Manchester City defeated Arsenal to take control of the Premier League title race following an enthralling showdown at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland scored the winner in the 65th minute to settle a thrilling contest after the Gunners went agonisingly close to taking the lead.

Eberechi Eze struck the inside of the post just a couple of minutes before Haaland held off Gabriel to volley City into the lead.

It leaves City three points behind Arsenal in the title race and with the chance to go top for the first time this season on Wednesday night.

And, after Kai Havertz missed a golden chance to equalise in stoppage time, it means the title race will go right down to the wire.

Here are five talking points from Man City’s 2-1 win over the Gunners.

Erling Haaland’s ripped shirt symbolises Man City’s win

Three years ago it was the sight of Erling Haaland’s long hair flowing behind him as he celebrated the final goal of Manchester City’s thumping 4-1 over Arsenal that summed up how Pep Guardiola’s side had ripped apart Mikel Arteta’s challengers. Three years later, the sight of Haaland’s ripped undershirt, following his latest grappling duel with Gabriel Magalhaes, that symbolised another defining victory.

City were not rampant this time. Arsenal went away from that bruising defeat in April 2023 and returned stronger, physically and mentally. And yet, Haaland was still able to hold off Arsenal’s biggest and most important defender as he fired the winning goal to settle a colossal clash. Following Jeremy Doku’s surge into the box and Nico O’Reilly’s flick across goal, Haaland pounced on the chance as he held off Gabriel to volley in. In a fascinating tactical duel, City had the muscle to take a step closer to the title.

At full-time, Haaland could be seen pointing his ear and signing, “Ooooh, sometimes, I get a good feeling”. He’s been in this race before.

Should Gabriel have seen red card for Haaland ‘headbutt’?

So, turns out Gabriel was a little bit frustrated by being beaten to the ball by Haaland for the winner. In the 83rd minute, there was another flash point between the pair after Gabriel fouled Haaland from behind and the striker pushed the defender away from him when he got back to his feet.

Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a second movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time. Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides broke them up, but Gabriel was extremely fortunate that Haaland did not go down as it would likely have ended up as a red card for violent conduct.

Instead, both players were booked by referee Anthony Taylor for the altercation, while Pep Guardiola was also cautioned for his appeals. The Manchester City manager could be seen acting out a heatbutt on the touchline.

The incident was checked by VAR, according to the Premier League Match Centre. “The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.“

With a title race that is this close, however, Gabriel staying on the pitch and avoiding a three-game ban for violent conduct could be crucial. “He can thank Haaland a lot, Gabriel, for not going down and holding his nose,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.

Haaland admitted as much after the match, telling Sky Sports that he could have made more out of the contact but chose not to. “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card,” Haaland said.

Was this the moment Arsenal could have won the Premier League?

Mikel Arteta fell to his knees. In a title race of the finest margins, Kai Havertz’s header in stoppage time was the golden chance Arsenal had to take to keep the title race in their hands. Instead, Havertz headed over the top of the bar to leave Arsenal knowing they could be knocked off top spot for the first time since October on Wednesday night.

It wasn’t the only chance Arsenal had in the second half. In fact, they had two brilliant opportunities when the match was level at 1-1 – which, given how an Arsenal victory could have knocked City out of it, may have been even more critical to the outcome of the title.

In the 62nd minute, a counter-attack saw Martin Odegaard slipping Havertz through on goal with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat. But the goalkeeper stood tall and made a redemptive save, given his earlier error. Arsenal had a four-on-two but could not capitalise.

A couple of minutes later, Eberechi Eze hit the inside of the post with a curling shot from the edge of the box, the rebound off the woodwork skirting across the face of goal. That was how close Arsenal came to taking charge of the title race and getting their hands on a first league trophy in 22 years.

Did Arsenal’s kick-off force Donnarumma’s blunder?

Almost 14 years to the day since from Fernando Torres’ goal for Chelsea against Barcelona, the early stages of Manchester City vs Arsenal gave us “Gary Neville at Camp Nou: The Sequel”. In the first few minutes, David Raya’s heavy touch from a goal-kick that almost rebounded into the net off the charging Erling Haaland, left Neville shaking his head and asking “what the hell” the goalkeeper was doing.

