A 23-year-old British man, Ayrton Redfearn, was killed in action in Ukraine‘s Donetsk region. He died on 9 May.
From Devon, Mr Redfearn had joined a specialist unit supporting the Ukrainian army in 2025, his mother, Natasha, told the BBC, adding she “lived in fear of the police coming to my door with bad news”.
“This fear became reality on the evening of 11 May, and the world of myself, and Ayrton’s 10-year-old brother, then fell apart,” she said.
Mr Redfearn was a Torquay Air Cadet as a child, joining the RAF at 17 before travelling overseas.
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His mother stated: “We are trying to have just 1 per cent of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him.
(AFP via Getty Images)
“I am very grateful for all the tributes, messages and support from those who knew Ayrton and from strangers.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
The FCDO warns British nationals fighting in Ukraine face a high risk of maltreatment.
Its website states: “British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high.”
The former glamour model and reality TV star married the controversial businessman Mr Andrews in January following a week-long whirlwind romance.
But now, months into their marriage, she claims to have not heard from her fourth husband, who lives in the UAE, in over a week.
It comes after speculation that the 42-year-old had been “kidnapped” and taken in a van “with his hands tied.”
Previously, Andrews has faced accusations of being a conman and has been the subject of reports that he is unable to leave the UAE.
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As the plot thickens, here is a timeline of everything we know so far.
Where is Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews?
Instagram @wesleeandrews
Price and Andrews were due to appear on Good Morning Britain for their first joint interview.
However, while Price made it to the ITV sofa, Andrews was nowhere to be seen.
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Andrews reportedly left her a voicenote, explaining he needed an “exit stamp” to leave Dubai.
She added that the businessman had missed his flight after having a few “things on” and was en route to the UK.
Andrew later posted on Instagram, alleging to be at the airport in Oman’s capital, Muscat. He told followers that he “couldn’t wait” to be reunited with Katie.
However, rumours were still rife that Andrews was not where he claimed to be.
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Andrews’ ex-fiance Alana Percival comes forward to explain that she had also been victim to a similar airport ghosting.
Ms Percival explained in Instagram posts that she had been fooled into thinking that Andrews was flying to visit her.
“Wearing his cap so facial recognition doesn’t get him. Hahaha. More lies, lies, and more lies. Delusional is an understatement,” the caption said.
It is not the first time Ms Percival has warned of Andrews’ deceitful nature. Since news of Price and Andrews’ marriage broke, Ms Percival has called Andrews a “swindler” and a “narcissist.”
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Two days into Andrews’ disappearance, Price spoke out on her podcast about the mysterious marriage.
She demanded answers from her lover, but added that Andrews had “visa issues” preventing him from travelling.
“I’ve said to him, he needs to make it to the UK because if he doesn’t, then there’s obviously something not right going on. If he does make it to England, it’ll shut all the rumours up,” she said.
But this didn’t stop Price from taking to Instagram to side with Andrews once again. She told her followers that the pair were “very happy” and Andrews just needed some time off social media.
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Andrews did not post on social media.
After claiming everything was as right as rain, Price confessed in a YouTube video that she believed Andrews was “missing.”
She said none of her messages had been delivered, Andrews location had disappeared, and she believed something “really, really, serious” had happened to her husband.
Price also said in their final FaceTime, she had seen Andrews “tied up” in a van.
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Andrews’ family filed a missing persons report at the British Embassy in Dubai.
Price says she has still not heard from Andrews and begs fans to watch out for him.
She added that she had been in contact with lawyers and the police, but his whereabouts remains unknown.
“If it was a ransom, no one has come to me, and I know Dubai is a safe place. I feel safe there; you don’t hear about crimes,” she told followers.
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In the messages seen by The Sun, Andrews was reported to have told Price: “Been arrested. I’ll be in touch. I’m ok xx.”
Price replied: “Where? Why? I’m worried.”
Andrews told Price that he did not know where he was and that his “other phone” had been taken. He shared his live location with Price and urged her to contact the British Embassy.
