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The MM Mini Market on North Road and Cockerton Mini Market on West Auckland Road were ordered to close for three months by magistrates in Peterlee on Wednesday (April 29).

Between April 2024 and January 2026, Darlington trading standards visited Cockerton Mini Market three times, seizing illegal goods with a sale value estimated at more than £12,000 including 436 packets of cigarettes, 144 packets of hand rolling tobacco and six vapes.

Cockerton Mini Market (Image: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL)

The items were found hidden in black rubbish bags among the bins and in the garden.

Seizures were also made from a vehicle parked at the rear of the premises.

Illicit cigarettes were also sold to test purchasers on five separate visits.

The MM Mini Market only opened in September 2025, but reports started to emerge of intimidating behaviour, including a man touting for business from a car outside.

MM Mini Market (Image: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL)

Four test purchases also confirmed the sale of illegal cigarettes from the business which has close links to neighbouring SB International Food Store.

SB International Food Store was shut down for three months in December after selling illegal vapes and cigarettes, including to children, and has not reopened.

Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities on Darlington Borough Council, said: “Local residents and businesses have been adversely affected by the protracted criminal activity, anti-social behaviour and nuisance associated with these retail premises.

“While we are delighted to have halted their operations, our work to frustrate and disrupt the illegal tobacco market across Darlington continues.

“Delivering safer, healthier communities, ensuring local people live well for longer and building a strong, sustainable local economy are three of our main priorities and we will do everything in our power to rid the town of criminal trading practices which undermine  honest local businesses and place  public health at risk by encouraging smoking and targeting young people with pocket money prices.” 

Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, added: “This type of criminal activity helps fund organised crime groups and goes hand-in-hand with drug dealing, child exploitation and money laundering.

“We remain committed to protecting our local communities from the very real dangers posed by these businesses and continue to work closely with the council to end these illegal operations.”

Turkey is said to be “deserted” as tourists are allegedly “put off” returning to the popular holiday destination. It comes as some say hotels and sunbeds have been “empty”

A popular holiday destination is reportedly “deserted”, with claims that tourists are giving the country a wide berth, and it’s not the first time such suggestions have emerged. Videos circulating online show near-empty hotels and beaches, with some suggesting that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may be deterring visitors.

In recent years, however, other factors have also been cited as having an impact, with holidaymakers pointing to the rising cost of visiting as an additional concern. The travel story came to prominence on TikTok when one tourist shared footage from their hotel, describing it as “silent”.

The clips make it plain to see just how quiet things appear, with barely a soul by the pool and sunbeds sitting vacant. Having visited Turkey recently, the tourist suggested that visitors appeared to be staying away in droves.

The social media user wrote alongside the footage: “The war in Iran has definitely affected tourism. I’m in Turkey right now, and the hotel feels almost deserted.

“Only around 10 guests here. Even the weather hasn’t helped, so the whole place feels unusually quiet.”

One commenter was quick to note that it isn’t yet summer, to which the tourist replied: “The hotel staff said they’d usually have around 400 guests at this time of year, but due to regional conflicts affecting tourism, business has dropped significantly.”

Adding to this, several weeks ago a social media user known as Sophie Does Thingz described the popular holiday destination as “super quiet” during her stay. She noted that “all the tourists decided not to come to Turkey this year”, a comment that sparked considerable discussion online.

In response, one person wrote: “I hate it. I want to leave.” Another added: “Girl, the weather is a bit cold here compared to other years. I think tourists will begin to come in a month or two.”

Several others pointed out that the peak season had yet to begin. One commented: “The season hasn’t started yet that’s why.”

Another similarly suggested: “It’s not even season.” The subject clearly struck a chord with many.

What is happening?

According to reports, Turkey’s tourism sector has experienced a downturn since March in certain areas and industries, largely attributed to the conflict in Iran.

There has reportedly been a surge in booking cancellations and a halt in travel from neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. While eastern border regions have been severely affected, major coastal resorts such as Antalya and Bodrum are said to have remained comparatively stable.

Furthermore, demand from European and British tourists is reported to remain robust. Nevertheless, in recent years, visitors have admitted to being “put off” travelling to the destination for other reasons.

