The crash involved a silver/grey Volkswagen Golf and took place on Arkle Street.
The Golf flipped on its side into bollards at the kerbside on impact.
Still from CCTV shortly after the moment of impact between VW Golf and police vehicle in Arkle Street, Darlington, today (Mon May 4) (Image: Public contribution)
Damaged VW Golf which overturned in Darlington after police stop in Arkle Crescent (Image: The Northern Echo)
Police vehicle at the scene of collision involving a VW Golf, which was left on its side following impact with a force car (Image: The Northern Echo)
Crash scene on Arkle Crescent, Skerne Park, Darlington, with damaged VW Golf on side (Image: The Northern Echo)
The incident, shortly after 4pm, attracted a lot of interest among youths who congregated to see what was going on, but were ushered away in the aftermath, as police checked the scene.
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Durham Police were contacted by The Northern Echo for more information this evening..
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon moves into Capricorn, linking to Mercury and the North Node, bringing insight and intuition. Ground yourself using all senses today.
Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, your creativity shines and you easily tune into your surroundings. Fresh perspectives are on your side.
Don’t shy away from big decisions, as the comos implores you to take action. Remain humble, but tap into the highly concentrated power at your fingertips.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday May 5, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
With the Moon moving later today into the practical Capricorn and forging a positive link to both Mercury and the North Node, an intuitive nudge could give you some guidance about a work or worldly issue, which can benefit from both sensitivity and being grounded in your approach. Your enthusiasm can remain high, but getting a tangible result will be satisfying.
Your great gift is for knowing that continuity and stability have their place and not everything needs radical change in order to keep evolving but can benefit from sensible adaptions along the way. Yet, you could find yourself really enthusiastic about a fresh approach now. And someone can be very encouraging about the pathway you want to gently embrace.
For all the excitement of Uranus’s recent arrival in your sign and the glamour of having Venus with you too, your ruler is in a sensitive connection today with the powerful if subtle Point of Destiny. So however much something seems bubbly and bright, it’s still a good thing to listen to your instincts. Some quiet research can also prove beneficial and unearth revealing facts
The Moon is going to move into your sector of relating. It’s a great place for her to be because it’s going to help you to be conscious of both others’ needs but also being aware of yours too. If something needs to be discussed around a partnership matter, the chances are you can do it with sensitivity, but also practicality, with Mercury showing up in the mix too.
Although you have a reputation of being comfortable with the limelight, not every Leo needs to be in charge of every situation. And yet, with both the Sun and also Mercury in a very visible part of your situation, you could be asked to take on some kind of leadership role or show direction to others. Fortunately, a mix of common sense and perception can assist you.
If you enjoy writing, teaching, training or publishing you can truly sparkle today, Virgo, particularly later in the day when the Moon emerges from a sheltered location and into a much more effervescent one. Your words and ideas can land just so with the people that you’re connecting to. Even if you see yourself as cautious, just be guided by your instincts.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Things are being shook up just now, but in a gentle enough way for you to see what needs to evolve or be released. The Moon makes a fleeting but important connection today to Chiron, the healer, giving you an opportunity to interact with someone and share your wisdom around a relationship issue they have, but equally, they could give you some powerful input too.
Conversation doesn’t always equal comprehension but today gives you a platform to not only have a two-way discussion but also get some important insights from it. And if you’re enjoying a developing relationship, the Sun’s link to the charming Venus suggests that there’s a lot that could reassure you about the direction that it’s taking, in whatever type of bond.
Although you’re very much a free spirit, there’s lots to be gained today by tackling practical issues that may constrain your freedom a little bit now but will help you to create a framework that gives you greater liberty at a later date. You could also support a friend, relative or colleague with a thoughtful gesture that can be much appreciated and create some goodwill.
Your creativity and flair are amped up today in a really bright way and are supported by some intuitive nudges. These can grow stronger as the day goes on and the Moon arrives in Capricorn this afternoon, adding more self-belief. All this can see you enjoy some sparkling encounters and with a dash of fun, but can also see you busy, productive, and upbeat.
If you’re a maker or a home hobbyist, you’re being nudged to try some fresh approaches. But equally, there may be a small business idea that you’ve been grappling with that can start to shape up positively. You have a rare gift for blending innovation with practical tactics, and this can shine out brightly. However, later today, you may enjoy retreating into your own space.