Andrews later clarified: “It’s a black site, I love you, I sort it. I’m in the van… just being detained wtf.”
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A black site is a facility which is used to detain and interrogate outside of the country’s normal legal jurisdiction.
He ended the conversation with “Keep that on babe. Love you”
Amid claims that the disappearance was part of a publicity stunt, Price told social media followers that “this is real.”
She also urged people with information to come forward and to help find him.
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A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man and are in contact with the local authorities.”
This comes as the Dubai authorities claim they have been unable to trace him.
Luisa Zissman, social media personality and Apprentice star, joins the hunt to locate Andrews.
From Dubai, Ms Zissman documented her search for Andrews to no avail. But alleged that Andrews had been active on the Brits in Dubai Facebook group.
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Price steps aside from the saga in an update to followers posted online, explaining she was “giving up the search”.
In the video, Price said she would let the mystery be handled by the British police, the British consulate, the Foreign Officer, and Interpol.
Andrews’ father Peter told the Daily Mail that his son had been arrested by authorities in the UAE, though did not know “on what charge.”
He denied speculation that Andrews had been “kidnapped.”
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“I’m not sure where he is being held. But he will call me later today,” he said.
The chief of Dubai Police Brigadier Khalid Khalifa al Avadhi also told the publication: “There are many cases against him.”
At the same time, Price took to Instagram to brand the update as “fake news”, explaining her husband was still a missing person.
Andrews’ phone is turned back on, according to insiders.
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Previously unread messages sent to Andrews were now being read. The Dubai businessman is purported to have several phones, but the one being used now is apparently active.
“It’s a death trap and it’s very worrying. I got the car in the middle of November last year and from day one it’s been a catalogue of problems.”
A disabled man has this week branded his motability vehicle a “death trap.”
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Now David Hutchison is pleading with the Park’s Renault dealership he bought it from to get him safely motoring again.
David, 67, says he’s lost confidence in his 75 plate Renault Captur automatic.
And he’s already had two prangs when cruise control activated as soon as he took his foot off the brake.
And on another occasion David was in the driver’s seat when the car cut out completely going along a stretch of road.
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Mr Hutchison, from Tarbolton, claims the car is plagued with a series of faults that have rendered the hybrid vehicle ‘unsafe.’
But alleges he’s been met with little after-sales support from the Park’s Renault dealership in Ayr that he bought it from.
The electric wheelchair user said: “It’s a death trap and it’s very worrying. I got the car in the middle of November last year and from day one it’s been a catalogue of problems.”
David’s first red flag was with electronic glitches on the sensor display, which come on and off periodically.
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He returned the vehicle to the dealership for examination and was later given the green light, but he claims the original problems still exist.
“I was on the Galston to Sandyford road and the car just stopped dead,” he revealed.
“I have had no success with the dealership whatsoever. There’s no such thing as after-sales. In six months I’ve only been in the car 10 times because I just don’t feel safe in it.”
David, a retired electronics design engineer, also claims the car inexplicably lurches forward without warning and claims the cruise control comes on by itself while parking.
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He said: “I contacted the Renault garage in Ayr and they have had a look and did diagnose some faults but they wouldn’t disclose where they were, which I found strange.
“The car’s got a year’s warranty but the bottom line is I just don’t trust the vehicle and it should not be lurching forward in the way it has been.”
David had suffered two prangs in the car, the first of which has left him out of pocket with the insurers due to excess costs.
And his second incident has also left him picking up the pieces, claiming the original fault in the car still hasn’t been addressed.
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David is seeking his money back, or a replacement or a full investigation into the issues he’s experiencing.
He added: “I just want a car I can drive, I just want a car that’s safe.”
Ayrshire Live did not receive a response from Park’s Renault Ayr, or from their head office in Hamilton.
British illustrator Quentin Blake has established a new museum dedicated solely to his craft, aiming to uplift other artists
The world’s largest museum devoted solely to illustration will open in Clerkenwell, London, in May, marking the culmination of a project more than 20 years in the making.
