The Coastguard were alerted to two girls in difficulty in the water at Portobello but have since ended their search.

The HM Coastguard has ended its ‘extensive search’ for two girls after ‘no one was found to be in distress’ at Portobello beach.

The Coastguard teams, along with RNLI lifeboats and Police Scotland, responded to a report of two girls in difficulty in the water off the coast of Edinburgh, reports Edinburgh Live. The search got underway at around 4.55pm on Thursday May 28.

Several paramedics were also spotted on the promenade as a result of the incident. However the HM Coastguard response was ended at around 8.55pm with two helicopters returning to their base.

A statement from the Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on 28 May of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.

“Two HM Coastguard helicopters were sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther. Police Scotland attended.

“After an extensive search, no one was found to be in distress and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 8.55pm, pending any new information.”

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther RNLI lifeboat stations were tasked by HM Coastguard to an incident off Portobello beach around 5pm on Thursday 28 May.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson earlier said: “Around 5.45pm on Thursday, 28 May, 2026, officers received a report of concern for two people having entered the water at Portobello beach.

“Emergency services are in attendance. Officers are speaking to the reporter to get more information.”

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The woman was safely assisted down via emergency services at around 10.45pm this evening (May 28), following a major multi-agency response which began 11pm on Tuesday night (May 26).

Witnesses at the scene described paramedics immediately attending to the woman after she was brought down, with what appeared to be a drip attached to her arm.

An ambulance was waiting nearby before she was taken away for treatment.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service had remained at the scene throughout the incident, which prompted a large police cordon around Derby Way and significant disruption in the town centre.

Specialist police negotiators had spent days speaking with the woman, since around 11pm on Tuesday, May 26, after police received reports of a concern for welfare.

Earlier on Thursday evening, four specialist officers were seen speaking with the woman on the top level of the structure.

Witnesses also reported she had been given a police hi-vis jacket and additional bottom layers to wear during the prolonged incident.

Images from throughout the day showed large numbers of emergency service vehicles outside The Rock, including police cars, ambulances, fire engines and tactical aid units.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Fire crews had deployed specialist equipment during the response, including aerial ladder platforms from Bolton Central and Manchester Central fire stations, alongside a technical response unit from Leigh.

Earlier in the day, Superintendent Phil Spurgeon, from GMP’s Bury district, said officers were prioritising “the welfare of the woman and working towards a safe conclusion”.

He said: “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.

“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.”

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

This incident marks the third welfare concern response at The Rock car park in just over a week.

Emergency services previously attended the location on May 18, when a woman was safely brought down after a 12-hour incident, and again on May 22, when crews spent more than 24 hours dealing with a further welfare concern.

The Bury Times has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further comment.

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT John Moore, 29, a repeat sex offender, is accused of attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl in Kentwood, Michigan, as she walked home from school

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping following two separate assault incidents, one of which involved a girl under the age of 16.

John Moore, 29, is accused of attempting to abduct a 14 year old girl in Kentwood, Michigan, on May 12. The incident took place at around 6pm, when Moore allegedly pulled up alongside the girl in his black SUV as she walked home from school. CCTV footage captures a man rapidly parking his vehicle close to the girl on the pavement, leaping out, and attempting to seize her.

“I got you,” Moore told the teen when he allegedly grabbed her, the girl recounted to police.

The pair then appeared to engage in a physical struggle, before the teenager managed to fight back and flee to safety, reports the Mirror US.

After the teen, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed as she is a minor, escaped the scene, Moore reportedly returned to his vehicle and drove away. Investigators confirmed the teenager managed to injure Moore during the struggle, though authorities declined to reveal the nature or extent of those injuries.

Following Moore’s arrest, investigators swiftly connected him to a further incident in the same area on the very same day. On May 13, a 66 year old woman reported to Kentwood Police Department that a man had attacked her between 5pm and 6:30pm on Poinsettia Avenue Southeast.

She told officers she was tending to her garden when a vehicle pulled up. The driver climbed out, spoke to her, before launching a physical assault upon her. CCTV footage and witness statements helped police rapidly identify Moore and place him under arrest.

Moore is currently being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility on $140,000 bail. He faces charges of assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment, as well as two probation violations.

Moore had been handed a probation sentence last summer after he was accused of filming upskirt videos of women and grabbing female shoppers from behind at a grocery store.

Surveillance footage captured Moore “crouching down behind” a woman in the store’s common area and covertly recording an upskirt video of her dress. The woman also discovered him in the bathroom, peering at her from the floor of the adjacent cubicle.

Roughly a year and a half later, he was caught telling women they had a spider on their backs. Once he moved in to supposedly help remove the creature, he would grab their behinds, according to local news outlets.

Despite the allegations, Laura Jouce, Moore’s public defender, described him as a “kind” and “gentle” person.

“He’s kind, and he’s gentle, and he’s patient, and I don’t think these crimes are reflective of the person that he is. I think that he’s had a reckoning while he’s been in jail regarding some potential substance abuse issues that he has to handle,” she told the court.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents, or who is aware of similar cases, is urged to contact KPD on (616) 656-6580.

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.

Meet the 12 islanders below:

Aniya Harvey

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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.

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

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’.

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

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’.

‘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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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.

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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.

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.

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. “

“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.”

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.

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”.

“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.”

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).

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.

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.

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 & 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.”

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

“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.

Students 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.

The 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.

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.”

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.”