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Emirates issue update on flights to and from Dubai from UK

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Emirates issue update on flights to and from Dubai from UK

The airline says services between the UK and Dubai will now gradually resume, with a reduced schedule operating until further notice.

Flight EK36 is set to depart from Newcastle at 1.10pm today (March 7) and arrive in Dubai at 12.25am tomorrow (March 8). Yesterday’s EK36 successfully landed in Dubai at around 12.36am.

However, Friday’s inbound flight EK35, which was due to arrive in the North East at 11.20am from the United Arab Emirates, was cancelled, as was the outbound EK36 from Newcastle to Dubai, cancelling services for the seventh day in a row.

In an update on X this morning (March 7), Emirates said it would resume operations and continue to monitor the situation. 

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A spokesperson said: “Emirates will resume operations. Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport.

“This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating. Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel via http://emirat.es/nowoperating.

“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

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It comes just days after the US and Israel launched a military operation in Iran on Saturday that sparked the closure of several airspaces.

Passengers were left stranded with flights diverted and cancelled across the globe.

People watch an Emirates plane (Image: MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA)

Despite flights being grounded in Newcastle, Manchester Airport and some London airports, alongside Dublin Airport, they are till running to Dubai on a limited basis via Emirates and Virgin Atlantic.

The cancellation of flights has left thousands of people stranded in Dubai, including many from the North East.

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One Bishop Auckland family jetted to Dubai for a birthday, but is now unable to leave.

A Darlington family also described the terrifying moment three missiles were “shot down” from the sky above them as they were lounging by the pool.

The strikes led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel.

Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE killed one person, state media said, and debris from aerial interceptions caused fires at the city’s main port and on the facade of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

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Hundreds of thousands of British nationals are believed to be present in the Gulf, and those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office.

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Police issue update after anti-immigrant protest in Edinburgh over ‘knife incident’

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Police issue update after anti-immigrant protest in Edinburgh over 'knife incident'

Officers attended a planned gathering at a block of flats where an alleged knife incident took place in Edinburgh.

Police have issued an update after anti-immigration protesters gathered at a block of flats in Edinburgh where a man was arrested after two people were injured this week.

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The protesters, who said they were demonstrating against illegal immigration, decried Police Scotland and both the Scottish and UK governments outside Cobbinshaw House in the Calder area on Friday evening.

Footage from the scene showed a large crowd of people swarming the area amid a heavy police presence. Officers were seen forming a human wall while several blue-lit riot vans are parked up at the scene.

Some of the protestors were waving Scottish saltires and Union Flags. One man shouted “cowards” while beeps and sirens sounds in the street.

Other clips being circulated online also showed music being blasted through speakers and some attendees addressing those who have turned up through a megaphone. Edinburgh Napier University took the decision to close its Sighthill campus and the ENGAGE sports centre ahead of the protest.

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Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday that there were no reported arrests or reported injuries after officers attended the planned gathering.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “On Friday, March 6, officers attended a planned gathering in the Calder area of Edinburgh. There were no reported injuries and no arrests. The groups later dispersed.”

It comes after firearms officers were called to the Calder Gardens area following reports of a man with a bladed weapon at around 8.25am on Monday, March 2.

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An armed police stand-off unfolded with residents warned to stay indoors. Two people were injured during the alleged disturbance.

A man was allegedly stabbed and suffered “non-life-threatening injuries” and a woman allegedly had a laceration to her head that is “not believed to be caused by a bladed weapon”.

Mustafa Kokoneh, 23, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, March 4. He was charged on eight counts, two involving attempted murder and four involving danger to life.

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Police Scotland confirmed Monday’s alleged incident is not being treated as terror related. Kokoneh was also charged with assault to severe injury and permanent impairment, breach of the peace, possession of a blade, carrying an offensive weapon, and vandalism.

He entered no plea and was committed for further examination. He was remanded in custody and will appear again in the next eight days.