Then, just moments after Rayan Cherki’s stunning goal, Neville was at it again. The Etihad was still bouncing and there appeared to be no danger at all when Mathues Nunes went back to Gianluigi Donnarumma from a throw-in. But after Kai Havertz closed him down and the deflection looped up and into the empty net, Neville and Peter Drury were left with an all-timer of an “OOOAAAAH”.

Pep Guardiola stood with his hands on his head in disbelief. He had been asking his goalkeeper to go long before then, with Arsenal pressing well. Interestingly, Arsenal went into the corner straight from kick-off, rugby union style, in an attempt to pin City back following Cherki’s opening goal. Nunes then obliged by throwing back to his goalkeeper.

‘Special’ Rayan Cherki evokes Messi with stunning goal

Lionel Messi had an ability to make even the greatest defenders look a bit silly. See, for example, his goal against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League semi-finals that twisted Jerome Boateng inside out and reduced a towering World Cup and Champions League winning centre-back into a meme for the rest of his career.

It wasn’t quite as humiliating, but what Rayan Cherki just did to Gabriel Magalhaes, the best centre-back in the Premier League this season, wasn’t too far away, either. Starting his run from outside of the box, Cherki twisted right and left and slipped past Gabriel’s outstretched foot as he entered the box. That just doesn’t happen to Gabriel, but this was a special goal. The manner Cherki then wriggled away from Declan Rice and slid his finish under William Saliba and away from David Raya was sublime as well.

Often described as an Italianate village or ‘Little Italy’, it was originally designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis to mimic the style of traditional Mediterranean villages

Fans of the hit Channel 4 TV show Handcuffed could find themselves in the colourful village an episode was filmed while experiencing an Italian-inspired village in a historic area of North Wales. Portmeirion has been a designated must-see tourist spot in Wales since it was first conceived over 100 years ago by architect Clough Williams-Ellis.

Those wanting to experience the iconic location while getting some of the best views available in North Wales can do so through The Lookout at South Snowdon Wharf. The lodge boasts waterside views that can be privately enjoyed from included, enclosed, decked balconies.

Located in the heart of Porthmadog, the lodge is also only a stone’s throw away from Portmeirion, and is also in close proximity to Snowdonia National Park and Borth Y Gest. This also includes close access to the sandy bay, coastal path for long walks, and plenty of eateries.

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Portmeirion itself was recently featured in the hit Channel 4 show Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, which was eventually won by Rob and Charlie, who worked together to share the £100,000 prize pool. Even if you’re not a fan of the show, however, there is still plenty to enjoy about Portmeirion.

Often described as an Italianate village or ‘Little Italy’, it was originally designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis to mimic the style of traditional Mediterranean villages but nestled in the picturesque landscape of North Wales. In particular, it was directly inspired by Portofino and includes a central piazza, pastel-coloured buildings, shops, restaurants, and even a gelato shop.

If staying on the coast isn’t your kind of thing, though, you could instead opt to stay at the Portmeirion Village & Castle Deudraeth. This historic castle overlooks the Dywrd Estuary and is situated south of the coastal village of Porthmadog, while offering a spa and wellness centre and more.

Otherwise, you could book a stay at Bryncir House, a traditional Welsh terraced cottage overlooking both the coast and the mountains of Snowdonia. This stay will see you nestled in an enclosed garden with easy access for outdoor activities across the Snowdonia landscape.

Stays at The Lookout can be booked from anywhere to one night to 28 nights for those longer holidays. However, if you just want a few days away, availability is quickly running out throughout the summer period.

Currently, though, you can book a three-night stay in August for a discounted price, going from £1,384 to £1,120. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on dates booked and availability.

Those who previously stayed at The Lookout praised it for its views and comfortability, with one traveller stating: “A lovely, comfortable, and well-equipped little apartment with stunning views over the estuary. We thoroughly enjoyed our short break, and plan to return soon. Porthmadog is a nice little town and is ideally placed for exploring the area.”

Another added: “Cottage is furnished and equipped to an extremely high standard. The views over the estuary are superb. The town amenities are only a short and scenic walk away. Eveything we could have hoped for, and more!!!!”

While a third said: “Very clean very comfortable accommodation. A lot of thought has gone into making your holiday special. All the extra touches make your holiday. The view from the balcony is second to none. We saw all kinds of birds and if you forget your binoculars, there is some there to use.

“The railway station is a short walk away and well worth a trip through the mountains. Would definitely recommend this accommodation.”

