He said that he is ‘devastated’ for his friends and family

The Mayor of London has spoken out about the death of Cambridge University professor Jason Arday. The Metropolitan Police said officers attended Daley Thompson Way in Battersea, where the academic Jason Arday lived, on Friday afternoon (August 14).

It was there a 41-year-old man was found “unresponsive” and later pronounced dead at the scene. The force said: “police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 15:12hrs on Friday, 14 August following a report that a man had been found unresponsive inside a property on Daley Thompson Way, SW8.

“Sadly, a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.” In a statement, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Prof Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023, quit following a series of media reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis – completed at Liverpool John Moores University – and other research.

Further questions were asked in the press about the truth of other claims he made, including saying he ran 600 miles in six days and that he had raised £5.5 million for charity. An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.

Durham and Glasgow universities are investigating the circumstances around Prof Arday’s appointment to academic posts there and Cambridge’s Jesus College has accepted his resignation from his fellowship, according to Prof Prentice. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said that Jason faced “an unacceptable public hounding”, and that his death is “a tragedy”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m devastated for the family and friends of Jason Arday. He faced an unacceptable public hounding and campaign of abuse. I know many Londoners will be angry and upset this evening.

“Jason Arday was the victim of a pernicious public shaming that other people in his position simply wouldn’t have faced. His death was a tragedy, but once again it should be a wake up call for all of us.”

Mr Flynn, who is now the cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport, was asked if Ms Sturgeon’s departure from the party and her comments had affected the party hierarchy’s relationship with the former first minister and if people were “annoyed” with her comments.

Andy Burnham said the UK needs to “guarantee our own food production going forward” as farmers face one of their toughest summers in decades.

His comments came as the Government announced a £65 million support package for farmers, including extra funding for environmental schemes and new on-farm reservoirs.

Farmers across the country have been hit by prolonged hot, dry weather and a lack of rainfall, with many crops being harvested early while others have suffered lower yields and poorer quality.

The UK experienced its driest July on record, adding to concerns that reduced harvests could eventually push up food prices in supermarkets.

Burnham visited a family-run potato farm near Truro, Cornwall, where he met National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw and saw the impact of drought conditions first-hand.

Speaking to broadcasters, Burnham said: “I realise we’ve got a long way to go to build back trust with the farming community across the country.”

He added: “I think it’s probably been the hardest summer for British farming in a generation.”

The Prime Minister said food and farming should be treated as a matter of national resilience.

“I see food and farming as part of national resilience, national infrastructure,” he said.

“We need to be able to guarantee our own food production going forward.”

£65m farming support package

The Government said the £65 million package will help farmers dealing with the immediate impact of the drought while also improving resilience against future dry summers.

Of the funding:

• £50 million will be added to this year’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pot.
• £15 million will support farmers building on-farm reservoirs.

The measures are designed to help farmers get water to crops, feed livestock where grass has failed and continue environmental work without being left financially worse off.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham sees potatoes being sorted during a visit to F G Pryor & Son Ltd, Colwyn Farm near Truro, Cornwall. (Image: James Manning)

Farmers will also be given more flexibility within environmental schemes.

Where grass is scarce, farmers who normally cannot graze or cut certain areas being managed for wildlife will be allowed to use them without losing their payments.

Burnham said: “With the parched nature of the fields, it’s really important that they can use all of the available land to graze cattle and livestock and sheep.”

He described the package as “new money coming from Defra budgets” and said it was intended as a “sign of intent” for the farming industry.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw welcomes the government’s drought package announced today, which includes £65m of investment into the SFI and water infrastructure.

This is an important step to help some farmers better manage the severe pressures they are battling caused by sustained… pic.twitter.com/w5EojbP7Gr

— National Farmers’ Union (@NFUtweets) August 14, 2026

Farmers warn crisis is happening now

However, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the measures were a “really welcome start”, while warning that they would not solve the immediate crisis facing farmers.

He said: “It doesn’t affect the crisis today.”

“Many farms are absolutely on edge because of a disastrous harvest,” Bradshaw added.

“Fields that should be green are now brown. They’re feeding their winter rations out in the field now, and they’re also exposed to disease.”

He said the environmental funding could help improve resilience in the longer term, but added: “It doesn’t help today.”

