By 3am, there might be 2,000 people inside — more than many licensed clubs can legally hold. Sometimes police stand outside while organisers invoke squatters’ rights. Sometimes they never arrive at all. The conventional night out might be dying a slow death, but the free party movement is thriving, whether inside London or in fields, forests or barns outside the city. Forget the polished, Instagram-friendly sound dominating much of today’s club scene. The music you’ll hear at these parties will span donk, psytrance, techno and tekno, a raw, fast-paced electronic music genre born out of the free party movement.

Reform has suspended a councillor pending the outcome of legal proceedings after he was charged over a grossly offensive comment on social media regarding Nigerians.

Sunderland City Councillor Glenn Gibbins, 66, is scheduled to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday in connection with an alleged Facebook post from 2024.

Last month, Northumbria Police announced that he had been charged with an offence under the Communications Act 2003 regarding a post referencing the Nigerian community.

An investigation was initially launched when the online post was uncovered in May.

According to reports, Gibbins was elected to the council in May, suspended by Reform, and subsequently reinstated with a final written warning.

Following the formal charge, the party suspended him once again, and he is now listed on the Sunderland City Council website as an Independent.

A Reform spokesperson said: “Cllr Gibbins has been suspended from Reform UK pending the outcome of his case.”

The couple’s children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are enrolled to start at a British school in September.

King Charles was told of the move on Sunday. There are no current plans for either Prince Harry or Meghan to resume their roles as working royals.

The Sussexes left the UK and stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, before settling in California in March that year.

They were last in the UK in July to visit the King and Queen Camilla, in what was seen as a key development in their relationship.

The Palace described the meeting at the King’s private home in Gloucestershire as a “private family occasion”.

It was the first time the King had seen his grandchildren in person in more than four years, and the couple’s first visit to the UK together since 2022.

It is understood that July’s visit had to be adjusted after the duke’s request for police protection was rejected.

Last year, Prince Harry lost a legal challenge in which he sought to overturn a decision that had downgraded his security after his move to the US.

At the time, he told the BBC that he “can’t see a world” in which he would bring his family to the UK due to the downgrading of his protection.

It is unclear what provisions will be made for their security once they return to the UK.

Royal expert Robert Hardman told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme it was likely that some of their past security issues “have been resolved” but details – or who is going to foot the bill – are still unknown.

The children’s enrolment in school indicated a “clear direction of travel”, Hardman said, adding that the children are now going to be raised as “British rather than American”.

In the US, the Sussexes have employed a private security team to protect them.

They offered no comment when asked by the BBC whether that team would be moving to the UK with them.

Sara El-Khawas died alongside her parents Hassan El-Khawas, 55, and Zeina Alayn, 37, on Tuesday afternoon in Shoreham-by-Sea.

A 14-year-old girl who died in the water in a tragic accident that also took the lives of her mother and father has been described as a “sweet and well-liked girl” in a touching tribute from her school.

Sara El-Khawas died alongside her parents Hassan El-Khawas, 55, and Zeina Alayn, 37, on Tuesday afternoon in Shoreham-by-Sea. A young girl who is part of the same family is currently hospitalised in a critical condition after being pulled from the sea, according to police.

Police, paramedics, coastguard crews and a lifeboat were at the scene where the four people were recovered from the water.

It is believed the family travelled from their home in London to visit Shoreham and entered the water from the beach near Shoreham Fort at around 2pm before they got into difficulty.

Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls posted a tribute to Year 8 student Sara following the “tragic incident” during the summer holidays on its website on Thursday.

The school, in the London borough of Ealing, said: “Sara was a sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students and she will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those affected.

“This news will be deeply upsetting for many students, families and staff.”

On Wednesday, Sussex Police said its investigation remains open, but after a review of CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, it is currently thought the deaths were a tragic accident, with no third-party involvement.

Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “The events of Tuesday afternoon are a heartbreaking tragedy which has devastated a family and their friends and had a profound impact on the Shoreham community.”

Trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to an hour

Some rail passengers in Cambridgeshire are facing “major disruption” on trains heading to and from London. A person has been hit by a train between London and Stevenage this morning (Thursday, August 20).

This has resulted in major disruption on trains bound for London, with disruption expected until at least 4pm. A National Rail spokesperson said: “A person has been hit by a train between London and Stevenage.

“Whilst the emergency services carry out their work, all lines between these stations are closed. Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.”