However, not everyone was 100% satisfied, with another traveller stating: “Everything you needed in property, more than enough plug sockets . Very nicely decorated and clean , could do with some hanging knobs on back of doors for your dressing gowns or coats but other than that perfect, will definitely go back.”

The proposals for the former United Services Club on Miners Avenue, Hartlepool, say the applicant is “keen to reinvigorate and transform” the empty building, describing the scheme as a “highly sustainable” way to recycle a brownfield site in the neighbourhood.

Planning permission is being sought to convert the premises into three separate commercial spaces, which together would provide 191 square metres of commercial floorspace, along with storage and toilet facilities for future occupiers.

Only the front facing section would be converted. (Image: Robinson Brown Design)

The planning statement says the site currently consists of a vacant brick building with a flat felt roof and surrounding hardstanding, and argues that bringing an existing, disused structure back into use is preferable to pushing new development onto undeveloped land elsewhere in the town.

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With West View youth club, a Baptist church and the community centre all on its doorstep, the former club is described as sitting at the heart of a “well‑established” residential area on the northern edge of Hartlepool.

Developers say the plot is within walking distance of local services and close to bus routes, and that they have looked at other potential premises in Hartlepool’s town centre and local shopping parades but found no sites of a suitable size that are both available and viable for the same amount of space.

The application is now being considered by Hartlepool Borough Council, which will weigh it against the local development plan, national planning policy and other material considerations before making a decision.

“Each evening has been designed to offer something completely different”

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will come alive with music with a programme of open-air concerts this summer.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the castle’s historic grounds, the Summer Concerts at Hillsborough Castle will feature three standout evenings, each offering a unique musical experience.

Taking place from the 26th to 28th June 2026, Peter Corry Productions will kick things off with Ceili at the Castle, starring The Celtic Tenors and special guests.

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On Saturday, 27th June, the spotlight turns to ‘Hillsboroughton’, a vibrant soirée hosted by Claire McCollum inspired by the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.

A spokesperson said: “Audiences can look forward to an enchanting evening of music and storytelling exploring themes of love lost, love found and love conquering all – with tongue firmly in cheek.

“A stellar line-up of local talent will be joined by acclaimed West End star Norman Bowman, creating a beautiful Summer garden party atmosphere in the Castle gardens. There’s also a prize to be won for Best Dressed on the night.”

Bringing the series to a spectacular close is ‘Thank You for the Musicals 2’, hosted by Peter Corry, who will also perform his most loved songs from the world of musical theatre.

He will be joined on stage by special guests for an “uplifting celebration of musical theatre” featuring powerful performances of some of the world’s best-loved show tunes from Hollywood to Broadway.

Peter Corry, of Peter Corry Productions, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Historic Royal Palaces to bring this exciting series of summer concerts to such a beautiful venue, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

“Each evening has been designed to offer something completely different, from the joy and energy of a traditional céilí to the glamour of musical theatre and a little tongue in cheek love and elegance with Hillsboroughton.

“It’s a chance for audiences to enjoy world-class entertainment in a truly stunning location.”

The weekend of musical entertainment will also be fueled by a number of food and drink vendors on site.

Peter added: “We are delighted that we have also teamed up with a number of local businesses within Hillsborough Village to offer exciting dine and stay packages and would encourage the audience to make the most of their trip and explore the beautiful village of Hillsborough.”

Caroline Walker, Head of Hillsborough Castle, said: “We are delighted to welcome this exceptional concert series to Hillsborough Castle.

“These events offer visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Castle and gardens in a completely unique way, while enjoying some of the very best musical talent Northern Ireland has to offer.”

To book tickets see www.petercorryproductions.com

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

The comment was made in a staff group chat after the boy’s mum had asked Into The Woods to help find his lost toy

The mum of a young boy who was called “some loser” by staff at a Carryduff soft play area has said she is disgusted that “her child was mocked” when she asked for help finding his lost toy.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the mum, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is a “disgrace” that her son, who is non-verbal with additional needs, was mocked in a staff group chat at Into the Woods, Carryduff, after she had asked for help in finding his favourite toy that he had lost while playing.

She said it was the fourth time that she had attended the play area that week with her son who “loved the place”, saying that it is advertised as somewhere suitable for children with additional needs due to the sensory equipment it has there. However she now says she would never return after the way her son was spoken about.

The concerned mum said that she only discovered what was said about her son when a former staff member made a post on social media about the business which highlighted what was said in the staff group chat.

