Jack Moate, aged nine, died less than two months after a significant operation

A pre-inquest hearing has been held into the death of a nine-year-old boy who died after being operated on by a now-suspended Cambridge surgeon. Jack Moate, nine, died less than two months after being operated on by Kuldeep Stohr, who specialises in paediatric surgery.

A pre-inquest hearing was held on Monday, June 8 at Vantage House in Huntingdon by Senior Coroner David Heming. Mr Heming described the case as “complex” as concerns were raised about the “competence of the surgeon”. The case was referred to the coroner, after a review found “evidence that fatal physical harm was caused”.

A representative acting on behalf of Jack’s mother Elizabeth Moate questioned the “serious” concern raised about the “competence of the surgery and surgeon” which may have led to Jack being in a “precarious position”. The question of who ought to have known about the surgeon’s competence is due to be discussed in a future hearing.

The pre-inquest heard that Jack had a “very stormy” post-operation recovery. The court will ask whether “fatal harm was caused” by the surgery.

The decision as to whether the inquest would be an Article 2 inquest – considers whether an official body may have failed to protect an individual’s life – will be decided at a further hearing. A decision on whether a jury will be used has not yet been made.

Stephen Moate, the father, Mrs Moate, and the Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) have been identified as interested persons by the coroner. A suggestion was also made for the Care Quality Commission and the GP Surgery to be identified as interested persons.

Witness statements and identification of experts are expected to “take a while”. A pre-inquest review is set to take place in early 2027 before a final hearing in late 2027, although a date is yet to be confirmed.

Mr Heming expressed his condolences to the family for the Jack’s “tragic” death. An assistant coroner is due to take over the case. A tribute by Jack’s family previously said that “his smile is imprinted forever on our heart”.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s latest strikes on Lebanon and Iran have made clear that U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who started the war in lockstep, want different things.

Trump had publicly warned Israel not to strike Beirut in its war with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. When it did, on Sunday, Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles at Israel for the first time since the April ceasefire. Israel then struck Iran, with which Trump has been engaged in weeks of high-stakes negotiations.

The fighting has since died down, but the differences between the two leaders are likely to persist.

That’s because Trump, whose party faces elections later this year, wants to wind down an unpopular war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease gas prices. Iran says a full ceasefire in Lebanon is key to any deal.

Netanyahu, who also faces elections this year, is under pressure to stop Hezbollah’s attacks and prove that he is winning the war with Iran and its allies. He also needs to manage relations with Israel’s most important ally without appearing to kowtow to it.

Political considerations push in opposite directions

When the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, the allies appeared shoulder to shoulder.

Netanyahu said the goal was to degrade the Islamic Republic’s military, eradicate its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and topple its government. Trump announced the death of Iran’s supreme leader in the opening barrage and urged Iranians to “take back” their country.

But it soon became clear that while Trump was seeking a quick win — like the one he secured in Venezuela — Netanyahu wanted to vanquish Iran and its allies, even if it required an extended conflict.

As Iran withstood weeks of heavy strikes and kept the Strait of Hormuz closed, Americans and Israelis grew increasingly frustrated — but for different reasons.

In the U.S., the price of gas and other goods soared as even some erstwhile supporters accused Trump of breaking a campaign promise and plunging the U.S. into another Mideast quagmire. He has pushed back against those critics as rising anger threatens Republicans in November’s congressional elections.

In Israel, anger grew over Netanyahu’s failure to secure a lasting victory in the wars sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, which happened on his watch. More than two years on, Hamas still rules part of Gaza, Hezbollah still fires rockets and Iran’s government and nuclear program remain intact, despite heavy losses.

The collision course runs through Lebanon, where fighting still rages between Israel and Hezbollah despite ceasefire announcements.

Iran wants Lebanon included in any wider regional truce, a demand Trump seems to have accepted in order to get a deal. Iran has threatened to attack Israel again if it keeps striking Lebanon.

Israel is determined to keep the theaters separate and continue its campaign in Lebanon, where it has occupied large swaths of the south, until the threat from Hezbollah has been eliminated.

The tensions spilled into the open last week, when Trump acknowledged holding a tense call with Netanyahu about Lebanon. He admitted to using expletives and calling the Israeli leader “crazy,” saying he’d grown frustrated that Israel’s war on Hezbollah threatened the Iran talks.

In a series of interviews, Trump made clear that he was not happy about Israel’s Sunday strike in Beirut, which came without warning and hit a residential building, killing two people and wounding 20, according to Lebanese authorities.

He then urged restraint from Israel after Iran launched its first barrage of missiles later that day. “I call all the shots,” not Netanyahu, Trump told the Financial Times.

Hours later, Israel bombed Iran.

Officials downplay differences

Trump had initially urged restraint in order to calm markets and keep negotiations from falling apart, according to a person familiar with the U.S.-Israel deliberations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive conversations.

