The ex-bodyguard to the leader of Hamas ‘won UK asylum and citizenship’ before allegedly plotting a terror attack against Jewish people in Europe.
Mr X, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was allegedly awarded refugee status in Britain in 2015 despite having worked in the personal security detail of Ismail Haniyeh, then the Hamas leader in Gaza.
He had also allegedly been detained by authorities in Egypt for overseeing a tunnel used for smuggling guns and gold into Gaza.
Mr X, a married father in his forties, now faces extradition to Germany over accusations of orchestrating a terror plot against Israeli diplomats, pro-Israel demonstrations and the Jewish community there or in Austria in October 2025.
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The alleged planned attacks were apparently intended to roughly coincide with the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people.
He also faces trial in the UK over a separate criminal case. If he is convicted, he will receive a custodial sentence before being extradited to Germany on charges of procuring arms for Hamas.
National Crime Agency officers swooped to arrest the alleged former Hamas chief in central London last November after reports of the plotted attack reached Mossad and Germany’s intelligence and security forces.
Berlin officials worked with diplomatic partners, including the UK, to seize seven suspects and weapons including an AK-47 rifle.
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Hamas fighters pictured in Gaza. The ex-bodyguard to the leader of Hamas ‘won UK asylum and citizenship’ before allegedly plotting a terror attack against Jewish people in Europe
The German indictment, first obtained by German newspaper Bild, also reveals that Mr X – who remains in custody in Britain – is accused of bringing weapons to a Vienna storage facility.
The alleged former Hamas bodyguard also pre-recorded a clip positioning himself in front of a Hamas flag, while armed and masked, and claiming the planned attack was a form of retribution on behalf of the Ezzidine al-Qassam Brigades, the group’s military wing, the indictment adds.
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The indictment also claims he transported five pistols, ammunition, woollen hats, neck warmers and gloves from Berlin last July and dropped them off in a hired storage site in Vienna.
Mr X was described as an ‘essential’ figure in the plot by a law enforcement source, The Sunday Times reports.
He still cannot be named despite suggestions the terror attack plans were among the most severe in Germany’s recent history, after his lawyer argued identifying him would prejudice a separate criminal case set for trial in the UK.
Sources suggest Mr X was first part of Haniyeh’s security force at the time of Hamas’s emphatic victory in Palestine’s legislative elections.
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Haniyeh was in power in Gaza in the decade after Hamas won a civil war with its rival Fatah and seized the strip.
Mr X was at some point between 2009 and 2012 detained by Egyptian officials for operating a gun-smuggling tunnel.
He left Gaza in 2012 and had arrived in Britain by 2015, joining fellow leaders of Hamas and its forebear the Muslim Brotherhood.
A Theresa May-run Home Office granted the alleged former Hamas security official asylum, although it is unknown how much mandarins knew about his alleged role in the inner workings of the terror group.
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He was later handed citizenship and moved into a home in the suburbs surrounding an English city with his wife and children.
The father has used two properties in the same English city in recent years but does not own either of them.
Mr X changed his name at least once, according to sources, with Companies House records showing UK entities incorporated under several identities.
He left positive reviews for local businesses under a Google Maps account as recently as two years ago – all while attending protests outside the Israeli embassy.
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Online pictures show him standing alongside Haniyeh, including one where he escorts the Hamas leader in Gaza through a throng of supporters holding Kalashnikovs.
Haniyeh was assassinated by Mossad in Tehran in July 2024, just months after the October 7 attacks.
As a vocal spokesperson and intermediary for Hamas on the world stage, Haniyeh had described the October 7 attacks as ‘an earthquake that struck the heart of the Zionist entity’ and vowed to continue the fight to ‘liberate… all our land’.
But for years, the ‘overall leader’ of Hamas had lived a life of luxury outside of Gaza, drawing the ire of many Gazans who felt he had become ‘out of touch’ after rising to the top of Hamas’ political structure in its early years in power.
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As he decried poverty in the beleaguered Gaza Strip, Haniyeh became the wealthiest of Hamas’ leaders, jetting between five-star hotels in Doha and Istanbul while Hamas siphoned millions in international aid for military use.
Mr X, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was allegedly awarded refugee status despite working in the security detail of Ismail Haniyeh, then Hamas leader in Gaza, pictured in 2021
Police found Mr X’s pre-recorded video while raiding a property and it is believed the clip was filmed in Vienna.
