Who is in the squads?

England

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton), Ben Earl (Saracens), Greg Fisilau (Exeter), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton), Guy Pepper (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), Bevan Rodd (Sale) Vilikesa Sela (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).

Backs: Henry Arundell (Bath), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Max Ojomoh (Bath), Henry Slade (Exeter), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).

France

Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyril Baille, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Alexandre Fischer, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mickaël Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Temo Matiu, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Régis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Lenni Nouchi, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Thomas Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, Cameron Woki.

Backs: Grégoire Arfeuil, Théo Attissogbe, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Romain Buros, Thibault Daubagna, Nicolas Depoortere, Gaël Dréan, Antoine Dupont, Kalvin Gourgues, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Matthieu Jalibert, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin, Ugo Seunes.

Ireland

Forwards: Tom Ahern (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, captain), Edwin Edogbo (Munster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Michael Milne (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).

Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Robert Baloucoune (Ulster), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Nathan Doak (Ulster), Tom Farrell (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).

Scotland

Forwards: E Ashman (Edinburgh), J Bayliss (Bath), M Bradbury (Edinburgh), G Brown (Glasgow), D Cherry (Vannes), S Cummings (Glasgow), A Craig (Glasgow), R Darge (Glasgow), J Dempsey (Glasgow), F Douglas (Edinburgh), M Fagerson (Glasgow), Z Fagerson (Glasgow), G Gilchrist (Edinburgh), J Gray (Bordeaux Bègles), N McBeth (Glasgow), L McConnell (Edinburgh), E Millar Mills (Northampton), D Rae (Edinburgh), J Ritchie (Perpignan), P Schoeman (Edinburgh), R Sutherland (Glasgow), G Turner (Harlequins), M Williamson (Glasgow)

Backs: F Burke (Saracens), J Dobie (Glasgow), D Graham (Edinburgh), A Hastings (Glasgow), G Horne (Glasgow), R Hutchinson (Northampton), H Jones (Glasgow), T Jordan (Bristol), B Kinghorn (Toulouse), S McDowall (Glasgow), F Russell (Bath), K Rowe (Glasgow), O Smith (Glasgow), K Steyn (Glasgow), S Tuipulotu (Glasgow, capt.), D Van der Merwe (Edinburgh), B White (Toulon)

Wales

Forwards: K Assiratti (Cardiff), A Beard (Montpellier), L Belcher (Cardiff), J Botham (Cardiff), R Carre (Saracens), B Carter (Dragons), O Cracknell (Leicester), H Deaves (Ospreys), R Elias (Scarlets), T Francis (Provence), A Griffin (Bath), D Jenkins (Exeter), D Lake (Ospreys, capt.), A Mann (Cardiff), J Macleod (Scarlets), T Plumtree (Scarlets), N Smith (Leicester), G Thomas (Ospreys), F Thomas (Gloucester), A Wainwright (Dragons)

Backs: J Adams (Cardiff), S Costelow (Scarlets), D Edwards (Ospreys), J Evans (Harlequins), M Grady (Cardiff), K Hardy (Ospreys), G Hamer-Webb (Leicester), J Hawkins (Scarlets), L Hennessey (Bath), E James (Scarlets), E Mee (Scarlets), R Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), B Murray (Scarlets), L Rees-Zammit (Bristol), T Rogers (Scarlets), B Thomas (Cardiff), O Watkin (Ospreys), T Williams (Gloucester)

Who are the referees?

France vs Ireland – Karl Dickson
The only referee to have been appointed to two Six Nations fixtures in 2026 in a clear statement of who the authorities believe is top of their game as things stand. Dickson, the Englishman who refereed last season’s Prem final between Bath and Leicester, has been a mainstay on the international circuit for some time and has risen through the ranks to become one of the sport’s top officials. If Australia made the 2027 World Cup final and England did not, Dickson’s name would be in the mix.

Italy vs Scotland – Ben O’Keeffe
A strategic appointment. O’Keeffe refereed France’s quarter-final exit to South Africa in Paris at the last World Cup and, after his performance was met by vitriol by both players and public, has not officiated Les Bleus since. When that will be – perhaps never – only time will tell. The shame is that the New Zealander has become one of the top five referees in the world, even if he is a touch lax at the breakdown and the scrum.

