Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

Entire house explodes in village with man arrested for ‘arson’ | News UK

Published

on

Entire house explodes in village with man arrested for 'arson' | News UK
The entire house was torn to pieces in the blast in Hambleton village this morning (Picture: Dave Nelson)

Homes have been evacuated after an entire house exploded in a Lancashire village.

The home was destroyed in an explosion on Carr Lane, Hambleton, north of Blackpool.

The leafy residential area was cordoned off for safety after one of the detached homes blew up shortly before 10am today.

One man, 54, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while no one else was hurt in the blast.

Advertisement
An aerial picture of a home after it exploded in Hambleton, Lancashire, on Friday morning.
The nearby properties were evacuated as a precation while an investigation continues(Picture: Dave Nelson)

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.

He was later arrested on suspicion of arson, Lancashire Police said.

The force said: ‘A small number of surrounding properties have been evacuated and Carr Lane remains closed whilst our colleagues carry out work to ensure the safety of the area.’

Advertisement

It confirmed that the explosion is an ‘isolated incident.’

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service crews inspecting on an aerial ladder a house explosion on Carr Lane Hambleton near Blackpool, Lancashire, today.
The explosion sparked a huge emergency response, with multiple fire crews with an aerial ladder attending (Picture: Dave Nelson)

People were told to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to work safely.

Anyone who can smell smoke should keep all windows and doors closed, the fire service said.

Fire crews from Preesall, Bispham, Fleetwood and South Shore rushed to the scene, where they discovered ‘an explosion within a domestic premises.’

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.

Advertisement

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Blueberry, lemon and almond cake recipe

Published

on

Blueberry, lemon and almond cake recipe

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.   

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Americast – What is RFK doing to vaccines for children in America?

Published

on

Americast - Has Jeff Bezos brought down the Washington Post?

Available for over a year

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from making big changes to vaccines for children in the United States. It’s a blow to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy – RFK Jr – a longtime vaccine sceptic who was given free rein by Donald Trump to “go wild with health”.

Since taking office a year ago, Kennedy has sought to slash the number of recommended shots for children from 17 to 11. The American Academy of Paediatrics and other large medical groups have sued, saying Kennedy’s changes violate federal law and are based on ideology instead of science.

In this episode, Marianna and Justin unpack what this means for Donald Trump’s big plan
to – as he puts it – “Make America Healthy Again” with Dr Debra Houry, the former director of the CDC (Centre of Disease Control and Prevention) who resigned in August 2025.

Advertisement

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GUEST:
• Dr Debra Houry, former Medical Director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

APPLY FOR CASTFEST TICKETS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

Advertisement

This episode was made by Emma Close and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Advertisement

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Programme Website

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Jurgen Klopp: Mohamed Salah could play for six or more seven years

Published

on

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp (left) embraces Mohamed Salah (right) after a Chamoions League match

Klopp and Salah together won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.

“He knows this was the perfect club for him and he was the perfect player for us,” said Klopp.

“Mo and I had big dreams, but we didn’t dare to dream that big. I’m not sure we can appreciate it to the right extent – that will happen soon now. I wish him the best of luck because he deserves it.

“The numbers he produced and the standards he set, some of them, if not all, will stay unmatched in this modern Premier League era, definitely, because it’s ridiculous to do that, and to do it for one club more or less.”

Advertisement

Klopp, 58, added Salah is “one of the best” professionals and people he has met.

He said: “We texted the other day and we had our arguments, but it was always for the right reasons. It’s always fine, especially now looking back, it’s more than fine. And we are both really happy about being part of that incredible journey.”

Asked whether it was the right time for Liverpool and Salah to part ways, with the winger still having a year left on his contract, Klopp said it was a “fair deal”.

“It’s not about me to make that decision but I think it’s right that there’s an agreement,” said the German.

Advertisement

“I really think the whole relationship was a fair deal. An exceptional player, exceptional numbers, and he earned some money, of course.

“And now he can go wherever he wants and the club will have to find and will find other players, and that’s absolutely OK.

“After all these years there should be no bad sentiment at all and as far as I’m concerned I can’t see any.”

