Police, paramedics, and an air ambulance were called to the incident near the A171 on Tuesday (February 17), arriving at the scene just after midday. 

Cleveland Police closed the road between Guisborough Hall and Lawrence Jackson School for several hours, with the route only fully reopening around 3.45pm.

The force has now confirmed that the 999 crews were called to a medical incident.

A spokesperson for the Great North Air Ambulance said: “Our critical care team was activated at 12.11pm to an incident on the A171 near Guisborough. They arrived on scene at 12.20pm.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 11.49am on Tuesday 17 February to reports of a road traffic incident on the A171 northbound near Guisborough Hall. 

“We dispatched two ambulance crews and a clinical team leader to the scene, and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).”

Emergency services were called to Hastings Street in Hendon, Sunderland, on Tuesday (February 17) after an alleged assault inside a home shortly before 7.15am.

A man in his 50s was found to have sustained serious injuries but despite the best efforts of paramedics, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Northumbria Police has now confirmed that a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The force said that those involved are believed to be known to each other, and there is no risk to the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, added: “This is clearly a very serious incident, and our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“We will continue to support them in any way that we can following their tragic loss, and would ask that their privacy is respected as they look to process what has happened.

“An investigation has been launched in order for us to determine the exact circumstances of the man’s death, and our officers remain in the Hendon area while they carry out further enquiries.”

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service added: “We were called just before 7.15am on Tuesday (February 17) to an incident at a private address in the Hendon area of Sunderland.

“We dispatched a paramedic ambulance, doctor, a clinical team leader and specialist paramedic to the scene.”

There is a currently a lane closure in Nunnery Lane while Yorkshire Water complete a repairs on the wastewater network. 
 
The lane is closed from the junction with Drake Street to just after the junction with Victoria Street, which is also closed.  

Yorkshire Water say the works are currently expected to be completed by Saturday, March 7, though this can be impacted by multiple factors, including the weather, ground conditions, and unforeseen engineering challenges, and may change.  

The company say that immediately following the repair, there will be a road closure in nearby Scarcroft Road in South Bank between the junction with Scarcroft Hill and the junction with The Mount and a signed diversion will be in place. This is to allow Yorkshire Water to continue with a £1.4 million mains replacement scheme that began in spring 2025.  

The project, which will replace 4.3km of mains, will improve the reliability of drinking water supply, reduce leakage, and prevent water main bursts in the area. It forms part of the utility’s £8.3 billion investment into Yorkshire over the next five years, and a £406 million overall investment into replacing 1,000km of mains across the region.  

Yorkshire Water say the closure in Scarcroft Road has been delayed to minimise disruption caused by the repair in Nunnery Lane. This closure is expected to be in place for about a month to complete.  

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “We’re working as quickly as we can to complete the repair, and the subsequent mains replacement scheme in the area.

“We appreciate that the roadworks will be disruptive, but they are essential for the safety of our colleagues and those living and working in the area, and for the upkeep and improvement in our infrastructure.  We’ve taken the decision, alongside the council, to delay our Scarcroft Road work to try to minimise the amount of traffic disruption felt at one time. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding in advance.” 
 
For more information about the mains replacement project, please visit: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/news-media/news-articles/2025/14m-mains-replacement-work-in-york-mount-has-begun/ 

The course has been altered with the 18 hole round being replaced by two loops of nine giving accessible opportunity for shorter golf.

How do you move a clubhouse to the middle of a golf course?

Answer: create two loops of nine holes.

Stonehenge might have been easier to move. Yet that is what Linlithgow Golf Club have done.

Though, in this case, the Mountain has been brought to Mohammed – the clubhouse remains where it is and the golf course has been moved to encompass it.

READ MORE: West Lothian RAAC campaigners to hold rearranged meeting with Scottish Government

The clubhouse is now in the middle of the golf course.

Linlithgow Golf Club has cut the grass of tradition. Out for nine and back for nine, and God Bless the 19th. That’s a fair way on a narrow sandy links course ‘wi’ a hauf-wey-hoose’ for relief and refreshment.

But let’s be honest, in 2026 does everyone want to spend four hours chasing a dimpled wee white ball through the wilderness with a stick?

In the pandemic, golf was the only sport that could manage physical distancing. A great time for golf club popularity and membership soared. In 2026 we have new realities. And shorter golf is one.

Eighteen holes remains the pre-eminent competitive format and is the mainstay at Linlithgow. However, the new World Handicap System enables both 18 and nine hole formats.

READ MORE: Plans for upcoming Scottish Parliament elections being finalised in West Lothian

The club has altered one hole to create two loops of nine holes without the need to demolish and rebuild the clubhouse.

From a golfing perspective this has allowed the creation of a new par 5 “dog-leg” from a superb new tee using the contours and natural hazards of the course to better effect.

