A Russian drone crashed near the town of Solca, around 15 miles from the Ukrainian border, forcing nearby schools to cancel their classes.
Poland has evacuated two key crossings on its border with Ukraine after a fresh wave of Russian air strikes prompted security fears close to NATO territory, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said.
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The Dorohusk and Zosin crossings were cleared as a precaution in response to what officials described as an aerial threat lasting around 20 minutes. Thousands of residents in eastern Poland’s Lublin and Podkarpackie regions also received emergency alerts on their phones as the attacks unfolded.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev shortly after the evacuations, Mr Tusk warned that the months ahead could prove especially dangerous, the Mirror reports.
“This situation compels us to act very consistently here in Poland, to cooperate with Ukraine, but also to warn our European partners that these are truly difficult times,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “We need to be well prepared for the coming weeks and months. Autumn and winter could be truly critical.”
Further overnight strikes on Ukraine featured an unspecified number of hypersonic and ballistic missiles, 282 drones and other weapons, Ukraine’s air force estimated, killing two people.
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One of the victims was in the car park of a maternity hopsital in the capital city of Kyiv. Six others were killed in an attack which struck a farm in Kharkiv, in the northeast of the country.
NATO jets were scrambled in Polish and Romanian airspace overnight and on Wednesday morning (September 23). Posting on social media, Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Command said fighter jets were dispatched “to ensure safety” due to Russian “strikes using jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles on targets in western Ukraine.”
No violations of Polish airspace were recorded, and the jets returned to base roughly an hour after setting off, officials said. In Romania, a Russian drone crashed near the town of Solca, around 15 miles from the Ukrainian border, forcing nearby schools to cancel their classes.
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The drone was flying “in national airspace” for four minutes, according to Romania’s Ministry of Defence, before falling near the town of Solca in Suceava County. No casualties or material damage were recorded, the ministry reported.
Elsewhere, Moldovan authorities reported four “aerial objects” illegally entering the country’s airspace on Thursday morning. Unlike Romania, Moldova is not a NATO member. President Zelensky said Russia launched its attack while people slept, with flashes from the explosions lighting up the sky in Kyiv.
“As people were sleeping, flashes from explosions lit up the sky,” Zelensky, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly, said on Telegram. Once again, the main targets of their strike were Kyiv and civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, a maternity hospital, energy infrastructure, and logistics.”
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He also urged the US to “respond strongly,” adding: “We need ballistic interceptors to protect lives.”
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The NHS says that the condition causes an unsteady heartbeat, or for the heart to beat either too quickly or too slowly. McTominay is not the first footballer to undergo the procedure, with former Liverpool man Adam Lallana suffering from the affliction when he was younger.
McTominay has now missed the last four games in all competitions due to the operation. But his recovery seems to be going as planned, with a comeback to first-team action not too far away.
“The team took part in a morning training session, with exercises in the gym and change-of-direction drills on the pitch. Scott McTominay returned to the SSC Napoli Training Centre and trained separately in the gym.”
They also published a photograph of the midfielder working on an exercise bike. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he is targeting a return for the fixture against Frosinone following the international break.
The most recent update aligns with the anticipated recovery timeline outlined by Napoli director Giovanni Manna prior to the surgery. “It will take 28 days for sporting fitness because he will take anticoagulant drugs,” he said.
“For two weeks, the player will rest and then resume competitive activity without contact.”
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While he will be absent for Scotland’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia during the international break, McTominay could return for the following competitive match. Napoli are currently ninth in Serie A and have secured victory in only one of the games that McTominay has been unavailable for.
He swiftly became a vital player for the Italian outfit following his £25.7million switch from United in the summer of 2024. Since his arrival, he has turned out 82 times for the club, netting 27 goals and registering 10 assists.
McTominay progressed through the academy ranks at Old Trafford, breaking into the first team towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign. He went on to feature 255 times, finding the net 29 times and laying on eight assists.