Liverpool Legends play Borussia Dortmund Legends in the annual LFC Foundation charity match at Anfield on Saturday, with Klopp part of the hosts’ management team.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Mum of child killed getting off school bus calls on Minister to go “full pelt” to get legislation passed

Published

on

Belfast Live

The consultation on overtaking and passing buses explores whether clearer, more targeted rules on driver behaviour around buses could help reduce risk, particularly at the point when children are getting on and off buses.

The mother of a child who was killed after getting off her school bus has called on the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, to go “full pelt” in order to get new road safety legislation passed before next year’s election.

Advertisement

Stella McGinn, whose daughter Caitlin-Rose McMullan was killed just over a year ago, was speaking to Belfast Live as Minister Kimmins launched a consultation on the issue on Thursday.

Caitlin-Rose had been a pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt. She was struck by a vehicle on Hillhead Road in Castledawson after she got off the school bus on her way home on 5 March 2025.

“I thought as a grieving parent, obviously, just buried my daughter and speaking out so early on, a week after she had passed away, that change would be put in place sooner,” she said.

“To go to Stormont last June and to hear that legislation was going to be passed, and yet we’re only in the consultation now. Stormont’s obviously going to stop in July, when they go into recess for the summer and start again in September.”

Advertisement

Stella said that she understands that the Minister wants to get the legislation passed this mandate.

“The country needs to get behind it, and I do think this is something that the Minister does want, but she needs to be full pelt ahead now because if it’s not done, then we’re into a new election next year.

“What I would like to say is, especially to grieving parents like myself, speak out, give your views on this, because the question I would have had every day is what if, what if, what if this was done? This is our chance now. The public needs to get behind it. Grieving parents need to get behind it. I know it’s going to be very difficult for us grieving parents, but this is what we need. We need change for the country, and we need to get it right.”

The Safer Journeys to School: Consultation on overtaking and passing buses explores whether clearer, more targeted rules on driver behaviour around buses could help reduce risk, particularly at the point when children are getting on and off buses.

Advertisement

The consultation sets out a preferred proposal, alongside a range of options for further development, focused on improving safety for children and other vulnerable passengers when they are boarding or alighting from buses, and immediately afterwards, when risk can be heightened.

Launching the consultation, Minister Kimmins said: “Sadly, in recent years, tragic incidents involving children at bus stops have highlighted the risks that can arise when passengers are getting on or off buses. These moments present a period of particular vulnerability, especially where children may need to cross the road and where traffic speed, visibility or road layout increase the potential for harm.

“There are two parts to our approach. The first sets out a legislative proposal to prohibit overtaking a stationary bus in clearly defined dangerous circumstances, focused on situations where passengers may be exposed to harm. The second part presents a number of options for further development designed to mitigate the risks associated with vehicles passing buses during boarding and alighting, including from the opposite direction.

“I will also bring forward a comprehensive package of measures focusing on education, engineering and enforcement to ensure children are safe travelling to and from school.

Advertisement

“Road safety is a high priority for me. I will continue to do all that I can to keep children and everyone safe on our roads. I am asking drivers to be aware of when children may be getting on and off buses, or crossing the road and ask you to slow down, be prepared to stop, and be especially vigilant when approaching or passing a bus.

“This is an important day and an important step forward to prohibit overtaking buses to protect our children. I want to commend the strength and determination of the parents who have lost children this way, who have campaigned for this.

“This is an important consultation. Please give us your views.”

The consultation opens today and closes on 21 May 2026. More details here.

Advertisement

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

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Police issues new Lucy Letby statement in major update

Published

on

Daily Record

Lucy Letby’s conviction is being reviewed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, after judges rejected the baby murderer’s bids to challenge her several convictions

The police force that investigated Lucy Letby has hit back at those “attempting to destroy reputations” after a former Tory cabinet minister made claims about officers.

MP Sir David Davis had sensationally claimed detectives ignored signs the medical unit Letby worked in was failing and “cherrypicked” statistics to use against her before calling for a retrial on her convictions for murder and attempted murder during a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons on Thursday.

Advertisement

Cheshire Constabulary today released a statement in response and maintained it remains “confident in the integrity of the investigation”. The statement said: “Cheshire Constabulary strongly refutes all the points made during the adjournment debate. It implied impropriety on the part of Cheshire Constabulary where none whatsoever has been established, reports The Mirror.

