Stuart Robertson and his son Ashton were taken to hospital with serious injuries after the incident.

A dad has been left stranded in a Greek hospital after suffering severe injuries in a horror 50ft plunge down an embankment. Stuart Robertson, 53, jetted out on holiday to Corfu with his wife Fiona, 50, and son Ashton, 28, on Monday,

That night, Stuart and Ashton were walking along a narrow pathway on the roadside when the dad stepped aside to avoid an oncoming car. The ground gave away under him and Stuart, from Kelso, plunged 50ft down the rocky ridge and was knocked unconscious.

Speaking the Record, his daughter, Stephanie, explained her brother also suffered a serious head injury when he fell clambering down to try to help their dad.

The 33-year-old said: “My step-mum was tired and went to bed early but she woke up early and discovered they hadn’t come back and raised the alarm.

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“Fiona phoned me straight away to ask if I had heard from them and then started ringing the local hospitals and learned both had been admitted earlier that morning.

“She raced up to the hospital and was told how they had both been found unconscious at the bottom of the embankment.

“Dad was lucid at the point but he suffered a broken arm and his left leg was completely shattered and the bone was sticking out of the skin. Ashton suffered a bleed on the brain and was drifting in and out of consciousness.”

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Stephanie explained how her brother was stabilised and released on Thursday, August 27, but is still suffering from slurred speech. Her dad had an operation in hospital this week to reposition the bone inside his leg but faces follow-up surgery.

He is desperate to return to Scotland for the treatment but Greek medics have advised that he will have to lie flat on a stretcher if he is to get a plane home.

His holiday insurers are also deliberating on paying out for his repatriation home because Stuart had been drinking alcohol the night he fell. Stephanie has decided to set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise the funds and get her dad home.

She continued: “I was stunned to hear the insurance company say that. Who doesn’t have a wee drink on holiday?

“He is in complete agony and with the language barrier he doesn’t really understand what is happening so we have to get him home.

“I’ve decided to try and try and raise the cash while the insurers make up their mind. We looked into the costs and a private jet was way too expensive but we can hopefully do it on a commercial flight.

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“They will take out about nine chairs from the back of a plane and put up a curtain for privacy and dad can be placed in a stretcher at the back of the plane.

“We are just so desperate to get the money together now and for dad to be on the road to recovery.

“He is a very proud man and I was worried how he would react to me setting up the page but he just quietly accepted it because he is so desperate to get back to Scotland.”

Donations to Stuart’s fundraiser can be made here.

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By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER

Updated: 13:18 BST, 29 August 2026

Lead singer Jarvis Cocker delighted the 30,000 strong crowd but left them concerned they may not play again

Britpop legends Pulp cemented their spectacular comeback on Friday night – then left 30,000 fans wondering if they’d just seen the end of an era.

Headlining Manchester’s Live From Wythenshawe Park, hip-swivelling frontman Jarvis Cocker told the crowd: “We’ve been touring for a while and this is our last big concert… not forever hopefully, but you never know do you!”

He teased fans about the band’s Manchester history and said: “The first time Pulp played in the Manchester area was Salford University, 28th May 1992… then it was the 13th of October 1992 at the Boardwalk in Manchester…. You weren’t there, you weren’t born!”

Introducing another one of his hits, he said: As I said this is the last big concert we’re gonna do for a while…. So instead of saying Do You Remember the First Time, I should say, will you remember the last time?”

Flanked by Candida Doyle, Nick Banks and Mark Webber, the Sheffield icons had the park bellowing every word of Common People and Disco 2000.

They then proved they’re no heritage act with the crowd favourite Spike Island, from More, their first album in 24 years.

Despite downpours during the week, even the weather behaved. Jarvis joked: “It’s Friday night, it’s stopped raining – that cost a lot of money actually!”

Introducing Got To Have Love, he turned philosopher and said: “I’ve discovered something more powerful than anger, do you know what it is? It’s not Nurofen, this isn’t an advert, this isn’t an item you can go out and buy it’s something you have to search for… love.”

And as the set closed, the clouds parted — leaving Jarvis gobsmacked. Pointing skywards, he added: “Just for a moment looking through the sky, at the end of that song a full moon came out, look everyone!”

