Thames Valley Police confirmed the former prince had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, following the release of the Epstein files

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has left a police station after being released under investigation following his arrest on Thursday morning.

Thames Valley Police said on Thursday evening: “Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office. On Thursday we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”

The force said its searches in Berkshire are still underway, and that it would make no further statement at this time, according to the Mirror.

Andrew was pictured reclining in the back seat of a car almost 12 hours after his arrest. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Thames Valley Police confirmed earlier on Thursday that the former prince had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations arising out of the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, who was taken into police custody on his 66th birthday, has previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing in respect of allegations arising out of his links to and relationship with Epstein, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

Previously, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.” It is understood neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew’s arrest.

In response to the arrest, Charles said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

A number of police forces across the UK are assessing information released as part of the Epstein files document dump. Officers from Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Wiltshire and Scotland have all said they are reviewing information.

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The women’s team – European silver medallists last year – had really grown into this tournament since losing their opening two matches.

Needing three closing wins to put themselves into the semi-final conversation, they snatched an incredible final-stone win over the United States and executed a composed dismantling of Japan – both on Wednesday.

Italy – their closing round-robin opponents – were below them in the standings but had also belatedly found form and wanted to end their home Games in style.

Morrison’s rink controlled throughout, though.

They were 4-1 ahead after four ends and, although the Italians did cut that lead, the Scottish quartet managed the game well and eased clear again late on to earn a fifth win in their last seven matches.

However, after the immediate celebrations, they could only watch on askance as the already-qualified Swiss fell just short in the extra end and allowed the US to dash the British team’s dreams of an incredible medal with a 7-6 win.

“We’re absolutely gutted by so, so proud,” skip Sophie Jackson told BBC Sport, standing next to her tearful team-mates. “We have a tough start to the week and we did everything but we could but just left it too late.”

Rapper Lil Poppa, real name Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25 and fans of his music rushed to social media to pay their respects

Much-loved rapper Lil Poppa has died aged just 25, it has been confirmed. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia confirmed that the musician was pronounced dead. A cause of death for Lil Poppa – whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler – has not yet been disclosed.

One mourner posted on Twitter/X: “Gone way too soon. Lil Poppa helped many people feel understood through his words.” A second commented: “Lil poppa gone before he could release “more healthy than before. ” His music got me through a lot of down moments in life, damn.”

A third wrote: “Can’t believe this Lil poppa news. One of the best writers to come outta Florida for a very long time. Hard to find artists who could convey the feelings of depression as well as he could.”

READ MORE: SOMBR ‘honoured’ as he’s revealed as BRIT Awards performer days before eventREAD MORE: Stella McCartney looks shocked talking to King Charles after Andrew’s arrest

Another said: “Losing someone so young at just 25 is painful. May Lil Poppa’s soul rest in peace, and may strength and comfort be with his family, friends, and everyone who loved his music during this difficult time.”

A fifth remarked: “Don’t wanna believe this Lil Poppa news, really one of my favorite artists that was so young and relatable.”

In a now-tragic final post, the singer shared an update to his Instagram Stories on Tuesday night. It showed him appearing to be riding in a car as he listened to Letting it go by Rod Wave.

He would often write songs about relationships, mental health, and love. On his Instagram, his bio read: “First We’re Born, Next We Suffer, Then We Die… The End!!”

Signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), Lil Poppa had released several successful tracks in recent years, including Love and War, Mind Over Matter, and HAPPY TEARS. His 16-track album Almost Normal Again dropped in August 2025, followed by his latest single, “Out of Town Bae,” released on Friday, February 13.

Following the album’s release, Poppa launched a 20-date Almost Normal Again Tour. He had previously joined forces with Rod Wave, his Falling Fast collaborator, on the Last Lap Tour.

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The rapper was due to perform for fans in New Orleans on March 21. His debut studio album, Blessed, I Guess, came out in 2021 and reached number 160 on the Billboard 200.

His 2022 mixtape Under Investigation 3 also made its mark on the Billboard 200, climbing to number 194. Devastated fans have flooded social media with tributes to the late artist. Poppa had more than 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

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The payment, which helps with the cost of heating your home in the colder winter months, has been made automatically to the vast majority of people over the age of 66, with over one million payments made by January 24.

