James Sefton, 65, and his wife Ellen, 66, were killed when a booby trap device exploded under their car

A fresh appeal for information has been made over the killing of a former police officer and his wife by a car bomb in 1990.

James Sefton, 65, and his wife Ellen, 66, were killed when a booby trap device exploded under their car in Belfast. It happened on Wednesday June 6 after the couple had left their home on Lyndhurst Gardens and driven towards Belfast city centre.

At approximately 10am, as they passed the old Forth River Primary School on Ballygomartin Road, the bomb exploded beneath their car.

Mr Sefton, who was driving, was fatally injured and died in the Mater Hospital. Mrs Sefton was critically injured and transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital. She died the following day.

The new appeal for information has been made by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) which is probing the murders at the request of the Sefton family.

Assistant commissioner Amanda Logan, who is leading the commission’s investigations team, said the family is seeking the truth around what happened.

She said even the smallest detail could help.

“It’s over 35 years since James and Ellen were killed,” she said.

“Their family is seeking the truth about what happened and we believe there is someone out there who may hold the vital piece of information that could make a difference to the investigation. Even the smallest detail could help us understand what happened and why.”

Ms Logan added that the suffering of the Sefton family was “representative of the pain of so many victims, survivors and families”.

“People are still suffering, deprived of information and with no accountability,” she said.

“Our job at the commission is to try to deliver answers for people who have been searching for them for decades.”

The witness appeal will involve distributing posters and an organised leaflet drop in the areas relating to the investigation.

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Tanya Petrie was a former pharmacy technician at the prison

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A woman has been jailed for smuggling drugs into prison in what was called a ‘criminal conspiracy’. Tanya Petrie, 61, is a former pharmacy technician at HMP Bristol.

Hailing from Worle, Weston-Super-Mare, she was caught after police caught her retrieving a package from a residential wheelie bin in Somerdale Avenue in Bristol. She then attended the prison, where police say she was detained, searched and subsequently arrested on suspicion of being part of a conspiracy to take prohibited items into prison.

Bristol Live reports Petrie was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, February 12, of conspiring to bring or convey a list A prohibited article into prison and sentenced to six years behind bars. She previously pleaded guilty to conveying a list B prohibited article into a prison.

She was sentenced on Monday, February 16, to six years and three months in prison. After being arrested at work, Petrie was searched while in custody and Petrie informed officers at Avon and Somerset Police that she had a package on her person and handed the officer a cling-film wrapped package.

Officers say this was later discovered to contain four packages of class B drugs, two packages of class A drugs (cocaine) and tobacco. Following further investigative enquiries, police believed that Petrie had made an earlier trip to Somerdale Avenue on the morning of October 9, 2023.

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In an interview, Petrie revealed that she had taken money from the wheelie bin which she used to purchase SIM cards from a local garage. She then snuck this into the prison and gave it to a prisoner.

Officers conducted in-depth data analysis and identified two phone numbers which were being used within the prison. The phone was linked to prisoner Kyle Joyner, 32.

Officers discovered that Joyner had been using the phone to contact one of the occupants of the property in Somerdale Avenue, Casey Collins, 23, from Knowle West. Collins was responsible for placing the item in the wheelie bin that Petrie collected in October 2023.

Joyner, Collins and Petrie were all charged in the summer of 2024. Joyner and Collins pleaded guilty to conveying listed A prohibited items into the prison in January 2025 and were jailed for three years and two years and four months respectively.

For Joyner, this sentence will be served in addition to his existing prison sentence of eight years and eight months.

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Tim Seaman from the Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “This case shows the proactive and determined work carried out by our team and our partners to uncover and dismantle a criminal conspiracy operating both inside and outside the prison walls.

“By working closely with colleagues at HMP Bristol, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Counter Corruption and the Regional Prison Corruption team within the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, we were able to swiftly identify the actions of a member of staff who was abusing her position of trust to smuggle dangerous drugs and illicit items into the prison.

