“No one should face threats, intimidation or assault simply for doing their job. We need a coordinated approach across Government, the Met and the NHS to ensure staff are safe, reporting is easy and meaningful, and offenders face real consequences. Without this, we risk a growing culture of fear that harms staff wellbeing and undermines patient care.”
A man was arrested after assaulting a woman during a concert (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A 26-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the middle of the crowd during a show at London’s O2 Arena.
The woman, whose identity is being protected, was with friends in the standing area of rapper Gunna’s concert on Wednesday, March 25.
In a video posted on social media, a man can be seen approaching her from behind as she sang along, seemingly unaware of him.
She said her ‘whole experience’ at the show had been ‘ruined’, sharing she spent the whole day crying because she keeps ‘reliving’ the incident.
Advertisement
Security and officers at the major music venue were alerted to the assault and took a man into custody at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Metro: ‘A man has been arrested following a sexual assault in south London.
The incident was reported during Gunna’s O2 Arena gig on Wednesday (Picture: Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA)
‘At around 20:20hrs Wednesday, 25 March, police were called to the O2 Arena in Greenwich by venue management. A woman, aged in her 20s, was approached from behind by a man, who sexually assaulted her.
‘Officers were already at the venue, and swiftly arrested a 26-year-old man who had been apprehended by venue staff. He was taken into custody, suspect has not yet been bailed.’
The spokesperson added that the woman was ‘receiving support from specially-trained officers’.
Advertisement
‘The Met is prioritising the safety of women and girls across London,’ they said. ‘Officers continue to work closely with venues to provide awareness training for staff, and we have expanded specialist teams across domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence to ensure a dedicated response.’
Meanwhile, the O2 Arena told us this was an ‘isolated incident’, which had been ‘promptly’ attended by the venue security and police.
Gunna will play one more show in London later this month (Picture: Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA)
In a statement, the venue added: ‘The matter is now being handled by the Metropolitan Police. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our guests and we are assisting with their enquiries.’
Gunna has not addressed the incident publicly, with his tour continuing in Manchester tonight before heading to Amsterdam for two shows.
He’ll return to the O2 Arena for one final concert on March 31, marking the end of his Wun World Tour.
Advertisement
The rapper rose to fame in 2018 with his mixtape Drip Season 3, releasing his debut studio album the following year.
In 2020, Gunna was nominated for best rap or sung performance at the Grammys and released his latest album The Last Wun in August 2025.
Metro has reached out to Gunna’s team for comment.
Got a story?
Advertisement
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
It’s hoped public toilets would make the city centre more appealing and accessible for people
Public toilets are set to make a return to the city centre – but they may not be on Cathedral Square. The long-standing issue of access to public conveniences was raised at Peterborough City Council’s monthly Cabinet meeting on March 24 by Councillor Mohammed Jamil.
Advertisement
The Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Governance asked to seek reassurance around toilet provision following Cllr Mohammed Farooq’s presentation outlining plans to establish a Peterborough City Centre Growth Board.
Cllr Jamil said: “One of the things we’re often criticised for is that the previous administration took away all the public toilets [in the city centre]. Can you just reassure me that there are plans to bring those back because people need these facilities?”
Adrian Chapman, Executive Director for Place and Economy said: “Cllr Farooq mentioned the Pride of Place impact fund… and one of the biggest impacts we think needs to be made is in toilet provision.”
Mr Chapman suggested new public toilets would join enhancements to Cathedral Square and the Guildhall in helping to make the city centre a more appealing place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Advertisement
“I’m not suggesting toilets will sit on Cathedral Square,” he added, “but I think we can combine all of that into one single project.”
Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, Cllr Christian Hogg said: “How long do you think it will be before we see something happening with… toilet facilities in our town centre?”
Adrian Davey, the council’s Interim Service Director of Regeneration & Growth said: “The Pride of Place [fund]… is a quick, immediate programme to make differences now.”
Cllr Hogg pressed Mr Davey on the actual length of time it will take to see new toilet provision made available, voicing concerns that some other local development projects are likely to take a decade or more to complete.
Advertisement
He asked: “Are we having to wait 15 years for a toilet? Do we have to keep our legs crossed for that long?”
Adrian Chapman reassured cabinet members that more detailed information about city centre regeneration will be made available in the coming days.
Ferryhill Town Council recruited the new councillors following a recent campaign and invited all three to a special council meeting on March 11.
At the meeting, they each gave a five-minute presentation about their background, experience and reasons for wanting to serve on the council.
