The full closure order will apply at the home at Kempston Gardens in Halliwell after police officers gathered evidence from the community about their concerns.

Police and council officers say that people living nearby have been badly impacted by alleged criminal activity but that their raising their concerns has paid off.

Halliwell’s Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: “There were a lot of concerns raised about this property.

“I know that sometimes for communities it can feel like things aren’t happening but we need to work together with our partners, with the police and with Be One Homes to make sure we get results.

Cllr Rabiya Jiva speaking at a meeting with police officers, council officials and members of the public (Image: Newsquest)

“I have requested that this property is now marked up as being for a sensitive let to make sure that these concerns are not a problem in future.”

She added: “These things can take time, they do not happen with the flip of a switch, but we have to follow the legal procedures, and I would like to thank all the residents who have raised this.”

Greater Manchester Police say that they worked together with the council and with Be One Homes to build a “robust case” to shut the flat down.

Sergeant Zach Keneally, from the Bolton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on our communities. We have listened to residents across Halliwell and taken action to address these issues.

“This closure order sends a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to keep our neighbourhoods safe.

Kempston Gardens has long been a cause of concern (Image: Phil Taylor)

“I urge anyone who may have concerns about anti-social behaviour or criminality in their area to please speak with us.

“Your reports are incredibly important to us and the work we do, and it is thanks to the support of local residents that we are able to conduct positive work for our communities.”

Bolton Council says that action like this shows the value of working closely with partner organisations.

A spokesperson said: “The community safety team at Bolton Council welcomes the successful outcome of this closure order, which demonstrates the strength of partnership working between Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Police and Be One Homes.

“This action sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work together to protect our communities and ensure residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

“We are committed to taking robust action where necessary and supporting those affected by nuisance and disorder.”

Be One Homes, the borough’s largest housing provider, has appealed for anyone else with concerns about properties they run, to report them.

Enforcement manager Gemma Hotchkiss said: “We are committed to working in partnership to address anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for our residents.

“This closure order demonstrates the strength of partnership working and our shared determination to take action where individuals are causing harm to the community.

“We will continue to support residents and work closely with Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council to ensure neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming places to live.”

Reports can be made by calling Be One Homes on 01204 328000 or online.

Concerns centre on the presence of asbestos on the site and the potential threat to electricity supplies for two Belfast hospitals

Legal attempts to stop a contentious bonfire being lit in south Belfast next month are to be abandoned, the High Court heard today.

Counsel for a local resident confirmed he is no longer seeking a mandatory order for police to prevent this year’s construction close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals.

However, a wider challenge to the lawfulness of bonfires in general will still be pursued after the summer, it was confirmed.

Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson, who has intervened in the case, claimed the development was a “great victory” for those building the pyre in the Village area.

Eleventh night bonfires are traditionally lit in unionist areas as part of the annual Twelfth of July celebrations.

Judicial review proceedings were initially brought last year against the PSNI and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) over the construction at Meridi Street.

Concerns centre on the presence of asbestos on the site and the potential threat to electricity supplies for the surrounding area, including both Belfast City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital.

In July 2025, police declined a request from Belfast City Council to assist in dismantling the bonfire believed to pose a risk to public health.

At the time, it was decided that allowing the pyre to be lit would be less risky than trying to remove it.

The resident challenging the bonfire claims it is unlawful due to environmental damage and alleged breaches of climate change legislation.

The PSNI and DAERA have failed to put in place a proper policy or protocol for preventing the construction of illegal bonfires, his lawyers contend.

He was also seeking a judicial order compelling the authorities to take all necessary steps to stop any being built at the site.

But based on a new assessment from the police, the court heard there is no longer an urgent need to deal with the case next week.

Ronan Lavery KC, for the resident, conceded: “It is going to be very difficult for us to convince the court that some kind of mandatory relief should be granted against the PSNI.”

Instead, he stressed, proceedings have now widened out to a challenge against the approach taken to bonfires in general.

“The PSNI’s assessment is they are afraid to enforce law and order in certain areas,” the barrister claimed.

Lawyers representing the authorities under challenge argued there should be finality in the case.

“This matter needs to be brought to some conclusion, it cannot be on a year to year basis,” counsel for the PSNI insisted.

Adjourning the hearing until October, Mr Justice Fowler stressed all issues must be resolved before next year’s bonfire season.

Mr Bryson, who has been granted intervenor status in opposition to the legal challenge, welcomed the decision not to seek an order ahead of this year’s bonfire.

Speaking outside court, he said: “This is a great victory for the Village bonfire, and indeed all bonfires will now proceed without interference in 2026.