Bradshaw described the current conditions as “probably the most extreme challenge that many have ever faced within their farms”, with farmers dealing with what he called the worst drought in 50 years.

“We have to work together with the government to try to make sure that all of those farms are still in business in 12 months’ time, so that then we can plan strategically for the future,” he said.

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The Government has faced months of anger from farmers, including major protests over plans to introduce inheritance tax on agricultural and business assets.

The proposed threshold was later increased to £2.5 million in a pre-Christmas U-turn.

Now, with extreme weather adding another major challenge for the sector, the Government faces renewed pressure to rebuild its relationship with farmers.

Budgens has opened in Woodthorpe, replacing Morrisons Daily which shut up shop on August 1 as part of the chain’s cost-cutting measures. The move left locals without access to essential counter services for two weeks.

After a swift transition, the new Budgens store celebrated its grand opening on Moorcroft Road, attended by local residents and Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Fenton, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Budgens Woodthorpe (Image: Provided) (Image: (Image: Provided))

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Councillor Fenton said: “The Budgens team have done a fantastic job getting the store fully stocked and ready for business so soon after Morrisons closed their store.

“It was great to see so many local residents coming into the store this morning, which shows that it is a much-valued facility, particularly for those residents who can’t easily get to a larger supermarket.

“There are further improvements to be made to the exterior of the store, and the Post Office counter will be up and running in a few weeks once the onboarding process has been completed. Things are definitely looking up in Woodthorpe!”

More than 360 resident had backed a petition calling on Post Office Ltd to retain counter services in Woodthorpe.

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The existing four-storey building will be extended with two additional floors

A four-storey office building in a Cambridgeshire city will be extended to make way for new apartments. MJS Construction LTD sought permission from Peterborough City Council to extend and convert the “prestigious” Monkstone House into residential apartments.

The proposal will see the existing City Road building extended with two additional floors to create 65 residential apartments after plans were approved. The upward extension would include 22 residential apartments and the conversion of the existing building would deliver a further 43.

The plans indicate there would be 58 two-bedroom apartments and seven one-bedroom units. The applicant said it will deliver “well designed residential accommodation” within a “highly sustainable city-centre location”.

A planning statement reads: “While the proposed development will result in a building containing multiple dwellinghouses, the overall height of the building will remain below 18 metres and will not exceed 7 storeys.”

According to planning documents, the proposals will include cycle parking provision for future occupiers. The planning statement continues: “The scheme makes effective use of previously developed land and represents an appropriate form of intensification, making a positive contribution to the delivery of housing without altering the established building footprint or access arrangements.”

The developer described Monkstone House as a “prestigious and prominent office building well-located in the heart of the city centre and major commercial district”.

New balls please: York Shakespeare Project presents 2026 Summer Sonnets: What The Deuce?, Holy Trinity Churchyard, Goodramgate, York, today, 4.30pm, 6pm & 7.30pm

SUMMER at the Goodramgate Lawn Tennis Club finds four doubles teams competing for the chance to play in a Wimbledon amateur tournament, whereupon partnerships and rivalries lead to sabotage and break point. Who has the advantage? Who is at fault? Will the score be love?

Expect further tennis puns aplenty as Rosy Rowley directs Stuart Green’s script that asks a new collection of ten characters to play out this new sporting and unsporting situation where each finds a way to share a Shakespeare sonnet. Taking part are James Robert Ball, Oscar Langford, Helen Clarke, Sarah McKeagney, Stuart Lindsay, Alexa Williams, Jamie McKeller, Alan Sharp, Christine Bramwell and Effie Warboys. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

Open-air art event of the week: York River Art Market, Dame Judi Dench Walk, York, today & tomorrow, 10am to 5.30pm

York River Art Market organiser Caroline Turner and artist Lincoln Lightfoot on the Dame Judi Dench Walk pathway

YORK River Art Market has returned for its 11th year, bringing more than 30 artists from multiple disciplines to the Ouse riverside each day on the third of three weekends, this year presenting art and design market stalls on both sides of the pathway.

Described as York’s answer to the Left Bank in Paris, the event is being run for the first time this summer by Caroline Turner, a professional potter and ceramics teacher at Clay Space York. Admission is free.