Two complementary planetary angles are supportive to you today, Pisces, and both of these can see your mind agile, but it doesn’t mean to say that you need to sacrifice your appreciation of atmospheres and how things feel. If you want to discuss family matters or make some home improvements, today’s energies can be very helpful to these too.
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The pair were taken into custody after concerns were raised surrounding their fitness to perform their duties.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to an inbound flight at Gate 49 at Manchester Airport on Saturday, May 2.
It is understood that captain of the flight was requested to go to the gate after he raised concerns.
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Both cabin crew staff were arrested after initial breath tests showed readings were above the limit for aviation duties.
However, further tests in custody revealed they were within the legal limit, and both individuals were released without charge.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Police attended the Manchester Airport on 2 May 2026 after concerns about the fitness of two cabin crew members to perform their duties.
“Both individuals were arrested after initial breath tests indicated readings above the limit for aviation duties.
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However, subsequent tests in custody they were within the legal limit, and they were released without charge.
Manchester City managed to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a draw but they were also full of regret at what had happened
22:26, 04 May 2026
As the second half progressed, Manchester City fans could be forgiven for watching through their fingers as it got more and more tense. After Pep Guardiola’s side threw away a lead and two points at Everton, it may take a while for some to remove their hands from their head.
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That will go for the players too, especially after a first half in which they could and should have had more of an advantage – in terms of goals or men – than they did. But a horrible unforced error from Marc Guehi opened the floodgates for Everton to drive a stake through the heart of City’s title hopes.
In the end, two late goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku gave City a point that could be priceless in the final reckoning. But the lack of celebration for the goals, and the desolation that greeted the final whistle, said far more about how the point and the game feels to the Blues right now.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
Guardiola had said there would be more twists along the way, and he now has to hope that they concern an Arsenal side who have recovered impressively from their defeat at the Etihad last month. If City don’t get a favour in a match they cannot control, there is a chance they will not top the table again this season.
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The most galling part for City was that this was all so avoidable. They racked up nearly 90 per cent of possession in the opening 20 minutes and bossed the half but were unable to have anything to show for it until Doku curled in just before the break; the failure to send Michael Keane off for a wild lunge on the Belgian may not have made a difference but still irked the Blues.
City have not lost at Everton since 2016 and the Hill Dickinson is far less intimidating than Goodison Park to visit. The Blues had nothing to worry about and got themselves into a winning position.
Yet even before the second half, signs of a wobble had been there. Donnarumma had already come to City’s rescue once when Iliman Ndiaye raced through with the ball on the back of three separate errors from City defenders and it felt like Son Heung-min versus Stefan Ortega all again.
The Italian made the save but that still wasn’t enough to snap City out of their slump. Guehi’s awful backpass was slapped into the net and was the first of three goals scored in 14 minutes by the rampant hosts.
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Just as City looked out, Haaland pounced to get them back into the game. And with one of the last actions, Doku stepped up again to rescue a point.
That gives them something, but the looks at full-time revealed that the feeling is it could leave them with nothing to lift at the end of the Premier League season.
Geoffrey Brewer, 53, stood on the wrong side of the railings – sparking a five-hour motorway closure
22:20, 04 May 2026
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A racist shouting ‘make Britain great again’ and demanding a full English breakfast caused part of the M42 to close for more than five hours. Geoffrey Brewer climbed over the railings on a bridge near junction five, for Solihull, prompting other motorists to raise the alarm.
But when emergency services arrived he aimed vile racist abuse at them and demanded a fry-up. He did not appear intent on harming himself but paramedics and police became concerned he may fall by accident.
The 53-year-old eventually surrendered. He had undisclosed mental health issues and problems with drugs, Birmingham Crown Court heard. Don’t miss a court report by signing upto our crime newsletter here
Brewer, from Lindsey Place, Brierley Hill, admitted two counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment as well as causing danger to road users by obstructing the road.
On Tuesday, April 21 he was sentenced to nine months but told he could expect to be released imminently given he had already spent that period of time in custody on remand.
Members of the public became concerned at seeing Brewer on the wrong side of railings on the motorway bridge at around 6am on July 10 last year.
Police attended and tried to persuade him to return to the right side of the barrier but he ‘shouted racial abuse’ at a female officer and did a Nazi salute, said prosecutor Harman Kooner.
