  

Audience demographic data indicates that around 60 per cent of the audience is aged 55 or older, putting the average viewer age firmly in the mid-50s and above. 

Yet this year, it’s time for an overhaul, with suggestions Strictly is following a similar, hugely successful social media strategy employed by its US counterpart Dancing With The Stars. 

Dancing With The Stars has used their celebrity contestants’ followings to their advantage, introducing a TikTok Night last year – an episode which saw the contestants perform viral dance routines, sparking an uptick in interaction from younger viewers.

The Dancing With The Stars TikTok account now has more than 5 million followers, in comparison to Strictly’s 670,000.

‘Although your traditional Strictly audience might not know who some of the signings are, that’s not as important as bringing in new viewers who are more than familiar with them,’ a source told The Sun.

‘Their followers are vast in numbers, enthusiastic and, by sharing content on Strictly, raise the profile of the show massively.

‘And, in time, the viewers who don’t know these people get to know them. If anything they end up going on much more of a “Strictly Journey” than the stars you’d describe as “household names.”‘

The following day the celebrities were back to meet the professional dancers for the first time and for their first rehearsal 

Delta looked great in a plunging black top paired with flared leggings and blue trainers 

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Dani opted for a skintight co-ord and trainers for the rehearsals 

Chris donned a plaid shirt and jeans while Cache opted for a vest and shorts

Jaime rocked a pair of oversized shades as she headed into the studio 

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This year has seen a number of changes to the show – which was previously known for its formulaic regime in its 22 years on air. 

Perhaps most pertinent is the change in presenters, after longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit the show. 

There are now a trio of new hosts – all of whom have a strong online presence. 

Comedian Josh Widdicombe has more than half a million Instagram followers on his personal account whilst the Insta page for his hugely popular podcast Parenting Hell has 250,000.

Emma Willis has two million Instagram followers and fan-favourite dancer Johannes Radebe, who will act as a co-presenter this year, has 458,000 followers. 

The celeb lineup was also announced on social media this year rather than on radio and TV. 

And before the celeb reveals, there was a big reshuffle with the professional dancers.  

In recent months popular dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez have all been given the boot.

It’s understood pros with bigger online followings have been chosen over dancers who are not so TikTok friendly as the series tries desperately to attract a younger audience.

One example appears to be axed Nadiya, who has 214,000 Insta followers, while Dianne Buswell, with 1.2 million Instagram followers and 973,000 on TikTok, has kept her place in the line-up.

Meanwhile five new young pros have been recruited with ballroom champ Maddie Ingoldsby boasting 364,000 TikTok followers. 

Former Strictly judge and renowned choreographer Arlene Phillips recently criticised the pro hirings, telling Good Morning Britain last month: ‘The new pros, as long as they can dance. I mean, most of them are sort of influencers and they talk an awful lot. As long as those pros can dance.’

The trio of new hosts also have a strong online presence. Comedian Josh Widdicombe has over half a million Instagram followers (pictured with Johannes Radebe and Emma Willis)

Five new young pros have been recruited. From left, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Mark Karmalita

Yet while there is clearly a pull for stars with a large online presence, an insider claimed that part of the problem with booking celebrity shows now is that the landscape has changed.

The source continued: ‘Crucially the pipeline that used to feed these big shows has changed.

‘Boyband and girlband stars aren’t as prevalent any more and, once upon a time, getting someone from a soap or a big drama was a massive deal, but now even that has diminished somewhat.

‘Now, though, social media is continuing to boom and big stars from the world of TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are known to a vast section of society.’

Strictly is set to return for its 24th season next month, when loyal viewers will finally be able to give their say on all the changes. 

An investigation is underway

Detectives have launched an investigation after a man was seen exposing himself in woods near a major Cheshire road. Police are looking into reports of a man exposing himself in Kennel Woods, off Kennel Lane in Sandiway, close to the A556 near Northwich.

Cheshire Police says the victim reported seeing a man expose himself at some point between 4.30pm and 5pm last Friday (August 7). He was reportedly wearing a dark t-shirt and dark shorts at the time.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing. Officers are appealing for any further witnesses, or anyone with relevant video footage that could help with the investigation, to come forward.

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That could include drivers on the A556, which runs between Greater Manchester and Chester. Detective Constable Caitlin Clark, of Northwich CID said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely concerning, and I would like to reassure residents that we’re committed to doing everything we can to identify the person responsible.

