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‘Backpack’ sparks major response in Fallowfield with bomb disposal units evacuating homes

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Manchester Evening News

People were urged to leave their homes as explosives specialists descended on the scene

A backpack sparked a major emergency response with bomb disposal units called out to the scene in Fallowfield, the M.E.N understands. Residents were evacuated from their homes amid the incident on Abram Close on Saturday night (June 6).

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The residential street was taped off and became a scene busy with emergency services, including fire crews, ambulances and army bomb disposal experts, following the report made at around 6pm.

Around 20 neighbouring properties were advised to evacuate, with residents not allowed to return home until around 11pm. One resident described seeing a bomb disposal robot being sent into the property with investigations focussed around a front garden.

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A cordon remained in place into the early hours of Sunday morning. It’s now understood this followed reports of a backpack containing bottles filled with an unknown substance. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

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Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday that the scene had been stood down with a full investigation underway. No further details have been released.

One resident described seeing a bomb disposal robot being sent into the property. He said: “I’m a bit nervous about what’s going on right now. This is quite a peaceful neighbourhood. This community is really tiny.”

Another eyewitness told the Manchester Evening News: “I was going to my sister’s and they were telling everyone to evacuate out of the streets. They would not let us through and they started to put a cordon up. Everybody was told to go back. They pushed everyone back. There are loads of fire crews and ambulances here.”

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were called to a ‘suspicious item in a front garden’ shortly after 6.05pm. One eye witness told the Manchester Evening News: “I was going to my sister’s and they were telling everyone to evacuate out of the streets. They would not let us through and they started to put a cordon up.

In an update on Sunday, the force added: “The scene has been stood down, package safely removed and an investigation is ongoing into the full circumstances.”

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‘I heard Robbie Keane’s Celtic bid dismissed in one comment’

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Belfast Live

Robbie Keane was strongly linked with the Celtic manager’s job

After spending four decades in radio, there’s something special about those unexpected moments when a caller delivers a line that genuinely stops you in your tracks and makes you think deeply.

The discussion centred on whether Martin O’Neill or Robbie Keane ought to take the Celtic manager’s position for the upcoming season.

O’Neill’s track record speaks for itself – having rescued what appeared to be a crisis situation at Celtic Park and delivered a league-and-cup Double, his credentials are impeccable and permanently etched into the club’s history.

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By contrast, Keane’s suitability was rejected with one stark remark from a Celtic fan.

Without any hint of exaggeration, the caller stated: “He chose the coin over humanity,” – a remarkably powerful observation, wouldn’t you say?, reports the Daily Record.

Whether or not you shared that view, it was impossible to dismiss such passionate sentiment, especially if it reflects the opinion of a substantial portion of the club’s support who regard Keane’s potential appointment as ethically unacceptable.

Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is, let’s face it, viewed with disdain by certain supporters who take issue with what they perceive as his authoritarian approach to running the club.

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The previous campaign at Celtic Park was consumed by dealing with various controversies and problems.

There was Brendan Rodgers’ bitter exit, accompanied by a damning public statement from Desmond criticising the departing boss. Then came the shareholders’ AGM, which descended into chaos after Desmond’s son, Ross, made incendiary comments about certain Celtic supporters.

So why, against such a backdrop, would you essentially throw petrol on the fire by appointing someone you knew would provoke serious anger amongst the fanbase?

Even Dermot isn’t quite that dismissive of supporters’ views.

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He’s acknowledged their position that bringing in Keane would be morally unjustifiable.

That’s why the arrangement has been made to keep O’Neill at the helm for the upcoming campaign, with the additional responsibility of safeguarding the club’s identity.

In all honesty, Keane’s track record as a manager hardly warranted the level of backlash his potential appointment would have triggered in Glasgow.

I won’t trivialise dreadful events of worldwide significance merely to fit them into a football debate.

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What I will say is that O’Neill’s continuation, the Third Coming, enables Celtic to focus on rebuilding the organisation, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, without further hysteria.

