Gary Poland drove Axel Rudakubana to the scene where the teenager murdered three children at a dance class but waited 50 minutes to call police

The taxi driver who left the scene of the Southport stabbing attack and waited 50 minutes before calling 999 has been stripped of his licence.

Gary Poland took Axel Rudakubana to the scene where the teenager murdered three children; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and attempted to murder 10 others on July 29 2024.

Mr Poland witnessed children flee the dance studio, the Hart Space on Hart Street but waited 50 minutes to then call the police. It was found he ‘did not meet the appropriate standards’ to hold his taxi licence.

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A Sefton Council spokesperson said in a statement: “This individual no longer holds a taxi driver licence following a review by the local authority.

“A decision was taken that this individual did not meet the appropriate standards set out in Sefton Council’s taxi licensing policy.”

In his evidence to the Southport Inquiry in September 2025, Mr Poland said he drove away despite seeing screaming children running ‘like a stampede for their lives’ because he thought he heard gunshots.

Mr Poland, then a driver for One Call Taxis, did not call emergency services until 50 minutes after hearing screams coming from the Hart Space studio, having picked up another fare and returned home first.

Mr Poland also told the inquiry, held at Liverpool Town Hall, he had threatened to call the police when Rudakubana ignored his requests to pay his fare, but thought he had gone to get money when he went into the building where a Taylor Swift-themed dance class was being held.

Nicholas Moss KC, counsel to the inquiry, asked the witness: “Do you accept, as you drove away, children were fleeing alongside your car. And you can be seen looking in the rear view camera?”

“That’s correct,” Mr Poland said, adding: “I did not know anybody was injured. I did not see anybody injured.”

In a statement, Mr Poland said in hindsight he wished he had called police earlier. He said: “I regret not helping the children. Their screams were harrowing and I can still hear them when I think back to that day.”

Among the statements in Sefton Council’s taxi licensing handbook is a call for drivers to dial 999 if they feel a child or young person is in serious danger of immediate harm.

Brits were left gobsmacked when they realised who was actually singing to them in the street

British tourists were left completely floored when they realised who was actually singing to them in the street as they enjoyed an evening in Spain.

The Brit Award-winning musician started belting out one of their global hits live in Seville as visitors enjoyed drinks in a public square. It didn’t take long before listeners clocked exactly who it was.

It was none other than Robbie Williams, belting out his song ‘Angels’ as a guitarist tried to keep up with him in the background. People were seen excitedly running from their tables and filming upon realising it was the real former Take That member in the flesh.

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One of the people lucky enough to see it with their own eyes was TikTok user @cierancasey2609, who posted a video, captioning it: “Robbie Williams in Seville.” The clip has since amassed 195,000 views.

People were seen singing along and dancing in the street as Robbie, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, serenaded them while dressed in a casual all-black outfit and a cap. He performed an acoustic rendition of the song, which came out in December 1997.

He appeared to show the guitarist, who was the actual busker, the chords on a mobile phone before his rendition. As members of his audience danced together and sang, he joked, “You know it!”

He then quipped: “Obviously [it’s] not very famous here” as he struggled to keep up with the guitarist.

At the end of the chorus, he shouted into the mic: “I’m off!” and walked away from the crowd with his hands raised as crowds cheered and clapped.

Viewers online were left just as stunned by the shock performance. “Absolutely nuts,” one person wrote, followed by: “Timing is everything, could not buy that moment in time.”

“No because I’d CRY,” commented another, as a fourth wrote: “Imagine sitting there, casually having a drinky drink and THE Robbie Williams strolls by.”

The Rock DJ hitmaker was in the Spanish city on June 30 performing at the Iconica Santalucia Sevilla Fest. This was before heading to Morocco for Jazzablanca on Thursday (July 2).

When Caleb Miligan (William Ash) decided to try and restore his criminal edge in Emmerdale, he had absolutely no idea that his plan would lead him to discovering something very dangerous.

The businessman had his pride dented a couple of weeks ago, when he fell victim to a scam that had been created by Jai Sharma’s (Chris Bisson) teenage son Archie.

To get his head back in the game and remind himself that he isn’t someone who’s taken for a mug, Caleb has decided to sell counterfeit shoes.

His sidekick for this is Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton), who gets to work sorting some more deliveries in upcoming episodes.

As Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) watches on from the break area, Caleb and Kerry discover a label sewn into one of the shoes that reads ‘help me’.

Horrified, Kerry urges Caleb to do the right thing and go to the police about the label.