Folk festival fully booked: The Magpies Festival, Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, near York, today

RUN by the folk trio of Bella Gaffney, Holly Brandon and Ellie Gowers, The Magpies Festival presents today’s line-up on the Main Stage of Steady Habits (12 noon), Alex Hart (2pm), Blair Dunlop (4pm), Katherine Priddy (6pm), Gnoss (8pm) and headliners Cut Capers (10pm).

The Brass Castle Stage plays host to Songs In The Round, with Katherine Priddy, Blair Dunlop and Chloe Foy (1pm), Tarren (3pm), Ophelia’s Beard (5pm), Around About Dusk (7pm) and Suntou Susso & The Gambian Superstars (9pm). Box office for returns only: themagpiesfestival.co.uk/tickets.

Club classics/House/Orchestral party gathering of the week: Ministry of Sound Classical, Grounds of Castle Howard, near Malton, today, 2pm to 10.30pm

ENJOY sweeping views of the Castle Howard Estate while listening to a live orchestra reimagining the greatest dance anthems from the iconic Ministry of Sound catalogue as timeless tracks are brought to life, blending classical musicianship with contemporary dance music for an unforgettable open-air experience.

Ministry of Sound Classical: Taking over the Castle Howard grounds today

As well as headline act Ministry Of Sound Classical, artists performing at this festival will be Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold, Danny Rampling, Ellie Sax, Smudged Soul and Alex Malam. Box office for last few tickets: skiddle.com/festivals/ministry-of-sound-classical-at-castle-howard/#tickets.

Coastal gig of the week: Hollywood Vampires, TK Maxx Presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre, today, gates 6pm

Johnny Depp to play Scarborough with Hollywood Vampires on Saturday, August 15. Image: Cuffe & Taylor

NAMED after Alice Cooper’s 1970s’ drinking club, American rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires return to Scarborough after their sold-out 2023 gig with the regular line-up of Cooper, film star and guitarist Johnny Depp, Aerosmith co-founder Joe Perry and Crossbone Skully and Warlock musician Tommy Henriksen. Punk icons The Damned support. Box office: scarboroughopenairtheatre.

Comedy gig of the week: Basement Comedy Club launch show, The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, York, tomorrow, 6pm

Nice touch: Chloe Petts feeling lippy about playing Basement Comedy Club’s debut gig

CITY Screen Picturehouse launches its new monthly comedy event in the redecorated Basement this weekend. Compered by Sara Barron, the debut Basement Comedy Club bill comprises headline act Chloe Petts, addressing lad culture and identity politics, Manchester comic Shah, shedding light on growing up in an immigrant household and mental health challenges, and Lovdev Barpaga, who specialises in crafting one liners and puns. Box office: picturehouses.com.

Exhibition of the week: Sue Slack, Finding The Dramatic, Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-e-Hole, until August 31

NORTH York Moors landscape painter Sue Slack’s work is inspired by a deep connection with the surrounding landscape. A keen runner and hiker, she draws creative energy from exploring the area close to home.

Working outdoors, Sue embraces the immediacy of being in the landscape and its direct influence on her painting and drawing. In Finding The Dramatic, she presents mixed-media works inspired by the hills, dales and coastline of the North York Moors. Open Saturdays to Thursdays, closed on Fridays; free to visit.

American pop underground act of the week: Please Please You presents Linda Smith, The Crescent, York, tomorrow, 6.30pm

HOME recording pioneer Linda Smith has self-released her music since 1987, originally on cassette. In the early 1990s, indie labels Slumberland and Harriet Records expanded her reach with two seven-inch EPs.

Brooklyn, New York label Captured Tracks has reissued two complete albums on vinyl and Smith has begun to tour in the United States and internationally for the first time, now visiting York with her bedroom pop. Support act Troutflies play loose, woozy punk and experimental lo-fi pop, occasionally with duelling melodicas. Box office: thecrescentyork.com.

CANCELLED: Glasswerk presents Day Fever Silent Disco, York Museum Gardens, August 21, 6.30pm

YORK Museum Gardens will no longer be transformed into “the ultimate outdoor dance floor” for Day Fever’s first ever Silent Disco under the stars that would have followed the organisers’ series of York Barbican indoor events.

“It’s really simple,” said Day Fever’s co-organiser, actress Vicky McClure, before the late cancellation. “Everyone gets a pair of headphones. You’ll be connected to a Day Fever DJ, who will be playing non-stop Day Fever anthems from 6.30pm until 10m. Sing as loud as you like – no-one can hear.” Ticket refunds: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/York/Museum-Gardens/Day-Fever-Silent-Disco/42485814/.