It’s not as if letting O’Neill carry on represents any form of risk. Martin brings with him a reliable partner in Shaun Maloney and coach Mark Fotheringham, who has earned recognition for his impressive contributions in the Bundesliga.

While Keane would have faced severe criticism, residents of Kilrea in Northern Ireland are presently debating whether O’Neill deserves to be commemorated with a commemorative plaque or awarded the Freedom of the Borough, the most prestigious civic accolade a council can grant to acknowledge his professional accomplishments.

There’s a broader debate, naturally, that regardless of whether it was O’Neill or Keane, Celtic have been too narrow-minded in their approach when selecting their next manager or head coach.

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This lack of looking beyond the Celtic family frustrates some observers.

However, the previous occasion they ventured outside resulted in the catastrophic 33-day spell under Wilfried Nancy, who derailed the season’s momentum after arriving from the United States.

That’s not to suggest one should permanently dismiss the prospect of exploring what international football has to offer regarding managerial appointments.

Yet, in this particular case, the decision was straightforward: O’Neill or Keane.

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Continuity or conflagration.

Dermot projects a powerful sense that he will consistently follow his own judgement without the slightest regard for Celtic supporters’ opinions.

On this occasion, he’s pursued the popular, most pragmatic path.

I’ve previously stated my view that Desmond has reached the end of his tenure following an extended spell of undeniable success.

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Celtic would ultimately profit from a change in leadership. However, this would necessitate someone, or an entity, genuinely prepared to challenge the main shareholder’s determination by presenting a takeover bid for the club.

Yet there seems to be no such proposal emerging anywhere in sight at present.

Under these circumstances, Desmond faced a choice regarding the team’s management.

Particularly as Rangers and Hearts prepare to mount a fresh challenge while Celtic confronts a summer of substantial reorganisation.

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Amidst the turbulence came success, manifesting as a league-and-cup Double last season – though this doesn’t mean Celtic ought to embrace disorder as their standard operating procedure.

The direction has now been established, moving ahead, by Desmond’s preference for continuity rather than going rogue in favour of a conflagration.

Martin will reach 75 during the upcoming season at the club he says gave him a “reason to live”.

A relieved support will have had years taken off them while being content the father of the club has steered them clear of unsavoury controversy.

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Martin’s taken the coin and embraced humanity. That’s how the fans will see it.

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Everything you need to know about Cambridge Pride 2026

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Cambridgeshire Live

Cambridge Pride is returning for 2026 and will feature a parade through the city and performances all day.

June has finally arrived, which means it is Pride Month. Parades and events will be taking place across the UK throughout the month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, including in Cambridge.

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Cambridge Pride will be returning to the city on Saturday, June 13, with “a full day of colour, community, and celebration” starting from midday. However, Now That’s What I Call Drag will be bringing their show to Jesus Green on Friday, June 12, to kick off the celebrations with tickets available to buy for the event.

Anglia Ruskin University will be the main sponsor of the event. Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Catherine Lee said: “We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of Cambridge Pride once again this year.

“Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a powerful act of solidarity. As ever, we stand together with our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and local communities, especially in these challenging times.

“Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything we do at Anglia Ruskin University. Through our excellent education and research, we continue to drive positive change and challenge inequality.”

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The event will begin with a parade going through the city centre starting from Jesus Green. The parade will feature community groups, supporters, and performers filling the streets with music.

After the parade, there will be plenty of shows to see and things to do on Jesus Green. The Main Stage will have a schedule packed with performances form live singers, drag queens, and dance acts.

The Dance Tent will be making a come back with a range of DJs from Cambridge and further away with many different genres being played throughout the day. The event organisers have also teased that there will be a “very special guest DJ” that “you won’t want to miss”.

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If you need to take a break away from the music, you can visit the Traders Market where you will be able to shop for clothing, tote bags, jewellery, and Pride merchandise like flags, badges, and hats. There will also be a few different food vendors serving a range of cuisines from British to Italian and French to keep you going throughout the day.

