Ian Huntley was allegedly attacked with a metal bar at a maximum security jail

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A trial date has been set for an inmate charged with the prison murder of Soham killer Ian Huntley. Anthony Russell, 44, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court by videolink from HMP Frankland, near Durham, on Wednesday for a brief hearing during which he did not enter a plea.

Russell is charged with a single offence of murdering the 52-year-old, who was allegedly attacked with a metal bar in a workshop at the maximum security jail on February 26. Huntley was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he died on March 7.

Russell, wearing a brown T-shirt, appeared before Mr Justice Hilliard. The judge set a trial date for November 23, with a further pre-trial hearing on July 3.

Huntley was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The ex-school caretaker killed the best friends after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002. He dumped their bodies in a ditch 10 miles away.

They were not found for 13 days despite a search involving hundreds of police officers. At the time, Huntley lived with Maxine Carr who was a teaching assistant at Holly and Jessica’s primary school.

He denied murdering the girls but was convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2003. He was jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years.

Residents have been calling for action to be taken against the ‘overconcentration of HMOs’

Campaigners have praised the newly formed council’s promise to improve regulation of HMOs in a cross-party agreement. Cambridge City Council voted in a new Labour leader on Monday night after an earlier meeting ended in deadlock.

The minority administration agreed to bring forward new controls to improve regulation of smaller HMOs and develop the case for an Article 4 Direction. This would require HMOs housing three to six people to seek full planning permission where currently this is only required for seven or more occupants.

Cllr Tim Bick, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “This is a complex subject and the council may not have all the powers we would like it to have, but we want to deploy what we can to make whatever difference we can.”

Donna Ferguson, chair of Guest Road Area Residents’ Association in Petersfield, said she was “overjoyed” but also called for the council to consider a numerical threshold. She said almost a third of properties in their area are registered HMOs, meaning they house at least five people – but smaller HMOs do not need to be registered.

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There are 58 parking spaces for the around 100 properties in the area, including the 32 HMOs which are entitled to three residential parking permits each.

Donna said the terraced homes, intended for families, now have “far more” adults than intended leading to fly-tipping as “there isn’t enough space for the bins”. She said the council’s local plan states that “overconcentration of HMOs” can “have a harmful impact on the community”.

She noted at least 51 local councils have already passed an Article 4 Direction, and “many of them uni towns – York, Manchester, Oxford”.

She said: “I just couldn’t understand why Cambridge, a uni town, doesn’t have these measures in place – I even saw that Peterborough had recently applied for an Article 4 Direction.”

At least 27 local authorities have also limited HMOs to a threshold of 10 per cent of properties within a certain radius – usually 50 to 100 metres – and Donna is calling for Cambridge to do the same.

She started a petition which has more than 100 signatures at the time of writing and you can visit here. Even with the council considering options, she said it’s “even more important now” to sign the petition to show there is support for the measure.

She said: “It’s not saying we want to stop HMOs – we really welcome students who have always been a part of our community, or tenants perhaps struggling with unaffordable rents. I know tenants who have come to us in the residents’ association to ask, ‘can you do anything? Our landlord won’t do anything’ – it’s the landlords, not the tenants.”

Donna said she hopes the stricter regulations will deter “speculative applications” from “potential venture capitalist developers”.

She said: “I’m very pleased and want to say thank you to the councillors who are supporting this – I think it’s fantastic and hope they can work together to do something.”

Major fashion retailer Leading Labels has announced it is closing all of its stores across the UK after falling into liquidation.

The chain was founded in 1993 and sells major fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Wrangler, Joules, and Ben Sherman at a discount.

After 33 years, it has confirmed that its remaining 15 shops will close as it launches closing-down sales across all branches.

The Leading Labels website has also gone offline, with additional reports suggesting that the company’s customer service phone line and email are no longer working.

According to the Retail Gazette, Jeremy Bleazard of XL Business Solutions Limited was appointed as liquidator at the end of May and the chain had overdue accounts listed on Companies House as far back as 2024.

Which Leading Labels shops are closing?

All of the retail chain’s remaining 15 stores are set to close across the UK, although official closure dates have yet to be confirmed.

The branches set to close include:

• Basildon
• Boston
• Bury
• Carlisle
• Cleethorpes
• Clowne
• Evesham
• Hornsea
• Ipswich
• Kidderminster
• Lincoln
• Norwich
• Stevenage
• Balloch (Scotland)
• Cumbernauld (Scotland)

What’s happening on the UK high street?

The Leading Labels closures are the latest to hit the UK high street as chains big and small continue to suffer difficulties.

Yesterday, the first seven of 100 planned Morrisons Daily shop closures were confirmed, coming days after accessories brand Radley announced that it will be closing all of its stores across the nation.