Councillor Keith Lloyd (Image: Supplied)
Cllr Anthony Hewitt said: “I have met some really wonderful people since moving to Ferryhill.
“How welcoming and kind they have been and how many people work so hard to help the community.
Advertisement
“So I decided it was time that I stood up and did my part in trying to make Ferryhill a better place to live for all its residents.”
Cllr Keith Lloyd said: “I am very happy to join the Ferryhill Town Council as a Councillor for the Broom ward.
“I have lived in Ferryhill for 72 years, and think it is time to give something back to this community.”
The third new member, Cllr Liam Fellows, was not available to have his photograph taken; however, he shared his reasons for returning to the council.
Advertisement
Cllr Fellows said: “I was really sad to see so many vacancies on the Town Council following the local elections last May and that they hadn’t managed to be filled since.
“I really enjoyed my time on Ferryhill Town Council previously so thought I’d once again offer my service.”
He said he is committed to improving council facilities, services for residents and communication with the public.
Cllr Fellows said: “I’m passionate about improving the Councils facilities, what it provides for residents in the town and how the council communicates with the community.
Advertisement
“Hopefully working with the rest of the council and officers, we can strive to make these improvements.”
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a town councillor can contact Leeanne Owens, the Town Clerk, for further information.
The ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of the title during a City of York Council meeting on Thursday evening with members of the public telling councillors, ‘it is the absolute minimum you should be doing’.
The prestigious title was gifted to the then Duke and Duchess of York on their wedding day in 1987.
But councillors voted unanimously for the removal following fresh revelations about the former duchess’s shockingly personal emails to Epstein.
Advertisement
Speaking during the debate, Liberal Democrat councillor Darryl Smalley said: ‘We now know, following the release of thousands of documents, that Sarah Ferguson too had a close friendship with Epstein, which continued well beyond his conviction.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking Newsalerts the moment it happens.
Advertisement
‘We don’t expect recipients of York’s highest honour to be saints. We simply do not want them to be best friends of convicted paedophiles.
‘We stand with victims. We stand for the rule of the rule of law. We stand for decency.’
He added: ‘York will have hopefully have etched out our city’s connections to both Andrew and Sarah.
‘We must wipe the slate clean, draw a line. Remember our duty to victims of sexual abuse, and move forward with our highest honour reserved for those that truly deserve the privilege. I urge all councillors to vote for the motion.’
Advertisement
Andrew was arrested last week by Thames Valley Police (Picture: Reuters)
Labour councillor Anna Baxter said: ‘We are not living in 1987, and it is right that the honours associated with our city reflect the values of York today.
‘It is reserved for those considered to be people of distinction, but those who have rendered eminent service, and it reflects the values we wish our city to be associated with.’
Gwen Swinburn, a member of the public, addressed councillors during the debate. She said: ‘The decision before you tonight is whether to remove the freedom of the city from Ms Ferguson.
‘It should not be a difficult one. It is the absolute minimum you should be doing.’
Councillor Claire Douglas, leader of the Labour group on the local authority, added: ‘As the people of York would expect, holding this status requires upholding the values and behaviours consistent with such an honour.
Advertisement
‘Those who continued to associate with Jeffrey Epstein after his crimes became widely known fall well short of these expectations.
‘Sarah Ferguson falls into this category as the Epstein files have shown. I therefore call on council to support the motion as presented.’
The honorary freedom of the city is given to residents who demonstrate notable service, to distinguished people and to royalty, the council has said previously.
Emails disclosed as part of millions of published files showed that Ms Ferguson had asked Epstein for financial support while the paedophile remained under house arrest.
Advertisement
Sarah Ferguson reportedly spent several weeks at a £13,000 a day wellness clinic in Switzerland while details emerged about her close relationship with Epstein emerged.
She also wrote to the financier thanking him for being a ‘supreme friend’ and took her children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie for lunch with him less than a week after he walked free from jail.
In another embarrassing email, the former duchess appeared to ask Epstein to ‘just marry me’.
Many of her exchanges were conducted after Epstein was arrested for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.
Advertisement
In another shocking email, she said the Royal family would discredit her ‘to obliteration’.
‘… No woman has ever left the Royal family with her head, and they cannot behead me, therefore they will discredit me,’ she wrote in July 2010.
‘I am totally on my own now. This is beyond scandalous, and nobody can do anything,’ she added.
‘I cannot believe what this is all coming to.’
