Just before 11am, a car caught fire on the M60 clockwise hard shoulder near J13 (Worsley), requiring all lanes to be closed as emergency services attended.

Around the same time, an HGV lorry struck a bridge on the M61 Southbound between J2 A580 East Lancashire Road to J1 M60 J15, requiring services to attend the scene, clear up rubble, and perform emergency repairs.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Lanes one, two, and three (of four) are closed on the M61 southbound junction one to two after a lorry struck an overbridge.

Image of the M61 showing significant traffic after a vehicle crashed into a bridge (Image: National Highways)

“Greater Manchester Police and National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene with traffic management in place while debris is cleared and the bridge is inspected.

“We received reports of a vehicle fire just before 11am on the hard shoulder of the M60 near junction 13.

“National Highways and emergency services attended.

“The fire was put out, and the driver was taken to hospital as a precaution.”

There were no injuries reported after the M61 bridge incident.

The driver involved in the M60 fire incident was taken to hospital as a precaution, but a Northwest Ambulance Service spokesperson has since confirmed that ‘nobody needed hospital treatment’.

Officers responded to the M61 bridge crash after receiving reports of ‘rubble, rocks, and concrete in the road’, believed to have come off the back of the HGV.

Traffic on the M61 between junctions one and two following the HGV bridge crash (Image: National highawys)

Road sweepers and maintenance teams were sent to clear debris and assess the safety of the bridge.

Delays were in place on both roads for several hours until traffic returned to normal.

All four lanes on both the M60 and M61 were initially closed as clean-up was undertaken.

The M60 remained at a total standstill until around 12.10pm, when lanes were reopened to ease congestion.

But all four lanes were re-closed only ten minutes later as ambulances arrived at the scene.

By around 12.50pm the M61 was back to normal, with all four lanes open and drivers no longer expected to encounter repairs.

Delays lingered slightly longer on the M60as repair work had to be carried out following the incident, meaning lane one remained closed until around 1pm.

There were still slight delays by 1.30pm, but by this point, all lanes were open.

You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition

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The duration of awards for individuals making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be extended from April to help reduce the backlog. PIP is the main disability benefit for people of working age in the UK.

You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. However, your eligibility to PIP isn’t based on your condition – it is based on how it affects your life. PIP is normally awarded for a set period of time and currently, this can be as short as nine months.

But under changes due to come into effect from April 2026, this is to be extended to a minimum of three years for the majority of new PIP claimants aged 25 and over, rising to five years at their next review if they remain entitled.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the measure aims to free up health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments and deliver more reassessments, reports the Mirror.

These operational changes are separate to the Timms Review, which will examine the role of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components and assessment process.

PIP comprises two elements – the daily living component, and the mobility component. The daily living rate is £73.90 a week if you’re awarded the standard rate, whilst the higher rate is £110.40 a week.

The mobility component is £29.20 per week for the standard rate, and £77.05 per week for the enhanced rate. You must inform the DWP if your health or condition has changed.

If you’re terminally ill, you typically receive PIP automatically without undergoing an assessment. If you are granted PIP under the special rules for terminal illness, your award will last for three years before being reviewed.

PIP is accessible if you are aged over 16 but below state pension age. If you claim PIP and reach state pension age, your claim will usually continue.

You may be able to submit a new claim at state pension age if you were eligible for PIP in the previous 12 months.

Hartlepool Borough Council confirmed the latest roll-out, which kicks off on Tuesday, March 10, will see more homes being added.

This means about 21,000 homes, or roughly 46 per cent of all properties across the borough, will be serviced weekly.

Collections began in Hartlepool in November last year, with an initial trial in the Rossmere area. (Image: Google Maps)

Weekly collections first started in November last year, beginning with a trial in the Rossmere area.

An additional 96 streets will also now benefit from the weekly collection.

