DJ Afrojack has said he’s lucky to be alive after narrowly escaping a metal blade that smashed through his car’s windscreen and likened the moment to Final Destination

DJ Afrojack has shared that he almost died when a metal blade smashed through his car’s windscreen and only narrowly missed his face. The 38-year-old DJ posted a clip to social media, where he likened the moment to something from the film Final Destination.

In the video posted to Instagram, he showed his cracked windscreen with the metal blade still stuck in it. The position of the blade showed that it had crashed through the windscreen over the central console, and will have landed very close to both the driver and any front seat passengers. DJ Afrojack, whose real name is Nick Leonardus van de Wall, wrote over the video: “POV: Final Destination but it’s not a movie.”

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Final Destination is a film franchise that follows a group of people who escape death only to be killed off in a series of unlikely incidents orchestrated by Death itself.

He also said in the caption that he felt “lucky” to have survived it: “We got lucky, will post full update later.” The caption was accompanied by a series of distressed face emojis.

Fans quickly shared their support for Afrojack. One wrote: “Brother… so glad you’re safe.” Another said: “Glad you are ok bro. God’s protection is with you.” A third added: “OMG so glad you’re ok fam. That’s scary AF.”

The DJ later shared another series of videos and pictures of the car with the blade in the window, which was being driven by his friend Nick Fuso. He said in the caption: “Sometime life sends me a reminder of how lucky I am to be here..

“Blessed with my family, blessed with my friends, and blessed with breathing. This was the scariest thing i’ve ever seen and my friend @nickfuso too, for @fritsvandeclips the second scariest thing.

“Thanks for the warning, thanks for this life, lets go get more life n more music!! Thanks @nickfuso for not crashing the car after your final destination moment, and tnx to my team (and @officialhardrock ) for still getting us to the finish line!!”

He finished by sending a “big thanks” to his wife, Elettra Lamborghini, “for always being there for me even in the scariest moments”. DJ Afrojack married the Geordie Shore star in 2020 in a Lake Como wedding.

Their wedding was a spectacle where their family and friends watched them exchange their vows. Elettra has her roots in the spotlight as the granddaughter of car founder Ferruccio Lamborghini and she had her own taste of fame on Geordie Shore in 2017. The two were engaged for 10 months before getting married.

Finally, Afrojack posted a picture from his spot on a plane and poked fun at the incident, which happened on the way to the airport. He said: “Team no car made it to Monterrey.”

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Greater Manchester Police were called to Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road shortly after the start of the school day.

Emergency services, including police officers, paramedics and an air ambulance, attended the scene as the school was placed into lockdown.

Police confirmed that three people suffered injuries, ‘thought to be knife wounds, although none are believed to be serious at this stage.

Officers arrested a schoolgirl in connection with the incident and investigations remain ongoing.

Images from the scene showed several police and ambulance vehicles stationed both outside the school gates and within the school grounds, while a helicopter was seen circling overhead.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers are currently responding to an incident at a school on Plant Hill Road, Blackley where a schoolgirl has been arrested.

“Three people have been injured, however injuries aren’t believed to be serious at this time.”

The force added that emergency services remain at the scene and are working closely with the school.

Officers also sought to reassure parents and the wider community that there is no ongoing threat.

“There is not believed to be any wider threat to the pupils and staff in the school,” police said.

Co-op Academy Manchester, located on Plant Hill Road in Higher Blackley, serves around 1,600 pupils aged between 11 and 16.

Further updates are expected as enquiries continue.

A group of men were reported to police while driving laps around a Cambridgeshire city centre shouting verbal abuse at pedestrians

A group of men drove around Peterborough city centre shouting verbal abuse at pedestrians and trying to get women into a car, according to Cambridgeshire Police. Officers received a report about a group of men driving laps around the city centre during an evening, calling women names and trying to get them into the car.

The driver has since been given a community protection warning (CPW). This bans him from the city centre and other areas that have night-time economy businesses, between 8pm and 6am for three months.

A police spokesperson explained: “A CPW is a letter of warning which addresses the behaviours and may include conditions such as not to be in a specific location at certain hours. If the behaviour continues, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) may be issued, which details formal action required to be taken to prevent further behaviour. Failure to comply with a CPN is an arrestable offence and could lead to a criminal prosecution.

