An RAF jet carrying the defence secretary had its signals jammed as it flew near the Russian border this week, according to a report.

John Healey was travelling back to the UK from Estonia, where he had been visiting British soldiers, when the electronic attack happened, according to The Times.

It is thought Russia was behind the incident on Thursday, which meant that smartphones and laptops were unable to connect to the internet and pilots had to use a different navigation system as the plane’s GPS was disabled for the entire three-hour flight.

It is not known if Mr Healey was deliberately targeted, but the flight path was visible on aircraft tracking websites, the newspaper reported.

Passengers, who included photographers and a reporter, were told the Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft could still operate safely.

The incident comes just days after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed two Russian jets had “repeatedly and dangerously” intercepted an RAF spy plane above the Black Sea.

A Russian Su-35 jet flew so close to the British reconnaissance aircraft that it triggered its emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot.

One of the nation’s Su-27s also flew six metres from the unarmed Rivet Joint’s nose and carried out six passes in front.

The MoD said it was the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since a plane fired a missile over the Black Sea in 2022.

In March 2024, an RAF plane carrying the then-defence secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS signal jammed while flying near Russian territory.

The satellite signal was interfered with for about 30 minutes while the flight was heading back to the UK from Poland.

The Independent has contacted the MoD for comment.

An ITV comedy series that received backlash from The Police Federation of England and Wales has not been greenlit for a third season after it failed to take off the way producers hoped

ITV comedy Piglets has reportedly been axed after just two series following disappointing ratings and backlash surrounding its controversial title.

The police sitcom was created by Victoria Pile, also known for Channel 4′s Green Wing and Smack the Pony. It was launched with hopes of becoming a breakout comedy hit for ITV2. However, after a muted response to its second series earlier this year, bosses are said to have decided against commissioning another run.

An insider has claimed the channel initially stayed optimistic despite receiving mixed reactions to the first season of the show. The source told The Sun : “Bosses believed it deserved a follow-up…unfortunately, the second series didn’t set the world alight – which made it even harder for ITV to give it another chance.”

The second instalment of the show aired in January 2026, but was already noticeably less heavily promoted than the first season, which fuelled speculation that behind the scenes ITV bosses were already becoming unsure about the future of the comedy.

Piglets is set inside a chaotic police training academy, and follows a group of rookie recruits as eccentric senior officers attempt to prepare them for life on the force.

Comedy favourites Sarah Parish and Mark Heap starred as the academy’s supervisors. In the second season Maddy Smedley was introduced to the cast after her popularity on The Traitors, but unfortunately her arrival reportedly failed to boost viewing figures.

ITV told The Mirror there are no plans for the sitcom to return, in a statement which reads: “There are currently no plans for a third series of Piglets.

“We would like to thank all the cast and crew for their hard work in bringing these unforgettable characters and stories alive on screen. Viewers can watch the adventures from series one and two by streaming all episodes on ITVX.”

Even before its debut, the series sparked fierce criticism over its name, which references the slang term “pig” which is sometimes used to describe police officers.

The Police Federation of England and Wales blasted the title for being “highly offensive”, “disgusting” and “inflammatory”, arguing it risked increasing hostility towards officers at a time when violence against police was already rising.

Acting national chair Tiffany Lynch previously said she found it “incredulous” that the title had been approved, warning officers deserve “respect, not humiliation.”

Despite the backlash, ITV comedy boss Nana Hughes was firm about her decision not to rename the show. “We just wanted to have a bit of fun, we certainly didn’t set out to offend anyone,” she explained ahead of the programme’s launch.

She added: “Comedy is subjective so some people will like it and others won’t but hopefully most will. We thought Piglets was just a funny, cute name for our bunch of trainees.”

ITV also defended the sitcom at the time, insisting the title was intended as “a comedic and endearing play on words”. In a statement released by the broadcaster, they described the show as a fictional comedy designed to highlight the innocence and inexperience of its trainee police characters rather than mock real officers.