Police officers in full riot gear swarmed the Cobbinshaw House tower block during the alleged disturbance. Police dog handlers were also spotted on the scene, while professionals used drone cameras to monitor events.

A cordon was erected around the impacted area, and Scottish Ambulance Service sent three ambulances to the site. The nearby Sighthill Primary School at Calder Park was closed while the situation went on.

On Tuesday, Police Scotland warned the public about sharing misinformation following the “frightening” incident and clarified some speculation that had been circulating online.

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American woman in the UK tries a cream tea and people are baffled by 1 thing

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American woman in the UK tries a cream tea and people are baffled by 1 thing

The woman recently shared a clip of herself trying a cream tea. But followers were flabbergasted by one thing – and it wasn’t the age-old debate around the order of cream and jam

An American woman in the UK has attempted to lay the age-old debate around which order to put jam and cream on a cream tea – but people were left flabbergasted by one thing she did. The woman, who regularly posts videos of herself trying UK food on TikTok, where she is known as carfoodreview_uk and has 27,000 followers, recently shared a clip of herself trying the quintessentially British treat.

But followers were left baffled by one thing in the video. Opening the clip, she presents a plate with two scones cut in half, each with a different combination of toppings. One just had jam and another just had clotted cream, while another had cream on top of jam, and the fourth had the reverse.

“Today I’m going to see which way tastes the best,” she says. “I have jam, clotted cream, and scones. First I’m gonna try the clotted cream on its own just to see how good it is.”

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After taking a bite she says: “I don’t even know what to compare that to in America, but it’s good.” Continuing, she says: “Now let’s try just the jam. I was told it isn’t a specific type of jam. Usually it’s strawberry, but it can be blueberry, boysenberry. This is apricot because this is what we had in the fridge. So let’s give this a try.”

After taking a bite she says: “Love it. Amazing. I love scones.”

Moving to the two pieces with both toppings on, she says: “Ok, let’s try clotted cream first and then jam on top.” After tasting it she says: “I’m not gonna say anything yet, I’m gonna wait until I try the other one. So here’s jam first and clotted cream on top.”

After trying the final piece she says: “Ok, I’m noticing you’re getting more of the jam flavour when it’s on top.” Indicating to the piece with the cream on top, she says: “This, it’s ok. I think I’m gonna go for clotted cream on the bottom and jam on top.”

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Many people in the comments section had the same reaction. One wrote: “Apricot jam on scones!!! What are you doing?” Another said: “What the heck kind of jam? No! It’s strawberry only.”

But someone else wrote: “Apricot is actually my favourite. Is this the M&S basic one? That’s the best apricot! Cream on the bottom is also the best choice.”

A different user wrote: “Blackcurrant and raspberry is the best! It’s also nice with jam and cheese in my opinion!” And another said: “Raspberry or strawberry jam is more usual, but nothing is out of bounds. If you want to start a war – try it with Nutella!”

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Which is the right order to put jam and cream on a cream tea?

The woman dodged the ancient debate around whether cream or jam goes on the scone first by trying both. But which is the correct way? The answer differs depending on who you ask.

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According to tourism website Active England, in Cornwall the jam goes on first with the cream on top. “The cream and the jam then don’t mix and allows for the jam to be easily spread, with a thinner consistency first,” the site says.

But over the border in Devon, they do things the other way round. “The Devonshire way follows the logic of the cream acting like butter,” the site says. “Therefore, you would spread butter on toast before jam and thus spreading cream on a scone first and then jam is the more logical order.”

In reality, there isn’t a correct way to do it – just do it the way that tastes best to you. In fact, if you’re already cutting your scone in half, why not try both and decide which one you like best?