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Temperatures could reach the high 20s in south-east England on Friday before falling closer to average over the weekend, with wet and windy weather possible next week
The Met Office has forecast temperatures could climb as high as 28C in parts of the UK on Friday.
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Conditions are set to warm up – but perhaps don’t get those summer beach towels out from storage just yet because forecasters suggest that wet and windy weather could be on the way next week.
Thursday has been largely dry for most parts of Wales and the UK with temperatures reaching the low-20s in most places. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter.
On Friday temperatures are anticipated to peak at between 27C and 28C across the south-east of England. The Met Office has characterised these conditions as “exceptionally warm” for this time of year.
According to the Met Office Wales will see something of a mixed bag of weather on Friday with Cardiff enjoying some dry and sunny temperatures of around 21C. As a whole, however, Wales will see a “cloudy and at times damp day with showery rain”.
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Meanwhile, across the weekend, the outlook for Wales is: “Bright and breezy on Saturday with sunny spells and the odd shower. Turning windier on Sunday with heavy rain arriving, clearing later. Sunny periods on Monday. Temperatures remaining above average.”
As for England temperature anomaly maps for Friday show southern and eastern parts of England shaded in orange, further indicating that the mercury will climb well above the seasonal norm, reports the Mirror.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said: “Once early fog patches clear in the south, Friday will be exceptionally warm for late September, especially in the southeast closest to an area of high pressure over the nearby continent.
“A weakening cold front will drift gradually south-eastwards overnight and into Saturday, with temperatures falling back closer to average over the weekend.
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“This sets up a mixed weekend of weather, much of Saturday will be fine and dry before an increasing chance of rain or showers on Sunday, especially in more western parts.”
The Met Office forecast for next states that “a period of wet and windy weather” is expected to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
Mr Holley added: “While details are naturally uncertain at this range, a particularly deep area of low pressure could pass close to the UK during the first half of next week.
“This may bring some wet and windy weather for some, which coupled with high spring tides could bring impacts to some coastal areas in the west.”
The Horniman has a weekly market on a Sunday (Picture: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Just down the road from East Dulwich and not too far from Crystal Palace, you’ll find Forest Hill: a leafy suburb of Lewisham, known for its independent shops, artsy vibe, and strong community feel.
While it might not be as popular as trendy South London stalwarts, like Brixton or Clapham, if you know, you know.
In 2024, The Sunday Times named it in their Best Places to Live list, calling it ‘charming’, and praising the ‘creative corner’ of London for its ‘jaw-dropping city panoramas’.
While it might not have a Tube station, there’s plenty to be found in Forest Hill, including cheaper rent.
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According to statistics from renting site SpareRoom, the average cost of a room is £913, meanwhile in neighbouring East Dulwich, the going rate is £969, while Herne Hill costs £984 and Brixton £986.
And, of course, bougie Clapham is even more expensive, at £1,093.
Now isn’t that a nice view of London? (Picture: Jeff Blackler/Shutterstock)
Property prices in Forest Hill
Forest Hill is more affordable than the rest of London, but you’ll still need to be prepared to dig deep into your pockets to buy here.
According to statistics from Rightmove, the average home in the area has gone for £625,204 over the last year. Flats have come in at £411,341, while terraced homes tend to be more expensive, at £793,861 on average.
However, the going rate for London as a whole has been £664,962, which works out to be almost £40,000 (£39,758) more expensive.
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Things to do in Forest Hill
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Perhaps the most famous Forest Hill landmark is the Horniman Museum, known for its collection of taxidermied animals, musical instruments, and other random curiosities, including a Walrus that dates back to the Victorian era.
Once you’ve explored everything the museum has to offer though, there’s a market in the grounds, where you’ll find food stalls, ceramics, vinyl, jewelry, and grocers selling off fresh local produce.
The Horniman is the biggest attraction in Forest Hill (Picture: Geography Photos/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
With stunning views of the entire city, this is the perfect spot to perch and eat your lunch, people-watching the visitors stroll from one stand to the next.