Some holidaymakers have claimed that Turkey has become “too expensive” in the past few years. This is largely due to the country experiencing rampant inflation and a dramatic collapse in the value of the Turkish Lira.

As a result, many no longer consider the once-beloved hotspot to be a “cheap” holiday option. Despite this, it remains a firm favourite with some travellers.

Figures suggest that millions make the trip each year, with some holidaymakers saying they’re “booking flights now” such is their eagerness to visit.

Rose will play with McLaren irons and is likely to use the more forgiving game-improver versions at the long end of the bag and blades for the rest.

This is not as risky as changing his entire set-up. Driver, putter and ball are usually the most crucial elements, so the move is not as drastic as it might appear.

Nevertheless, he is teaming up with a company that is totally new to the golf industry and, while range data might be encouraging, the acid test can only come on the course.

Rose is making this change in the heart of the golf season when majors come thick and fast. The only tournaments where he can significantly alter and improve his already stellar career are done and dusted three months from now.

That is where the risk lies. If there are any setbacks, they could lead to a wasted season in the blink of an eye. And at the age of 45.

“The clubs are feeling great,” Rose said. “A lot of my own preferences have gone into the irons that I’m playing.”

But new clubs can lead to unexpected outcomes and, under the pressure of competition, that can become discomfiting.

Rose says he is aware of the potential pitfalls.

“There’s going to be a refinement process,” he said.

“You can test all you want. You’ve got to get the clubs in play, and there’s going to be little mini situations out there – different lies, all sorts of things.

“But in the long term I don’t see there being an issue at all.”

Joshua, who excelled at both GAA and rugby, has been fondly remembered by family and friends as a “gorgeous young man”

Tears are expected to fall across Donegal on Wednesday afternoon as a cherished teenager and a promising young sports star tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident will be laid to rest.

Joshua Morrow, aged 16, from Stranabrattogue, Cloghan, Co. Donegal, passed away when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car on the R252 at Cloghan on Saturday.

Joshua, who excelled at both GAA and rugby, has been fondly remembered by family and friends as a “gorgeous young man” and somebody “who was liked by everyone”.

Such is the esteem in which the youngster is held that his local GAA club, CLG Ghleann Fhinne, will form a guard of honour as Joshua’s coffin arrives at The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Glenfin on Wednesday.

“Everyone at CLG Ghleann Fhinne is heartbroken following the tragic death of Josh Morrow,” said the club on social media, reports the Irish Mirror.

“Josh was a very talented player and held in the highest regard throughout the parish. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time.”

Ulster Rugby also honoured the gifted teenager who represented his local rugby club, Finn Valley RFC.

“Ulster Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Josh Morrow of Finn Valley RFC,” said a spokesperson.

“Josh was set to begin the Ulster U17 Clubs Summer Programme in July and had recently represented Ulster Clubs U18s against Munster, a year ahead of his age group. Our thoughts are with Josh’s family, friends and everyone at Finn Valley RFC at this difficult time.”

Relatives, friends and members of the public have been expressing their condolences following Joshua’s heartbreaking death over the weekend.

One individual commented: “I’m so sorry for the tragic loss of Josh. By all accounts, he was a gorgeous young man. Thinking of his heartbroken family, his friends (especially his Rugby Buddy – Joseph) and the wider community who are grieving him. May you all find strength at this very sad time.”

Another person wrote: “This is a terrible tragedy to come to any family. A lovely boy has lost his life. My deepest sympathy to Josh’s family. May God comfort you all at this time of great sorrow and pain. R.I.P Josh.”

Donegal Town RFC posted: “Sleep well, Josh. Remembering you as a brilliant player, but even more as a kind and genuine person. You gave everything for your teammates on and off the pitch, and your spirit, humour and courage will never be forgotten. Thinking of your family, friends and all who were lucky enough to share a pitch with you. May you rest in peace.”

According to Josh’s death notice on RIP.ie, he leaves behind his devastated parents Elma and Jerry, sister Sarah, brothers Matthew, Shane (Michelle), Jason (Shannon), niece Sofia, Granny and Granddad, Dolores and Jim Thompson, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the broader community.

The funeral service for Josh will depart from his residence at 1.30pm on Wednesday, April 29, proceeding to The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Glenfin for a Funeral Service at 2pm, followed by burial at Cill Mhuire Cemetery.

