Two worshippers were mistakenly struck by a ‘stray’ bullet fired from a police Glock pistol as firearms officers responded to the deadly Heaton Park Synagogue terror attack, a court was told today.

A marksman discharged four shots from the handgun as knife-wielding Islamic State supporter Jihad Al-Shamie attempted to force his way into the building on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, it emerged at an inquest hearing.

Tragically one ‘projectile or round’ missed Al-Shamie and struck both Adrian Daulby, 53, who was bravely helping to barricade the doors, causing fatal injuries, and also 39-year-old Yoni Finlay, who survived.

Al-Shamie – who was wearing a fake suicide belt, and rang 999 during his atrocity saying ‘I have killed two Jews in the name of Islamic State’ – had already knifed a second worshipper, Melvin Cravitz, 66, to death.

He was shot dead by firearms officers at the scene in north Manchester seven minutes after beginning his attack, with two other marksmen firing a total of six shots from their semi-automatic carbines.

After declaring the attack on October 2, 2025 a terrorist incident, Greater Manchester Police quickly announced that they believed one of the victims had been mistakenly killed by its officers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) later said it had found no misconduct by the three armed officers who opened fire during the attack.

Ahead of next year’s inquests into Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s deaths, Manchester Coroner’s Court was today given new information about the tragedy.

Adrian Daulby, 53, also died after being accidentally shot by police

Yoni Finlay, 39, was struck in the chest by the same ‘stray’ police bullet which went on to hit Adrian Daulby as they desperately tried to barricade the synagogue, but he survived

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Ed Pleeth, counsel to the inquests, said a firearms officer anonymised as F42 fired his Glock pistol four times as he responded to the attack.

A firearms expert concluded that the first or possibly the second round ‘missed’ Al-Shamie and struck both Mr Daulby and Mr Finlay, who were standing just behind the door of the packed synagogue.

Along with hero Rabbi Daniel Walker and other members of the congregation, they were courageously barricading the doors as Al-Shamie tried to force entry.

Father-of-four Mr Finlay – who was standing in front of Mr Daulby – later described feeling ‘a very hard punch to his chest’ and realising ‘straight away’ that he had been shot.

Today Anthony Metzer KC, representing survivor Mr Finlay, said his client was ‘a direct victim and survivor of potentially fatal use of force by the state’.

Anna Morris KC, representing Mr Daulby’s family, said they wanted the inquest to examine whether ‘any failings in planning’ by police contributed to his death.

In addition it should address the ambulance response and ‘how quickly’ medical crews attended to Mr Daulby, she added. 

Judge Alexia Durran, the Chief Coroner of England and Wales, today granted all three officers ‘interested person’ status, giving them a formal right to participate in the inquest process.

Today’s hearing has not been told what rounds killed Al Shamie.

It comes after a previous pre-inquest review last February which heard calls from lawyers representing survivors for a ‘full and fearless’ investigation into the atrocity.

The full inquest should examine information-sharing between the security services and police, they argued.

It should also look at the climate of ‘anti-Semitic propaganda and radicalisation’ and what measures were in place to protect synagogues over Yom Kippur.

Mr Pleeth previously said the inquest would include addressing Al-Shamie’s criminal record and history of radicalisation.

He was on bail for rape when he launched his atrocity.

The allegations against the university drop-out were made by two different women, one in December 2024 and the second just a month before the attack.

But Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last year told MPs that Al-Shamie was never referred to the Prevent counter-extremism programme, and was not known to counter-terrorism policing or the security services.

IOPC probes are still examining prior contact between Greater Manchester Police and Al-Shamie, as well as the actions of the firearms officers.

Rabbi Daniel Walker (pictured right) leapt into action after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue came under attack

Al-Shamie (pictured outside the synagogue) travelled to Britain with his family as a young child and was granted UK citizenship in 2006, when he would have been around 16 

A separate inquest hearing will examine his killing.