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National Lottery Open week offers free entry to North West landmarks

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National Lottery Open week offers free entry to North West landmarks

Dunham Massey (Image: Tim Edwards)

From wandering through the grand Lyme Hall — famous for the iconic Pride and Prejudice scene where Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy plunges into the lake — to discovering one of the country’s most stunning gardens, there are plenty of budget‑friendly days out that won’t break the bank throughout the week. All visitors have to do is show a lottery ticket on arrival.

DUNHAM MASSEY

This National Lottery Open Week (7–14 March), the historic home is opening its doors and inviting people to uncover the lesser-known stories, spaces, and behind-the-scenes moments that your support helps bring to life.

From secret corners and untold histories to rare opportunities to peek behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone to discover.

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Lyme Park offers plenty to do whatever the forecast (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesman said: “”Whether you’re exploring the wonders of nature or enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, your visit helps care for these special places.

LYME HALL

The historic hall in Cheshire will be open from March 7 to 14

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE MUSEUM

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Guided tours will take place at the museum on March 12

RHS Bridgewater

RHS BRIDGEWATER

From 7-14 March 2026, use any National Lottery ticket for £1 entry per person for up to four people, booked via the link provided.

RHS Bridgewater feels like a world away. A day at the garden is a great way to take some time for yourself or to enjoy a day out with friends and family. Children will love exploring the Wind in the Willows Garden Adventure trail, new for this year, following Mole, Ratty and Badger chase after naughty Mr Toad on an expedition across the garden.

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A spokesman said: “If your visit to RHS Bridgewater inspires you to recreate some of its magic at home, you can pay a visit to our garden centre. It’s not just the garden that is a treat for the senses. The fresh, seasonal produce in our cafés is something to savour too. Try a freshly baked pizza at the Stables Café or linger over a long lunch in the Bridgewater Café.”

GUIDE DOGS REGIONAL CENTRE NORTH WEST

Free tour on March 12 at the centre in Atherton.

A spokesman said: “Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Guide Dogs? Come to one of our centres to find out more about each guide dog’s journey to become a life-changer. Join us for an amazing visitor experience; we can’t wait to show you around!”

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RUFFORD OLD HALL, ORMSKIRK

For fans of the Tudors, this historic home dates back to the 16th century and is billed as a fine home of its period situated in a woodland waiting to be explored.

Free entry between March 7 and 10 and March 13 and 14

SPEKE HALL, LIVERPOOL

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Another stunning Tudor mansion will be opening its doors for free from March 7 to 14

CHETHAM’S SCHOOL OF MUSIC LIBRARY

Free entry March 14

Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. As part of this year’s National Lottery Open Week, the library is throwing open its doors and inviting you to join us for an afternoon behind-the-scenes event.

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A spokesman said: “To celebrate the launch of our ‘Lost and Found’ exhibition, visitors will be able to explore the medieval building, encounter items from our collections and discover how we preserve them for future generations. Children and grown-ups alike can also take part in a fun scavenger hunt in the building.

“The event will run from 1pm-4pm, with last entry at 3pm. Entry is free for one adult and up to two children under 16 with a valid National Lottery ticket.”

“ We are a hidden gem,” says Sian-Louise Mason of Chetham’s. “We are the oldest working medieval building in the north of England. We are the original medieval quarter of Manchester and yet most Mancunians have either never heard of us or never been through our doors before, which is wild. It’s the most common thing that people say: ‘I’ve lived in Manchester my whole life, never been in’.

For more information on all of the above openings, including whether booking is necessary, and other places taking part in the open week, please visit https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week

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How to watch Scotland vs France for FREE: TV channel and live stream for Six Nations today

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How to watch Scotland vs France for FREE: TV channel and live stream for Six Nations today

In a crucial top-of-the-table clash, Les Bleus know that another victory would place them firmly on course for a perfect championship campaign.

France have been the standout side in this year’s competition, underlined by convincing wins over Wales and Ireland earlier in the competition. They remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament and currently sit four points clear at the top of the standings heading into their penultimate match.

With a first Grand Slam since 2022 now just 160 minutes of rugby away, the French side will be eager to maintain their momentum and deliver another commanding performance against Scotland.