For the “consumer” the opportunity to stop off for food, refreshment and comfort at the comprehensively appointed clubhouse is a joy. The Clubhouse is a popular place to eat in Linlithgow, whether golfer or passer-by.

The fully stocked bar and restaurant allow time for contemplation in a convivial atmosphere with stunning views toward the Ochils and the Trossachs.

READ MORE: Labour councillor challenges colleagues on health board to demand more funding from Scottish Government

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The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows falling petrol prices and slower food inflation helped push prices down. On a monthly basis, prices actually fell by 0.5%.

That’s good news for households – but what does it really mean for your mortgage, savings and bills?

Why inflation fell

Petrol prices dropped by 3.1p per litre between December and January, while food price inflation slowed from 4.5% to 3.6%. Airfares also fell after December’s seasonal spike.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “Airfares were another downward driver this month… Lower food prices also helped push the rate down, particularly for bread & cereals and meat. These were partially offset by the cost of hotel stays and takeaways.”

Core inflation – which strips out volatile items like energy and food – also edged lower to 3.1%.

The choices this Labour government has made means inflation has fallen today to its lowest rate in a year.

Lower food and petrol prices are helping ease the pressure on household budgets.

I know there’s more to do, cutting the cost of living is my number one priority.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 18, 2026

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What it means for mortgages

Economists say the drop strengthens the case for the Bank of England to cut interest rates at its next meeting on 19 March.

Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM UK, said: “The sharp drop in inflation in January all but nails on a rate cut next month… This should take inflation to 2% in April, which will set the stage for another interest rate cut in the summer.”

The Bank’s base rate currently sits at 3.75%. If it falls, mortgage rates could follow.

Ben Thompson, Director of Home Moving Strategy at Mortgage Advice Bureau, called the figures: “The ‘green light’ the mortgage market has been waiting for.”

He added: “Lower inflation also makes lender stress tests easier to pass, handing first-time buyers back the borrowing power that has felt out of their grasp for years.”

Good news for borrowers

Riz Malik, Director at R3 Wealth, said: “Falling inflation with rising unemployment should give the Bank of England the confidence to continue their rate cutting cycle. Good news for borrowers – not so good news for savers.”

However, some experts are urging caution.

Rohit Kohli, Director at The Mortgage Stop, warned: “Inflation is cooling, but so is the wider economy… The question now is whether a cautious 0.25% move is enough given the pace of economic slowdown.”

For homeowners coming off fixed-rate deals, this could mean slightly lower remortgage costs in the coming months — but rates are unlikely to return to the ultra-low levels seen before 2022.

null (Image: James Manning)

What it means for savers

When inflation falls, savings earn more in “real terms” — meaning your cash holds its value better.

Philly Ponniah, Chartered Wealth Manager at Philly Financial, said: “This is the first bit of good news we’ve had in a while… While 3% still means things are getting more expensive, it is happening more slowly than before.”

But there’s a catch.

If inflation keeps easing, the Bank of England may cut rates — and savings rates could start to fall too.

Sally Conway, Savings Expert at Shawbrook Bank, warned: “For savers, this could be a last chance to secure today’s stronger returns.”

She added that many households are still missing out: “Moneyfacts data shows the average rate among some of the largest high street providers is just 1.19%, meaning households could be missing out on hundreds of pounds a year.”

Ben Mitchell, Director of Savings at Chetwood Bank, said: “Large sums still sit in accounts paying minimal interest, and even a small gap in rate can make a noticeable difference over time.”

What to consider now

If you’re a saver:

• Check your current rate
• Compare providers
• Consider fixing if you want certainty
• Look at moving money from low-paying accounts

If you’re a borrower:

• Watch for new mortgage deals in the coming weeks
• Consider speaking to a broker before rates shift
• Factor in timing if your fix ends soon

When will mortgage rates drop?

While inflation is falling, the wider economy remains fragile. Unemployment has risen to 5.2%, and growth was flat in the final quarter of last year.

Jonathan Moyes, Head of Investment Research at Wealth Club, said: “With a deteriorating labour market, weak wages, weak economic growth, and no ugly surprises on inflation, it is likely we will see our first rate cut of 2026.”

For households, that means cautious optimism.

Mortgage borrowers could soon see relief. Savers may need to act fast.

And while prices are still rising, they’re doing so more slowly – giving shoppers, for the first time in months, a little more breathing room.

Campaigners who have been lobbying for months to meet ministers and officials called the opportunity a turning point.

The national RAAC campaign will hold a rearranged meeting with the Scottish Government on Thursday.

Campaigners who have been lobbying for months to meet ministers and officials called the opportunity a turning point.