And on certain weekends throughout the year, the bandstand is also where the museum hosts events and celebrations.
The Kusuma Nature Play Area, in the museum gardens, also doesn’t require any booking and has a climbing web, den building frame, timber balance beams, and log steps.
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For green space, Forest Hill is sorted.
Dulwich Park isn’t far away, which runs a Parkrun every Saturday morning, and has a little boating lake, where pedalos are available for hire.
The Horniman also has a Grade II listed Victorian glasshouse (Picture: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
There’s also Sydenham Hill Wood, Blythe Hill Fields, and Dacres Wood, which has been a designated nature reserve since 2005.
As leisure centres go, Forest Hill Pools makes for a delightful swim. There are a few different pools, separated into lanes. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and very clean, so you can get your 40 lengths done in peace.
Forest Hill Pools is a decent spot for a swim (Picture: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
There are independent businesses everywhere, too, including Better Things, known locally for its selection of homeware and for hosting workshops, like a Paint Your Own Charm offering.
Krust opened in June, and dishes out coffee and sweet treats like the pistachio and chocolate croissant, as well as a chocolatine (the Bordeaux/Toulouse word for a pain au chocolat, so you’re in good hands).
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Transport links in Forest Hill
Now, plenty of snobs turn their noses up at South London for its distinct lack of Tube stations, but if you’re open to an alternative commute, one which is mainly comprised of buses and trains, then Forest Hill might be for you.
Fancy a laid-back South London vibe? (Picture: Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
It’s conveniently located along the Windrush Line, which runs from Crystal Palace to Highbury and Islington. It’s just 26 minutes from Hoxton.
There’s also the Southern rail service, which goes directly to London Bridge in 14 minutes, and passes through Honour Oak, Brockley, and New Cross Gate along the way.
Plus, heaps of buses constantly pile through, including the 185 to Victoria, the 176 to Tottenham Court Road, and the 197 to Peckham.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk
Del Somerville, 42, was the first to be arrested and sentenced for violent disorder following the violence which erupted after the arrival of a small boat in Portsmouth on September 6
Matt Jackson Live News Network Reporter and Ben Mitchell Press Association
17:19, 24 Sep 2026
A father-of-two has become the first demonstrator to be imprisoned after hurling a plastic bottle at a police cordon and verbally abusing officers during an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth.
Del Somerville, from Paulsgrove, received a two-year jail term at Portsmouth Crown Court after admitting to violent disorder.
The 42-year-old was the first person arrested and sentenced in connection with the disturbances that broke out following a small boat’s arrival in the Hampshire city on September 6.
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Judge Daniel Sawyer stated his sentence would serve as a warning to others amid further demonstrations in the locality.
Branding him a “thug”, the judge told the defendant: “Police officers dedicate their lives to the protection of the public regardless of their own views, the very least they can expect is that those who engage in protests treat them with respect and the courts punish those who assault them.”
Prosecutor Edward Warren explained: “This case arises out of the violence that occurred on the night of September 6 following the arrival into the country of 114 illegal migrants who had crossed the Channel from France and were diverted to Eastney marina, escorted by the Coastguard and the RNLI.”
Mr Warren added: “Following an initial peaceful and lawful gathering from local residents, a large number of people gathered on Ferry Road near the marina.
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“That protest apparently initially appeared spontaneous before it seemed organised elements with online encouragement from public figures having shared information on social media and elsewhere led to a much wider group and a large number of people attending.
“Public awareness spread online and a larger number of people began to congregate in Eastney.
“Protests began popping up in other parts of the area, including Hayling Island and ferry terminals.
“Hampshire Constabulary declared a major incident during the evening and a significant police presence was deployed, and significant resources were required to maintain public order and to ensure those who had arrived in the country were moved to a secure location.
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“During the evening there were seven recorded assaults on police officers and damaged caused to police vehicles.
“Other forces were deployed from outside Hampshire to assist and approximately 50 officers from Hampshire and a further 100 supporting officers to assist.”