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Scotland, meanwhile, have produced a mixed set of results that make them difficult to predict. Gregor Townsend’s side suffered a surprise defeat away to Italy on the opening weekend, but responded with an exhilarating Calcutta Cup victory over England. However, they then narrowly avoided another setback when they scraped past an improved Wales side by just three points before the fallow week.

Despite their inconsistency, Scotland are capable of raising their level against elite opposition. Backed by a passionate Murrayfield crowd, they will hope to produce a performance strong enough to challenge one of the most formidable teams in world rugby.

How to watch Scotland vs France

TV channel: In the UK, Scotland vs France is being shown live and free to air on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1pm GMT.

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The match is also being screened on Premier Sports 1, where coverage begins at 1:30pm.

Live stream: Fans can watch the game live online via the BBC iPlayer website and app, plus the BBC Sport website.

Premier Sports subscribers can view it on the Premier Sports website and app.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.

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Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack

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Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack

Huntley suffered significant head trauma from his injuries and his life support was switched off at lunchtime on Friday (March 6) after brain tests showed he was in a vegetative state, The Sun said.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning.

“Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.

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“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

“A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”

Durham Constabulary has not identified the suspect, but on the day of the attack, the force said a man in his mid-40s had been detained.

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After the death of Huntley in hospital, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remain one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history, and our thoughts are with their families.”

Sources told the BBC Huntley was found lying in a pool of blood after being bludgeoned with a make-shift weapon at a prison workshop at HMP Frankland – the high security prison in County Durham.

Why was Ian Huntley imprisoned?

The disappearance and murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, captured the attention of the nation in 2002.

Huntley killed both 10-year-olds after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets, and then dumped their bodies in a ditch.

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He was their school caretaker and put himself forward as a volunteer to help search for them after they went missing, and was interviewed by reporters on camera.

The efforts to locate the girls in the 13 days after they disappeared have been described as one of the most intense and extensive in British criminal history.

Huntley was convicted of murdering both girls in December 2003 and sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment.

His girlfriend Maxine Carr was also jailed in 2003 after being found guilty of conspiring to pervert the course of justice for giving him a false alibi. She has since been released.

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In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a home-made weapon, causing a “severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck” with a 7in (18cm) wound which required 21 stitches.

Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”

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LIVE – House fire in Darlington with police cordon in place

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LIVE - House fire in Darlington with police cordon in place

Good afternoon, welcome to this Northern Echo live breaking news blog. A police cordon has been erected in Darlington after a fire broke out in the early hours of this morning. It’s Anna Barnes here to keep you up to date with this breaking story as it develops. If you have any more information about the incident and it’s safe to do so, please get in touch with me: Email: anna.barnes@newsquest.co.uk

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Assault at Angel Hotel in Whitby – police issue CCTV

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Assault at Angel Hotel in Whitby - police issue CCTV

A man reportedly assaulted a customer at the Angel Hotel in New Quay Road, Whitby, on Wednesday, February 4, North Yorkshire Police said.

The force said the offence reportedly happened at 9.30pm.

“We appealing for any help that would lead to the identification of the male shown in the two still image taken from CCTV at the hotel,” a force spokesperson said.

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“If you can help, please email david.fulford@northyorkshire.police.uk, or contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Constable 1222 David Fulford.

“Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number: 12260021718.”

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Driver jailed for Christmas Day killing

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Driver jailed for Christmas Day killing

James Ward has been jailed for the ‘senseless killing’ that took place in 2024

A man who mowed down a devoted dad on Christmas Day has been jailed for 13 years. Kirk Marsden died in hospital on Boxing Day in 2024 after being dragged under the Toyota Landcruiser driven by James Ward in Blackburn.