Seven others were last year arrested over the alleged planned attack including two German citizens, one Dane, one Bulgarian and three Lebanese suspects.
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A German intelligence asset, who allegedly went rogue, is alleged to have been a co-conspirator of the plotted terror attack.
The Daily Mail has approached the Home Office for comment.
In a statement on Saturday afternoon Archbishop Eamon Martin called for “prayers and support for a peaceful resolution to complex Garvaghy Road situation”.
The Catholic primate said he shared the “sense of shock and disappointment of so many people at recent developments”.
“I also appeal for support for the patient use of solely lawful and democratic processes to resolve this deeply complex and emotive situation.”
Fr Peter Clarke, from St John the Baptist in Portadown, said he was concerned the march would “clash” with parishioners coming and going from the church.
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He said he had emailed the commission to express his concerns and stated he “doesn’t know how they came to” their conclusion.
Parishioners at St Patrick’s Church on William Street are also likely to be affected ahead of the 10:00 service, according to the priest.
He added “tensions are high” in the community, and said he will be addressing the situation during Sunday’s service.
The decision to give the go-ahead for the parade came after the five-person Parades Commission, led by Prof Evelyn Collins, held face-to-face talks with the Orange Order earlier this week, and a separate meeting with the residents’ coalition.
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Senior police officers were also consulted about the planned parade.
Within the 31-paragraph determination by the Parades Commission, details were revealed of conversations held with the PSNI.
The document stated: “The police made both written and oral submissions, indicating that they, at the time of making them, had no information indicating that the parade would result in disorder or violence.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had activated “mutual aid arrangements to support contingency planning for a policing operation” in Portadown on Sunday.
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It is understood about 200 officers are coming from Scotland.
As the air turns a little more crisp, there is nothing better than a walk through the beautfiul Cambridgeshire countryside. And it is not a proper English countryside walk unles it includes a trip to a pub.
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In Cambridgeshire we have many options for pretty autumn walks, but this one takes you past some ancient history spots. The village of Holywell near Huntingdon is perfect for an autumn stroll.
If you park in Millfield car park between Needingworth and Holywell Walk you can begin your walk by following signs that direct you through fields, woodland, ancient willows and finally towards the village of Holywell where you can stop for a beer in what might be England’s oldest pub.
This walk takes you straight through the pretty riverside village and lets you amble through beautiful woodland. Hollywell is an Anglo-Saxon ring village, which is one of only three left in the county. This means the houses were built to form a circle.
Look out for green woodpeckers that a lot of visitors report hearing and seeing and pass by ancient willows and even a holy well which the village is named after. The holy water well is located in front of the church, as you exit the building with the River Great Ouse ahead of you. It is a religious site and is a stone structure built over a natural spring underneath it.
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If you enjoy a walk with a few stops, you can picnic in an English woodland garden beside the church near where the holy well is.Inside the village right on the water edge, you can finish your walk at The Old Ferry Boat Inn which is considered to be one of the oldest if not the oldest pub in England.
The outdoor beer garden overlooks the banks of the River Great Ouse, and owners Greene King claim there are records of drinks being sold at the site as early as the year 560 – with the Kingdom of East Anglia only believed to have been formed around 571.
Enjoying a drink there in the beer garden overlooking the river and watching the boats pass by is definitely the perfect way to end your walk surrounded by the stories of history. Though you should beware the ghost that is believed to also reside there. There is a stone slab inside the pub dedicated to the resident ghost and her spooky story.
See where your local Greggs ranked and what customers had to say about it
Despite Cardiff’s reputation for boasting countless places to eat, the city is also home to no shortage of Greggs outlets. Whether you fancy something savoury or have a craving for something sweet, you can pick up your preferred items at any of the 28 bakeries located across the city.
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If you’ve visited one of Cardiff’s Greggs branches, you’ll likely have formed your own opinion, be it favourable or otherwise. We’ve ranked every Greggs location from top to bottom using data from Google reviews.
This week the beloved bakery chain opened its 28th store in Cardiff at Fairfield Business Park, Taff’s Well. Due to its recent opening it is not included on this list.
Greggs shops in Cardiff rated from best to worst
75 Grand Avenue, Ely
Overall rating – 4.6 based on 158 reviews
After visiting the only Greggs outlet in Cardiff, Miranda Cortez said: “Went there around 11.20am. Plenty variety for you to choose according to your taste. Clean, no waiting. Recommended.”