England vs Wales – Pierre Brousset
France’s crop of officials is not what it once was – indeed, former Test referees Mathieu Raynal and Romain Poite are trying to turn that around – but Brousset sits on top of the tree. Question marks remain as to whether the Frenchman has the temperament and communication for the top level and, in truth, this match might not provide too many answers given the likelihood of a comfortable English victory. He will be refereeing consecutive Tests for England, however, having overseen the narrow autumn victory over Argentina.

Scotland vs England – Nika Amashukeli
A mainstay now at Test level and the only regular “tier one” referee from a “tier two” nation. The Georgian has developed into one of the world’s pre-eminent referees and, along with Angus Gardner and Karl Dickson, would appear as a front-runner for the World Cup final in 2027 – especially since it would be miraculous were Georgia to make it. Amashukeli refereed England against Australia in the autumn as well as the Wallabies’ third Test against the Lions last summer.

England vs Ireland – Andrea Piardi
One of the games of the championship, with a referee appointed whose rise has been rapid. The name of Andrea Piardi will not have meant much to rugby fans two seasons ago but the Italian has grown into one of European and global rugby’s most trusted officials. Piardi had an excellent match as England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham last November while he received plaudits for the way in which he handled the decisive second Test of last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour in Australia.

Italy vs England – Luc Ramos
Ramos took charge of two autumn Tests, both obliterations – Scotland against Tonga and South Africa’s visit to Wales – so the Frenchman will be hoping for something slightly more competitive at the top level in the Six Nations. He will probably get it, too; England will arrive in Rome as hot favourites but the Azzurri are always far more concentrated, organised and dangerous at home.

France vs England – Nic Berry
Given the bookmakers reckon this could be a title – or, even, Grand Slam – decider, what responsibility could lie on the shoulders of Berry, the Australian who has bounced back after the disgraceful treatment he received at the hands of Rassie Erasmus on the 2021 Lions tour. It is a measure of the man that he has bounced back so effectively, and if anything could prepare a referee for the pressure that might come in Paris, it may well have been the events of 2021. He took charge of New Zealand’s narrow victory over Scotland in November.

Who won the Six Nations in 2025?

France are the defending champions for the Six Nations, having beaten England by a single point last year. They won four of their five games, only losing to England at Twickenham by one point.

A huge scene was put in place following the fatal crash on Bury New Road

A woman was tragically killed after being hit by a car in a horror crash on Bury New Road on Thursday night (February 5). Police and paramedics raced to the scene near Prestwich following reports of the collision.

The main road was taped off in both directions while officers from the Serious Collision Unit attended the scene to conduct enquiries.

A large cordon was put in place between Scholes Lane and Butterstile Lane following the fatal crash.

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It was confirmed a pedestrian, a woman, was pronounced dead following the crash. Her age has not yet been confirmed.

It’s understood a suspect has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody to be questioned overnight.

Pictures from the scene showed a huge police response, with a number of ambulances also in attendance. A blue forensic tent was also erected at the roadside amid ongoing enquiries.

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Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a full statement.

“House burping” is the latest thing cluttering people’s feeds: short clips of people flinging open every window and door, announcing they’re “burping” their home to get rid of stale, germ-filled air. Behind the playful name is a serious question: does this actually make a home healthier, or are people just swapping indoor germs for outdoor pollution?

In Germany, this trend looks less like a revolution and more like everyday life. Lüften – literally “airing out” – and Stoßlüften, or “shock ventilation”, have long involved opening windows wide for a few minutes to let fresh air race through, even in the depths of winter. Some German rental contracts even mention regular airing as part of looking after the property, mainly to prevent damp and mould.

The health logic is simple. Indoor air collects moisture from showers and cooking, smoke and particles from stoves and candles, chemicals from cleaning sprays and furniture, and tiny particles and viruses that people breathe out.

In a previous study my colleagues and I conducted, we found many diseases linked to indoor air pollution. Over time, these build up, especially in well-insulated homes that keep heat – and pollution – in. When the house is “burped”, the sudden rush of outdoor air dilutes this mixture and pushes a good chunk of it outside.

This is particularly important for infections that spread through the air. During the COVID pandemic, public health agencies stressed that better ventilation – including simply opening windows – could help cut the risk of catching the virus indoors. In one classroom study, opening all windows and doors dropped carbon dioxide levels by about 60% and reduced a simulated “viral load” by more than 97% over an eight-hour day, shrinking the area with higher infection risk to around 15% of the room.