Self Esteem’s Rebecca Lucy Taylor warmed up the park with a fearless pop set. The gig closed the 2026 Wythenshawe Park series — and proved Pulp still land like nobody else.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued several “do not eat” warnings covering products sold at retailers including Tesco, Waitrose and Home Bargains, with some potentially posing a health risk.

With multiple recalls announced, households are being urged to check their kitchens now to make sure they do not have any of the affected products.

Cheese recall

Shoppers in Northern Ireland are being urged to check their fridges after two Macroom Buffalo Cheese products were recalled over Listeria concerns.

Macroom Buffalo Cheese Products is recalling Mozzarella (125g) and Bocconcini (160g), both with a use-by date of September 7, 2026, after Listeria monocytogenes was found.

Customers who have bought the affected cheeses are being told not to eat them, even if they look and smell normal. They should return them to the retailer for a full refund.

Friday 28 August – Macroom Buffalo Cheese Products recalls Macroom Buffalo Cheese Mozzarella and Macroom Buffalo Cheese Bocconcini due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes #FoodAlert https://t.co/zPlJT0mZI4 pic.twitter.com/rUKzpFmBVi

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) August 28, 2026

Listeria symptoms can include a high temperature, muscle aches, chills, sickness and diarrhoea. In rare cases, infection can cause serious complications including meningitis.

Those most vulnerable include over-65s, pregnant women and unborn babies, young babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Wraps recall

Shoppers are being urged to check their fridges after a small number of filled wraps were recalled over possible E. coli contamination.

The company said: “As part of our routine testing, we have identified a potential food safety issue affecting a small number of our wrap products.

“We are working closely with the authorities and our customers to recall the affected products.

“Consumer safety remains our highest priority. We are sorry for any concern or inconvenience this may cause.”

The recall affects Snacksters Chicken Fajita Wrap, Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap, East Street Deli Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap and Target a Snack Chicken Fajita Wrap.

All use-by dates up to and including September 5, 2026 are affected.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said the products could contain Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can cause severe diarrhoea, including bloody diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

In some cases, infection can lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure and can be fatal.

Friday 21 August – Summit Foods is recalling various products because of possible contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) #FoodAlert https://t.co/MGnLjK0Al6 pic.twitter.com/OMs3rdsvoY

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) August 21, 2026

If you have bought any of the affected wraps, do not eat them.

Instead, dispose of the product and email sales@summitfoods.co.uk with proof of purchase, stating when and where it was bought, to request a refund.

The recall is listed by the FSA under reference FSA-PRIN-40-2026.

Seeds recall

A.Vogel Ltd is recalling Rapunzel bioSnacky Das Original Red Clover Seeds for Sprouts and Seedlings because of the presence of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli.

Symptoms can include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

The affected products come in 30g packs, have a batch code of 11293 and a best before date of December 2028.

Monday 8 August – A.Vogel Ltd recalls Rapunzel bioSnacky Das Original Red Clover – Seeds for Sprouts and Seedlings due to contamination with E. coli (STEC) #foodalert https://t.co/vR2Mt6161P pic.twitter.com/zritLd5U5v

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) August 10, 2026

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency warned: “A.Vogel Ltd is recalling the above product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product and/or on their website. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“If you have bought the above product, do not grow it or consume the sprouts or seedlings. Instead, return it to where you bought it from for a full refund.

“Symptoms can include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

“If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.”

 A Rapunzel spokesman added: “We are very sorry for this incident and sincerely apologise.

“Please be assured that we are doing everything we possibly can to resolve this matter.

“We hope you will continue to place your trust in us.”

Home Bargains Recall

Crisps sold at Home Bargains have been recalled, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warning shoppers of a potential health risk.

ASR Solutions Ltd has recalled the Lays Sour Cream & Dill Crisps sold in Home Bargains stores in the UK, because of a labelling error.

The crisps contain milk and wheat (gluten) which are not mentioned on the label, meaning they are a “possible health risk” to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to the ingredients.

The affected products come in 125g packets and have best before dates up to and including October 31.