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the brainchild of celebrated British illustrator Quentin Blake. Set within the grounds of an 18th-century waterworks, the centre features three galleries that will host a rolling programme of exhibitions dedicated to the art of illustration in all its forms.
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“I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘Illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it,” said Blake.
‘I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘Illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it,’ said illustrator Quentin Blake.Image: Nora Walton
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“I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language. Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!”
The opening exhibition spotlights British-Sri Lankan multidisciplinary artist Murugiah, who works under a single name. Titled Murugiah: Ever Feel Like…, the show explores identity and mental health through prints, paintings and sketches in his vivid, graphic style.
Alongside its exhibition spaces, the centre will house a free public library, gardens, learning studios and displays explaining the history and scope of illustration. London’s oldest surviving windmill, located on the site, will host illustrator and community residencies.
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The popular ITV soaps have often been moved or axed from the schedule due to football matches, with next week no different.
Here’s what the changes are and which episodes the TV schedule shakeup affects.
Emmerdale and Coronation Street to see schedule change next week
Both Emmerdale and Corrie are set to be taken off air on Friday, June 5, due to the women’s football.
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England is set to play Spain for a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Due to live coverage of the World Cup qualifier on ITV1 during 8pm and 9pm, it crosses over into the soap slots.
Both usually air back-to-back in a soap “power hour” each weeknight, with Emmerdale from 8pm to 8.30pm followed by Corrie from 8.30pm to 9pm.
It is not yet known when the episodes will air, such as being moved to the weekend, or if there will be one fewer episode for the week.
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It is not the first time this year Emmerdale and Corrie have both had schedule changes due to sport.
The soaps were moved to a weekend in March due to the England v Uruguay match.
A previous England vs Spain qualifier in April also saw schedule changes for both ITV soaps.
Coronation Street star returning after 23 years
While fans may be frustrated at the schedule changes, many may be excited due to a returning face after more than two decades.
Jake Parry, who originally played Simon Barlow on the ITV soap in 2003 alongside his twin brother Oscar, will make his comeback in a new role 23 years later.
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He revealed the news in a TikTok post, sharing a brief clip from the show and writing: “Coronation Street trailer.
“Catch me as DAMO next week.”
Although Mr Parry’s return marks a return to the famous Weatherfield set, he has been clear that he will be playing a new character.
Mr Parry and his brother Oscar portrayed Simon Barlow from July to November 2003, though Daniel Whelan briefly took over the role for episodes aired in September that year.
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Simon Barlow has since become a long-running character on the soap, most recently played by actor Alex Bain.
Mr Parry’s new character, Damo, is described in soap spoilers as a “young man,” though further details about the role remain under wraps.
Emmerdale and Coronation Street air live on ITV1 on weeknights at 8pm and 8.30pm, and are also available on ITVX.
Who is your favourite character on Emmerdale and/or Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.
From booking an eye test to choosing frames, the focus is on simplicity, convenience and eye care expertise, so that customers feel looked after, every step of the way.
The Bolton team is proud to welcome the local community into the new store.
“Since opening our Boots Opticians store inside Morrisons, it’s been clear how much customers value having eye care in such a convenient location. Being part of a place people already visit regularly has made it much easier for them to fit eye tests into busy lives.
(Image: Boots Opticians)
“Our team has really enjoyed welcoming customers into the store – whether they’re booking an eye test, asking for advice or choosing new frames. We’re proud of the service we’re offering and are pleased to now be a familiar part of the Bolton community.” – Emma Hood, store manager, Boots Opticians Bolton
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What you’ll find in the new Bolton store
The new Boots Opticians store has been designed to provide a reassuring environment, where you can access expert eye care in a convenient location.
