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Hundreds of flights in to and out of London’s Gatwick and Heathrow were delayed on Saturday as thunderstorms hit the UK.

A total of 484 inbound and outbound flights were delayed across Gatwick and Heathrow airports by the evening, according to the FlightAware tracker.

Heathrow had 42 per cent of its flights delayed and Gatwick 50 per cent, it said.

NATS, the UK’s air traffic control service, said disruption could continue overnight into Sunday.

A NATS spokesperson told The Independent: “Severe thunderstorms across the South East of England and Europe continue to impact flights, and this is expected to continue for the remainder of today and overnight.

“To ensure the safety of the travelling public, aircraft need to avoid affected areas and be spaced further apart, which limits the number of flights that can operate safely.

“We understand disruption is frustrating, but we’re working closely with airlines and airports to reduce disruption as much as possible. Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the latest information on their flight.”

Gatwick and Heathrow advised passengers to check the status of their flights with airlines before travelling, the BBC reported.

The disruption comes as an amber warning for extreme heat has been extended but the record-breaking hot spell is coming to a close.

The warning covering the East and South East now runs until 9am on Sunday.

Friday was confirmed by the Met Office as the UK’s hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 37.3C recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, surpassing the high of 36.7C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday.

These smashed the long-standing record for June heat, which dates back to the summer of 1976, by more than 1C, which is significant given such records were usually broken only by a fraction of a degree in the past.

Scientists warned that the heatwave would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago, with human-driven climate change fuelling more intense and frequent extreme heat events.

The Met Office said the third consecutive day of June’s record-breaking temperatures came as parts of the UK were transitioning to more of a westerly influence, bringing the risk of thunderstorms.

Thundery showers with gusty winds, lightning and hail are now forecast to move into the South East on Saturday evening.

Attendees marched through the streets of Leith during the ‘Reclaim Our Streets’ rally on Saturday afternoon.

Thousands of people gathered in Edinburgh for an anti-racism demonstration one week after an alleged ‘anti-Muslim knife attack‘.

Protesters marched through the streets of Leith for a ‘Reclaim Our Streets’ rally on Saturday afternoon, organised by Stand Up to Racism.

Attendees included Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle, politicians, trade unions, local people and community groups. The event was organised after five people were injured in a series of alleged knife attacks at various locations on Friday, June 19.

Two men, both aged 22, were taken to hospital after being stabbed “multiple times” following prayers at Broomhouse Mosque. A further three people, aged 24, 27 and 29, were attacked on Leith Walk, while a taxi and a petrol station were also targeted.

Lewis Hawkes, 36, has since appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with five counts of attempted murder aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection. Hawkes made no plea and was remanded in custody.

The demonstration paused on the road in Leith Walk, at the spot where one of the alleged attacks took place. One minute of silence then commenced before the march resumed.

Trams and traffic were stopped by the thousands who gathered.

As the crowds moved, chants of “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here” were echoed throughout the area as groups held signs reading ‘Leith is for everyone’ and ‘stop Islamophobia, stop the hate’.

A statement from Stand Up to Racism reads: “From Belfast to Glasgow, and now Edinburgh, people have been targeted because of who they are, what they look like, or what they believe. Many people in our Black, Asian, Muslim, migrant and refugee communities are scared, angry and understandably concerned about what comes next. Some are questioning whether it is safe to walk their own streets, travel home at night, or go about their daily lives without fear of abuse or attack.

“That is exactly what the far right wants. They want to spread fear. They want communities to retreat into silence. They want people to feel isolated and alone. We refuse to let them succeed. The overwhelming majority of people in Edinburgh reject racism and hate. Our city belongs to all of us, and we will not allow a small number of violent bigots to terrorise our communities or dictate who feels safe in our streets.”

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Two students stabbed during the rampage last weekend bravely spoke to the Record about their heartbreaking ordeal.

The young men, who arrived in the capital from India to study masters degrees just four weeks ago, say they are now too scared to leave their homes.

One suffered seven stab wounds across his body and face and required 35 stitches, while the other sustained five stab wounds and needed 17 stitches. Battling with their trauma, they told how they have now been left unable to sleep, eat or speak to loved ones.