“In my view, this was always a wholly misconceived effort, and credit must go to the PSNI in this instance for the approach they adopted in resisting this case.”

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

A four-year-old girl was taken to hospital after an empty car reportedly rolled over her in a car park.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Mimosa Tea Garden at Eastham Country Park in Wirral at around 3.50pm on Saturday.

Officers from Merseyside Police say the vehicle was unattended when the child was hit. The force says the owner of the vehicle remained at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries.

The girl suffered injuries as a result of the incident, but her condition has not been disclosed.

Merseyside Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the car collision and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The force said: ‘We are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision involving a child at a car park in Eastham this afternoon, Saturday 20 June.

‘At around 3.50pm we received a report that a four-year-old girl was injured following an unattended vehicle rolling over her in the car park of Mimosa Tea Garden on Green Lane.

‘Emergency services attended and the child has been taken to hospital to be assessed.

‘The owner of the vehicle remained at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries.

‘An investigation is underway, and we are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to please contact us.

‘Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC quoting log 695 of 20 June.’

Six people responsible for the murder of Joanne Penney who was shot in the heart and killed at point blank range on a doorstep are due to be sentenced today. Her murder was part of a background of “a clash of rival organised crime groups” over drug dealing.

The 40-year-old died after the bullet penetrated her heart and left lung and lodged itself in the rear of her chest. She was pronounced dead at a property in Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, at around 6.10pm on March 9 last year.

Marcus Huntley, 21, pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Penney and being the person who pulled the trigger.

Jordan Mills-Smith, 34, Joshua Gordon, 28, Kristina Ginova, 22, and Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, were found guilty of Joanne Penney’s murder.

Convicted murderer Renaldo Baptiste, 39, was also found guilty or murder, having arranged the murder of Ms Penney from his prison cell. He was convicted of murdering a man in Leicester and was serving a sentence of life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years when he orchestrated the shooting of Ms Penney.

The court heard the background to the killing was a “clash of rival organised crime groups”, one allegedly headed by defendant Joshua Gordon, of the “Rico OCG”.

The court heard the expansion of Gordon’s activities into South Wales, specifically Talbot Green, was “not taken well” by a rival group of drug dealers, lead by Daniel Joseph, known as “Jimmy”.

prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC said during the original trial: “On two occasions in the lead-up to the murder on March 9, 2025, Jimmy and his men had confronted, and humiliated, members of the ‘Rico’ group when they were in the Talbot Green area.”

In the days following, the court heard Huntley, Gordon and Baptiste discussed obtaining a firearm and ammunition to “send a message” to their rivals.

The court heard that on the day of the murder Quailey-Dashper knocked on the front door of 10 Llys Illtyd.

Mr Rees said: “The trigger may have been pulled by Marcus Huntley, but the prosecution’s case is that each of Joshua Gordon, Marcus Huntley, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Kristina Ginova and Tony Porter, are jointly responsible for her murder.

“They each played their part in the death of Joanna Penney – knowing that they were acting to bring about, or assisting/encouraging others to bring about, at least really serious injury to another person.”

The sentencing hearing of all six defendants is due to take place at Cardiff Crown Court this morning.

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Two young children, aged two and four, reportedly suffered cardiac arrests after being found unresponsive in a ‘very hot’ car parked in a garage during a major heatwave in Carpentras, France, according to a local prosecutor

Two young children have reportedly died after being discovered unresponsive in a “very hot car” parked inside the garage of their family home, according to a local prosecutor.

The children, aged two and four, are said to have suffered cardiac arrests after being left in the vehicle during a severe heatwave in Carpentras, France.

Emergency services, including police, paramedics and firefighters, were called to the Bois de l’Ubac neighbourhood at around 1:10pm today (June 22). Despite desperate attempts by emergency services to resuscitate them, both children tragically died.

Carpentras prosecutor Hélène Mourges stated: “The causes of death are still under investigation, but the heatwave is the leading theory.”

According to La Provence, the two children were reportedly trapped inside the vehicle, though it remains unclear how they came to be there, reports the Daily Star.

Their 33-year-old mother, who was at home at the time, was reportedly unaware that the children had got into the car. A police source speaking to Le Figaro indicated that the mother had just returned from a shopping trip with the children and is believed to have let them out of the vehicle.

The mother is yet to be questioned by police but is currently being supported by officers.

France is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with several departments placed on red alert by Météo-France.

The tragedy follows the deaths of three elderly residents in France, who died in their homes in Gironde on Sunday (June 21). Météo-France warned that temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) are anticipated across several regions of France.