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The men had argued in the Gate Street Bar and Grill before the fatal collision, which happened outside. Preston Crown Court heard how Kirk had gone to the pub with family when the row broke out over a gold chain, shortly after 4pm. During this altercation, a member of Ward’s group suffered an injury to his lip and tooth.

Ward and his group left the pub on Livesey Branch Road and got into a Toyota Landcruiser which was parked outside on Moorgate Street. Ward got into the front passenger seat of the vehicle and one of his associates got into the driver’s seat, Lancs Live reports.

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When Kirk emerged from the pub, the Landcruiser was deliberately driven at him, but he managed to jump out of the way on that occasion. Ward then got into the driver’s seat of the Landcruiser and reversed it down towards where one of his group was on the pavement with Kirk.

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As Kirk headed back towards the pub, Ward deliberately struck him with the Landcruiser before reversing back over the injured victim. Ward stopped to let his associate get back into the car before driving them to a carpark in nearby Brindle Street.

Ward and his associate got into another 4×4 car, drove back up to Moorgate Street, stopped alongside Kirk for six seconds and then drove off. Kirk, 37, suffered catastrophic internal injuries and died on the following afternoon.

James Ward handed himself in at Greenbank Police Station on December 28. He answered no comment to all questions put to him in interview.

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Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Ward, 27, now of no fixed address but formerly of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, was charged with Kirk’s killing.

In November, he was unanimously found guilty of Kirk’s manslaughter following a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court. He was also convicted of causing death whilst driving without insurance.

Appearing at the same court today (March 6) Judge Graham Knowles KC also disqualified Ward from driving for 11 years and 11 months. He must also take an extended re-test.

In an impact statement to the court, Kirk’s mum Evelyn wrote: “I never imagined I would be standing here today, writing this. In just 14 months, I’ve lost both my husband and now my youngest, Kirk, who was tragically taken from us. The pain is beyond words. I’m broken. My heart is shattered.

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“I still can’t come to terms with what happened. Since the day I got the phone call to say Kirk was gone, my world has fallen apart. It’s a living nightmare. I relive it every single day. I can’t sleep, I constantly shake, and I’ve become terrified to leave the house. I don’t answer the door anymore. When I do go out, I can’t stop shaking, and I’m never able to go out on my own. The trauma has completely taken over my life.

“What makes it harder is that it happened over Christmas, a time meant for family, joy and love. On Christmas Day, I got a call that something terrible had happened, and by Boxing Day, we had lost Kirk. Christmas will never be the same for our family. What should be a time of togetherness and happiness is now forever marked by heartbreak.

“Kirk was more than just my son, he was my baby boy, the youngest of my children. He used to call me every single day and would visit nearly every other day. The bond we had was unbreakable. I still find myself expecting him to knock on my door. The silence now is overwhelming.

“He was a devoted father. He lived for his children and loved them so deeply. My heart aches for my grandchildren, who will now grow up without their dad. Kirk had his whole life ahead of him, and it was taken far too soon.”

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Kirk’s partner Leanne wrote in her statement: “Our whole lives have been destroyed, we are broken and struggling to cope with day to day living, we have lost our rock, our hero, all we have left are memories.”

She continued: “Christmas will never be the same again, we won’t be able to celebrate like we did; we will always have a constant reminder of how senseless it was in how Kirk was taken from us.”

DCI Bryony Midgley, of our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “James Ward killed Kirk Marsden in a senseless act of violence that has no place on the streets of Lancashire.

“While no sentence can ever make up for a life that has been taken, I hope Kirk’s family take some solace knowing that the man responsible for the death of their loved one is being held accountable for his actions through this significant sentence.”

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Motorists stranded after heavy rains pound Kenya’s capital overnight

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Motorists stranded after heavy rains pound Kenya's capital overnight

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Eight people died, flights were disrupted and the military was deployed as motorists in the Kenyan capital were stranded for hours on Saturday after roads were flooded following heavy rains overnight.