Advertisement
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson adopted the late Queen’s corgis after her death (Picture: Instagram)
Six companies linked to the former duchess started winding down in the wake of the publication of the Epstein files, according to Companies House documents.
Sarah’s Trust, a charity she founded, also announced it would close ‘for the foreseeable future’.
Dramatic footage shows lightning striking the world’s tallest building as intense thunderstorms bring heavy rain to Dubai
Olivia Beeson UK & World News Reporter
00:51, 27 Mar 2026
Dubai has been battered by severe weather, with the city’s skyline taking on an apocalyptic appearance as lightning struck the world’s tallest building.
Footage and images circulating online show lightning hitting the iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai.
Advertisement
The dramatic scenes come as a powerful weather system sweeps across parts of the Middle East, bringing fierce thunderstorms, lightning and the threat of flooding.
Clips of the striking lightning strikes have been circulating from Thursday evening,March 26. The footage appears to show the lightning safely redirected through the 828-metre-tall building’s protection system.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the unusual weather conditions were due to begin affecting western areas late on Thursday before gradually pushing inland and eastward, reports the Express.
Advertisement
Heavy rainfall and stormy conditions are anticipated to cause further disruption throughout Dubai, with widespread travel chaos and significant delays expected.
Dubai’s skyline has been far from settled amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, though the lightning remains an uncommon spectacle.
Since the outbreak of the war, Dubai has faced repeated attacks from Iranian missiles and drones, including strikes targeting the airport.
The most recent attack occurred as UAE air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched by Iran overnight on Wednesday. The Gulf nation’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the booms and explosions reported throughout the country were the result of Emirati air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, with fighter jets tackling drones and other airborne threats.
Dubai’s Media Office issued a safety warning urging residents to exercise caution amid the severe conditions.
The statement, posted on X, read: “Dubai will experience unstable weather conditions until the morning of Friday, 27 March 2026.
“Rain: Of varying intensity, at times accompanied by lightning and thunder.
Advertisement
“Wind speed: Occasionally strong, potentially raising dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility.”
The post further advised people to stay away from the sea, drive carefully while reducing their speed, and steer clear of valleys, flood-prone areas and locations where rainwater is likely to collect.
Joshua Kershaw was tragically found dead in his hotel room just hours after appearing before a hospital
Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
21:11, 26 Mar 2026Updated 21:12, 26 Mar 2026
The heartbroken mum of a 21-year-old man who was discovered dead in a hotel room overseas has shared a photograph of a woman they’re hoping to locate.
Joshua Kershaw from Wakefield, was tragically found dead on Tuesday, January 13, in his Bangkok hotel room – just hours after he’d collapsed in a bar and attended hospital.
Advertisement
He had only been in Thailand less than half a day before he died. Alarm bells were ringing for his family when he failed to board a flight on January 12 and his flight back home on January 19, reports Yorkshire Live.
Now, his mother claims his death has now been re-opened by investigators and that the case is being treated as “murder/manslaughter”.
In a post on Facebook on Wednesday (March 25), Jenny wrote: “Joshua had only been in Thailand for approximately 10 hours before he passed. It has now come to light that his case is being treated as murder/manslaughter after results showed a combination of seven different substances in his system at extremely high levels, raising serious concerns.
“We have now also been informed that the case in Thailand has been reopened and is currently being investigated as a murder case. We are still waiting for official confirmation from the UK coroner.”
Jenny has also shared an image of an unknown woman she says “was with Joshua Kershaw” when he died. She said: “We are urgently trying to identify and speak with a woman who was with Joshua Kershaw at the time he sadly passed away in Thailand.
“We have a photo of her, but we don’t know her name. If you recognise yourself in this or know who she is, please get in touch as soon as possible. It’s really important for us to speak with her.”
Advertisement
Jenny claims the woman is “holding” Joshua’s belongings in the image – including his phone and bag.
She then asks for people to share her post to “reach as many people as possible.”
He had travelled to the popular tourist resort of Pattaya for a week-long holiday, and his family initially reported him missing when he failed to board a flight to Bangkok on January 12. He then missed a second flight – his trip home – days later on January 19. UK authorities classed him as a high-risk missing person as a search was launched.
Advertisement
On Wednesday, January 21 Jenny said in a heartbreaking Facebook post that her son had been found dead.
A Go Fund Me page was set up in order to bring his body home and pay for a funeral. The young landscaper, originally from Grimsby, was repatriated last month before a funeral was held at Wakefield Crematorium.