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However, customer Josh left a one-star review, saying: “Visited at midday on a Friday, there were only two rolls left in the entire fridge and queues were out of the door. Staff seemed too busy preparing online orders.”
Regents trade park
Overall rating – 4.4 based on 359 reviews
Griff left a five-star review after eating at Greggs in Regents trade park, saying: “Called ahead asking if they’d make me an item that isn’t on the breakfast menu. Staff were happy to do so, excellent service.”
A one-star review left by customer Jake Verallo said: “With a queue outside of the door, the staff are more concerned with looking at their phones and talking to each other instead of serving customers, myself and three other people walked out. The staff need replacing or retraining, would never recommend this Greggs!”
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St Mary Street
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 115 reviews
James, a customer of the store in the city centre, left a five-star review, saying: “Great cheap eat near the castle, there’s plenty of fancy options in this tourist hotspot but for a quick bite to eat, you can’t go wrong here.”
Customer Ben Rigg was not happy with the vegetarian options at the store though. Leaving a one-star review, he said: “Two weeks straight of no vegan or veggie options. Having to walk across town to try to find some. Probably not the staff’s fault but poor considering Greggs is supposed to be so inclusive for vegetarians.”
Mermaid Quay
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 172 reviews
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Customer Paul Devivo left a five-star review, saying: “High marks.. Really good and in a great situation. Excellent hot breakfast rolls and good coffee for under £3. Ideal for sitting outside on a nice morning if you want to avoid the other all expensive eateries around the Quay.”
One customer was not so happy with their experience at the Memaid Quay Greggs and said: “Never has anything in stock. Especially hot sandwiches and baguettes. Used to think it was just after busy times, but over the last month must have been about 7-8 times at different times of day and on different days and every time the shelves are empty. To the point where I won’t even bother checking anymore.”
Clifton Street, Roath
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 138 reviews
Multiple people called the Clifton Street Greggs the best, with Mason James leaving a five-star review that said: “Best Greggs I’ve ever attended staff wise. Always have my corned beef bake ready before I even step foot through the door, would highly recommend.”
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Customer Katie House was not so thrilled with her experience. Within her one-star review she said: “I’ve been a loyal customer at this Greggs for five years and always had amazing service until today. I asked to add an egg to my vegan sausage breakfast bap, something I’ve done many times before, and was refused due to it being “vegan” and HR policy. It’s my order—surely I should choose what goes in it? I’ve raised a formal complaint and, sadly, won’t be returning. Very disappointed.”
34 Queen Street
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 13 reviews
With only 13 reviews there were mixed opinions. Branch customer Rob Bonney left a five-star, saying: “Believe it or not, only went to my first Greggs six months ago when my partner kept on to me how good it was. Now I am always on the look out for one wherever we are in the country. Just food that is tasty and value for money. Great coffee as well.”
However, another customer left a one-star review, saying: “I would like to make a complaint about the poor customer service I received during my recent visit. I ordered several bags of chips and politely asked for a few sachets of mayonnaise. The staff member serving me refused and said that I was only allowed to have one sachet. I was genuinely surprised by both the response and the way it was delivered.”
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Avenue Retail Park
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 495 reviews
Naquadahx had plenty of nice things to say about the Greggs branch at Avenue Retail Park. In their five-star review they said: “Friendly staff, good coffee, plenty of snacks and drinks. What more can you ask for before a hard day’s work?”
Jennifer Sidford was not happy with the service, with her one-star review saying: “Poor fella with a queue to the door serving on his own and trying to get fresh food out of the ovens.”
140 Queen Street
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 123 reviews
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Another city centre Greggs branch ranked highly across Cardiff with many five-star reviews, including one from Amanda Peters that said: “Convenient for those walking in or out of the centre. Good selection of sandwiches, breakfast rolls, hot/cold drinks, snacks and cakes. Friendly and polite staff. Vegan ‘sausage’ rolls are nice.”
However, one one-star reviewer was not so happy with the branch, stating: “Watched the staff member take my payment at the till yesterday and then immediately handle food with bare hands without washing them. Touching the till and then customers’ food is basic cross-contamination and really unhygienic. Very off-putting experience.”
Crwys Road Cathays
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 160 reviews
The Greggs branch in Cathays has 160 reviews on Google. Customer Anees left a five star review stating: “Excellent location! Has been here for years! The service provided by all staff is excellent.”
