It is believed that the child killer’s ashes will be scattered in secret

An inquest is scheduled open in April for Soham killer Ian Huntley, who died days after a prison attack. The 52-year-old died in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on March 7 after he was allegedly attacked with a metal bar in a workshop at HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26.

The County Durham and Darlington Coroner has posted details of an inquest opening hearing, due to be held in Crook, County Durham, on April 14. Listed under the name Ian Kevin Huntley, the inquest opening will be heard by senior coroner Jeremy Chipperfield.

It has been reported there will be no funeral service for the child killer. The Sun has said it understood Huntley’s family will scatter his ashes in secret.

Anthony Russell, 43, has been charged with murdering Huntley at the maximum security jail. He will attend Newcastle Crown Court on April 24 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

Huntley was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The ex-school caretaker killed the best friends after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham on August 4, 2002.

He dumped their bodies in a ditch 10 miles away. They were not found for 13 days, despite a search involving hundreds of police.

At the time, Huntley lived with Maxine Carr, who was a teaching assistant at Holly and Jessica’s primary school. He denied murdering the girls but was convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2003. He was jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years.

Carr gave Huntley a false alibi and was jailed for 21 months for perverting the course of justice. She is now living under a new identity.

Switching career can be daunting, but hugely rewarding. Here are five steps to make the transition easier

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1. Know when to go

“Every career chapter has a natural rhythm. There’s energy and learning at the start, mastery in the peak, and eventually, a gradual sense that something has shifted. That’s the moment we’ve outgrown where we are. Leaving isn’t failure; it’s progress. It’s recognising that you are allowed to want something different. Knowing when to go is an act of courage and the beginning of what comes next.”

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2. Give yourself permission to pause

“We’re conditioned to move quickly but transitions are essential. It’s rarely possible to take time off from earning but if you can, take a moment to reconnect with who you are beyond your CV. What do you value? What energises you? What do you miss? A pause is often the most useful part of the process. It helps you return to your essence, not just your output. It’s the space where clarity grows.”

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In this day and age, saving a substantial amount of money each month can be a challenge.

Once you’ve paid your mortgage or rent, settled your bills, and done your weekly food shop, often there’s little left to squirrel away.

And for many, that’s before being able to spend your hard-earned cash on ‘little treats,’ from dinner and drinks with friends to relaxing holidays.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom in the world of personal finance.

Despite 61% of UK consumers finding it harder to save compared to this time last year — caused by the cost of living crisis, which continues to squeeze finances — there are ways you can save some money if you know how.

Metro spoke with chartered accountant Nicole Zalys, also known as The London Accountant on social media, to get her top saving tips. Plus, to find out how much you could realistically save per year based on your salary.

Disclaimer: We’re aware that, even though some people may be on the same salary, outgoings are likely to be different.

When factoring in variables like rent, mortgages, financing cars, and kids, very different amounts will leave people’s bank accounts. Therefore, saving goals might be different.

Nicole’s top saving tips

Drawing on extensive experience of her own and that of her clients, Nicole explains that saving money is something almost everyone says they want to do more of. Yet for many, it remains harder than expected.

According to the FCA’s Financial Lives Survey, the average UK household has just £1,000 in accessible savings. So why do so many people struggle?

Here, Nicole shares three things you can do money-wise that will consistently make a difference:

First, automate it. Nicole reveals that research across 94 studies found that specific ‘if then’ plans can double follow-through rates.

‘A rule such as “when my salary lands, I transfer £X” is far more effective than relying on willpower alone,’ she adds.

Second, Nicole recommends making the future feel tangible. ‘Our brains tend to treat our future selves like strangers, which helps explain why saving is so easy to put off.’

Her advice? Give your goals a name. Make them personal.

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Third, if saving feels like deprivation, Nicole advises reframing it as paying your future self.

‘You are not giving something up. You are spending on someone who happens to be you.’

Additionally, while many attempt to follow the popular 50/30/20 rule, which suggests spending 50% of your monthly salary on needs, 30% on wants and 20% on savings, Nicole says it was actually designed with the American middle class in mind.

