An innocent woman who spent months behind bars has opened up about how her ex-fiancée and his new wife framed her for crimes she never committed.

Michelle Hadley, now 39, was arrested in July 2016 for allegedly cyberstalking and threatening her ex Ian Diaz and his wife Angela Connell. She then spent 88 days in jail, and faced a maximum sentence of life in prison.

But authorities soon learned that Angela, herself, had sent the threatening emails and even posted an ad for a ‘rape fantasy’ on Craigslist – and blamed it on Hadley.

The charges against Hadley were then dropped and Angela was sent to prison in January 2017.

Yet federal investigators continued to suspect something was amiss with the story, and after a years-long investigation became convinced that Ian had been involved in the ploy as well.

He was ultimately arrested in 2021 and was convicted of stalking, perjury and obstruction of justice, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Ian’s ploy is now laid bare in a new Netflix documentary, A Toxic Love Story, which premiered on July 23.

However, some key details of the case were left out of the film.

Ian and Angela made several calls to law enforcement in Anaheim, California beginning in May 2016, claiming Hadley was sending Angela threatening messages from an account titled LilithIsTruth

Hadley opened up about her false imprisonment in a Netflix documentary ‘A Toxic Love Story’

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The documentary details how Ian and Angela made several calls to law enforcement in Anaheim, California, beginning in May 2016, claiming Hadley was sending Angela threatening messages from an account titled LilithIsTruth.

The disturbing messages included: ‘You must be gone,’ ‘You have not heeded my warnings’ and ‘Watch your back.’

They soon became even more menacing with messages like: ‘Ian does not love you’ and saying Angela had ‘stolen my treasured home,’ apparently referring to the condo Hadley had bought with Ian while they were together.

As the messages continued, the couple obtained a restraining order against Hadley.

Yet the Diazes claimed they continued to receive messages – this time accompanied by pictures of dead fetuses, reading things like: ‘Drop the restraining order or you will continue to suffer’ and: ‘We will steal your child and watch as it dies’.

Another read: ‘You will die tonight while someone rapes you.’

Then in June 2016, the case took a dramatic turn when Ian claimed that Hadley had posed as Angela to respond to a post on Craigslist asking for a woman to help act out a rape fantasy.

The post had said: ‘I am looking for women who have fantasies about being raped or forced to perform.

‘I’ve done this before with a couple of ex-girlfriends and found it very intense and exciting’.

The man who posted it, who is identified in the film as ‘Rick’, says that he got a message from someone with the username, ‘Lilithistruth’, inviting him over.

Angela Diaz had claimed she had been physically threatened in her garage

Angela was ultimately arrested in January 2017, and pleaded guilty to charges including fraud, false imprisonment and falsely reporting a crime

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The response he got read: ‘I’ve been dying to have a rape fantasy occur while walking my dog, following me home, dragging me upstairs to the bed.

‘I am 30, tall, gorgeous and ready,’ followed by Angela’s full address.

The message went on: ‘Even if I scream, don’t stop.’

Angela later claimed she was physically threatened in her garage.

In the police bodycam footage from when detectives visited the condo, Angela pointed to a black mark on the wall and said it was a makeup stain from when a figure with a black ski mask over his face grabbed her.

Crying, she told the officers: ‘I just didn’t know what was happening. He grabbed me, he had me pinned by the hair at the neck. He told me, now you’re gonna get it, you’re finally going to get raped.’

Angela and Ian both blamed Hadley, who was finally arrested by the police on felony stalking charges that could have sent her to prison for life if convicted.

The new true crime documentary features bodycam footage from a police visit to Ian and Angela’s home after they complained about Hadley. Photo courtesy of Netflix

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But while she was in prison, law enforcement began to suspect something more was going on – and that Angela may have sent the threatening emails to herself and lied about the attempted rape.

They soon learned that Angela had previously lied to an ex-boyfriend, Jason Rayburn, about being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

Rayburn describes in the documentary how Angela insisted on going to her chemotherapy ‘appointments’ alone until one day Rayburn insisted on accompanying her, and was shocked to find it was for removing a mole. 