Last month also saw Quiz announce multiple store closures while restaurant chains like Franco Manca and The Real Greek confirmed closures.

Over the last few months, closures have also been confirmed for Claire’s Accessories, bank chain Santander, and popular London clothing shop Gandys.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs could face fresh criminal charges in California after authorities confirmed they are reviewing allegations made by celebrity publicist Jonathan Hay, despite the rapper already serving time in federal prison.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this week that both the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have submitted investigative presentations relating to claims made by a single alleged victim.

According to Venusse D. Dunn, chief of communications for the DA’s office, the case remains under review.

The alleged victim is publicist Jonathan Hay, who filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in July 2025 accusing the music mogul of sexual battery, according to the Daily Mail.

Combs has denied all allegations against him.

In a statement previously provided to CNN, attorney Jonathan Davis, representing Combs, said: ‘As Mr. Combs’s legal team has repeatedly stated for over a year now, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a media circus.’

He continued: ‘Let me make it absolutely clear, Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided – and not in the media – based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations.’

Hay, meanwhile, described himself as a ‘survivor’ in a statement to the Daily Mail following confirmation of the criminal review.

‘Having my painful experiences heard and validated by the LAPD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is an undeniable turning point,’ he said.

‘This progress marks a significant victory in my fight for total accountability. I am certain that justice will be achieved and that full responsibility will be enforced.’

According to Hay’s lawsuit, the alleged incidents took place in Los Angeles in 2020 and 2021 while he was working on a remix tribute project connected to late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. alongside the rapper’s son, CJ Wallace.

The lawsuit alleges that during one studio session in September 2020, Combs criticised the music being produced and encouraged Hay to take ketamine.

Hay further claims he later accompanied Combs and members of his entourage to a Los Angeles warehouse where clothing belonging to The Notorious B.I.G. was being stored before donation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Hay alleges in the civil filing that he was then left alone with Combs, who allegedly masturbated onto one of the late rapper’s shirts and ordered him to ‘finish him off’. The lawsuit further alleges Combs threw the shirt at him afterward.

A second alleged incident outlined in the lawsuit claims Combs forcibly made Hay perform oral sex in March 2021.

Wallace has denied allegations that he or others conspired to facilitate any assault.

According to court filings cited by the Daily Mail, Wallace later filed a defamation lawsuit against Hay, accusing him of engaging in a ‘smear campaign’ after disputes over unreleased music connected to The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate.

In a statement to CNN, Wallace’s attorney Jeremiah Reynolds said: ‘Jonathan Hay’s allegations against CJ Wallace will be shown to be a complete fantasy, totally devoid of reality. We look forward to Hay eventually being held liable in court for defamation.’

The developments come as Combs continues serving a federal prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.

He was found not guilty of more serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

He is currently expected to remain in custody until 2028.

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Manchester United star Harry Maguire looks set for a role at the World Cup even after being omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad

Harry Maguire is reportedly set to appear on the The Rest is Football podcast over the World Cup after being left out of the England squad. The Manchester United star was controversially omitted from the list of 26 players named by Thomas Tuchel travelling to the United States, but he will still have a role at the tournament.

Following an impressive season at Old Trafford, Maguire looked to be a shoo-in for one of the defender spots. However, Tuchel opted to take Dan Burn, Jarrel Quansah and Djed Spence instead with Luke Shaw also left out.

An exchange between Tuchel and Maguire followed the major omission with the latter revealing he was shocked by the decision while the England boss admitted he was caught off guard by Maguire’s public response. Though he won’t be playing at the tournament, Maguire will still be making a World Cup-related appearance in the US.

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According to The Athletic, the 33-year-old is expected to be one of many guests to appear on The Rest is Football. It was confirmed earlier this year that the weekly football podcast’s production company Goalhanger had signed a £14million deal with Netflix to stream daily versions of the show.

A total of 40 episodes have been planned with Lineker to be joined by regular co-host Alan Shearer in a studio overlooking New York’s Times Square. Regular third presenter Micah Richards will be present in-person for some episodes but will mostly be back in BBC’s virtual studio in Salford.

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The World Cup kicks off in just over one week when co-host nation Mexico take on South Africa. England’s final friendly before their tournament starts takes place 24 hours earlier as the Three Lions face Costa Rica in Orlando.

Though the focus for most players is firmly on the World Cup, United have wrapped up their first summer transfer with Ederson set to join from Atalanta in a £38.8million deal.

The 26-year-old being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad allowed for negotiations to be resolved quickly with the Italian club also open to selling as he had just one year remaining on his contract.

Further midfield additions are expected by Michael Carrick’s side following the departure of Casemiro with Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, Adam Wharton and Aurelien Tchouameni as others of interest.