Show announcement of the week: Red Dragonfly Productions & Grist To The Mill Productions presentThe Ballad Of Mulan, York Theatre Royal Studio, September 12, 7.45pm; September 12, 2pm & 7.45pm

COMMISSIONED and performed by West Yorkshire-born British-Chinese actress Michelle Yim, The Ballad Of Mulantells the story of the real woman behind the legendary Chinese female warrior who disguised as a man to join the Empire’s army – and inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan.

Woman, warrior, legend, for ten years Mulan has fought for the Chinese Empire. Now, after one last battle, she will be going home, but can she return to her old life, becoming a woman again. Yim’s hour-long Ballad For Mulan presents a search for identity in a violent world. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

Kelly Osbourne has fiercely defended her late father Ozzy Osbourne after Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider waded into a debate about how much of his music he actually wrote.

The 41-year-old hit back at Snider after he claimed Ozzy relied on other musicians to write his lyrics, including during his years fronting Black Sabbath and throughout his hugely successful solo career.

Kelly accused the We’re Not Gonna Take It singer of trying to ‘diminish’ her father’s achievements after his death and ultimately told him to keep Ozzy’s name ‘out of your f***ing mouth’.

The row began when a user on X brought up claims made by former Ozzy bassist Bob Daisley, who has previously spoken about his contributions to the Prince of Darkness’s solo records.

Daisley has claimed he wrote the majority of the lyrics across Ozzy’s first five solo albums, and received songwriting credits alongside him on records including Blizzard of Ozz and No Rest for the Wicked.

Snider, 71, then jumped into the conversation to argue Daisley’s contribution went considerably further than the original post suggested.

‘“A load”? How about ALL the lyrics? Ozzy always had bass players write his lyrics,’ he wrote.

The rocker went on to point to Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, who served as the band’s primary lyricist, as well as Daisley and late Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, who also wrote lyrics for Ozzy.

Kelly was distinctly unimpressed by Snider’s contribution to the conversation.

Posting a lengthy response on Instagram Stories, she argued that her father’s place in music history hardly required defending.

‘My father’s legacy as a musician, songwriter, singer and bandleader speaks for itself,’ she began.

‘His friends, those who worked with him, those who love him, and millions of fans around the world that still continue to buy his records know exactly what he meant, what he contributed and what he leaves behind.

‘His legacy will live on eternally.’

Kelly then turned her attention directly to Snider – and things became considerably less diplomatic.

‘@deesnider your last hit… not to age myself was the year I was born over 40 years ago,’ she wrote.

She branded it ‘spectacularly classless’ for Snider to make comments she felt diminished Ozzy’s ‘extraordinary abilities and achievements’ when her father was no longer alive to respond himself.

Kelly also argued that Snider could not possibly know everything that happened privately during the creation of Ozzy’s music and contrasted the two rock stars’ careers.

While describing Snider as having enjoyed a ‘brief period of mainstream success more than 40 years ago’, she pointed out that Ozzy remained a major presence in music for nearly six decades, first as the unmistakable voice of Black Sabbath and then as a solo artist.

‘My father doesn’t need Dee Snider’s approval to establish his place in music history,’ she continued.

‘And trying to make my father smaller won’t make Dee Snider bigger.’

Kelly went on to question whether the comments were an attempt to generate attention, arguing that Ozzy’s ‘name, catalogue and influence’ remained relevant around the world.

Snider subsequently attempted to clarify his remarks, insisting his comments about songwriting credits were not intended as an attack on the late rocker.

‘And again. To be clear, I HAVE NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR OZZY,’ he wrote on X.

‘He was always lovely to me. @BlackSabbath changed my life! As a songwriter I can be a little touchy about credit and royalties.’

If Snider was hoping that would bring an end to the increasingly heated exchange, however, Kelly was not convinced.

She returned to Instagram Stories to dismiss the explanation as a ‘backhanded compliment’ and accused him once again of invoking her father’s name for publicity.

‘Apparently the association is offensive when it comes to royalties, but remarkably convenient when the spotlight starts to fade,’ she wrote.