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Brewer also made a number of crude, sexual remarks and threw a drinks bottle towards her.
Mr Kooner said: “He wasn’t making comments about being suicidal but threatened to jump off the bridge if he didn’t get a full English breakfast and other food, drinks and cigarettes.
“They were concerned primarily that he would fall rather than jump.”
The prosecutor said an ambulance arrived next but Brewer ‘exploded and proceeded to go into a tirade of verbal abuse’.
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His comments towards one of the paramedics were similarly racist and vulgar.
Brewer also repeated ‘make Britain great again’ and the Nazi salute, the prosecutor said, adding that he also removed items of clothing because it was ‘extremely hot’.
He was arrested at 11.40am.
Mr Kooner confirmed that the motorway had been closed for more than five hours and ‘thousands of members of the public were impacted’.
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Brewer had previously committed 48 offences
Lizzie Banagan, defending, said: “At the time the defendant was homeless.
“He was living a somewhat chaotic lifestyle. Part of the offending was committed, in his words, as a cry for help.
“He was struggling significantly with mental health issues.”
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The barrister told the court Brewer had already had a difficult time in custody due to ‘dire’ conditions, including not having a working toilet in his cell.
He had not had any visits from his family as well as limited access to courses and facilities.
Ms Banahan confirmed Brewer had become a grandfather for the first time while in custody and said he was ‘anxious to be released and reunited with his family’.
Recorder Louise MacLynn, passing sentence, told him: “In your pre-sentence report you claim to have no memory of the incident and you refer to possibly inadvertently taking drugs.
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“You have no insight into your offending. There is a history of concerns regarding domestic abuse, significant concerns about drug-taking and a lack of clear information in respect of your mental health.”
The judge told Brewer it was ‘likely you will be released immediately’ due to the time he had already served.
She added part of his post sentence supervision would include being referred to dependence and recovery services.
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Wu Yize edged Shaun Murphy in a classic Crucible final (Picture: Getty Images)
Shaun Murphy was left ‘absolutely heartbroken’ by a deciding frame defeat in the World Snooker Championship final, but was proud of his performance in an epic battle with Wu Yize.
Both players provided immense entertainment, going for their shots relentlessly throughout and looking deadly from distance and in the balls over 35 frames.
The Magician was left with no regrets after a fabulous contest, but a fourth defeat from five trips to the World Championship final still stings.
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‘It was a great match, I thought we put on a great show,’ Murphy told a post-match press conference.
‘Wu is one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen and as I said to Hazel [Irvine] out there – I hate being right about things like this – I said after we played in China a few months ago that he would be world champion.
Are you snooker loopy?
You’re in the right place. I’m Phil Haigh, and I cover the game we all love for Metro.
In my new newsletter, The Table, I analyse the biggest talking points, pull back the curtain on the sport and crown the biggest winners and losers every week.
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The next edition will look back on what has been a great World Championship yet again, so there’s no better time to sign up.
Phil has been reporting on snooker for over a decade, since working in World Snooker’s press office in 2012
‘I’m delighted for him, I’m absolutely heartbroken for me.’
Wu Yize becomes China’s second world champion (Picture: Getty Images)
The 43-year-old edged Fan Zhengyi 10-9 in his opening round before downing Xiao Guodong, defending champion Zhao Xintong and John Higgins on a brilliant run to the showpiece.
‘I couldn’t have tried any harder for the whole tournament,’ he said. ‘I should have lost the first match and then once I found my stride I felt like I played really, really well for the whole tournament, including the final.
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‘Some of the clearances I made to keep myself in it in the penultimate frame and others to steal. The match had everything.
‘I guess people might say I was in first in the decider with a chance, I just lost position early on. But I didn’t really do anything wrong. I played the best shots I could play from where the ball’s finished. As a snooker player that’s really all you can do.’
Wu knocked in a superb 85 in the decider to win it, with Murphy hailing the bravery at the crunch.
‘The shot that he went for, to have the courage to go for a shot like that, if he misses that shot, he loses. Of course if he gets it, he wins,’ said the Englishman.
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‘I remember what that feels like as a 22-year-old, having never won a match here and coming here and getting to the final.
Murphy stays on one world title after five finals (Picture: Getty Images)
‘But all credit to him, when he got his chance, especially having messed up in the penultimate frame, when he got his chance he took his chance.