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Lawrence Shankland is set to join Rangers on a free transfer after the Light Blues triggered a clause in his Hearts contract, with his Ibrox unveiling dependent on passing his medical

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Lawrence Shankland is heading back to Glasgow to finalise a stunning move to Rangers. As Reach Sport disclosed, the Hearts captain has been presented with a two-year contract – with an option for a third year.

Now, provided there are no eleventh-hour complications with his medical examination, he will be confirmed as Danny Rohl’s first summer acquisition later this week, having reached agreement on personal terms.

The positive development for Ibrox chairman Andrew Cavenagh is that the transfer will be completely free, after the Light Blues discovered a clause in the 30-year-old’s Tynecastle contract permitting him to depart Gorgie without a fee this summer.

Shankland guided the Jambos to the verge of championship success after being convinced to remain in the capital by manager Derek McInnes last summer, reports the Daily Record.

However, significantly, the Scotland forward secured a release point at the conclusion of the first year of that agreement, enabling him to terminate his contract and transfer elsewhere.

Rangers officials are now seeking to capitalise on this opportunity and are optimistic they will secure his signature after years of rumours – without any financial outlay.

Shankland has interrupted a family break in Portugal to complete his desired transfer, though his medical assessment may be postponed due to Monday’s bank holiday.

Nevertheless, new Ibrox CEO Jim Gillespie is hoping to conclude the extraordinary transfer coup before the boyhood Gers supporter joins up with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad on Tuesday. His formal introduction will hinge on whether the national team manager approves his visit to Rangers’ Auchenhowie training complex for the traditional photoshoot with the club scarf.

While this development will thrill the Rangers fanbase, it represents a devastating setback for McInnes and Hearts supporters, coming just days after watching their title aspirations collapse.

Shankland netted 20 times to push the Tynecastle side to the brink of championship glory before enduring a heartbreaking final-day defeat at Celtic.

However, Rohl and the Ibrox board are confident they’re securing a forward many feel Rangers ought to have recruited long ago.

Previous Gers manager Russell Martin had the opportunity to bring Shankland in without a transfer fee last summer but declined the opportunity.

Yet Rohl looks set to rectify that mistake after identifying him as his priority signing for the transfer window.

It seems he’ll be the first of several Scottish additions, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh stating last week that the club intends to recruit more Scottish talent in the coming weeks.

Following the conclusion of a third-place finish, Cavenagh had said: “Our focus is on what is ahead of us and we are very clear that we need to add chemistry, leadership, guile, football IQ.

“We have a pro-Scottish bias in the club today – meaning if you have two players roughly equal and one is Scottish, we will take the Scottish player.

“When we look at what positions we are filling, we don’t start with people – we start with profiles.

“What positions is it, what type of person is it. An athletic centre-back or a ball-winning centre-back for example. How big, how fast?

“We are always asking who is Scottish that fits that profile. Every time we are looking at that.

“That’s not to say we can just go out and grab 11 Scots off the street and win the title.

“It is a bias towards Scottish players but that doesn’t mean that’s the only criteria we look at to build a winning team. I would say we equally look at an SPFL bias.

“If we’re looking at two players who are roughly similar and one has extensive SPFL experience against one who does not, we would take the SPFL experienced player.”

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Eight caravans had been parked at Longsight Park last Thursday (May 14), before Bolton Council served a legal notice ordering those on the site to leave.

The authority carried out welfare checks before beginning legal proceedings and confirmed no health concerns were identified among the occupants.

Attention has now turned to preventing similar incidents from happening again, with councillors and council officers reviewing security at the park.

Proposals being considered include upgraded metal barriers, stronger locks and pull-up bollards at entrances to the site.

Caravans and tents spotted on Longsight Park. (Image: NQ)

Cllr James Moller, of Bradshaw ward, said: “They’ve now left and they are locking the gate today [May 21].