Lanarkshire OAPs who have not yet received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment this winter are being encouraged to apply to receive support.

The payment, which helps with the cost of heating your home in the colder winter months, has been made automatically to the vast majority of people over the age of 66, with over one million payments made by January 24.

Pensioners in Scotland who have not opted out will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10.

However, some in this age group will need to apply for the benefit. People who deferred their State Pension since they were last paid Pension Age Winter Heating Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment will need to apply.

People over State Pension age who are part of a couple with a joint award for Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support or Universal Credit where the main person getting that benefit is under State Pension age will also need to apply.

For example, if the named person on the joint award of Pension Credit is aged 63 and their partner is 68, the 68-year-old will be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment but will need to apply.

Those who are eligible and haven’t automatically received the payment can apply by phone or by post. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31.

Applicants can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 to apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment over the phone or to request a paper application form. Opening times are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Before calling, applicants will need to know their National Insurance number, their bank or building society details, where they lived during the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2025) and what benefits they got during this period.

READ MORE: Groups across North Lanarkshire to benefit from 2025 Grant Awards Programme

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A new sci-fi survival thriller has been added to Paramount+ and is already impressing critics and fans alike with its unpredictable plot twists and stunning visuals

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Paramount+ subscribers would be wise not to overlook a distinctive new thriller that’s just landed on the streaming service.

This remarkable fusion of survival drama and science fiction marks the feature film debut of director Hugo Keijzer, and it’s fair to say that both audiences and critics have been thoroughly impressed.

Whilst certain elements of the film have sparked debate, this pulse-pounding expedition into the wilderness has won over Rotten Tomatoes critics, currently holding an impressive 94 percent rating.

Early viewers who’ve experienced this unpredictable cinematic journey have also been captivated by The Occupant, which launched on Paramount+ today (Thursday, 19th February).

The film’s synopsis states: “Desperate to fund an experimental treatment for her sister Beth’s terminal cancer, Abby takes a high-risk but well-paid job at a uranium mine in Northern Georgia.”, reports the Mirror.

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READ MORE: ‘Gripping’ psychological thriller fans urged to binge-watch if they haven’t alreadyREAD MORE: BBC iPlayer’s must-watch true crime documentary leaving fans ‘shocked’

“Her attempt to return home after discovering a mysterious, potentially valuable mineral element is halted after her helicopter crashes in the remote mountains. Stranded, she finds hope through John, an American pilot radioing from nearby.

“As their connection deepens, Abby uncovers a disturbing truth about John, forcing her to make an impossible choice.”

Actress Ella Balinska, known for her roles in 2019’s Charlie’s Angels reboot and the recent Resident Evil series, takes the lead, appearing alongside Deadpool and Catastrophe star Rob Delaney as the mysterious John Fisher. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have described The Occupant as “powerful and striking”, as well as “intense, quiet, beautifully shot, and terrifying”.

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One review noted: “Majestically scaled, emotionally intimate and ambitious in its conceit, THE OCCUPANT will infuriate some with its narrative ambiguity but those attuned to Keijzer’s unique vision will be thoroughly rewarded.”

Enthusiasm carried over to Letterboxd, where one five-star review enthused: “The amount of times my jaw dropped and the amount of times I wrongly guessed what the plot twist was going to be. I LOVED THIS MOVIE.”

Another viewer concurred: “Amazing movie was super intense and trippy, would watch again.”

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A further enthusiast wrote in their four-star review: “A beautiful slowburn about grief, acceptance and resilience. The film’s different locations were gorgeous and the way it was shot really emphasised how small one is when lost in the wilderness.

“We were hooked from the start, sure it had some flaws but overall it was very enjoyable!”.

Science fiction enthusiasts would be well advised to add this remarkable debut feature to their watchlist without delay.

The Occupant is available to stream on Paramount+.

As well as the possibility of a civil war, such as experienced by Syria, Yemen and Libya, there is also the risk that in the chaos and confusion, ethnic tensions could spill over into armed conflict as Kurds, Baluchis, Azerbaijanis and other minorities look to safeguard their own people amid a nationwide power vacuum.