The Community Hive will feature talks and a dedicated art area for younger festivalgoers alongside a funfair outside with attractions for all ages. For those needing a break from all of the excitement, the Calm Corner is available for people to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Cambridge Pride on Saturday is completely free to attend. If you want to make the day extra special, you can purchase a ticket for access to the Oasis, which offers a range of benefits including a private covered seated area and a chance to meet sponsors and artists.

Tickets for the Oasis cost between £19 and £35 and can be bought here.

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Kimi Antonelli pips Lewis Hamilton to victory in chaotic Monaco Grand Prix

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Kimi Antonelli pips Lewis Hamilton to victory in chaotic Monaco Grand Prix

But following temporary repairs and a 37-minute stoppage, Antonelli dealt with the second standing start of the day – two hours and 15 minutes after his first – to see off Hamilton on the short run to Saint Devote to extend, not just his unstoppable streak, but his lead at the title summit from 43 points to 66 points over Hamilton and 68 ahead of his beleaguered and bamboozled Mercedes team-mate Russell.

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‘Racists don’t speak for the Shankill’ – Arson attack on migrant owned business widely condemned

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Belfast Live

Police are treating the fire at a business in the former Shankill Gospel Hall as a racially motivated arson attack

A “devastating” arson attack at a business in a former gospel hall in Belfast has been widely condemned.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene of the blaze on the Shankill Road at around 2.30am on Saturday, June 6. It was confirmed the fire had been caused by “deliberate ignition to the roof” with the building “totally gutted.”

Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a racially-motivated arson attack. In a statement, the PSNI said the out-of-use building had been “bought by legitimate business people who would have brought jobs to the local community.”

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The owner who bought the building last year is originally from India but has been living in Northern Ireland for 18 years. The building, the former Shankill Gospel Hall, had been developed into a grocery store that was set to open in the coming months. It’s understood the shop had been previously targeted.

People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, described the arson attack on Saturday morning as “a despicable act of racism.” He added: “A man who has called this place home for 18 years has watched his life’s savings burn to the ground.”

“This is the direct the result of weeks of poison pumped online – cowards warning of an “influx of people” and sneering at “foreign food.” That bile has now ended in arson.

“A shopkeeper trying to make a living is not the enemy of the Shankill. The enemy of working class communities is a system that denies us jobs, housing and hope, and then tells us to blame our neighbour instead of those at the top.

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“This shop would have brought jobs to an area that desperately needs them. Racism puts food on nobody’s table. It only ever keeps working people divided.

“Every migrant family in this city should be welcomed. The vast majority of people stand with them – not with the racists. These thugs don’t speak for the Shankill and they certainly don’t speak for the working class people of Belfast.”

DUP MLA Brian Kingston said he was “appalled” to see the destruction caused. He said: “After lying vacant since it closed five years ago, the Hall was recently purchased by an Indian couple who were in the process of opening an Indian-themed supermarket – primarily vegetables, rices, spices and other Indian specialities.

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“Some people have gone out of their way to engender opposition to this, including intimidation and spreading false information online – it was not going to sell halal meat, in fact there would be no meat as they are Hindu people who are mostly vegetarian.

“Those who carried out this arson attack have done a great disservice to efforts to regenerate the Shankill Road. Would they rather have burnt-out derelict buildings than a retail business providing local employment?

“A depressing morning but I will continue to do I can to help this couple and to work alongside all others working to regenerate the Greater Shankill community.”

The arson attack was also condemned by Sinn Féin MP, Paul Maskey. He said: “Targeting a building because of who owns it is despicable, especially when areas are crying out for jobs and investment.

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“My thoughts are with the owners of the building and all those affected by this appalling incident. There is no place in our society for hate crime, racism, or sectarianism in any form. All political representatives and community leaders should condemn this strongly.

“Those responsible for this attack sought to spread fear and division and do nothing but damage their own communities.

“I would urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and contact the PSNI immediately.”

SDLP councillor Carl Whyte visited the premises on Saturday morning to offer support to those affected. He said: “This was devastating for the owners of this business, who have seen the roof completely destroyed by fire and their livelihoods put at risk.