“Kennel Woods is a popular spot for dog walkers, and as part of our enquiries, we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and believes they may have witnessed the incident. The same goes for anyone who was driving on Kennel Lane, or the A556 Chester Road, and may have any dashcam footage which could aid our investigation.

“I would also urge people visiting the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or online, quoting IML-2391087.

By AIDAN RADNEDGE, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 10:41 BST, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 10:48 BST, 14 August 2026

A killer husband who murdered his estranged wife and concealed her body will stay in prison after London’s High Court reversed a Parole Board decision to free him.

Glyn Razzell was jailed for life with a minimum of almost 16 years in 2003 for murdering his estranged wife, Linda Razzell, whose body has never been found.

The mother-of-four disappeared on her way to work at Swindon College, Wiltshire, in March 2002, amid divorce proceedings.

The Parole Board ruled three times from 2019 that Razzell should remain behind bars, but in April decided he could be released on licence.

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The Ministry of Justice referred the decision to the High Court, telling a two-day hearing it should be reversed because the Parole Board failed to consider Razzell’s risk properly.

Razzell, who attended both days of the hearing while sitting in the dock of the courtroom, opposed the bid to challenge his release.

At the end of the hearing on Tuesday, Razzell was photographed leaving the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.

He had last been publicly photographed during his trial in 2003 at Bristol Crown Court.

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Murderer Glyn Razzell has been photographed in public for the first time in more than 20 years amid a legal battle over whether he can be released from prison (Pictured: August 11, 2026)

Razzell was jailed for life with a minimum of almost 16 years for murdering his estranged wife, Linda Razzell, whose body has never been found (Pictured: October 15 2003)

Linda Razzell disappeared on her way to work at Swindon College, Wiltshire, in March 2002, amid divorce proceedings

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Mrs Razzell’s relatives and loved ones urged the court to block the release, with her cousin Julie Westmore saying the family ‘will not feel safe’.

She also voiced fears that ‘all hope of ever finding Linda’s remains will be lost’ if the killer was freed.

In a ruling on Friday, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb quashed the Parole Board’s decision.

She said she was ‘not satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that Glyn Razzell be confined’.

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The judge added: ‘I am not persuaded that the risk has diminished to such a level that offender management is capable of keeping the public safe if the defendant is released.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow… 

“Families and children were left feeling frightened, and when residents contacted the PSNI for clarification, they were reportedly informed that officers had been instructed to withdraw because of a potential risk to police”

Concerns have been raised that police were told to “withdraw from Ardoyne” earlier in the week due to a risk of violent disorder.

Police were called to reports of a house being attacked in the North Belfast area on Wednesday, August 12, with the incident being treated as a racially motivated hate crime. They also received reports of a collision on Alliance Avenue and reports of masked men throughout the wider area.

Officers say they attended the scene and “deployed a number of resources to the area” which included a drone.

However, concerns have been raised by local residents after the PSNI allegedly left the area quickly with claims that police told them that they did so because of a potential risk to the officers.

Independent councillor Paul McCusker said: “I am seeking answers from the PSNI following a number of concerning incidents in Ardoyne on Wednesday night, including reports of a house being attacked and reports of masked men on a motorbike in the area.

“Residents have told me they were alarmed to see police leave the area shortly after attending. Families and children were left feeling frightened, and when residents contacted the PSNI for clarification, they were reportedly informed that officers had been instructed to withdraw because of a potential risk to police.

“While I understand the importance of officer safety, local people also deserve protection, reassurance and support during serious incidents. The use of drones alone is not enough to provide confidence to residents who are fearful for their safety.

“I regularly encourage residents to contact the police and report incidents. To maintain public confidence, communities need a police service that is visible, responsive and prepared to provide reassurance when such events take place.

“The PSNI should explain the circumstances surrounding this decision and provide assurances to residents that their concerns are being taken seriously.”

North Belfast District Commander Superintendent Allister Hagan told Belfast Live: “We received a number of reports relating to incidents in the Ardoyne area within a short period of time On Wednesday, 12 August.

“Local officers responded to a report that a house had been attacked by a number of people. This is being treated seriously and is currently being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime.

“A short time later, police received a report of a damage-only road traffic collision on Alliance Avenue, as well as reports of masked men in the wider area. Police responded to these reports and deployed a number of resources to the area, including a police-operated drone, which was used to provide additional situational awareness and identify potential investigative opportunities.

“We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause within the local community. Our priority is to respond to incidents based on an assessment of the threat, risk and harm, it is our aim to establish what has occurred, protect the community and secure opportunities to identify those responsible.