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
The building will be demolished to make way for a new development
A city centre building that housed TK Maxx and Woolworths is set to be demolished. Peterborough City Council announced the completion of the sale of the building in Bridge Street at its full council meeting on Wednesday (March 25).
Advertisement
If plans are approved, new owners, MJS, plan to demolish the current building and replace it with a “landmark building” that offers a mix of retail and accommodation. In a social media video, leader of the council, Councillor Shabina Qayyum said: “Subject to planning approval, this building is going to be completely demolished and showcase retail on the lower floor, with accommodation on the top floor and landscaped areas, so it actually joins in with our city centre street scene.
“What’s going to be wonderful is that when this eyesore of a wall comes down, you will see the whole of the area have a regenerated look to it.”
MJS has previously completed renovation works of the Guild House in Peterborough, and is also working on Whitworth Mill at Fletton Quays.
In 2020, the council purchased the building for just over £4 million. The TK Maxx shop was then moved into the Queensgate shopping centre, where it remains today. The council initially received six bids for the building.
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon in Leo links with Neptune in Aries, putting connections and relationships in the spotlight. Everything feels charged with a potentially romantic energy.
Pisces, Capricorn, and Scorpio, it’s your relationship with yourself and your work that you are drawn to focus on today. Things are rich in colour, so bask in this.
Consider the role that others fulfil in your life today, and yours in theirs. Check in with yourself and the energy levels you are sharing.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday March 27, 2026.
Advertisement
Like checking your horoscope every morning?You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.
The Moon-Leo alliance means confidence and creativity blur into something dreamlike. You’re inspired, expressive, and slightly whimsical, though not everything is meant to be taken literally. Follow intuition but be practical too. This is a good time to create, perform, dream, or simply believe in yourself a little more. Trust the vision, then let it evolve naturally.
Home, memories, or private longings may seem very vivid. Let them speak through creativity, rest, or quiet pleasure. You don’t need to explain every mood, as such things are meant to be felt, not analysed. Daydreams can be healing, especially when paired with kindness toward yourself and close ones. And comfort relaxes you when you slow down enough to notice it.
Your words shimmer with feeling, and conversations can be subtle but filled with big promises. Inspiration flows, though facts may blur. A compliment, idea, or story can lift spirits more than you expect. Creativity thrives through writing or channelling artistic talents. Share generously however save big decisions for later. Today is for connecting, not wrapping things up.
Generosity meets imagination, and emotions feel warmer, richer, and idealistic as the Moon aligns with Neptune. You may feel inspired to give, spend, or share more than usual. Pause before overpromising, but don’t close the door on happiness. When you respect what truly matters to you, you’ll truly thrive. Avoid committing to anything that is too good to be true!
The Moon in your sign connects with Neptune in Aries, so charisma and imagination pair up, and self-expression turns luminous. You’ll feel romantic and even a tad unreal, in a good way. Creativity flows when you stop trying to impress and tune into subtle inspiration. Follow intuition but keep promises flexible. When heart and vision align, you shine and enchant.
Your sixth sense is at work beneath the surface, even if you can’t explain it. Amazing insights arrive through dreams or feelings that don’t fit your calculations. You don’t need to have everything organised, so if something feels vague, give it time. Rest, reflection, and creativity are productive in their own way. Compassion toward yourself can open unexpected doors.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Your social life feels warmer, more fascinating, and maybe idealised. You’ll feel inspired by people, causes, or creative plans that lift your spirits. Enjoy the feeling but avoid promising more than you can give. Kindness travels far now when it’s genuine rather than with a result in mind. Still, it’s wise not to take everyone at face value – get to know them better first.
Your public image, goals, or work dreams feel infused with emotion and imagination. You may glimpse a future version of yourself that feels inspiring but slightly out of reach. Don’t force anything yet. Let this vision motivate, not pressure you. Creativity at work or compassionate leadership really helps too. Even so, be mindful of idealising authority figures.
Inspiration arrives, and your sense of possibility is expansive and heartfelt. Ideas sparkle, dreams feel reachable, and confidence softens into compassion. It’s a good time for learning, creating, teaching, or believing in something again. Just avoid promising the moon before checking you can deliver it. Follow the urge toward meaning but avoid escapist tendencies.
Emotions take on richer colour today as practical concerns soften and deeper feelings surface, especially around trust, intimacy, or shared dreams. You may sense more than you can neatly explain. That’s fine, as this is a day for instincts, not fact-finding. Inspiration can arrive through art, music, or an honest conversation that feels unexpectedly tender and supportive.