Therefore, for individuals, couples, or households in expensive cities like London, housing alone can swallow a huge share of income.

So, what is actually realistic?

‘Before looking at the numbers, one point matters most,’ states Nicole. ‘If you are carrying high-interest debt, especially on credit cards, paying that down should come before building savings.’

Clearing a balance charging 20% interest is effectively the same as securing a 20% guaranteed return, something no ISA or savings account is likely to match.

Once that is dealt with, the expert explains that the targets below become far more meaningful.

Even if you don’t hit them every month, it’s important not to be disheartened: Living costs are high, but these figures are a useful benchmark.

Savings vs salary: how much should you save?

Below, Nicole has zoomed in on six salaries. From sharing the average monthly take-home amount to a savings target, hopefully, it helps make your money journey easier.

Again, don’t stress if you don’t relate to these figures — saving in whatever capacity you can is still good practice. No one’s financial experience is the same, so it’s important not to compare yourself to others and their situations.

£20,000 salary

• Take-home: around £1,493 a month

• Target: 3%

At this level, ‘most income will go straight on housing and essentials,’ states Nicole. Even saving £25 a month matters because consistency is what builds the habit.

‘It is also worth making full use of a workplace pension, as the employer contribution is effectively free money.’

£25,000 salary

• Take-home: around £1,793 a month

• Target: 5%

This is still a tight income, particularly in cities. However, ‘consistency matters more than the amount itself.

‘A Lifetime ISA offers a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 a year, making it one of the strongest guaranteed returns available for first-time buyers or retirement savers.’

£30,000 salary

• Take-home: around £2,090 a month

• Target: 7%

‘Before anything else, this is the point at which aiming for an emergency fund becomes particularly important,’ says Nicole. Covering three months of essentials, roughly £3,000 to £4,500, can make a significant difference.

‘Research suggests people with this kind of buffer tend to make better financial decisions.’

£40,000 salary

• Take-home: around £2,693 a month

• Target: 10%

At this level, Nicole says it’s worth making the most of your Cash ISA allowance, currently £20,000 a year tax-free, while also reviewing whether your pension contributions are working hard enough.

£50,000 salary

• Take-home: around £3,293 a month

• Realistic target: 12%

You are approaching the 40% tax threshold, which means that where you save becomes almost as important as how much you save.

£60,000 salary

• Take-home: around £3,780 a month

• Realistic target: 15%

‘This is the point at which the High Income Child Benefit Charge begins to bite, but pension contributions can reduce or even eliminate it entirely,’ the expert explains.

Maxing out your ISA, reviewing salary sacrifice and speaking to a financial planner may all be worth considering.

Bottom line?

‘Sometimes, though, the answer is not saving more but earning more,’ educates Nicole.

In an inflationary environment, there is only so much to be gained from cutting back. Energy, rent and food are structural costs. For many people, the more powerful lever is income.

‘Asking for a pay rise remains one of the highest-return financial moves available, and while many employers do not offer increases proactively, they will often respond when asked.

‘Even a side income of £3,000 to £5,000 a year, if saved in full, can outperform years of budgeting on a lower salary.’

These figures are based on typical observations and should be treated as a guide rather than a rule. Always seek financial advice before making major decisions.

MORE: NS&I savers owed £476,000,000 in ‘lost’ Premium Bonds cash — are you due compensation?

MORE: The highest-paying jobs in the UK that don’t require a university degree

MORE: ‘Master-baiters’ are the bosses unwittingly making your work life a misery

Five teenagers were in a car that crashed into the River Nene on March 17

Searches for a missing 18-year-old involved in a crash are continuing for a 10th day. Five teenagers were in the blue VW Polo that crashed into the River Nene along North Brink, Wisbech at around 8.20pm on Tuesday, March 17.

Three teenagers, including an 18-year-old boy and two 16-year-old girls, were able to escape and were taken to hospital. However, Eden Bunn, 16, and Declan Berry, 18, were missing.