Pets breathe the same air and can act as early warning signs of trouble. Veterinary studies link poor indoor air to lung irritation in dogs and cats, especially near the floor where particles settle – a reminder that stale air harms the whole household.

But the air outside is not always clean. Tiny particles from traffic and factories, and gases such as nitrogen dioxide, damage the heart, lungs and brain and are now recognised as major causes of illness and early death. In many cities, most of the fine particles inside homes and schools actually come from outside and seep in through gaps, vents and, of course, open windows.

Where you live shapes that trade-off. Homes close to busy main roads or motorways tend to have higher levels of traffic-related particles and nitrogen dioxide indoors, especially when windows facing the road are opened.

A study in inner-city schools found that the closer a school was to major roads, the higher the levels of traffic-related PM2.5 (microscopic air pollution particles small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs), nitrogen dioxide and black carbon measured inside classrooms.

That means flinging open roadside windows at rush hour may bring in a surge of exhaust, tyre and brake dust just as traffic pollution peaks. For people with asthma, heart disease or chronic lung problems, that extra pollution can undo some of the health benefits of better ventilation.

The picture looks different in greener, quieter areas. When schools and homes are surrounded by more trees and green space and are further from main roads, indoor levels of traffic-related particles tend to be lower. Vegetation can help filter some particles from the air and break up plumes of pollution from nearby roads.

The right time to burp

Timing also matters. In many cities, outdoor pollution is highest during the morning and evening commute and lower late at night or in the middle of the day. Short bursts of house burping outside these peaks – or just after rain, which can temporarily wash some particles from the air – may offer a better balance between infection control and pollution exposure.

Poor indoor air does not stop at the lungs. Studies link higher levels of fine particles and carbon dioxide to poorer concentration, slower thinking and raised risks of anxiety and depression. A stuffy home quietly chips away at mood and mental sharpness for everyone inside.

How the burp is done makes a difference to comfort and energy bills. German-style Stoßlüften, where all windows are opened fully for a short time, rapidly exchanges air but does not cool walls and furniture as much as leaving a small window open all day. Cross-ventilation – opening windows on opposite sides of the home – usually shifts air faster.

Treating COPD (a chronic lung disease) from poor indoor air can cost thousands yearly in drugs and hospital stays – a lifelong burden once diagnosed. Opening windows for five minutes in winter loses just pennies in heat. Fresh air now beats massive medical bills later.

For most households, a practical middle ground is possible. House burping is more likely to be helpful when it is done in short bursts, away from busy traffic times, and on the sides of the home that face quieter streets or greener spaces.

So the social media trend has a point, even if the name raises a smile. A home that never burps is likely to have higher levels of indoor pollution and a greater build-up of exhaled air, especially during virus season. Give your home a mini spa break at the right time: throw open the windows, let it burp out the stale air, and invite a burst of fresh stuff in. Your lungs, brain and pets will thank you.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have come at a turning point in sport in terms of how Olympians are allowed to monetise their performances. In December, the governing body the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that, for the first time, Olympians would have access to footage from their competitions to use for their personal branding and promotion.

In this pilot phase, the material will not be from these Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, but from the previous Games in Beijing in 2022. According to the new Olympian Highlights Programme, athletes who competed in China can have access to 60 seconds of their competition to use on their personal channels to celebrate their achievements during these Games.

But what does this mean, why does it matter, and why is it happening now?

While the permission might not sound like a big deal, the moving image of Olympic competition is the most valuable asset of the entire Olympic movement. It is highly protected due to the exclusive television rights agreements around the world, which have secured the economic fortunes of the Olympic industry for decades.

Today, the rights to the video content of the Games competitions is what makes money for the Olympic movement. The billions of pounds they generate contribute both to the Olympic programme, and also to schemes like Olympic Solidarity supporting federations and nations around the world. But this was not always the case.

In the early years of Olympic competition, broadcasters had free rein to cover the Games. This was seen as a great opportunity to share the Olympic message with the world. The sport then was treated more like news, whereas now it is predominantly entertainment, commercialised and exploited to grow the Olympic industry.