And Livingston’s Kerry Macintosh, who will be one of the team to meet officials stressed: “ we need urgent solutions.”

The meeting is with the government’s Better Homes department officials Louise Thompson and deputy director Matt Elsby. Joining Kerry and Wilson Chowdhry, who leads the campaign, at the table will be his daughter Hannah Chowdhry a co- voice chair of the national group and the campaign’s secretary Fiona Crichton.

READ MORE: Police investigating housebreakings in West Lothian and Forth Valley area

Ahead of the meeting, Kerry told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Families are living in fear of a material failure that is not their fault. We need urgent solutions and clear commitments – anything less leaves thousands at risk and in financial strain.”

Writing on his blog Mr Chowhdry said: “Crucially, the discussions will now include a dedicated focus on homeowners in Housing Association estates and the Associations’ responsibilities to support them, reflecting our continued insistence that all housing sectors must be part of any credible solution.”

Across the UK the campaign is seeking the creation of a national fund capable of restoring homeowners to their pre-RAAC financial position, pressing for a national inquiry and removing barriers facing affected homeowners.

The campaign also hopes to that local authorities will eventually be able to help homeowners affected by RAAC using the Affordable Housing Supply Programme Funding and look and the role of housing associations in coordinated remediation and funding solutions.

READ MORE: Labour councillor challenges colleagues on health board to demand more funding from Scottish Government

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Air Force One jets are being repainted to match President Donald Trump’s preferred color palette, according to new reports.

Aircraft in the presidential and VIP fleet will be repainted in red, white and blue, according to reports from several outlets, including CBS News and Fox News. The new design is also expected to include a gold stripe.

This marks the end of the previous blue and white design that dates back to the 1960s, during former President John F. Kennedy’s administration. The new color scheme is similar to the design on Trump’s personal jet, often referred to as “Trump Force One,” which has a navy and white body with a red stripe.

An Air Force spokesperson told CBS News that the change will apply to Air Force One jets and other aircraft in the executive fleet, including the $400 million luxury Boeing jet Qatar donated to the U.S. last year.

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The gifted Qatari jet, which sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans when it was accepted by the Trump administration, could be ready for the president’s use by this summer.

The new design requirement will also apply to smaller C-32 aircraft, which are used to carry top U.S. officials, including the first lady, the vice president and cabinet members, CBS News reports.

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The first C-32 has already been painted, and it’s expected to be delivered in the coming months, according to CBS News.

Trump’s vision for Air Force One dates back to his first term in the White House. However, the new color scheme was canceled under former President Joe Biden’s administration.

“Red, white and blue,” Trump told CBS News in 2018. “Air Force One is going to be incredible. It’s gonna be the top of the line, the top in the world. And it’s gonna be red, white and blue, which I think is appropriate.”

The Independent has contacted the White House and Defense Department for comment and requested information regarding the potential cost to taxpayers for the reported changes.

After Monday’s resounding defeat by Sri Lanka took World Cup fate out of his side’s hands, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh asked for the luck of the Irish to kick in.

The following day, Ireland were due to take on Zimbabwe in Pallekele. Any points for the African side would knock Australia out of the competition.

Clearly, no-one told Marsh that when it comes to Irish luck in a cricketing context, rain is never far away. The two sides shared the points after wet weather saw the match abandoned without a ball bowled. Zimababwe through, Australia gone.

For the first time since 2009, there will not be an Australian side in the Super 8s stage or equivalent. Since winning it in 2021, this edition marks a third consecutive T20 World Cup without Australia in the semi-finals.

Less than a month on from wrapping up a resounding Ashes drubbing, Australia’s T20 side has failed to hit similar heights. The failings of this competition, which has seen them play all of their group games in Sri Lanka, alongside a wider slump in this format, does little to discard the notion that T20 cricket is not a priority.

As always after a difficult tournament, selection is questioned. Steve Smith has long been out of this side, not appearing in almost two years. A century and two 50s in the recent Big Bash were not enough to earn a recall. Not until Marsh was hit in the groin in training prior to Australia’s first game against Ireland.

Smith was summoned to acclimatise in Colombo in case he was required. He ultimately was, but not as a replacement for Marsh.

Australia’s Test run machine eventually earned a place in the squad proper when the selectors belatedly named a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the competition before a ball was bowled.

All those moving parts for a player who only made it onto the park as a sub fielder while Australia were still mathematically alive, with Smith powerless to stop Sri Lanka and Pathum Nissanka’s charge.

A 32-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and burglary

A man has been questioned by police over an arson attack at a house in Co Fermanagh.

The incident in the Derrygonnelly area caused “substantial” damage to a bungalow on Friday night.

A police spokesperson said on Wednesday that a 32-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and burglary.

“He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries,” they added.

“Our initial appeal is still active.”

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