“We remain confident in the integrity of the investigation, the conduct of the prosecution, and the decisions reached by the courts. Over the past two years, the force has come under constant criticism and has been intensely scrutinised and subject to unpleasant opinion from a core group of individuals who appear to pride themselves on spreading misinformation, making baseless claims and attempting to destroy reputations.

“While scrutiny of policing is legitimate and welcome, it is essential that such scrutiny is grounded in fact and does not inadvertently cut across due process, ongoing legal considerations, or the independence of the judiciary. The constant noise surrounding this case, inaccurate or partial information being presented as fact and attempts to hijack the perceived narrative risk undermining public confidence not only in this case, but in the wider criminal justice system.”

Letby, 36, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after being convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. The babies were attacked by various means while Letby worked as a nurse on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Advertisement

Sir David had told fellow MPs he would write to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to call for a review into the conduct of the force, having previously branded the case “one of the major injustices of modern times”. The former Brexit Secretary also called for the force to release a series of documents, including investigators’ policy books and decision books, records of identified lines of inquiry and minutes from meetings.

He added the case had been reviewed privately by ex-Assistant Chief Constable Dr Steve Watts and ex-Det Supt Stuart Clifton, who believed Letby guilty until they examined “the hard facts”. And he told MPs both men, who helped him analyse the case, now believe her to be the victim of a “serious miscarriage of justice”.

Letby’s conviction is separately being reviewed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), after judges rejected Letby’s bids to challenge her convictions. The case was the focus of a high-profile Netflix documentary last month, which included footage of her being interviewed by detectives.

She was seen telling them she felt “it was all spiralling out of control” when they quizzed her about the babies’ murders. Officers had found notes she wrote then stashed in a black bin liner at home which read: “Murderer”, “Murder”, “I am evil”, “I did this”, “I killed them” and “I am a horrible evil person”. Letby said she wrote them as “everything had got on top of me”.

Advertisement

The scribblings were used during her trial by the prosecution, who claimed they were a form of confession. Her defence said she was told to write down her feelings and her faults as a form of therapy after being given counselling at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Letby also wrote: “Not good enough”, “Why me?”, “I haven’t done anything wrong”. After her arrest she said “no comment” to many of the cops’ questions, but did open up when she was quizzed about the notes. She said: “I just wrote it because everything had got on top of me.

“It was when I found out I’d been removed from the unit. I felt like they were blaming my practice. That I might have hurt [the babies] without knowing… I was blaming myself, but not because I’d done anything – because of the way people were making me feel.

“I felt like I’d only done my best for those babies and then people were trying to say my practice wasn’t good… I just couldn’t cope with it. I did just not wanna be here any more. I felt it was all spiralling out of control. I just didn’t know how to feel about it.”

Advertisement

The programme also told how Letby emailed officers in charge of the investigation to say: “I am happy to be contacted if you wish to discuss anything.” But she was less forthcoming in the interviews themselves. When told 887 babies had been treated at the neonatal unit since she left and none had died or deteriorated, she replied: “No comment.”

Cheshire Constabulary today added: “Public confidence is best served by evidence-based discussion and responsible commentary – not ill-informed personal opinions and inaccurate details. We are committed to victim-focused justice, public confidence and the rule of law. Our thoughts remain with the families of the babies, who have always been at the heart of this case.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Tommy Fury to fight ‘World’s Strongest Man’ in blockbuster Manchester return to boxing

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Tommy Fury will return to the ring after almost a year since his last fight.

Advertisement

Tommy Fury will return to the ring after almost a year since his last fight, taking on former world’s strongest man, Eddie Hall. The fight is set to take place at the AO Arena on June 13 as part of the latest Misfits card, broadcast live on DAZN.

Fury, 26, holds an unblemished 11-0 professional record and is the younger half-brother of two-time World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

He has notched up wins against KSI and Jake Paul, with his latest victory coming against Kenan Hanjalic last May. Yet, he has never faced an opponent quite as formidable as Hall.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Advertisement

The former champion of the prestigious World’s Strongest Man competition, has one professional bout under his belt – a defeat to Icelander Hafthor Bjornsson, known for playing The Mountain in Game of Thrones, in 2022.