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One customer left a one star review that said: “Apart from the usual issues of a Greggs it does seem like they do not understand the legal principles in their food hygiene folder. They incorrect “hot hold” items in heated cabinets which are never turned on. As a result all the food comes to you stone cold.”
Wilson Road, Ely
Overall rating – 4.2 based on 258 reviews
The second Greggs bakery in Ely also recived praise, one five star review from Paul Valentine said: “Called in for lunch, plenty available to choose from. Went with the cheese salad meal deal. Have to say very tasty the baguette was fresh and crispy (some other Greggs are undercooked). Staff friendly and will go there again if I’m in the area.”
However not all customers were happy after visiting the store with David Collier leaving a one star review. His review says: “Food cold and very poor quality. Chicken goujons from previous day and reheated. Poor food quality is regular in this store. Reported before and no improvement. Just look at the picture. Would not feed them to a seagull.”
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Thornhill Road
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 490 reviews
5 star review, Abbott Stuart: “Always great service in this branch. The staff display courtesy, efficiency and effectiveness in their delivery of hot drinks, breakfast rolls and baguettes to the ravenous hordes of a weekday morning. Nothing short of a well oiled machine. Thanks guys!”
Customer Andrew Wilce was disappointed with the service rating the venue a one star. In his review he wrote: “Slowest service I’ve ever experienced in a Greggs. The staff were nice enough but there was a huge queue and they had no urgency – took 15 mins to get a bacon roll.”
St Johns Street
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 176 reviews
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Customer Ethan Ross-Smith left a five star review writing: “Lovely people here today! Came in for a sausage roll, but they didn’t have any – gave me a free coffee for the wait! Staff are amazing, great choice of music and plenty of food to go around – love ya greggs!”
Although it recieved an overall of 4.1, there were multiple negatiove reviews left including a one star review left by Naj Tahds that reads: “Cold food and was told cannot sit down to try to eat a very cold pasty because they are closing in 20minutes! Also staff shouted loud across the shop. Poor atmosphere.”
Central Square
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 170 reviews
A five star review left by Ella Nelson reads: “Got my usual ploughman’s lunch and it was up to its usual high standard. Happy bunny.”
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However, customer Scott Keenan left a one star review saying: “This Greggs store needs a proper shake up. The staff are not welcoming , smiley or make you feel invited. They stand around looking like they don’t want to be there and always never rush to open the door for opening times.”
Salisbury Road
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 54 reviews
A happy customer, Spencer Catron left a positive five str review saying: “Fantastic. I don’t see how anyone could have a bad experience at Gregg’s. If I had to eat at one place for the rest of my life it would be Gregg’s.”
A one star review left by Lloyd Evans reads: “Yet again another badly run greggs. It’s not even amusing anymore the decline in service is blatant. Never anything on display if you’re lucky to get a sausage roll. I watched 1 member of staff stand and watch the coffee machine make my drink. Time to get a new bakery on the market and be done with Greggs all together.”
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Wellfield Road
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 67 reviews
A five star review left by a happy customer said: “I went into Greggs Wellfield road for breakfast and the staff are always happy and friendly. Definitely recommend, the food is always fresh and the caramel lattes are amazing.”
Anthony Aron Hyatt did not have anything postive things to say about the Wellfield Road Greggs. Leaving a one star review he said: “Not good. Rude staff can’t be bothered to serve. Very untidy shop needs sorting by head office.”
Park Place
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 169 reviews
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Customer James Barton left a five star review for the Greggs branch at Park Place. He said: “Greggs is great for no nonsense food. Really good vegan option in sausage rolls as well. Tucked into a side street you might not realize where it is but worth heading in to grab a snack, lunch or a treat.”
A one star review left by a customer stated: “There’s this member of staff who is always passive aggressive and rude. I blame myself for always coming here to be honest. I will not be coming again.”
Cowbridge Road
Overall rating – 4.1 based on 169 reviews
A five star review left by Jessie Nevison reads: “Absolutely amazing service every time I go in there staff are always polite friendly and make your day service is second to none one in a million please these guys need to be looked after and definitely deserve a pay rise.”
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Jon Roberts left a one star review saying: “Never enough choice there,no chicken or wedges,over priced!!!!,by dinner time always sold out! not very good!”
