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Boy, 14, found dead in River Thames tragedy named as mum issues emotional warning

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Manchester Evening News

Baltazar L’Quy died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames in Oxford during the UK heatwave

A teenager who tragically lost his life after getting into difficulty in the River Thames has been named and pictured, as his heartbroken mother reportedly issued a warning to other parents about the dangers of wild swimming.

Baltazar L’Quy became the 11th person to die in a water-related tragedy during the heatwave after his body was recovered in Oxford. The Oxford Timorese Community Association confirmed the teenager’s identity and expressed its “deepest condolences” to the boy’s family.

Thames Valley Police described the death as “unexplained but not suspicious”, after officers were called to the river near Donnington Bridge at around 5.30pm on Wednesday, reports the Mirror.

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Speaking to the BBC, a representative of the Oxford Timorese Community Association called it a “heartbreaking time”.

“This has been a very painful moment, not only for the family, but also for the Timorese community, in Oxford and across the United Kingdom,” they said. “This tragedy is very sad and is shocking to most parents – not only within the East Timor community.”

The community representative revealed they had spoken directly with L’Quy’s family. “The mum was actually saying that this is happening to them, and it’s shocking and it’s very sudden,” they said.

“But she would like to remind all the other parents, to remind the children when they’re out there – don’t just go into any water and to always make sure that they go with an adult.”

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Thames Valley Police released a statement on Thursday, saying: “We are sad to confirm a boy died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames at Donnington Bridge yesterday.

“The 14-year-old boy’s family have been informed and offered support; our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.”

The teenager’s death comes after a string of fatal water-related incidents involving young people in Lincoln, Halifax, Rotherham, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Farnborough and Lancashire, as well as a man in his 60s in Cornwall and a woman in her 70s in Wales.

Some of those who died have been named and tributes paid, while others are yet to be formally identified by police.

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Love Island USA unveils season 8 cast, including British islander and Paralympic athlete

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Love Island USA unveils season 8 cast, including British islander and Paralympic athlete

The cast for the eighth season of Love Island USA has been revealed.

The hit dating show, which is hosted by Ariana Madix, returns to Peacock on June 2.

As in previous years, the reality series will follow a group of singles as they enter a secluded villa hoping to couple up and compete in games and challenges.

The cast includes a number of notable contestants, including a Paralympic athlete and a British-born islander whose brother competed in a previous series.

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Meet the 12 islanders below:

Aniya Harvey is the daughter of retired NBA player Donnell Harvey
Aniya Harvey is the daughter of retired NBA player Donnell Harvey (Peacock)

Aniya Harvey

Aniya Harvey from Tyrone, Georgia is the daughter of retired NBA player Donnell Harvey.

Beatriz Hatz is a medal-winning Paralympic athlete
Beatriz Hatz is a medal-winning Paralympic athlete (Peacock)

Beatriz Hatz

Beatriz Hatz is a Paralympic athlete from San Diego who was born without a fibula in her right leg. She had the limb amputated below the knee when she was ten months old. She won bronze in the Women’s Long Jump at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024.

Bryce Dettloff describes himself as a ‘DJ and handyman’
Bryce Dettloff describes himself as a ‘DJ and handyman’ (Peacock)

Bryce Dettloff

Bryce Dettloff from Los Angeles is a handyman with a passion for Djing. “I just love music,” he says in an introductory video.

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Gabriel Vasconcelos says he will bring ‘Brazilian fire’ to the Love Island vill
Gabriel Vasconcelos says he will bring ‘Brazilian fire’ to the Love Island vill (Peacock)

Gabriel Vasconcelos

Gabriel Vasconcelos is from Miami and says he will bring “Brazilian fire” to the Love Island villa. He speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

KC Chandler says ‘women love men in health care’
KC Chandler says ‘women love men in health care’ (Peacock)

KC Chandler

KC Chandler is a nursing assistant from Fresno, California. “Women love men in health care,” he says. “If you’re a man who’s got scrubs, with your muscles showing a little bit, they’re going for that every time.”

