Police were called to a home in Bristol at 6.17am after reports of a domestic incident – however the explosion took place before officers could arrive

A man and a woman have died following a house explosion in Bristol, which police confirm is being treated as ‘suspicious’.

A further three people, including a child, were injured in the incident and remain in hospital. Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Matt Ebbs c onfirmed officers were alerted to a ‘domestic incident’ at 6.17am on Sunday (May 3).

Before officers could arrive at the scene, an explosion reportedly took place at 6.30am. Another man, woman and child were taken to hospital to treat minor injuries. A cordon is expected to remain in place until Sunday evening.

Officers have confirmed enquiries have been made at a separate property in Speedwell, Bristol, which was linked to the man who died.

“A cordon was put in place to protect the public and to allow inquiries to be carried out at the scene,” Superintendent Matt Ebbs said in a statement released on Sunday.

“This included specialist searches carried out by the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, as a precaution. People living within the cordon were evacuated to a temporary rest centre, and we want to thank them for their ongoing cooperation and understanding.

“We fully recognise how disruptive this has been for them, and to manage expectations, we think the cordon will remain in place until at least the evening, and we’ll continue to provide updates where we can. Public safety will always be our priority and we’ll reduce the cordon as soon as it’s safe for people to return to their homes.”

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At the address of the house explosion, armed officers have been spotted, while nearby residents have been evacuated to an emergency “temporary rest centre” in the nearby Snuff Mill Harvester pub.

Neighbours have reported hearing a loud “bang” early in the morning before smoke was seen billowing from one of the properties. Upon arrival, Avon and Somerset Police set up a white tent at the scene, while the cordon was later widened to include the corner of Froomshaw Road.

One resident, who has since been taken to the Harvester pub, said he heard a loud “bang” at around 6.30am and went outside, but was told to “get inside” by armed officers. He added that neighbours saw smoke billowing from one of the houses.

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“A cordon remains in place while emergency services respond to an incident in Bristol,” Avon and Somerset police said in a previous statement. ” An explosion was reported at a residential address in Sterncourt Road at about 6.30am today (Sunday 3 May).

“The cause of the incident is being treated as suspicious, and a major incident has been declared. Two adults have died at the address and their families have been updated. Emergency services are following well-rehearsed plans in response to this incident.

“Our enquiries are at an early stage, but at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. The cordon has been put in place as a precaution to help keep the public safe. People living within that cordon are therefore being evacuated to a temporary rest centre. There is not believed to be any significant damage to other properties.

“Officers are also carrying out enquiries at a property in Speedwell linked to this incident. Given the recent change to the UK threat level, we would like to reassure the public from the outset we are not treating this as a suspected terrorist incident.

“We ask people not to speculate around the circumstances and continue to encourage the public to avoid the area while emergency services respond to this incident.”

American comedian, rapper and actor Nick Cannon has revealed a controversial ‘double-standard’ when it comes to parenting the twins he shares with ex Mariah Carey.

Cannon, 45, is the father of 15-year-old Moroccan and Monroe, who were born during his eight-year marriage with the singer, 57.

The pair, who married in 2008 after meeting at the Teen Choice Awards two years prior, finalised their divorced in 2016.

Since then, they have continued to co-parent their twins, with son and daughter reportedly spending equal time with both parents.

In a new podcast interview, Cannon has revealed what that looks like, sharing insight into his approach to parenting a son and daughter.

In doing so, the father of 12 revealed a shocking double-standard when it comes to monitoring their dating lives.

In an episode of The TMZ Podcast, Cannon revealed that, while son Moroccan had begun dating, daughter Monroe was not allowed to do the same.

‘My son been dating and I’ve allowed it,’ he told host Towanda Robinson.

However, when she asked whether his daughter was allowed the same privilege, he responded in the negative.

‘No, absolutely not,’ he said.

Acknowledging that this was a ‘double-standard,’ he maintained that he is ‘more protective of my daughter because there’s things out there that I have to protect my daughter from.’ 