Leckwith Road
Overall rating – 4.0 based on 262 reviews
The Lewith Road Greggs store is often busy, especially on match days. One five star review, written by Emyr Foxhall reads: “A good Greggs to go to, mostly to grab and go but there are 3 or 4 tables to sit at if you need them. Usual standard of service and food you would expect with Greggs.”
However Dawn Fish left a one star review saying: “Went in-store this morning with my Mum, bit of a queue (which is understandable, as it’s a popular one), then met with a very unhelpful assistant at the till that appeared to ‘not want to be there’. We were both so shocked and disappointed by this, that we left empty handed.”
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Llandaf North, The Tivoli
Overall rating – 4.0 based on 100 reviews
Andy left a five star review saying: “Greggs Llandaff north is the friendliest greggs I have been too. Excellent service.”
Customer Nathan left a one star review saying: “The slowest Greggs I have ever been to. Every time I’ve been in there’s been a queue of 8-10 people. It’s not because it’s particularly busy, they just take ages to do anything. People were joining the queue and leaving after a few minutes.”
Excelsior industrial estate
Overall rating – 4.0 based on 203 reviews
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With over 200 reviews, Excelsior industrial estate has plenty of positive reviews including a five star review from customer Emailie Mcgrath. Thye said: “We ordered from uber eats and wow it was HOT. The food was STEAMING it was absolutely delicious. We ordered the 6 bake match deal and every one came BOILING. Totally recommend and the delivery driver was quick.”
Stacey Brooks left a one star review saying : “Worst Greggs I have been to. The shop was an absolute mess, bins were overflowing outside with a huge amount of rubbish spilled out and rubbish all over the floor inside. Felt like it needed a good clean. I went in with the intention of getting mozzarella bites but decided against as they all looked like they had been stepped on. All flat, dried up and carelessly put in the boxes with the cheese oozing out.”
Whitchurch, 19 Merthyr Road
Overall rating – 4.0 based on 96 reviews
The Greggs bakery in Whitchurch recieved just under 100 reviews, some were positive including Sam Roberts’ five star review that says: “Greggs Whitchurch is a perfect example of what a casual eatery should be. With friendly staff, quick service and delicious products- I would certainly consider them as my wedding caterer, if I were even in that position. Service with a smile, and a bargain to boot. Thank you all at Greggs Whitchurch, for filling me up day after day.”
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Annother customer left a negative one star review in which they said: “The service was really slow! Staff was not friendly and to make matters worst, I came in midday and they had no oat milk. really ruined my experience.”
Caroline Street
Overall rating – 4.0 based on 182 reviews
The Chippy Lane/ Caroline Street Greggs had many reviews. Customer Abdul Hakim-ali said: “What more can be said about a Greggs tried breakfast egg roll first time. Highly recommend thanks staff were friendly during peak busy time.”
Howver a one star review reads: “This is the worst Greggs I have been to, shocking service and attitude from the women. Unable to get a simple order right, this is the fifth time they have missed items from breakfast baguettes and I’ve been served a coffee in used tea cup and with the tea bag still in it!”
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St David’s Arcade
Overall rating – 3.9 based on 7 reviews
Customer Edith left a five star review that said: “The customer service in this store is very good and the items are reasonably priced but there was a very long queue to actually pay for the food but overall this is a very good Greggs in the city centre.”
A one star reviewleft on Google stated: “I believe they not following Greggs standards every time I come here I get cold food today I asked staff he said all the other food cold as well now I am confused are they cooked with proper temperature. I am not saying I need something boiling hot at least I expect something warm.”
Cardiff University
Overall rating – 3.9 based on 44 reviews
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One happy customer, Steven Meyer said: “The food is always delicious, and you can’t go wrong with any choice at Greggs. I always go with the steak bake and sausage roll, but there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. This is a great location for students at Cardiff University, but there is typically a line so expect a small wait. Also the dine-in option has the problem with having messy freshers at the tables, so I advise getting your food as take out.”
However, Jimmy Lane left a one star review saying : “I ordered and paid for a margarita pizza slice but I was told they had just given the last one away, I was not given a refund and instead had to get a cold pastry instead. Also vegetarian options seem to always be sold out.”
Penarth Road
Overall rating – 3.9 based on 127 reviews
Syed Hussain left a five star review that said: “Staff members very considerate and helpful, offered me free drink while I wait for me cheese and onion pasties, good seating area with calm environment. Highly recommended.”