A while later, Kerry finds Bear in the office examining the shoe with the label. She’s taken aback by his furious reaction to the news that Caleb still hasn’t contacted the authorities. Reminded of his own past where he was made to live and work as a slave on a farm, Bear has plenty to say to Caleb about what he’s doing.

Caleb tells Kerry that he’s told the police, but is later intrigued when Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) gives him the lowdown about the markup on branded vs non-branded car parts.

Telling Kerry what he’s learned from Kammy, Caleb becomes convinced they could make a fair few quid selling car parts.

Caleb suggests that Kerry thinks about the idea, but she’s sceptical.

The situation with the counterfeit shoes has caused problems already – will the same thing happen if they turn their attention to selling another dodgy product?

‘She’s had a taste for it now, and she’s quite good at it’, star Laura Norton said, confirming that the stakes are going to be raised once again in this story.

‘She knows how to impress somebody of Caleb’s stature. Will and I have really enjoyed working together and we’ve said that we need to find another opportunity for a story like this again, because it’s when you put two characters that you wouldn’t normally put together, in the same world, it makes the scenes so interesting to watch.’

MORE: Real-life Emmerdale couple pay tribute after death of ‘dear friend’ and colleague

MORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as controversial character stages chaotic return amid kidnap

MORE: Police called in Emmerdale as furious Caleb makes a big discovery

Dot Bagels, based on Chillingham Road in Newcastle, has been nominated for the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year title.

The awards, now in their tenth year, celebrate the best small and independent food businesses across the UK and Ireland.

Dot Bagels is known for its New York-style bagels, freshly baked each day and served with a wide range of fillings.

Meacha Brown, brand manager at Dot Bagels, said: “We know how popular Dot Bagels is and that people appreciate the fact that they’re not only freshly made every day, but we have such an exciting and imaginative selection of fillings available.

“To have had this recognition is fantastic for all of the team and we just hope everyone will get behind us.”

An Uber spokesperson said: “The nomination recognised the exceptional food you create, the passion behind your business and the unforgettable experiences you deliver to customers every day.”

Having made it to the regional nominations, Dot Bagels now hopes to secure enough public votes before the deadline of July 30 to advance to the next stage.

The winner will then go into the national heat where they will have to present their bagels to a panel of judges.

The recognition comes four years after the business changed ownership and began its current run of success.

In addition to its flagship store, Dot Bagels also operates a branch on Acord Road in Jesmond, and supplies bagels to Claremont Teahouse at Eldon Place.

Customers can pick from six types of bagels, including sesame, garlic and herb, plain, cheddar and onion, and the ‘Heatwave’ – a cheddar and jalapeno option.

Dot Bagels is also known for its creative fillings, such as the classic bagel and lox, The Reuben, and more unusual offerings like Salt On Chili Road, made with fried chicken, pickled sesame slaw, and gochujang mayo.

The menu includes globally inspired options like shredded hoisin duck and chipotle chicken, as well as regional favourites.

Supporters of Dot Bagels can vote for them online at ubereatsawards.com before July 30.

By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER

Updated: 21:59 BST, 2 July 2026

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez hit back at Donald Trump’s taunts of taking over by saying that his country would “fight until the very last drop of blood”

Cuba’s President has warned the country is “not afraid” of the US and ready to fight amid Donald Trump’s threats to takeover.

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez did not hold back amid the taunts from Trump and said that Cuba was “getting ready” for a possible war with the US

He said the Caribbean country was willing to “fight until the very last drop of blood in order to defend our rights, our independence, and sovereignty”.

And he added: “We don’t want a war, but we’re not afraid of it, and we’re getting ready so we’re not surprised or defeated.”

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The RSPCA has suggested that a feline resident could offer “comfort and stability” at a northern government office, much like Larry the Cat at Downing Street.

Animal centres across Greater Manchester are already preparing potential candidates, in the hope of taking on the coveted title of Chief Mouser.

The campaign follows Andy Burnham’s suggestion that a northern headquarters for the UK government could be established in Manchester.

Disco Stu (Image: RSPCA)

Karen Colman, RSPCA superintendent for the North, said: “A new home, whether it is a private residence or a new seat of government, isn’t complete without a companion.

“Just as Larry has become a reassuring fixture amidst political turbulence, we believe a rescue cat could bring comfort, stability, and a much-needed paw of support to a new No 10 North.”

The RSPCA has highlighted several feline candidates, each with a story and a set of endearing credentials.