The message said: “Some loser lost their toy. Search party first thing”, and had a number of laughing reactions.

She said: “It is a disgrace that people who are working at a soft play area for young children would talk about my son like that. To use that language about children is just horrendous.

“My son had loved going to Into the Woods because of the sensory toys that were there and it was the fourth time we had been that week. He ended up losing his favourite wee toy there and I had messaged them asking if they could have a look out for it and sent a pic of my son with the toy. I never imagined that they would then go and mock him.

“I only found out about this from a former employee there and I have been told that the person who made the comment is a manager there, although they have denied that.”

Into the Woods has said that it has apologised for the remark made about the young boy and issued a statement saying: “To address the language used in the message. We immediately gave a verbal warning to the member of staff that make the comment (it was not the owner). They assured us it was not meant with any malice or ill intent but an attempt at ‘Belfast Banter’. We explained to the staff member, that regardless of the intent, it was still unacceptable and we apologies for their behaviour.

“The staff member in question is autistic with learning difficulties and struggles with social cues, they feel deep remorse for the misunderstanding and any upset the situation has caused. We want to highlight that this is not an excuse but simply an explanation. We cannot comment on anything further at this time, due to legal action we are taking against a disgruntled former employee.”

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‘Nobody wants to see our young people criminalised or hurt, but this issue cannot be ignored’

A local councillor in West Belfast is calling on the Justice Minister to act on the growing misuse of scramblers and e-scooters.

Cllr Paul Doherty said he regularly receives reports of vehicles racing through residential areas and near misses on pavements, and is calling for action to address this.

It comes ahead of a motion being brought to Stormont by the SDLP this week focusing on ways to address the issue, including giving the PSNI stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, as well as initiatives to promote responsible use of scramblers and e-scooters.

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Cllr Doherty previously brought a proposal to Belfast City Council looking at alternative ways to address issues around these vehicles.

West Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty said: “Too many communities across the North are being plagued by the misuse of scramblers and e-scooters. I regularly receive reports of vehicles racing through residential areas and near misses on pavements, and this is happening far too often.

“Efforts to deal with these issues have been too slow. Across this island we have unfortunately seen people seriously injured and even killed in incidents involving these vehicles and that cannot be allowed to continue. While other jurisdictions have taken action, we continue to lag behind.

“Nobody wants to see our young people criminalised or hurt, but this issue cannot be ignored. I have brought forward proposals in Belfast including dedicated sites for scrambler use, alongside proper training on the risks and responsibilities involved.

“We have seen up to a 90% reduction in illegal use through programmes delivered alongside local schools and youth centre initiatives that take this activity away from our parks, roads and community spaces, and instead point young people towards safer, more responsible use – rehabilitating and upskilling towards positive use of these vehicles.

“This week the SDLP Opposition is calling on the Justice Minister to build on that good work, alongside giving the PSNI stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour. We need to end the scenes of scramblers and e-scooters being driven dangerously across our pavements, parks and greenways, putting both riders and pedestrians at risk.”

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

Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up this afternoon:

Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall; McNeil, Ndiaye, Beto.
Substitutes: Travers, Patterson, Keane, Barry, George, Dibling, Alcaraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Substitutes: Woodman, Pesci, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha.

Kerry Katona was reportedly snubbed from being asked to appear on the latest season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Earlier this month the latest season of the ITV reality series returned to screens – this time seeing celebrities who previously took part returning to compete in South Africa.

Those currently in the running to be crowned Legend of the Jungle include Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sinitta, Adam Thomas and Sir Mo Farah.

However, one past star of the show whose been noticeably absent in All Star versions in recent years has been former Atomic Kitten member Kerry.

In 2004 she won her season of the show – which also saw Peter Andre and Katie Price take part.

Although Kerry’s win drew in an estimated 14 million viewers – a stark contrast to last year’s season which only pulled half that figure – she’s not been invited back for either of the two All Stars series’, despite her desire to take part again.

It’s now been reported that her highly publicised private life – which has included drug admissions, bankruptcies and divorces – could be affecting her casting chances.

‘Everyone at I’m a Celeb loves Kerry and they’ll always back her as one of the most popular winners of the show,’ a source explained to The Sun.

‘But times have changed and bosses have such a fine line to tread when it comes to keeping the audience happy. Kerry will tell you herself she’s like marmite, you either love her or you hate her!