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Whilst Cameron Price left a one star review saying: “Always out of basic items, excluding the bakes, had good selection there, but really lacking with the fresh sandwiches and selection of desserts often being told it because of missed deliveries, but must be a case of under ordering on the manager’s side.”
Parkfield House
Overall rating – 3.7 based on 26 reviews
Customer Gemma Hughes left a five star review stating: “Great Greggs, they have a good selection available even after the lunch rush. Friendly and helpful staff. They have an area to eat in.”
Whilst John English was not so happy with his experience leaving a one star review that said: “Went into this store ordered a chicken and a corn beef pastie . Both were ice cold . For the price I would have preferred them at least warm but cold and not fresh. Never again.”
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Albany Road
Overall rating – 3.5 based on 98 reviews
Albany Road received the worst rating of all the Greggs in Cardiff however some people still had positive opinions of the establishment. One five star review left by Alan Davis says: “Always excellent value, even in the motorway services where you pay a little more. Good quality across the whole range and service with a smile.”
Although negative reviews were left. Manuel Jose left a one star review writing: “I’m really disappointed with my recent visit to Greggs. I went in to buy some food yesterday (31/08/2025), but the experience was unexpectedly unpleasant. The staff were noticeably rude and dismissive toward me, while I observed them being friendly and polite to other customers. It felt like I was being treated differently, and that’s not something anyone should experience when simply trying to grab a bite to eat.
“I usually enjoy Greggs, but this visit left a bad impression. I hope the team at this branch reflects on how they treat all customers, everyone deserves to be spoken to with respect and courtesy.”
All 15 celebrities took to the dance floor on Saturday (September 26) to perform in front of the judges
The brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing officially kicked off on Saturday (September 26) with the first live show of 2026.
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Presented by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, 15 celebrities and their professional dance partners took to the dance floor to perform a full routine in front of the judges for the first time.
The first episode of the hit BBC show saw Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin perform a samba to Zara Larsson’s Lush Life, Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu dance a quickstep to Stop This Flame by Celeste, and Dianne Buswell and Will Best perform a samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams.
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EastEnders star Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola also took to the floor, as well as Gavin And Stacey actress Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec and Love Island winner Cach Mercer and his dance partner Maddie Ingoldsby.
Following a night full of glitz, entertainment and some ‘harsh’ judges comments, here is the leaderboard in full after the first live show of the series.
Fans in New Orleans celebrated Dolly Parton Day, declared in honor of the late country music icon, on Sept. 25. There was music, colorful tributes and plenty of Dolly-inspired style, as they joined communities around the country in honoring the widely beloved Parton.
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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Publishers have been chasing Fortnite money for years now (Epic Games)
With the average age of gamers edging towards 40, a reader doesn’t understand why publishers are so fixated on appealing to younger fans.
Being a father of two I know all too much about what kind of things kids enjoy and I can tell you it has very little in common with what I liked as a kid. My oldest is 10 now and between YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox I barely see any worth in anything they like. Minecraft is good in theory, since they’re making things themselves, but most of the time they just seem to mess around and use it as an excuse to talk to their friends online. The fact that it’s a game barely ever seems to come into.
Now, as parents, we’re pretty strict about how much time they spend on anything, and how they use things like Roblox and YouTube, but we try not to be too controlling and know fine well that they do all these things when they’re round friends’ houses, so there’s only so much control you’ve got anyway.
As a father I’ve tried to get my kids interested in traditional console and PC games, but it’s never really taken. Sometimes something will catch their eye for a while – they both really liked Pikmin 4 for some reason – but always it’s a distraction and never a long-term interest.
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Speaking to other parents, this seem to be commonplace and if they are interested in other games other than the big two it’s always mobile trash, but my two don’t even really care about that. Although the oldest is starting to get more into Fortnite. Obviously, I’m just talking about the people around me but we often hear about how kids aren’t interested in traditional games, and so I don’t feel my situation is particularly unusual for here or anywhere in the West.
The sad fact is, kids don’t seem interested in normal video games. Maybe they’ll get into them at some point but if there is a magic age that they will nobody I know has witnessed it. If they get into gaming when they’re in their 20s then great, but then they’re not kids anymore.