Then, borrowing from Will Smith’s infamous outburst at the 2022 Oscars, Kelly made her feelings particularly clear.

‘Keep my father’s name out of your f***ing mouth,’ she wrote, before branding Snider ‘yesterday’s headline begging for tomorrow’s attention’.

‘Time to face reality it’s over dude! You’re just bitter old man. The past is over. No amount of attention-seeking will make you relevant to it again.’

The disagreement touches on a long-established distinction between Ozzy’s role in his music and the writing of its lyrics.

Butler was Black Sabbath’s principal lyricist during the band’s classic era, while Daisley has spoken extensively about writing lyrics during Ozzy’s solo career.

That did not stop Ozzy becoming one of the most influential and recognisable figures in heavy metal, however, with his distinctive vocals and persona helping propel Black Sabbath to global fame before he forged an enormously successful career of his own.

Ozzy died aged 76 on July 22 after suffering a heart attack at his family home near Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire.

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A number of people were inside the property at the time

Masked men threw a petrol bomb at a property in South Belfast in an attack in the early hours of this morning.

At around 12.50am on Saturday, August 15, two masked men approached a property in the Hatfield Street area. One of the men threw a petrol bomb at the house, which ignited and caused damage to a window.

The second man threw another object at the property, but it did not ignite. The men made off towards the Balfour Avenue area and the fire was extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

A number of people were inside the property at the time, however, there were no reports of any injuries.

Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: “Shortly before 00:50am, it was reported to police that two masked men approached a property. It was reported that one of the men threw a petrol bomb at the front of the house, which ignited and caused damage to a window.

“The second man threw another object at the property, but it did not ignite. The men made off towards the Balfour Avenue area and the fire was extinguished by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. A number of people were inside the property at the time of the incident, but no reports of any injuries.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and police would ask anyone who might have any information which could assist to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 79 15/08/26 or call us on 101.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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

Bonnie Tyler fans lined the streets of her Welsh hometown today as they paid tribute to the Total Eclipse of the Heart singer before her funeral on Monday.

Bonnie, whose real name is Gaynor Hopkins, died at the age of 75 in hospital in Portugal on July 8, months after she was placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.

She died close to where she lived with her husband Robert Sullivan, but has been returned to the UK to be laid to rest this week.

Prior to Monday’s private family service, a memorial procession is taking place in Mumbles, Swansea, as she travels to her home, Fernhill.

A statement released by William Pressdee Funeralcare on behalf of the singer’s family said: ‘Resting at William Pressdee Funeralcare, Mumbles until she returns to her home, Fernhill, on Saturday 15th August at 3.30pm – those who wish to pay their respects are invited to line Newton Road, Mumbles from 3.15pm.’

Referring to Bonnie by her birth name, the statement continued: ‘A Celebration of Gaynor’s life will be held at Swansea Minster (St. Mary’s Church) on Monday 17th August at 12noon.

‘Gaynor will then return to her “hometown”, and travel through Skewen at approximately 1.20pm en route to a private family service of committal and farewell.’

Ahead of the procession on Saturday afternoon, fans began gathering near to Fernhill, with many leaving flowers outside along the wall. 

The crowds were several people deep as they amassed along the nearby high street

Bonnie, whose real name is Gaynor Hopkins, died at the age of 75 in hospital in Portugal on July 8 – her funeral is being held on Monday

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A woman wears a T-shirt with a picture of Bonnie ahead of a memorial procession today

One was seen wearing a T-shirt adorned with the Welsh singer’s face. 

The crowds were several people deep as they amassed along the nearby high street, and many clutched roses or sunflowers. 

Bonnie’s family invited fans to donate to two charities that Bonnie was a patron of, instead of sending flowers.

The charities are the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, and Cerebral Palsy Cymru, with the funeral home adding: ‘Her legacy lives on in the timeless songs that made her a legend.’

Bonnie’s death was announced in a statement by her ‘heartbroken’ family and team on her website on July 9, which said she died in hospital in Portugal.

The performer was best known for her hits Total Eclipse Of The Heart and Holding Out For A Hero, and she had planned a new European tour which had been due to start later this year.

The statement said: ‘Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.’

Bonnie was first admitted to hospital in May because of complications caused by a burst appendix and perforated intestine that required urgent surgery.

Her last public performance was in March, when she performed at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. 