‘I don’t feel like I lost the match, I feel like Wu Yize won the match.’
Murphy added: ‘I don’t feel like I’ve done a great deal wrong in the whole match to be honest. I thought it was 35 frames of top-flight professional snooker. Unfortunately there has to be a loser.’
It is a sore end to a good season for Murphy, who lifted the British Open title and came as close as he could to a second World Championship without managing it.
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‘Everything is looking positive,’ he said. ‘The only negative is that I’m not taking the trophy home but I got very, very close.
‘I’m back up into the top-end of the rankings from a standing start last season. I’ve had a really good season, possibly my best ever.
‘To win and to be in more finals, the semis of the UK, got to the final here and all the rest of it. The indicators are all going in the right direction. I will allow myself a little break now although I’ve got plenty of shows in the next few weeks.
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‘I won’t really go away from snooker but I’ll have a bit of a break and once I’ve mended my heart I’ll come back next season.’
Recent State Pension age changes and retirement rules mean it’s crucial to check your National Insurance contributions
Those already drawing a state pension, as well as those approaching retirement, have been urged to check how DWP regulations impact their payments, ensuring everything is in order and accurate.
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The system can be difficult to navigate, given the complexities surrounding the rules. Your state pension entitlement is accumulated through National Insurance contributions, meaning the amount you receive can differ depending on your personal circumstances.
Pensions expert and founder of the Rich Retiree, Hannah Martin, shed some light on how to make sense of the DWP system. She explained: “With so many different rules, people can be confused about what their exact state pension entitlement is, and whether they have paid in enough to qualify for the full amount.”
She highlighted that one of the key elements to get to grips with are the “different qualifying rules”. The expert explained: “In 2016, the new state pension was introduced, and with it came a new flat-rate system for people reaching state pension age on or after that date.
“To qualify for the new state pension you need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions, and 35 years for the full rate. People who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016, are still subject to the old two-tier state pension.
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“If they had paid National Insurance contributions for at least 30 years they will get the full basic state pension.” While the 30-year requirement applies to the basic pension and 35 years to the new system, these are general benchmarks, making it crucial to confirm your personal circumstances, reports the Mirror.
The state pension forecast tool on the gov.uk website allows you to check your expected entitlement.
Currently, the full basic state pension is £184.90 per week, amounting to £9,614.80 annually, while the full new state pension pays £241.30 weekly, totalling £12,547.60 each year. If gaps exist in your National Insurance record, you may be able to buy extra contributions to increase your state pension amount.
Bear in mind, however, that voluntary contributions can only be purchased for the past six tax years. Money expert Martin Lewis recently explored on his BBC podcast when paying for additional contributions is financially sensible, and when it’s best avoided.
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The state pension age is one aspect of the system currently being reformed. Ms Martin said: “There have also been changes to when people qualify for state pension. It was increased from 60 for women and 65 for men to a uniform 66. It will rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by the mid-2040s.
“Famously, WASPI women were given very little notice that their pension age was increasing from 60 to 65.” The state pension age is being gradually raised from 66 to 67, with the transition taking place between April 2026 and April 2028.
The child was arrested as part of a bank holiday crackdown
22:34, 04 May 2026Updated 22:35, 04 May 2026
A boy has been charged with possession of a bladed article following a police operation in Piccadilly Gardens. The child was stopped as part of several operations carried out in the city centre over the bank holiday weekend.
The young suspect was arrested as part of Operation Sycamore, according to Greater Manchester Police. He was released on bail and is set to appear in court at a later date.
The action was carried out by the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team, and was among a series of arrests. On Friday (May 1), an adult male after he was judged to be acting suspiciously in the area. He was searched and an ecstasy tablet was recovered, GMP say.
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The man was arrested and later issued with a conditional caution following interview.
Elsewhere, an officer arrested an adult male who had breached immigration bail conditions after failing to engage with Immigration Enforcement following illegal entry into the UK. He was also found in possession of cannabis. He has since been bailed while immigration proceedings continue.
On Saturday (May 2), officers working under Operation Venture arrested an adult male in possession of a knife. He has been charged and bailed for the offence. Shortly afterwards, two officers arrested a pair of adult males on suspicion of drug offences after witnessing suspected drug dealing.
Both individuals have been charged and bailed. Another officer also made an additional arrest of a male found in possession of a small amount of cannabis, who has since been charged.