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I feel there’s two things to do in this situation: either make a lot more games appealing to kids or just give up entirely and focus on adults. I would honestly probably prefer the first option, but I can’t see it ever happening. Most publishers, including Sony and Microsoft, gave up making games aimed at kids years and years ago, which is no doubt one of the main reasons we’ve got the situation we have today.
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Sony suddenly remembering that kids are a thing that exists every five years or so (Astro Bot was great!) isn’t going to change anything and I think the problem is that because games are so expensive to make, they can’t risk making something that’s only going to appeal to under-15s or lower.
Everything they do implies they’ve given up on the kids’ market, which makes me wonder who video games are even for anymore? They’re all marketed as if they’re aimed at a late teen/early 20s audience but the last thing I saw put the average age of gamers at 37 and getting older all the time. If that’s your audience, why don’t you lean into it more?
I’m not surprised something like Star Wars Zero Company did better than expected, because Star Wars and strategy games are two things middle age people are much more likely to enjoy than younger gamers. So are graphic adventures, computer role-players, 3D platformers, rhythm action games, rail shooters, and whatever other dead genre you happen to like but which nowadays are only made by indie developers – if at all.
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This is why older gamers get frustrated when publishers, especially Sony, waste all their time and money on live service games, because we know they probably won’t work out. And a large part is that they’re aiming themselves at a youth market that just isn’t there.
Younger people aren’t sitting around all day trying out different live service games to see if they like them, just because they play Fortnite. They’ve already got what they want out of gaming, and they’re not interested in going any further.
Sometimes I think the reason publishers don’t appeal more to older gamers is simply because they know we won’t spend as much money on microtransactions. We’re just not the people they seem to want to sell too and yet we’re by far the biggest audience. The fact that those two things are so out of alignment probably explains a lot that’s wrong with gaming today.
By reader Cobalt84
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Star Wars Zero Company – not very kid friendly (EA)
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North Yorkshire Police said the man was found collapsed by paramedics at an address in Wood Street, Heworth, at around 11pm yesterday (Friday, September 25).
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A force spokesperson said: “The man sadly died in hospital during the early hours of Saturday.
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“His family have been informed and are being supported while police enquiries continue.
“No arrests have been made at this stage, and the scene has been closed.
“Witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 12260189028”
Police were reported to be present in Wood Street throughout today with officers seen at the door of a property at 8.15pm.
In the past, small towns and villages across Cambridgeshire had their own railway stations. But as cars became more popular, many of these stations were no longer needed. Over the years, some of these stations have been turned into private homes whilst others have totally disappeared.
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In Cambridge, there are three railway stations: Cambridge North, Cambridge and the newly opened Cambridge South. Cambridge North was built on part of Chesterton Sidings, which used to be part of the old Chesterton railway station.
Originally opened in January 1850, Chesterton railway station was a request stop on the line between Cambridge and Histon which closed less than a year later in October 1850. The station was on the north side of Fen Road just before the line crossed over the River Cam.
In November 1984, a signal box which used to control the junction and level crossing over Fen Road was removed. The area then became part of the marshalling and manufacturing yards for St Ives Railway.
From 1911, the triangle of land between the St Ives branch and the main line was used by the permanent way department to store materials, and consisted of several sidings. After the Second World War, a permanent way depot was built.
The depot was mainly used to assemble new track panels and concrete sleepers. It was also used for general freight before the area was abandoned, and by 2005, it had become heavily overgrown.
To this day, some of the buildings from the old Chesterton Junction Railway Yardare still standing. Behind the station car park is a large wooded area where you can find one of the buildings fully intact that sits close to the railway tracks.
It is another apparently unvarnished glimpse into the life of Wayne and Coleen Rooney.
Viewers of The Real Rooneys follow the couple on a romantic getaway to the Scottish Highlands that was meant to help them ‘reconnect’ amid marriage troubles.
But it seems it was not only the Disney cameras who were invited along for the weekend – the couple also spent time with some of Wayne’s former teammates and their partners.
Talking to the cameras, Coleen, 40, says: ‘I’m hoping for a really nice weekend away, just to have a bit of quality time together. I’m hoping this is the chill weekend that we both just need.
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‘Things between me and Wayne have been up and down, and I’m hoping a break will help us reconnect. So we’re heading off to Scotland.’
The couple are shown driving to Loch Lomond, where they enjoy clay-pigeon shooting and whisky tasting during their stay at the luxurious five-star Cameron House Hotel.