“The man was also handed a section 59 warning, which is given to those committing vehicle-related anti-social behaviour. The warning applies to both the vehicle and the driver. This means that if either is involved in anti-social behaviour the vehicle can be seized.”

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A man in his 40s was left with significant injuries to his face, neck and back after the brutal knife attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast shortly after 10.30pm on Monday

A man has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder following a savage knife attack that left another man in a critical condition in Belfast.

Officers revealed that the victim, a man in his 40s, sustained severe wounds to his face, neck and back during the assault in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast, shortly after 10.30pm on Monday.

A man in his 30s, understood to be Somalian, was apprehended at the scene and remains in police custody. The injured man was rushed to hospital, where his condition is described as serious.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has classified the incident as critical as detectives work to establish a motive behind the attack.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident. We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive.”

“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern. I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness.

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“Our investigation is continuing at pace. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.”

Footage of the attack has spread across social media, apparently depicting a man repeatedly plunging a knife into another before bystanders stepped in to intervene. Mr Henderson commended those who came to the aid of the victim. He said: “Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.”

Police have appealed to the public not to circulate the footage, cautioning that sharing it could inflict additional distress on the victim’s loved ones and potentially compromise the active investigation.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this deeply distressing time,” Mr Henderson added.

Local councillor Paul McCusker characterised the incident as “horrific” and commended residents who stepped in.

He said: “Horrific scenes on the streets of North Belfast tonight, terrifying for anyone to witness or watch this on social media.

“I have spoken to the police and the male who carried out the attack has been arrested and the victim is critical in hospital. I really hope he survives this attack and his family are getting support.

“The bravery of those residents was commendable.”

Police enquiries continue and officers are anticipated to maintain a visible presence in the vicinity while the investigation progresses.

Niall McGinn believes Stephen Robinson can transform Aberdeen FC into a major Scottish Premiership force — and says Northern Ireland midfielder Brad Lyons will be key to driving standards at Pittodrie

Niall McGinn believes that with adequate financial support, Stephen Robinson has what it takes to restore Aberdeen as a dominant force in the Scottish Premiership.

The ex-Dons player has previously worked alongside the current Aberdeen manager.

Robinson joined Michael O’Neill’s coaching team for Euro 2016, where Northern Ireland progressed to the round of 16.

McGinn is convinced he’s an excellent coach and accomplished manager who, with the proper resources, can revitalise Aberdeen’s prospects, reports the Daily Record.

He said: “I think he’ll do well, but it’s like anything. He obviously needs the backing, which he seems he’s going to get.”

“He knows the league very well, so that’s a big plus straight away.

“Stephen is coming into a league where he knows what the standards are. He knows what he’s come up against every week.”

Robinson has already begun reshaping his Aberdeen squad. He’s secured agreements to bring in Brad Lyons, Lewis Mayo, Alexander Briedl and Dan Happe. A transfer for Connor Ronan from Colorado Rapids is also expected to be finalised once the window opens.

The Aberdeen manager has emphasised his desire for greater physicality and strength, combined with substantial British experience.

“It’s not going to be pretty at times,” McGinn stated. “It’s going to be hard graft.

“He’s been saying that over the course of the last six weeks of how the games are and moments such as set-pieces.

“Just really fine moments over the course of 90 minutes which games can be won or lost.

“You want to play free-flowing football and you want to excite the fans.

“He’ll obviously do well, but more importantly, he’ll want to win games.

“Ultimately, he’ll just be wanting to win games straight away.”

McGinn was delighted to see his fellow countryman secure the top job at Pittodrie, following his success in guiding St Mirren to Premier Sports Cup triumph.

He said: “He was assistant coach at the 2016 Euros. I just knew how brilliant of a coach he was. Obviously, I haven’t worked under him as a manager, which is a wee bit different.

“But from speaking to other players and knowing how he is, I’ve spoken to him a few times since he’s arrived.

“He’s just wanting to do very well, first and foremost for himself and more importantly for the group of players and obviously the fans as well.

“It’ll be a united effort. Yes, he’ll need a bit of time.

“He’ll need a bit of adaptation regarding pre-season, regarding the players coming in, regarding everyone gelling together, with the current squad and the players he’s bringing in.

“He will be looking to do that over pre-season.”