Train companies affected are: Great Northern, Thameslink, LNER, Hull Trains, Grand Central and Lumo. Some trains through Cambridge and Peterborough are affected by this morning’s disruption.

Passengers affected by today’s disruption may be entitled to compensation if they do experience a delay. People are asked to check their journey before they travel.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

Ian Philip Moffat, 63, didn’t answer police questions when they arrested him for raping and sexually assaulting the girl.

He then denied abusing her in any way so that she had to give evidence against him at York Crown Court.

The Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris, who also praised the girl’s courage, said she had been a “compelling witness”.

Detective Constable James Stewart, from North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team, said: “During each interview, Moffat only replied with no comment and by pleading not guilty shows his lack of acceptance of any responsibility for the horrendous sexual abuse he subjected his victim to for a number of years.

“I praise the victim for having the courage to report the abuse she endured, and commend her bravery for seeing through the investigation.

“I hope justice being served to Moffat helps the victim with some form of closure, to help her to proceed with her life the best she can.

“I also hope this helps other victims find the bravery to report to police – please know that it doesn’t matter when the abuse took place, you will be listened to.”

North Yorkshire Police say reports of rape or sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, can be made via its website or by calling 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room.

• If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.
• IDAS is an independent charity that supports victims of sexual violence and abuse regardless of whether you have reported it to the police.
• Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
• Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or via their website
• If you prefer not to go directly to the police and are not in immediate danger, you can contact North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362 or visit https://orlo.uk/VF5Ro
• You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at https://orlo.uk/cM8Ds or call 01609 643100.

By RYAN HOOPER, CRIME CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10:54 BST, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 13:02 BST, 20 August 2026

TV judge Rob Rinder shared the sad news that his dad David passed away yesterday as he raised awareness of the illness his late father was suffering from

TV judge Rob Rinder has paid tribute to his “funny, beautifully flawed and loving” dad, after his death on Wednesday at the age of 73.

The 48-year-old telly star shared a lengthy message on Instagram on Thursday alongside photos with his late father, detailing that although he and his dad David were “very different men”, he “never once doubted his pride in me”.

Saying he “wasn’t sure” whether to share the news at first, Rob ultimately decided to as he wanted to raise awareness of the “desperately under-researched” illness his dad had been suffering from. He went on to explain it was Lewy body dementia (LBD), which affects around 125,000 people in the UK.

In a heartbreaking tribute beneath a childhood photo with his father, he wrote: “My dad died yesterday aged 73. I wasn’t sure whether to share this but if it brings attention to an illness too few people understand, perhaps it belongs here.”

The barrister and broadcaster, famed for his Judge Rinder courtroom show, appearances on reality shows like Strictly and as a regular host on Good Morning Britain, remembered his father as “a London cabbie and lifelong Spurs supporter”.

He continued: “My parents divorced when I was little so I did not grow up with him at home. We were very different men. I loved opera and all its drama; he loved Tottenham and cigarettes. We both took people as we found them and we both loved women, though in rather different ways. I never once doubted his pride in me.”

Rob is openly gay and has previously discussed coming out in his early 20s, saying he struggled with feelings of shame in his youth but was ultimately accepted by both his parents. Touching on that, he said of his father: “When I came out he responded with magnificent indifference: I was still his son, there was nothing else to discuss.”

Going on to praise the work of charity Jewish Care, which looked after his father, and was “a place where dignity and tenderness were practised every day”, he wrote: “A Jewish man, held in his final days by people of different faiths: a quiet reminder that what is sacred in us is also what we share. He died with his family around him, loved and held to the last. Funny, beautifully flawed, loving and my dad.”

He concluded the post with a message about Lewy body dementia, saying the condition took his father “far too young” and “made the familiar strange and the certain uncertain”.

The TV star became a patron of the Lewy Body Society charity following his father’s diagnosis, and has since campaigned to raise awareness of the condition, which he described as “poorly understood, frequently missed and desperately under-researched”.

“Please learn its name, learn its signs and if you can, support the work to change that,” he said.

According to the NHS, LBD one of the most common types of dementia, and is rare in anyone under the age of 65. Those with the condition can suffer with slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors, as well as disturbed sleep that often includes violent movements and shouting out.

Fainting spells, hallucinations and hearing voices are common. Depression, anxiety and problems understanding, memory and judgement – similar to Alzheimer’s disease – can also occur.

Fans and Rob’s famous friends rushed to offer their condolences in the comments. TV comic Alan Carr wrote: “So sorry Rob,” followed by a red love heart.