George Seda, the police boss in Nairobi, said Saturday that six people drowned and two others were electrocuted, warning that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue. Seda also said that more than 100 vehicles were damaged, with some overturning on the roadside and in parking bays.

Kenya Airways Saturday said flights were disrupted, with some diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa, and that disruptions would continue for hours.

The military was deployed to assist emergency rescue services, and the local toll road operator waived fees for an elevated road.

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Heavy rain began on Friday and continued overnight, submerging vehicles and forcing motorists in some areas to wade through hip-high water to reach higher ground.

Videos of flooded homes and overturned vehicles were shared on social media.

A military rescue unit was deployed overnight to support emergency services as Kenya Red Cross response units struggled to reach people in need.

Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Ahmed Idris said search and rescue teams were working tirelessly to assist those stranded.

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“We are severely limited by the traffic and the situation on what used to be roads. We are doing our best to reach those in need,” he wrote on X.

Kenya’s Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku said Saturday that he was coordinating national disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. He urged Kenyans to be cautious and prioritize their safety.

Some residents blamed the flooding on clogged drainage systems, stating that city authorities ought to have prepared by ensuring there was functional drainage infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.

One resident, Aisha Bajaber, wrote on X, “The whole city is flooded yet again. How long will officials keep ignoring the lack of drainage?”

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Rains have been pounding the country since late February, which marks the start of the long-rains season.

Previous rain seasons have seen flooding, landslides and mudslides that have left hundreds of people dead and seen thousands of others displaced.

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I’ve travelled solo for 21 years, here are my are my favourite places to visit alone

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I've travelled solo for 21 years, here are my are my favourite places to visit alone
As a solo traveller, there are some countries that stir me more than others (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Many factors play a role in deciding which countries are my favourites for travelling alone.

Some are no different from travelling with a companion: delicious food, an
abundance of nature, and plenty of museums and temples to visit.

Others have more to do with a feeling — of safety as I explore after dark, and of community when curious locals chat with me, even inviting me to join family meals or weddings.

It’s these inclusive encounters and emotions that are the reason I travel alone: to see different ways of living, taste dishes I’ve never heard of before and learn about the history and culture of a place.

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And it might go some way in explaining why other countries stir me more than others, especially as a lone female traveller.

Writer Lydia Swinscoe lies in the water on a beach.
I travel to experience different ways of living (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Of course, affordability plays a part when there’s no one to split costs with, and the ease of actually travelling through a country is important, but for me, they aren’t defining features.

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It’s more about the exquisite mix of everything feeling just right;
the perfect blend of wonder, the deeply embedded traditions and the layered timelessness that makes every day feel almost magical.

After 21 years of solo travel, these are the places that do just that. These are my favourite countries for travelling alone.

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Sri Lanka

A dog looks over a forest view in Sri Lanka.
I travelled Sri Lanka for nine months (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Compact, navigable and endlessly varied, Sri Lanka is one of the most complete destinations I know for solo travel.

In Colombo, wide, tree-lined boulevards and a fast-evolving cocktail scene make lingering easy; restaurants such as GINI champion bold Sri
Lankan flavours, from Jaffna curries to arrack-laced cocktails.

And beyond the capital, nine months of very affordable bus journeys have carried me from the palmyrah-fringed plains of Jaffna to the tea estates of Hill Country and the surf breaks of Weligama.

A blue and green bus on the road in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka feels perfectly manageable alone (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Some of my favourite places, the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura reveal astounding history, while Wilpattu National Park delivers leopards, elephants and birdlife without the crowds.

You can hike stretches of the Pekoe Trail one week and scan the ocean for blue whales the next; it’s this rare density that blends culture, wildlife, beaches and genuine warmth that makes Sri Lanka feel brilliantly manageable alone.

Perfect for: There’s something for everyone here

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Costa Rica

Writer Lydia Swinscoe walks through a forest in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s forests have made me feel at peace (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Costa Rica captures my heart every time I travel solo.