Mourners hold roses as they gather to pay their respects to the Total Eclipse of the Heart singer

The singer died last month in Portugal but is being laid to rest in her home country

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Tributes are seen outside Bonnie’s home, Fernhill, on Saturday afternoon

Tributes are left outside the home of Bonnie Tyler ahead her coffin arriving on Saturday

The singer grew up on a council estate before being discovered by talent scout Roger Bell in a club in Swansea in 1975.

She released her first single Lost in France in 1976, and went on to have an almost 50-year-long career.

Her biggest hit, Total Eclipse of the Heart, came out in 1983 and topped charts in the UK and US.

At the time, Bonnie was the first Welsh person to reach number one in America. 

She represented the UK at Eurovision in 2013 with song Believe in Me, and became the first UK representative to receive a Eurovision Song Contest Radio Award, winning Best Song and Best Female Singer.

By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER and WILL STEWART

Published: 11:23 BST, 15 August 2026 | Updated: 15:26 BST, 15 August 2026

Ukraine launched a ‘massive’ attack on Russia overnight as it struck a key rocket and space plant more than 500 miles from its border. 

Kyiv also targeted the Savasleyka military airfield, a base for Russian fighter jets, and an oil facility in Ust-Luga, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. 

Ivan Noskov, head of the regional capital Samara, said air defences had repelled a ‘massive attack’.

‘Samara’s industrial infrastructure sustained localised damage,’ he said in an online post, without giving further details on what facility had been affected.

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He said there were casualties and that he was ‘working with the management of the enterprise and emergency services on the scene’.

Videos shared on social media show the TsSKB-Progress complex in Samara ablaze with thick plumes of smoke rising. 

The sprawling Progress plant is the principal production centre for Russia’s workhorse Soyuz-2 rockets and develops Earth-observation and military spacecraft.

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Ukraine struck a key Russian rocket plant in Samara with Flamingo missiles overnight 

Videos shared on social media show the TsSKB-Progress complex in Samara ablaze with thick plumes of smoke rising

The sprawling Progress plant is the principal production centre for Russia’s workhorse Soyuz-2 rockets and develops Earth-observation and military spacecraft

A motive behind the attack may have been to disrupt launches of Rassvet satellites – Russia’s answer to Elon Musk‘s Starlink system, which Vladimir Putin is fast-tracking to provide rapid and secure internet connections for troops and drones.

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With Russian forces banned from using Starlink, Rassvet can be used to control long-range drones and transmit targeting information during attacks on Ukraine.

The Flamingo strike, which took place from a distance of 750 miles away, is a major psychological blow to Putin. 

It shows the success of a homegrown Ukrainian missile in causing devastating damage to a key Russian war-linked plant.

Ukraine has shared footage of two FP-5 Flamingo launches targeting Samara. The jet-powered cruise missile has a range of 1,860 miles and a one-ton warhead.

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Separately, another missile launched by Ukraine hit a military airfield in Savasleyka in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Huge explosions were heard overnight at the airbase. 

This airfield, east of Moscow, is home to Russia’s MiG-31K aircraft which have deployed Kinzhal hypersonic missiles against Ukraine.

Firefighters work on the grounds of a burned DIY and construction materials mall following an overnight attack in Russian-controlled Ukraine

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Buildings were damaged in Yenakiyeve in the Donetsk region in strikes overnight amid the ongoing conflict 

A firefighter walks amid debris at a burnt-out hypermarket following an overnight attack in the Donetsk region 

Ukraine has run out of US Patriot air defence missiles which are the only ones capable of resisting Khinzhal ballistic strikes.

In another strike, Ukraine attacked Russia’s Iskander missile launch sites near Balaclava in occupied Crimea, with fires raging early today.

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And as Ukraine hit clearly defined military targets seeking to pressure Putin to agree a peace settlement, Russia staged yet more attacks on civilians.

A three-month-old boy was killed and a dozen people injured in a strike on Marganets, in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region.

The Russian strike was on a four-storey residential building.

Among the injured are two children – a boy, five, and a girl, 12.

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This came as Ukrainian forces appeared to have driven Russia’s organised military units out of almost all of the Dnipropetrovsk region after a seven-month counteroffensive.

A Russian military channel acknowledged a ‘temporary withdrawal’, although Kyiv has not formally declared the region completely cleared.