McGinn is equally pleased to welcome another Northern Irish international to Aberdeen, with midfielder Lyons arriving from Kilmarnock.

He said: “First of all, delighted to see somebody from the north coming into the Aberdeen squad.

“Looking from the outside in and knowing him briefly but not too much. I have watched him closely over the years to see his progression from Coleraine and Kilmarnock.

“He then made his international debut and has won a few caps, so he has quality. He’s just a hard working, honest guy.

“He’ll work box to box, he’ll maybe chip in a goal or two but he’ll just drive standards.”

Lyons brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Aberdeen captain. McGinn understands the value of recruiting such personalities, particularly as the Dons look to fill the void left by departing skipper Graeme Shinnie, who has headed back to Inverness.

“Brad is a good honest footballer and a good type,” said the former Dons star, who featured in the Craig Brown charity Cup game at the weekend.

“It’s going to be important because when you lose the likes of Graeme Shinnie you need characters to come in and get up to the standards straight away.

“He’s one of those boys who will drive standards.”

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Outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Iran will face New Zealand on 15 June, those tensions are on full display.

Opponents of the government in Tehran have gathered waving the Lion and Sun flag. It was Iran’s flag from before the 1979 Islamic revolution, and for many here, a symbol of resistance to the current regime.

From a distance, they look like Iranian flags.

But a closer look reveals the symbol at the heart of the dispute.

For protesters here, the Lion and Sun represents Iran.

“It is a stance against the Islamic Republic. This is the real flag of Iran,” says Arezo Rashidian, one of the protest organisers.

The emblem on the national team’s jerseys, they argue, represents a government they want gone. That post-revolution flag has the same green, white and red stripes but also features the Islamic emblem of four crescents and a sword in red. The Arabic inscription ‘Allahu Akbar’ which translates to ‘Allah is the greatest’ and Muslims recite during prayer, is also featured on the flag.

Many of those gathered outside SoFi Stadium accuse the Islamic Republic of using sport to project legitimacy abroad while repressing dissent at home.

“Regime change is the goal. We’re here to show solidarity with the people of Iran,” says Ms Rashidian.

She says they are against “the mass killings of individuals protesting freely,” referring to the anti-government protests in January and February and the widespread crackdown by the regime forces which resulted in thousands of deaths.

At the time, state officials acknowledged several thousand casualties, while activist groups and medical sources documented mass shootings, overwhelmed hospitals, and leaked mortuary records indicating the true scale of the violence.

The TUI flight was due to land at Manchester Airport but was diverted to Gander, Canada after a passenger’s behaviour became ‘aggressive and alarming’ on board, according to fellow travellers

A father has described his family’s “horrible” experience after they were left stranded in a remote Canadian town when their flight was abruptly grounded due to a disruptive passenger.

The father, named Mr Stockford, was returning home from an all-inclusive break with his wife and four daughters in Cancun when a man’s conduct became “aggressive and alarming” on board their TUI flight to Manchester Airport. Mr Stockford said the man was seated directly behind his daughters and made multiple attempts to leave the aircraft mid-flight. He then made ‘disturbing’ remarks about a “man with a knife” that scared other passengers, many of whom were children.

Mr Stockford claims that crew members managed to restrain the man with assistance from a doctor. However, as the aircraft neared the Pacific Ocean, he was considered too great a flight risk and the pilot opted to divert the plane to Canada where he could be taken off by police. According to Mr Stockford, the disruptive passenger’s wife later blamed his conduct on diazepam he purchased from a taxi driver in Mexico.

The Boeing 787-9 touched down in Gander in the early hours of Friday morning – a small town in the north-eastern region of the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Describing the mayhem on board the aircraft, he said: “The plane landed quite firm, he tried to get up, TUI staff shouted ‘sit back down, now!’ and kids behind us were crying, thinking they were gonna’ die,

“They were saying, ‘why do I feel like I’m dying, mummy? It was horrible.”

He went on to say that as he and nearly 400 fellow passengers disembarked, the pilot assured them they would be “looked after”, reports the Manchester Evening News. Yet once off the plane, passengers claim they were met with a string of problems and very little information from TUI.

“We entered a country at 3C having been in a 32C country. We had shorts on, t-shirts, babies weren’t wrapped up because of that,” he recalled.

