The 34-year-old woman had cocaine in her system and was also above the legal alcohol limit at the time of the crash

A mother was “thrown from her car” in a crash just days after Christmas, an inquest has heard. Karen Marks, 34, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on the A10 near Ely on December 28, 2025.

The crash involved Karen’s white Fiat Punto and a white coach. An inquest into Karen’s death was held today (Wednesday, August 5) at Vantage House in Huntingdon, and heard by Coroner Caroline Jones.

The inquest heard how Karen was travelling north on the A10 towards Ely, with the coach travelling south. A police report read out in court said that Karen “veered across the central white line” and then collided with the coach. One witness from the scene also said they saw Karen “suddenly swerve” across the carriageway.

The police statement said Karen was “thrown from her car”. Paramedics said Karen was in cardiac arrest when they arrived, with several witnesses describing how they saw CPR admitted on her.

Another passenger was in Karen’s car, and he suffered serious injuries. A witness statement read out from the passenger said that he “didn’t remember a lot from the incident” as he had a “lot of alcohol” on the day of the crash. The court then heard how the passenger had only known Karen a few hours prior to the crash.

The statement added that the passenger remembers talking to Karen before he heard a “loud bang”. The next thing he remembered he was “waking up in the hospital”. A toxicology report read out to the court said Karen had 128mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in her system, which is above the legal limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

She also had “cocaine and by-products of cocaine” in her system. The coroner said this is likely to have “contributed” to the crash, with the toxicologist stating it would have “impaired her judgement and control”.

A post-mortem confirmed that Karen suffered multiple serious injuries, but her medical cause of death was noted as “traumatic cardiac rupture and aortic transection”.

The court heard from Karen’s GP that she suffered “long-standing” mental health issues and substance abuse in the past. The GP added that Karen’s “circumstances worsened in the months leading to her death”. Coroner Jones concluded that Karen’s death was a result of a road traffic collision.

Following her death, Karen’s family described her as a “much-loved daughter, mother and sister”. In a previous tribute, they said: “Once you met Karen, you would never forget her. She was like a firework when she came in and you knew when she was around.”

There was joy across Greater Manchester and Merseyside as the two lucky winning postcodes landed cash prizes, with every ticket in the winning postcode areas receiving £1,000.

The winning postcodes were M45 8PD, which covers Rufford Drive in Whitefield, Unsworth, Manchester, and WA12 9JA, which covers Common Road in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, Merseyside.

The postcodes were among 20 winning postcodes announced in the lottery’s daily draw.

Players living in the winning areas who held a valid ticket for their postcode received £1,000 for each ticket they owned.

The Postcode Lottery supports a range of charities across the UK, with a minimum of 33 per cent of ticket sales going to good causes.

Every day, 20 postcodes across the country are selected to win £1,000 for every ticket in the postcode.

The Postcode Lottery also manages society lotteries on behalf of a number of charities and says it supports a wide range of charitable organisations and community projects in Britain and around the world.

To date, players have helped raise more than £1.7 billion for thousands of charities and good causes.

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 11:32 BST, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 11:39 BST, 5 August 2026

A woman has allegedly been raped on Brighton beach. 

The victim, aged in her 20s, was targeted during the early hours of this morning, Sussex Police said, and officers have sealed off the seafront. 

A 28-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and is currently being held in custody. 

An area of the beach in front of the i360 tower has been closed off as police combed the beach for evidence. 

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Uniformed officers are currently guarding the cordon, with others seen carrying evidence bags away.  

Police have cordoned off an area of Brighton beach this morning after a woman, aged in her 20s, was allegedly raped

Officers can been seen guarding the area and carrying large evidence bags

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The force said: ‘Police are investigating a report of a rape of a woman in her 20s on Brighton Beach that is understood to have taken place overnight on Tuesday 4 August into Wednesday 5 August.

‘The victim is receiving support from specialist trained officers.

‘A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in custody at this time.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow. 

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“Until now, he’s been a long time training on his own, so that’s for sure, it’s different, because football is a team game, and he needs to involve his team-mates, but he’s really professional in that sense, he has done great work, and now it’s about going progressively in that process to be back with the team dynamic.”

Murtada Abady, 37, denies committing the offences against an underage girl in the autumn of 2021 and early 2022.

His case was most recently brought before a brief further case management hearing at Manchester Crown Court before Judge Alan Conrad on Monday, August 3.

The hearing largely focused on legal and administrative issues which cannot be reported at this stage ahead of a trial which is expected to take place at a later date.

According to court documents, Abady denies seven counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.

He also denies two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.

Abady also denies a single count of inciting a girl between the ages of 13 and 15 to engage in sexual activity.

The defendant, of Denton Street, Bury, first entered not guilty pleas to each of the charges at a previous hearing on August 27, 2025.

He was granted conditional bail ahead of further court hearings.

Abady is next expected to appear before Manchester Crown Court on February 2 next year.