Friday 31 July 2026 – ASR Solutions Ltd recalls Lay’s Sour Cream & Dill Crisps #FoodAllergy https://t.co/sx7VuhfXwi pic.twitter.com/Su9jxthEaG

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) July 31, 2026

An FSA spokesman warned: “ASR Solutions Ltd is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.

“The company has also issued a recall notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“If you have bought this product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from which you bought the product for a full refund or contact  support@home.bargains  if you require further information.”

A Home Bargains statement added: “If you have bought Lays Sour Cream & Dill Crisps as detailed above and you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to milk or wheat, do not consume it.

“Check if you have bought the affected best before dates. Only these codes are affected.

“Return any affected product to your local Home Bargains store for a full refund or contact support@home.bargains if you require information.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Chocolate Recall

A range of chocolate products sold in England, Scotland and Wales have been removed from UK shelves due to health concerns.

Bon Bons Wholesale Ltd has recalled various chocolate products due to the concerns, telling shops stocking the items to “remove them from sale”, while the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has told shoppers, “Do not eat”.

The items have been recalled because they may contain milk and soy which are not mentioned on the label, making them a potential health risk for anyone with allergies.

An FSA spokesman said: “These products contain milk and soya making them a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or an allergy to soya.”

25th July – Bon Bons Wholesale Ltd recalls various chocolate products because of undeclared milk and soya #FoodAllergy https://t.co/WrIP1T09q5 pic.twitter.com/ps2AV2kcLh

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) July 25, 2026

These are the Bon Bons Wholesale Ltd items affected by the recall:

• Medium Coloured Ladybird with best before dates of March 1, 2027, and January 16, 2028
• Small Red Ladybird with best before dates of January 21, 2027, and January 25, 2027
• Large Red Heart with best before dates of November 22, 2027, December 23, 2027, and December 26, 2027
• Mini Butterflies with best before dates of March 21, 2027, and September 9, 2027
• Sports Car with best before date of August 15, 2027

An FSA spokesman said: “Bon Bons Wholesale Ltd is recalling the above products from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. 

“The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

“If you have bought the above products and have an allergy to milk and/or soya do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store you purchased them from for a full refund.

“For more information, or to receive a full refund, please contact enquiries@bonbons.co.uk or call 01937 840681.”

A Bon Bons Wholesale Ltd statement added: “We take our responsibility to consumers extremely seriously and always aim to ensure the highest possible standards of product safety.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this product recall may cause you.”

Gü recall

Shoppers at Tesco and Waitrose have been issued a “do not eat” warning after a Gü dessert was recalled.

The Gü Double Sea Salted Caramel Frozen Dessert, sold at Tesco and Waitrose, has been removed from supermarket shelves because it may contain hazelnuts and soya not mentioned on the label.

As a result, the dessert is a health risk to anyone with an allergy to nuts or soya.

The affected product has a lot number of 126135 and a best before date of June 30, 2027.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “Gü is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. 

“These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to hazelnuts (nuts) and/or soya do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

“No receipt required. For more information, please contact recall@gupuds.com .”

A Gü spokesman added: “The issue is limited to a very small number of products (believed to be less than 10 units). However, as a precautionary measure and in line with our commitment to consumer safety, the affected date code is being recalled.

“We have taken proactive steps to further mitigate the issue, including strengthened allergen and packing controls within production.

“We believe the majority of consumers who purchased the affected products will already have been contacted or notified.”

Recommended reading

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT The woman had previously attacked a bear herself to stop it coming into her home. Tragically, one male bear succeeded in breaking in and bit her neck.

A murderous black bear broke into an 71-year-old woman’s home and mauled her to death. The tragedy came after the brave pensioner had fought off other bears with her bare hands.

It was the first fatal attack of the kind in the area in 2023. Patrice Miller, was killed by the bear in her California home. Police entered her home to conduct a welfare check, initially thinking the bear had found her dead body.

An initial investigation determined that the woman died before the bear came into the home, However, horrifyingly, an autopsy of Patrice’s body determined that the bear had actually killed the elderly woman.

“Upon showing up, [they] immediately saw evidence of bear intrusion into the house,” Mike Fisher, the county sheriff, told KCRA3. “The door was broken. There was bear scat on the porch.”