“Such actions enable organised crime, fuel violence, and undermine the hard work of honest staff who dedicate themselves to running secure and rehabilitative environments.

“This investigation sends a clear message: our investigations into organised crime will identify those who facilitate organised criminality and we will work tirelessly with our partners, and use every tactic available to bring those involved in corruption to justice – regardless of their role or position.”

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The rapper, who arrived at the stadium nearly three hours before the 7.45pm kick-off, joined the Swansea ownership group last July and made his way to south-west Wales after being at the Winter Olympics, where he served as Team USA’s honorary coach as well as a special correspondent for broadcaster NBC.

Emergency services were called to the Port of Middlesbrough, at the Riverside Park Industrial Estate, after the incident on December 8.

Sadly, a man, who worked for AV Dawson, was pronounced dead at the scene, sparking an investigation by Cleveland Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).  

The Port of Middlesbrough, which is owned and operated by AV Dawson, has now been handed an improvement notice by the HSE. 

The notice, issued on December 16, states the company failed to ensure risk assessment and system of work measures were implemented during the transport, handling and storage of steel pipes.

The full notice states: “You have failed to make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, for the effective control and monitoring of your preventive and protective measures, by failing to ensure that the measures identified in your risk assessment and system of work document were being implemented during the transport, handling and storage of steel pipes on December 8, 2025.”

The firm must comply with the notice by March 13.

An AV Dawson spokesperson said: “We are cooperating fully with the ongoing HSE investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Cleveland Police previously said the HSE was leading the investigation.

The HSE probe remains ongoing.

AV Dawson previously said its thoughts were with the man’s family and friends. 

The White Company officially launched its new concession inside Barkers Department Store in Northallerton, opening its doors yesterday (February 23).

Located on the first floor of Barkers High Street store, the new space showcases a curated selection of The White Company’s “signature collections, including homeware, clothing and accessories”, joining a line-up of established retail names.

The concession is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Pictures reveal the perfectly curated unit kitted out with luxury items and clothing, ready for shoppers to enjoy as the spring season approaches.

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

Guy Barker, director at Barkers Department Store, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome The White Company to Barkers.

“This is a brand we have admired for many years, and we have been working closely with their team for some time to bring this concession to our store.

“As a family-owned independent department store, we are always looking to enhance our offering for customers and bring premium brands to the heart of Northallerton.

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)

“The White Company is synonymous with quality, style and timeless design, and we are confident it will be a wonderful addition for our customers and for the town as a whole.

“We look forward to seeing the new concession thrive and to welcoming both new and existing customers to experience it.”

To celebrate the launch of the new store, customers can enjoy a complimentary tote bag when they spend £50 or more, while stocks last.

Fans just got their first look at Outlander season eight after Starz dropped a video from the final series

Outlander fans have been sent into meltdown after US network Starz released a snippet from one of the episodes ahead of the official premiere next week.

The snippet comes after Claire Fraser star Caitríona Balfe made a surprising admission about the ending of Outlander and the episode titles for season eight dropped.

In the short, minute-long clip, Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan) is talking to his son-in-law Roger MacKenzie (Richard Rankin) after the pair are reunited following the MacKenzies’ return to the past at the end of season seven.

Jamie tells Roger: “There’s a man by the name of Cunningham. He helped open the new trading post. I’d be curious to ken what ye might think of him, anything ye might learn.”

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Roger listens to Jamie and nods in agreement as Claire and Brianna MacKenzie (Sophie Skelton) walk into the room and she updates her mother on the children.

Brianna mentions her daughter Mandy MacKenzie’s (Rosa Morris) heart surgery: “She was on antibiotics for a while, had a few checkups but other than that…”

“Children are remarkable. Listening to her heart you’d never have known anything was wrong,” Claire responds.

Brianna reveals the children have at last gone to sleep after their long journey back to the correct time zone after they were initially reunited with Roger in 1739.

Jamie tells Roger and Brianna: “I still canna believe it, the sight of you here. We weren’t even sure if the letters would reach ye when we left them at the bank.