Viewers of The Real Rooneys follow the couple on a romantic getaway to the Scottish Highlands that was meant to help them ‘reconnect’ amid marriage troubles
But it seems it was not only the Disney cameras who were invited along for the weekend – the couple also spent time with Wayne’s former teammates, Michael Carrick (on the right) and Darron Gibson, and their partners
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But far from it being a therapeutic couple’s break, The Mail on Sunday can reveal they met up with Michael Carrick – now the Manchester United manager – and his wife Lisa, as well as another former United player Darron Gibson and his wife Danielle. No mention is made of them in the show.
The mini-break took place in September 2025. On the 23rd of that month, Danielle posted a photograph of herself, Coleen and Lisa together, where she says they had been clay-pigeon shooting.
Coleen is wearing the same brown blazer and earrings as she was during her whisky-tasting session at Cameron House Hotel as shown on the show.
A day later, Wayne posted two photographs, one of him and Coleen with Loch Lomond behind him and another of him, Coleen and the other two couples dining at the Gleneagles Hotel, about an hour’s drive from Loch Lomond.
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A source said of the show: ‘It is called the Real Rooneys but there wasn’t much real about that trip.’
A spokesman for the Rooneys said: ‘Wayne and Coleen attended a golf invitational event in Scotland. This event was also attended by a number of other celebrities.
‘After this event had concluded, Wayne and Coleen travelled on to Cameron House. This part of their trip was made solely as a couple, with only their production crew accompanying them.’
The ten-part series premiered on Thursday. The couple allowed the cameras into their £10million mansion in Cheshire, where they are not afraid of a plug, including Coleen’s deal with Primark and Wayne’s contract with Gary Neville’s Overlap firm, which was recently bought by Disney+ (who paid the couple £10million for the show).
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Darron Gibson’s wife Danielle (right) shared a picture of her, Coleen (centre) and Lisa together on Instagram on 23 September, 2025, when she says they had been clay-pigeon shooting
Coleen is wearing the same brown blazer and earrings as she was during her whisky-tasting session at Cameron House Hotel as shown on the show
Coleen sampling whisky during the mini-break which took place last year
Wayne and Coleen tried their hand at clay-pigeon shooting at the luxurious five-star hotel
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However, it has been criticised for not being the warts-and-all show it claims to be. Writing in the Daily Mail, Christopher Stevens gave the show a one-star review, calling it ‘an exercise in pretence’.
He wrote: ‘I resent being told, loudly and repeatedly, that I’m watching the full, unvarnished truth, when it’s obvious the show is highly staged propaganda.’
Fury and Joshua are due to clash in Cardiff on December 11 but their planned face-off next week is set to be scrapped after a row broke out
00:08, 27 Sep 2026Updated 00:08, 27 Sep 2026
Tyson Fury claims he is willing to fight David Benavidez if his showdown with Anthony Joshua is cancelled.
Fury and Joshua are due to clash in Cardiff on December 11 but their planned face-off next week is set to be scrapped after a row broke out. Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn are adamant UFC chief Dana White cannot be part of the promotion, as per Joshua’s contract. But White was included in the official announcement and appears determined to play a role.
On Friday night, Fury took to social media to claim Joshua was trying to pull out of the fight. And he now insists he is ready to fight cruiserweight world champion Benavidez, a fight which was floated as an unlikely replacement for Fury’s meeting with Joshua.
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“I already heard last night that they were trying for replacements,” Fury told Furocity. “All the big names like David Benavidez… what a fight that would be! That would be unbelievable; but the only thing is, with David Benavidez, he’s about four to five times harder fight than Joshua.
“I’ll take it, because that’s what I do. There’s not a man on this earth that I won’t fight; anybody, not a single person. But never, ever, ever think that Joshua’s a tougher fight than David Benavidez. Benavidez stops Joshua in about three rounds. But that’s a good fight. He’s fresh, he’s young, he’s ambitious, but he ain’t fought the GK.”
Fury, who is training in Miami, added: “If you’ve got a guy that wants to fight, and you’ve got a guy that doesn’t want to fight, then how are you going to make that fight happen? I’ve had nearly 40 professional fights, yeah, and I’ve been on top of this game for over a decade.
“How did I manage to fight all these all these people before, all these champions for all the titles there is in boxing, but yet every time it comes to fighting this nugget, f***ing bodybuilder, CrossFit champion, it never happens? Has anyone ever asked themselves why?”
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