The court was informed that local residents had provided statements expressing fear within their own homes, while demonstrators were witnessed urinating in gardens, with property damage in the vicinity running into thousands of pounds.
Mr Warren stated that bricks, stones and bottles had been hurled at police, and community wardens found themselves confined to their vehicles for five hours throughout the disorder. The prosecution outlined how at approximately 11.20pm, Somerville, dressed in a khaki hooded top with the hood raised, first gestured to a fellow demonstrator to “back off” from the police cordon.
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The court heard the accused subsequently “turned to face the police and was seen to throw a small bottle and he has shouted at officers to ‘f*** off’.
“He remains at the front of the group talking to protesters a short distance from the police line.”
It was further stated that at 1am, body-worn camera evidence captured Somerville “aggressively pushing” through the police barrier and “shouting verbal abuse at police officers” as well “pointing aggressively” at them.
Mr Warren explained that Somerville, who resides on a vessel at the marina, was located at his van by officers on September 11 and allegedly assaulted a constable during his arrest.
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The defendant has denied this charge, with the matter now set to be heard at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court.
During questioning, Mr Warren revealed Somerville “said the police were the ones responsible for the violence and he suggests he was struck by a baton multiple times and sprayed with CS gas”.
Helen Easterbrook, defending, told the court that Somerville had been aboard his boat at the marina that evening and ventured out to investigate the commotion.
She explained: “Unlike so many of those involved in disorders where people are transporting themselves across the country, he was caught up in it.
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“He was one of the people affected by this, his original involvement was when he came out of the marina to see what was going on. This does not excuse the behaviour he began to undertake.”
She further stated: “He asked police to go back to his place of safety on his boat but he was refused.”
Ms Easterbook revealed that Somerville had initially tried to defuse the situation, but had thrown a “light plastic bottle” with no intention of causing harm.
She went on to say: “He has suffered a number of mental health issues, rebuilding his life multiple times.”
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The judge addressed Somerville directly, stating: “You didn’t simply find yourself caught up in this disorder, this maybe how it started but you made a decision to engage in this behaviour.”
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Is the world sleepwalking into its worst energy crisis in 50 years? Household bills could rocket 25% by January – THAT threat alone could trigger an early UK general election, SIMON LAMBERT warns on latest Deep Dive podcast
The leading financial journalist joined Defence Editor Mark Nicol to speculate on whether the world is heading for its worst energy shock since the 1970s.
It comes after a dramatic few weeks for global energy markets. At the weekend, Ukraine brought Moscow‘s main oil refinery to a standstill in its biggest drone assault on the capital yet, defying Donald Trump‘s demand that Kyiv stop hitting Russian fuel supplies.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have tightened their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This vital waterway is one of the last remaining escape routes for Saudi Arabian oil to global markets, with Iran keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed.
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Lambert told podcast host Chris Pleasance that he fears politicians and billpayers alike have ‘lulled themselves into a false sense of security’ over the scale of the problem.
He said: ‘There’s a sense that people have been thinking: “Oh, it’s not that bad. We’re surviving this.”
‘But we may have lulled ourselves into a false sense of security here. I know that’s not what anyone wants to hear about their bills.
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It comes after a dramatic few weeks for global energy markets. Houthi rebels in Yemen have tightened their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The waterway is one of the last escape routes for Saudi Arabian oil
‘The energy price cap has not risen by that much. In April though, there was an instance where actually some of the costs were taken out, which artificially lowered bills.
‘There are warnings now that the energy price cap could go up by 25% in January. That’s a big hike.
‘Natural gas prices have also reached a three year high. Storage levels are markedly lower than they usually are at this time of the year. That spells bad news for the winter.
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‘I think we failed to learn the lesson from the last time round [Russia’s invasion of Ukraine] when there was a scramble to fill gas storage.
‘A lot of gas comes out of the Middle East. Also, liquefied natural gas is unable to come out of the region in the same volume as it was. We don’t buy much of that in this country, but Asia buys a lot of it.