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Residents on the normally quiet Lotherton Drive said they were in shock and couldn’t sleep after gun-toting officers with drones swooped on the street at around 3.50pm on Tuesday (April 28).

A man was seen carrying a large knife and threatening residents in the street, police said.

Neighbours said that after a half-hour standoff, he was taken away by police. The Durham force confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.

Police on the scene (Image: CONTRIBUTED)

The street was cordoned off at either end while neighbours were told to stay inside.

One resident who lives opposite said she “hasn’t slept” due to the shock.

She said: “None of us slept last night, we’re all in shock from what happened and are still trying to process it.

“The whole street was blocked off each end, and I’ve never seen anything like it before.

Lotherton Drive, Spennymoor (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“There were so many police with guns, drones were deployed, it felt like something out of a film.

“It’s hitting me now what’s happened, I dread to think what could have happened, you can’t bare thinking about it.

Armed police were called (Image: CONTRIBUTED)

“The kids are so upset; they can’t sleep and there were loads of police everywhere.

“Everyone just tried to get inside and lock their doors, never in a million years you expect something like this would happen where you live.”

Another resident who has two young children said it was “terrifying”.

Armed police were called (Image: CONTRIBUTED)

She said: “I’ve never seen so many police at once. It’s such a lovely estate and you never think anything like this would ever happen, it all came out of nowhere and everyone is scared and shocked.”

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Police responded to a report of a disturbance in the Lotherton Drive area of Spennymoor yesterday (Tuesday, April 28) at around 3.50pm.

“A man was reported to be in possession of a knife and making threats to members of the public.

Lotherton Drive, Spennymoor (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“Armed officers attended and a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.

“The man remains in custody while further inquiries are carried out.”

Pictures from the scene on Wednesday (April 29) morning show the front door of the property boarded up after police smashed it down during the standoff.

Barry Keoghan has begged people to ‘stop attacking and dragging me down’ after he was accused of cheating on Sabrina Carpenter.

The Irish actor, 33, dated the American singer, 26, for a year after appearing in the music video for her song Please Please Please.

However, in the aftermath of their break-up he was targeted by her fans, who even went so far as to issue him death threats.

At the same time, he was also subjected to intense rumours that he’d cheated on her with an influencer.

Now, nearly 18 months since splitting from the pop star, the Saltburn star has detailed the impact of the allegations.

This week Barry appeared on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast – hosted by Benny Blanco, Lily Dicky (Dave Burd) and Burd’s wife, Kristin Batalucco – where he addressed the ongoing cheating rumours.

‘I came off Instagram and social profiles. I’ve stopped going to events. I’ve stopped socialising,’ he said about deciding to quit social media soon after the break-up and the pile-on.

‘It’s because, you know, there was a narrative out there that was never really sort of even spoken on, a narrative that’s not true, and I never confirmed or said anything about it. I just disappeared.’

It was then clarified that the narrative Barry mentioned was cheating, which he confirmed, but never directly mentioned Sabrina’s name.

He went on to share that ‘having a relationship in the public eye’ could be challenging, before speaking about the rumours he’d been unfaithful.

These claims had intensified after TikTok influencer Breckie Hill reposted videos saying Barry had cheated on Sabrina with her.

Although Breckie later said she ‘did not get with Barry’ and had never met him, Barry said her retractions were largely overlooked by his accusers.

He went on to say he wasn’t demanding people ‘become my fan and like me’. However he did ask them to ‘stop assuming and also stop jumping on this narrative and attacking me and dragging me down in any way you can’.

Barry said that dragging his late parents into the conversation was also ‘just absolutely disgusting and vile’.

‘There’s videos on TikTok literally going, “I hate him”,’ he added.

In the interview Barry said he wasn’t seeking a ‘pity card’ but didn’t understand why people online wanted to ‘beat someone’ like him.

Barry and Sabrina were first linked romantically in December 2023 after they were spotted on a dinner date in Los Angeles and later attended the Met Gala together, while he also supported her at Coachella.

However, by the following year it was reported they’d called it quits.

A few weeks later he deactivated his Instagram and posted a statement slamming trolls on X.

‘I can only sit and take so much. My name has been dragged across the internet in ways I usually don’t respond to,’ he began.