From café-hopping in San José to winding by bus into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, it offers adventure without sacrificing a sense of safety.

In forests thick with orchids and hummingbirds, I’ve felt both humbled by nature and completely at peace, a feeling that’s hard to come by as a female hiking alone in other countries.

A beach in Costa Rica.
Nature is what makes Costa Rica so appealing to solo travellers (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

With its welcoming locals, well-worn routes and staggering biodiversity, Costa Rica is unbeatable for solo explorations.

Perfect for: Experiencing nature

Italy

A street in Naples, Italy.
I’ve spent weeks travelling all across Italy (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

From the pastel perfection of Procida to the gritty energy of Naples and Florence’s whimsical beauty, Italy overflows with delights for the solo traveller.

I’ve spent multiple weeks travelling all over the country, dining alone by night and strolling without a plan during the day and never once felt uneasy.

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It’s a great beginner country for anyone who’s never travelled solo before.

A cathedral in Italy.
Italy is perfect for your first solo holiday (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

On Procida, the smallest island in the Bay of Naples, pastel houses tumble towards the sea, while beneath Mount Vesuvius, Naples offers incredible pizza, pasta and gelato that’s affordable for the solo traveller.

Further north, Florence captivates with magical beauty, but be sure to visit out of the high season (May to September) as it becomes unbearably busy and terribly expensive.

Perfect for: Your first solo holiday

Nepal

Views over the mountains in Nepal.
I’ve found it easier to meet other people in Nepal (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Nepal rewards solo travel in a deeply personal way; it’s small enough to feel navigable yet vast with its towering mountains and wonderful trekking.

The capital Kathmandu, is less intense than many of neighbouring India’s cities, so it’s possible to linger in café-lined streets or visit temples without hassle.

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And for nature lovers, the infrastructure for trekkers makes travelling independently straightforward.

Views over the mountains in Nepal.
The mountains have huge appeal, too (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Moreover, as a solo traveller, I’ve found it easy to meet others in Nepal, yet just as easy to carve out solitude.

Perfect for: Somewhere entirely different — without feeling out of your depth

Georgia

A view over houses in the Georgian countryside.
I spent almost two months travelling throughout Georgia (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

After spending close to two months living and travelling throughout Georgia, I’ve concluded that it’s an exceptional destination for solo travel.

Combining accessibility with adventure, from Tbilisi’s vibrant streets, historic mansions and strong cafe culture to snow-capped peaks, verdant vineyards and the picture-perfect villages of Kakheti, there’s something to suit every type of solo traveller.

A view over Tbilisi, Georgia.
Georgia has something to suit every type of solo traveller (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

The country’s infrastructure, including affordable marshrutkas, makes getting around straightforward too, while its small, welcoming hotels, bustling markets and local eateries make it easy to connect with people without losing autonomy.

Don’t miss Pheasant’s Tears in Sighnahghi, Doli in Telavi and Littera in Tbilisi.

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Perfect for: Extending your trip…

Colombia

People parade down the street as part of a carnival in Colombia.
Colombia is often unfairly dismissed by solo travellers (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

Colombia is a country that sparks the senses and rewards solo travellers with vibrancy and easy-going energy.

From the rainbow streets of Cartagena to the Andean peaks and coffee towns inland, every corner offers something special.

Often dismissed by solo travellers on account of its chequered past, what I found during a three-week solo trip through Colombia was quite the opposite.

A street filled with pink, blue and purple umbrellas in Colombia.
I spent three weeks travelling Colombia (Picture: Lydia Swinscoe)

I met friendly locals, danced at carnival and enjoyed solo hikes through captivating scenery.

Cities like Medellín and Bogotá combine modern co-working spaces with walkable streets, while small towns, like Jardin, offer warmth, charm, and opportunities to connect with locals.

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For anyone travelling solo, I’d highly recommend it.

Perfect for: Making new friends

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