The Islamic State supporter deliberately crashed his car outside the synagogue on October 2, 2025 and began knifing worshippers.

Police immediately declared the attack a suspected terrorist incident and armed police were scrambled to the scene.

Still armed with a knife, Al-Shamie – a Syrian-born UK citizen – charged at the officers who unleashed a series of rounds, killing the terrorist.

Speaking after his discharge from hospital, Mr Finlay told the Guardian how he was standing in front of Mr Daulby as they tried to keep the synagogue doors closed when he felt ‘a very hard punch to his chest’ and fell to the ground.

‘I knew straight away I’d been shot,’ he said.

Mr Finlay said he believed the police bullet which struck him in the chest exited through his back and hit Mr Daulby.

When inquests into Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz were opened last year, Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes of Greater Manchester Police said the first shot was fired at Al-Shamie at 9.38am.

Fitness fanatic synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie was obsessed with clean living and watching foreign news bulletins

‘On arrival, the officers discharged several rounds at the suspected terrorist, Jihad Al-Shamie, as he ran towards them,’ Det Chf Superintendent Hughes said.

However he was not pronounced dead until 4.38pm due to concerns over his suspect explosive belt – which turned out to be fake.

A post-mortem gave his cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds.

The inquest opening heard how Al-Shamie got out of his Kia hatchback at about 9.30am and ‘immediately made stabbing motions’ toward Mr Cravitz to his ‘upper torso, neck and head area’.

He was later transferred to hospital by ambulance but pronounced dead at Manchester Royal Infirmary at 10.45am.

A post-mortem showed that Mr Cravitz died of multiple stab wounds.

Det Chf Superintendent Hughes told last year’s inquest opening that Mr Daulby had helped to hold the main door of the synagogue shut ‘for approximately two minutes’ as Al-Shamie attempted to gain entry.

Armed officers scrambled to the scene ‘fired several rounds’ after Al-Shamie had come ‘running towards them while carrying a knife’ and wearing an apparent suicide vest, Det Chf Superintendent Hughes said.

A single bullet penetrated the synagogue door and hit Mr Daulby in the chest and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.15am.

A post-mortem showed he had died of a single gunshot wound and the coroner recorded this as the provisional cause of death.

Following the attack, the family of Mr Cravitz described him as a ‘kind, caring’ person, who ‘would do anything to help anyone’.

He ‘always wanted to chat and get to know people,’ they said.

Mr Daulby’s family paid tribute to a ‘down to earth man whose final act was to save others’.

“Getting Christmas-ready, perfect for the build up. Excellent quality, great price for a lovely forever keepsake.”

Now that autumn has officially arrived, many will already be thinking about Christmas. While December 25 is still over three months away, starting the festive shopping early spreads the cost over a few months as well as reducing shopping-related stress.

Whether standing alone or hanging on a tree, nutcrackers have long been associated with the festive season. According to German folklore, the wooden figurines are said to bring luck to families and protect the home its in, keeping evil spirits and danger away.

Marks and Spencer has recently released the timeless Advent Nutcracker and shoppers are already rushing out to buy it. It costs £15 but I’ve found a way to get it for free thanks to TopCashback’s latest offer.

READ MORE: Squishmallows 2026 advent calendar has 24 collectables – get it for £15 instead of £30

READ MORE: Jewellery lovers who spend £20 could bag luxury advent calendar worth £1,300

TopCashback is offering new members of its free money-saving club a free £15 sign-up bonus as well as cashback on any purchase of £15 or more at M&S. This effectively means the Advent Nutcracker is free after cashback is applied.

Shoppers will need to make the initial £15 spend, but this money in the form of cashback will be returned to your TopCashback account ready to be sent to any bank or Paypal account. It’s worth noting that cashback is not paid instantly and can take up to seven days to land in accounts.

The TopCashback deal has been calculated to include free click and collect at any M&S store, standard delivery costs from £3.99. To unlock the offer, all shoppers need to do is make their purchase through this unique link.