Among the reported problems were lengthy delays in transport to TUI-arranged hotels, and upon arrival, the family claim they were informed their room would only be available for under four hours. The MEN understood that accommodation across the town had been snapped up due to a major local event.

“On the plane the captain they were gonna’ look after us and said they were going to provide us with transport to a hotel, a free hotel, food and drink.” he said. “At that point we were thinking, ‘we’re not going to go home today, but at least we’ve got a hotel to rest in’.

“We queued up for this transfer, the transfer was a 12-seater crooked old school bus. As you can imagine, 360 passengers, it was going to take time. The hotels were three or four across Gander. We tried to ring a taxi because we had young children. There was only three taxi companies in Gander, it’s a population of 12,000. The taxi came, and they couldn’t take us because they had no car seat and it was illegal to drive a baby without a car seat.

“We eventually got on the bus. We got to the hotel three hours later, everyone was tired, and the hotel staff told us we’ve only got the hotel for four hours.”

Upon returning to the airport on Friday, the family were informed there would be a further 14-hour wait before they could depart for home. As a result, the majority of passengers were forced to sleep on the airport floor at Gander, with very little food, drink or clothing available, as most of their luggage had remained on the plane.

The father-of-four, from Manchester, said news of their diversion had reached the local community, who rallied round to help the stranded Brits get around town to pick up essential supplies. This is not the first time Gander has found itself in such a situation. The town has become known for supporting stranded travellers over the years — including on 9/11, a moment which became the focus of hit musical Come From Away.

He said: “Loads of locals flooded in and helped everyone get back to the airport. We’ve got a lift back to the airport for free, which was lovely. Then we had to spend 14 hours with the rest of the 360 passengers on the floors of the airport. Children sleeping on the floors, families on the floors because there was not enough seats.”

The flight was due to land at Manchester Airport at around 7:15am on Friday (June 5). However, the family didn’t make it home until Saturday (June 6).

“14 hours on the airport floor, cold floors, hard floor, babies, young kids, families. Just not taken into consideration,” he said. “We got given some vouchers, but I got a photo of the airport fridges, there was hardly anything left.”

Business owner Mr Stockford says the ordeal has left his children traumatised and cost both him and his wife lost earnings.

“My daughters are nervous now to fly again because of the situation,” he said. “TUI from the start of being diverted to the end, just completely failed us.”

TUI has been contacted for comment.

The summer window is fast approaching as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all looking to get some transfer business complete before the World Cup begins this week. Arsenal have renewed their interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, but he could set them back £100m. They are also chasing Leicester’s teenage starlet Jeremy Monga, while they are also in talks to sign PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba. The Gunners are also thought to be looking at the likes of Julian Alvarez, Junior Kroupi, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White.

The State Pension has increased in line with the Triple Lock this year

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Millions of pensioners throughout Great Britain are now in receipt of increased State Pension payments following the annual uprating. The 2026 payment rates for both the New and Basic State Pension will stay in effect until April 2027.

Individuals retiring this year will be entitled to the New State Pension, valued at up to £241.30 per week. Meanwhile, those who retired prior to April 2016 receive the Basic State Pension, worth up to £184.90 weekly.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) distributes the payments on a weekly, fortnightly or four-weekly basis – the frequency is determined by the payment schedule agreed when an individual claims the contributory benefit.

Under the Triple Lock mechanism, the New and Basic State Pensions rise annually in accordance with whichever is highest among average annual earnings growth from May to July, the CPI inflation rate in the year to September, or 2.5 per cent.

Additional State Pension components and deferred State Pensions increase annually with the September CPI figure, reports the Daily Record.

The full New State Pension has risen by approximately £574 to £12,547 during the 2026/27 financial year. Nevertheless, this leaves merely £36 before the Personal Allowance income threshold of £12,570 is breached, which could result in more pensioners with any supplementary income paying tax during retirement.

The UK Government recently confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will introduce new measures this year to ensure pensioners, whose sole income is the State Pension, will not be required to complete a Simple Self Assessment tax return if their payment exceeds the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570. This follows the decision to keep the Personal Allowance frozen at £12,570 until April 2031.

It is worth noting that the amount of State Pension an individual receives is determined by their National Insurance contributions. Approximately 35 years’ worth of contributions are needed to qualify for the full New State Pension, though this may vary for those who were ‘contracted out’.