‘I have to respond now because it’s getting to a place where there are too many lines being crossed.

‘Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine.’

He then begged people to ‘be respectful’ after some had ‘crossed a line’ and ‘dragged his dear mother into it’.

Earlier this year Barry detailed facing a ‘lot of hate online’ and ‘a lot of abuse of how I look’.

When speaking on SiriusXM’s The Morning Mash Up, Barry said that although he had an ‘incredible fanbase’ and said ‘people are so lovely out there’, there was also a ‘nasty side’ he’d experienced.

‘It’s also disappointing that my little boy has to read all of this stuff when he gets older,’ he added, referring to his 3-year-old son Brando, whose mother is Barry’s former girlfriend Alyson Sandro.

Barry then went on to share he’s now ‘removed’ himself from being online but had become anxious to even go outside due to the ongoing hate.

‘It’s made me shy away, it’s made me really go inside myself and not want to attend places, not want to go outside.’

He continued to say that it ‘was becoming a problem’. ‘I actually don’t go to places because of these things.’

Barry then admitted it was also now affecting his ability to act and he ‘didn’t want to be on screen anymore’.

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There are simple steps you can take to overcome the ‘common’ problem

A doctor says millions of people affected by insomnia in the UK could ease their symptoms with lifestyle changes – including avoiding some foods. Dr Clair Grainger, GP, said there are some lesser-known causes of insomnia, and practical ways to tackle the sleep disorder.

While many people associate insomnia with stress or poor sleep habits, some triggers could be disrupting sleep without people realising. Dr Grainger, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, said: “Tyramine is an amino acid that can trigger the release of norepinephrine, a brain stimulant that delays sleep. Although the tyramine metabolism time is relatively short at around 30-60 minutes, if you are struggling to sleep it may be best to avoid high tyramine foods before bed.”

High Tyramine foods include:

• Aged cheeses (Cheddar, blue, Parmesan, brie, etc.)
• Cured, Smoked, or Processed Meats (Salami, pepperoni, etc.)
• Fermented Vegetables/Foods (Sauerkraut, kimchi, etc.)
• Protein Extracts & Fermented Sauces (Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, fish sauce, etc.)
• Fruits and Veggies (Overripe bananas, avocado, citrus fruits, etc.)

Dr Grainger said sudden hormonal changes can also make sleep difficult, as well as a condition called ‘exploding head syndrome’. Sje said: “This condition involves sudden, loud imagined noises (like bangs or explosions) or sometimes flashes of bright lights, occurring as someone is falling asleep or even as they are waking up.

“Despite the alarming name, the condition is considered harmless; however, the condition can lead to insomnia through fear of the episode happening again, heightened alertness at bedtime and repeated sleep interruptions”

Dr Grainger said the most effective way to treat insomnia is to identify and address the underlying cause. Some treatments include:

Improve your sleep environment and routine: Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to sleep quality, such as:

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet
• Avoid caffeine in the 3–7 hours before bed
• Limit screen time in the hour before sleeping
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Introduce a wind-down routine, such as reading or a warm bath

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is usually the first treatment recommended for insomnia because it focuses on identifying and changing the underlying thoughts and behaviours affecting your sleep. It can be performed either face-to-face or using NICE-approved apps and digital tools. But CBT-I is not a quick fix; it is a long-term treatment and can take 6 to 8 weeks to work.

Over-the-counter sleep aids : A pharmacist can help you choose the right over-the-counter medication for you such as Nytol. Or you may prefer to try herbal remedies, such as Kalms.

Prescription medications : These require a doctor’s approval and include medications such as Quviviq and melatonin. These can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, aiding you in falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.

If insomnia persists for more than a few weeks or begins to impact your mood, concentration or overall health, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional.

Donald Trump praised King Charles III for getting the “Democrats to stand” during his congress address, as the pair exchanged jokes during their speeches at a state dinner on Tuesday.

During the banquet on the second day of the King and Queen’s state visit to the US, the King also made quips about the Middle East crisis, a naked Sir Winston Churchill in the White House, and Trump’s “readjustments” to the White House.

He also joked that “if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French”, in reference to a battle between Britain and France to control North America in the eighteenth century.

More on this story.