‘Asia will have to go elsewhere to try and buy gas, which will push up prices for us.’
Defence Editor Nicol warned there was little sign of relief on the horizon, with Washington no closer to an exit strategy from its war with Iran.
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Nor is there an end in sight in Eastern Europe, he said, with Putin and Trump both acting as ‘laws unto themselves’.
He added: ‘Putin and Trump are wedded to the outcomes of these conflicts.
‘Putin’s trying to avoid his head on a stick. While it’s not a life or death matter for Trump, this is about legacy.
Defence Editor Nicol warned there was little sign of relief on the horizon, with Washington no closer to an exit strategy from its war with Iran. Nor is there an end in sight in Eastern Europe, he said, with Putin and Trump both acting as ‘laws unto themselves’
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For the UK, Lambert said the crisis could tempt Andy Burnham to gamble on a snap general election
There is a strong economic case for going to the polls before energy bills soar, Lambert explained, with Labour’s manifesto pledges on tax leaving the Government without the tools to cope with the fallout
‘At the moment, his second term will only be remembered for this catastrophic political mistake in Iran.’
There is a strong economic case for going to the polls before energy bills soar, he explained, with Labour’s manifesto pledges on tax leaving the Government without the tools to cope with the fallout.
Burnham has publicly ruled out an early election, but speculation in Westminster has refused to die down.
‘Better do it now before everyone’s bills go up 25%,’ Lambert said.
‘Labour made this promise not to raise income tax, National Insurance, VAT or corporation tax in 2024. That’s partially responsible for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer being out of the door.
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‘They have continued the same mistake as the Tories. Instead of being honest enough to raise the main taxes, they tinker around the edges with smaller taxes. This attack on wealth talk, for example, is really unpopular.
‘If they stand on a new manifesto and they don’t put “we won’t raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT” in there, then they can pull one of those big levers.
‘They can also leave out a promise to stick by the triple lock, which Labour promised to do, and that is something that’s really hanging over the UK economy. So, it could get them out of a hole.’
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Listen to the full episode by searching for Deep Dive wherever you get your podcasts.
Neither woman’s remains have ever been recovered despite extensive searches.
Members of the Dorrian and Murray family joined to give evidence to the Justice Committee about the Sentencing Bill currently being scrutinised by MLAs.
The wide-ranging reforms aim to strengthen the existing framework for sentencing for crimes, including bringing in Charlotte’s Law, which aims to reduce the trauma experienced by families of murder victims in no-body cases.
It would create a statutory aggravator for failure to disclose the location of victims’ remains and new sentence reductions for post-sentence disclosures.
Lisa Dorrian’s sister Joanne Dorrian outlined that the Sentencing Bill in its current form would require courts to increase an offender’s sentence by at least 30% in applicable “no-body” cases where they are believed to have information about where a victim’s remains are, or how they were disposed of, but have failed to disclose it.
If they later do disclose where a body was disposed of, a formula would decide how much their sentence would then be reduced by.
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Ms Dorrian called for the original sentence increase to be strengthened, saying such a move “works as a deterrent”.
“People will then know when they commit a murder and are in the position where they’re deciding whether to give up a body or to hide a body, with case law going forward, that there is a significant number of years added to their sentence,” she told the committee.
“So, we would ask for you to consider strengthening that even to 40% just in order to increase the additional tariff, which would then obviously be reduced using the formula.”
The reduction is currently proposed at 50%, which Ms Dorrian also asked to be increased.
“I think if we were to look at something at around 70% – we’re giving them a bigger reduction on the sentence in order to incentivise that disclosure at the earliest point, and just to be in the strongest position to do that,” she said.
“It’s not an easy thing for any of us to sit here today and say that we want to be able to reduce the sentence of any murderer, and in an ideal world we would never want that.
“But when you’re in these really niche circumstances that we’re in, every one of us sitting here today, and I’m sure other families in this position without a conviction, would tell you we would do anything to get our loved ones back.
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“We would not forego justice, but we’re trying to use the justice system to get what we need, and what we need is the return of the body of our loved ones.”