Then Rayburn, a California highway patrol officer, got another shock: he claimed an image that Angela had sent him supposedly of her hospital room during chemotherapy was pulled from Google images.

That is when he said he realized her cancer was a lie.

She had also allegedly lied to him about being pregnant with twins, showing him a fake sonogram and doctored pregnancy tests. 

Angela was ultimately arrested in January 2017, and pleaded guilty to charges including fraud, false imprisonment and falsely reporting a crime.

She was then sentenced to five years in prison, and by April 2017, Ian had his and Angela’s marriage annulled.

Hadley was released from prison after 88 days and was cleared of all charges

Still, Department of Justice Special Agent Jason Higley said he continued to have suspicions.

He then reviewed body camera footage from Angela and Ian’s 911 calls and became convinced that Ian was coaching Angela on what to say.

As he then continued to investigate, Higley said he discovered fragments of a LilithIsTruth email on Ian’s computer that proved he had written at least one of the messages.

It is now believed Ian sought revenge on Hadley, who had paid the down payment on their condo.

After they split, Ian remained at the home and later moved Angela in. 

But Higley suggested in the documentary that Ian wanting to keep the condo was only part of Ian’s motive for framing his ex.

‘To me, it boils down to Ian wanting to control someone. He wanted to control Michelle and she got away and that made him angry,’ he claimed.

‘In my view, Angela Connell was a perfect partner because she craved empathy. Angela loved portraying herself as a victim, and Ian exploited that.’ 

The former US Marshal was then arrested in May 2021, and was later found guilty of stalking, perjury and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

He was later dismissed from the US Marshals Service in 2023. 

Ian was arrested in May 2021, and was later found guilty of stalking, perjury and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 10 years in prison

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But some key details about the case were noticeably left out of the documentary – including Angela’s larger web of lies detailed in divorce filings, court records and witness statements.

During her criminal case, Angela had also been accused of fabricating major parts of her personal history, including aspects of her education, employment and background, the US Sun reports. 

Prosecutors also alleged Angela regularly created false narratives involving pregnancies, illnesses and personal crises which she used to gain sympathy, financial support and gifts.

The documentary also failed to mention how Ian allegedly pressured Michelle into leaving her job as a marketing support manager for a risk services company in Orange County and instead accept a position at Disneyland Resort – even though it would pay $20,000 less.

The career move made Hadley feel more vulnerable in her relationship, she told Buzzfeed News in 2019, saying she believed her then-boyfriend wanted her working at Disneyland because his former colleagues could keep an eye on her. 

Hadley said she has now found her happy ending with her young daughter

Hadley went on to sue the Anaheim Police Department, noting that she had argued from the beginning that she had been framed as she denied sending the threatening messages and posts.

She sought more than $25,000 in damages, accusing investigators of overlooking evidence that could have cleared her name and failing to properly investigate whether she had been framed.

Police officials denied any wrongdoing and argued officers had probable cause for the arrest based on the information available at the time.

Still, the city settled the suit with Hadley in 2021 with no admission of liability.

Yet sources told TMZ this week Hadley settled for around $1.8 million.

Two years later, the former inmate gave birth to a daughter on the same day Ian was convicted.

‘Raising this beautiful little girl is my fairytale ending,’ she told the documentary. ‘I think it is “happily ever after.”‘

Meanwhile, Angela was released from prison in 2020 and completed her parole in 2021. She has since founded a nonprofit and now claims that she was ‘wrongfully convicted.’

But Ian remains behind bars to this day as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied his conviction appeal last year.

He is now due to be released on January 31, 2031. 

The extraordinary preparations come as police continue planning for Kinahan’s extradition from Dubai after he reportedly lost his final appeal against being returned to Ireland.

A section of Ireland’s highest security prison has been upgraded and a bomb-proof prison van purchased as authorities prepare for the expected arrival of crime boss Daniel Kinahan.

The Irish Mirror understands that one of the most secure areas of Portlaoise Prison has been refurbished with its own gym and library, with Kinahan expected to have exclusive access if he is remanded there following his return to Ireland.