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United are also looking to strengthen at left-back with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall appearing as their no.1 target. Arsenal talent Myles Lewis-Skelly and El Hadji Malick Diouf of West Ham United have also been linked.

Sealing exits is another priority with Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte among those expected to depart permanently while Jadon Sanch is out of contract.

The UK’s services industry declined last month for the first time in more than a year, as hospitality and travel businesses were among those to feel the impact of the Iran war, according to new figures.

The S&P Global UK services PMI survey showed a reading of 49.3 in May, down from 52.7 in April.

Any reading above 50.0 means the sector is growing while any reading below signals it is contracting.

May’s score marked the first time business activity has decreased since April 2025.

This was mostly driven by a reduction in the amount of new work for businesses, for the third month in a row, although this was only marginal amid signs of ongoing resilience.

Firms surveyed suggested that worries about the conflict in the Middle East had led to some customers pushing back big spending decisions or cutting back on non-essential purchases.

Export sales also fell back in May, which was linked both to uncertain global economic conditions and increasing competition in major markets.

Services businesses are the dominant industry in the UK, spanning those from hospitality, leisure and travel, through to property, financial services and education.

The US-Israeli war in Iran has had significant ramifications around the world due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest waterways, since the end of February.

This has cut off the transit of key commodities such as oil and fertiliser from the Middle East and sent global prices soaring.

Businesses in the UK have felt the knock-on impact of rising prices squeezing budgets and weakening consumer sentiment, the latest PMI survey showed.

Tim Moore, economics director for S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “Many service sector companies noted that the Middle East conflict had an adverse impact on sales pipelines and general business prospects.

“Those in the hospitality and transportation sectors typically commented on squeezed discretionary spending and pressure from sharply rising input costs, while professional services firms reported a setback from rising risk aversion among clients.”

Firms were cutting jobs last month at the fastest rate since February, partly in response to higher labour and business costs, according to the survey.

Respondents said it was costing more to run their business, largely because of higher energy, fuel and transport costs.

But Mr Moore added that businesses making investments into technology services was a “bright spot for parts of the service economy” last month.

Matt Swannell, chief economic adviser to the Item Club, said: “We think the economy will continue to lose momentum and flirt with recession in the second half of the year.

“Rising energy bills and a deteriorating jobs market will squeeze households’ spending power further.

“Meanwhile, tighter financial conditions, elevated costs, and prolonged uncertainty will lead businesses to postpone or cancel some investment plans.”

Officers were called to several people fighting in the street on Langdale Place shortly before 4.30pm on Monday (June 1).

Footage taken from the scene shows an armed officer clad in all black pointing a gun towards a home as other officers stood nearby watching on.

Durham Police has confirmed that seven people, aged between 15 and 36-years-old, were  arrested on suspicion of affray and taken into police custody. 

They remained there as of yesterday afternoon.

No-one is believed to have been injured following the disturbance. 

The force said enquiries are now ongoing but officers believe all those involved are known to each other and there is no threat to the wider public.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident reference 291 of June 1.

Clems Food to Go, based in Westwood Road, is set to close its doors this Friday, June 5, after being open for 13 years.

A popular Newmains store is announcing it is shutting up shop.

Clems Food to Go, based in Westwood Road, is set to close its doors this Friday, June 5, after being open for 13 years.

Customers are being asked to pop along this Friday to say their fond farewells.

A post on the Cambusnethan Community Facebook page states: “If you haven’t already heard, Clems in Newmains will be closing its doors on Friday.

“We would love to give them the send-off they truly deserve and are asking the people of Newmains and the surrounding community to come along and show their support.

“Clems has been part of the community for many years, serving generations of local people. It would mean so much to the staff if members of the community could stop by on Friday, share their memories, and help celebrate everything the shop has meant to Newmains over the years.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported the shop and its staff throughout the years. Let’s give them a farewell they’ll never forget.”

Customers took to social media to thanks the Clems team for all their hard work down the years.

One person said: “So sad, Tony and his wife will be missed best shop around and the friendliest staff I’ve had the pleasure to be served by.”

Another said: “I’ve been going here since I was a wee lassie. Good luck for whatever happens after this.”

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Emergency services were called to the service station on Tuesday (June 2) evening

Emergency services were called to a gas leak in a Cambridgeshire city. The Glinton service station in Peterborough was closed just after 5pm on Tuesday (June 2).

Cambridgeshire Police and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue both attended the scene, as surrounding roads were closed off. A police spokesperson said: “We were called to Glinton Service Station at 5.12pm yesterday to reports of a gas leak, alongside our emergency service colleagues. The leak was contained and the road closures have now been lifted.”

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue have been approached for more information.

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