His good pal Rylan, who Rob hosted the Grand Tour travel show with, simply responded with a heart emoji, as did his Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid.

This Morning star Ruth Langsford posted: “I’m so sorry Rob… but it sounds like he lived quite the life and you loved each other despite your differences… that’s beautiful. May he rest in peace. Love to you and your family.” Dermot O’Leary said: “So sorry Rob, lovely words. Sending our love xx.”

Loose Women’s Denise Welch commented: “Much love to you Rob, A beautiful message.” While broadcasting legend Vanessa Feltz wrote: “Dearest friend wishing you long life and sending you my love, support and deepest condolences. The chequered but sustaining relationship you shared with your father was singular and inspiring. He must have been so proud of the courageous and crusading man you have become. Love always, Vanessa.”

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A woman in Kent was left with a ‘crater’ in her leg after multiple bites from a false widow spider.  

Danni Virgo’s ordeal began back in 2020 when she brought her clothes in from the washing line and decided to put on her freshly-laundered pyjamas.

Within seconds, the 45-year-old felt a sharp pinch on her right thigh before seeing a small spider crawl out the bottom of her pyjama bottoms.

The mum-of-one noticed a small red lump appear on her leg, and immediately grew concerned when the mark turned black the following day.

The 10p-sized bite left a crater in Ms Virgo’s skin that doctors confirmed was caused by the venom of a false widow – the UK’s most dangerous spider.

Luckily, Ms Virgo’s wound healed without surgical intervention, but just weeks later the mum was bitten twice more by a false widow, only to discover her garden is ‘infested’ with the arachnids.

She tried to battle them using peppermint spray on the fence along with natural oils and anti-spider sprays but nothing worked.

Horrified, Ms Virgo now refuses to go into her own garden or hang her washing outside – six years on from her terrifying ordeal.

Danni Virgo’s ordeal began back in 2020 when she brought her clothes in from the washing line and decided to put on her freshly-laundered pyjamas

NHS figures reveal that there were 100 hospital admissions in 2025 linked to spider bites – up from 47 in 2015.

This sharp rise is being attributed to the growing numbers of noble false widow spiders in the country. 

Ms Virgo – who still has a scar from the incident – is now warning others to steer clear of the venomous creepy-crawlies, especially in light of rising spider-related hospitalisations in the UK.

Ms Virgo, from New Romney, Kent, said: ‘We have a washing line in my garden and they like to hide in the pegs.

‘I’d hung my pyjamas out and brought them in and decided I’d put them on basically straight away.

‘It must’ve crawled into my pyjamas bottoms. I sat down and felt the most almighty pinch. It was really painful.

‘I had a look at my right leg and straight away there was a red lump.

‘Then I saw this spider crawling out of the bottom of my pyjama bottoms.

The mum-of-one noticed a small red lump appear on her leg, and immediately grew concerned when the mark turned black the following day

The 10p-sized bite left a crater in Ms Virgo’s skin that doctors confirmed was caused by the venom of a false widow – the UK’s most dangerous spider

‘It escalated really quickly. Within a day, it had turned black and had this massive head on it.’

Ms Virgo consulted her doctor who confirmed she’d been bitten by a false widow spider – and the wound had become infected.

Luckily, Ms Virgo was able to recover with a course of antibiotics but, shockingly, was bitten twice more by a spider just weeks later.

The mum has since discovered ‘around 100’ false widows lurking in her garden, which has left her terrified to venture outside.

Ms Virgo said: ‘The doctor knew straight away it was a false widow. It closed on its own but it has left a scar.

‘A couple of weeks later, I was sat on the sofa and felt a tickling on the back of my neck. Then I felt a sharp pain and I was bitten twice on my back.

‘I found out they come out at night so I went into my garden with a torch and my fence is full of them.

‘We have an infestation. They’re really easily recognised. There’s around 100 in my garden. There’s nests everywhere.

Ms Virgo consulted her doctor who confirmed she’d been bitten by a false widow spider – and the wound had become infected

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‘We’ve tried peppermint spray on the fence, natural oils, spider sprays but there’s just no way of getting on top of it.

‘I won’t hang the washing outside now and my husband doesn’t put my clothes out, we use a dryer indoors.

‘I was already scared of spiders and that one incident was horrendous and then for it to happen again a few weeks later just cemented that fear.

‘It definitely left me traumatised. Now I won’t go in my garden because there’s that many.

‘I would normally be out there, I would’ve painted the fences and pottered about but I just don’t do that now.

