Their car plunged 100 feet into a ravine off the A7 motorway in Malaga last month

An Irish couple who tragically lost their lives in a road tragedy in Spain will be laid to rest this Thursday.

Michaela Newcombe, Amy McCullagh and her brother-in-law Mark McCullagh, who were all from Mullingar in Co Westmeath, died when their car plunged 100 feet into a ravine off the A7 motorway in Malaga in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 28.

Mark’s brother, Ian McCullagh, 35, who was married to Amy, was seriously injured but survived the horror crash. He remains critically ill in hospital in Spain, reports the Irish Mirror.

Michaela will lay in repose at Gilsenan’s Funeral Home in Westmeath on Wednesday from 3.30pm concluding with prayers at 6.30pm.

Her funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 11am in the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium Cavan at 2.30pm.

Mark will lay in repose at the family home at 231, Greenpark Meadows on Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. His family have requested the house be private at all other times.

His funeral mass will also take place on Thursday at 2pm in the Cathedral of Christ the King followed by burial in Ballyglass Cemetery.

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The heartbroken families of Michaela, Mark and Amy have also united in an emotional appeal asking people to support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which is helping bring their loved ones home so they can be laid to rest.

Their grieving families are asking people to support the trust, whose vital work helps return the remains of Irish people who die overseas, giving grieving families the chance to bring their loved ones home.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

“This can sap the enthusiasm of even the most dedicated volunteer” says founder

An appeal has been made to Belfast Council after a man was caught in the act trashing a much treasured restored alleyway in South Belfast.

Volunteers who set up the charming “Foxglove Alley” in Stranmillis have called upon the council to adopt a policy of emergency clean ups for those alleys that have been restored by the local community. In the last ten days the alley has been rubbished six times.

CCTV footage was taken of a man in his 60’s lifting several full binbags taken from a nearby bin, and scattering the contents all over the alley, then scavenging for keepsakes among the rubbish.

READ MORE: Irish signs to be put up in unionist parts of Belfast streets after U-turn

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Foxglove Alley is a volunteer-led community project dedicated to regenerating an adopted alleyway since late 2024. Residents meet monthly, sometimes more frequently, to garden, tidy and maintain the space.

Founder Olivia McIntyre has called for a dedicated team from City Hall that can be contacted to advise and respond quickly to similar acts.

She said: “What was once an unloved, neglected alley that people actively avoided has been transformed into a welcoming community hub where neighbours connect and take pride in their local environment.

“The project’s success is driven by a small but dedicated group of volunteers whose resilience and determination have helped overcome ongoing challenges such as fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. Their efforts continue to improve the area, strengthen community spirit and create a greener, more welcoming place for everyone.”

She said: “What we’ve learned from this experience is that one person can undo our group’s many hours of hard work in seconds. This can sap the enthusiasm of even the most dedicated volunteer. We rely on a small but mighty team of volunteers to give up their time to help.

“That’s why the support of the council is essential. We’re hoping the council will appoint a dedicated team that can advise and respond quickly to this sort of event to nip such behaviour in the bud.

“Without this support, we fear many projects will stall at the early stages. That would be such a pity because we know just how positive an impact this and other alleyways have made. All the work is worth it, we see it every time we walk down our now beautiful, flowering alleyway.”

She added: “The council is aiming to achieve the goal of transforming hundreds of alleyways under the Belfast Alleyway Transformation programme. Building community resilience will be essential if the scheme is to leave a permanent legacy across the city.”

She said: “This recent spate of anti-social behaviour has been very disheartening, but hasn’t weakened our resolve, if anything it has made us more determined than ever to look after the space.”

Belfast has been selected as one of only 24 cities worldwide to receive $1 million (approximately £750,000) through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge 2025 – 2026, supporting an ambitious programme to transform how the council and neighbourhoods work together to manage and improve the network of alleyways across the city. Residents can contact Email alleywaytransformation@belfastcity.gov.uk to express an interest in the funding.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER and IZZY MARTIN and OLLIE SALT AT DALLAS STADIUM

Updated: 20:10 BST, 6 July 2026

A parish council said the concerns are ‘being taken seriously’

Police have increased patrols in a Cambridgeshire village following several concerns that were raised regarding anti-social behaviour. Cottenham Parish Council said it is aware of “many residents” being worried about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village.