Hall will be aiming to secure his first victory – and could enter the bout with a staggering ten stone weight advantage over Fury.

When Fury last fought, he weighed in at just under 90kg. In contrast, Hall has tipped the scales at more than double that during his strongman days and trimmed down to 152kg for an MMA contest last year.

Advertisement

Hall was spotted at Darren Till’s Gorilla Promotions in Birmingham on Sunday, where he teased the upcoming announcement.

“I’ve got a fight coming up on June 13 in Manchester that’ll be announced very, very soon,” he said. “I want to get in there, of course [as soon as possible].

“I’ve got a big fight coming up. It will be on Misfits… I’ve been told the Dillon Danis fight will happen before the end of the year, so let’s make it happen.”

As for Fury, he beat Kenan Hanjalic by unanimous decision in Budapest back in May 2025, and had been in line to fight former UFC star Darren Till before the fight collapsed.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

England vs Uruguay LIVE: Three big questions for Tuchel’s experimental team selection in Wembley friendly

Published

on

England vs Uruguay LIVE: Three big questions for Tuchel’s experimental team selection in Wembley friendly

Tuchel on calling up Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire is back in the England fold after impressing for Manchester United under interim boss Michael Carrick.

“Harry simply deserves it,” Tuchel said when asked why he was called up.

“He has, especially since Michael Carrick took over, had very, very good performances and fantastic results and is a key figure in the Man United squad who is now in third place and on a very good run of form.

Advertisement

“He’s a big reason for that, so he deserves to be with us. It’s interesting also for me to get to know him in person and to see him in training and see him within the group.

“He has outstanding qualities on set-pieces, so I’m happy that he found his way back to us.”

Mike Jones27 March 2026 18:30

Advertisement

Harry Maguire on Tuchel’s England phone call, Carrick’s future and his one problem with Amorim

Butterflies fluttered. Maguire hadn’t played for England for nearly two years, since he appeared in a Nations League game against Ireland in 2024.

Mike Jones27 March 2026 18:24

Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup

Tuchel has three No 9s in his group: an intriguing element is that Ollie Watkins, often Harry Kane’s understudy, is not one of them.

Advertisement

If he remains out in the cold, it could seem a straight shootout between the two Dominics, Solanke and Calvert-Lewin, for the back-up role; it is harder to see both being chosen.

There are other ways of finding another centre-forward: Phil Foden did well as a false nine against Serbia in November, Jarrod Bowen sometimes leads the line for West Ham, Anthony Gordon is now Newcastle’s central figure, and Marcus Rashford has played more games than any as the spearhead of a side.

Gareth Southgate took three centre-forwards to Euro 2024 – though Ivan Toney’s selection was partly for his penalty-taking. Tuchel is more likely to go with two and to use one of his extra three picks elsewhere.

Richard Jolly27 March 2026 18:18

Advertisement

Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup

Of course, Eberechi Eze could be that fifth winger. If Tuchel only takes four, difficult decisions beckon.

On the left, two of his favourites have been Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford, each offering similar pace, but Eze can come infield more; Harvey Barnes’s addition to the group only complicates the equation.

On the right, he has so far avoided making a definitive decision as to whether Noni Madueke or Jarrod Bowen is Bukayo Saka’s immediate deputy.

Advertisement

Richard Jolly27 March 2026 18:12

Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup

It has looked a likely scenario, simply because of the depth of talent in the position. As it is, Tuchel may still have to omit a supposedly generational talent, in either Phil Foden or Cole Palmer, because Morgan Rogers and Bellingham – despite being excluded from the squad in October – seem shoo-ins.

It would nevertheless appear imbalanced if Tuchel took four No 10s. The saving grace is that each is versatile: while Tuchel seems to want game-stretching width on the flanks, which is not Palmer’s forte, he can play off the right. Foden was used in attack in November. Eberechi Eze has scored for England as a left-winger. Morgan Gibbs-White, only really a No 10, has faded from the picture.

Advertisement

Richard Jolly27 March 2026 18:06

Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup

Five central midfielders?