Helen Flanagan shared a heartbreaking family update, revealing on Social media that a recent holiday mishap left her little girl in tears.

The former Coronation Street star who played Rosie Webster on and off from 1990 to 2018, admitted how her eldest child Matilda broke down in tears after she couldn’t get an emergency passport in time to go on holiday.

Last year, the former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestant decided to take Matilda on a mother daughter getaway to Italy’s picturesque Lake Como for some quality bonding time.

Unfortunately, Helen realised too late that her daughter’s passport was out of date, and despite her best efforts, was unable to renew it on time. The soap legend took to Instagram to express her disappointment on camera.

‘So I went down to Scotland, I fly to Lake Como on Thursday, to try to get Matilda an emergency passport and we’ve not been able to get one.’

‘I just thought I’d try it because it says a week, but you never know.’

Turning to her daughter in the emotional video, Helen addressed Matilda directly. ‘Mummy tried her best, didn’t she? Mummy has tried. Love you.’ In the caption of her post, Helen added: ‘My little girls cried on my shoulder, she was so looking forward to our trip.’

Adults are usually able to receive a replacement passport using the Passport Office’s one-day premium service, subject to appointment availability. Typically,passports can be available to collect within a few hours. Unfortunately, the service does not apply for new passports, or for those under the age of 16.

The fastest service available to get a new or replacement child passport takes one week. An appointment is still needed, along with trip to a passport office but since it all still relies on availability, nothing is guaranteed.

Helen is best known for her onscreen drama as Rosie Webster, the precocious wild-child daughter of the queen of Weatherfield’s aspirational middle-class Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor).The character earned a place in viewers’ hearts and memories when she was seduced, groomed and kidnapped no less than three times by her twisted tutor, one of the most unhinged villains to ever tread the Cobbles, John Stape (Graeme Hawley).

The actress is refreshingly open about her personal life online and loves to share updates with fans. She has previously used her platform to call out men who ghost women after sex, as well as share her difficult split from partner Scott Sinclair, with whom she has three children – Matilda, Delilah and Charlie.

Earlier this week, Helen revealed she had recently taken her daughter to the doctors due to concern regarding skin discolouration due to sun exposure.

Speaking on Instagram, she said: ‘So it’s back to everything being manic, even though I’m really stressed with the kids, I’m so much better because I don’t have time to think when I’m with the kids because all I get is ‘Mum, mum, mum!’ I don’t have time to think about myself because I’m so busy thinking about the kids. And I love that.’

‘Also, my little girl has basically…it’s not permanent, apparently it goes, but she’s had…in the sun basically there’s more discoloration in her skin. I took her to the doctors, I don’t know the correct name of it, but it is something that actually goes. But she’s getting more self-conscious of it and I wondered if anyone could recommend a good foundation.’

Fans hoping for more on-screen drama from Helen on the Cobbles may have a wait on their hands, as the actress has previously spoken about her desire to return to that iconic street where her career began.

She told the Liverpool Echo ‘Honestly if they want me to come back, I’d love to, but [show bosses] just haven’t spoken to me. Everybody always asks me, ‘When are you going back to Corrie? And it’s like, ‘They haven’t called me’. If you want to call me, that’s great. But they haven’t.’

‘I just really want to concentrate on my acting now. I feel really lucky. All my children are now at school so I want to concentrate on my career.

‘I’ve been very lucky. I’m just a normal northern, down to earth mum. I’ve been very lucky to have opportunities in the career I’ve had.’

MORE: TV soap icon ‘loses part of herself’ as she announces death of father

MORE: Coronation Street’s Sienna star had major role in iconic UK TV show

MORE: Coronation Street actress is back filming after 9 years – but there’s a twist

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and its region have killed over a dozen people and wounded many others.

BANGKOK (AP) — China announced a series of economic measures Wednesday against the United States, including controls on exports of drones to the U.S. and a ban on dealings with six American entities, in response to recent restrictions imposed by Washington.

Tensions are simmering between the world’s two biggest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. in September, despite signs of warming ties during his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.

The Commerce Ministry said the sanctions are in response to recent moves from the U.S., including a ban by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on imports of Chinese drones, and the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to add 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list to prevent imports of goods made with forced labor.

The “measures seriously violate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and severely damage China’s legitimate rights and interests. China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures in response,” the ministry said in a statement.

It emphasized that China was acting with restraint and urged the U.S. to scrap its measures against Beijing and cease its “erroneous practices.” It also warned of further sanctions if the U.S. rolls out new restrictive measures against China.

Beijing is requiring reviews on a case-by-case basis of exports of unmanned aerial vehicles, their key components and related technologies that are on a list of export-controlled dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

Six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and the non-governmental group Human Rights in China, were banned from engaging in trade or other activities with entities in China.

The ministry also said it was investigating the possible impact on national security of imported printing software and office equipment, but it did not name affected companies.

The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that companies in the U.S. that conduct follow-up factory inspections on behalf of Chinese entities for CCC certification can no longer provide these certifications.