John Dorrian, Lisa’s father, referred to Helen’s law in place in England and Wales which puts a statutory duty on the Parole Board to take an offender’s failure to disclose the location of a victim’s remains into account when deciding whether they are safe to release.
Asked by Justice Committee chairman MLA Paul Frew if there “should be conditions placed on the perpetrator, even when they get out”, Mr Dorrian said: “I would think so, personally, it’s Northern Ireland, you know, it’s a small community.”
Ms Dorrian said in the last three months she has “been in the vicinity of Lisa’s suspect on three occasions”.
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“That has been very difficult for me,” she said.
“He’s not aware of that, but I’m aware of seeing him in my locality three times in the last three months.”
Compression socks have a bad rap. But, in case you missed it, we’re all about vein health at the minute.
On social media, people are touting the benefits of lying with your legs up the wall every day, while elsewhere attention is being drawn to visible veins like varicose veins or spider veins.
Whether you’re worried about vein swelling, appearance, or even leg fatigue during travel or exercising, though, compression socks could help.
Who are compression socks for?
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“Compression socks may be recommended for people with certain vein conditions, leg swelling or varicose veins, as well as some people who are recovering from surgery or have limited mobility,” Superdrug Online Doctor, Dr Babak Ashrafi told HuffPost UK.
Certain people are more at risk of developing varicose veins, such as women, older people, and those who stand for long periods of time.
“People also often think about compression socks when travelling long distances, particularly on flights, because sitting still for an extended period can affect circulation,” Ashrafi explains.
What are the benefits of compression socks?
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Compression socks could also help support vein health for some people, Ashrafi adds.
“The veins in our legs have to work against gravity to return blood towards the heart, and compression can help encourage this process,” he says.
“They may be recommended for people experiencing problems associated with poor venous circulation, such as varicose veins or swelling in the lower legs.”
Although compression socks could help with the appearance and feeling of varicose veins, they can’t cure venous conditions.
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“Compression socks can help manage symptoms, but they don’t necessarily address the underlying cause of a vein problem,” Ashrafi explains.
“If you’re regularly experiencing swollen, painful or heavy legs, or you’re concerned about your risk of blood clots, speak to a healthcare professional rather than relying on compression socks alone.”
The best compression socks to shop now
If you’re considering wearing compression socks, we’ve found the best to shop now, in a range of colours, shapes, and lengths, and for a variety of needs.
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However, if you’re concerned about your cardiovascular health, Ashrafi recommends speaking to a medical professional rather than relying on compression socks alone.
How long should you wear compression socks for?
There is no set period of time you should wear compression socks for.
“How long you should wear compression socks depends entirely on why they have been recommended,” Ashrafi explains.
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“Some people may be advised to wear them during the day and remove them before going to bed, while others may only need them in particular circumstances, such as during travel or while recovering from a procedure.”
The type and strength of compression are also important, Ashrafi adds.
“Wearing compression that isn’t appropriate for you can potentially cause problems, particularly if you have certain conditions affecting the arteries in your legs.
“If compression socks have been recommended for a medical reason, follow the advice you’ve been given about how and when to wear them.
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“And if you’re considering them because you’ve noticed new or persistent symptoms in your legs, it’s better to seek medical advice first rather than self-diagnosing.”
It was hard not to crack a smile in July when Inter confirmed the arrival of John Stones. The Serie A club’s official website announced the deal with an 800-word story that romanticised Stones’ journey from the ‘village’ of Barnsley to Champions League winner and now Inter.
The Manchester City favourite deserved a lavish greeting, even if there was not the same fanfare that has welcomed previous big name signings to Italian football. Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was swamped by supporters in Naples when he moved to Serie A – even though his trophy cabinet pales in comparison to Stones’.
However, Football Italia editor Lorenzo Bettoni told MEN Sport that context matters. “I mean in Italy, it wasn’t for example like with Scott McTominay in the past with hundreds of people waiting for him at the airport,” he explained.