Cashback isn’t paid instantly and can take up to seven days to land into accounts. For full T&Cs, visit here.

The traditional Advent Nutcracker decoration is designed to count down to Christmas in classic style. Featuring a time-honoured silhouette, the figurine is holding numbered blocks that can be changed each day to mark the countdown to the big day.

Rich red, deep green and gold-tone detailing give it a timeless festive look. It measures H 38cm x W 8.8cm x L 9.8cm, making it perfect for placing on any window sill or mantlepiece.

Elsewhere, Dunelm’s Colourful Wooden Nutcracker is priced at £12. The traditional drummer nutcracker features a vibrant hand-painted festive outfit complete with intricate drum set detail.

Crafted from sturdy solid wood, it’s built to be a lasting part of your Christmas decorations for years to come. An ideal piece of Christmas décor and a wonderful gift choice that brings traditional holiday spirit to any home.

Alternatively, Next’s Red/Green Hamish Nutcracker Christmas Ornament is available for £28. A unique twist on a traditional design, Next has released a resin figure of its popular Hamish the Highland Cow dressed up as a Christmas nutcracker in a bold burgundy red and green uniform.

Back at Marks and Spencer, the Advent Nutcracker has racked up two reviews so far. The first reads: “Getting Christmas-ready, perfect for the build up. Excellent quality, great price for a lovely forever keepsake.”

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By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 11:59 BST, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 12:09 BST, 3 September 2026

A 16-year-old schoolboy who stabbed a teacher in the head after asking her to check his homework has been locked up for four and a half years. 

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attacked history teacher Vicki Williams at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Pembrokeshire in February.

The defendant, who was 15 at the time, was found guilty of wounding with intent after being acquitted by a jury of attempted murder. 

Mrs Williams said she saw ‘pure hatred’ in the boy’s eyes after he thrust the kitchen knife with an eight-inch blade towards her and pushed her into a chair before fleeing.

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Children at the school were placed into lockdown following the attack.

Passing sentence at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC said it was ‘pure luck’ Mrs Williams had not been seriously injured or worse.

‘I don’t know why you attacked Mrs Williams with that knife, you never told anybody why you did it,’ the judge said.

‘I think it may have been that in some way she had upset you, but I don’t know for certain why.

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‘What I do know for certain is that you took a knife that day to school because you wanted to really hurt her with it.

Vicki Williams, a history teacher, was stabbed by a pupil in February. He was acquitted of attempted murder

Police outside the school after the attack, after which Mrs Williams said she believed she was going to die

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‘You knew what you were going to do was very wrong, but you had planned it in advance.

‘You knew she would not be any physical match for you and when you stabbed her in the top of her head with the knife, you knew that at the very least that might cause her a great deal of harm.

‘It was pure luck that she did not have far worse injuries, maybe even fatal injuries.

‘You could have killed her, although the jury found that you didn’t mean to go that far.’

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This is a breaking news story – more to follow  

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Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have reunited for a family holiday just four months after announcing the end of their marriage.

The former couple, who were married for more than two decades, appear to have stayed true to their promise to remain close friends and committed co-parents following their separation.

Tess, 57, shared a glimpse inside a recent family getaway to France on social media on Tuesday, with Vernon, 52, joining her and their daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 17, on the trip.

One particularly sweet photograph showed all four members of the family gathered closely around a dining table while dressed in summery holiday outfits.

Despite the major change in their relationship this year, the former couple looked comfortable spending time together as a family, with the pictures offering a rare glimpse at how they are navigating life after their split.

Other snaps from the French escape showed Tess making the most of the sunshine, including posing by the sea and striking a pose with her hands on her hips while standing on the bow of a boat.

The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter also shared a mirror selfie with one of her daughters during the trip.

The family getaway comes after it was reported last month that Vernon is preparing to move out of the Buckinghamshire home he previously shared with Tess.

He has reportedly purchased a £3million property close to the family home, allowing him to remain nearby as the pair adjust to living separately.