“Local officers have continued their enquiries today. These include reviewing available footage and pursuing a number of investigative opportunities to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents and identify those involved.

“I would encourage anyone who witnessed any of these incidents, saw suspicious activity in the area, or has CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation, to contact police.”

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

London bus drivers have started 26 days of strike action in protest at ‘dangerously hot’ conditions during the record-breaking summer.

More than 1,500 bus drivers working for Arriva London started industrial action today – with warnings of major transport delays and chaos across the coming months.

The employees, who work at eight bus garages across north and east London and Essex, have walked out over what the Unite union says is Arriva’s failure to improve working conditions during hot weather.

Workers are complaining that buses don’t have air-conditioning, and are instead reliant on ‘cooling systems’ which are less effective in the sweltering heatwaves that have hit the capital over the last few months. 

Unite said the current systems only reduce temperatures by about two or three degrees, leaving conditions ‘still unbearably hot for drivers and passengers’.

Drought has been declared for all of Wales and almost three-quarters of England – and a sixth heatwave of the year saw temperatures pass 38C (100F) (100.4F). 

It was confirmed this week the UK is on course for its hottest summer ever – with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat a record set only last year.

Britain yesterday experienced its hottest day of the year so far and the fifth warmest on record as temperatures surged to 38.1C in Kew Gardens.

A London bus driver takes a break in the shade during a heatwave in June this year

It is the second time the UK has reached 38C (100.4F) this year – with the first being in Lingwood, Norfolk, when the mercury reached that mark on June 26.

The only other time temperatures have reached 38C twice in a year was in 2022 when the UK recorded its hottest ever temperatures, the Met Office said. 

The intense heat has made 2026 the first year on record to see three separate days where temperatures reached the 37C (99F) threshold, as well as the first year with four days at 36C or above, and extends 2026’s record-breaking run of days above 35C (95F).

Supporting today’s strike action, Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘The heatwave this week has caused even more problems for our members at Arriva North London, who have once again faced doing a demanding job in unbearable conditions.

‘No worker should be made ill by their job. This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet.

‘Arriva can afford to act on this serious issue, which puts both drivers and the general public at risk and it must make this a priority.’

The industrial action being taken is by bus garage workers based at Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.

As well as today and tomorrow, further strikes are planned for August 18 to August 21, August 25 to 28, September 4 and 5, September 7 and 8, September 18 and 19, September 21 and 22, October 2 and 3, October 5 and 6, October 16 and 17 and October 19 and 20. 

Strikers have also been protesting outside Wood Green bus garage in north London

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More than 6,000 London buses have air cooling systems yet most lack air conditioning, according to Transport for London. 

The walkouts between August 18 and 21 and from August 25 to 28, as well as some in September, come at the same time as planned closures for engineering works on London Underground’s Piccadilly Line.

Unite regional officer Steve Stockwell said: ‘The high temperatures this week have created even more misery for drivers at Arriva North London, who have spent the whole summer struggling to work in dangerous conditions.

‘They have raised concerns multiple times but these are not being listened to by management, so our members have no choice but to press ahead with this highly disruptive industrial action.

‘Unite is willing to come back to the table, but that relies on Arriva North London management implementing meaningful changes so our drivers can do their jobs safely in hot weather.’

Arriva London‘s managing director Mo Wasim said: ‘Extreme heat is creating challenges across many sectors, including London’s bus network.

‘The wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is our top priority, and we are working closely with Transport for London to ensure appropriate support is in place.

‘We have already introduced additional support for drivers during hot weather, including regular breaks and welfare checks – and are continuing to invest in long-term improvements, including upgraded air conditioning systems and new buses coming into our fleet.’

He said these ‘upgrades’ were being led by TfL – while also adding: ‘We urge Unite to come back to the negotiating table and engage with us constructively so we can avoid further disruption.’

The Mayor of London’s office has been approached for comment.

A spokesman for the mayor Sir Sadiq Khan previously said in June: ‘The mayor recognises the vital role of London’s hard working bus drivers to keep the capital moving around the clock and he is committed to continually improving working conditions.

‘The mayor is in close contact with TfL during the heatwave and has asked that they work with bus operators to put in place more support for drivers.

‘This is in addition to the comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect all staff and customers during the warm weather.

‘All driver cabs are fitted with air cooling systems and checks on these are taking place.

‘If air cooling systems on a vehicle are not functioning and drivers do not feel they can carry out their duties safely, they should contact the controller and stop driving, with no risk of any penalties.’