Sadly, Eden’s body was recovered from the river on March 18. The car was also recovered on Sunday (March 22).

Declan, who is believed to have been the driver of the car, still hasn’t been found. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed searches for Declan are “ongoing”. Earlier this week, a helicopter was spotted over the search area.

Flowers and tributes were laid at the roadside of where the crash is believed to have happened. Eden’s family also paid tribute to her last week, describing her as the “kindest, most loving girl”.

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A man has been charged with kidnap after allegedly getting into an ambulance outside a hospital and driving off with a patient still inside.

Staffordshire Police said they were called to a report of a man taking the emergency vehicle from Royal Stoke University Hospital at about 8.15pm on Wednesday.

The force said three people, including a patient and a paramedic, were in the back of the vehicle at the time but none were injured in the incident.

Marshall Leese, 31, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with kidnap, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He has also been charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

Leese is due to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Friday.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow…

‘I currently see a high bar to hiking’

The Bank of England’s policymaker has issued a firm warning against rushing into interest rate hikes as a reaction to the energy price shock brought about by the Iran war.

Speaking in New York this week, rate-setter Alan Taylor argued that the central bank must maintain a high bar for increasing borrowing costs despite the significant spike triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

The Monetary Policy Committee member emphasised that monetary policy is fundamentally ill-suited to address sudden, unpredictable surges in global oil and gas prices that remain entirely outside the control of domestic officials.

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While the Bank’s nine-member committee recently voted unanimously to hold interest rates at 3.75%, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since the conflict began on February 28.

This has forced a pivot from previous expectations of rate cuts to a market now pricing in multiple hikes by the end of the year.

This change comes as the bank warns that inflation is now projected to climb as high as 3.5% by the third quarter, a figure that significantly overshoots its 2% target.

Despite this inflationary pressure, Mr Taylor suggested that holding policy steady remains the preferable course of action until the full economic impact of the Middle East conflict becomes clearer. He noted that the UK currently faces a relatively low risk of inflation expectations becoming unanchored, pointing to a weakening labour market and slowing wage growth as factors that provide the MPC with some breathing room.

According to Mr Taylor, the primary role of the Bank in this “all hands on deck” moment is to navigate an increasingly acute trade-off between fighting high inflation and supporting weakening economic growth.

However, Mr Taylor’s cautious stance highlights a growing divide within the Bank of England’s leadership regarding how to handle the “growth-inflation trade-off” during wartime. His preference for patience stands in contrast to recent comments from Chief Economist Huw Pill, who signaled a readiness to vote for a rate hike sooner rather than later to curb rising price risks.

Pill has argued that the “fog of uncertainty” surrounding the war should not serve as an excuse for policy inaction, suggesting that the Bank must be proactive to ensure inflation does not become a permanent fixture of the UK economy.

With the next rate decision and a fresh set of economic forecasts scheduled for April 30, the committee remains tasked with applying deep analytical rigor to a crisis that Taylor admits will demand extreme policy flexibility and clear communication to the public.

In a statement issued after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Collette O’Keefe, who led the investigation, said: “When Mulakhil carried out this horrific attack on a young girl, not only did he commit the most serious of crimes, he breached the fundamental values that hold our communities together.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a video address to the UN meeting in Geneva that the bombing was a “deliberate and intentional” attack by the US. “This atrocity cannot be justified, cannot be concealed, and must not be met with silence and indifference,” he said.

The Metropolitan Police investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance has been allocated £86,000 for 2026/27, down from £108,000 the previous year

There has been a significant development in the search for Madeleine McCann – almost 19 years since she vanished – and not one likely to be welcomed by those directly involved.

Home Office ministers have given the green light to continued funding for Operation Grange, which began in 2011 following Madeleine’s disappearance from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007.

The specialist Metropolitan Police team running the investigation has been granted £86,000 for 2026/27, a reduction from the previous year’s £108,000. The probe has cost approximately £13.3m since its inception. Madeleine was holidaying with her family in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal, in 2007 when she disappeared aged just three. The 19th anniversary of her disappearance falls on 3 May.