“What you have got to consider is the different environments. Naples is not quite like Milan. So you would never get that many fans unless it’s a very big name, like you would usually get in Rome or in Naples. For the very beginning, it is very different from the north cities and from the north fans, like in Milan, for example.
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“That being said, generally speaking on social media, the reaction from journalists is quite positive because Inter managed to get an experienced defender – although he was no longer a key Manchester City player. Let’s say it was a positive welcome, not overly positive, but not negative.
“Nobody was saying about the signing in Italy, that he could not help the team. That is not the general view. The general view is that Inter have made a potentially smart signing, but just a regular signing, I would say.”
Stones joined a team that is on the up. After replacing Simone Inzaghi last year, Cristian Chivu led the Milan club to the league and cup double, and has enjoyed a positive start to this campaign. Like City, Inter have a perfect record in the league.
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Wisely, Stones has not been rushed into his new team’s starting XI. He made brief cameos in the opening two victories over Monza and Cagliari, before starting on matchday four after an impressive display in the second half against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“Chivu was hot on Stones’ experience,” Bettoni continued. “So, the main thing was that he wanted to rely on his experience and he knew that Stones didn’t quite have the same characteristics of some of the players who had left, like Francesco Acerbi, and Stefan de Vrij.
“The plan that he had in mind was using his experience inside the dressing room, and then tactically try to introduce him slowly to the team. He made a very good appearance, for example, against Real Madrid, when he was introduced at the break replacing Benjamin Pavard.
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“He started the following game against Udinese, but then he got his injury. So, It’s kind of a disruptive start to the plans. But his injury story was well known.”
Sadly for City fans, Bettoni is right. During his ten-year stint at the Etihad Stadium, Stones was plagued with different injuries – ranging from moderate problems to serious issues that were costing him months of his career.
Last season, Pep Guardiola looked almost exasperated when asked for updates on Stones’ fitness. Not that he was impatient with the defender, but clearly Guardiola was disappointed as he knew the talent Stones possessed, and sympathised with his recurring injuries.
This time it is Stones’ hamstring that has let him down. Inter are confident the centre-back will return following the international break. But outside the club, there’s a feeling he could be out for at least a month.
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Stones’ image in Italy has, thankfully, not been tarnished by this injury. Rather, the conversation among pundits has questioned whether or not he can actually improve Inter, once he returns.
Bettoni explained: “Probably the biggest, in no reason for concern, but the biggest talking point, is something that Beppe Bergomi talked about a few days ago after the latest Serie A round. He said that Stones hasn’t actually improved Inter’s defence because he’s not a man-marker, like Acerbi and De Vrij. He’s a player who has experience, he’s a player who knows how to control the ball really well, how to handle the ball, very strong in the build-up play, but he’s not that sort of man-marker.
“He’s not the sort of man who you would put in the middle of a three-man defence and he would be at his best marking an opponent. So, maybe the biggest concern is tactical rather than physical at this moment, even though, again, Stones has started fairly good.
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“I think he balanced the defence pretty well and he was very smooth on the ball. Against Udinese it was so/so. But yeah, maybe the biggest concern, let me put it this way, is that he’s not an actual man-marker, he has other skillsets that are very appreciated, but not quite the same as Acerbi and De Vrij, who left as free agents last summer.”
Upon arriving in Italy, Stones mentioned about how much he looked forward to playing with Manuel Akanji, this season. Akanji made his loan move from City to Inter permanent in the summer.
As of yet, the duo have not played much together, with Akanji’s struggling form and Stones’ injury setback, putting those plans on ice. But Bettoni is confident the City legend can muscle his way into the Inter defence.
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“I think he will [get back into the team], especially because Inter are making a few changes in the defence,” he concluded. “It’s true the starting centre backs are the same, pretty much the same, as last season.
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“I mentioned to you Francesco Acerbi before. But the truth is that Acerbi was not an Inter starter last season because Yann Aurel Bisseck was used in the middle of defence. So in terms of players, they have the same as they had last year. So the starting centre-backs, technically, are Akanji, Bisseck and [Alessandro] Bastoni.