Kenzie Annis graduated from nursing school days before entering the Love Island villa
Kenzie Annis graduated from nursing school days before entering the Love Island villa (Peacock)

Kenzie Annis

Kenzie Annis from Kennesaw, Georgia graduated from nursing school days before entering the Love Island villa. She says she wants a “huge family” with five to ten children.

Melanie Moreno manages a bikini store
Melanie Moreno manages a bikini store (Peacock)
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Melanie Moreno

Melanie Moreno is a bikini store manager from Los Angeles, and jokes that a “damaged” bikini would sum up her dating life thus far.

Sean Reifel is a police officer from Pennsylvania
Sean Reifel is a police officer from Pennsylvania (Peacock)

Sean Reifel

Sean Reifel is a police officer from Eaton, Pennsylvania who says he’s looking for someone “thoughtful.”

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Sincere Rhea says he loves his unusual name
Sincere Rhea says he loves his unusual name (Peacock)

Sincere Rhea

Sincere Rhea is a track-and-field athlete from Cape May, New Jersey who says he loves his unusual name and often signs off emails: “Sincerely Sincere.”

Trinity Tatum is a ‘small town’ girl looking for a fresh start
Trinity Tatum is a ‘small town’ girl looking for a fresh start (Peacock)

Trinity Tatum

Trinity Tatum is from Newport News, Virginia, which she describes as a “small town” and says she’s looking for a “fresh start.”

Vasana Montgomery
Vasana Montgomery (Peacock)

Vasana Montgomery

Vasana Montgomery from Beaverton, Oregon describes herself as “the full package.” She is a business owner who lives alone with her dog.

Zach Georgiou is a Brummie whose brother appeared on the show last year
Zach Georgiou is a Brummie whose brother appeared on the show last year (Peacock)

Zach Georgiou

Zach Georgiou is from Birmingham, England. His brother Charlie appeared on Love Island USA last year and had been dumped by day 11. “I’m here to see if I can do better,” he says.

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Robert Pattinson gives chills as paedophile hunter in ‘best trailer of the year’

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Robert Pattinson gives chills as paedophile hunter in 'best trailer of the year'

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Robert Pattinson has served up another fascinating career curveball with an upcoming film in which he plays a real-life paedophile hunter.

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The British star, who already courted controversial conversation with Zendaya in The Drama earlier this year, and will next be seen as Antinous in Sir Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey before Dune: Part Three in December, has teamed up again with A24 for Primetime.

And his latest performance as glimpsed in the trailer has been called ‘unbelievable’ and ‘generational’ by many excited fans.

The Batman actor plays TV host Chris Hansen, known for fronting the US programme To Catch a Predator in which he confronted adult men who were lured to a sting house to have sex with minors.

‘Obviously conditional to the quality of the film once it comes out, but this is an easy contender for best trailer of the decade, I’m not even kidding,’ raved Leo on X, with another fan agreeing because it ‘doesn’t reveal too much, shows just enough so you’ll know if you’re interested or not, looks super unique, no big pop song, it’s perfect’.

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‘Genuinely trailer of the year so far wowwwwwww,’ added JT.

Fans cannot get over Pattinson’s latest trailer for new film Primetime (Picture: A24)
No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only. No Book Cover Usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by MTV/Everett/Shutterstock (15499493b) PREDATORS, Chris Hansen, 2025. ? MTV Documentary Films / Courtesy Everett Collection Predators - 2025
He plays real-life predator hunter Chris Hansen (Picture: MTV/Everett/Shutterstock)

Many were also fascinated with Pattinson’s vocal transformation to sound like Chicago native Hansen, calling it ‘incredible’ and ‘unreal’.

‘No freaking way that’s Pattinson’s voice. Simply unbelievable,’ shared @stareanddream in the comments under the trailer on YouTube, while he was also praised as ‘a vocal chameleon’ by another fan, comparing it to the way he sounded in Mickey 17.