Israeli officials made the counterargument that the U.S. would not tolerate attacks without a swift response. The person added that it was also understood by both sides that not responding to the Iranian strikes would put Netanyahu in a difficult position politically.

Netanyahu has downplayed any perceived differences.

After the latest strikes, he told reporters in Hebrew that “Israel has a full right to self-defense, and we are exercising it to the extent necessary.”

“I say this to you, just as I say this, with appreciation and respect, in my good conversations with my friend, President Trump,” he added.

It’s unclear if there will be lasting damage

It’s not the first time that Trump has been publicly at odds with Netanyahu about a military operation.

In March, less than three weeks into the conflict, Trump was riled by Netanyahu’s decision to attack a critical Iranian gas field, which prompted Iran to retaliate against energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

“I told him, ’Don’t do that,’” Trump said at the time. “We get along great. It’s coordinated, but on occasion he’ll do something.”

While Trump publicly disagreed with the decision, two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly said the U.S. was made aware of Israel’s plans ahead of the attack.

It’s unclear whether the latest dispute will cause lasting damage.

“It’s not so uncommon for the U.S.-Israel relationship to have these kinds of tensions. What’s so different right now is how publicly it’s playing out,” said Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

He noted that Trump has had similar public spats with other heads of state, including close allies.

Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations at Israel’s Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities, said he doubted the rift seriously threatened the alliance. He said Netanyahu had been careful not to push things too far.

“If there was a big threat, like if Israel were to continue the war in Iran and drag the U.S. into it, that would have been a different situation,” he said. “But that is not happening.”

He noted, though, that there are still “basic disagreements between Netanyahu and Trump on Iran, Lebanon and Gaza” that remain unanswered.

___

Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed.

Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who is attending the scene, has said in an update on London Fire Brigade’s website: “Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of refuse alight at a recycling centre.

“Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Loose embers have also been reported, which is normal during large fires. Residents are advised to pour water onto them if they are concerned about loose embers on or near their properties, but if they do catch something alight, don’t hesitate to call 999.”

Police were called to the scene on Sunday evening

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Detectives have launched a murder investigation in Essex after the death of a 12-year-old boy. Emergency services were called to Ashwells Road, Brentwood on Sunday evening (June 7).

Police attended at around 5.40pm, and the boy was found with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital for immediate treatment where he has since died. His family and loved ones are being supported by specialist police officers.

A boy aged 15 and a man aged 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody for questioning EssexLive reports. The pair are both from the Pilgrims Hatch area.

A cordon remains at the scene in Brentwood and is expected to remain for some time. Multiple police vehicles were on the small lane earlier on June 8.

DCI Louise Metcalfe of Essex Police’s serious crime unit said: “Our first thoughts are of course with the family of the boy who has tragically died after this incident. By its very nature, this is an evolving investigation which has a number of complexities and will take some time to work through and cannot be rushed.

“We’re working hard to build a full picture of the circumstances around it, and I’d like to thank those who have already come forward to provide their accounts of what happened. To residents who we have not yet spoken to, I would urge you to please review any CCTV you have from 8am on Sunday, 7 June, right through to 7pm, and please get in touch through our dedicated public portal, which has been set up for this incident.

“Although we remain in the early stages of this investigation, we are confident this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing risk to the community.”

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher added: “I’m acutely aware that this incident is likely to have a significant impact in our community, and I know the investigation team is doing everything possible to fully understand the circumstances and progress this appropriately.

“The loss of a child is every parent’s nightmare, and I would ask that this family’s privacy is fully respected at this time, both in person and online. Our key local partners have also been updated on this incident.”

A ‘targeted operation’ took place over the weekend

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Police in Wigan have seized nine e-bikes and e-scooters during a crackdown this weekend.

During the ‘targeted operation’ police seized the vehicles in Ince, Hindley and nearby areas.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Over the weekend, officers carried out a targeted operation in Hindley, Ince and surrounding areas focusing on the illegal use of electric bikes (E-bikes) and e-scooters, which have been linked to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity across the locality.

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“As a result of proactive patrols and enforcement, 9 vehicles were seized. These seizures form part of our ongoing efforts to tackle nuisance riding, improve road safety, and disrupt crime.

“We recognise that some people may disagree with the seizure of e-scooters and bikes. However, the fact remains that they are not permitted for use on public highways, and their misuse continues to be a regular concern raised by residents at our community police surgeries. We are listening to those concerns and taking action where necessary.

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“We understand the impact illegal vehicle use can have on our communities and remain committed to tackling these issues head-on.

“If you have any information about crime in your area contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your continued support.”

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The confidential discussion has locked in a tourism facilitator for the next two years for the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geo-park

A major tourism plan for a Unesco area in Northern Ireland has been approved behind closed doors.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee agreed to the business case, but has kept the public and media outside.

