Passengers were taken into tunnels and flights were briefly suspended at Dubai airport after a drone strike appeared to hit nearby.

Several blasts were heard in the city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday morning as the country’s government said it had activated air defences, as Iranian strikes targeted the Gulf states in response to a joint Israel-US bombing campaign.

Passengers waiting for flights at Dubai international airport, the world’s busiest international travel hub, were ushered down into train tunnels at the sprawling airfield after the alert sounded.

Video footage shows an explosion and smoke appearing to emanate near the terminal. A whirring sound is heard just before the explosion in the footage.

The impact of the drone appeared to be near a concourse of the airport.

Later that morning, long-haul carrier Emirates resumed operations after briefly suspending all flights to and from Dubai.

A Dubai Airports spokesperson said: “Dubai Airports confirms partial resumption of operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

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“Travellers are urged to not travel to the DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted by their airline that their flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change.”

The spokesperson added that Dubai Airports would continue to monitor the situation.

Just before 9am UK time, Emirates wrote on X: “Our post from 11:08am Dubai time regarding operational status is no longer current, and has been deleted to avoid causing unnecessary confusion.”

“Emirates has resumed 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.”

Authorities have not explained if there was an interception or damage at the airport.

It came as Iran’s president on Saturday apologised for the country’s attacks on regional states, insisting that Tehran would halt them and suggesting they were caused by miscommunication in the ranks.

President Masoud Pezeshkian made the statement in a pre-recorded address aired by Iranian state television and added that the demand by the US for an unconditional surrender is a “dream that they should take to their grave”.

There were repeated attacks on Saturday morning in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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There is no foreseeable end to the fighting. Donald Trump’s administration has approved a new £112m arms sale to Israel after the US president said he would not negotiate with Iran without its “unconditional surrender”.

The president then said on Truth Social on Saturday that Iran will be “hit very hard” today.

He wrote: “Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behaviour, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.”

US officials had also warned of a forthcoming bombing campaign they said would be the most intense yet in the week-long conflict.

Footage showed explosions and smoke rising over western Tehran as Israel said it had begun a broad wave of strikes.

Also early on Saturday, loud booms sounded in Jerusalem and incoming missiles from Iran had people heading to bomb shelters across Israel.

There were no immediate reports of casualties by Israel’s emergency services.

Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes have also targeted Beirut and Tehran.

Death tolls continued to rise on Saturday with at least 1,230 people killed in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials. Six US troops were reported killed.

Lebanon was pulled into the widening U.S.-Israel war with Iran on Monday after Hezbollah, an Iranian-aligned group, fired rockets and drrones into Israel. Israel responded with heavy strikes across Lebanon’s south, east and near the capital.

Overnight flash floods in Kenya’s capital have killed at least 23 people and caused diversions at the country’s main airport – the biggest in East Africa.

The military has been deployed to assist after dozens of cars were washed away in Nairobi, with some motorists in the capital being stranded for hours.

George Seda, the chief of police in Nairobi, warned that the number of people killed may rise.

Mr Seda also said more than 100 vehicles were damaged, with some overturning on the roadside and in parking bays.

While Nairobi’s airport is still operating, Kenya Airways stated that flights were disrupted, with some diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa, and difficulties would persist for hours.

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.

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

“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.

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.

Shocked resident Cedric Mwanza described seeing the Nairobi River, which burst its banks, as being full of “so many cars, so much stuff”.

“Everything was just (washed away),” she said.

Read more from Sky News:
Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack
Boos and boycotts as Russian flag returns to Winter Paralympics

The country has been hit by heavy rain since late February, which marks the start of the long rainy season.

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

Further rain is expected for the next two weeks, with thunderstorms predicted for Saturday and Monday.

A predatory driver who pretended to be a cabbie attacked and raped a woman in her home after forcing his way in.

Shabir Sultani, 27, has been jailed for 13 years after the sickening attack in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, last year.

The woman had been out enjoying a night with friends in Sheffield in spring last year, when she decided to go home.

Outside a nightclub, she got into a car driven by Sultani, which she thought was a taxi.

Sultani then lied to her that he was a cab driver and he would take her home.

He offered the woman vodka during the journey, but she refused.

Once they reached her home in Chesterfield, Sultani crept behind the woman to her front door and forced his way in.

He continued to kiss her despite her telling him to stop repeatedly, and raped her.

The woman managed to kick him off her.

Sultani fled the scene, but he was later tracked down and arrested thanks to CCTV footage, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology which spotted his car.

Sultani, of Sturton Road, Sheffield, denied the charges, but he was found guilty following a trial at Derby Crown Court in November.

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The 27-year-old sentence included an extension of seven years due to dangerousness, and he was handed a Sexual Prevention Order designed to prevent him from contacting the woman, and he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The Detective Staff Investigator Beth Waite, who led the probe, commended the victim for her bravery and coming forward to report it.

She said: ‘Sultani clearly preyed on this woman on this occasion, pretending to be a taxi driver and offering to take her home.

‘Despite her repeatedly saying she wasn’t interested and asking him to leave her alone, he continued to force himself upon her, ultimately raping her.

‘I’d like to commend her bravery in coming forward and reporting this incident, and her support for the police investigation and subsequent prosecution.

‘This incident will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on her but her courage has ensured that we were able to bring the perpetrator to justice.

‘I hope that knowing he is now behind bars will allow her some form of peace.

‘I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or a sexual assault of any kind to please come forward and report it to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after being bludgeoned with metal pole in prison attack

MORE: Study reveals worrying lack of awareness about the realities of domestic abuse

MORE: ‘I called 999 when I was attacked by my partner – but it was me they arrested’

Emergency services were called to the A181 at Wheatley Hill at about 10.50am this morning (March 7) after reports of a crash.

Two ambulance crews and a paramedic were called to the incident, and two people were taken to North Tees Hospital for treatment.

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called to a road traffic incident on the A181 at Wheatley Hill at 10.52am on March 7.

“We dispatched a double-crewed ambulance, a rapid response paramedic and a clinical team leader.

“Two patients were treated and discharged at the scene and two patients were transported to North Tees Hospital.”

The road remains closed following the crash, and police have warned drivers to avoid the area.

A spokesperson from Durham Police said: “The road is closed between Wheatley Hill Service Station and the Salters Lane junction at Wingate (both directions) due to a collision whilst emergency services deal with the incident.

“Please avoid the route – an update will ensue once the scene is cleared and road is reopened.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Durham Police for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.”

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.”

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!”

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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!”

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

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.

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

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.”