The major security operation has seen the Irish Prison Service (IPS) create a dedicated secure unit where Kinahan would be held separately from the wider prison population.

Alongside the upgraded facilities, additional prison officers are expected to be deployed to guard the area around the clock following a security review carried out by the IPS in consultation with Gardaí.

It has also emerged that the prison service has acquired a new bullet and bomb-resistant escort van, first reported by RTÉ, which is expected to be used to transport Kinahan from the airport to prison.

The specially protected vehicle is understood to have been sourced from the UK and features ballistic armour capable of withstanding rifle fire, along with reinforced flooring and body panels designed to offer protection against explosives.

Despite its enhanced security, the van is designed to look identical to the rest of the Irish Prison Service fleet, making it difficult to distinguish from standard escort vehicles.

‘Loking forward to returning to Ireland’

The extraordinary preparations come as Gardaí continue planning for Kinahan’s extradition from Dubai after he reportedly lost his final appeal against being returned to Ireland.

The alleged cartel boss had previously delayed the process by pursuing a further appeal through the Dubai courts. However, that legal challenge has now concluded, clearing the way for his return.

Sources have indicated that Kinahan could be flown back to Ireland within weeks, with August now considered the most likely timeframe.

He is expected to be transported on a Government aircraft before appearing before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where Gardaí intend to charge him with directing a criminal organisation, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The operation is expected to rank among the largest and most complex security exercises ever undertaken by the State.

Earlier this week, podcaster James English claimed Kinahan was “looking forward” to returning to Ireland and suggested the extradition process had been “fast tracked”.

Writing on Instagram, English said Kinahan would be willing to give interviews after returning to Ireland. His claims have not been confirmed by authorities.

The case against Kinahan is understood to centre partly on encrypted communications recovered from so-called Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) devices allegedly used by members of the Kinahan cartel.

Gardaí allege encrypted handles including “Bon Neww”, “Bon4” and “Cap” belonged to Kinahan and were used to direct senior cartel figures during the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud.

Evidence presented in previous Special Criminal Court proceedings included messages allegedly discussing the murder of Eddie Hutch following the Regency Hotel shooting in February 2016, as well as communications linked to an alleged plot targeting James Gately in 2017.

Investigators also believe Kinahan played a central role in directing cartel activities from abroad following the Regency Hotel attack, during which associate David Byrne was shot dead and Kinahan himself was among those targeted.

Kinahan has consistently denied involvement in organised crime and has not been convicted of any offence in relation to those allegations. Any charges brought following his return to Ireland would be subject to the criminal justice process.

The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond

These are your rugby headlines for the morning of July 31.

SRU sack Williamson after investigation

Scottish Rugby has confirmed it has sacked CEO Alex Williamson after a lengthy investigation into his personal conduct.

Williamson was placed on extended leave back in May amid an independent investigation, which has lasted over the course of several months.

The specifics of the investigation have not been divulged by the union, but Williamson has nevertheless been removed from his position permanently.

It’s understood the probe centred on claims Williamson had entered into an undisclosed relationship with an SRU employee.

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Chairman of Scottish Rugby Limited, John McGuigan, said in a statement: “The board of Scottish Rugby has today dismissed Alex Williamson from his position as chief executive with immediate effect. His dismissal follows the conclusion of an independent investigation into matters that were brought to the board’s attention earlier this year.

“In light of the investigation findings the board of Scottish Rugby concluded that the CEO’s conduct had fallen significantly below the standards we set as an organisation.”

Current chief financial officer David White looks set to become interim chief executive while the governing body begins the process of finding a permanent replacement.

After hitting seven international stops, the star-studded promotional run for Spider-Man: A Brand New Day wrapped up on Wednesday in London.

Throughout the press tour, Zendaya has once again cemented her status as the queen of method dressing.

The actress, 29, has always channeled her characters and themes of the films she stars in while on her fashionable premiere runs – and the last few weeks have been no exception.

Directed by her beloved stylist and close friend Law Roach, she has worn a series of web-inspired outfits from designers such as Ashi Studio, Louis Vuitton, and John Galliano.

And she looked every inch the style icon as she posed up alongside her new husband Tom Holland, whom she tied the knot with earlier this year. 