“When I visited there were bags of food still sitting in the doorway, a reminder that these are ordinary people trying to run a business and support their families.

“This is not the first time this business has been subjected to racist intimidation, and it is shameful that the situation has escalated to this point. The owners and staff were providing a service to the community and have much more to offer than those who have targeted their business.

“I know police are investigating and, while it is still at an early stage, I would urge anyone with information to come forward. The PSNI Chief Constable warned this week that many people from our migrant communities are living in fear ahead of the summer and incidents like this only heighten that.

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“Nobody who comes here to build a better life for themselves and their family should feel unwelcome or unsafe. We must challenge racism wherever it appears and work together to ensure everyone can live free from intimidation and hate.”

Alliance MLA, Nuala McAllister, said the attack “must be condemned in the strongest terms.” She added: “There is no place for racism or any hate-fuelled intimidation in our society.

“Those responsible have no regard for human life or property and must face the full consequences of their actions. Their reckless behaviour has had destructive ramifications for the whole community, especially the owner of the business whose livelihood has been destroyed.

“The owner, who dedicated 18 years of his life here and was investing in the community, has been left heartbroken after having to witness all his hard work being selfishly taken away from him. I would urge anyone with any information that may be useful to the PSNI in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately.”

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PSNI Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “This out-of-use building had been bought by legitimate business people who would have brought jobs to the local community and, as with any crime motivated by hate, we will be providing them with an enhanced level of supervision, investigation and support.

“As a Police Service, we do not underestimate the impact hate-related crimes have on victims, their families and wider communities. While we have a key role to play in tackling, preventing and supporting victims of hate incidents and hate crimes, this is a wider societal issue which cannot be resolved by policing alone.

“We continue to work closely with our statutory and voluntary partner agencies and the local community to find solutions.

“We would encourage anyone with information in relation to this arson attack to contact us on 101, quoting reference 187 06/06/26. We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam or other footage.”

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Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Man Utd eyeing surprise move to re-sign former player from Championship side | Football

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Man Utd eyeing surprise move to re-sign former player from Championship side | Football

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In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

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Kimi Antonelli wins dramatic F1 Monaco GP with Hamilton on podium after late crashes – latest:

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Kimi Antonelli wins dramatic F1 Monaco GP with Hamilton on podium after late crashes - latest:

Top-10 in Monaco – CORRECTION:

*Hadjar under investigation for a red flag infringement

**Perez under investigation for a red flag infringement

If Perez gets away with it, that’d be Cadillac’s first point in Formula 1!

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Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:31

Kimi Antonelli wins the Monaco Grand Prix

Another stunning victory for Kimi Antonelli, who wins his fifth grand prix in a row.

Lewis Hamilton takes second place, with Isack Hadjar taking third place after Pierre Gasly’s penalty is added!

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4-10: Piastri, Lawson, Lindblad, Gasly, Albon, Hulkenberg, Ocon

(AP)

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:27

Final lap

Antonelli already has a 4.6 second lead over Hamilton as we head into the final lap.

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With Russell out of points, Antonelli about to head to a 68-point lead over his teammate.

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:25

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:23

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Russell serves drive-through penalty (Lap 73/78)

Russell drops from third to 14th – and out of the points.

A torrid weekend for Russell.

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:21

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Carlos Sainz out (Lap 71/78)

Sainz’s car hits Hulkenberg – and he’s out!

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:20

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Antonelli keeps the lead (Lap 71/78)

A good start from the Italian and he keeps the lead!

Hamilton in second – and Russell gets up to third!

Russell only has 2 racing laps before he has to dive in for his drive-through penalty…

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:18

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Standing start (Lap 70/78)

It will be a standing start.

Meanwhile, Antonelli’s engineer is telling his driver to avoid that broken-up surface at the final corner.

But what about this start, then… can Hamilton get in front?!

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Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:15

Safety car leads pack around (Lap 69/78)

With about half a dozen cars having just sped round to unlap themselves, the safety car leads the pack around with Antonelli at the front.

How many laps behind the safety car will we have?