Others referenced his voice acting in the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron as well, where he played the magical and mysterious titular heron and showed ‘he can really do anything with it’.

‘Pattinson is on a generational run, bro. His range is truly incredible, and he’s quickly becoming one of the greatest players of this generation,’ insisted Felicia, as Rasim predicted his range would be ‘studied for decades to come’ because it was ‘genuinely insane how talented this guy is’.

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‘Robert Pattinson is like if Gary Oldman and Nicolas Cage had a baby. I feel like this may be his best shot at an Oscar in his career so far,’ suggested Victoria, one of several already talking in terms of awards season buzz.

Primetime, written and directed by Lance Oppenheim, also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine.

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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Grays Court and The Grand in Telegraph Top 250 of UK hotels

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Grays Court and The Grand in Telegraph Top 250 of UK hotels

Grays Court Hotel won the accolade, along with the Grand York, which includes others across North Yorkshire.

Grays Court owner Helen Heraty says the prestigious accolade recognises the hotel’s commitment to exceptional hospitality, great food  and outstanding guest experiences. 

“Across the board, Yorkshire has fared exceptionally well and we are delighted to be one included with such prestigious company.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Grays Court, York: story of oldest inhabited house in GB

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“We are just so proud so to have been included in The Telegraph’s Top 250 list.  This recognition reflects the hard work, passion and dedication of our entire team.

Helen Heraty, owner of Grays Court Hotel, which has been listed in a UK top 250 of hotels by The Telegraph. (Image: NQ staff)

“As an independent business, we are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued support and for giving us the opportunity to share this special place. 

The Long Room at Grays Hotel (Image: @kluens)

“This building is such an integral part of York’s history and look forward to welcoming our returning and new guests to experience it with us.”

The Summerhouse at Grays Hotel (Image: Grays Hotel)

The Telegraph says Grays Court, whose building dates back to the 11th Century, has the best address in York, being so close to the Minster.

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The newspaper wrote: “A hotel that vibrates with the past, yet feels timelessly elegant.”

The Grand York (Image: The Grand York)

Commenting on the furniture, it also said: “It feels elegant and luxurious yet relaxed- like a stately home but without the stuffiness.”

The Telegraph accolade adds to high ratings on the reviews websites.

Google awards 4.6 stars out of five, based on 515 Google reviews.

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TripAdvisor awards 4.6 stars out of five, based on 811 reviews, ranking it 5th out of 53 York Hotels.

Booking.Com awards a ‘superb’ 9.3 out of ten, based on 167 reviews.

TripAdvisor’s most recent review awarded five sats and said the hotel was “ideal for visiting York, a real gem.”

The review also said: “Backing on to the Minster it’s an easy 5 min walk to the shambles and other sights. Dog friendly and rooms are very comfortable and spacious. Loved the double walk-in shower! First class restaurant, but NB closed on Monday & Tuesdays. “

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“Spectacular garden accessed from the long gallery and Bar- perfect for recharging the batteries after a long journey or visiting sights. Very friendly and professional staff. Will definitely be back.”

York’s other entrant, the Grand York, the Telegraph recalls is a former Edwardian railway headquarters.

The Alice Hawthorn in Nun Monkton (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Amid other comments, the newspaper also said: “York’s only five star hotel is well-named; it offers tip top service, a choice of restaurants and an impressive new spa.”

The nearby Alice Hawthorn at Nun Monkton is also mentioned. The Telegraph said: “The restaurant serves faultless gastropub fare with an annexe of Scandi barn-style rooms that have a sustainable design.”

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Other North Yorkshire venues listed include Grantley Hall, Ripon; Middleton Lodge, Richmond; Myse, Hovingham; Pignut and the Hare, Scawton; Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, Harrogate; Swinton park, Masham; The Abbey Inn, Byland, The Angel at Hetton, Skipton; The Black Swan at Oldstead, Oldstead; The Owl at Hawnby, Hawnby; and The Star Inn at Harome, Harome.