The Spider-Man promotional tour began in Madrid in mid-June, where Zendaya stunned in a black strapless gown by Christian Cowan.

The actress, 29, has always channeled her characters and themes of the films she stars in while on her fashionable premiere runs – and the last few weeks have been no exception (pictured in Ernesto Naranjo)

The stunning ensemble featured a fringe skirt and brought a 1940s silhouette to the present day with a contemporary Spanish spin.

The dress was pulled from the designer’s Fall 2026 collection and completed with black pumps and accessories from Rolex and Stefere jewellery.

For her second look in Spain, Zendaya donned the famous Spider-Man red in a high-neck dress from Ernesto Naranjo.

She teamed the 2026 Fall collection piece with matching pumps.

Next up, Zendaya was in Amsterdam wearing an ensemble from Nicolas Ghesquiere’s Cruise 2027 collection. 

The striking look featured a black jacket with white detailing and bright red shorts.

For another photocall in the city, she turned heads in a sheer slip dress with an asymmetrical hem and white floral appliqués. 

The racy number from McQueen showed off her toned figure and was paired with a high-low black opera coat.

Directed by her beloved stylist and close friend Law Roach, she has worn a series of web-inspired outfits (Dressed in Nicolas Ghesquiere)

For a photocall in Amsterdam, she turned heads in a sheer slip dress with an asymmetrical hem and white floral appliqués

Next up was Berlin for a German fan event, in which she took inspiration from the college style, which features in the movie, with a red jersey-style top from Coach

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After the fan event, she headed to the premiere in a black custom leather two-piece from Louis Vuitton

Heading over to Rome, Zendaya caught the eye as she drove into Italian fashion history with a dazzling Swarovski-encrusted two-piece

Next up was Berlin for a German fan event, in which she took inspiration from the college style, which features in the movie, with a red jersey-style top from Coach.

She paired it with a plaid midi skirt and pointed-toe brown heels.

After the fan event, she headed to the premiere in a black custom leather two-piece from Louis Vuitton.

It featured a small waistcoat top and low-rise maxi skirt with a long train.

Heading over to Rome, Zendaya caught the eye as she drove into Italian fashion history with a dazzling Swarovski-encrusted two-piece.

The red and blue colour block outfit, from Versace’s Fall 1997 collection, was teamed with white heels.

For the night, the actress looked incredible in a vintage spiderweb gown from Giorgio Armani.

Stylist Law said of her outfit: ‘Zendaya only wears Italian when in Italy.’

She finished her striking look with jewellery from Tiffany & Co.

Next up was Rome, where Law shook things up with an oversized $35 Marvel tee from the early noughties.

The effortlessly cool look was finished with Louboutin heels and a Rolex watch.

She then popped over to London for a photocall, where she stepped out in a celestial John Galliano dress from the Spring 1997 collection.

Next up was Rome, where Law shook things up with an oversized $35 Marvel tee from the early noughties

For the night, the actress looked incredible in a vintage spiderweb gown from Giorgio Armani

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She then popped over to London for a photocall, where she stepped out in a celestial John Galliano dress from the Spring 1997 collection

After a couple of weeks spent promoting her other new film, The Odyssey, Zendaya returned to Spider-Man for a photocall in New York

For her second event of the day, the actress arrived in Mexico City in an incredible asymmetric black dress from Ashi Studio

Zendaya then stepped out in Shanghai in a web inspired dress 

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Heading back to the US, Zendaya hit the Los Angeles blue carpet in a bold black dress from Ashi Studio

On Wednesday, she headed to London for the final premiere of the press tour, where she turned heads in a plunging white gown from Tamara Ralph with a silver sequin web design

Looking sensational despite the heatwave, the actress turned around to reveal an intricate silver spiderweb across her back, which was hung with different charms including hearts, stars and a four-leaf clover. 

Meanwhile, the main part of the dress was patterned like the night sky and scattered with the outline of gold cherubs.

After a couple of weeks spent promoting her other new film, The Odyssey, Zendaya returned to Spider-Man for a photocall in New York.