“There was an inheritance, I suppose. We thought you should ken what had become of us.”

Claire adds: “We never would have dreamed you would have used them to find your way back to us.”

Roger raises a toast and poignantly says: “To coming home. To family. Slàinte.”

Many fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts about the footage as one person posted: “They’re all together again,” alongside crying and heart eyes emojis.

While a second said: “I hope to god they filmed the “hello the house!” Scene. Best reunion ever! (Since Claire and Jamie obvs) [sic].”

A third commented: “I know this math won’t make sense to everyone, but seven seasons were too few, and two more weeks to wait is too much!”

While on YouTube, one fan said: “The last droughtlander is almost over… now it’s time for the final chapter.”

A second person reflected what many others were thinking when they posted: “Ugh I’m not ready [sic]” and a crying eyes out emoji.

Someone else added: “It’s gonna be so fun seeing them together again, even if this show is ending it’s still gonna be fun to watch!! [sic].”

Outlander’s final series will be arriving on March 6 for those in the USA and on March 7 for British fans, with a total of 10 episodes airing weekly.

Outlander season 8 will premiere on Starz in the USA on March 6 and on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK on March 7

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

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Pension Credit is paid to people on a low income to help them with their everyday living expenses

A group of pensioners have been told they will not qualify for Pension Credit – no matter how low their income. According to Age UK Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who have a low income.

It tops up a claimant’s income to a guaranteed minimum level which is currently £227.10 if you’re single or £346.60 if you’re a couple. It can also open the door to other benefits such as help with health and housing costs.

However the rules state someone who is part of a couple will not qualify if their partner is under pension age, currently 66. Lib Dem MP Liz Jarvis questioned the rule asking of the impact it has on those in a “mixed age” relationship but on a low income.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions she asked “what assessment” their Department had made “of the potential impact on levels of pensioner poverty among mixed-age couples of the requirement that both members of a couple must have reached State Pension age in order to be eligible for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit.”

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However, in reply, Stephen Timms, the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, said the rules were “important”. In a written reply, he said: “Ensuring that individuals can get into, progress and stay in work is important in helping them to continue saving for their own retirement and contribute to the wider economy.

“The requirement for mixed-age couples to seek financial support from the working-age social security system until both members of the couple reach State Pension Age ensures that, once in receipt of Universal Credit, the younger partner can access the same employment support that is available for customers below State Pension Age, including dedicated employment support for customers over the age of 50. The pension-age partner is placed in the no-work related requirements group.

“The Government recognises the critical role Universal Credit has to play in tackling poverty and making work pay and is taking important steps to support people with their living costs. For the first time ever, we have introduced a sustained above inflation increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance for all claimants. From April 2026, this will see the standard allowance uprated by 3.8%, followed by a further 2.3%.”

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Prior to 2019 couples who were mixed age – where one was a pensioner and the other under pension age – could choose to claim either Pension Credit or working age benefits. Then in 2019 the government changed this so they would be treated as a “working age” couple for means-tested benefits.

At the time Age UK criticised it as “unfair” warning it would have a serious impact on pensioners with a younger partner. It warned it would put pensioners in a situation where they would be better off living alone and claiming Pension Credit than living as a couple receiving Universal Credit.

And earlier this year Independent Age, a later in life financial hardship charity, called on the government to end the rule. It said goverment figures showed that affected couples could be losing around £5,900 a year, with some losing as much as £7,000.

Independent Age Chief Executive, Joanna Elson CBE said: “Our helpline received a call from a 79-year-old who was unable to claim Pension Credit because their partner is 59. Under the mixed-age couples rule, they will have to wait until they are 87 before they can access this life-changing financial support.

“The UK Government has created a flawed system where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently just because one has a younger partner.” The charity is urging the UK Government to reverse the mixed-age couples rule, to enable couples to claim pensioner benefits once the older partner reaches State Pension age.