It said these concerns are “being taken seriously”. Cambridgeshire Police said they are aware of recent incidents in Cottenham involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.

Police were also called to reports of a quad bike and motorbike being “ridden recklessly” across a village recreation ground on Wednesday, June 3. Cottenham Parish Council previously claimed that the incident caused damage and created a “serious safety concern”.

The council, who said the vehicles were being driven “recklessly”, reported the incident to the police who received “quite a few” calls about it. Officers attended but those involved had left the area, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

In a new statement, Cottenham Parish Council said: “We know many residents are concerned about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village, and we’d like to reassure everyone that these concerns are being taken seriously.

“The Parish Council has been in regular contact with our Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we are working closely together regarding the issues that have been reported.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority for many of our neighbourhood policing teams across Cambridgeshire, and we know it’s something residents want us to focus on.

“While we don’t believe Cottenham has higher levels of anti-social behaviour than similar villages, we are aware of a small number of recent reports involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.”

The police force and parish council has urged anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour to report it to Cambridgeshire Police by calling 101 or reporting it online. Cottenham Parish Council added: “Every report helps to build a clearer picture and supports any action that may be taken.”

The crash happened just as Derby Street becomes St Helens Road between Willows Lane and Florence Street in Daubhill just before 10.20pm on Saturday, July 4.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the following day that the crash had involved an off-road bike and a stationary car.

They said that a biker was taken to hospital with serious injuries while two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.

In a further update at the start of this week, a force spokesperson confirmed that the two men will face no further action, while the injured biker is no longer in a “life threatening” condition.

The crash happened on Saturday night (Image: Public)

The crash on St Helens Road sparked a concerned reaction from residents nearby as crowds gathered, while calls have been made for improved road safety in the area.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Cllr Ayyub Patel, of Rumworth, said: “Road safety is one of the top priorities that residents raise with me and this is another example of just how important it is to make sure our roads are kept safe.”

He added: “There is no wider risk to the community and the police presence in the area is simply part of the investigation.”

The Bolton News understands that AI footage purporting to show the events of the crash had been circulating on social media over the weekend.

Two men were arrested at the scene (Image: Public)

Cllr Patel has said that what it claims to show is not accurate and is disproven by CCTV footage.

As of Sunday morning, the scene had cleared and traffic was able to pass through freely.

Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, also of Rumworth, said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this serious collision, and I wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.

“Since being elected in May, road safety has been one of my top priorities.

“I have consistently raised concerns about speeding, anti-social driving and pedestrian safety across Rumworth, particularly around Higher Swan Lane, Bridgeman Street and the approaches to Sunning Hill Primary School.

“This latest incident reinforces why we cannot wait until serious collisions occur before taking action.

“I have already secured commitments from the Council to review areas where residents have raised persistent safety concerns and to consider extending the borough’s Anti-Social Driving Programme to Higher Swan Lane and Bridgeman Street, subject to funding.

“I will continue working with residents, highways officers and Greater Manchester Police to press for further safety improvements and investment to better protect motorists, pedestrians and local communities.”

Two men have been arrested and police are appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Officers were called to Coniston Avenue, Farnworth, at around 4.30pm yesterday, July 5.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault, while a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray.

During the disturbance, police say a man in his 30s sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing and later went to the hospital.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, and he has since been discharged from the hospital.

Detective Inspector Neil Moss of Bolton CID said: “We are currently investigating all aspects of the incident and are urging anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

“We understand that incidents of this nature can cause concern, and we’d like to reassure the community our investigation is progressing at pace.”

Zendaya nailed method dressing yet again as she channeled her The Odyssey character Athena at the star-studded world premiere held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Monday night.

The actress, 29, turned heads in a dramatic sculpted corset as she posed up a storm at the event ahead of the film’s July 17 release.

Zendaya plays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft in Christopher Nolan’s epic film.

Her character serves as the divine protector and guide for Odysseus (Matt Damon) during his arduous journey home from the Trojan War.