Freya, one of the cats shortlisted for the role, was rescued from a multi-cat household where she suffered malnutrition and lost her kittens.

Comic Book Guy (Image: RSPCA)

After gaining 25 per cent of her body weight in four weeks, Freya is now thriving and lives at the RSPCA Manchester and Salford Adoption Centre.

Two inseparable cats, Pie and Chips, are also in the running.

Described as the “perfect combo meal,” the pair are currently being cared for at RSPCA Hollingworth Lake Animal Centre and are seeking a quieter home where they can shine.

Patch (Image: RSPCA)

Patch, a seven-year-old cat rescued in December 2025, arrived virtually bald due to a flea infestation but has since made a full recovery.

Curious and full of personality, Patch loves to be involved in everything happening around her.

The shortlist also includes Cowboy, a 10-year-old who loves chin scratches and insists on drinking water from the tap, as well as Disco Stu and Comic Book Guy, who came into RSPCA care together after their previous owner could no longer look after them.

Pie and Chips (Image: RSPCA)

Tom, a young cat currently at RSPCA Altrincham Branch, is known for his playful obsession with hunting fluffy pompoms and his occasional attempts at playing fetch.

Despite the light-hearted campaign, the RSPCA is facing serious challenges.

Ms Colman said: “We need special people to open their hearts and homes to change these animals’ lives forever.

Tom (Image: RSPCA)

“RSPCA branches and centres find homes for almost 47 cats a day – two every hour – but rescued animals have been coming in at a quicker rate than they are adopted.

“Rising reports of cruelty and neglect, as well as increasing reports of large-scale cases involving tens, dozens or hundreds of animals have pushed us to crisis point.”

Cowboy (Image: RSPCA)

READ MORE:

The charity has also revealed plans for a state-of-the-art centre in the North West.

The proposed facility in Lowton, at Mossley Hall Farm, would combine veterinary care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services on a single site and is expected to create up to 150 jobs.

Those interested in adopting can visit rspca.org.uk/findapet to view all available rescue animals.

An autopsy revealed the twin girls died of dehydration and were underweight

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A mother and father have been charged after two 15-month-old twin girls were found dead in their bed while another child is in critical condition in hospital.

At around 1pm on Monday (June 29), emergency services scrambled to Beuvrages, near Valenciennes (Nord), in north France, to reports the two girls were unresponsive.

The mother and father, who live in social housing at the Société immobilière du Grand Hainaut (SIGH), had reportedly made the call that they found the girls unresponsive. An autopsy, performed on Tuesday (June 30), confirmed the girls died of dehydration and were also underweight, reports The Daily Star.

Their four other children in the house, aged three, four, five and six, were also found to be suffering from dehydration. According to RTL, one of the siblings has been airlifted from the home and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The parents reportedly found the twins dead in bed and were allegedly in a state of rigor mortis, sources in France have claimed.

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Valenciennes prosecutor’s office said the parents were formally charged and remain in custody. The siblings of the deceased twins have all been taken into care by Child Welfare Services.

According to LeParisien, the prosecutor’s office stated that the family “was not under the supervision of a juvenile court judge” and no report had been filed.

The parents reportedly told police that they had put the girls to bed on Sunday evening (June 28) at around 7pm. They were next found dead 18-hours later.

According to the mayor of Beuvrages, the family had recently moved in about two months ago.

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Gilfoyle spent 17 years in prison following the death of his wife

A new true crime documentary will explore the story of Eddie Gilfoyle, who was jailed for killing his pregnant wife Paula.

Gilfoyle’s story features in the third episode of the new Channel 4 series The Accused: Beyond Reasonable Doubt. It will air on Thursday night (July 2) at 10pm.

The new series tells the stories of people fighting convictions that they believe are a miscarriage of justice. After years in prison they attempt to overturn their guilty verdict. Episode one examined Jason Moore, who was sent to prison in 2013 for the murder of his ‘close friend’ Robert Darby.

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Last week’s second episode was centred around Stacey Hyde, who was jailed for killing her best friend’s boyfriend when she was a teenager. The series has been praised for how it examines the impact on those who maintain their innocence.

Eddie and Paula Gilfoyle appeared the perfect couple, having recently tied the knot and were expecting their first child together in June 1992. Appearing as a happy couple, tragedy soon struck.

Paula, who was eight and a half months pregnant, was found hanged in the garage of their home in Upton, Wirral. She was just 32 years old at the time of her death.