Patrice’s daughter said this was not the first time a bear had tried to get in he mother’s home “through broken windows, and that her mother had physically hit one to keep it from entering her residence”, KCRA reported. She had reportedly named one bear who attempted multiple break ins a “big bastard”.

Authorities said Patrice, who lived in the small mountain community of Downieville is often fed her cats on the porch and had trash on the property.

Patrice had previously physically hit one bear to stop it entering her home, according to her daughter.

“The coroner’s report confirmed that, ultimately, the bear caused the woman’s death,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

Police from the Sierra County Sheriff’s office said the bear was nowhere to be seen when they entered Patrice’s home when they discovered her body in November of 2023. The male bear was later found and euthanised, adhering to state policy with a DNA test of the bear confirming it was the killer.

Following the autopsy report, Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher told local media Miller was killed when the bear swiped or bit her neck.

Bear attacks on humans are uncommon, state wildlife officials said. However, the animals “lose their natural fear of people and their actions get bolder and bolder” when homes and campgrounds are viewed as easy food sources.

“This is the most extreme example we’ve seen in state history,” Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the Los Angeles Times.

“Since early May, the sheriff’s office has been inundated with daily reports from distressed homeowners and business owners regarding bears breaking into residences and vehicles, creating havoc and endangering local residents,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Given the escalating danger posed by the bear’s behavior and the imminent threat it presented to residents, deputies were left with no choice but to euthanize the bear in the interest of public safety.”

There are between 50,000 to 81,000 black bears in California according to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. Adult males can weigh roughly 400lb.

A butcher has shared a simple tip to make cheap steak taste more “premium” and “meaty”

Steak is a widely enjoyed cut of meat, prized for its robust flavour and succulent texture when prepared correctly. While cooking steak can be fairly straightforward, even minor adjustments can dramatically alter the finished result.

Most people rely on traditional seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs and butter when cooking meat.

Yet a number of unusual ingredients can be used to enhance the taste of a steak. According to a butcher, the secret ingredient is likely already sitting in your fridge.

A quality steak doesn’t necessarily need an extensive list of ingredients, given its naturally bold flavour.

However, a butcher from Campbells Meat has revealed one “unexpected” final flourish that will deliver the “meatiest” tasting steak possible.

The expert suggested lightly sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the steak while it rests.

They said: “We’re not talking about the amount you would throw over a bowl of pasta.

“Just a very light dusting, almost like you’re seasoning it a second time. It melts into the steak and brings out a deeper, more savoury beef flavour.

“I didn’t believe a steak could taste even beefier by adding one unlikely ingredient. Done properly, it instantly feels like a more premium or aged cut.”

Both aged beef and aged Parmesan contain elevated levels of glutamates, the compounds behind that profound savoury taste.

When combined, they complement one another, the butcher explained, resulting in steak that tastes far more intensely beefy rather than distinctly cheesy.

The butcher added: “It works best on ribeye and sirloin rather than leaner cuts as the marbling helps carry the flavour, something a fillet doesn’t have.”

For other meats, such as chicken, experts suggest using a straightforward brine of salt and water to enhance both flavour and tenderness.

The saline solution allows the chicken to absorb moisture and salt before cooking. This proves particularly beneficial for chicken breasts, which are prone to being overcooked and can otherwise become dry.

Ministers would be ‘stupid’ if they increased wealth taxes and ‘scared, lazy and constrained’ if they failed to tackle welfare reform, a senior Burnham ally has warned.

Lord Jim O’Neill, who turned down an expected government role only days ago, said more wealth taxes in the government’s crucial first budget would damage economic growth and see entrepreneurs quit the country.

The former Tory treasury minister, who was hotly tipped to be Andy Burnham’s Chief Economic Adviser, said rises in taxes like inheritance tax and capital gains tax could in fact ‘end up losing money’ for the Treasury with business owners deferring selling companies and moving money out of the country to avoid tax.

Lord O’Neill, who last week said the government must tackle welfare spending to bring down debt and called for a ‘sensible, realistic approach to welfare spending’, said: ‘I do think it would be stupid. At a time where a lot of business still struggles from Brexit and struggles from the changes in national insurance and the labour market changes to zero hours to have that and inheritance tax, it’s just like it would be yet more, and obviously at a time where the country’s growth rate has been so weak.’

