The former prince became known as simply Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the so-called siege of Royal Lodge, where Andrew had paid just a peppercorn rent on the Crown Estate property for decades, ended with him decamping to live on the King’s private Sandringham estate, with an annual stipend provided by Charles.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Sitting in the stands at a hockey game, Michael Black heard what he thought was popping balloons before quickly realizing it was gunfire. As dozens of people rushed out of the Rhode Island arena, Black told his wife to “run, run” and then lunged toward the shooter’s handgun.

Black managed to get his left hand caught in the chamber of Robert Dorgan’s gun, jamming it and then briefly attempted to hold Dorgan down. But Dorgan, a former bodybuilder, hoisted Black into the air before at least two other bystanders rushed over to subdue the shooter. One of them could be seen on video putting Dorgan into a choke hold.

Dorgan fell to the ground, with Black on top of him. The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot after pulling out a second gun as the two locked eyes. Black never heard Dorgan say a word.

“The first thought was the safety of my wife. And the second thought was, because the bullets were coming out, was to focus in on the gun,” Black said. “Get the gun and then subdue the shooter.”

Dorgan’s ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan were killed in the shooting, and three others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan; and a family friend, Thomas Geruso, all of whom remained in critical condition Wednesday.

Pawtucket police say the group of “courageous citizens” who rushed to intervene in the attack “undoubtedly prevented further injury and increased the chances of survival for the injured.” Along with Black, Robert Rattenni, and Ryan Cordeiro are being credited as subduing the suspect. Separately, Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy, both retired Rhode Island firefighters and EMTs, and nurse Maryann Rattenni provided first aid in the immediate aftermath.

“I look at it as being fortunate, saddened tremendously in the loss, but fortunate that a small group of people could make a difference,” Black said in a Zoom interview Thursday from South Carolina where he was on a college visit with his son.

Authorities have not directly said that Dorgan was transgender and have said questions around Dorgan’s gender identity are not relevant to their investigation surrounding the case.

However, court records from Dorgan’s past show that gender identity was at least one of the contributing factors to Dorgan’s wife filing for divorce in 2020 after nearly 30 years of marriage. Dorgan’s X account mentions being transgender and sharing far-right ideologies.

Black said Dorgan was walking down rows of seats determined to shoot more people. As he pinned the shooter’s head with his knee, Black said he noticed Dorgan had additional magazines holding “quite a few bullets.”

With Dorgan dead, other bystanders rushed to provide treatment for the five people who had been shot and were lying between the bleachers. Blood was everywhere. Police arrived within minutes and, Black with his injured hand, was escorted outside in the parking lot where he reunited with his wife.

“My wife saw me and she ran underneath the yellow tape, kind of grabbed me from behind, and we gave a big hug,” Black said. “She said, ‘I heard you helped with the shooter. And she says, what’s all the blood? I said, ’I got my hand caught in the gun.’ And then she said, ‘Honey, I don’t know whether I should be proud of you, but I’m pissed off at you for putting yourself in that situation.’”

As he was sitting in the hospital getting treatment on his injured hand, Black recalled a nurse calling him a hero — a label that has repeatedly been applied to all three bystanders in recent days.

“I said I don’t feel like I’m a hero right now,” Black said. “I looked up and I was feeling for the family. So I started getting some tears in my eyes. And then she got tears in her eyes, too. It was just a moment of decompression at that point.”

___

Casey reported from Boston.

A new guide has been published by the UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) to help communities set up Men’s Sheds using shipping containers as affordable, adaptable workshop and social spaces.

Men’s Sheds offer a supportive environment for men to connect, share skills, and work on practical projects together.

The organisation’s new guide, Shipping Container Set Up for Sheds, features detailed case studies and practical advice from sheds already operating in converted containers, including Amersham and Wendover.

John Latchford of Amersham Men’s Shed said: “The container didn’t just solve our space issue – it gave our members a meaningful project.

“Refitting it ourselves created purpose, teamwork and real pride. The finished workshop represents not just a building, but the confidence and skills gained along the way.”

As of December 2025, at least 27 Men’s Sheds across the UK are using shipping containers as their main workshop space.