While all the evidence pointed towards a tragic act of suicide, Gilfoyle was arrested just four days later. He was soon charged with his wife’s murder.

Police had found a handwritten note at the scene, pointing to Paula’s death being deliberate on her part. However, prosecutors said at former Army medic Gilfoyle’s trial that he had forced his wife to write the suicide note. The jury was also told that he convinced her to put a noose around her neck and climb a ladder.

Despite protesting his innocence and denying the allegations, Gilfoyle was found guilty of murder and handed a life sentence. He spent 17 years behind bars.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice, inherited an application for review of the conviction after an expert prosecution witness changed their view about the likely cause of death. While the CCRC referred the conviction to the Court of Appeal in March 1999, the court upheld the case in December of the following year.

With Gilfoyle and his legal team making repeated efforts for the case to be examined, the CCRC declined to refer his case back to the Court of Appeal. Complaints issued by Gilfoyle about the case include claims that investigating officers walked through the crime scene, the destruction of evidence and a lack of proper investigation.

While he was eventually released on license 17 years after his wife’s death, Gilfoyle is still fighting to clear his name. The new episode of The Accused will see him talking about his version of what happened and why he kept fighting for nearly two decades in prison.

Also appearing in the documentary are legal experts and psychologists, who will examine whether Gilfoyle has any other way to clear his name. Gilfoyle’s case has previously been explored in a BBC Panorama special.

The Department for Work and Pensions has introduced new Eligibility Verification powers allowing banks to flag accounts of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and ESA claimants where savings exceed £16,000 or there are signs of extended time spent abroad. Banks cannot share transaction data or special category information, and no automatic benefit decisions will be made on the data alone.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released guidance outlining what banks and financial institutions may be required to monitor under new benefit Eligibility Verification powers.

The new framework forms part of the UK Government’s broader offensive against fraud and error within the welfare system, and will initially cover those claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Under the Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM), banks may be obliged to scrutinise accounts receiving certain DWP benefits and identify instances where accounts meet specific “eligibility indicators” tied to benefit regulations.

The DWP stated the checks are intended to help detect incorrect payments arising from fraud, claimant error or official error, while also preventing claimants from accumulating substantial overpayments that subsequently need to be recovered.

According to the new Code of Practice on Eligibility Verification Notices, banks could be required to flag accounts where savings surpass benefit thresholds, reports the Daily Record.

For Universal Credit, this could encompass accounts holding more than £16,000, which represents the upper capital limit for the benefit.

The guidance further states that the DWP may request information relating to signs that a claimant has spent more time overseas than benefit rules ordinarily permit.

Nevertheless, the DWP confirmed there are stringent legal restrictions governing what banks are permitted to share. The Code stipulates that financial institutions are forbidden from disclosing transaction details, which means the DWP is unable to access information about individuals’ purchases, shopping habits or personal spending patterns.

Banks are equally barred from sharing “special category data”, encompassing details relating to political opinions, religious beliefs, ethnicity or health information.

The guidance states: “DWP is prohibited by law from sharing personal data with financial institutions under this power, and from requesting transaction information and special category data.”

What banks cannot share

The document further clarifies that the DWP is not permitted to request that banks search for named benefit claimants.

The code repeatedly emphasises that strict limitations govern the information banks are able to provide.

DWP said financial institutions are prohibited by law from sharing:

• Transaction histories
• Spending information
• Financial statements
• Special category data such as political opinions, religion or ethnicity

Rather, financial institutions would apply eligibility criteria across their own systems and only return limited information where accounts match the indicators set out in an Eligibility Verification Notice (EVN).

The information that may be passed on to the DWP encompasses account details, names and dates of birth linked to accounts, and details demonstrating how an account satisfied the eligibility indicator.

This could include confirmation that savings surpassed a certain threshold or evidence that an account had been regularly used outside the UK.

The DWP stressed that information returned by banks does not automatically mean somebody has done anything wrong. The Code states: “No decisions about benefit entitlement will be made automatically on this information alone.”

Instead, the DWP must cross-reference the information with existing evidence held on a claim before determining whether further investigation is warranted.

The guidance further confirms that a “Test and Learn” rollout phase will take place, initially involving a limited number of financial institutions prior to any broader expansion.

Throughout this period, the DWP has stated it will evaluate the system’s effectiveness, the reliability of the data, and whether the safeguards are functioning as intended before proceeding with wider implementation.

The DWP estimates benefit fraud and error resulted in £9.6 billion of overpayments during the 2025/26 financial year.