“I think he can still squeeze into the eleven, especially in a moment where Inter are kind of struggling to find the defensive solidity. They are the best attack in Serie A, but they’ve conceded eight goals in five Serie A games. It’s quite a lot for a team that wants to win this league, especially in the league where usually the best defence wins the titles.
“It depends as well on whether he can adapt to this playing style. Can he adapt to playing with the higher line? Can he adapt to pressing a lot? Because there are some common features between Inter and Guardiola’s City.
“Inter want to keep the ball more than they wanted to under Simone Inzaghi. Stones can be one of those players who gives you that stability and gives you that confidence when you have to build-up from the back. But then at the same time, he doesn’t quite have the features of playing high and keeping a high line and be that type of defender.
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“So, it’s a little bit of both, surely it’s not that Inter are wanting him to return because they are missing a starter – we are not in that situation. But, if you can get him minutes, he’s a player that can have the chance to play important games as well.”
A security guard has died after being struck by a ride at Munich’sOktoberfest just 10 minutes before his shift was scheduled to end.
Aleksandar Spasic, 52, was on shift at the world-famous beer festival in Germany when he was struck by a descending carriage of the “Hangover” ride about 9.50pm on Monday.
Emergency crews attended the scene and immediately began CPR on the father from Serbia, managing to revive him.
Mr Spasic was taken to hospital while resuscitation efforts continued, but he died a short time later.
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The ride has a maximum falling speed of up to 56mph, although it is unclear how fast it was travelling when it struck Mr Spasic, who is 6ft7, as it slows considerably before reaching the bottom.
His wife of 28 years, Adrijana, said she had spoken to him just 75 minutes before the incident, which unfolded just 10 minutes before the end of his shift.
The Serbian dad suffered devastating head injuries in the impact (Jam Press)
Their son Lazar had previously warned his dad about working at the festival because he feared he could be harmed by drunken visitors.
He had told him: “Dad, don’t go to Oktoberfest, it’s a bad place to work.”
Adrijana, 47, and Lazar said that Aleksandar had worked for the security company for three months and was extremely cautious about putting himself in danger.
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Lazar said: “Just the day before, he was working at another ride when a visitor lost something. My dad was asked to retrieve it, but he refused because it was too dangerous.”
He believes a similar situation could explain why his father was inside the restricted area when he was fatally injured.
Lazar said: “Nobody is supposed to go into that area – it’s strictly off-limits. Maybe a visitor had dropped their glasses or phone, and my dad went in to retrieve it and help them.”
There is currently no confirmation that Aleksandar had entered the area to retrieve a lost item. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
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A spokesperson, Thomas Schelshorn, said officers were examining “whether someone can be held responsible”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that following a collision on the M60 near Sale Water Park earlier this month, two lanes were closed to allow emergency services and highway workers to deal with fuel and oil on the carriageway.
Despite the Red X closures being in place, GMP claimed “numerous motorists” drove along the closed lanes, therefore putting the workers “at risk”.
GMP added that two further drivers were reported to have used the hard shoulder to bypass traffic.
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Police have said officers recorded the vehicle registrations and the drivers suspected of committing offences have been reported and “can expect correspondence”.
GMP said: “A Red X is not a suggestion, it means the lane is closed.
“Please respect motorway lane closures and help keep emergency workers and road users safe.”
What is the penalty for ignoring a Red X on the motorway?
According to National Highways, it is illegal to ignore a Red X sign, stating: “The Red X sign is key to supporting safety on motorways.
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“It tells you when a lane is closed, helping any drivers and their passengers who may have got into difficulty.
“It also provides a safe place to work and incident access for the emergency services, recovery operators and our road workers.
“Most drivers respect the Red X signal. But those who don’t put themselves and other road users at real risk.”
National Highways goes on to warn that those found flouting the lane closure could receive a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points, and in some cases more severe penalties or a court appearance.
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