The guide outlines every stage of setting up a shed in a container, covering planning, access, foundations, power, lighting, ventilation, health and safety, insurance, regulatory requirements, and workshop layout.

Rachel Meadows, head of development at UKMSA, said: “Shipping containers have enabled many Sheds to get up and running quickly and safely, often in places where no other option existed.

“This guide brings together the collective knowledge of Shedders who’ve already done it, helping others avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.”

The publication also showcases examples of modular expansion, renewable energy solutions, and the use of outdoor covered workspaces, demonstrating how Sheds can grow over time.

Shipping containers offer a secure, weather-resistant, and portable solution, particularly where permanent buildings are not viable.

The guide is suitable for community groups, funders, local authorities, and anyone interested in developing a Men’s Shed.

Shipping Container Set Up for Sheds is available now at menssheds.org.uk/mens-sheds-resources – and for information about starting a new shed, visit menssheds.org.uk/start-a-shed.

The Princess of Wales often champions the British high street – but there’s one homegrown label that she’s particularly fond of: Boden. From tailored coats and colourful knitwear to chocolate brown loafers or staple shirts, Kate Middleton has been spotted in the label countless times at Royal engagements.

While the rest of us are more likely to be dressing for the office or school pick-up, Boden delivers on all fronts. The label’s latest drop has us dreaming of warmer days – think linen tailoring, classic shirts, printed dresses and hardworking basics.

As always, there’s also a commitment to high-quality materials throughout the collection, from cotton frocks to silk-blend camis. Combining high street prices with luxurious fabrics, the 35-year-old label enjoys enduring appeal.

Read more: Kate Middleton just wore these high street loafers

Kate Middleton isn’t the only admirer of the brand; Boden’s notable fan base also includes Claudia Winkleman and Holly Willoughby. The label’s allure lies in its considered approach to design, favouring character over fleeting trends.

If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe for spring and beyond, here are my top picks from Boden’s new collection – better yet, you can currently save 20 per cent on everything. Simply add the code ‘GR7V’ at checkout.

An effortlessly stylish look for spring, Boden’s linen trousers and matching blazer are tailored for a smart and flattering look. The trousers are wide-leg, and the blazer has classic lapels, a single-breasted cut and a fitted silhouette.

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An elevated alternative to a cotton or linen waistcoat, this denim style looks like it’ll have a flattering fit thanks to the tailored cut. Complete with a scoop neckline and longline cut, the dark, indigo hue makes it easy to style. Wear it with neutral trousers or embrace a double denim look with similarly shaded jeans.

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Finished in an on-trend tartan-style print, these ballet flats will add instant intrigue to any outfit. Reduced by more than 50 per cent, the pumps boast a Mary Jane-style elasticated strap and comfortable, rounded toe. Wear with grey or white socks during the winter months before styling with floaty dresses in the spring.

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Tartan kilts are far more wearable than you might think. This woollen number from Boden is designed with a pink and green check colour palette, featuring a high-rise waist and knee-grazing length (it’s helpfully available in petite, regular and tall lengths too). Lean into the punk feel with biker boots or dress down with ballet flats.

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Your search for the perfect spring jacket is over. Boden’s Gloucester mac is finished in a timeless gingham print with a monochrome checkered colour palette. Characterised by its regular short cut and pointed collar, the 100 per cent cotton design features a back box pleat for movement and statement buttons.

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Suede is still everywhere this season – and this pair of chic mules offers the perfect way to lean in this spring. Whether poking out of wide-leg jeans or styled with a midi dress, the pointed toe gives them an air of elegance. Complete with exposed stitching detail and a slim sole, the loafer-style shoes are perfect for the office.

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Boden’s argyle knit is an elevated everyday staple. The neutral classic print is brightened up by pink detailing, while the oversized silhouettes make it perfect for layering. Complete with a flattering V-neckline and button-down front, the cardigan is sure to be a hard-working addition to your wardrobe.

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This pair of indigo wide-leg jeans is a staple for your winter wardrobe. The stitch detailing gives them a vintage feel, while the dark denim wash elevates them beyond your average pair of jeans. Available in petite, regular and long lengths, the jeans boast a flattering high waist.