Tightly controlled media content remains the most effective way to monetise the Olympic programme. But this meant athletes could not use video material from their competitions, for fear that this could compromise the exclusivity agreed between the IOC and broadcasters.

Athletes’ frustrations

Similarly, Olympians have been severely restricted in what they can share from their Olympic experience, especially during Games time itself. The IOC Olympic Charter sets out these limitations to avoid things like ambush marketing (when a potential sponsor tries to use the Games period to promote their product in a way that undermines an official sponsor).

For Olympians with a personal sponsor, it means limiting the exposure of this affiliation during Games time, instead prioritising their official team partnership.

Loosening controls on competition videos is an important step to letting Olympians leverage their celebrity status at a time when they’re in the spotlight. Yet it also reflects a changing set of circumstances around media culture. For 20 years, there has been a steady transition of audience habits away from living room TVs towards mobile phones and social media.

This transition had caused the industry anxiety over whether it would hit viewing figures and reduce the value of rights deals. And so Olympic organisers have monitored web traffic and sent warnings to anyone infringing upon their intellectual property.

Today, that mindset is different. There is a recognition that social media amplifies the opportunity to monetise Olympic assets. Video tracking technology can intervene directly when something is posted and limit exposure of unapproved content shares. Or it can simply monetise it with adverts. These capabilities are expanding – and becoming more complicated – with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

Provisions for social media sharing for athletes and others with accreditation have been evolving over recent Games. At the London 2012 Olympics, IOC social media guidelines did not allow any video from Olympic venues to be posted. In contrast, for Paris 2024, athletes were allowed to share video of their Olympic journey (but not their performance) with up to two minutes from each competition venue.

The guidance for Milan Cortina goes even further to encourage sharing. But it still prohibits athletes from posting this premium video content between one hour before competition and within one hour after, the crucial window for broadcasters.

Ultimately, giving permission to use video from the Games events is also about recognising the athletes’ own ability to attract audiences. On the days leading to Paris 2024, behind-the-scenes footage from athletes often became prominent social media posts, including viral footage of the athletes’ cardboard beds.

This showed candid moments from athletes before the TV coverage began. Audiences appeared to love this – and leaning into it is crucial for the Olympic movement in these changing times.

For decades, the IOC has shouted about how far the Olympic message travels during each Games, articulating this in terms of television hours watched across the world. Yet, television has changed too. After Rio 2016, there was a shift in the IOC’s language, moving from “television” to “live-streamed” hours, to reflect the new ways in which audiences are exposed to the Olympic Games.

The economic direction of international sport and the growing importance of non-traditional partnerships, such as those with Airbnb, Uber and Alibaba, show that the future of the Olympic Games is wedded to the technological culture of the time. While the technology of the 20th century was television, now sport is intimately connected to the rise of AI. Its integration within social media will be key to how users create and consume Olympic content.

In this way, 60 seconds of footage from a previous Olympic competition is not just a move towards empowering athletes. It is also a step towards safeguarding the future of the Olympic Games at a time of remarkable change in the media. The influencer economy is becoming the new unit of audience attraction and it’s crucial that the Olympic movement embraces this.

Mohammed Afzal, known to his loved ones as “Isa” died after being stabbed eight times during an evening of violence at the Power League carpark on Market Street, Bury, on August 1 last year.

Abbas Hussain, 19, Mohammed Rayhan, also 19, and Biryan Ak, 20, were all charged with Mr Afzal’s murder and this week were brought before a trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Jamie Hamilton KC, prosecuting, said: “We make it clear at the outset that Isa Afzal began the events by being the person in the wrong, but his actions did not justify what these three defendants were to go on to do.”

The three defendants all wore suits and ties in the dock as Mr Hamilton told the jury of seven men and seven women how the prosecution said the fatal events of that evening had unfolded.

The trial opened at Manchester Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

He said that on the evening of August 1 Mr Afzal had been travelling with his friends in a Jaguar towards Ramsbottom, where they had been planning to get some food.

On the way, they saw a grey Vauxhall Corsa drive past them, and Mr Afzal said he he’d had “issues” with one of the occupants.

They then followed the car to Power League with Mr Afzal telling his friends he wanted to “smash up the guy’s car”.

Mr Hamilton told the court how, once, they had followed the Corsa to Power League, Mr Afzal then got out of his car and approached it with a baseball bat in his hand and opened the door.