He added: ‘Like, as we know, there’s certain types of individuals that you want to keep your daughter away from. My son, it’s a different conversation when he’s going out into the dating world.’ 

Remarking that it would be his ‘worst nightmare,’ should someone hurt Monroe, Cannon said that he was ‘going to jail,’ if anyone were to put their hands on his daughter.

Asked when Monroe will be allowed to date, he shared that he and his daughter had ‘made a deal.’

‘If she can explain to me what’s going to happen on these dates, then she can go,’ he said.

He also said that her brother would be expected to join his sister on her dates, telling Robinson that Monroe ‘ain’t going one-on-one with no little b*****d anywhere.’

With Monroe quickly approaching college years, the comedian acknowledged that her time away would be ‘out of my control.’

However, he said that if she can ‘explain it to me’ then he would be open to a dialogue with his daughter.

Cannon’s comments were met with stern criticism online, with Nicole asking on X whether this was ‘protection or double standards.’

luhgeno agreed, pointing out that ‘you can’t overprotect one and underprepare the other’, describing it as ‘how situations get created.’

‘Shouldn’t you be equally protective to your kids?’ asked eternallockets.

ZahavaEliza called the situation ‘pathetic,’ while Raiiydiin branded it ‘f*****g weird.’

Meanwhile, Bradlee98 joined a host of voices accusing the Nickelodeon All That star of ‘keeping [his daughter] away from men like him.’

The LipSync Battle Host recently insured his testicles for $10million after welcoming his 12th child to the world.

Following his split with Mariah, Cannon went on to father Golden Saigon, Rise Messiah and Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell, followed by Zion, Zillion and Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa.

He later welcomed son Zen with Alyssa Scott in 2021 but the infant died five months later, after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Scott went on to give birth to their daughter, Halo, the following year.

He also shares baby Onyx with LaNisha Cole, and Legendary Love with Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi.

On plans for a 13th child, he told People Magazine: ‘There’s no plans on the horizon as of yet,’ adding: ‘It’s so funny – everybody’s always trying to get me to have more kids. It’s like, 12 ain’t enough?’

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The 84-year-old, a regular attendee at matches both home and away, who was pictured on social media meeting guests at the ground, reportedly sought precautionary medical attention before the scheduled 3.30pm kick-off.

There were conflicting reports about the nature of his treatment, with some suggesting he was checked in an ambulance on site and others saying he was taken to hospital.

United have been contacted for comment by PA.

“I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room. And I said, ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is. It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2m a year,” Ratcliffe told an interviewer.

The change, which came into effect on Friday, May 1, gives tenants in the private rented sector in England the legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pet requests, marking a significant shift for Oxfordshire renters who have long faced blanket pet bans.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.

“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership.

“That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding.

“At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”

The charity has described the new law as an opportunity to ‘revolutionise’ pet ownership and believes it will give more animals a chance of finding a home, especially as many of its centres are currently at full capacity.

In recent weeks, the RSPCA has worked with the UK Government to highlight the impact the change could have for prospective pet owners.

The legislation also promises relief for current pet owners who often face the tough decision of giving up their animals to secure housing.

Mr Bowles said this scenario has been all too common.

He said: “There are gut-wrenching examples of people having to surrender their pets to access somewhere to live, because their tenancy agreement will not allow pets.

“Thankfully, those situations too will soon be a thing of the past.”

Among the animals who may benefit from the new law is Sweeny, a Mastiff who has spent nearly a year at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre in Birmingham.

Brittanny Baker, animal care assistant, said: “He’s been with us for 11 months now but he is constantly overlooked by potential adopters which breaks my heart.

“Sweeny may be a big boy, but he’s certainly got a big heart.

“He’s goofy, playful and loveable. He learns fast and enjoys training as well as quiet walks out, and playing in the off-lead paddock.”