And the cross-bench peer told today’s Times that if ministers went ahead with tax rises in the budget on October 28 it would show they were not thinking about growth ‘as sincerely as they claim they are’.

‘I don’t get why they would raise tax,’ he said. ‘All that’s telling you is that they’re not thinking about growth as sincerely as they claim they are. They’re just being scared and lazy and constrained in dealing with the sacred cows.’

His comments will come as a blow to Burnham who apparently spent more than a month fruitlessly trying to persuade him to join the government.

Meanwhile, ministers apparently blind to calls to tackle spiralling welfare spending – which costs the country £1bn a day – have urged Burnham to instead increase taxes like capital gains tax which is levied on profits from assets ranging from shares to second homes, buy-to-let properties and personal possessions.

Lord Jim O’Neill (pictured), who turned down an expected government role only days ago, said more wealth taxes in the government’s crucial first budget would damage economic growth

Traditionally, CGT rates have been applied at lower rates than income tax because profits tend to come from people taking a risk – whether an entrepreneurial or an investment one.

The chancellor John Healey also faces a headache over how to fund shortfalls in defence spending to cover the promises in the defence investment plan, how to counter the impact of the Iran war on the economy and how to fund spending promises.

The fiscal headroom, a cushion against future spending, is thought to have shrunk from £22billion to £15billion.

Lord O’Neill, who is from Stockport and chairs the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Advisory Board, also warned that Burnham would have to make some ‘hard choices’ when parliament returned after the recess and should focus on areas that could deliver growth like London, the West Midlands and the northern powerhouse region of Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds rather than attempting to fulfil his ‘growth in every postcode’ pledge.

Formerly the chief economist at investment bank Goldman Sachs, Lord O’Neill said last week in a BBC interview that he was a ‘supporter of a lot more sensible approach to government spending and taxation’ and was not in favour of wealth taxes.

The well-respected economist said he had turned down the key government job because he did not want to be under ‘financial constraints’ and would rather just be a ‘voice’ to turn to when needed.

Yesterday economists warned that record capital gains tax receipts raked in by the government after former Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tax hikes would not last as people adapted their behaviour to compensate, echoing Lord O’Neill’s concerns.

It was revealed the treasury had collected £24.2billion in the 2024 to 2025 tax year, an 89 per cent increase from the previous year as the hike to the main rates of CGT took effect midway through the year.

That followed rises in the 2024 budget raising rates from 10 to 18 per cent for basic-rate taxpayers, while higher-rate taxpayers faced a 24 per cent levy on disposals from 20 per cent previously.

A small number of taxpayers bore the brunt of changes to rates, with 45 per cent of receipts coming from those who made gains of £5million or more, representing less than one per cent of total CGT taxpayers each year.

But Elizabeth Bradley, partner at law firm BCLP, said the meteoric rise in CGT liabilities might offer ‘short-term relief, but it may be a sugar hit caused by forestalling’ meaning future declines in tax takes.

She said yesterday: ‘If today’s exceptional spike reflects forestalling before the 2024 Autumn budget, the behavioural response to potential CGT rate changes may now shift.’

Pete Fairchild, National Head of Private Clients at tax firm Crowe said: ‘The concerns over rising Capital Gains Tax rates have no doubt led many people to bring forward a transaction and sell an asset earlier than expected. Whether the rate ultimately increased, the government has collected tax anyway.’

He added: ‘While cabinet ministers will possibly pat themselves on the back for achieving this outcome, some words of caution – the trend of wealthy people leaving the UK continues because of these measures, not helped with further concerns about the potential of an exit tax being brought in.’

A Christian festivalgoer was killed and six injured when a wooden sign saying ‘Everything’s Unmissable’ collapsed on them in high winds.

An eye witness who helped lift the timber board off the victims has told the Daily Mail how he heard a ‘massive crack and bang’ as it fell.

Fred Abbott, from Morden, in south London, was sat just yards away with his young family when a ‘strong gust of wind’ toppled the sign in the harrowing incident. 

The father-of-four then rushed over to help save those crushed underneath. 