Hussain then got out of the car holding a knife and struck at the left side of Mr Afzal’s body, causing feathers to spill out of his feather-lined coat.

Mohammed Afzal, known affectionately as “Isa” (Image: GMP)

CCTV footage then showed Mr Afzal trying to flee, dropping his bat in the process, and Hussain chasing after him.

Rayhan was seen to pick up the bat and join in the chase before Mr Afzal was chased back to where the incident had started.

Mr Hamilton said that Hussain then looked over to Ak and pointed at Mr Afzal, prompting Ak to what is described in sports as clothes lining the victim” bringing him to the ground.

He said that the 19-year-old was then attacked on the ground by Hussain with the knife and Rayhan with the bat while Ak watched on.

Mr Hamilton said: “Isa is unable to do much to fend off this joint attack but manages to get to his feet and run away, slumping against the side of a parked vehicle before being driven away in the Jaguar.”

A police car at the scene last August (Image: Phil Taylor)

The prosecutor told the jury that the incident was witnessed by a man who challenged one of the defendants as to why he was attacking Mr Afzal, which appeared to stop it.

The witness, who had been at the complex to play football, saw what he described as a “zombie-style knife”.

He also said the defendants appeared to be “fist-bumping and hugging each other” in a “celebratory manner” and “laughing” about the amount of blood on the scene.

Back in the Jaguar, Mr Afzal told a friend he was “gone” and started to say a prayer.

He died at the scene after the car was parked on Valley Mill Lane, despite the efforts of the emergency services at around 9.49pm that evening.

Mr Hamilton told the jury how, later that same evening, five men were seen going into a house on Timperley Close in Oldham.

Hussain was then later seen in the grey Corsa at a Texaco Forecourt on Hollins Lane, also in Oldham and in the early hours of the following morning, leaving Timperley Close in a taxi.

Hussain then stopped at Chauncey Road, Failsworth, which Mr Hamilton said is where Rayhan lived at the time, before he later headed on to Manchester Airport.

The taxi driver said that Hussain claimed he had been on his way to Turkey to “get his teeth done”.

But Hussain then left the airport again later that morning and got a tram back to the Abraham Moss area in North Manchester.

Mr Hamilton said that, having first celebrated what he had done, Hussain had then tried to “flee the country”.

Hussain, formerly of Bolton, now of Windsor Crescent, Prestwich, then went to Bury Police Station on August 2, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He gave no comment but, in a prepared statement, said he had acted in self-defence at the Power League carpark after Mr Afzal and another man got out of their car “wearing balaclavas”.

Hussain said they launched a violent attack on him but accepted he had stabbed Mr Azal on “two or three occasions”.

Ak, of Norman Grove, Longsight, was arrested at his home on August 4, and according to Mr Hamilton, shouted to his father he had “seen a fight, that’s it”.

He also gave police a prepared statement where he claimed Mr Afzal had said “get the thing and do them” while looking in his direction.

In a further prepared statement, Ak said his glasses had been knocked off during the incident, and he was unable to see what had happened after that.

But he claimed that anything he had done had been an attempt to “de-escalate” the incident.

Rayhan, of Chauncy Road, Failsworth, was also arrested on August 4 and claimed in a prepared statement that he had also seen Mr Afzal and another man wearing balaclavas.

He said he had picked up the baseball bat to stop anyone else from using it and that he would not have approached Mr Afzal if he knew a knife was being used.

Mr Hamilton said: “We make it clear that Isa Afzal would have found himself in the dock of a criminal court for his conduct up to the point that he ran away.

“But both law and common sense say that defending yourself or others is not an excuse for any and all violence.

“At the point in time when Isa Afzal ran away from Hussain, the incident moved into another phase.

“Hussain was no longer defending himself; he had the upper hand and wanted to exploit it.

“He was armed, Isa Afzal was not; he was no longer being attacked, Isa Afzal was being pursued.

“As they circled round and returned to where the others were, Isa Afzal posed no immediate threat to anyone there.”

Hussain, Rayhan and Ak all deny murder, while Hussain also denies possession of a knife.

The trial, before the Honourable Justice Nicolas Lavender, continues.

Agents Barry Crux and Co is marketing the family-owned Trinacria Sicilian Ristorante, Pizzeria & Gelateria at 27 Bishopthorpe Road for £139,950 leasehold.