READ MORE: Dad waved off daughter as she went parasailing on ‘best ever’ holiday – then rope snappedREAD MORE: Family of Joshua Kershaw found dead in Thailand hotel want to find mystery woman

Operation Grange now consists of three police officers and one staff member working part-time. DC Mark Draycott, part of the team, told the trial of convicted rapist Christian Brueckner that he had received a call from a man called Helge Busching who had identified Brueckner as a suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, reports the Mirror.

Brueckner was freed after completing a prison sentence in his native Germany last September for raping an American woman, then 72, in Portugal in 2005. He continues to be a prime suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance, though he has never faced charges relating to it.

Meanwhile, in January Kate and Gerry McCann posted a poignant statement expressing their hope that the New Year would deliver “the breakthrough we long for”. Writing on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, the couple stated: “As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us, in whatever way, over the past year and for continuing to hope for positive news of Madeleine.”

The McCanns expressed gratitude to the public and police for their ongoing support during the investigation, concluding their message with: “With our best wishes for a peaceful and positive new year and may 2026 bring us the breakthrough we long for. Kate, Gerry and family.”

Olivia Dean emerged as the night’s biggest winner at the 30th anniversary Mobo Awards, held at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Thursday. The singer-songwriter swept three major accolades, marking a significant triumph just weeks after her success at the Brit Awards.

Dean was honoured with Song of the Year for her single “Man I Need”, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Best Female Act. Her hat-trick follows a four-gong haul at last month’s Brit Awards, which also took place at the Manchester venue.

The acclaimed artist also performed at the ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and hip hop star Eve.

Speaking on the red carpet, Eve underscored the importance of the event, stating: “It feels amazing because the energy is crazy. I am definitely nervous but I’m excited. I think without having organisations like this or celebrations like this, I don’t think we would get to see the amount of black music, to celebrate the amount of black artists, it’s beyond important.”

The prestigious Mobo lifetime achievement award was presented to British-American rapper and record producer Slick Rick.

He expressed his gratitude, telling the Press Association: “It’s a great honour. Appreciated me from where I come from, so thank you very much, Manchester. I appreciate the love.”

Slick Rick later took the stage alongside singer Estelle for a collaborative performance, showcasing his influential hip-hop journey.

Estelle, speaking ahead of the show, described it as “amazing” to be in Manchester for the first time in the ceremony’s history. She mused: “I’m like, what took it so long to get to Manchester? But everything at the right time…” She added: “We’re here, we’re celebrating us and that’s beautiful.”

American musician Pharrell Williams received the Global Songwriter Award.

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Manchester-based singer-songwriter Daley, who collaborated with Williams on the 2014 track “Look Up”, told the Press Association that Williams was thoroughly deserving of the recognition. “It was very clear to me why he’s such a successful and such a good songwriter because he really taps into what the feeling of the song is, so he’s very deserving,” Daley commented.

Nineteen-year-old DC3 secured two awards, for Best Newcomer and Best Gospel, celebrating his wins with his family. He described the “meaningful” awards as a shock, adding: “There are so many legends in one room.”

Other notable winners included Ezra Collective, who were named Best Jazz Act. Drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso said: “I’m grateful on behalf of me and all my brothers. This is a wonderful thing. So, very, very proud and just grateful. Beyond the trophy itself, it’s a very special thing that a name like Ezra Collective can get mentioned and lots of people recognise it and that’s testament to so many people supporting us, from grassroots and championing us.”

Actor Stephen Graham also received an award for Best Performance in a TV Show or Film for his role in Adolescence.

On the red carpet, stars reiterated the enduring significance of the awards, three decades after their inception. Myles Smith, nominated for Song of the Year for “Nice To Meet You”, stated: “I think it’s always been important and will continue to be important. I think shining a light on music from the black community and the amazing way that we shape core culture and push boundaries is something that’s incredible to do and hopefully long continues.”