The confidential discussion has locked in a tourism facilitator for the next two years for the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geo-park.

READ MORE: Council CEO denies ‘media blackout’ of King’s visit to Co Down.

READ MORE: NI councils’ first unionist chairperson announcement hailed a ‘historic day’ by DUP councillor.

In open session, committee chairperson Killian Feehan said: “The Sustainable Tourism Network, on proposal of Councillor Glyn Hanna and seconded by Councillor Terry Andrews, it was agreed to approve the business case, procurement and the appointment of a facilitator to deliver the Mourne Gullion Strangford Sustainable Tourism Network programme of work over a two year term.”

The wide area of Mourne Gullion Strangford, was designated a Unesco Geo-park n May 2023.

According to its website, the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Sustainable Tourism Network includes representatives from the food and drink sector, outdoor activity providers, accommodation providers, cultural and heritage organisations, and tour guides.

A study is currently under way to explore how the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark has developed a successful sustainable destination model and how that could be applied within Mourne Gullion Strangford.

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

The fly-tip included household items and construction materials

A pile of fly-tipped rubbish has been dumped, blocking a Cambridgeshire footpath. A passerby reported seeing the discarded items on a public footpath that sits on the western edge of Yaxley near Wykes Road on Sunday, June 7.

The pile appeared to include household items such as a suitcase and broom as well as construction materials including wooden planks and plasterboard. Tangled electrical cords or wires also seem to have been dumped.

Huntingdonshire District Council has confirmed that its team have been made aware of the fly-tip in Yaxley, near Peterborough. The team will be attending the site of the fly-tip on Monday, June 8, to search for evidence.

Local councils and the Environment Agency have powers to tackle fly-tips. This includes fixed penalties of up to £400 or prosecution.

The Huntingdonshire District Council website explains: “Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land or a highway.

“Fly tipped waste generally consists of household rubbish and waste that is difficult or expensive to get rid of, such as tyres, mattresses, household appliances and construction/DIY rubbish.”

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A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “Our team has been made aware of this fly-tip and will be attending today to search for any evidence.”

Thirty people are set to be sentenced for their part in the Ely riots. The violence began following the the deaths of two teenage boys in an electric bike collision on May 22, 2023.

Around 150 people attended the riot which saw hours of violence and vandalism take place on the streets on and near Wilson Road.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed while riding an electric bike through the streets of Ely in Cardiff. The two young boys were involved in a fatal collision and were later pronounced dead at the scene.

The mothers of the two teenagers attempted to run to their children, grief-stricken and in desperation, but their path was blocked by the police.

Moments after the collision large crowds consisting of members of the close-knit community of Ely came out to witness the horror as it unfolded.

Shock and sadness quickly turned to distress and anger at how the police were handling the scene and as rumours circulated that the police were responsible for the death of Kyrees and Harvey who had previously been pursued by a police van.

30 people will today be sentenced for their roles on the fateful day of May 22. You can get live updates from the court room here.

Seven women have made allegations of sexual exploitative and predatory behaviour against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.

The claims have been made in a joint investigation by BBC’s Panorama and The Times, and relate to historic allegations dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Before they were published, Mr Sullivan, the former West Ham Football Club co-chairman, denied all allegations, calling them “factually incorrect and entirely false”.

The claims were made by women who were young models seeking work at Mr Sullivan’s Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers. They include one who claimed Mr Sullivan asked her for sex, promising to make her one of “my regular girls” in the newspaper. The account has been called “implausible” by Mr Sullivan’s lawyers.

Another woman claimed she was scouted on the street by a female agent who then directed her to Mr Sullivan and told her to “just go in there and just do what he says”. Other women claimed Mr Sullivan attempted to pressure them in exchange for work at his newspapers.

On Monday evening, The Met Police said it was investigating a report relating to the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s”. The force said this investigation related to one alleged victim.

On Saturday, Mr Sullivan confirmed he will step down as chairman of West Ham with immediate effect to fight “false allegations” about his private life after 16 years at the helm.

“I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published,” he said in a statement. “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.

“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.

“I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.

“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football. West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.

“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect. This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.

“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.”

The BBC said the findings were a result of “a joint investigation by Panorama and The Times newspaper into the behaviour of David Sullivan, who has announced he is stepping down as co-chair and director of West Ham United Football Club. Over decades, he has made millions from pornography, newspapers and football”.

Mr Sullivan first took over West Ham with his business partner David Gold in January 2010. His tenure oversaw the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, the focus of numerous anti-board protests among club supporters. Mr Sullivan’s net worth was estimated to be around £1.2billion in 2024, according to The Times Rich List.

On its investigation, A Met spokesperson said: “We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed. As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and the appropriate enquiries carried out.”

West Ham United and Mr Sullivan’s representatives have been contacted for comment.