A source previously claimed that Tess had been supportive of Vernon’s move, telling The Sun that staying close to their daughters was important to both of them.

‘It means he can stay close to their girls, which is something important to both him and Tess,’ the source said.

The property is reportedly undergoing renovations before Vernon moves in and is said to boast a swimming pool and a sprawling garden.

The insider added that the change would understandably feel ‘very strange’ after the pair spent more than two decades living together, but said they were approaching the transition with ‘care and respect’.

Tess and Vernon announced their separation in a joint statement earlier this year after more than two decades of marriage.

The television favourites said the decision had been made after ‘much consideration’ and stressed that there was no third party involved.

They said at the time: ’This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us.

‘We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.’

The pair also asked for privacy while they navigated the change and said they did not intend to make further public comments. Their latest family holiday appears to demonstrate the united approach to parenting they outlined when announcing their separation.

Tess and Vernon first met in 2001 while working for rival television channels, with Vernon presenting Channel 4’s T4 while Tess was appearing on ITV’s SMTV.

Vernon proposed on Christmas Day the following year at Tess’ parents’ home, before they married at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton, in 2003.

They welcomed Phoebe in 2004, followed by Amber in 2009.

During their marriage, the pair occasionally offered glimpses inside their Buckinghamshire family home, which reportedly features a gym and large conservatory and is also home to Tess’ Shetland ponies, Honey and Willow.

Now, months after publicly confirming their marriage was over, the pair appear to be continuing to spend time together with their daughters as they settle into a new chapter of family life.

Jaden Wright was not asked to enter a plea when he appeared before Judge Jonathan Carroll at Teesside Crown Court.

The 23-year-old is also accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent following the fire on August 26.

Valentina Foster, seven, and Natalie McDonald, 34, have been named locally as the two victims who died following a house fire in Grangetown. (Image: Provided)

Valentina Foster, seven, and Natalie McDonald, 34, died in the blaze at a property on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.

Police at the scene of the fire on Birchington Avenue in Grangetown (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

As of last Friday, a 48-year-old woman remained at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a critical but stable condition and a 27-year-old man was at James Cook University Hospital receiving treatment.

Two teenage girls were both discharged after suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

Wright, of no fixed address, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing.

Floral tributes left at the scene of the devastating fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

He was remanded in custody until a pre trial and preparation hearing on September 23.

Floral tributes left at the scene of the devastating fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

Judge Carroll set a provisional trial date of April 14 next year which is expected to be tried by a High Court Judge.

The incident on Birchington Avenue triggered an outpouring of tributes to the youngster and her aunt, with bouquets of flowers left beside the devastating scene.

Numerous teddies, emotional notes, and a small bag of sweets were also among the items paying tribute to the pair.

Police previously confirmed that it is not treating the fire as linked to the fatal crash on the A66 which killed seven, including two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.

Thomasina and Patrick Tobin were found dead at a property in Cullera, located south of Valencia, with a death notice confirming the couple will be “deeply missed”

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An Irish woman and her husband who died in Spain will be “deeply missed”, according to a death notice.

Thomasina and Patrick Tobin were found dead at a residence in Cullera, south of Valencia, on Monday last week. It’s understood they were found in a hot tub by their teenage children.

A notice published online on Thursday confirmed the “sudden and tragic passing” of Mrs Tobin (nee McArdle), previously of Cabra, Castleblayney, alongside her “beloved husband Patrick (Paddy)”, a native of Wellington, New Zealand.

The announcement expressed “profound sadness” at their deaths. The RIP.ie tribute described the “much loved parents” as those who will be “deeply missed” by their children, wider family, relatives and numerous friends.

It noted that Mr Tobin had extended family and friends in Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and beyond.

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The notice stated: “Thomasina and Paddy shared a life filled with love, family and friendship.

“Their sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved them.

“May they rest in eternal peace together.”