The business opened in 2012 and is owned by chef Beppe Lombardo.

The restaurant is highly rated on the reviews websites.

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Tripadvisor awards it 4.6 stars out of five, based on 513 reviews, ranking it 85th out of 776 York restaurants.  

Similarly, Google awards it 4.6 stars out of five, based on 776 google reviews.

In the sales particulars, the agents cite the very prominent venue in a popular and busy location.

The restaurant exterior (Image: Barry Crux & Co)

The venue also has 38 covers and a ‘theatre style’ kitchen, with seating for six also available on an outside patio.

The agents said: “Our client has owned the business for 13 years, having started it from scratch. They have built a strong reputation and following in the local area.

“Bishopthorpe Road is one of the most popular suburban areas in the city, but within easy walking distance of the city centre.

“In the past decade it has developed into a thriving and fashionable location, with our client been one of the first food and beverage operators to open there.”

The sales particulars continued: “The business has always shown consistent levels of turnover.

“On the year ending March 2025 accounts the business showed £663,500 and £593,909 and £533,176 in 2024 and 2023 respectively.

“This is in excess of the levels of trade seen pre-Covid and has been aided by the installation of the pizza oven and a refurbishment.”

The agents added: “After 13 years our client has decided it is time to move on to pursue other opportunities and has decided to offer the leasehold of the business for sale.

“This represents an excellent opportunity for a new owner to drive trade forward and secure a good base business from which to start.”

Mina Bestun was just two doors down from her house on Roseneath Road in Great Lever when she was attacked by a bulldog-type dog yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, February 4.

Mina, who was on her way home from school, was mauled by the dog in the street, with neighbours rushing to help, distracting the dog so she could get away.

She suffered severe bites to her arm and was taken to hospital, with emergency services called to the street.

The Bolton News spoke to Mina today, Thursday (February 5), who is still in hospital with her dad, Bestun Ibrahim and is set to undergo an operation.

Roseneath Road (Image: Phil Taylor)

She said: “I was just going back home, and then I think it was a bulldog, a big dog, and it bit me two houses down from mine.”

Mina added that they are looking after her in hospital, and that she is set to be operated on.

She added a word of warning to dog owners, saying: “I just want to say that make sure you take care of your dog, keep them inside the house.”

Greater Manchester Police said yesterday that they arrested a 52-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control, and took away two dogs.

Mina’s mother, Soma Mohammed, spoke about the terrifying attack.

Mina Bestun is in hospital after being attacked by a dog (Image: Family)

She said: “When she was coming back from school, the neighbours said they saw a dog around here.

“My daughter was coming down the street and the dog got her.”

Ms Mohammed said the doctors told them that her daughter had 13 tooth marks in her skin, four of which went deeper.

She added that Mina has been put on antibiotics as a measure to fight against any germs that may have been in the dog’s mouth.

Ms Mohammed added that the police had taken away the owners and their dogs.

A GMP spokesperson said: “Shortly before 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 4, officers were called to reports of a dog attack on Roseneath Road, Bolton.

“Emergency services attended, and a 10-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life-changing.

“Armed Response Vehicles and GMP Dog Unit were deployed, and two dogs have been detained.

“A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control, and are currently in custody.

“Officers will remain in the area as they conduct further enquiries and to provide reassurance to the community.”

Kelly Docwra was playing in an 11-aside women’s football game when the accident happened as she tried to stop a goal

A footballer claims an Adidas boot stud sliced her open and left a gaping hole in her knee – after the studs ‘sharpened’ walking on and off pitch. Kelly Docwra was in goal during an 11-aside women’s football game on November 2 last year and 30 minutes in, her side was 2-0 up.

Keen to even the score, a member of the opposition team tried to boot the ball into the back of the network technician’s net. As Kelly, 32, stepped out of goal to catch the ball, the opponent player went to kick it at the same time.

During this 50/50 challenge Kelly claims the stud on the opposing player’s Adidas Predator League Laceless Firm Ground/ Multi-Ground boot sliced through her right knee, leaving a six-inch gash. After being bandaged up on the pitch by a bystander, Kelly was driven to the A&E department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

There, she underwent a two-hour long surgery on November 3rd last year where her knee was stitched back together. Kelly claims surgeons said they couldn’t believe her injury was caused by the stud on the £35 football boots, which had only been worn three times.