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Boden’s quarter zip-up style is one of its most recognisable silhouettes. Offering plenty of versatility when it comes to styling, the jumper can be worn as a sleek turtleneck or with a wide spread collar. The design is classically Boden, with a red and pink striped finish that adds some joyous shades to your winter wardrobe.

Complete your winter wardrobe with one of the best cashmere jumpers

Corporation Mini Market on Corporation Road and 4 Seasons Mini Market on Gladstone Street were served with closure orders following a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (February 18).

The closure orders stop any business from operating from the buildings for the next three months, though this can be extended by up to six months at the court’s discretion.

Between April 2024 and January 2026 trading standards officers visited Corporation Mini Market on several occasions seizing illegal goods with a total estimated retail value of more than £14,000.

Officers also made multiple visits to 4 Seasons Mini Market, formerly known as 3 Stop Shop, Your Shop and Greengros, between June 2024 and January this year.

4 Seasons Mini Market on Gladstone Street has also been ordered to close (Image: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL)

Officers seized more than £47,000 worth of illegal tobacco products and vapes from properties, vehicles and bins associated with the premises.

Further evidence detailing a long-standing history of criminal behaviour associated with both premises was also presented to magistrates, including intelligence received from the police and the general public about illegal and underage sales.

Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, Darlington Borough Council, said: “Delivering safer, healthier communities, ensuring local people live well for longer and building a strong, sustainable local economy are three of our main priorities.

“I am delighted with the continued progress being made to frustrate and disrupt the illegal tobacco market, which undermines honest local businesses, and places public health at risk by encouraging smoking and targeting young people with pocket money prices.”

Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, added: “This type of criminal activity helps fund organised crime groups and goes hand-in-hand with drug dealing, child exploitation and money laundering.

“We are committed to working with our partners to end these illegal operations and will continue to work tirelessly to protect our local communities from the very real dangers posed by these businesses.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, vapes or cigarettes in Darlington is urged to email tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk, or report it using the online form at www.darlington.gov.uk/ts-report-it.

You can also contact the police on 101 or report online via the 101 Live Chat: www.durham.police.uk/Report-It/101-Live-Chat.

A new campaign has been launched to urge residents to treat refuse collection staff in Peterborough with respect

Refuse collection workers in part of Cambridgeshire are said to be experiencing “aggressive and threatening behaviour” while on duty. Residents in Peterborough are being told to treat these workers with respect.

During 2024-25, crews in Peterborough reported 29 threats of violence, including five with aggressive behaviour and one incident of verbal abuse. Since April last year, a further 18 threats of violence have been recorded.

A new campaign by Peterborough City Council, in conjunction with Aragon Direct Services, has been launched to urge residents to treat refuse collection staff with respect.

Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our dedicated staff in our waste and recycling services work really hard and make such a valuable contribution to our communities. They’re a vital part our teamwork to keep our city clean and also achieve climate action targets.

“As such it is deeply concerning and saddening to hear their accounts of abuse from residents. No one deserves this when doing their job and this behaviour will not be tolerated. We are raising awareness of this important issue in the hope of cracking down on these incidents and I would urge anyone who witnesses staff abuse to report this as soon as possible.”

Anyone who witnesses incidents of refuse staff being abused is asked to contact the police on 101.

Many fish appear to hang effortlessly in the water while they wait for prey, defend a nest or pause between bursts of activity. But our research shows that this quiet stillness is anything but effortless. Hovering, the behaviour that allows a fish to remain suspended in one place, is far more energetically demanding than scientists once believed.

In a comparative study of 13 near neutrally buoyant species, we found that metabolic rates during hovering were almost twice as high as during rest (when the fish supports its weight with the bottom of the tank). In some cases, they were even greater. These findings challenge the long standing assumption that fish can remain motionless in the water column at little physiological cost.

Most bony fishes possess a swim bladder, which allows them to regulate buoyancy and avoid sinking or floating. This ability has encouraged the idea that once a fish reaches neutral buoyancy it can stay at its chosen depth with minimal effort. Our results show that the story is more complex. A fish that hovers must do more than balance weight and buoyant force; it must also control its posture.

In many species, the centre of mass and the centre of buoyancy do not align perfectly. The slight offset between them creates a continual torque that would cause the fish to roll or pitch if no corrective action were taken. Even in still water, a hovering fish must repeatedly counter these small rotational forces. What looks like serene suspension is in fact the product of continuous and precise adjustment.