‘People need to be aware of these spiders. They’re not that big so they’re easily missed.

‘It’s not surprised me that bites have gone up. I live in fear now.’

Students and staff at Bedale High School are celebrating a third consecutive year of improvement. (Image: NYC)

GCSE and equivalent exam results were released this morning (Thursday, August 20), which will allow pupils to decide on their future in sixth-form, college or training.

Students and staff at Bedale High School have marked a third consecutive year of improvement and the school’s second successive record-breaking performance.

Three-quarters of students achieved grade 4 or above in both English and mathematics, while more than half secured strong passes at grade 5 or above. The school’s attainment 8 score also rose to a record 47.8 per cent.

Bedale High School student Simon Lewis receiving his GCSE results with his parents t (Image: NYC)

The headteacher of Bedale High School, Chris Stokes, said: “Today belongs to our students. Behind every one of these results is a young person who has worked incredibly hard, shown resilience and earned the right to feel immensely proud.

“The improvement since 2024 has been remarkable. However, these outcomes matter because of what they mean for our young people, not simply because they look impressive in a performance table.

“Every qualification gives a student greater choice over what they do next. That is what we mean by securing every child the gift of choice.”

The academic improvements have been accompanied by more than £750,000 of investment in the school’s facilities, curriculum and learning environment.

Among the top performers at Ripon Grammar School are Angus Millar, Tom Charlton, Aiden Jolly and Joel Buckley. (Image: NYC)

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Today is a special day for thousands of young people across the county, and I would like to offer my congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE and equivalent results.

“These results represent years of dedication, determination, and resilience, often met with challenges along the way.

“I would also like to thank parents, carers, families, teachers, and support staff whose encouragement, guidance and commitment have helped our young people to reach this important milestone.

Boroughbridge High School pupil Phoebe Addison achieved ten GCSEs including three grade 9s and four grade 8s (Image: NYC)

“Whether your results are exactly what you hoped for or they lead you in a different direction, today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“I wish every student the very best for the future and every success in whatever path they choose to follow.”

Ripon Grammar School recorded one of its highest proportions of top grades in recent years, with almost one in five awarded being the highest grade 9.

The results included 485 grades at 8 or 9, equivalent to the top A* grades under the former GCSE grading system, among the cohort of 128 students.

Among the top performers are 16-year-olds Angus Millar, from Nidderdale, and Tom Charlton, Aiden Jolly and Joel Buckley, all from Ripon.

National fell running champion and boarding student Angus achieved 10 grade 9s alongside two grade 7s.

Tom, who aims to study astrophysics at university, and Aiden, who hopes to become an engineer, gained 10 grade 9s and a grade 8, while aspiring doctor Joel achieved 10 grade 9s and a grade 7.

Overall, 58.4 per cent of all grades were at grades 7 to 9, while 92.5 per cent were at grades 5 to 9.

The headteacher of Ripon Grammar School, Jonathan Webb, said: “My congratulations go to all our students on these excellent GCSE results, which are the culmination of hard work, commitment and academic endeavour.

“We are particularly proud of the exceptional number of grade 9s achieved this year. The four students who achieved 10 grade 9s each have produced outstanding performances.

“Behind these headline results are many individual stories of achievement, and I would like to congratulate every member of Year 11 on their results.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and the support of parents and families. These results provide our students with an excellent platform for the next stage of their education, and I wish them every success for the future.”

The corporate director for children and young people’s services, El Mayhew, said: “Congratulations to the thousands of students receiving their GCSE and equivalent exam results today. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.

“These strong results are testament to teachers, school staff, parents and carers for the support they provide.

“I wish all pupils every success as they move on to the next stage of their education, employment or training.”

There was also celebration at Boroughbridge High School as students collected their GCSE and BTEC results.

Phoebe Addison, who achieved ten GCSEs including three grade 9s and four grade 8s, said that she was thrilled with her results and thanked the staff for all the support she had received. She is looking forward to studying A Levels at York College.

The headteacher of Boroughbridge High School, Kathryn Stephenson, said: “Our staff have thoroughly enjoyed working with the class of 2026 and we are incredibly proud of them.

“We are delighted that their hard work, ambition and resilience is reflected in their excellent achievements and that they are moving on to a wide range of ambitious destinations.

“We wish them well and our thanks go to our parents, carers and governors for their continued support.”

Young people who are unsure about their next steps are encouraged to talk through their options with their family, school and careers adviser.