The added streets include:

• Ashburn Street,
• Bedale Close,
• Belgrave Court,
• Bilsdale Road,
• Birdforth Court,
• Bolton Grove,
• Bransdale Grove,
• Brenda Road,
• Brompton Walk,
• Byland Grove,
• Castleton Road,
• Cath Hill Close,
• Charles Street,
• Chelford Close,
• Church Street,
• Cliffe Court,
• Commondale Drive,
• Cowley Close,
• Crawford Street,
• Crawthorne Court,
• Danby Grove,
• Dauntless Close,
• Deacon Gardens,
• East View Terrace,
• Edinburgh Grove,
• Egton Drive,
• Elizabeth Way,
• Endeavour Close,
• Faceby Close,
• Freemantle Grove,
• Garston Grove,
• Goathland Drive,
• Golden Meadows,
• Grace Close,
• Green Terrace,
• Greenhow Grove,
• Groom Terrace,
• Grosmont Road,
• Harwich Grove,
• Hatfield Close,
• Headingley Court,
• Hornby Close,
• Ilkley Grove,
• Ingleby Road,
• Inglefield,
• Jutland Road,
• Kildale Grove,
• Lawson Road,
• Lealhom Road,
• Lingdale Drive,
• Lithgo Close,
• Littlebeck Way,
• Liverton Gardens,
• Middleham Court,
• Newholm Court,
• North Road,
• Ormesby Road,
• Pavilion Close,
• Pickering Grove,
• Queen Street,
• Queen Terrace,
• Queensland Road,
• Rectory Way,
• Regency Drive,
• Ripon Close,
• Ross Grove,
• Roxby Close,
• Ruswarp Grove,
• Saffron Walk,
• Seaton Lane,
• Selby Grove,
• Skipton Court,
• South End,
• Staincliffe Road,
• Stanmore Grove,
• Station Lane,
• Stockton Road,
• Stokesley Road,
• Swainby Road,
• Tees Road,
• The Ashes,
• The Cliff,
• The Front,
• The Green,
• The Links,
• The Paddock (Church Street),
• The Wickets,
• Thirsk Grove,
• Victoria Street,
• Wainwright Close,
• Wainwright Walk,
• Warrior Drive,
• West View Terrace,
• Westerdale Road,
• Woburn Grove,
• Wyverne Court.

Councils in England must collect food waste from all homes in their area on a weekly basis from April, following changes to the law.

This is part of the Government’s plan to improve recycling rates and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Since the introduction of the service, around 80 tonnes of food waste have been collected.

As part of the latest announcement, homes under the new roll-out will each receive two caddies before the start date – one small caddy for indoor use and a larger one for outdoor use into which the contents of the smaller caddy should be transferred.

Deliveries for these caddies will take place this week.

Residents should present their large caddies alongside their standard refuse/recycling bins on their usual collection day.

Different vehicles are used to empty caddies and standard bins, so both should be put out by 7.30am to ensure collection.

Funding for the new caddies and specialist vehicles required for the collection of food waste has been provided by the Government so this initiative comes at no cost to Hartlepool residents.

For extra information about food waste collections in Hartlepool, go to Hartlepool Council’s website.

Today, the Sun is in alliance with Jupiter. Emotions deepen, connections blossom and feelings you may have been avoiding will come to the surface.

Capricorn, Scorpio, and Virgo, allow yourself to be vulnerable today. Romantic and platonic connections will be fruitful, if you allow yourself to open up.

Don’ t rush things today. Within this powerful cosmic blend, you have time to slow down and turn inward; don’t waste the chance.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday March 5, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Home, family and your sense of belonging shine under today’s gentle light, offering a chance to reconnect with your roots or nourish your spirit. Original insights and intuitive nudges are flowing, so do not ignore them. Let kindness guide your actions and trust that your dreams do not need a deadline today. Sometimes the bravest move is giving yourself permission to rest deeply.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Conversations feel more heartfelt, inspiration flows freely and your intuition gets a bright green light. This is a wonderful time to share your vision, reach out to someone dear or say yes to a creative collaboration. Siblings, local people or short trips could bring unexpected joy or insight. Your steady pace now pairs beautifully with emotional intelligence.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

You attract others when you mix wisdom with ambition, so trust your gut in decisions and negotiations. A creative idea could turn profitable, or a meaningful compliment may remind you of your true worth. Today is about more than money, it is about self-worth, purpose and feeling seen. The universe rewards authenticity now, especially when matched with your wit.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