To understand the true energetic cost of these corrections, we combined metabolic measurements with detailed observations of movement. Each fish was placed in a respirometer chamber so we could measure oxygen consumption during hovering. We recorded its movements using synchronised high speed cameras. We also quantified important aspects of body form, including the positions of the centres of mass and buoyancy, using anatomical measurements and micro CT scans.

Although the fish were incredibly good at maintaining postural equilibrium, the recordings revealed an uninterrupted sequence of minor fin movements. Pectoral, pelvic, anal and tail fins all contributed to the task of maintaining position. The fin trajectories varied across species and often traced intricate three dimensional paths.

The energetic consequences of this activity were striking. Across the thirteen species, hovering metabolic rates ranged from about 158 to 351 milligrams of oxygen per kilogram per hour, always above resting levels. Most species nearly doubled their metabolic expenditure during hovering.

A few fish, such as gouramis, managed to hover with only a small rise in metabolism. Others, including giant danios, cichlids and glass catfish, expended far more energy. In these species, the tail played a particularly active role. Their tail fins moved through larger distances than those of the low cost species. This indicated that tail driven corrections, rather than pectoral fin use alone, were central to the task of staying still.

Body shape had a clear influence on energetic demand. Deep-bodied fish, with their larger surface area, generate more resistance as water moves around them, making them naturally better at resisting unwanted rotations. These species relied less on fin movements and maintained position at comparatively low energetic cost.

Elongated or narrow-bodied fish were less inherently stable and needed more frequent corrections. Fin position mattered too. Species with pectoral fins set farther back on the body hovered more efficiently, because even small movements produced effective stabilising forces.

A hidden cost of everyday behaviour

So, hovering is far from a trivial activity. Many fish do it routinely throughout the day, whether guarding eggs, feeding on particles in the water, avoiding obstacles or keeping their place within a school. Understanding how much energy these routine actions require helps biologists build more accurate pictures of the daily lives of fishes and the ecological pressures they face.

The findings also shed light on the evolution of fish form and movement. Many teleost fish (bony fish, such as cod, salmon and goldfish) are inherently unstable. It’s a quality that allows them to manoeuvre rapidly when they need to turn sharply or evade predators.

But this same instability means they must make constant corrections whenever they stop moving. The balance between instability, control and energy use has shaped the extraordinary diversity of body shapes and fin arrangements found in modern fish.

À lire aussi :
What’s the carbon footprint of owning pet fish? An expert explains

Our study has practical relevance beyond biology. Engineers designing underwater robots face many of the same challenges that fish have solved. A robot that needs to hold its position in moving water can waste significant power stabilising itself. By studying how fish coordinate multiple fins to correct minute disturbances, designers may be able to create more efficient vehicles capable of hovering for long periods while using far less energy.

The next time you see a fish suspended apparently without effort in an aquarium, it’s worth remembering what lies beneath that calm surface. Hovering may look simple, but it is a remarkably demanding feat of balance and control.

Our study shows that fish invest far more energy than expected simply to stay in place – a hidden cost in the daily lives of animals that spend much of their time looking as though they are doing nothing at all.

The latest rugby news from around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, February 19.

Six Nations coach ‘disgusted’

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says the racist abuse aimed at lock Edwin Edogbo following his Test debut is “disgusting”, as he backed the 23-year-old to “crack on and ignore all the BS”.

The Munster star was targeted on social media after winning his first cap for his country in their 20-13 Six Nations win over Italy in Dublin last weekend, having come off the replacements’ bench in the 70th minute.

After Edogbo – who was born and raised in County Cork to Nigerian parents – was subjected to racist abuse, the Irish Rugby Football Union has launched an investigation.

Farrell, who on Thursday named his team to face England this weekend, condemned the abuse against his player as he said there is “no need for it in society”.

“First and foremost, it’s all about the player, nothing but about how he is and how it’s affecting him or not,” he told reporters. “We’ve had the conversation and he’s fine, thankfully. But it’s obviously disgusting. There’s no need for it in society.