The UK has not agreed to allow the US to launch air strikes against Iran from a British base on Diego Garcia and another in Gloucestershire, it is understood.

The Times first reported the lack of permission.

The newspaper said, as a result of the UK’s reticence, Donald Trump had withdrawn his support for a deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer to hand the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, over to Mauritius.

US military plans to strike Iran involve the use of a British and American military base on Diego Garcia as well as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which hosts a US fleet of heavy bombers.

Under long-standing agreements between London and Washington, the Pentagon is only able to launch operations from the two sites, as well as other air bases in the UK that are home to US warplanes and personnel, with advance approval from the British government.

This has not yet been given in relation to any potential strike against Iran because of concern that such a mission would be a breach of international law, according to The Times.

President Trump on Thursday said the world would find out “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether the US would reach a deal with Iran to end its nuclear ambitions – or take military action.

He has been surging forces to the Middle East – including two giant aircraft carriers and supporting warships and jets – to increase his options for launching a significant military operation against the Islamic Republic should talks fail.

Mr Trump spoke on Tuesday evening by phone with the British prime minister. The topics covered included the Iran crisis, but not the Chagos Islands.

However, the following day, the president launched a new attack on Mr Starmer over the Chagos Islands deal, even after his own State Department had said it supported the UK’s decision to give the territory to Mauritius and lease back Diego Garcia.

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What’s in the Chagos Islands deal?

In a post on social media, Mr Trump explicitly mentioned the utility of Diego Garcia and Fairford for US military operations against Iran, and appeared to suggest why it would be within international law for the UK to grant such deployments, given that it too could be under threat.

“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime” Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social site.

“An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries.”

He then said: “We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them.”

Read more:
Why is the Chagos Islands deal controversial?
Trump to PM: ‘Do not give away Diego Garcia’

The UK is not thought to be preparing to support the US in any military offensive against Iran.

However, the Royal Air Force has deployed six F-35 warplanes to RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus, and sent four Typhoon jets to Qatar, as part of efforts to bolster its own defences in the event of any Iranian counterattack in response to American strikes.

On the Chagos Islands deal, the government has repeatedly defended its decision to hand over the territory to Mauritius, saying it would avoid a costly legal battle while securing access to Diego Garcia for 100 years.

A recent survey from Lakeland found that 31% of UK adults say they’re cooking from scratch more than a year ago, rising to 35% compared to two years ago and 44% compared to five years ago.

It may explain why sales of bread makers, soup makers, slow cookers and yoghurt makers are soaring – and why this compact model has seen a staggering 776% year-on-year sales increase.

First impressions: small but mighty

Lakeland has a huge range of bread makers, from the super-fancy to the small and simple.

The Compact Loaf Bread Maker (£69.99) is definitely on the smaller side.

At 31 x 21.5 x 25cm, it’s genuinely compact. My kitchen worktop is already battling for space with a KitchenAid, coffee machine and air fryer, so the fact this slots neatly into a corner is a big plus.

It also doesn’t feel like an appliance you have to permanently “commit” to displaying – it’s light enough to lift in and out of a cupboard without a struggle.

Despite its smaller footprint, it doesn’t look flimsy. The white finish is simple and clean, and the viewing window on the lid is surprisingly satisfying – I may or may not have stood watching the kneading cycle longer than necessary.

The smell alone is worth it

There is something deeply comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking. The first time I used it, I set the delay timer before bed and woke up to that warm, bakery-style aroma drifting upstairs. That alone felt like a lifestyle upgrade.

It makes a 1lb (500g) loaf, which I actually prefer to the larger family-sized versions.

It’s enough for a couple of days for two people and freezes well if you want to slice and store it.

How easy is it to use?

Very.

There are 11 pre-set programmes covering everything from basic white and wholemeal to French-style and gluten-free.

The controls are straightforward tactile buttons on the top, and each programme comes with a recipe in the booklet.

I started with a simple white loaf. It was genuinely a case of adding the ingredients in the order listed, selecting the programme and pressing start. No kneading, no guesswork.