She added: “The mixed-age couples rule is unfair and must end. It is wrong that older people on a low-income with younger partners are locked out of vital financial support, forcing them to wait years for entitlements like Pension Credit. Independent Age supports couples where the younger partner is in low-paid employment or unable to work due to health conditions, or due to caring for their older partner. This rule risks pushing more older people into deep financial hardship.

“Who you fall in love with and choose to spend your later years with should not determine how much financial support you receive. Far too many older couples are forced to live on tiny incomes because of this rule. It’s time for the UK Government to reverse it.”

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Although the Moon is in Gemini this morning, it’s not long until it enters sensitive, intuitive Cancer overnight.

There’s also the beginning to Mercury Retrograde to look forward to tomorrow — very much a ‘calm before the storm’ type energy.

So, ahead of the potential heightened emotions and logistical complications these transits may bring, self care is key.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Wednesday February 25, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Feeling social, spontaneous and ready to share things, just maybe not in a straight line. Conversations zip, ideas fly and your attention span is doing its best. This is a great day to brainstorm, connect or flirt with a fresh perspective. Just watch for scattering your energy like confetti, which is fun but messy. Write it down, follow up and don’t overthink everything.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Your mind is on money, values and a few tempting splurges, so keep an eye on your bank account. Conversations around finances or self-esteem may pop up, and you’re more flexible than usual about exploring new ideas. Just don’t let indecision sneak in. Trust your instincts but let logic have a seat at the table too. A thoughtful pause is worth more than buyers’ remorse.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

With the Moon continuing its dance through your sign, you’ll feel extra chatty, curious, clever and restless. Emotions bubble up, but they’re wearing party hats and are light, expressive and eager to mingle. It’s a great day to share something, start a conversation or send that text you’ve been thinking about since last week. Say what you feel, then feel what you say and be yourself.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Finding emotional energy a touch distracting? Today, you’re feeling everything but processing it through thoughts. Memories, intuitions and inner dialogue swirl like a soft breeze through your psyche. Don’t rush to explain what’s going on, let your inner narrator take its time. Rest, reflect and be at ease with yourself. Your inner self knows the story and your mind is just catching up.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

You may be feeling very curious, chatty and ready to chase shiny ideas. Your social sector is lit up, making this a perfect day to mingle, brainstorm or charm a crowd, whether digitally or otherwise. You’re magnetic without trying but do look to listen as much as you speak. With so many thoughts flying, don’t say more when you could say less. Stay sensitive to others’ vibes.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Your mind may be multitasking but your feelings are harder to pin down. Career thoughts, long-term plans and public image are in the spotlight, and you’re juggling them brilliantly. But beware of analysis overload, as feeling isn’t a flaw, it’s data too. Conversations with authority figures or collaborators could open doors, so listen to those powerful but subtle nudges, as well as logic.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Big ideas, travel plans or spiritual ponderings may show up, and your heart is in the mood to wander, mentally and literally. Let curiosity guide you, but don’t forget to come back down to earth long enough to answer texts or finish what you started. Today, your balance comes not from stillness, but from graceful motion. Chase wonder but also pack sandwiches and a map.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Today’s lunar vibe highlights shared resources, secrets and soulful bonds, so expect thoughts about trust, intimacy or finances to surface. You’re ready to talk about the things most avoid, just try not to sting if someone can’t go as deep as you. Insight comes through conversation, so speak your truth with warmth. Mystery is still your magic, but clarity is your secret power move.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Your relationship zone is lit up like a dazzling disco ball. Conversations with partners, whether romantic, business or just brunch, may be fast, funny and revealing. You’re after great conversation and a little wordplay. Today, listening is just as appealing as speaking. Don’t shy away from emotional depth, as love or that brilliant idea could be just one sentence away.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Tasks, texts and to-do lists can multiply fast, but your sharp mind is up to the challenge. Today’s lunar energy highlights your work, wellness and routines, so it’s a great chance to rethink how you’re spending your time and energy. Try not to over-schedule yourself into a corner, as even the most efficient goat needs breaks. Multitask mindfully, communicate clearly and hydrate often.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Your brain is buzzing, your charm is at a peak, and your inner genius is ready to play. Creativity, romance and self-expression are in focus, so flirt with a new idea, text that intriguing someone or dive into a personal project. You’re not just thinking, you’re sparkling. Say yes to spontaneous joy and unexpected inspiration. Even so, don’t scatter your brilliance, instead focus your fun.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