‘We were by Tom’s Stage in the Field of Fun, about 20 metres away from where this massive wooden sign was,’ Mr Abbott told us. 

‘We heard this massive crack and bang, and me and my friend ran over. There were around 30 to 50 people, including me and my friend, picking up this sign. It read: “Everything’s Unmissable”.’

Still ‘shaken’ from the incident, the project manager added: ‘There were five people on the floor and not moving. 

‘I had to walk away because there was a man on the floor and he was bleeding from his head and from his mouth.’

Emergency services were called to Big Church Festival held on the Wiston Estate near Steyning in West Sussex following the incident at around 3.38pm on Friday.

The victim was a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne. At least six other people were wounded at the festival, which says it is the UK’s largest annual Christian music event. 

Fred Abbott helped lift the timber board off the victims (Pictured: Mr Abbott with his four-year-old daughter on the Ferris wheel at the festival)

Fred Abbott, from Morden, in south London, was sat mere metres away with his young family when a ‘strong gust of wind’ is believed to have toppled the sign in the harrowing incident 

It was the fifth year in a row Mr Abbott has attended the festival with his 30-year-old wife Lauren and four children.

The father-of-four says a ‘strong gust’ pulled down the sign, with windy conditions picking up within hours. 

‘It was windy. It didn’t feel too bad an hour before when my girls went on the Ferris wheel,’ Mr Abbott, who is Roman Catholic, said. 

‘There was a strong gust of wind from where we were sitting on the floor next to Tom’s stage, but it just got worse and worse.’

The Met Office had urged festivalgoers across the country to prepare for windy conditions over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Its weather map showed wind speeds of up to 27mph in Shoreham, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon.

Mr Abbott’s wife and four-year-old child were ‘contemplating’ buying food, which would have taken them under the sign, mere moments before it fell down. 

In a statement on Friday evening, Big Church Festival said it was ‘devastated’ at the death of one of its attendees in a ‘serious incident’.

An aerial view of Big Church Festival held on the Wiston Estate near Steyning in West Sussex

An aerial view of campers at the festival, which was due to be attended by around 40,000 people 

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A number of police cars and ambulances can be seen at the festival where a sign collapsed 

Organisers said the decision had been made to cancel the rest of the event. 

Mr Abbott described the atmosphere becoming ‘intense very quickly’ after the sign fell, while he said festivalgoers felt ill-informed over what had happened. 

‘Not much was said afterwards, which we were finding very weird. There were no announcements and stuff was still going on. The fun play was continuing, people were still singing, and we were thinking: “Aren’t you going to do an announcement?”,’ he added.  

More than 60 music artists and worship leaders were due to perform across multiple stages, including author Andrew Ollerton. 

He has since revealed he and his wife were walking just a few paces behind when the sign fell. The author then rushed to help lift the sign. 

Mr Ollerton said he and his wife were ‘absolutely reeling’ and ‘in a bit of a shock’ after witnessing the fatal incident.

He added on Instagram: ‘With a heavy heart I’m reflecting on our personal experience of the tragic incident at Big Church Festival yesterday.

‘I want to thank the incredible team @bigchurchfest who took decisive action in difficult circumstances as well as all the festival goers who stayed calm and handled the news so respectfully.

‘I’m sure like me it leaves you feeling perplexed by many questions. In Luke chapter 13 Jesus brings both honest challenge and deep comfort to those facing a similar tragedy in his day.

Author Andrew Ollerton was due to perform at the festival and has since revealed he and his wife were walking just a few paces behind when the sign fell

Adventurer and TV show host Bear Grylls has since shared his condolences with a comment on Mr Ollerton’s post

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‘Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.’

Reflecting on the aftermath, he said: ‘I’m sure you’re waking up this morning, full of questions. Why did this happen? Why did God let this happen? That is the deeper question.’

Adventurer and TV show host Bear Grylls has since shared his condolences, commenting on Mr Ollerton’s post: ‘Am so sorry for everyone x’

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said on Friday: ‘This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

‘At least six other people were also injured during this incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment.

‘I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.

‘We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.’

Concern first sparked when the festival’s live stream, called GOD TV, was cut.  

Ticketholders for the annual event then received an email urging all campers to immediately return to their accommodation due to a ‘serious incident’.