Details confirmed that funeral arrangements will be shared “in due course”, with contributions welcomed to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

The Northern Ireland Traveller took a six-hour round trip to Athlone where he paid a visit to Sean’s Bar which is recognised as the oldest pub in Ireland by the Guinness World Records

A Belfast man travelled three hours to visit the oldest pub in Ireland — and one unique aspect immediately floored him after walking in the door.

Mark Rowan, better known as Stumpy, runs the Northern Ireland Traveller YouTube channel, and his latest adventure saw him visit Athlone. The town borders Westmeath and Roscommon and the content creator insisted that his first pint had to be in the historic Sean’s Bar.

It has been open for more than 1,100 years and although officially recognised as Ireland’s oldest — some claim that it is the world’s oldest too. Speaking outside the famous pub, Stumpy said: “I’ve always wanted to come here and sample a cheeky pint of Guinness in here.

“They’ve been pulling pints in here longer than the castle behind us. The bar was actually built before the castle even existed. So there’s been some amount of pints served out of this bar.”

And after stepping inside, Stumpy turned to his friend, and said: “Mate, look at the floor!” His pal replied: “Sawdust on the floor, I haven’t seen that since I was like five years old.”

Stumpy added: “So, there you go people, this is the bar in here, and look, there genuinely is sawdust on the floor.”

Publicans historically put sawdust on floors to help absorb spilled drinks, vomit and even spit, to make it easier to clean at the end of the night. Back in the 19th century, chewing tobacco and pipe smoking was common practice, and patrons would often spit on the floor, and sawdust helped contain it.

Most pubs stopped putting sawdust on floors by the mid 20th century because of modern flooring and health reasons. However, some old-school boozers, like Sean’s Bar, still have the unique feature.

Stumpy paid €6.30 for his pint of Guinness and before trying it, he said: “Mate, I absolutely love this. Never thought I’d be splitting the G standing on top of sawdust inside a pub in 2026. Absolutely unbelievable.”

Asked about what he thought about the pub, his friend said: “Pub’s exceptional. It might be my favourite ever pub actually.” Stumpy added: “It’s really good. Like proper old school pub.”

He then said it was a “damn good pint” before he summarised his visit: “Absolutely amazing pub. Yes, we would absolutely love to stay on and just sit there all night and wait for the live music starting at 9, but the show must go on boys.”

After uploading the video, which you can watch in full here, one person replied: “I’m from Athlone, really had a good laugh at this, I know a good few characters in the video. Great video and content. I love pub culture.”

Another said Sean’s Bar was “something else” while a third said: “Sean’s Bar Athlone… serving Guinness before Guinness was invented.”

Denmark and the UK both wear the badge of universal healthcare with pride. Nobody is turned away, nobody is handed a bill on the way out. And the principle – that where you are born or how much you earn should not determine whether you live or die – is sacred in both countries. But principles are not the same as outcomes.

Denmark spends more per person on healthcare than the UK and operates one of the most expansive welfare states on the planet. It consistently outperforms the UK on some of the indicators that matter most: how long people live, how many babies survive their first year, and how many cancer patients are still alive five years after diagnosis. So is Denmark simply spending its way to better health? Or are other factors helping explain the gap?

The numbers in the most recent OECD report help us unpack this question. The UK devotes a larger share of its economy to healthcare than Denmark does – 11.1% of GDP compared with 9.4%. But once you adjust for currency and the cost of living and look at what each country actually spends, the UK spends US$325 (£243) less per person per year than Denmark. So although healthcare takes up a larger share of the UK economy, spending per person is still lower than in Denmark.

Health Gap / Sundhedskløften is a collaborative series from The Conversation UK and Denmark’s Videnskab.dk exploring what the two countries can learn from each other when it comes to health and wellbeing.

From cycling and alcohol to inequality, healthcare and everyday habits, the series looks beyond hospitals and medical treatment to explore how culture, politics and society shape the way people live – and how healthy they are.