The white corset top of her dress then flowed into a sheer sparkly skirt and a matching choker completed the look.

Her husband Tom Holland, who plays Telemachus – Odysseus’s son and the prince of Ithaca, was also in attendance and looked smart in a dark blue suit. The pair confirmed they were married last month.

Pregnant leading lady Anne Hathaway, 43, meanwhile dazzled in a strapless blue gown which showed off her blossoming bump. She plays Penelope in the movie.

She opted for two stunning themed outfits as she posed with her co-stars at the premiere in London

The actress, 29, turned heads in a dramatic sculpted corset as she posed up a storm at the event ahead of the film’s July 17 release

Zendaya’s husband Tom Holland , who plays Telemachus – Odysseus’s son and the prince of Ithaca, was also in attendance and looked smart in a dark blue suit

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The entire cast were present at the event including Lupita Nyong’o, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Matt Damon and his wife, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel, director Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas.

The Christopher-fronted film is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic the Odyssey, which sees the titular Greek King embark on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War in a bid to reunite with his beloved wife Penelope.

Despite the film being in the trusted hands of Oscar-winning director Christopher, fans haven’t quite got to grips with the casting yet.

In what has been dubbed his ‘most extreme project to date’ alongside an incredibly starry cast – the pressure for Christopher to win over critics is like no other.

Already known for his impressive art and high-budget fare, Christopher’s latest film could prove to be his most ambitious yet, with the $250million budget the most expensive of his career, his first shot entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras.

Lead stars Matt and Anne have joined forces with Zendaya, Tom, Lupita, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, and Travis Scott as well as Elliot Page.

Matt is starring as the titular hero Odysseus, while Devil Wears Prada icon Anne plays his devoted queen, who is forced to fend off potential suitors in her husband’s absence.

Yet the film has received heaps of attention for all the wrong reasons – sparking backlash over its ‘bizarre’ casting, being accused of fuelling ‘brutal repression’ and sending Elon Musk into meltdown.

Zendaya plays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft in Christopher Nolan’s epic film

Her character serves as the divine protector and guide for Odysseus (Matt Damon) during his arduous journey home from the Trojan War

The white corset top of her dress then flowed into a sheer sparkly skirt and a matching choker completed the look

Zendaya is no stranger to method dressing 

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She added a silver choker 

She wore her hair in pretty braids 

She later changed into a skimpy leaf design dress (L-R: Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong’o) 

The skimpy green dress showed off her toned midriff

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Pregnant leading lady Anne Hathaway, 43, meanwhile dazzled in a strapless blue gown which showed off her blossoming bump. She plays Penelope in the movie

She looked happier than ever after announcing her pregnancy last month

She looked stunning in the blue chiffon dress

Anne announced her pregnancy last month

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She added a pop of colour with a red lip

Charlize Theron dazzled in a black velvet dress with dramatic white gloves 

She showed off plenty of leg in the daring number 

Christopher recently defended his decision to cast Kenyan actress Nyong’o in the movie after Musk called the casting ‘historically inaccurate’.

Lupita, 43, is set to play Helen of Troy’s sister Clytemnestra, and was named People Magazine’s ‘Most Beautiful Woman’ in 2014 following her triumphant Best Supporting Actress Oscar win for 12 Years A Slave.

Nolan defended his castings, saying: ‘Hopefully they’ll enjoy the film, even if they don’t agree with everything. The oldest depictions of Homeric characters tend to be depicted in the manner of people living in Homer’s time…

‘So there’s a pretty strong case there for portraying things that way because that’s the way the first audience received the story.’

Musk was called out for his remarks about the casting in January by The View host Sunny Hostin. 

She said: ‘Anyone can portray a fictional character. It doesn’t have to be a white person that plays this part.’

Matt Damon and his wife Luciana posed together 

The pair looked as loved-up as ever 

Lupita Nyong’o poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film The Odyssey

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She put on a racy display in a sheer silver number 

She looked great in the revealing dress

Travis Scott attending the Odyssey world premiere in Leicester Square

Jameela Jamil and her partner James Blake were also in attendance 

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Mia Goth wore a sparkly white dress and black heels to boost her height 

Robert Pattinson wore a smart light grey suit

Tom looked in great spirits as he arrived 

Elliot Page also stars in the film and wore a brown suit 

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Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and Zendaya

The main cast all posed together

Tom looked in great spirits as he posed with Anne and Lupita

She added: ‘I think we have to call a thing a thing when we’re talking about someone like Elon Musk… We know what this is. 