A spokesperson for Big Church Festival said: ‘We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.

‘First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.

‘Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.’

Big Church Festival is an annual Christian music and worship non-profit event.

It has been running since 2009 and was being held this year from August 28 to August 30. Around 40,000 people were expected to attend.

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said: ‘Concerned to hear reports of casualties at the Big Church festival at Wiston.

‘There have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally.

‘My thoughts are with all of those impacted at this time and those responding to the incident.’

A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service previously said: ‘South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to reports of multiple people in need of medical attention at Wiston Park, Steyning shortly after 15.30hrs today (Friday, 28 August 2026).

‘Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are currently on scene with six patients confirmed so far.

‘We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.’

They were among defendants sentenced recently at York Magistrates Court.

Jaimee Reilly, 26, of Far Moss, Selby, pleaded guilty to stealing razor blades and alcohol worth a total of £131 from Sainsbury’s, coffee worth £56 from B&M,  razor blades and alcohol worth a total of £185.50 from Tesco and bank card fraud, all committed in Selby.

She was given an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months on condition she does six months’ drug rehabilitation and 10 days’ rehabilitative activities. She must pay £185.50 compensation to Tesco, £56 compensation to B&M and £131 compensation to Sainsbury’s.

Keith Harrison, 52, of Buile Hill Avenue, Little Hulton, Worsley, Salford, pleaded guilty to stealing sunglasses worth £40 and £887 in separate visits to Sunglasses Hut, items worth £370 from Swarovski, items worth £139 from Hugo Boss, items worth £98 from Reiss, items worth £123 from Cosmetic Company, all at York Designer Outlet. 

He was jailed for 12 weeks and ordered to pay £404 compensation.

Connor Atkins, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to failure to comply with the requirements of the sex offenders’ register.  He was jailed for eight weeks.

Craig Callaghan, 37, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing flowers worth £40 from Tesco in Selby, and deodorant worth £80 from Poundland.

He was jailed for four weeks and must pay £120 compensation.

Eliza Carthy, 51, of Mount Pleasant East, Robin Hoods Bay, pleaded guilty to drink driving in Scarborough.

She was banned from driving for three years, fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £48 statutory surcharge.

Vicky McClure has opened up about her demanding schedule after reuniting with her Line of Duty co-stars

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Actress Vicky McClure has shared her experience of working with her former co-stars Adrian Dunbar and Martin Compston once again.

The trio were last on-screen together six years ago when Line of Duty came to a dramatic end in 2021.

With many fans demanding more instalments from the programme, their calls were answered when the BBC confirmed that the show would come back for a seventh series in 2025.

Now, filming for the upcoming season has officially come to an end with actress Vicky McClure speaking to The One Show presenters on how it was being with Adrian and Martin again, reports the Mirror.

When asked what it was like working together after all this time, Vicky told the BBC presenters it was ‘surreal’.

Although she explained that they’ve kept in touch over the years, which meant it wasn’t unusual to be together, it was ‘weird’ to act alongside one another as they had to be ‘really serious’.

Asked how she maintains composure on-set, given their close friendship, Vicky revealed that the demanding timetable plays a crucial role.

“The schedule is tight,” she confirmed, adding that they didn’t have time to ‘mess about’.

A synopsis for the upcoming series reveals that AC-12 has now been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

As anticorruption has ‘never been more difficult’ in the challenging climate, the trio are given their ‘most sensitive case so far’.

In the upcoming series, fans will also see Robert Carlyle join the cast as Detective Constable Shaun Massie. His role is described as ‘a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO) and veteran marksman, operating with Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7) to take down Organised Crime Groups’.

While DC Shaun Massie is a ‘gruff loner’ who keeps himself to himself, things take a turn when his boss, TO-7’s commanding officer DI Dominic Gough (Tom Weston-Jones), is accused of being a sexual predator, which results in Massie’s otherwise detached demeanour changing drastically.

TO-7 will also feature Line of Duty newcomers Laura Aikman as DC Paula Beckman, Levi Brown as DC Luke Tobin, and Amy Leigh Hickman as DC Nira Rashid.

The previous series of Line of Duty is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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