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Hamilton, meanwhile, has been cleared for his potential safety car infringement.

And will it be a standing start or rolling start?

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:14

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A reminder of the top-10:

Kieran Jackson7 June 2026 16:10

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At least 12 people shot at an Ohio street festival and suspects remain at large, police say

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At least 12 people shot near festival in Toledo, Ohio

Police were searching for suspects on Sunday after at least a dozen people were shot near a busy street festival in Ohio. Some people at the event in Toledo scrambled for cover while others rushed to help the victims.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said it appeared that at least two people fired weapons on Saturday near the Old West End Festival and were “probably shooting at each other.”

Hundreds of people were at the festival, an annual two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.

The remainder of the festival was canceled Sunday. Organizers said “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue.”

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“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the festival said in a statement.

Two of the victims were in critical condition, Heffernan said. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”

Officials urged people who were at the festival to come forward with any photos or videos.

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Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.

Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.

Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out.

“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.

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When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.

Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.

“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.

George Kral, the city’s safety director, said the Old West End Festival is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo.

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“And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral said.

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Largest ever counter terrorism training exercise held in central London

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Largest ever counter terrorism training exercise held in central London

Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Kris Wright, who directed the exercise, told the Press Association: “A good example would be 10-second triage, which is the emergency services response to how we would triage, categorise and care for people, of varying different injuries at a catastrophic event.

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‘My husband did the unthinkable during our IFV journey and it’s ruined our family’

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Daily Mirror

A woman shared her heartbreak after discovering what her husband was doing during their IVF journey – and she now she fears it’s ruined their family and created countless arguments

A woman is heartbroken after discovering a dark truth about her husband just two years after their IVF journey. The 36-year-old, who has battled fertility problems for much of her adult life, opted for IVF in the hope of having a biological child of her own.

Two years ago, she welcomed a baby boy with the help of a college friend, who agreed to carry the child as a surrogate. However, after dedicating herself wholeheartedly to raising him, she made the heartbreaking discovery that he is not her biological son. She said on Reddit: “I can’t believe my life has come to this. I have been with my husband, 35, for a total of almost 10 years, married for seven.

“We had what I thought was my child by surrogate over two years ago because after four years of trying to conceive with no success despite medical interventions, it turns out I am unable to carry a child to term. I had always wanted to be a mum.”

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She reached out to her college friend for support, who already has two children of her own and agreed to act as surrogate without a moment’s hesitation. It took three rounds of IVF before she fell pregnant – and nine months later, she gave birth to a happy, healthy baby boy.

Throughout the journey, the three developed a close bond which continued long after the baby arrived, with her friend and husband spending time together without her present.

She added: “I was so happy and busy after the birth, between being a mum and returning to work after a four week parental leave, so I didn’t notice any warning signs.”

The woman explained how she would return home for the weekend and see her friend and husband relaxing in front of the TV together.

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She said: “I chalked it up as innocuous and it’s good for her to know my husband better since she was in the process of hopefully carrying our child for us.”

The devastating truth only emerged when she took her son to a routine doctor’s appointment, where a blood test was carried out.

“He had a blood type that is not biologically possible to have with me as his mother,” she added. “He’s B+, I’m A+, husband is O+.

“I started worrying it was the fertility clinic’s fault and that they’d messed up and implanted a wrong embryo.

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“I started lining up lawyer consultations to possibly sue the clinic and looked into having a DNA parentage test done.

“The test results showed that I’m not the mother but my husband still is the father. I was heartbroken and angrier than ever, talked to lawyers about medical malpractice in the fertility clinic we’d used.

“Then my husband confessed that he’d slept with my friend (our surrogate) on a few different occasions during our struggle to have her get pregnant with our embryos.

“This means what I thought was our son conceived by IVF and carried with a surrogate, isn’t my son at all and was in fact conceived the old fashioned way, which I can’t ever do.”

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Devastated, the woman admits she is struggling to come to terms with the betrayal and now wants absolutely nothing to do with her husband or his son.