“They’re updating the metal barrier and putting a new lock on. The council is also looking at what other measures they can put in place to stop people cutting it off.

“We’ve proposed improving the barriers and putting in pull-up bollards as well. We want to make it secure but still easy to access.”

Bolton Council said it had followed the appropriate legal process after becoming aware of the unauthorised encampment at the park.

A Bolton Council spokesperson previously said they were “aware of an unauthorised encampment at Longsight Park”.

They added that “all the appropriate welfare checks” had been carried out, and they “started the legal process to have the encampment removed”.

The discussion around extra security measures also follows previous concerns about quad bikes damaging the land earlier this year.

Jarrod Bowen has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, and he was speaking following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League

Manchester United-linked Jarrod Bowen has suggested he has no plans to leave West Ham United following the club’s relegation to the Sky Bet Championship. The Hammers needed a victory against Leeds United and for Tottenham Hotspur to lose at home to Everton to stay up and send Spurs down instead.

And although Nuno Espirito Santo’s side kept their side of the bargain with second-half goals from Taty Castellanos, Bowen and Callum Wilson, Spurs, who had not won at home in the league this year, beat Everton 1-0 to ensure it would be they who are playing in the Premier League next season.

United are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have been linked with a move for Bowen. The Guardian recently reported that the Reds were considering the England international as an option on the left wing.

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Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked, but Bowen insisted following the game at the London Stadium that he has no plans to leave the Hammers this summer.

“Ultimately, this season we haven’t been good enough and we’ve paid the price,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’m under contract here. I’ve been here six and a half years. I’ve had some really high moments and this is a low moment that will outweigh everything.

“There’s going to be rumours, there’s going to be talk. Ultimately, what I see is getting this club back in the Premier League because that is where it deserves to be.

“This is a really, really low moment, but we have to bounce back because there’s no other way. This is a really difficult moment.

“You never know what the future holds. For me, I want to get this club back in the Premier League. Right now our vision is to do that.”

Before he continued: “We have to go away now, not enjoy our time off because you’re never going to enjoy your time off with the season we’ve had, but stay with your family and loved ones, recover well and prepare well for when we come back in and get promoted.”

He then concluded: “Not really [a consolation that West Ham did what they needed to] because we never wanted to be in this situation.

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“Coming into the game, we had to take care of ourselves and hold onto that bit of hope that we had. That’s all we could do. We were relying on another result. Ultimately, it’s not enough.

“[I just feel] hurt. I’ve been here six and a half years now. Had a lot of good moments and this outweighs all of it. Getting this club relegated… it hurts.

“We shouldn’t be in the position we’re in but we’ve found ourselves in it and we’ve not done enough to stay up. Hurt is the only thing.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

The journey by taxi last year with her female cousin – covered from head to toe, only their eyes visible, as the rules decree – was an exceptional thing to do, and risky in Afghanistan, where at any moment they might be caught by the Taliban inspectors enforcing rules banning women travelling long distances without a male relative escorting them.

Located in the sought-after semi-rural area of Dearden Fold, the property is arranged over three floors and has been finished to a high standard throughout.

It features modern design elements, energy-efficient features, and flexible living space.

Open-plan living area with wall panelling and wood-burning stove (Image: Zoopla)

Charles Louis, the estate agent listing the property, said: “Set within a highly regarded semi-rural pocket of Dearden Fold, this substantial and beautifully presented detached home offers a superb blend of modern design, energy-efficient features, flexible living space, and a stunning outdoor setting.

“Arranged over three floors, the property is finished to an exceptional standard throughout, with high-quality fixtures, contemporary styling, and a layout ideally suited to modern family life.”

The ground floor features a spacious open-plan living and dining area that flows into a contemporary fitted kitchen.

Contemporary kitchen with gloss units, double oven and tiled floor (Image: Zoopla)

Moving to the living room, there is modern styling, including wall panelling, integrated shelving, and a contemporary wood-burning stove.