Another area where it had looked like Tuchel would be content with a quartet. There are other ways of bolstering the contingent in the centre of the pitch: if Jude Bellingham is classed as a No 10, he can nevertheless operate in a deeper role, while Nico O’Reilly seems likely to travel as a left-back, but spent his youth in midfield, and has played there at times in 2026.

Advertisement

But the call-up of James Garner offers another dimension and a different way of configuring his squad. Garner is a central midfielder by preference but has flourished for David Moyes in a series of roles. Take him to the World Cup as the fifth midfielder and the 25-year-old could double up as the third right-back. Or if Tuchel took both Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton, he may have five out-and-out central midfielders.

Richard Jolly27 March 2026 18:00

Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup

Reece James had spent longer on the sidelines than John Stones in recent seasons, but, while he sits out the current squad, he has made 36 appearances this season.

Advertisement

Before the Chelsea captain was hurt, the sense was that Tuchel was likelier to take four full-backs, in part because conceivably it still gives him three choices on either flank.

Tino Livramento and Djed Spence can play on both sides of the back four, while he has used two centre-backs – in Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah – at right-back, plus Dan Burn can be the world’s tallest left-back.

It may count against Trent Alexander-Arnold that, with James cemented as the first-choice right-back, Tuchel seems to prefer versatility to a second specialist.

Richard Jolly27 March 2026 17:54

Advertisement

Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup

The logic of it may depend upon his best central defender. Because John Stones has played so little football for Manchester City, with no Premier League start since October, it would be a risk to take him as one of just four centre-backs, despite the excellent fitness records of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.

Selecting five could also aid the chances of the recalled Harry Maguire, who has spent spells on the sidelines himself in recent years.

Few of Tuchel’s full-backs are plausible centre-back options: only the late addition Ben White and Reece James, his first-choice right-back, so that may be an added reason to go with five specialists in the middle.

Advertisement

Richard Jolly27 March 2026 17:48

James Garner hopes to replicate under-21 success with England senior squad

James Garner is dreaming of winning the World Cup with England after receiving his maiden call-up to the senior squad.

The Everton midfielder has the chance to book his ticket to North America after he was named in Thomas Tuchel’s extended group for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Advertisement

Mike Jones27 March 2026 17:42

Tuchel on calling up James Garner

Everton midfielder, James Garner, earned his first call up to the England team for this camp and will work with Thomas Tuchel for the first time.

Of Garner’s abilities, Tuchel said: “James Garner just has a fantastic season. He’s always available for Everton.

Advertisement

“He plays in multiple positions – right defender, left defender, six, eight. He’s fast, he has a clean foot and takes all the set pieces. I think he deserves it.

“He’s a bit of an underrated player. I saw him many times now live and convinced about his quality and his character and want to see how he does in camp.”

(The FA via Getty Images)

Mike Jones27 March 2026 17:36

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Paedophile asked nine-year-old to be his ‘boyfriend’

Published

on

Wales Online

Thomas Serpell, 28, told the child he wanted to ‘see him naked’ then later told his victim to delete the messages between them and not to tell his mother

Advertisement

A paedophile sent sexualised messages to a nine-year-old and asked him to be his boyfriend. He later told his victim to delete the messages and not to tell his mother about them, which allowed him to conceal what he had done.

Thomas Serpell, 28, sent a series of text messages to his victim which was “sexual and disturbed”. He asked the boy to “be his boyfriend” and asked him to kiss him, as well as asking him if he could see him naked.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard the victim was left “confused and comfortable” by the messages. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

There were further messages where the defendant asked the boy not to tell his mother about the messages and to delete them, which the boy did.

Advertisement

He later told the boy the messages were a “joke”.

But when the matter was reported to the police, Serpell denied any messages between him and the victim had been sent.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Paul Hobson said: “You only have to think how frightening and disturbing this episode must have been for that child.

“The impact on him has been significant.”

Advertisement

In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Laurence Jones, the boy said he was scared to go out alone and the impact on him had left struggling to eat and sleep.

He has become more isolated, with only a small circle of friends and said at times he “feels he doesn’t want to be here anymore.

There have been concerns about the boy self harming.

Serpell, of Regent Street, Aberaman, Aberdare, later pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child.

Advertisement

The court heard he was of previous good character.

In mitigation, Nick Gedge said his client has epilepsy and told the court the offence took place shortly after the defendant had suffered a seizure.