One of the students, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s hard to comprehend what happened. Coming to Scotland is the worst decision I have ever made.

“Before we arrived, I’d heard a lot about this being a safe country and a beautiful place. That’s why I picked Edinburgh when I was deciding where to study. Now I am thinking, is this what happens here?”

The second student added: “I’m traumatised and I don’t want to leave my room. I’m so afraid. I could never have expected that a terrible incident like this would happen here.”

Counter-terrorism cops were called to the streets of Leith after the terrifying attacks unfolded last weekend.

Footage posted online showed a bare-chested white man roaming the streets of the capital wielding a large weapon.

Another video appeared to show a topless man on the ground shouting that he was “protecting the country” as he was held down by an officer.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, which he said appeared to be motivated by “anti-Muslim hatred”.

First Minister John Swinney met the two students privately this week and later described them as “traumatised” by what had happened.

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The open water pool is a popular swimming spot

A 55-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene after reports of a person in trouble in the water at a country park. Emergency services were called to Swan Pool, West Bromwich around 4.45pm on Saturday, June 27 evening after a woman got into trouble in the water.

Crews, including specialist water rescue firefighters at from the West Midland Fire Service Technical Rescue Unit, Handsworth, Tipton and West Bromwich Fire Stations attended the scene with first crews on the scene in around 5 minutes.

Despite the best efforts of West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service, the 55-year-old woman died at the scene.

A statement from the fire service reads: “At 4.45pm on Saturday 27 June, West Midlands Fire Service were called to reports of a person in trouble in the water at Swan Pool, West Bromwich.

“Crews, including from our specialist water rescue firefighters at our Technical Rescue Unit, Handsworth, Tipton and West Bromwich Fire Stations attended, with first crews on the scene in around 5 minutes.

“Very sadly, despite the very best efforts of West Midlands Fire Service and our partners at West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service, a 55-year-old woman died at the scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died.”

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Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij were expecting their second son, Elijah, in October

Cody Gakpo’s partner, Noa van der Bij, has announced the heartbreaking news that their unborn son, Elijah, has passed away during pregnancy. The Liverpool forward and his partner had revealed in May that they were expecting their second child together.

The 27-year-old is currently representing Holland at the World Cup, while Noa is in the United States supporting the Reds attacker. Back in May, the couple shared a touching Instagram post announcing they were expecting a second baby, due in October, following the birth of their son Samuel in 2024.

In a devastating update, Noa posted two Instagram stories on Saturday confirming the couple had suffered a miscarriage. Noa shared a poignant image of the pair holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat, accompanied by the caption: “With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo Forever loved. Forever our son.”

In a subsequent story, she shared a photograph of a candle burning inside a church, with the caption: “We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah.

“There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”

The exact timing of their loss remains unknown, as Gakpo’s partner had continued to post on social media throughout the summer following the conclusion of Liverpool’s season. At the start of June, she shared a series of photographs on Instagram, resting a drink on her bump, followed by images from Texas and during Oranje’s World Cup opening match against Japan, reports the Mirror.

Dutch publication De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not get off the team bus for training four days ago but was subsequently transported by car. The Dutch football federation, KNVB, stated at the time he wasn’t late but there was a valid reason for it.

Liverpool fans on social media quickly rallied around the forward and his partner following the tragic news. One account posted: “Sending our thoughts, love and condolences to Cody Gakpo and his family following the heartbreaking news of the loss of their baby boy. YNWA.”

The post, which has been viewed more than 213,000 times on X, attracted a flood of condolences and messages of support in the replies. Another user commented: “No words for this. Just so, so sorry for Cody and his family. This is the kind of pain that puts everything else into perspective.

“We’re with you, Cody. All the love in the world. Take all the time you need. YNWA.”

Holland’s next World Cup fixture is on June 30 (3am BST) when they face Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The winners will meet the victors of South Africa and co-host Canada in Houston, Texas on July 4 (6pm BST).

Gakpo has netted twice in the competition thus far as he seeks to maintain his strong international showing under Ronald Koeman’s management. The 27-year-old shone for the Dutch at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with his displays earning him a transfer to Liverpool.