As the Moon in Leo links with Neptune in Aries, connections feel warmer, more romantic, and slightly idealised. You may see the best in others, sometimes before they see it themselves. Enjoy the glow but keep expectations flexible. This is a wonderful time for creativity, forgiveness, and heartfelt conversations, as listening matters as much as sharing.
Your daily life gets a splash of colour and compassion as routine tasks feel more emotional, creative, or slightly theatrical. You may look for meaning in the mundane or inspiration in your work. Let imagination soften obligations without drifting into avoidance. This is a beautiful day to care for yourself. Music, art, or a gentle yoga session lifts your energy fast.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Advertisement
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Scientists have only fully begun to understand how the medication works after six decades.
Metformin has been prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients to control blood sugar levels for over 60 years, yet scientists have only now begun to fully understand how it works. A new study, published in Science Advances, indicates that the drug works directly within the brain, potentially paving the way for innovative treatment approaches.
Advertisement
In 2025, researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine in the US pinpointed a brain pathway through which the drug appears to function, alongside its effects on biological processes elsewhere in the body. Makoto Fukuda, a pathophysiologist at Baylor, explained: “It’s been widely accepted that metformin lowers blood glucose primarily by reducing glucose output in the liver. Other studies have found that it acts through the gut.
“We looked into the brain as it is widely recognized as a key regulator of whole-body glucose metabolism. We investigated whether and how the brain contributes to the anti-diabetic effects of metformin.” Earlier research by some of the same scientists had identified a brain protein called Rap1 as influencing glucose metabolism, particularly within a region of the brain known as the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH).
In their 2025 study, experiments on mice demonstrated that metformin travels to the VMH, where it combats type 2 diabetes by effectively deactivating Rap1.
When the team bred mice without Rap1, metformin had no effect on a diabetes-like condition – despite other medications proving effective. This provides compelling evidence that metformin operates within the brain through a mechanism different from other medications.
The research team was also able to examine closely the specific neurones that metformin was influencing. In future, this could pave the way for more precise treatments that specifically target these neurones.
Fukuda said: “We also investigated which cells in the VMH were involved in mediating metformin’s effects.
“We found that SF1 neurons are activated when metformin is introduced into the brain, suggesting they’re directly involved in the drug’s action.”
Advertisement
Metformin is both long-lasting and relatively inexpensive. It functions by decreasing the glucose produced by the liver and enhancing the body’s insulin efficiency, thereby helping to control type 2 diabetes symptoms.
We now understand it very likely operates through the brain, in addition to the liver and gut.
Obviously, this requires confirmation through human studies, but once that’s established, we may be able to identify methods to enhance metformin’s effects and increase its potency.
Fukuda added: “These findings open the door to developing new diabetes treatments that directly target this pathway in the brain.
Advertisement
“In addition, metformin is known for other health benefits, such as slowing brain aging. We plan to investigate whether this same brain Rap1 signaling is responsible for other well-documented effects of the drug on the brain.”
These findings also align with other compelling research suggesting the same drug can decelerate brain ageing and extend lifespan. As our knowledge of how metformin functions continues to grow, it could well be prescribed for a far wider range of conditions in the years ahead.
While metformin is generally considered safer than many other type 2 diabetes treatments, side effects aren’t uncommon with gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach discomfort affecting as many as 75 per cent of patients.
Additional complications can arise in those with conditions such as kidney impairment, posing further risks to overall health.
Advertisement
Metformin is also classified as a gerotherapeutic: a drug capable of slowing various ageing processes within the body. Research has demonstrated, for instance, that it can limit DNA damage and encourage gene activity linked to longevity.
Earlier studies have indicated that metformin can reduce deterioration in the brain and even lower the risk of long COVID.
A 2025 study involving more than 400 postmenopausal women examined the comparative effects of metformin and another diabetes medication known as sulfonylurea.
Those taking metformin were found to have a 30 per cent lower risk of dying before the age of 90 compared to those on sulfonylurea, highlighting the drug’s promising role in combating the effects of ageing.
Advertisement
A deeper understanding of how metformin affects the body as a whole could guide medical professionals in prescribing it beyond diabetes treatment, and potentially enhance its safety profile even further.
Fukuda added: “This discovery changes how we think about metformin. It’s not just working in the liver or the gut, it’s also acting in the brain.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login