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Republic of Ireland v Israel: Jamie McGrath expects protests to ‘heat up’ after Qatar game disrupted

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Jamie McGrath walks between tennis balls during the protest

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects protests against the side’s upcoming Israel fixtures to “heat up” after Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar was disrupted.

The Aviva Stadium game – which the Republic of Ireland won 1-0 thanks to Nathan Collins’ early header – was twice briefly interrupted in the first half when home fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch.

After the game, RTE reported that protesters were ejected from the ground, and McGrath expects more backlash before the Republic of Ireland face Israel in a neutral venue on 27 September and 4 October in Dublin in the Nations League.

Earlier this week, Republic of Ireland stalwart Seamus Coleman said the situation “should have been dealt with above us”.

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“I obviously listened to Seamus’ interview and I think he was spot on,” McGrath told BBC Sport NI.

“It’s obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way, that’s all that matters.

“I’m sure it’s going to heat up over the next few months. Like I said, we don’t want to be put into a position. Hopefully the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I’m not sure what the process will be as it heats up.

“At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to.”

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Major cordon in place following serious collision as police investigate at scene

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Manchester Evening News

Police taped off the road in Oldham

A major cordon was put in place on a busy main road in Oldham following reports of a serious crash on Thursday night (May 28).

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Numerous police vehicles could be seen after arriving on blue lights on Ashton Road (A627). The road was taped off between Keb Lane and Simkin Way following the incident.

Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Unit were seen carrying out investigations at the scene late into the evening. They appeared to be also focussing their efforts at the traffic lights and nearby crossing.

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There were numerous police vehicles at the scene with crime scene tape stretching over both sides of the road.

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The scene remained in place for a number of hours on Thursday as investigations continued.

No further details about the nature of the collision have been confirmed. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for a statement.

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Books & Bevs in Acomb named Best Independent Retailer

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Books & Bevs in Acomb named Best Independent Retailer

Books & Bevs, in Front Street, was presented with the award after thousands of readers voted to declare their winner in the competition.

Speaking about this, owners Joe and Allie, said: “We are thrilled to be named the best independent retailer in York for 2026.

“It was an honour just to be a finalist, winning is quite surreal, especially since we haven’t even been open 6 months yet.

“We are part of such an amazing community in Acomb and wouldn’t be where we are without the support of every customer that calls in and helps small independent businesses thrive.”

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Books & Bevs opened in December 2025 and has proved a firm hit with locals, who value the bookshop’s cosy and comfortable space where customers can pour over a new book with a hot drink.

Books & BevsBooks & Bevs opened in Front Street, Acomb, six months ago and has already become a firm favourite in the city (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said: “Whilst we’re in esteemed company bookshop-wise in York, the addition of the Bevs side of our business offers customers a chance to grab a hot drink and browse at their leisure or let the younger ones find their next read while they relax.

“It’s early days for us but we aim to keep providing and improving a great space for book lovers, coffee enthusiasts and somewhere for people to come relax and unwind.”

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Throughout the Press competition, Books & Bevs championed each finalist with posts on social media.

Books & Bevs“It was an honour just to be a finalist, winning is quite surreal, especially since we haven’t even been open 6 months yet” (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said that it gave him and Allie a “wonderful” chance to highlight the city’s many “great small businesses”.

The pair also works with the Blueberry Academy, dedicating a space in their shop for students to displace project ‘Blind Date With A Book’.  

The Pay As You Feel initiative invites customers to pick up a mystery book, wrapped by students at the Blueberry Academy, based on a short description.

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Books & BevsStudents at the Blueberry Academy in York individually wrap the mystery books for customers to select (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said: “It makes such a difference to the students, who have worked so hard on this.

“We are so, so happy to host the space for the incredible work the students have done and the merchandising they’ve provided is top quality.”