The barrister said: “He knows what he did was wrong and expresses remorse and regret about what happened.”

Mr Gedge said his client was bullied in school and by his father because of his sexuality.

Advertisement

Judge Hobson said: “You claim you sent these messages after coming out of an epileptic seizure. I do not accept your illness had an impact on your behaviour or your recollection of what you did…

“Epilepsy does not cause people to sexually offend againt children, you have sought to minimise your behaviour.”

Serpell was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

The defendant was also made subject to a restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and sex offender notification requirements, each to run for 10 years.

Advertisement

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

North Yorkshire set to host Tour of Britain stages

Published

on

North Yorkshire set to host Tour of Britain stages

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved a plan to partner with British Cycling to bring the race to the county.

The proposal would see £350,000 of mayoral investment funding used to secure the event, with additional costs of up to £400,000 shared on a 50/50 basis with North Yorkshire Council to cover road closures and event management.

The Tour of Britain is one of the world’s leading cycling competitions, attracting elite international teams and broadcast to more than 100 countries.

Organisers say each stage can generate between £2m and £12m  for the local economy.

Advertisement

Under the proposals, North Yorkshire would host a full stage of the men’s race in 2026, with a further stage planned for 2027.

Crowds Greet The Tour De Yorkshire In Thirsk

While the final route is yet to be decided, organisers have indicated a preference for both the start and finish to take place within North Yorkshire rather than York, due to the logistical challenges of staging the event in a city environment.

The route is also expected to include a hill stage.

Leaders say hosting the event would support wider ambitions to promote active travel, boost tourism and attract inward investment to the region.

Advertisement

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, welcomed the proposal at a combined authority meeting at County Hall in Northallerton today (FRIDAY).

He said: “Many people have positive memories of the Tour de France coming through in 2014.

“The impact on the visitor economy over the period should be incredible.

“We need to make sure we have that real legacy after as well, so it’s not just a day event, it’s how we can make the most of it going forward.”

Advertisement

North Yorkshire Council leader, Councillor Carl Les, said he supported the idea in principle.

“North Yorkshire’s been hosting cycle races since the Grand Depart. People are still talking about the way that public took to it.

“Happy to support it but inevitably we do need to have discussions about the route because it’s got to be right for the cyclists but it’s also got to be right for the community that’s hosting it.”

The county hosted the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ, with the Tour de Yorkshire held from 2015 to 2019.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

World’s tallest building hit by lightning as Dubai suffers flooding after heavy storms | World News

Published

on

The Burj Khalifa was hit by lightning and flooding in Dubai. Pic: Dubai Media Office/AP

Dubai has been hit by overnight flooding after “intense downpours” hit several cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prompting officials to issue warnings.

Dramatic pictures were posted online by the Dubai Media Office and others of lightning striking the 829m/2,722ft Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Authorities in the UAE activated emergency measures and issued safety alerts across the country, Gulf News said.

Iran war latest – ‘Reckless’ strikes condemned

Advertisement
Image:
Vehicles are stuck on a flooded Dubai street after heavy rains. Pic: AP

“Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds” swept across large parts of the UAE from Thursday into early Friday.

An unstable weather system caused “lightning, booming thunder and intense downpours in several cities”, as well as “dust-raising winds and reduced visibility”, the outlet said.

Advertisement

Dubai’s police force said on X its efforts had intensified, with specialised teams helping make roads safe so as to “keep traffic moving smoothly”.

Police, pumping crews and recovery vehicles were out before dawn to try to clear the water and deal with the aftermath of the unusual conditions, AOL said.

Advertisement

Other videos showed people walking through standing water in Sharjah, where passengers planning to use the airport were advised check the latest information, as weather conditions may affect flights.

Travellers should contact their airlines directly before heading to the airport.

On Thursday, the office issued a warning of “unstable conditions” until Friday morning, predicting rain of “varying intensity, at times accompanied by lightning and thunder”, plus “occasionally strong” winds and reduced visibilty from dust and sand it raised.

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war with Iran, Dubai has come under frequent attacks from Iranian missiles and drones, with strikes on the airport and other targets.

Authorities did not give details of what, if any, damage the weather had caused, or of any deaths or injuries.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025