“I didn’t read it. I don’t want to read it, I don’t want to give people anything to even think that I’m even commenting on some of the stuff that has been said really because they certainly don’t deserve that.

“But as far as I’m concerned, Edwin’s fine, he’s strong, he’s been brought up in the right way,” Farrell added. “We met his family last week, his mother and his two brothers and his sister.

“His father couldn’t make it because he works all hours God sends as an A&E nurse there down in Cork, which says it all. He’s made of the right stuff, and that’s why he’s able to just crack on and ignore all the BS.”

Returning Scotland duo ‘hugely determined’

By Anthony Brown, Press Association

Gregor Townsend expects Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe to be fuelled by “huge determination” against Wales after they were restored to Scotland’s starting XV for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash in Cardiff.

The British and Irish Lions duo were high-profile omissions from the 23 for the first two championship matches against Italy and England amid question marks about their form.

Toulouse back Kinghorn will start at full-back in place of Tom Jordan, who drops to the bench, while Van der Merwe, Scotland’s record try-scorer, returns at wing to take over from Jamie Dobie, who is out due to injury.

“Blair was back playing on Sunday night for Toulouse so it’s good to get an outlet when you’ve not been selected,” said head coach Townsend after naming his squad to face Wales.

“He played really well in that game and he’s recovered quickly after that evening game. Duhan’s trained really well and very much been part of our squad, so there’ll be a freshness around both of them coming back in and huge determination to play well.

“Like any player, you want to be part of the squad and for those players that have been in our squad for a few years, it’ll be tough for them to take.

“But they’ve backed the team and they understand the reasons why we had different selections going into our opening two games. And now they have an opportunity to represent their country again.”

There are three further changes to the Scotland XV that started the 31-20 victory over England last weekend – all of them in the pack.

Dave Cherry replaces George Turner at hooker, with the latter dropping to the bench.

Back-rowers Jamie Ritchie and Jack Dempsey miss out through injury, with Matt Fagerson coming in at number eight and the versatile Gregor Brown, who started in the second row last weekend, moving to blindside flanker. Glasgow lock Max Williamson comes in to take Brown’s place in the second row.

Scotland, who have been training in Spain this week, are hot favourites to defeat an ailing Wales side who have lost heavily to France and England in their opening two matches.

“I’m sure last week a lot of people thought England were clear favourites (against Scotland), so the game is not about predictions and previous form,” said Townsend. “It’s a lot about what you do in those 80 minutes, and we’ve got to make sure that we get our game out.”

Dropped star ‘will bounce back’

By Edward Elliot, Press Association

Ireland boss Andy Farrell backed Sam Prendergast to bounce back from being dropped as he admitted neither of his leading fly-halves were in particularly good form ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

Prendergast has been left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s round-three clash away to England following a tough outing in last weekend’s tense 20-13 win over Italy.

Jack Crowley will start at Twickenham after his impressive cameo against the Azzurri, with Ciaran Frawley providing back-up from the bench. Prendergast, 23, began six of Ireland’s last seven Six Nations fixtures and has been overlooked for a matchday 23 in the championship for the first time.

“Sam’s a fantastic international player,” head coach Farrell told a press conference, according to the Irish Independent. “He’s on a journey that’s obviously learning like all of us. That will never stop. It’s the same for Ciaran Frawley.

“We’ve talked all along about the four lads (Crowley, Prendergast, Frawley and Harry Byrne) competing against one another and the balance is right for this team this weekend. Everyone gets feedback and we talk it through and we use it in the right manner to see where we’re going to go in the not too distant future.

“I think the two lads (Prendergast and Crowley) probably came into camp, I think they’ve probably been in better form. I’m not saying they were in bad form, but you see during training which way that you’re going to go through performance.”

Crowley played every minute of Ireland’s triumphant 2024 Six Nations campaign but his only start in the tournament following Prendergast’s Test debut in November of that year came away to Italy last March.

The 26-year-old will partner recalled scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park as part of five personnel changes, with prop Tadhg Furlong and back-rows Tadhg Beirne and Josh van der Flier also returning.

Asked why he opted for Crowley, Farrell said: “Because of what we’ve seen and how he’s come through and performed and playing confidently. You back what you see and all of that.