Aside from this, the bookshop also hosts two monthly book clubs, regular Polymer Clay Jewellery classes with local artist Cheeky Budgie Design and a Creative Writing Workshop for eight to 12-year-olds – hosted by local writer Dan Peacock.

Books & BevsThe cosy space is designed with reading lovers in mind (Image: Books & Bevs)

“We’ve also had author events at the shop where local and non-local authors have had the chance to promote their work and discuss their writing process with an engaged audience.”, Joe said.

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Speaking about the competition, he added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the other finalists who reached out to pass on their congratulations and well wishes once the final 10 were announced.

“We are blessed with so many incredible independent businesses in York and to be alongside the fellow finalists was a huge achievement for us personally.”

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Plymouth fire live: Huge flats blaze fills sky with smoke as police seal off area

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Daily Mirror

Devon and Cornwall Police say residents living close to the fire on Vauxhall Street have been evacuated from their homes.

No injuries have been reported, it added. “Our officers are currently at the scene of a property fire in Vauxhall Street, Plymouth, along with fire and ambulance service colleagues,” a statement reads.

“A number of nearby residents have been evacuated but no injuries have been reported.”

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Type 2 diabetes rates rising twice as fast in younger women as care ‘failed’

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Daily Record

Experts have found that more younger women are developing type 2 diabetes due to ‘little’ care from hospitals.

Diabetes is a life-changing condition that can have a huge impact on how patients go about their day. While type 1 diabetes sadly cannot be cured, those who develop type 2 diabetes could end up reversing the condition if given the right support from healthcare professionals.

However, there seems to be a failure in the system as new analysis has found that rates of type 2 diabetes are rising twice as fast in younger women than in older women. According to charity Diabetes UK, this shocking statistic could be down to pregnant women who develop the condition receiving “little to no follow-up care”.

While some people can develop type 2 diabetes due to age, family history, lifestyle, or their weight, many women can develop a form of the condition called gestational diabetes (GD) when they are pregnant. This happens when the women cannot produce enough insulin, which leads to high blood sugar.

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For many people GD can disappear after birth, however some patients can face a higher risk of this developing into type 2 diabetes. According to research, twice the amount of younger women are developing the condition compared to older women.

Analysis from 2017/18 to 2023/24 shows that diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in women under 40 rose by 47 per cent, compared to 22 per cent in women aged 40 to 79.

Diabetes UK is now raising concerns that one of the contributing factors to these rates is poor follow-up care for GD, which affects around 10 to 20 per cent of pregnant women.

Women with GD are offered HbA1c blood tests between six to 13 weeks after birth to check for diabetes, with another check once a year to measure average levels.

Colette Marshall, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said: “These figures should be a wake-up call. Type 2 diabetes is rising twice as fast in younger women compared to older women, and a crucial opportunity for prevention is being missed.

“Every diagnosis is life-changing, but when it develops in younger people, type 2 diabetes is even more aggressive.”

She added: “Pregnancy shouldn’t be a pathway to ill health. Yet despite facing a much higher risk of type 2 diabetes, too many women with GD receive little or no follow-up care after pregnancy.”

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An example of this reported lack of follow-up can be seen through Meg, who is a teacher from Somerset. She was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 2020 when she was pregnant with her son.

However, six years later, she says she has still not had a postnatal check-up regarding diabetes despite being at a high risk factor.

The 33-year-old said: “I had gestational diabetes for the last two weeks of my pregnancy, before my son arrived prematurely at 29 weeks. I was given no information about my increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the steps I could take to prevent it.

“I had a phone call with my GP after the birth, but there weren’t any discussions about my gestational diabetes.”

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She added: “I’m surprised that I never had follow-up HbA1c checks, particularly as I’m considered high risk for type 2 diabetes, not only because of the gestational diabetes, but also because I have polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome and family members with type 2 diabetes.

“Having clear facts about what gestational diabetes means for you during and after pregnancy, and how to manage it, would have made me feel so much more supported, both physically and mentally.”