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Writing for Belfast Live, Sinn Féin’s South Down MLA Cathy Mason hits out at the Education Minister for failing to properly deal with this issue through his own school uniform legislation

On Tuesday the Assembly will debate a simple but important piece of legislation. Legislation that will guarantee every pupil the right to wear trousers as part of their school uniform.

It is remarkable that in 2026 this debate is even necessary.

Across the North, many girls still do not have an automatic right to wear trousers to school. Instead, they can find themselves in the position of having to seek permission, request exemptions or rely on the goodwill of individual schools. That is not equality. It is not dignity. And it is certainly not what most people would expect in a modern education system.

The origins of this Bill lie in the failure of the Education Minister to properly deal with this issue through his own school uniforms legislation. While the Minister has repeatedly claimed the matter was dealt with, the reality is that his legislation stopped far short of guaranteeing a right for girls to wear trousers.

The result is that pupils can still face barriers where a straightforward legal entitlement would have resolved the issue once and for all.

The truth is that Paul Givan could sort this out today. With the stroke of a pen, he could issue clear statutory guidance guaranteeing every pupil the right to wear trousers. He has chosen not to do so.

In the absence of leadership and action from him and the DUP, Sinn Féin MLAs have worked alongside MLAs from other parties to deliver the change that so many have been calling for.

This is about common sense. It’s about dignity and equality. It’s about ensuring that pupils can wear a school uniform that is comfortable and practical.

A girl should not have to ask permission to wear trousers. Nor should her family have to overcome obstacles and navigate unnecessary bureaucracy to secure what should already be a basic right for their child.

We now have an opportunity to put this issue beyond doubt and bring our school uniform policies into line with the 21 st century.

Sinn Féin is proud to support that change and to work with others across the Assembly to make it happen.

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

BBC’s Casualty was plunged into chaos after a devastating death left two characters heartbroken.

BBC’s Casualty descended into turmoil following a tragic death that left two characters devastated. *Warning – spoilers ahead.*

Recent weeks in Holby ED have been tumultuous after Dylan Keogh (William Beck) discovered his colleague and friend Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) had been carrying on a clandestine relationship with his son and junior medic Matty Linlaker.

Upon discovering a medical error made by Stevie, which Matty had concealed, Dylan filed a complaint against Stevie for sexual coercion.

In tonight’s episode (June 27), Stevie’s fate was revealed after she learnt there would be no further inquiry, though she must complete a period of guided practise under supervision. She was also barred from returning to the resuscitation ward for now.

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Naturally, friction continues to escalate between Stevie and Dylan, with Stevie frustrated by the complaint and Dylan incensed by the decision, reports the Mirror.

Yet the hospital was thrown into despair following a tragic death that could alter everything for two beloved characters.

Viewers may recall that clinical lead Flynn has been resolute in exposing army commanding officer Colonel Jack Bard (Mark Womack), whom he suspected of abusing and hazing his soldiers.

When Private Rory brought an injured soldier to the emergency department, Flynn questioned him – but was interrupted by Bard. However, when Rory was subsequently admitted himself, Flynn’s concerns only intensified.

Tonight’s episode (June 27) saw Rory released from hospital as he confided in Flynn that he was “thinking about getting medically discharged” from the army. He went on to say he needed “as much space between me and him and that place as possible”.

When questioned about reporting Bard, a visibly distressed Rory responded: “Report him? He’s a Colonel.” The pair were then interrupted by an emergency situation.

In subsequent scenes, Rory finally consented to reporting the abuse as he made his way to visit his friend Kev, who remains in a critical condition. The young soldier indicated he would report the Colonel while en route to see his friend, but only if that was what Kev wished.

Tragedy soon struck when the pair arrived at Kev’s room to the sound of blaring alarms. In harrowing scenes, Kevin passed away, leaving Rory utterly devastated.

He screamed: “You can’t be serious, that can’t be it, he’s only a teen he’s got his whole life, do something.”

With Rory ultimately deciding against reporting Colonel Bard, what will Flynn’s next move be? Viewers will need to continue watching to find out.