With the Sun aligned with Jupiter in your sign, you are glowing from the inside out. This celestial duo fills your sails with inspiration, perception and a touch of wanderlust. You are ready for growth, whether through travel, learning or expanding your emotional horizons. Your natural wisdom shines brightly, and others are drawn to your nurturing, visionary energy.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

Today, you refuel your fire in sacred ways by shedding old emotional baggage and finding strength in softness. Creative breakthroughs or deeply healing moments may arise when you give yourself space to simply be. Trust your dreams, your hunches and those subtle feelings. Sometimes the biggest growth happens offstage, when your spirit is free to breathe and bloom.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Connections, whether romantic, platonic or professional, may feel more meaningful, supportive and even a little special. Someone could surprise you with kindness, or you may offer insights that deepen a bond. This is also a good time to team up around a shared dream or creative cause. Let go of the need to define everything and flow with trust.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Work, wellness and routine matters feel less like chores and far more meaningful when infused with feeling and intention. A career opportunity may arrive through kindness or intuition rather than effort alone. Let emotional intelligence guide your decisions, as it is your secret superpower right now. Today’s alignment reminds you that success does not have to be stressful.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Romance, inspiration and joy bubble up in unexpected ways, through a creative spark, an alluring connection or a moment of emotional clarity. You are encouraged to play, express and dream big. Let feelings guide your actions rather than the urge to analyse or control. Good things happen when you loosen your grip. Say yes to what lights you up, it is safe to shine.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Home, healing and emotional security come into focus, inviting you to slow down and listen within. You often look to the horizon, but today’s Sun-Jupiter alignment reminds you that true expansion begins at your roots. A family moment, subtle hunch or private realisation could spark unexpected growth. Let go of the need to be everywhere at once, rest is restorative.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Your usual no-nonsense approach softens today, making room for meaningful conversations and sensitivity in communication. Whether it is a heartfelt message, a long-overdue chat or a collaborative opportunity, this gentle aspect invites warmth and emotional intelligence into your interactions. Let wisdom guide your words, there is no need to overthink something truly profound.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

A key aspect brings focus to your daily rhythms, finances and wellness routines, urging you to nourish both body and bank account with kindness rather than pressure. A small shift in perspective could bring emotional and practical rewards. Let your values guide your habits, and do not underestimate the power of a well-timed break or befriending a colleague.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

With the radiant Sun in your sign aligning with generous Jupiter in Cancer, you are glowing from the inside out. Creativity, love and joy flow effortlessly, as if the universe has handed you a permission slip to be fully and beautifully yourself. A romantic pull, creative breakthrough or heartfelt connection may bloom unexpectedly. Trust your instincts, they are tuned into divine timing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of March here.

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UKMTO received a report of an explosion on an anchored tanker off Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4, with oil now in the water from a cargo tank raising environmental concerns

A ‘large explosion’ has been reported on an oil tanker near Kuwait’s coast, sparking fears of a significant oil spill into the Gulf waters with potentially disatrous environmental consequences.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving a report of an explosion off the coast of Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4, reports the Mirror..

According to UKMTO, the Master of an anchored tanker reported witnessing and hearing a large explosion, followed by the sight of a small craft departing the area in south-east Mubarak Al-Kabeer in Kuwait late on Wednesday, March 4, amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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Israel and the US launched joint strikes on several key sites in Iran on Saturday, February 28. The strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader at the time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend.

In retaliation, Iran has targeted sites across the Middle East.

“There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank which could have some environmental impact,” warned UKMTO.

“The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well.”

Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

UKMTO advises vessels to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.

If Israel and the US hoped their attack on Iran would force the country to capitulate quickly, they were wrong. Despite the death of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many other senior figures, Iran has managed to continue firing drones and missiles at targets across the Middle East.

This poses a challenge for the US and its allies, including Israel and the Gulf states. The challenge is that they might run out of air defences before Iran runs out of airborne projectiles.

The US and its allies use a number of weapons platforms to knock down incoming missiles and drones. The most important are Thaad interceptors, Patriot systems and SM-family naval missiles, while Israel also uses longer-range Arrow interceptors. However, the supply of these interceptors has been under severe strain in recent years.