“I suppose sometimes you see people come from the back, have nothing to lose and then just rip in. And we’ve not just seen that with Jack, we’ve seen it with James Ryan – not selected to start in the first game, came on against France (a 36-14 loss) and had a storming game and has continued that.

“I saw that with James as well with the (British and Irish) Lions, when he was behind the eight ball there with a quad injury and he was chasing his tail to try and get into the squad and played his best rugby within that tour.

“That’s because people are able to sit back a bit, make sense of it and rip into the performance. I think you saw that with Jack’s performance last week.”

Versatile Frawley is poised to win his first international cap – and 10th overall – since coming on at centre in last summer’s 106-7 demolition of Portugal.

“He’s 100 per cent excited,” Farrell said of the 28-year-old. “He’s been certainly frustrated with the lack of game time, certainly in the autumn. From what we’ve seen in training, how sharp he is and how eager he is to get going and the balance that he gives us on the bench, he’ll be ready to go.”

As the 21st century dawned, a newly elected Vladmir Putin was making friends on the world stage. He smiled for photo ops at G8 meetings, and was the first foreign leader to call George W. Bush after the attacks of 9/11, offering his support against terrorism.

So what changed? To understand Russia’s view of the world now – and its continued aggression towards Ukraine – it helps to know more about the psyche of the country and its leader.

In today’s episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we talk to James Rodgers, a reader in international journalism at City St George’s, University of London, about how a festering sense of national humiliation after the collapse of the Soviet Union hardened Putin’s tough man regime and led Russia to turn its back on the west.

In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, many in the west believed liberal democracy and free markets had won in Russia. The cold war was over and Russia would join the community of democratic nations. But that’s not what happened.  Instead, Russians experienced economic freefall, large-scale poverty and a sense of national humiliation.

“People felt this great loss of status,” says Rodgers, who has just written a new book called The Return of Russia about why it came into confrontation with the west.

“With the coming of new western ideas of the free market, a lot of people lost their jobs and the status that went with them,” says Rodgers. “Russia also lost the standing on the world stage that the Soviet Union had enjoyed.”

Putin became president on the eve of the new millennium. Rodgers says, Putin had not forgotten the economic pain and humiliation of the 1990s, and understood its importance to his constituency in Russia. “He understood the political potential of that humiliation in a way that I think some western policymakers did not understand the possible political consequences of it.”

Soon after, the 9/11 attacks in 2001 pushed the US to war in the Middle East. Whatever support Putin had pledged western governments began to crumble, particularly over the invasion of Iraq. Through interviews with former top western officials, Rodgers pinpoints that Russian foreign intelligence knew Iraq’s leader Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction, and they were certain that the CIA and other western intelligence agencies knew that.

“Russia determined that the west was acting in bad faith about the reason that they’d given for going to war in Iraq, and this was actually about regime change and not at all about weapons of mass destruction,” says Rodgers. He says the invasion made Putin deeply suspicious of western motives in foreign relations, who began to think: “If they can do this to Saddam Hussein, then maybe one day the west will try to decide to do it for me.”

Listen to the interview with James Rodgers on The Conversation Weekly podcast. This episode was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware with editing help from Ashlynne McGhee. Mixing by Eleanor Brezzi and theme music by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer.

Newsclips in this episode from BBC News, AP Archive, ABC News, C-Span, CNN, The Phoenix ReNasCor, DW News and
Voice of America.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.

A toxic gas leak at a mine in Nigeria has killed 37 people and left 26 injured in hospital. 

Poisonous lead, sulphur and carbon monoxide was suddenly discharged into the shaft, killing nearly 40 miners working underground.

They were said to have not realised they were breathing in deadly fumes until they started to become unwell, according to the Nigerian government.

The victims were taken ill in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Kampani Zurak, a police spokesman said.

Alfred Alabo said: “A preliminary investigation revealed that the miners faced a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulphur and carbon monoxide.

“These gases are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment.”

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been released to their families for burial in accordance with their religious practices.

The Nigerian government has closed the mining site and an investigation into the leak is continuing.

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The miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued their operations, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said.

It’s not clear what was being mined at the site and whether the mine was operating legally.

Nigeria is trying to rein in illegal gold mining operations across the country that have killed hundreds of people over the years.