Approximately 845 schools have been closed today because of the severe heat.

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With wedding season here, so is the age-old question of ‘what the heck do I wear?’ 

Whether you’re attending a chic, city wedding or a grand stately home affair, choosing an appropriate wedding guest dress can feel quite daunting. 

Warmer weather means you don’t want to overheat in synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, but you’re equally conscious of the weather taking a turn and it bucketing down with rain while the canapes are being served. 

So, what’s the answer? Well, a cotton floral midi dress is one of the most timeless fashion choices for summer weddings and Karen Millen has a lovely piece that’s currently on offer. 

Karen Millen Floral Cotton Poplin Boned Detail Woven Maxi Prom Dress

Made from breathable cotton poplin, this Karen Millen dress features a flattering boned bodice, delicate straps and scoop neckline.

The pretty pink floral print makes it a perfect choice for summer weddings, race days and garden parties, while the elegant prom-style silhouette means it’s a piece you’ll be able to wear for years to come.

Simply add metallic heels and a clutch bag and you’re good to go.

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Made from breathable, lightweight cotton poplin with a touch of stretch, this Karen Millen dress has one of the most beautiful pink floral prints that works perfectly for summer soirees. 

It features a boned bodice that flows into a prom-style skirt, creating a flattering shape and its natural cotton fabric keeps things feeling airy and comfortable when temperatures start to climb.

When it comes to styling this gorgeous piece for a summer wedding, we’d recommend pairing it with metallic heels, a matching clutch and a pretty pashmina – perfect for throwing over your shoulders when the cooler evening air creeps in. 

Heading to a more conservative wedding? Why not style it with a structure, cropped jacket or cashmere cardigan for extra coverage. 

Of course, one of the biggest selling points of this Karen Millen number is how rewearable it is.

Some occasion dresses can feel like a one-hit wonder, destined to sit unworn in the back of your wardrobe after a single outing, but this floral midi has plenty of wear beyond wedding season.

Think summer garden parties, race days, anniversary dinners, fancy brunches and even holidays abroad. Just switch up your accessories and you’ll have a completely different look.

And with the dress currently reduced from £229 to £137.40 – that’s a saving of more than £90 – there’s never been a better time to buy.

So if you’re still searching for the perfect wedding guest outfit, this Karen Millen floral midi could be exactly what your wardrobe has been waiting for.

Elegant, flattering and currently 40% off? We’d suggest adding it to your basket before the wedding season really gets going. 

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Argentina take on Austria in their second game of Group J, with the holders looking for a second win to that would see them through to the knockout stages as group winners. Lionel Scaloni’s side swept past Algeria in their opener, with that man Lionel Messi announcing himself on the world stage once more with a hat-trick in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The mist is so lightweight on the skin that it simply leaves a cool sensation.” Our senior writer, Eve Rowlands, put the new gadget to the test.

When a heatwave hits the UK, adjusting to the scorching temperatures as we would do on holiday is a struggle – the air just feels different and more clammy. A handheld fan is something of a necessity in this weather to help us keep cool and prevent us from melting into a puddle of sweaty (no one wants those tell-tale patches when nowhere near home).

Recently, I got my hands on a fan that has been making headlines for being a go-to gadget for tennis stars (Aryna Sabalenka, I’m looking at you), and I can see why it’s been so popular – especially with another heatwave in our midst; despite being restocked after selling out in May, it’s already sold out in one colourway.

The Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill System is available on the Shark Ninja website in five colours, thankfully, from pink and blue to green and bronze (or rather ‘Iced Latte’) – and has been a total lifesaver when I’ve been chilling in my garden or out and about in 30 plus degree heat. So much so all my friends have been taking it in turns in using it in a bid to feel some relief from the sun’s heat.

While it’s not the cheapest costing £129.99, the ChillPill is far more sophisticated than your average handheld fan. Marketed as the first device of its kind, this three-in-one cooling gadget can blast cold air, spray a fine mist that instantly cools the skin, and even double as a reusable ice pack with its InstaChill System. These three functions can’t be used simultaneously, but the versatility is impressive – not to mention its 11 hour battery life means it can be used all day long and at night.

One of the ChillPill’s biggest strengths is its portability. Lightweight and comfortable to hold in one hand (even a small one), it features a rotating base that cleverly doubles as both a stand and a handle.

Shop the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill System

£129.99

Shark Ninja

Buy Now on Shark Ninja

The Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 comes with attachments for a fan, a mister and a cooling InstaChill plate.