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, formerly of girl group Little Mix, added: “I just feel like this is our one show to really highlight black music, so I think it’s super important and 30 years – that’s crazy.”

Full list of winners:

Best Male Act

Central Cee

Elmiene

Jim Legxacy – WINNER

Nemzzz

Odeal

Skepta

Winner: Jim Legxacy

Best Female Act

Flo

Kwn

Little Simz

Olivia Dean – WINNER

PinkPantheress

Sasha Keable

Album of the Year

Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness

Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching

Flo – Access All Areas

Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down

Little Simz – Lotus

Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving – WINNER

Song of the Year

AJ Tracey Feat. Jorja Smith – “Crush”

Donaeo Feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – “Nights Like This”

Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – “Victory Lap”

Jim Legxacy & Dave – “3x”

Kwn – “Do What I Say”

Myles Smith – “Nice To Meet You”

Olivia Dean – “Man I Need” – WINNER

PinkPantheress – “Illegal”

Raye – “Where Is My Husband!”

Tim Duzit – “Kat Slater”

Best Newcomer

DC3 – WINNER

EsDeeKid

Finessekid

Jim Legxacy

Kwn

Namesbliss

Nia Smith

Sekou

Skye Newman

YT

Video of the Year

Pozer – “Shanghigh Noon”

FKA Twigs – “Eusexua”

Jim Legxacy – “Father”

Little Simz – “Flood”

Raye – “Where Is My Husband!” – WINNER

Skepta & Fred Again.. – “Back 2 Back”

Best R&B / Soul act

Elmiene

Flo – WINNER

Kwn

Odeal

Olivia Dean

Sasha Keable

Best Alternative Music Act

Alt Blk Era

Blood Orange

Hak Baker

Michael Kiwanuka

Nova Twins – WINNER

Rachel Chinouriri

Best Grime Act

Chip – WINNER

Jayahadadream

Kasst 8

Ruff Sqwad

Scorcher

Wiley

Best Hip-Hop Act

Aitch

Asco

Catch

Central Cee – WINNER

D-Block Europe

Kojey Radical

Little Simz

Loyle Carner

Wretch 32

Youngs Teflon

Best Drill Act

36

Booter Bee

Chy Cartier

Esdeekid

K-Trap

Leostaytrill

Nemzzz

Pozer

Twin S – WINNER

Wohdee

Best International Act

Ayra Starr – WINNER

Cardi B

Clipse

Gunna

Kehlani

Leon Thomas

Mariah The Scientist

Moliy

Tyla

Vybz Kartel

Best Media Personality

Bemi Orojuogun

DJ Ag

In My Opinion

Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe

Nadia Jae

Niko Omilana – WINNER

Pk Humble

Remi Burgz

Uche Natori

Winners Talking

Best Performance in a TV Show / Film

Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King

Ashley Thomas – Hostage

Ashley Walters – Adolescence

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked

Damson Idris – F1

Dayo Koleosho – EastEnders

Lennie James – Mr Loverman

Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths

Stephen Graham – Adolescence – WINNER

Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners

Best African Music Act

Adekunle Gold

Ayra Starr

Davido

Joshua Baraka

Moliy

Rema

Shallipopi

Tiwa Savage

Tyla

Wizkid – WINNER

Best Caribbean Music Act

Ayetian

Lila Iké

Masicka

Shenseea

Vybz Kartel – WINNER

Yung Bredda

Best Jazz Act

Cktrl

Ego Ella May

Ezra Collective – WINNER

Kokoroko

Nubya Garcia

Yazmin Lacey

Best Electronic Act

FKA Twigs

Jazzy

Kilimanjaro

PinkPantheress

Salute

Sherelle – WINNER

Best Gospel Act

Annatoria

DC3 – WINNER

Faith Child

Imrhan

Sondae

Still Shadey

Best Producer

Inflo

Jae5

Miles Clinton James

P2J – WINNER

Sammy Soso

Zach Nahome

MOBO Lifetime Achievement

Slick Rick

MOBO Global Songwriter

Pharrell Williams