There’s also a knead-only setting, which I used for pizza dough. That alone makes it feel more versatile than just a “bread-only” gadget, and has considerably speeded up our Saturday night pizza parties with the kids.

Full control over ingredients

One of the main reasons I wanted to try a bread maker was to cut down on ultra-processed foods. Shop-bought loaves often contain additives, preservatives and more salt than I’d like.

With this machine, I’ve experimented with wholegrain flour, mixed seeds and a handful of olives.

Knowing exactly what’s in the loaf feels reassuring, especially if you’re baking for children or managing dietary needs.

The gluten-free setting is also a big tick for households that need it.

The delay start: a game changer

The delay start feature is what elevates this from “nice to have” to genuinely useful. You can programme it so your loaf finishes baking exactly when you want it.

For busy weekdays, that means fresh bread ready when I walk through the door. For weekends, it means warm slices at breakfast without lifting a finger in the morning.

The non-stick pan works well too. Each loaf has tipped out cleanly so far, with minimal scraping.

Any downsides?

Because it’s compact and makes a 1lb loaf, it won’t suit large families who get through bread quickly. If you’re feeding four or five people, you may find yourself baking often.

For full disclosure, my husband and I ate the first loaf we made within 10 minutes of it completing its cycle.

It was so good that we had to make another straight away, and another after that.

It’s also not silent. The kneading cycle makes a noticeable whirring sound, though nothing excessive and certainly no louder than our dishwasher or washing machine.

I wouldn’t run it overnight in a studio flat, but in a standard home it’s fine.

Recommended reading:

Is it worth it?

Given the reported 776% rise in sales, clearly plenty of people think so. After a few weeks of use, I can see why.

It’s simple, space-saving and takes the effort out of baking. More importantly, it supports that growing shift towards cooking from scratch and knowing what’s in your food.

For me, the biggest surprise has been how quickly it became part of my routine. What started as a test appliance has quietly become something I use every week.

If you love fresh bread but don’t love supermarket additives – or daily bakery trips – this compact bread maker makes the process almost effortless.

The simulator will be used as a coaching aid and to introduce new players to the sport

Plans for a golf simulator at Creigiau golf club have been approved by Cardiff Council. The proposal includes the construction of an outbuilding on the grounds of the golf course to house the simulator. According to the application, the “course professional” will use the simulator as a “coaching aid” and to introduce new players to the sport.

In a golf simulator, players hit a golf ball into a projection of a course on an impact screen. Using data from both the screen and the club, a visual representation of the swing is rendered.

This allows players to practice their swing all year round in all weather conditions. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

The simulator will only be used by small groups or individuals to avoid “excessive or continuous impact events”.

The application received two objections from neighbours, both objections were concerned about damage to trees in and around the site.

One reads: “The golf club must confirm in writing that they will accept responsibility for any damage caused by the tree being uprooted due to an act of God or similar event.”

It continues: “This is a reasonable request, as we are not seeking to rely on personal insurance, which could lead to increased premiums.”

However, according to the application, the “mature tree” close to the site “would not be harmed” and tree protection is not needed due to an existing fence.

The greenery of the wider course will remain untouched by the building. The course includes greens, fairways and rough, alongside “significant areas” of tree and hedge planting.

The proposal also received a letter of support that reads: “This facility will significantly enhance access to golf by providing an inclusive, year-round environment for practice and training.

“The simulator will serve both adult and junior members, offering state-of-the-art technology to improve skills, support coaching, and encourage greater participation in the sport”

The application reads: “The level of noise would also be offset through the separation between the outbuilding, fencing, vegetatian and the distances to neighbouring properties.”

It continues: “While it is acknowledged that some sound may be heard, this does not automatically equate to harm.

“In planning terms, harms must be significant, sustained and out of keeping with the character of the area, which is not considered to be the case in this instance.”

The outbuilding that will house the simulator will be on an outside patio next to the first tee and will replace the current driving/ practice net.

There will be “sufficient room” for golf buggies to pass by the building to enter the course.

The application reads: “It is considered that the proposed outbuilding, in terms of its scale and design, would be in keeping with its surroundings and would not harm the character and appearance of the area.”