CCC certifications are meant to ensure electronic products meet a basic safety standard. The new rule will oblige U.S. makers of certified electronics to hire auditors based outside of the U.S. or to rely on other non-U.S. designated bodies for such certifications.

Police were called to reports of an assault on Yewdale Avenue

Police are continuing to question a suspect in a murder investigation in Bolton following the death of a woman.

Officers were initially called to Yewdale Avenue in Breightmet at around 3.15am on Tuesday morning (August 4) to reports of an assault. They raced to the scene and found a woman, aged in her 30s, who was ‘unresponsive’ and ‘who had sustained injuries’.

Sadly, despite the efforts of police and paramedics, she was pronounced dead. A murder probe was launched and a house on the street was cordoned off.

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Forensic officers were pictured working outside of the property. A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, Greater Manchester Police confirmed yesterday.

Today (August 5) he remains in custody to be quizzed by detectives. The force previously said the incident was believed to have been ‘isolated’.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said previously: “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim at this incredibly tragic time. We understand how troubling this news will be, and whilst formal identification has yet to take place, the believed family are being supported by specialist officers.

“A scene will remain in place as officers continue the investigation and we will have an increased police presence in the area. I’d like to reassure you that this was an isolated incident that is not believed to pose a wider risk to the public, and we currently have a man in custody in relation to the incident.

“I urge anyone who may have information to support our enquiries to please come forward”.

Anyone with information can contact GMP on 0161 856 2270, quoting log 321 of 04/08/26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A British mother of three has died and her partner remains fighting for his life after they were engulfed by a wildfire in Spain.

Lisa Fryett and Simon Batchelor, from Essex, fell victim to the deadly Almería blaze that ripped through the Los Gallardos neighbourhood of southern Spain on July 9, when they were staying near Bédar on holiday.

The next morning, authorities found at least 13 people dead and several injured – including Lisa and Simon, who were discovered in a critical condition on the mountainside.

The Almería wildfire was Spain’s third deadliest ever, claiming the lives of another four Brits who were found dead in their burnt-out car after trying to flee through the mountain roads. Most of those who died were foreigners.

Despite their devastating injuries, the couple clung to life – and begged rescuers to save them so they could be reunited with their children.

Lisa’s sons, Alfie and Charlie, and Simon’s daughter, rushed out to Spain to be with their parents – alongside Lisa’s identical twin sister Carly, her fiance Mark Witt, and his daughter Mia.

The family were able to join the couple at their hospital bedsides throughout Lisa’s final days.

Tragically, on July 28, Lisa succumbed to her injuries and passed away.

Her son Alfie, 20, paid tribute to his mother online, writing: ‘Words genuinely can’t describe how upset I am right now writing this… but yesterday we said goodbye to my beautiful mum.

She was found in a critical condition alongside her partner Simon Batchelor after the deadly Almería wildfire 

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The hillsides of Los Gallardos were decimated by the fire in early July

‘The best person ever you was my world I’m so grateful to be able to call you my mum and I will forever love you and I will cherish every memory I have with you.’

Mia Witt, daughter of Carly’s fiance Mark, set up a GoFundMe to raise money to help the family, which has so far attracted over £65,000.

She said they were facing significant costs that were not covered by insurance. 

Giving the heartbreaking update after Lisa’s death, she wrote: ‘It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beautiful Lisa passed away on the 28th of July 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Spain.

‘Our hearts are completely broken, and there are simply no words to describe the pain we are feeling. Lisa fought so incredibly hard, and we are so grateful that her loved ones were able to be by her side, surrounding her with love until the very end.’

Some of the funds donated would help the family to give Lisa the ‘beautiful send off she truly deserves’, Mia said.

But she added that Simon remains in a critical condition, so asked for continued ‘love, support and prayers’.  

Mia concluded: ‘From the bottom of our hearts thank you. Every donation, every share, every message and every prayer has meant more than words can ever express.

The Almería wildfire became Spain’s third deadliest ever after it killed at least 13 people

Cars on the mountainside were found completely burnt out – in one case with four Brits inside who had died while trying to escape

‘Your kindness has carried us through the darkest days of our lives, and we will never forget the love and support that has been shown to our family.’

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.’

The Almería fire that engulfed Lisa and Simon resulted in at least 13 deaths, 17 injuries, and 1,300 evacuations.

It is the deadliest in the history of the province of Andalusia, and the third deadliest ever in Spain.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but witnesses reported that a downed power line sparked a fire that quickly spread to nearby trees.

Andalusia’s health minister said after the fire first broke out: ‘Unfortunately, the decision of some people to take evacuation routes that weren’t those indicated by the emergency services and take an alternative route became a mortal trap.

‘There were two scenarios like that specifically. One was a vehicle in which four people died, with everything pointing to them being of British origin.

‘Then another seven people died in another scenario. They were walking and had abandoned their cars and were probably looking for a way out. But they had taken a route which wasn’t the one indicated by the emergency services and the consequences have been terrible.’