More information about the RSPCA’s work and its Good Practice Guide for the housing sector can be found on the charity’s website.

Outline plans for up to 230 new homes were submitted to Fenland District Council

A new development has been accused of turning a town “almost into Milton Keynes” as councillors debated the traffic it would cause. An outline application for up to 230 new homes in March was put before Fenland District Council’s planning committee.

More detailed plans are yet to be drawn up, but the application said the new houses would be a variety of types and sizes with five play areas – two with playground equipment. One in five homes would also be marked as affordable housing.

Colin Male, a local resident, spoke to oppose the plans for land off Burrowmoor Road next to the grade II listed Cherryholt Farmhouse. He said he was “very concerned” about the number of new developments proposed for the south of town. He said their combined impact would “put an intolerable strain on the road network” and claimed local services are “already at breaking point.”.

Simon Atha, an agent speaking on behalf of developer Richborough, said it was “important to recognise” the site had been earmarked for future development. A new roundabout and traffic lights at the junction with the A141 were proposed with the development which Mr Atha said should be seen “as a significant public benefit.”

He said that without the development, the county council would have to fund the upgrade “at significant cost to the ratepayer” for safety and capacity reasons. He said the council officer’s report recommended “firmly in favour of approval”.

Cllr Charlie Marks said: “Before starting this, you’ve said that the roundabout and traffic improvements will be introduced before the first property is sold – that’s a very expensive way forward.”

Mr Atha said they had been working a “long time” with the council’s highways team and the improvements were needed to lessen impact on traffic. He added that the full planning application could be refused when brought to the council if these were to be removed.

Cllr David Connor, chair of the committee, added: “This application, to me – seems too good to be true really.”

Mr Atha told councillors the developer would be contributing £345,000 towards the March Area Transport Study – which seeks to identify and improve traffic infrastructure.

Cllr Ian Benney said: “You say you’re putting £340,000 back into this – a roundabout is £2 million at least and it’s a drop in the ocean really to the money that March needs spending on. It sounds like big money – but in reality it’s not.

“It wouldn’t pay for a set of traffic lights, it certainly wouldn’t pay for a roundabout. This doesn’t just fall to you, it falls on the other applications that are coming towards us – but all of this traffic is going to grind March to a halt.”

Cllr French said she was “not happy at all”, adding: “I just cannot believe that we’re going to have a roundabout and then agreeing to have some traffic lights.

“It took 20 years to get the traffic lights at Gaul Road which should have been a roundabout and then we’re going to have another roundabout at Knights End Road. I just think this whole thing is going to be a complete and utter shambles.”

Cllr Marks added: “I think on Cllr French’s point this is almost becoming Milton Keynes – roundabout after roundabout”

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.

“We welcome the series to Northern Ireland as part of its next chapter”

A fresh reimagining of the iconic series ‘Monarch of the Glen’ is set to film in Northern Ireland.

5 has unveiled it will take viewers back to the Scottish Highlands for a rich, romantic and humorous family saga rooted in legacy, love and survival.

Coming back with a twist, the 6 x 60 comedy-drama series will now have a female lead, produced by Ecosse Films, makers of the original Monarch of the Glen series, and MASTERPIECE PBS, in association with Northern Ireland Screen.

READ MORE: Big Brother on the hunt for ‘stand-out characters’ from Northern Ireland for next seriesREAD MORE: Channel 4 series ‘Close to Home’ led by Anthony Boyle wraps filming in Belfast

A description reads: “When high-flying London lawyer Isla Campbell finds herself back at her family’s crumbling Highland estate for her estranged father’s funeral, she expects to be gone in days.

“Instead, she discovers she has inherited a million-pound debt, a bank closing in, and a brother who refuses to let go of their ancestral home.

“Under the same roof for the first time in years, brother and sister will have to find a way to save the struggling estate before time runs out and they lose it for good.