Casualty is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Thousands of Albanians have been taking to the streets of their capital, Tirana, for over three weeks now to oppose a luxury coastal resort project backed by Jared Kushner, the son‑in‑law of the US president, Donald Trump. The €4 billion (£3.5 billion) development will be constructed on southern Albania’s unspoiled Zvërnec coastline and surrounding wetlands.

Albania’s longstanding prime minister, Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013, has hailed the project as transformative for the Albanian economy and tourism sector. But local residents and environmental organisations have fiercely resisted the plan, citing unresolved land ownership disputes and the threat it poses to fragile ecosystems.

Public anger exploded in late May when footage emerged of a protester being dragged across a cliff by security guards at the resort site. The video went viral, igniting Albania’s largest civic protests in decades and galvanising a society long divided by party politics and the legacy of communism.

The protests have snowballed into a broad anti‑government movement that has become known as the “flamingo revolution”, named after the rare birds that inhabit the wetlands threatened by the Zvërnec development. Protesters in Tirana, as well as at demonstrations organised by the diaspora across Europe, are demanding Rama’s resignation.

The anger on display has been building for years in a country plagued by systemic corruption. A string of government ministers have been jailed in recent years for abuse of office and on corruption charges.

And while tackling corruption and organised crime remains the central condition for Albania’s accession to the EU, for which negotiations opened in 2024, Rama’s government has repeatedly undermined accountability.

His ruling Socialist party recently refused a request from Albania’s EU‑sponsored special prosecution body to lift the parliamentary immunity of the former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku. She has been indicted for corruption, though denies any wrongdoing. Moves like this threaten to delay Albania’s EU accession further.

The cost of living in Albania has also soared. Fuel prices there were among the highest in the Balkans, even before the energy shocks linked to wars in Ukraine and Iran. Politically connected individuals dominate Albania’s energy market and stifle competition.

Foreign investors have long faced significant challenges in doing business in Albania due to distorted competition, as well as corruption in procurement and the weak enforcement of contracts.

At the same time, a housing affordability crisis has pushed many people to the brink. Albania’s real estate sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, facilitated by weak oversight of transactions. A UN report from 2021 suggested that money laundering has become a major factor in the price increases in Tirana and coastal areas.

Tourism is a key engine of growth for Albania, with millions of people now visiting the country each year. However, an underdeveloped domestic food industry as well as poor road and rail connectivity means ordinary Albanians are rarely able to capitalise on the sector’s success.

Young people in particular feel excluded from political processes and economic opportunities, shut out by opaque decision‑making and entrenched elites. More than half a million Albanians have emigrated to EU countries in the past decade in search of better opportunities.

What comes next?

With the protests now in their fourth week, the question hanging in the air is what the endgame might be. Protesters are demanding not only the government’s resignation but also deep structural reforms, starting with an overhaul of the country’s electoral system.

Many are calling for a caretaker government tasked with making constitutional amendments and renewing the fight against organised crime and corruption.

But the Socialist party holds a comfortable parliamentary majority and Rama has so far dismissed calls to step down. He has attacked protesters with slurs and suggested – without providing evidence – that foreign malign actors are behind the movement.

However, pressure is mounting. On June 17, the European parliament urged Albania to suspend construction in protected areas. And the special prosecution has indicted several people allegedly involved in money laundering in construction, a sector that has long been considered a pillar of the government’s power.

Signs of dissent are also emerging within the Socialist party ranks. Marjana Koçeku, a young ruling party MP, recently defected to become an independent. And during the current unrest, some former cabinet ministers have publicly criticised what they see as Rama’s strong rule of the country.

The protest movement is ideologically diverse, making it hard to coalesce into a single political party. Yet it still poses a genuine challenge to Rama’s authority. The sheer scale of public mobilisation signals a profound legitimacy crisis and the desire among Albanians for a future without the existing elite at the helm of their country.

Refusing to resign, Rama hopes the movement will lose momentum. Yet the protests have empowered Albanians who now believe that deep political change is possible.

The St. Louis Blues acquired Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL draft on Saturday, those teams’ latest steps to remake their rosters during an offseason of upheaval.

St. Louis sent the Nos. 73 and 76 picks to Toronto for the 29-year-old defenseman.