‘He is a white supremacist. In my view, he is a racist.’

Emmy-winner Alec Baldwin has since weighed in on Musk’s anti-woke campaign against Nolan’s movie. 

In a public display of support for Lupita and Nolan, Baldwin wrote on Instagram: ‘Dear Elon… but she IS the most beautiful woman in the world…Alec’.

THERE are some artists who seem forever tethered to a particular moment in time.

David Gray, who played The Piece Hall, Halifax, last night, could easily have been one of them.

After all, White Ladder was the soundtrack to countless lives at the turn of the millennium, an album so ubiquitous that it threatened to overshadow everything that followed.

Having last played York in March 2019, Gray appears to have outgrown The Barbican, his current tour playing to 5,000-plus audiences including Scarborough’s Open-Air Theatre over the weekend.

Tonight, on a warm summer evening at Halifax’s magnificent Piece Hall, Gray demonstrated why he has endured far beyond the era that made him famous.

Review – David Gray, The Piece Hall, Halifax, July 5, 2026

I bought Gray’s debut album on its release date in April 1993 from Bradley’s Records, Halifax and reminiscing with my brother before the show, recalled seeing him at a marquee in Castlefield in 1994 and at pubs and clubs in Birmingham, London, Oxford and Derby in subsequent years.

However, this was not a nostalgia trip but a reminder that, more than three decades into his career, David Gray remains one of Britain’s most distinctive and emotionally compelling singer-songwriters.

The historic courtyard was packed to capacity as Gray arrived in Halifax on his Past & Present world tour, delivering a set that balanced the familiar with the lesser known. The setting could hardly have been more fitting. As dusk settled over the 18th-century walls, Gray’s weathered voice carried effortlessly across the crowd, retaining the raw emotional power that has always been his greatest asset.

Review – David Gray, The Piece Hall, Halifax, July 5, 2026

Opening with the confidence of a performer who knows he has a catalogue people genuinely care about, Gray moved through a career-spanning selection that showcased both his songwriting depth and his refusal to stand still creatively.

Songs such as Be Mine, My Oh My and You’re The World To Me were greeted like old friends, while newer material sat comfortably alongside the classics.

What has always distinguished Gray from many of his contemporaries is his ability to make large spaces feel intimate. Even in front of thousands, there was something deeply personal about the performance. He rarely resorted to grand gestures, instead allowing the songs to do the work. The audience responded in kind, hanging on his every word.

The inevitable highlights came from White Ladder. Please Forgive Me, White Ladder itself and the ever beautiful This Year’s Love prompted waves of recognition across the courtyard.

Yet these songs felt refreshed rather than preserved, benefitting from arrangements that reflected the years Gray has spent refining them on stage.

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Then came the moment everyone knew was coming. As the opening notes of Babylon rang out, the Piece Hall became one giant choir. Thousands of voices joined Gray for a singalong that bordered on the spiritual, a collective release that encapsulated everything live music does at its best. It was one of those moments that will live long in the memory of those fortunate enough to be there.

Review – David Gray, The Piece Hall, Halifax, July 5, 2026

Closing with a beautifully delivered Sail Away, Gray left the stage to sustained applause and the kind of appreciative roar reserved for artists who have earned their audience over decades rather than seasons.

The Piece Hall has hosted no shortage of stellar performances this summer, but David Gray’s appearance felt particularly special.

Perhaps it was the setting, perhaps it was the songs, or perhaps it was the reminder that great songwriting never really ages.

Whatever the reason, Halifax witnessed an artist still operating at the height of his powers.

Review by Gareth John / Photos by Cuffe and Taylor

Former girlband star and LMFAO collaborator Lauren Bennett has died aged 37.

Bennett was best known for her feature spot on 2011 chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem, and her time in band GRL. 