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Police incident at Bury the Rock nears 48 hours as woman remains on car park roof for days

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Manchester Evening News

Officers were first called to the scene at 11pm on Tuesday

A stand-off at Bury the Rock between police and a woman at the car park is nearing the 48 hour mark. Cordons remain in place with emergency services and specialist negotiators at the scene.

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In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said officers ‘remained at the scene throughout the day and night’. It followed concern for welfare calls first made at 11pm on Tuesday (May 26).

As of Thursday at 10pm, some 47 hours after being called to the incident, the woman remained on the top floor of the multi-storey car park. Greater Manchester Police said her welfare was ‘our priority’ and that emergency services would continue ‘working towards a safe conclusion’.

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Pictures taken on Thursday night show cordons still in place on the ground along Derby Way. The woman has since been given a police jacket to keep warm. Fire service crews and multiple ambulances remain in attendance.

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The Manchester Evening News understands the same woman sparked an alert at the same location in Bury town centre last week.

In a statement on Thursday lunchtime, GMP said: “While this incident remains ongoing, our priority is the welfare of the woman and working towards a safe conclusion.

“We understand the disruption this has caused to nearby residents, workers, businesses and visitors. Resources and emergency services are at the scene to resolve this safely.

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“We are aware this is a recurring incident, and we continue to work with other services to avoid a repeat and prevent further disruption.”

Meanwhile, Superintendent Phil Spurgeon added: “Our officers have remained at the scene throughout the day and night with negotiators, GMFRS, NWAS and health professionals to work towards a safe conclusion.

“We are aware of concerns around the recent high temperatures and the length of time the woman has been up there; our priority is her welfare and bringing her to safety.

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“We understand frustrations due to the disruption this incident has caused for nearby residents, workers and businesses, but our immediate priority is a safe conclusion. We have resources at the scene to try to minimise any disruption and return the town centre to business as usual as soon as it is safe to do so.”

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Unearthing Namibia’s forgotten genocide through forensic archaeology

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Unearthing Namibia’s forgotten genocide through forensic archaeology

The Namibian genocide was one of the first genocides of the 20th century. Between 1904 and 1908, tens of thousands of Ovaherero and Nama people were killed under German colonial rule.

Despite the scale of these events, the material and human legacy of this genocide remains less understood than later atrocities. Historical accounts exist, but are often incomplete or shaped by the perspectives and priorities of the colonial period in which they were produced.

The landscapes of Namibia that testify to this violence still survive, but are under increasing pressure from urban expansion, infrastructure development and environmental change. Archaeological research is playing a key role in documenting and protecting this heritage.

The Centre of Archaeology at the University of Huddersfield has, in conjunction with community representatives, the research groups Forensic Architecture and Forensis and the Swakopmund Genocide Museum, conducted fieldwork in Namibia across two seasons (2023 and 2025). Our work has focused on sites linked to German colonial concentration camps in Swakopmund and Lüderitz.

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Using forensic methods, our project seeks to locate, document and protect burial sites associated with the genocide. We aim to demonstrate how archaeology can confirm historical events, provide physical evidence, support commemoration and strengthen claims for reparations.

The research combines archival study with field methods including: GIS mapping (computer-based spatial mapping and analysis of archaeological data), walkover survey (systematic on-the-ground inspection of visible archaeological features), Ground Penetrating Radar (a geophysical technique that uses radar waves to detect buried structures without excavation), GPS survey, drone imagery and targeted excavation.

Crucially, it involves close collaboration with Ovaherero and Nama communities. Their priorities have shaped the research and discussions around site protection.

The sites under threat

Between 1905 and 1907, German colonial authorities established several concentration camps in Lüderitz, including the notorious Shark Island camp. Ovaherero and Nama prisoners were forced into slave labour to build railway lines and an extension to the harbour under the harshest of conditions.