Many have been provided to Ukraine, which faces relentless Russian aerial assault. Others have been used in the Red Sea to protect shipping against attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis. And more still have been stationed in the Indo-Pacific to defend South Korea and Taiwan from possible North Korean and Chinese attacks.

Despite their importance to modern warfare, US stockpiles of these munitions are dangerously low. There are simply too many competing priorities, and production has only recently been increased. The 12-day war the US and Israel fought with Iran in June 2025 is thought to have consumed around a quarter of the entire US inventory of Thaads.

When stocks of these munitions diminish during a war, choices have to be made about which targets to protect – and which not to protect. This usually means focusing on the defence of strategic military installations, allowing some civilian areas to be hit. Israel is widely believed to have made this choice during the 12-day war.

That moment may be approaching again. However, this time it is not just Israel that is at risk, but half a dozen other Middle East countries. The main problem is in the Gulf states, which are in range both of the sort of long-range missile that Iran fires at Israel and its shorter-range projectiles.

These Arab countries can also be hit more easily by Iran’s Shahed exploding drones. The drones are much easier to launch than missiles, require less risk to do so and can reach some targets in the Gulf within minutes. Iran is estimated to have 80,000 of them.

Ukraine has faced this type of attack mix for years and it has developed complex, multi-layered air defences to counter it. This means using expensive interceptors (each Patriot missile costs US$4 million) to take down ballistic missiles and using a combination of other things – even a machine gun will do – to take down drones.

It’s an effective system that has kept Ukraine in the fight and ensures it does not use too many interceptors. The Gulf states have not done this. Instead, they appear to be using Patriot missiles and other extremely expensive and scarce missiles to take down everything from ballistic missiles to US$20,000 (£15,000) drones.

Missile defence systems are designed to launch several interceptors at each incoming projectile, meaning their stocks can run down quickly. Probably within a few days, the Gulf states are going to have to shift their tactics.

Stocks running low

Even if the Gulf states are the most exposed, the situation is not rosy for Israel or US military forces across the region either. Some US forces are in range of Iran’s Shahed drones and short-range missiles. Others are in range of Iran’s long-range missiles.

The exact size of missile defence stocks is classified. But a look at budgetary and procurement data suggests that US forces will become stretched within a matter of days or several weeks at the very most. At that point, the US will have to begin drawing down missile defence stocks from the rest of the world.

According to South Korean media, discussions are already underway about removing Thaads and Patriot systems from South Korea and sending them to the Middle East. Ukraine will get fewer. And US military readiness will be severely degraded around the world, inviting aggression and the possible opening of a second front.

The other side of the equation is Iran’s capabilities, which are something of an unknown. Long-range missiles are the type of munition it has the least of, and they are also the riskiest to launch. The US and its allies can be fairly confident that over time they will significantly degrade Iran’s ability to launch these missiles. Whether it will be fast enough to happen before a critical interceptor shortage is less certain.

But Iran’s short-range missiles and drones are another matter. The drones, especially, can be launched without large, visible weapons platforms, which make an easy target for US and allied air strikes. Particularly if Gulf air defences become very degraded, there are a host of highly damaging targets for them to hit – ranging from US bases to oil and gas infrastructure to shipping.

Ultimately, the answer to how prepared the US and its allies are for a protracted conflict seems to be “not very”. Even if it runs out of long-range missiles, Iran can probably continue its drone attacks for a very long time, causing chaos throughout the region and spiking energy prices by disrupting production and shipping. Stopping them will not be easy.

A scene has been put in place to preserve any evidence and an investigation has been launched

A man left with serious injuries aftter he was attacked and robbed on a street in Cambridge. Police were called at 1.32am today (March 4) with reports of violence on Chesterton Road in Cambridge.

Cambridgeshire Police and paramedics attended and found a man had been robbed and attacked, suffering serious injuries. The robbery is thought to have taken place between midnight and 1.32am outside Barclays Bank on Chesterton Road (Mitcham’s Corner).

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “A 52-year-old woman from Cambridge has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and a 22-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) and robbery. They both remain in custody at Parkside Police Station.

“A scene has been put in place to preserve any evidence and an investigation has been launched.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police online quoting investigation reference 35/16410/26 or call 101 if you do not have internet access.