“The show will transport us to the stunning Scottish Highlands each week while introducing a rich ensemble of unforgettable new characters. This family saga promises heart, humour and romance – bound together by breathtaking landscapes, roaring hearths, and the people who call this wild corner of the world home.”

Production and filming for the new series will take place in Scotland and Northern Ireland later this year.

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK commented: “Monarch of the Glen is a much‑loved series, and this reimagining brings it back to life for a new generation.

“It’s a rich family saga with heart and humour at its core. With Jeremy Brock’s brilliant storytelling and the outstanding team at Ecosse Films, this is exactly the kind of big‑hearted, crowd‑pleasing drama that sits at the heart of 5.”

Jeremy Brock, Creator, Writer and Executive Producer said: “When I was offered the chance to re-imagine Monarch of the Glen, I leapt at it.

“I’m hugely excited by the opportunity to tell a story of family life and finding your place in our hectic world – one that celebrates the warmth, humour and eccentricities of a special community, with both optimism and authenticity.

“Hope and joy are a currency in short supply right now, and the Highlands – one of the most magical places on Earth – felt like exactly the right home for them.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with 5 and Ecosse Films to support the return of this much loved series.

“Monarch of the Glen has a special place in UK television history, and this reimagining brings a fresh creative vision while staying true to the warmth, humour and heart that audiences cherish. We welcome the series to Northern Ireland as part of its next chapter.”

The series is created, written and executive produced by Jeremy Brock (A Very Royal Scandal, The Last King of Scotland, Mrs Brown), alongside writer Stephen Greenhorn (Sunshine on Leith, Dept. Q, River City). Tom Vaughan (Doctor Foster, Victoria) serves as director and executive producer.

Producers are Alex Boyd (How to Get to Heaven from Belfast), Robert Bernstein & Douglas Rae (Monarch of the Glen, The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Great Escaper, Fleming) alongside executive producers Rob Darnell and Adam Duncan for Ecosse Films. Susanne Simpson is the executive producer for MASTERPIECE.

Further details about the show including cast details will be announced in due course.

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The proposals seek permission to host occasional live music events and karaoke

An empty department store in a Huntingdonshire town could become a sports bar and restaurant under new plans. A listed building consent application submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council by Bailey’s Bar seeks approval to convert a partially Grade II listed building, previously a St Neots department store, into a sports bar and restaurant.

Under the proposals, the High Street site would be converted into a sports bar and restaurant with games and entertainment zones on the first floor. The second floor is proposed to be staff offices and an ancillary back-of-house accommodation.

The historic three-storey element of the building forms the listed portion while later 20th-century extensions to the side and rear are unlisted. The applicant seeks to “preserve the significance of the Grade II listed building and Conservation Area” and “contribute positively to the vitality and viability of the town centre”. A PureGym on the ground floor of the same building is not part of the proposed change of use.

The proposals also seek permission to host occasional live music events and karaoke facilities. Opening hours would be from 9am to 12am Monday to Saturday and 10am to 11pm on Sundays, with extended hours reaching 1am on selected Saturdays. Approximately 12 members of staff would be employed for front or house and between 3-6 in the kitchen.

The works include internal alterations and fit-out of the first floor, sympathetic refurbishment of listed building elements for staff and ancillary uses, and minor external alteration. This would include signage and repainting of the main entrance.

Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital after falling unwell at Old Trafford shortly before Manchester United’s Premier League match with Liverpool on Sunday.

Sources stressed it was a precautionary move for the 84-year-old former Manchester United manager, and not an emergency situation.

Ferguson, who managed United for 27 years during a glittering reign, watches the club’s games from the directors’ box.

No further update has been provided on his condition after his admission to hospital.

Ferguson had a brain haemorrhage in 2018 which left him seriously ill. He spoke about his recovery in detail three years later.

He was pictured with guests at the stadium on Sunday a couple of hours before kick-off.

Ferguson was subsequently taken in an ambulance from Old Trafford to the hospital.

Club officials are optimistic Ferguson will soon be fit enough to return home.