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For many, this was effectively a death sentence. Historical sources suggest that as many as 4,000 prisoners died at Shark Island, yet the final resting places of most victims remain uncertain. Written records and oral histories indicate that many bodies were never formally buried. Instead, they were disposed of in the Atlantic Ocean.

GPR survey being undertaken on the cemetery at Radford Bay, Luderitz.
Centre of Archaeology, Author provided (no reuse)

At Radford Bay, near a memorial to the victims, several sand mounds are believed to mark graves linked to the camps, some of which are thought to conceal mass burials. In collaboration with Forensic Architecture, using photo mapping techniques in conjunction and forensic methods, we have identified subsurface anomalies consistent with graves beneath a number of these features. At least one anomaly strongly suggests the presence of a mass grave.

The results provide the first scientific evidence supporting oral accounts of burial practices at Lüderitz. However, the site is highly vulnerable due to wind and sand erosion. It is also threatened by a planned coastal infrastructure project. Without intervention, the important surviving physical evidence and the opportunity for commemoration will be lost.




À lire aussi :
Namibia’s Shark Island: Europe’s push for green hydrogen risks compromising sites of colonial genocide

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Recent investigations at Swakopmund meanwhile, once a centre of German colonial activity, have revealed the scale and fragility of another burial landscape. At the former slave worker burial ground at Kramersdorf, thousands of Ovaherero and Nama victims were buried in shallow, unmarked graves. These burials are now under pressure from housing development, as well as damage caused by vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most significant discoveries is the extent of unmarked burials at this site. Subtle environmental indicators, particularly clusters of vegetation forming distinct patterns, have proved crucial in identifying grave locations. These patterns reflect changes in soil composition associated with burial, allowing graves to be mapped even where no visible markers exist.

Ovaherero and Nama slave cemetery at Kramersdorf burial ground, Swakopmund.
Ovaherero and Nama slave cemetery at Kramersdorf burial ground, Swakopmund.
Centre of Archaeology, Author provided (no reuse)

Geophysical data confirmed numerous buried anomalies consistent with graves, including some directly beneath modern vehicle tracks. This makes the conservation challenge immediate – these hidden remains are being damaged.

At one location where erosion had exposed a coffin, targeted excavation was considered necessary to verify the initial observations.

Excavation was conducted by hand, with soil sieved and human remains left undisturbed. Once identified, recording ceased and the grave was respectfully refilled, with a protective sand mound rebuilt above it.

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Community leaders were present throughout the process. They conducted ceremonies, monitored the work and guided decisions about how the burial should be treated. This was an important aspect of the project, because these are not simply archaeological sites, but ancestral graves. For many participants, this work marked the first direct engagement with the physical remains of those who died in the camps.

The future of memorialisation

Beyond our fieldwork, the project feeds into wider efforts to ensure that the Namibian genocide is more widely recognised. Public engagement is a key part of this process.

The Swakopmund Genocide Museum, founded in 2015 by Laidlaw Peringanda whose great-grandmother survived the Swakopmund camp, plays an important role in telling this history. Officially recognised by the Namibian government in 2019, the museum has recently secured funding to expand its exhibition space in response to growing visitor numbers.

With support from the Huddersfield Centre of Archaeology, the displays have been redesigned. They are due to be unveiled on Namibia’s officially recognised Genocide Remembrance Day on May 28, 2026.

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The outside and an inside wing of the gallery
Swakopmund Genocide Museum.
Laidlaw Peringanda, Author provided (no reuse)

Archaeological evidence provides a different kind of testimony from written or oral sources. It confirms the presence of burials, reveals their condition and demonstrates their extent. It can also expose gaps between official records and the reality on the ground.

In Namibia, this evidence has implications beyond historical understanding. It contributes to ongoing debates about colonial legacies, reparations and historical accountability – issues that remain unresolved

By ensuring the material traces of the genocide become visible, this forensic archaeological approach can strengthen the basis for these discussions. It ensures that the past is not only documented, but acknowledged, protected and recognised.

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