A dining room is situated between the living room and conservatory and benefits from plenty of natural light.

The kitchen is equipped with modern wall and base units, a double oven, hob, extractor fan, wine cooler, and ample storage.

Main bedroom with feature slatted wall and fitted shelving (Image: Zoopla)

There is also a bright conservatory offering additional reception space with views of the garden.

Underfloor heating is installed throughout the space, and large windows allow for plenty of natural light and a direct connection to the outdoors.

Upstairs, the property includes generously sized bedrooms and a versatile additional room that could be used as a home office or guest room.

Family bathroom with walk-in shower, freestanding bath and tiled walls (Image: Zoopla)

The family bathroom is fitted with a freestanding bath and a walk-in shower.

The estate agent added: “The flexible layout caters equally well to families and professionals alike.”

Outside, the landscaped rear garden includes decked seating areas, a lawn, a gazebo, and a koi pond.

Charles Louis “a standout feature, designed for both relaxation and entertaining, with decked seating areas, lawn, gazebo, and an attractive koi pond”.

The front of the property includes a private driveway with an electric vehicle charging point and electric security gates.

Rear garden with decking, lawn, gazebo and koi pond (Image: Zoopla)

Solar panels with battery storage help to reduce running costs.

A spokesman said: “The rear garden is a true highlight, featuring a large decked seating area, lawned garden, mature planting, gazebo and an attractive koi pond, creating a tranquil outdoor retreat.

“Enjoying open countryside views while remaining conveniently close to Ramsbottom and local amenities, this impressive home offers an exceptional balance of lifestyle, comfort, and location.”

A Taste of Wensleydale Café and Tea Room, in the heart of Bainbridge, has become a popular stop for walkers, cyclists and tourists travelling through Wensleydale thanks to its homemade food, friendly atmosphere and picturesque setting.

The café’s owners recently shared photographs on social media after meeting the Prince of Wales when he made a surprise visit to the village earlier this month.

Prince William visited Bainbridge to tour the community-owned River Bain Hydro project and meet residents, businesses and community groups.

During the visit, he praised the “great community spirit” in the Yorkshire Dales and described the area as “a beautiful part of the world”.

For the owners of A Taste of Wensleydale, the royal visit added another memorable moment to life in the small village of around 480 residents.

Nestled near the meeting point of the River Bain and River Ure inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Bainbridge is one of the Dales’ oldest settlements and was once known by the Roman name Virosidum.

A Taste of Wensleydale Café and Tea Room (Image: A TASTE OF WENSLEYDALE)

Today, the village is known for its traditional stone cottages, village green and proximity to Semerwater, North Yorkshire’s second-largest natural lake.

A Taste of Wensleydale has become increasingly popular with visitors exploring the area and currently holds a strong 4.5-star Tripadvisor rating alongside an impressive 4.8-star Google rating.

Reviewers regularly praise the café’s homemade cakes, Yorkshire pudding wraps, sandwiches and warm welcome.

One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as “a lovely friendly little place in a beautiful village”, while another called it a “complete jewel”.

A visitor who stopped off after a walk in the Dales wrote: “The cakes were excellent and the pot of tea for two gave us three cups each. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.”

Others highlighted the café’s bakery products, including sourdough bread, homemade pork pies and fresh cakes.

One customer praised the “excellent hospitality” and described the sausage sandwiches as “top notch”.

Dog walkers and cyclists also regularly mention the welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating overlooking the village.

The café has become part of the wider appeal of Bainbridge itself, which continues to attract visitors looking for a quieter and more traditional Yorkshire Dales experience.

The Yorkshire shepherdess, author and presenter, has built a huge following through her Channel 5 and More4 programmes, which document life in the remote Yorkshire Dales alongside her large family.

Who is Amanda Owen?

Amanda is an English shepherdess, writer and television presenter.