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It’s also compact enough to pop into the smallest of handbags, measuring at just 4.5cm x 8.41cm x 11.2cm. This makes the ChillPill super practical and ideal for holidays, day trips and for when that heatwave commute gets a little too warm to bear.

Back to its versatility. The device’s modes are selected based on which interchangeable attachment is used (these are also very easy to switch out, just twist it off and click in the new one): its high-speed fan, an InstaChill Cooling Plate or its ultra-fine misting pod.

The fan, despite being small, is pretty mighty and offers 10 speed settings. Levels one to five are recommended for indoor use, while higher settings are better suited to outdoor conditions – and work wonders for needing a cool blast that immediately dries up (apologies) sweat.

Adjusting the airflow is easy, too, thanks to a smooth rotary dial on the base. Shark claims the fan can project air at speeds of up to 7.5 metres per second on its highest setting, although I haven’t personally put that to the test.

For the misting function, the pod must first be filled with tap water and fitted with the supplied wick. Once installed, pressing the black plate cycles through the settings until the water droplet icon appears. The mist intensity can be adjusted using the same dial, while users can choose between a continuous spray or an interval mode that delivers pulses of mist for up to 10 minutes.

The mist is so lightweight on the skin that it simply leaves a cool sensation – rather than being soaked in cold water.

The InstaChill Cooling Plate is equally impressive. Cooling on contact to the skin and designed to lower skin temperature by up to 9°C, I was surprised by how quickly it cooled down once activated and applied to my skin. Unlike many metal cooling products that quickly lose their chill on contact, the plate stayed noticeably cold and proved a useful feature when I needed targeted cooling. It’s a simple feature, but one that works remarkably well.

To turn the device on, it has a simple on/off slider which, once unlocked, requires the press of the black plate on the fan’s base to be powered up. The same applies to turning it off, but in reverse.

All three modes operate relatively quietly, too. The fan naturally produces the most noise, but it’s never distracting or overpowering. Elsewhere, Dyson’s HushJet Mini Cool (£99) also boasts a quiet performance thanks to its anti-vibration design, although it lacks the additional cooling and misting functions offered by the ChillPill.

My main criticism of the ChillPill, if I had to find one, is a lack of hands-free carrying options included in the initial purchase box. A strap or clip would make the device much more convenient to use while on the move – it would mean I wouldn’t have to yo-yo between taking it in and out of my bag throughout the day.

That said, accessories are available separately, starting from £5.99, but it would have been nice to see at least one included as standard. Those specifically looking for a wearable cooling solution may prefer a neck fan instead, such as this Boots Menopause & Me Wearable Neck Fan (£15.99).

The other potential drawback is the price. At £129.99, the ChillPill sits firmly at the premium end of the market for what is, ultimately, a pocket-sized gadget. However, if it proves durable in the long run, the triple-threat combination of fan, misting and cooling functions could make it worthwhile, particularly for frequent travellers or anyone who finds themself experiencing hot flushes regularly.

Although I must admit, this fan has thoroughly impressed me and, in this scorching heat, it has been a real godsend both day and night and has been a worthy investment.

Need to know

Everything you need to know about this week’s heatwave

• A rare 36-hour red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office ahead of ‘exceptionally’ hot weather forecast for this week. This includes parts of Cambridgeshire.
• The warning runs for 36 hours between Wednesday (June 24) at 9am and 9pm on June 25. Experts say the weather is ‘highly likely’ to affect the general population.
• The Met Office has said that “substantial” changes in working practices and daily routines “will be required” to adapt to the heat. The forecaster also warned that for people who experience even moderate delays on transport networks could face “significant welfare issues”.
• The warning covers a large area of central and southern England, including parts of Cambridgeshire. Large parts of the West Midlands and Wales are also affected.
• The Met Office said parts of the UK covered by the warning are likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37C. This could rise to 38C to 40C in some places.
• The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, which the Met Office said is likely to make it more uncomfortable for people. Very warm and humid night times are also expected to reduce the ability for people to recover overnight.
• The UK Health Security Agency has already issued a red alert for health running between 1am on Wednesday (June 24) to 11pm on June 25. They say that severe impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.

You can read the full article HERE.

The incident happened in Tanpit Lane at around 4pm on Thursday (May 14), and involved a light-coloured Toyota.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene, North Yorkshire Police said, but left without providing any details.

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A man in his 30s suffered minor injuries following the crash, a force spokesperson confirmed.

They added: “Please contact us if you recognise the man pictured, as we believe he may have witnessed the incident and could have information that might assist our investigation.

“Please email Jack.Dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk if you can help.

“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Jack Dodsworth or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

“Please quote reference 12260089302 when passing on information.”