She said: “I had such white hot rage and delirium, I immediately left home and stayed at a hotel for almost a week before asking my parents to let me stay at home for a while.

“I admit I left our son with him. I am now filing divorce because he cheated and betrayed me in the worst possible way.

“I have also cut off my friendship with my ‘friend’ the ‘surrogate’ and feel afraid to trust anyone else now.

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“I have seen a divorce lawyer to see about giving up my legal rights to this kid so I don’t have to face such betrayal or owe child support.”

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Delay of up to a year before Tata’s new electric arc furnace can operate

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Wales Online

A delay in getting enough electricity to the Port Talbot site means there is currently a 12-month delay to the new electric arc furnace opening but bosses are confident that could come down

The opening of Tata’s new electric arc furnace at the Port Talbot steelworks could be delayed by up to 12 months, bosses have said, although they say they are hopeful that time can be reduced.

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The electric arc furnace is a £1.25bn scheme to build one of the largest such furnaces in the world. The project, partly funded by the UK Government, is to replace the historic blast furnaces at the steelworks.

But issues have emerged with getting power to the site which could delay its start date by up to a year.

Tata Steel’s chief financial officer Koushik Chatterjee has said the delay was 18 months but has already reduced to 12 months. The Indian-owned company is hopeful it will reduce further.

He said “securing access to high-power electricity is critical for our planned transition”.

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“While we are working with the electricity system operator and the National Grid for new electrical infrastructure National Grid has formally alerted us that their connectivity project is delayed,” said Mr Chatterjee.

“This is critical for Tata Steel UK for the project commissioning. We are in conversation with National Grid and the UK Government on resolution of the issues.”

Asked about how long the delay might be Mr Chatterjee, Tata’s executive director and chief financial officer, said that was being discussed.

He replied: “Somewhat between, say, six months to eight months will certainly be there, maybe higher, after we have built the plant. The initial estimate was around 18 months. It has come down to 12 months and we’re actively working to see if we can reduce it further but there will be some delays imminent.”

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He said the company was working with partners including the UK Government, the National Grid, and its electricity supplier to “see if we can mitigate”.

In a call three weeks ago CEO TV Narendran told journalists: “There is a delay of about 12 months in the electricity supply. What we are trying to see is at least some connection, one line, as soon as the plant is ready so we can do some trials, test out some equipment etc so we don’t waste the time that we’re waiting for the full electricity connection.

“Then what we are planning to do is to ramp up that we had scheduled after the commissioning how to compress that to make sure we catch up on the project.

“if we do the preparatory work before the full electricity connection is there we can do a quicker ramp up”.

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In the call Mr Chatterjee said fixed costs in the UK in the last two years had fallen by 50%.

Before the delay in power access an operational estimate of late 2027 or early 2028 had been given. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

In recent days the site has also been hit with a major fire.

Tata said its controversial decision to shut the historic steel plant’s two blast furnaces, signalling the end of steelmaking from raw materials in Wales, was due to a combination of cost-cutting and a move to decarbonising its operations.

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On September 30, 2024, blast furnace four – the final one operating at the vast site – was closed ending 100 years of primary steel-making .

The site is being reworked around an electric arc furnace to recycle previously-used steel and when the decision was made Tata announced 2,800 job losses with the majority in Port Talbot. We now know that between September 2024 and the end of July 2025 2,162 people left the business.

Tata says it has lost £4bn in Port Talbot since 2007 and the new furnace would ensure a “financially and environmentally sustainable future” as well as reducing the site’s carbon emissions by 90%.

The UK Government gave £500m to the plans.

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A Tata spokesman said: “The electric arc furnace programme is a major industrial project and, like all projects of this scale, timelines continue to evolve as detailed engineering, construction, and infrastructure work progresses.

“While we are still discussing potential adjustments to the commissioning timetable we are working closely with National Grid, our construction partners, and the UK Government to deliver the project safely and as quickly as possible.

“We have already met a series of key milestones in the construction phase and the shipment of major components including the EAF shells, tilting platform, and Consteel conveyor will commence imminently.”

National Grid has been contacted for comment.

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