With the Moon continuing in quicksilver Gemini, your shell of calm may feel more like a carousel of thoughts and feelings. Your home life, inner world or emotional landscape is buzzing with activity, memories, conversations and an urge to do some rearranging. Give yourself a chance to relax and doodle ideas. Talk it out, write it down or chat with someone who gets you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.

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MORE: What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for February 23 to March 1

The Preston boss clearly wasn’t having any of the hype surrounding Swansea’s celebrity investor

Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom claimed there was a ‘smell of weed’ in the tunnel during his side’s highly-anticipated clash with Swansea City.

Swans investor Snoop Dogg was in attendance for the clash at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday night, with his arrival attracting a record home crowd, and a huge atmosphere ahead of kick-off.

Snoop was introduced to the Jack Army around 15 minutes before the start of the game, and did his part in geeing up the home crowd.

What unfolded was a surreal night that few in attendance will ever forget.

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However, visiting boss Heckingbottom clearly wasn’t all that fussed, and dismissed suggestions the hype around Swansea’s celebrity investor had an impact on the game.

Having seen his side go ahead through Daniel Jebbison in the 26th minute, the Lilywhites boss was frustrated by their inability to see the game out, with Liam Cullen coming off the bench to net a stoppage-time equaliser.

After it was suggested to him that his players were potentially walking into an ‘intense’ atmosphere, the North End boss said: “It wasn’t was it?

“It was quiet. We kept them quiet. That’s how we played. Our fans were the loudest.

“We only let them have their occasion at the very end by conceding.

“So that’s the frustrating thing.”

Asked if he felt the atmosphere was potentially different to other games, he added: “I can’t tell. It’s only different for people who are here every week, isn’t it? It’s not different for us.

“We don’t play at Swans every week, so it’s no different for us.

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“We go away to Ipswich the other week, they were at it, their fans were at it, and that was noise all game.

“It was just a game for us and we kept, I felt, everyone quiet until the end.

“I think just the smell of weed in the tunnel is the only thing where we realised something was different.”

Newcastle are certainly enjoying life back at Europe’s top table.

Howe’s side are the top scorers in the Champions League with 26 goals, and have won six games in a single campaign in the competition for the first time.

It has been quite a turnaround in the last two-and-a-half weeks.

Howe was the first to admit he was not doing his job “well enough” after his side were booed off by a section of supporters following a 3-2 defeat against Brentford in the Premier League in their previous game at St James’ Park earlier this month.

The Newcastle head coach embarked on some soul searching in the aftermath of the loss, while his players set out to “fight for the manager”.

Newcastle have won four of their last five games in all competitions since, and secured a place in the knockout stage proper.

Given the revenue gap between the Premier League and a number of clubs on the continent, and the competitiveness of the top-flight, outsiders may question whether that should necessarily come as a huge surprise.

Even beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur, who are hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League, finished in the top eight of the league phase.

Yet the manner of Newcastle‘s six Champions League victories against Qarabag, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise were far from foregone conclusions.

Qarabag, for instance, had drawn against Chelsea and defeated Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen. Newcastle hammered the Azerbaijan Premier League champions.

Although Howe wanted more from his much-changed side in the 3-2 second-leg win on Tuesday night, Newcastle have shown they can battle the continent’s elite on their day.

Newcastle drew 1-1 against holders Paris St-Germain in the French capital last month and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in their opening game of the competition.

No wonder, then, defender Dan Burn feels Newcastle can “compete with anybody” at their best.

“We’ve shown that, especially against Paris St-Germain, how good we can be,” he wrote in his programme notes.

“I think we elevate our game going into those games because there are bigger, better teams at this stage of the competition.”