Her ex-bandmates confirmed her death in a heartbreaking statement on Monday which read, ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren.

‘Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. 

‘Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.

‘Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLS, Em, Tash, and P.’

Bennett was best known for her feature spot on 2011 chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem – pictured with LMFAO’s Redfoo and Skyblu in 2011

The death comes 12 years after Bennett’s GRL bandmate Simone Battle (seen center in 2013) died by suicide aged 25 – Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula Van Oppen also pictured

A cause of death has not been publicly announced. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Bennett for further comment. 

Bennett’s final Instagram post was shared on February 22 and showed the singer performing a cover of Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made For Walkin’. 

The death comes 12 years after Bennett’s GRL bandmate Simone Battle died by suicide aged 25. 

The band, created as a reboot of the Pussycat Dolls and formed by Robin Antin, was also comprised of Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula Van Oppen.

Bennett is survived by one daughter, Harlow, aged six, who she shares with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald.

The English singer first landed in the music industry in short-lived girl group, The Paradiso Girls, featuring members from different countries.

The group included Chelsea Korka from the United States, Aria Crescendo from France, Shar Mae Amor from the Philippines, and Bennett and Kelly Beckett from the United Kingdom.

They released debut single Patron Tequila featuring Lil Jon and Eve in 2009 – but later disbanded in 2010.

Her biggest hit came in 2011 with Party Rock Anthem, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts for six weeks.

She later became the first member of Antin’s newest band, later known as GRL. 

Her ex-bandmates confirmed her death in a heartbreaking statement on Monday which read, ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren’

Bennett is survived by one daughter, Harlow, aged six, who she shares with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald, 41

Bennett is pictured in the 2011 music video for Party Rock Anthem

Bennett is pictured at the 2011 American Music Awards

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GRL collaborated with Pitbull on 2014 song Wild Wild Love – pictured performing at the iHeartRadio Music Awards

The English singer first landed in the music industry in short-lived girl group, The Paradiso Girls, featuring members from different countries – pictured 2010 with members Chelsea Korka, Aria Crescendo, Kelly Beckett and Shar Mae Amor

Bennett is pictured with mentor and GRL creator Robin Antin in 2012

The group sang song Vacation for the Smurfs 2 soundtrack, joining pop legend Britney Spears on the track list.

GRL later collaborated with Pitbull on 2014 song, Wild Wild Love. Their biggest hit as a group was Ugly Heart which peaked at 2 on the Australian charts. 

Battle died in September 2014 with the band releasing tribute single Lighthouse in January 2015. On 2 June 2015, the group officially disbanded.

In 2015, months after the suicide of Battle, Bennett spoke out on her grief and opened up the group’s final rehearsal as a five. 

‘You can never prepare yourself for something like this, ever,’ Bennett told PEOPLE.

‘We’d just been in rehearsals the day before, learning choreography for our show, and the next day we were starting the morning as usual when we got the call.’ 

 ‘I still can’t believe it. I don’t think any of us can. It’s weird that we’re even sitting here, talking about it.’

Van Oppen said that time has allowed them to regroup and process what happened to Battle.

‘She was such a strong woman, and very independent, and we had no idea what she was going through, or her pain,’ Van Oppen says. 

‘We admire how prideful she was, but now we just wish she’d let us in a little bit so maybe we could have helped her. 

‘Now we want to spread that message that it’s okay to talk about, and help people, maybe even change the world.’  

Following Battle’s death, TMZ reported that she was ‘depressed over money issues’.

Bennett later briefly reformed GRL with Slayton and new member Jazzy Mejia in 2016, and released track, Are We Good? – but the band later ended once again – pictured 2016

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Her family said they didn’t understand her money struggles because she was enjoying success with the girl group, including a collaboration with Pitbull, and had just finished a tour overseas at the time.

The family also reportedly told police that Battle had been worried she would never make it big.

Battle first started singing professionally after her breakout on the U.S. version of the X Factor in 2011. She made it to the top 17 and was mentored by judge Simon Cowell.

Bennett later briefly reformed GRL with Slayton and new member Jazzy Mejia in 2016, and released track, Are We Good? – but the band later ended once again.