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Later that day, police located and arrested an adult male in possession of a knife. Further checks revealed he was wanted in connection with a serious assault in the London area. He has been remanded and is due to appear in court.
Sergeant Jon Wyatt said: “This has been an extremely proactive weekend for the team, with officers working tirelessly to target those involved in criminality and keep the public safe.
“From removing weapons from our streets to tackling drug offences and locating wanted individuals, this work sends a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in Piccadilly Gardens.
“I’m proud of the team’s efforts and the impact they continue to have in the area.”
The country star told fans her medication and treatment would make it hard to perform
Husna Anjum Senior Live News Reporter and Jordan Lloyd Beck
22:50, 04 May 2026
Dolly Parton has cancelled her Las Vegas residency after she says her health needs a ‘re-build’. In a social media video she quipped that like a car she needs to ‘rebuild the engine’, as the 80-year-old called the news ‘good and bad’.
Known for tracks like Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, Dolly told fans on Monday (May 4) that doctors said “everything is treatable” and she is making improvements on a daily basis.
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The Mirror reports she said, in a video on X: “I am here to give you an update in a few things in my life. First, it’s concerning my health and I have some good news and a little bad news but the good news is I’m responding well to to meds and treatments and I am improving every day.
“The bad news is it’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swim-headed as my grandma used to say and of course I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos and guitars and such on five-inch heels, not to mention all those rhinestone outfits, my big hair my big, uh, personality, that would make anyone swim-headed.
“Think of me as an old-fashioned car, once restored, it can be better than ever. But when they lifted the hood on this antique, they realised that I need to rebuild my engine, my transmission is slipping and my mufflers need busting, my pistons need to be replaced.
“Spark plugs need to be changed because you know as well as I know that I can’t lose my spark! I know, I’m still crazy but they didn’t mention nothing about my mental health.
“I’ve always had problems with my kidney stones, my immune system and by digestive system got all out of whack and they’re working real hard on building and re-strengthening those. Hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.
Dolly continued: “Maybe I shouldn’t have said snuff – that wouldn’t be good for either of those would it. I wouldn’t want my top lip to fall off on top of everything else.
“It’d be like losing a hubcap. I’m just trying to keep everything light and airy, they say that a happy heart is good medicine.
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“Do you think I’m overmedicating? The truth is I am still working, videos, recording, I go up and down to Dollywood and I’m working hard on getting my hotel and museum open.
“And I’m spending a lot of time working on my Broadway musical open this year. I know you’re thinking ‘That girl’s always promoting something,’ that’s true, but that’s how you get it done. I am truly sorry.”
Dolly then turned to the subject of her late husband Carl, who passed away just over a year ago almost six decades after they tied the knot, and thanked her loyal fans for the way they had reached out to her in the time since his death.
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“I’m gonna miss all of you that had tickets to see me in Las Vegas, you get along to Vegas, have a good time and hopefully sometime you’ll come up to New York and see my show, I’ll see you somewhere down the line. A lot of have been so concerned about me and Carl, and you’ve been so great about that, and after going through a year of firsts – the holidays, and our wedding anniversary and the day of his death, that was hard for me but I will always love him and I’ll always miss him.”
Known for her humorous quips and quotes, the performer signed off her lengthy video by joking about her numerous bouts of cosmetic work over the years but acknowledged the “serious business” that is her internal health, as she reminded fans that, in a nod to her 1973 ballad that was famously covered by Whitney Houston, that she will “always love” them.
“You would be surprised at how much your love meant to me during that time. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, you have been a big part of my healing.
“Speaking of Carl and my health, I remember years back, I was saying something and Carl said ‘You’re not getting any younger!’ and I said ‘Honey, as long as there are plastic surgeons in this world, I am not getting any older!’
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“Plastic surgeons can make you look good on the outside but it’s serious business when you’re talking about internal medicine. I have great doctors, and I’m doing really well and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I am going with that and I just want to thank you for standing by me and I Will Always Love You.”
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An evidence gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now underway to identify those involved
22:59, 04 May 2026Updated 23:03, 04 May 2026
PSNI officers were attacked with “bottles and masonry” following disorder in West Belfast on Monday night.
Police are appealing for information after crowds gathered in the Stewartstown Road area of the city to attend a ‘car cruise’ organised online. Chief Inspector George said: “Police received a number of reports that large crowds of people and vehicles, had gathered and were driving dangerously in the vicinity of Blacks Road, Bell Steele Road and Diary Farm areas.