She lives and works at Ravenseat Farm in Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales, where she became known for sharing the realities of hill farming and rural family life.

Amanda Owen (Image: James Speakman/PA Media Assignments)

Amanda first gained widespread attention through social media under the name “The Yorkshire Shepherdess”, with her growing popularity eventually leading to publishing deals and television opportunities.

Over the years, she has become one of the most recognisable figures in British farming television.

Where is Amanda Owen from?

Amanda Owen lives at Ravenseat Farm in Upper Swaledale in North Yorkshire.

The remote hill farm sits near the village of Keld and close to Kirkby Stephen on the Cumbria border.

Ravenseat is a working sheep farm covering around 2,000 acres in one of the most isolated areas of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

How many children does Amanda Owen have?

Amanda Owen has nine children:

• Raven
• Reuben
• Miles
• Edith
• Violet
• Sidney
• Annas
• Clementine
• Nancy

Her children regularly appeared alongside her in Our Yorkshire Farm and continue to feature in Our Farm Next Door on More4.

Several members of the family have also gone on to appear in their own spin-off programmes.

Is Amanda Owen still married to Clive Owen?

Amanda Owen separated from husband Clive Owen in 2022 after 22 years of marriage.

Despite the split, the pair have continued to work together on television projects and farming life at Ravenseat.

Both Amanda and Clive currently appear together in More4’s Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, which follows the restoration of the nearby farmhouse Anty John’s.

What TV shows has Amanda Owen been in?

Amanda Owen first appeared on television in documentaries about life in the Yorkshire Dales before becoming a household name through Our Yorkshire Farm.

Her television appearances include:

• Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast with Julia Bradbury
• The Dales
• New Lives in the Wild UK with Ben Fogle
• Our Yorkshire Farm
• Winter Walks
• Amanda Owen’s Extraordinary Farming Lives
• Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids

She has also featured on several BBC Radio 4 programmes and made guest appearances on seasonal farming shows, including Winter on the Farm.

What happened to Our Yorkshire Farm?

Our Yorkshire Farm became one of Channel 5’s biggest factual hits after launching in 2018.

The documentary series followed Amanda, Clive and their children as they managed Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales.

Amanda Owen and Clive Owen (Image: CHANNEL 4)

In 2022, Channel 5 confirmed that the programme would not return in its original form.

However, several spin-offs followed, including:

• Beyond the Yorkshire Farm: Reuben & Clive
• Reuben: Life in the Dales
• Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids

The More4 spin-off has continued the family’s television success by documenting the renovation of Anty John’s farmhouse.

Has Our Farm Next Door been renewed?

Yes. Channel 4 previously confirmed that Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids has been recommissioned for a fourth series.

Series three ended in February 2026, and while an official air date for the next instalment has not yet been announced, more episodes are expected later in 2026 or in early 2027.

The show follows Amanda, Clive and their children as they balance farming life at Ravenseat with the ambitious restoration project at Anty John’s.

Has Amanda Owen written any books?

Amanda Owen has also enjoyed success as an author and has written several books inspired by farming and family life in the Yorkshire Dales.

Her books include:

• The Yorkshire Shepherdess
• A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess
• Adventures of the Yorkshire Shepherdess
• Tales From the Farm
• Celebrating The Seasons

A statement from Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service South says that it is a pile of scrap metal which is ablaze, with images showing crews at the scene.

It reads: “Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are currently engaged in firefighting operations to extinguish a fire in a large quantity of scrap metal at Clearway Metal Recycling, East Twin Road, Belfast.

A total of 9 pumping appliances, an aerial appliance, high volume pump and 60 firefighters are engaged in firefighting operations.

“The fire is in a pile of scrap metal measuring approximately 50m x 50m. Crews are utilising the high volume pump to convey water to the fire. There are no reported injuries and all persons are accounted for.

“Operations will continue for some time. Members of the public are encouraged to stay away from East Twin Road and keep windows and doors closed.”