‘There are also big hoops to jump through when it comes to who can cope in such an environment.’

They went on to share: ‘She was actually considered for the current All Stars series but not everyone was on board. Sadly, it looks like – despite her being synonymous with the show – she’ll never get a chance to do it again.’

The source said Kerry ‘had a big mouth and won’t be filtered’, a trait that was ‘something everyone loves her for’.

However, they said bosses ‘can’t take the risk of not knowing what she’ll say after the show is filmed, especially as the series is shot so far in advance’.

Kerry – who went on to appear on other reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice and Celebs on the Farm – recently revealed she’d spoken to producers about returning to I’m A Celebrity…but they never replied.

‘I keep getting turned down for some reason,’ she also told The Sun.

‘I think it’d be amazing. I’ve been to the interviews for both series.

‘And they said, “Definitely, Kerry. You were the first queen and had the highest ratings”, but then they never came back. I’d do it in a heartbeat, not even to win it. Just for me.’

The last time Kerry appeared in a reality show was for her own ITV2 series The Next Chapter, which wrapped up in 2011.

She also last performed with Atomic Kitten in 2017. Although she reunited with Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton in 2013, she left the group again after getting drunk and hitting Natasha following a performance in Australia.

Last month her former bandmate shut down speculation they could ever work together again.

Speaking to The Mirror, Natasha shared: ‘I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She’s a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl.

‘There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.’

Last year she also told The Daily Mail: ‘I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I’ve spent a lot of time with Jenny [Frost] this summer.’

Jenny joined the band after Kerry’s exit. They released three albums, going on hiatus in 2004 before their official split four years later.

Metro has contacted ITV and representatives for Kerry Katona for comment.

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LONDON (AP) — U.K. police said Sunday they are investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies, as the country’s chief rabbi said British Jews are facing a campaign of violence and intimidation.

The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing fires at synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.

No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue on Saturday night.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.

“We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” she said.

“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London,” she added.

Israel’s government has described Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, whose name means the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, as a recently founded group with suspected links to “an Iranian proxy” that has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The police force has deployed extra uniformed and plainclothes officers to northwest London after attacks in the past month on synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and a Persian-language media organization critical of Iran’s government.

In the most serious incident, four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were torched on March 23 in the Golders Green neighborhood,

No one has been injured in any of the incidents, which all happened within a few miles of each other. Several people, ranging in age from teens to people in their 40s, have been arrested and charged.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attacks, and pledged that “those responsible will be found and brought to justice.

“This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” Starmer said.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia also posted a video claiming Israel’s London embassy was going to be attacked with drones carrying dangerous substances. Police said the embassy was not attacked, but the force shut the nearby Kensington Gardens park on Friday as officers examined discarded items including two jars containing powder. Police said nothing harmful was found.

The U.K. has accused Iran of using criminal proxies to conduct attacks on European soil targeting opposition media outlets and the Jewish community. Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence service says that more than 20 “potentially lethal” Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year to October.

Some security experts say Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said any “thugs for hire” who carried out such attacks would face justice.

“Let’s be really clear — it’s a mug’s game,” he said. “That’s what people who are now serving long prison sentences have found out, and the same fate awaits those responsible for these recent crimes.”

Shay Holmes was initially charged with attempted murder but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his plea to the lesser charge.

The 23-year-old also pleaded guilty to a count of dangerous driving following the alleged ‘hit-and-run’ on January 8 this year.

He entered a not guilty plea to the charge of attempted murder but guilty to GBH with intent.

Paul Abrahams, prosecuting, said: “The Crown has reviewed this case very carefully and I have had a case conference with the police and we are content with the offer of the pleas.

“Therefore, in due course we will offer no evidence on count one (the attempted murder charge).”

Judge Jonathan Carroll remanded Holmes in custody to allow time for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.

“You will be sentenced in due course,” he said. “You should understand that a custodial sentence is inevitable.

“I will adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report so the question of dangerousness can be assessed.”

Carr Lane in Spennymoor (Image: ANNA BARNES)

His arrest was made after a 44-year-old man was left with critical injuries after being hit by a car on Carr Lane shortly after 1am.

The surrounding area was taped off following the incident, with pictures showing police cars at the scene while a number of items lay in the road.

At the time Durham Police later launched an appeal for any residents with CCTV to get in touch.

Holmes, of Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor, will return to court on June 19 to be sentenced.