“Officers attended and subsequently came under attack by youths throwing bottles and masonry. “Two officers were struck and number of police vehicles were damaged in the attack. “I would appeal to those people involved in this kind of reckless behaviour on our roads to think about the possible serious consequence of their actions. “Not only does this kind of activity impact on the lives of local residents, but it can present a significant danger to other road users. “I would also urge those involved to be aware that police will use all powers available to them to ensure the safety of road users, including the power to seize vehicles. “We have been, and will continue to work with our partner organisations, including local politicians, to address this issue, and work towards delivering a safe solution. “An evidence gathering operation was in place and an investigation is now underway to identify those involved in disorder.”
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker hit out at those who travelled to the Colin area and caused ‘chaos’.
The West Belfast MLA said: “The scenes in the Colin area tonight were absolutely chaotic and nothing short of a disgrace.
“Lives were put at risk as cars freely spun around the road and motorbikes sped up and down. I strongly condemn those involved.
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“There is frustration in our community tonight, particularly directed at those who took part in this shocking behaviour, but also at the PSNI who did not arrive until the situation had already got out of control.
“Police were made aware several hours ago of this pre-planned event and I urged them to deploy preventative measures to stop the cavalcade of cars from entering the area.
“These concerns fell on deaf ears, and by the time police arrived it was too late.
“I will be requesting an urgent meeting with police to reflect the feelings of people in the Colin who feel completely let down.
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“I am also urging swift action to ensure those involved in this reckless behaviour are apprehended.”
Paul Doherty also took to social media to condem the action of “thugs” in the area on Monday night.
He said: “Absolutely disgraceful scenes on the Stewartstown Road tonight. Someone could have been killed here tonight by these thugs.
“People are wreaking havoc in this community, putting residents, pedestrians and road users at serious risk. It is totally unacceptable.
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“Police needed to act immediately and end this. Should never have got to this in the first place as it was widely spread on social media.”
“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people”
22:52, 04 May 2026Updated 22:54, 04 May 2026
A blogger on board the MV Hondius cruise ship has spoken out about their ordeal during a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Three people have died and a Brit is fighting for their life after they were rushed to hospital from the ship.
Operator of the cruise, Oceanwide Expeditions, has warned that there is a “serious medical situation on board” and has confirmed that the British passenger, who is in the ICU, has hantavirus, which is spread by rats.
Another Brit who is a crew member, is also needing “urgent care”, the Mirror reports. Earlier today, US travel blogger, Jake Rosmarin took to Instagram to update his 44,000 followers about the situation.
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An emotional Jake said: “I am currently on board the MV Hondius, and what’s happening right now is very real for all of us here.
“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people. People with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home. There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part.
“All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home. So if you’re seeing coverage about this, just remember that there are real people behind it, and that this isn’t something happening far away.
“It’s happening to us, right now.”
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Dutch company, Oceanwide Expeditions, said two crew members, British and Dutch employees, had “acute respiratory symptoms”, with both needing “urgent medical care” and one showing “severe” symptoms.
Three others – two Dutch nationals and one German – have died, although Oceanwide Expeditions said the cause of their deaths has not yet been confirmed. The company has said there were 23 Brits on board, including 19 passengers and four crew members.
As of Monday afternoon, the ship remains off the coast of Cape Verde, with 149 people on board, 19 of whom are British passengers and four British crew members.
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There are two crew members on board, of British and Dutch nationality, with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
It added that both require urgent medical care, and at this time, no one else with symptoms has been identified.
Hantavirus has not currently been confirmed in the two people still on board who require medical care, nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with the voyage, the tour operator said.
The cruise’s operator said the disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation and medical screening require permission from, and co-ordination with, the local health authorities, who have “visited the vessel and assessed the situation”.
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The ship’s journey began on April 1, and a passenger died on board on April 11, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
The cause of death could not be determined on board. On April 24, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.
The WHO said: “Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations.
“Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
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The risk to the wider public remains low, according to Hans Henri P Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe. He added that there is “no need for panic or travel restrictions”.
While it is rare, hantavirus infections can spread between people, according to the WHO.
There is no specific treatment or cure but patients have a better chance of survival if they receive medical attention early.
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