Carlo lasted just 88 games with the Leafs after they sent a first-round pick, a fourth-rounder and highly regarded forward prospect Fraser Minten to Boston for him at the deadline in March 2025. That was with the previous regime in charge, and general manager Brad Treliving was fired two months ago and replaced weeks later by John Chayka, and they only got to keep the pick this year because they won the lottery for the No. 1 overall pick.

This is the third trade of the week for the Blues, who are also in transition as GM-in-waiting Alexander Steen is set to take over for seasoned executive Doug Armstrong next week. Armstrong in his final days at the helm has been plenty busy.

On Tuesday, he traded Jordan Kyrou to Washington for fellow forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin and the No. 16 pick, accumulating a league-high four in the first round. On Friday night, he sent two of them to Anaheim for 23-year-old Mason McTavish, who is signed through 2031.

Carlo provides some dependable veteran stability on the right side on defense, especially if the Blues decide to trade Colton Parayko or Justin Faulk as part of their summer overhaul. He is going into the final year of his contract at a salary cap hit of just under $3.5 million.

“We’re excited (Carlo has) got his size and length, his ability to kill plays, his experience,” Armstrong told reporters in Centene, Missouri. “Getting stronger up front and having strong goaltending, we think we’re going to be more competitive than we were last year.”

Toronto used the third-round picks on Canadian winger Zach Olsen and Swedish defenseman Mans Gudmundsson.

Predators trade with Rangers to get Adam Edstrom

New Nashville president of hockey operations and GM Chris MacFarland spent his first few weeks on the job largely adding players he was familiar with from his time in Colorado. On Saturday, he added fresh blood from the East by acquiring big, Swedish winger Adam Edstrom in a trade with the New York Rangers.

The Predators sent the 148th pick in the draft (a fifth-rounder) and the rights to minor leaguer Massimo Rizzo to New York. The Rangers, who also traded Brett Berard to Montreal on Friday, are not expected to tender Rizzo a qualifying offer and would make him an unrestricted free agent.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

The devastation continued on Casualty tonight after an unexpected death on the BBC show.

BBC’s Casualty was plunged into chaos after a devastating death left two characters heartbroken.

*Warning – spoilers ahead.* It’s been a turbulent time in Holby ED lately after Dylan Keogh (William Beck) uncovered his colleague and friend Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) had been continuing a secret romance with his son and junior medic Matty Linlaker. After learning about a medical mistake made by Stevie, that was covered for by Matty, Dylan reported Stevie for sexual coercion.

Tonight’s instalment (June 27), saw Stevie’s future confirmed after she was told there would be no further investigation, but must undergo a period of guided practise under supervision. She was also unable to return to the resus ward for the time being.

Of course, tensions continue to grow between Stevie and Dylan, with Stevie being annoyed about the complaint and Dylan furious with the outcome.

However, the hospital was plunged into devastation after a heartbreaking death that could change everything for two favourite characters.

Viewers may remember that clinical lead Flynn has been determined to expose army commanding officer Colonel Jack Bard (Mark Womack), who he suspected of abusing and hazing his soldiers.

When Private Rory accompanied an injured soldier to the emergency department, he was quizzed by Flynn – but was stopped by Bard. But when Rory was admitted himself, Flynn’s suspicions only continued to grow.

Tonight’s instalment saw Rory discharged from the hospital as he revealed to Flynn he was “thinking about getting medically discharged” from the army. He added he needed “as much space between me and him and that place as possible”.

When asked about reporting Bard, a distressed Rory said: “Report him? He’s a Colonel.” But the two were interrupted with an emergency.

In later scenes, Rory finally agreed to report the abuse as he headed to see friend Kev who remains in a critical condition. The young soldier was on his way to visit his friend when he said he would report the Colonel if it was what Kev wanted.

But devastation soon occurred when the two arrived at Kev’s room when the alarms started to beep. In devastating scenes, Kevin died, leaving Rory heartbroken. He screamed: “You can’t be serious, that can’t be it, he’s only a teen he’s got his whole life, do something.”

With Rory ultimately deciding against reporting Colonel Bard, what will Flynn’s next move be? Viewers will need to continue watching to find out.

Casualty is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.