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Now, Kelly is raising awareness of her accident and is urging players to not wear boots off the pitch and training to stop their studs being ‘sharpened’ on rough surfaces. Kelly, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, said: “As I went to get the ball, I don’t remember what happened as I was in shock, but apparently she went to kick the ball at the same time.

“It was a 50/50 challenge and she must have caught my leg as she swung through. It sliced my knee open and I told the ref to stop the game.

“I don’t think people realise the severity of it. I’ve played football for 20-odd years and I’ve never seen or heard anything like this.

“But boots these days, people are wearing them from their house to a game and back again.” She said the Predators were plastic and it meant when players walked on them they were “literally grinding down”.

She added: “I’ve looked at other boots and they’re [their studs] are kind of rubber, so when they wear down they go kind of bitty, whereas these are sharpening almost to a point. The stud is also triangular and the triangular part is facing forward so when you swing your foot, the sharpest point is hitting you.

“I was in shock and I started being sick. During surgery, they cleaned out my wound and cut some of the skin off as it was dirty.

“I then had to have three different sutures at three different levels due to how deep the injury was.” Kelly was discharged from hospital on November 4 and was signed off work for six weeks to recover.

She has a large scar on her leg and needs to wear a knee brace and crutches to help her walk. Kelly says her football injury has put her off wanting to play in an 11-a-side match anytime soon.

She’s now raising awareness of the importance of not wearing football boots to and from matches and training due to the potential damage it could cause. Kelly said: “These were brand new boots and the other player had only worn them three times.

“If this is the damage they can cause new, think what’s it doing to kids when they’re walking over concrete and wearing them down and sharpening them. The surgeons couldn’t believe this was from a stud on a football boot.

“The awareness is, look how much damage it has caused to my chubby leg. Imagine what it would do to a child’s leg. I was so lucky as it almost went through my ligament.

“I don’t want to scare kids off football, but parents need to be aware of this. If this had caught higher up, you never know what it would have caught.

“Don’t wear your boots to and from matches and training as walking on concrete can sharpen the studs.” Adidas said they didn’t have anything further to say but they were in contact with Kelly about it.

The two-storey facility, which is set to be built next to University Hospital North Durham, was approved in January 2023 but is dependent on funding availability. 

County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust previously said the new site would help cope with the increased demands on NHS services because the current facility is no longer fit for purpose. 

Now, in a new update, the trust said it still hopes to deliver the scheme despite the lack of major progress in the three years since it was approved. 

Dryburn House, which is due to be demolished as part of North Durham University Hospital’s A&E extension. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A spokesperson added: “The trust remains committed to expanding the Emergency Department at University Hospital North Durham, recognising the significant growth in demand and the importance of improving patient care pathways.”

The hospital’s East Wing corridor has been demolished but other works have been halted. 

Initial plans for the development said Dryburn House, a Grade II listed former hospital building opposite the Accident and Emergency (A&E) facility, would be demolished to make way for the extension, while a memorial garden used by parents to remember their babies would be relocated.

Health officials estimated the number of A&E attendances could increase to 79,000 per year despite the facility being designed for just 30,000. 

The trust spokesperson said: “As part of the early enabling works for this scheme, the trust has completed the demolition of the East Wing corridor in preparation for redevelopment.

“Any future development is dependent on securing sufficient capital funding and meeting planning requirements, including considerations linked to the listed Dryburn House building.

“While the redevelopment remains a key strategic priority for the trust, delivery will be dependent on funding availability and regulatory approval.”

A similar proposal was approved in 2017 but expired before the 2023 planning application was approved. Dryburn House was once the home of railway baron William Lloyd Wharton, who ran the North East Railway Company, and was later used as part of the hospital, but is now deemed outdated.

Delays to the Durham hospital scheme come as Shotley Bridge Hospital’s urgent treatment centre has been closed since July, and is not expected to open until at least March. During the closure, patients from the Shotley Bridge area have been redirected to University Hospital of North Durham.

As Mercury drifts into Pisces, things take a reflective tone. Contemplation will come naturally through the day ahead.

Cancer, Leo and Scorpio, your imagination may run wild today. Creativity is blooming and new perspectives will arise, making this a great time for new plans.