• Easy and convenient booking
• A bright, contemporary layout to make visits smooth and stress-free
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• Expert care and advice from fully trained optometrists and optical advisors
• Personal help in finding the right eyewear for you from a range of frames, contact lenses, lenses and accessories
(Image: Boots Opticians)
More choice, more care
• A wide range of frames – from everyday essentials to designer styles, plus lenses for screen use, driving and sport
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• Advanced eye tests are available for all the family that not only check your sight, but can also help spot signs of wider health conditions
• Offers available: £10 eye test and £30 off when you spend £100*
• By phone: call 0345 125 3752 (calls charged at local rates. Please check with your provider as rates may vary. Calls from mobiles may be higher)
* £30 off when you spend £100:
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Discount applied when you spend £100 or more on a complete pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses. Excludes non-prescription sunglasses, ready-made reading glasses and safety eyewear. First pair only. Can be used with our half price additional pairs offer, but not in conjunction with any other offer or discount on glasses or sunglasses. Offer ends 31/08/2026. Only available at Boots Opticians inside Morrisons Bolton only.
£10 eye test: Receive a discount of £19.95 when you purchase our Essential eye test. For NHS entitled to a free eye test, discount can be applied to an upgrade to our Advanced eye test. New bookings only. Essential eye test charge in Boots Opticians is £29.95. Offer ends 30/04/2027. Only available at Boots Opticians inside Morrisons Bolton only.
Operation Branchform was launched almost five years ago after complaints were made about hundreds of thousands of pounds donated to the SNP were ultimately spent.
The probe bubbled along before exploding into the public consciousness in April 2023 following the decision to search the suburban Glasgow family home belonging to Peter Murrell, the former long-serving SNP chief executive, and Nicola Sturgeon.
It was perhaps the most dramatic moment of a police investigation that took several years to reach trial and cost more than £2 million to the taxpayer.
Sturgeon would be questioned by detectives but was later cleared of any involvement. Murrell, her now estranged husband, would go on to plead guilty to embezzlement.
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But how did we get here?
March 2017
Nicola Sturgeon announces the SNP will push for a second referendum on independence following the 2016 Brexit vote. The party launches a #ScotRef fundraising appeal that same day. The online crowdfunder is closed after the June 2017 general election – which saw the SNP’s vote share drop – having raised almost half of its £1m target.
December 2019
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The SNP wins 48 seats across Scotland at the general election. Sturgeon argues this is a clear mandate from the public to hold an IndyRef2. A second fundraising website, Yes.Scot, helps take the party’s campaign fighting fund total to nearly £667,000. SNP membership peaks at 126,000.
March 2021
Three SNP officials resign from the party’s finance and audit committee after being denied sight of the accounts. Frank Ross, Allison Graham and Cynthia Guthrie read out a joint statement at an SNP NEC meeting, the party’s ruling body. The Sunday Mail later obtains a video recording of the meeting. It shows Nicola Sturgeon telling the NEC the party’s finances have never been stronger, and warning of the impact on future donations if anyone goes public with their concerns.
March 2021
Independence activist Sean Clerkin makes a formal complaint to Police Scotland calling on officers to launch an investigation into how party donations, supposedly ring-fenced for an IndyRef2 campaign, were being spent. He later tells the Record how he was branded a “traitor” and an “MI5 agent” by other independence campaigners for his actions.
May 2021
SNP MP Douglas Chapman resigns as the party’s treasurer. He claims that “despite having a resounding mandate from members to introduce more transparency into the party’s finances, I have not received the support or financial information” required to do the job. Chapman had only been in the role since the previous November, when he defeated long-serving treasurer Colin Beattie in an internal vote.
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July 2021
Police Scotland launches Operation Branchform to investigate how the SNP spent more than £600,000 of donations intended for a second independence referendum campaign.
September 2022
The SNP loses the services of accounting firm Johnston Carmichael, which had audited the party’s finances for the previous decade. The loss of the auditors is only made public seven months later, with many senior SNP members left in the dark over the subsequent struggle to appoint a replacement firm.
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February 2023
Nicola Sturgeon stuns the political world when she announces her sudden resignation as First Minister. The SNP is rocked as a bitter leadership contest subsequently begins to replace her as party leader. The Sunday Mail later reveals that police started interviewing potential witnesses as part of Operation Branchform that same month.
March 2023
The Sunday Mail reveals that detectives are investigating a series of high-value transactions by the SNP, including the purchase of vehicles. That same month, Peter Murrell resigns as SNP chief executive after a row over membership numbers shows the party has lost 30,000 in two years. Humza Yousaf wins the race to succeed Sturgeon as First Minister and party leader.