If the story were only about money, it might look as though Denmark is simply buying better health. And the numbers in the OECD report are striking: the average Dane lives 1.8 years longer than people in the UK; around 400 more babies per million survive their first year in Denmark; and five-year survival is higher for both cervical cancer (six more women in every hundred) and colon cancer (five more people in every hundred). Just as importantly, about one in four more people in Denmark feel their health system is there for them when they need it.

But when you look more closely, a different picture appears. The gap isn’t just about how much money each country puts into its health system; it’s about how that money is used. Denmark gets more out of its spending by investing in the capacity to diagnose and treat illness early and by supporting the social and economic factors that shape people’s health. The UK has invested differently, and those choices are reflected in the results.

Denmark has 29 more CT, MRI and PET scanners per million people than the UK. Investing hugely in cancer equipment led Denmark to expand its diagnostic capacity and make it possible for cancer patients to receive treatment within two weeks of diagnosis, compared with around nine weeks in UK. Many more Danes than Britons participate in cancer screening – which leads to earlier treatment. For example, in Denmark, 17 more women in every 100 undergo breast cancer screening. Finding out early whether you have cancer and treating it early makes a real difference.

Then there is lifestyle. Ten more out of every hundred Britons than Danes report being obese. Obesity makes people more likely to become seriously unwell, need more medical care, and face tougher treatment when conditions such as cancer or heart disease develop.

Although their smoking and drinking habits are similar, many more Danes are physically active and exposed to less air pollution. Denmark also has the lowest diabetes prevalence among OECD countries: about 23 in every 1,000 adults versus 88 in the UK. Fewer people getting seriously ill means the health budget stretches further and can do more for everyone.

Beyond the hospital

People get sick not only for medical reasons. Social factors such as how educated, well-off and socially connected you are or where and how you live also cause sickness. Both Denmark and UK have chosen to look after their people by funding welfare through tax revenue. But Denmark’s welfare system is more inclusive.

Income after tax is more fairly distributed across people – Denmark has one of the lowest levels of income inequality among OECD countries. Almost every child between three and five years (97%) is in professional childcare, university education is free, and Danes get up to a full year of maternity and paternity leave. Danes generally benefit from high-quality housing and safe living environments .

In Denmark, spending on welfare is like putting money in social investments that pays healthy dividends by reducing the burden on healthcare. Denmark has built a system where the welfare state mostly prevents the conditions that produce postcode lotteries (where you live determines what services you get) in the first place.

The UK experience is different: the governments, particularly since 2010, have found themselves in financial stress and have backed welfare cuts as part of a policy of austerity, instead of viewing welfare spending as social investment, as Denmark did. Unlike Denmark, the UK has focused on fixing gaps in what the NHS could provide, without fully recognising that widening social and economic inequalities outside the NHS were driving poorer health outcomes in the first place.

Denmark gets a lot right, but it still has real challenges. Health gaps between groups are widening: wealthier men now live noticeably longer than men on the lowest incomes, and people with less education have shorter lives when they develop conditions such as heart disease or stroke.

Even so, Denmark spends more on each person’s health, and people tend to reach hospital in better shape than those in the UK. That difference comes from decades of social policies that support welfare, reduce inequality, improve housing and build a strong culture of prevention. By contrast, the UK has tried to use the NHS to treat its way out of deeper social and economic problems, even though no amount of NHS spending on its own can fix issues that start long before someone walks into a clinic.

Denmark and the UK share similar ambitions for improving the nation’s health, but Denmark has been far more successful in putting those ambitions into practice. Denmark treats the health of its people as the result of choices made across the whole of society, not just what happens in hospitals or surgeries.

Over many years, Denmark has kept building policies and structures that support healthier living. The UK had a comparable vision when the NHS was founded in 1948, but it didn’t continue developing the wider system around healthcare in the same way. Denmark did it differently and consistently, and that is what sets the two countries apart today.

This series was commissioned as part of a partnership between Videnskab.dk and The Conversation, where articles are published in English and Danish.