Don’t be fooled into thinking reflection means passiveness. Be an active agent of your own mind while letting the cosmos guide you.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday February 6, 2026.

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To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

As the analytical Mercury moves into sensitive Pisces, your voice may soften, but don’t mistake gentle for powerless. Your thoughts become more intuitive and your communication style gets a poetic upgrade. This is the perfect time to speak from the heart, even if the words come in whispers. Your imagination is fired up, making this a stellar moment for journalling, dreaming or diving into creative projects.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Your social life may take on a magical tone as friends, allies and kindred spirits could offer just the right words at the right moment. Your thinking becomes more intuitive and less rigid, which is a gift. Creative ideas flow freely now, especially when you’re collaborating or brainstorming in relaxed settings. As chatty Mercury arrives Pisces, a long-lost contact might resurface or you may feel drawn to a cause that speaks to your soul.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Your thoughts may take on a more poetic, intuitive flair as Mercury glides into Pisces. Logic gives way to imagination, and while facts might blur, your creativity shines. Career matters benefit from big dreams but do keep one foot on the ground to avoid chasing clouds. You could impress someone influential with a visionary idea, but don’t get lost in the details or forget them entirely.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

As the interactive Mercury sails into Pisces, your imagination can surge and especially about opening up your world. Conversations take on a more subtle tone, and you may find yourself daydreaming of faraway places or meaningful adventures. This is a stellar time for learning, writing or spiritual growth, or anything that nourishes your soul. Messages may come through synchronicities or subtle signs but do check details before launching big plans.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Your thoughts dive deeper than usual and conversations may carry a mysterious or emotional undertone. Intuition sharpens, secrets may surface and meaningful insights emerge when you least expect them. Sharp Mercury’s entrance into Pisces stirs your house of intimacy, shared resources and transformation, so don’t be surprised if a financial or emotional puzzle suddenly clicks into place after trying hard to resolve it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Your cosmic guide, Mercury arrives in Pisces and suddenly logic gives way to intuition. This shift lights up your relationship zone, encouraging heart-to-hearts, deep listening and perhaps a little romantic whimsy. You’re known for your sharp mind, but now it’s your empathy and imagination that steal the show. Whether you’re mending fences, forging bonds or flirting with new possibilities, connection is key.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Your focus shifts to the little things that keep life running smoothly. Your routines, health and work habits are in the spotlight. You might find solutions in unexpected places or be inspired to beautify the boring. Trust your intuition when organising your day, as it knows more than you think. For the next few weeks, a walk, a playlist, a fresh smoothie – these tiny rituals become meaningful acts of self-love.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

The intermediary Mercury drifts into fellow water sign Pisces, turning up the volume on your creativity, romantic musings and soulful self-expression. Words flow like poetry, so share your thoughts, write that message or romance with flair. This transit sprinkles stardust over love, play and personal projects, so don’t be surprised if inspiration hits when least expected. Your instincts can be heightened and especially in matters of the heart.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Your thoughts turn towards home, roots and the emotional glue that binds it all together. While you’re usually off chasing far horizons, you’ve a chance now to relax mentally and emotionally. Sentimental chats, nostalgic memories or even writing that family memoir might surface. Communication with loved ones becomes more intuitive, so trust those hunches. It’s a fabulous time to plan a cosy gathering.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Your thinking and ideas can gain pace. Normally practical and to the point, you may be speaking in metaphors, dreaming up soulful ideas and tapping into the hearts of others with surprising ease. Dialogue becomes more emotionally rich, and your ability to listen with empathy skyrockets. This is the perfect time to express yourself, as your imagination is your greatest asset now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Your thoughts take on a dreamy, imaginative hue as Mercury enters your money zone. Normally a cerebral whizz, you’re now tuned into subtle cues, feelings and unspoken truths, making you more poetic and intuitive than usual. Conversations about money or values may veer into mystical or visionary territory. This is a fine time to brainstorm soulful side hustles or artistic income streams.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

After a period of feeling reflective, your thinking can become a shimmering sea of imagination, insight and inspiration. Communication flows and your words can enchant, persuade and uplift, so use them wisely. You’re more articulate than usual, though still prone to daydreams, so double-check details if precision is needed. Use this opportunity to share your ideas, write or speak from the heart.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

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.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.

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