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April 5, 2023
Murrell is arrested at the home he shares with Nicola Sturgeon on the outskirts of Glasgow. He is taken to Falkirk police station where he is questioned by detectives for several hours in connection with Operation Branchform. He is released without charge that evening, pending further investigations. Police also search the couple’s home over a 48-hour period. In Edinburgh, the SNP party HQ is searched and electronic equipment removed.
April 14, 2023
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The Record reveals how a luxury campervan seized by police from outside the home of Peter Murrell’s elderly mother was intended to be an SNP campaign battle bus. The vehicle sat on a drive in Dunfermline for two years and was never used.
April 18, 2023
Colin Beattie, who had served as SNP treasurer for two decades in two stints in the role, is arrested and questioned by detectives in connection with Operation Branchform. He is released without charge that same day, pending further investigations.
June 11, 2023
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Nicola Sturgeon is arrested by Operation Branchform detectives and questioned for several hours. The MSP is released without charge, pending further investigation.
April 18, 2024
Peter Murrell is charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the party. The 59-year-old was quizzed at Falkirk police station, more than a year after his first arrest, before being charged.
March 20, 2025
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Murrell appears in court in Edinburgh charged with embezzlement The former SNP chief executive, 60, made no plea during the private hearing and was granted bail. Police Scotland confirms Colin Beattie and Nicola Sturgeon are no longer under investigation.
May 25, 2026
Murrell appears at the High Court in Edinburgh and pleads guilty to one count of embezzlement.
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The fire ripped through the chip shop and neighbouring buildings yesterday evening – with local groups already rallyng around to help those affected.
The community in Dunblane is coming together to help out and share best wishes after a major fire gutted a property yesterday evening.
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The blaze, believed to have started at a chip shop on the corner of the town’s Stirling Road, has seen several neighbouring properties affected – including the popular Village Inn pub.
A massive fire service response was scrambled to the area, with multiple appliances in the area tasked with putting out the blaze.
In a statement on their social media late on Sunday evening, the owners of the Village Inn shared their thanks for locals banding together as the venue closes its doors to assess the damage.
The post read: “Thanks for all the kind messages and offers of help, there has been seriously about a hundred.
“Also thanks to Reverend Duncan Strathdee for taking my mum and kids to Cowie – we can’t thank you enough and to Craig Peat, the police, local councillors etc for their help.
“Dionne from the Dunblane Centre for helping get people somewhere to sleep and making sure we got home OK.
“We are sure they have managed to save the pub and our flat.
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“Our thoughts are for the people at the Chip Inn, and neighbours who have lost everything. We will update everyone when we can re-open.”
Local councillors have been among those sharing their well wishes for those affected by the fire.
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “A big thanks to all the emergency services for their response to this terrible incident, as well as Stirling Council’s resilience team, Police Scotland Forth Valley and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
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“I’m thinking about all those impacted.”
His words were echoed by fellow representative, Thomas Heald, who wrote: “My thoughts are with all those impacted by last night’s major fire in Dunblane.
“Please avoid the area if at all possible and consult ScotRail for latest advice on accessing the station.
“Stirling Council resilience team are available and please get in touch with either myself, Alasdair [Tollemache], Robin [Kleinman] or David [Wilson] if there are any questions.
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The Dunblane Centre is among the local groups also offering support for anyone affected.
They said: “We are happy to be working with Stirling Council Resilience Team to offer our facilities to those affected by the fire in Dunblane.
“We have showers, general welfare services, refreshments and a safe and warm environment available to anyone displaced by events.”
The blaze has caused mild disruption for commuters this morning, with one entrance point to the town’s busy station due to the ongoing work at the site.
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A Scotrail spokesman said: “The booking office at Dunblane station is now open but the station access via the main entrance remains closed.
“Customers will need to enter and exit via platform three.”
The Observer has reached out to Stirling Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for comment.
This is a developing story and we will continue to add to this as more comes in.
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