She donned a full ensemble from the Vetements Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collection.

The stylish look consisted of a white blazer layered over a black shirt dress and knee-high PVC boots.

Dangling from her ears were a pair of dazzling spiderweb earrings – a stylish nod to the new film.

For her second event of the day, the actress arrived in Mexico City in an incredible asymmetric black dress from Ashi Studio.

The ensemble featured a half silk, half intricate lace detailing with a body-hugging design. 

She finished her outfit with spider-shaped earrings from Jacob & Co.

Jetting off to Shanghai, Zendaya commanded attention with a new Cleopatra hair look and a daring ‘web’ dress.

The actress looked sensational as she debuted another new hair look, styling her waist-long dark tresses poker straight with a short block fringe.

Giving another nod to Cleopatra, Zendaya wore a bold palette of makeup complete with a dark smoky eye shadow.

She also once again proved she is the queen of method dressing as she showed off her amazing figure in a web-themed dress from Atelier Versace.

Her gown boasted black glittering web detailing with white draping edging, with a dazzling silver brooch by David Webb added to the waistline.

She completed the look with a Rolex and Christian Louboutin pumps. 

Heading back to the US, Zendaya hit the Los Angeles blue carpet in a bold black dress from Ashi Studio.

The sculptural design featured a dramatic ruffled skirt with a deep plunge.  

On Wednesday, she headed to London for the final premiere of the press tour.

The actress turned heads in a plunging white gown from Tamara Ralph with a silver sequin web design.

Zendaya continued her stylish Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour alongside husband Tom Holland at Wednesday’s star-studded premiere in London

The new film follows the ending of No Way Home, in which a spell cast by Dr Strange caused everyone in the world to forget the existence of Spider-Man’s secret identity, Peter Parker

The stunning dress featured sparkly straps and cinched her in at the waist before flowing out into a chiffon train. Her hair was styled in long curls by No98 Beauty.

Zendaya looked flawless wearing Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic makeup and skincare and wore Mouawad earrings and a ring from the Maison’s Majestic Diamond Suite.  

Meanwhile Tom – whose performance in Christopher Nolan’s $250million epic The Odyssey was recently roasted by critics as ‘comic book basic’ – wore a dark purple Anderson & Sheppard suit and bespoke Pragnell spider brooch.

Tom steps back into the iconic suit as Peter Parker for the latest instalment – which is already impressing fans – taking on the role once played by Tobey Maguire.

Zendaya and Tom famously met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.

Fast forward ten years, and the pair are now married and back on the promotional trail for their latest Spider-Man film.

The new film follows the ending of No Way Home, in which a spell cast by Dr Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) caused everyone in the world to forget the existence of Spider-Man’s secret identity, Peter Parker (Holland).

Brand New Day picks up four years later, after Parker has largely given up on his connection to the world around him and has devoted himself entirely to fighting crime as Spider-Man, even as his former girlfriend MJ (Holland’s real-life wife, Zendaya, who stunned in a black arachnid-themed gown at the film’s premiere on Monday in Los Angeles) has moved on with a new love interest after forgetting that they were ever a couple.

Amid the turmoil in his life, Parker’s superpowers begin to undergo a sometimes disturbing evolution, which several critics compared approvingly to the direction taken by the original trilogy starring Tobey Maguire.

Critics have called it one of the best of the iconic superhero’s films – and a return to form for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Critics had high praise for Brand New Day’s returning star, Tom, and they largely applauded the film’s move away from the confusing bloat of the previous entry in the series, Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The New York Post’s Johnny Oleksinski wrote that the current Spider-Man series is the only part of the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe that he still looks forward to.

Oleksinski called Brand New Day a ‘welcome reunion’ with Holland and Peter Parker, though he noted that it was ‘much darker’ than previous Spider-Man entries.

He agreed with the comparisons to the Maguire years, writing, ‘Tonally, Brand New Day is a lot more like Tobey Maguire’s aughts films, which to my mind are not only the gold standard of Spider-Man movies, but Marvel films as well.’

Writing for RogerEbert.com, Brian Tallerico gave Brand New Day a middling 2.5 stars out of four.

The premiere comes as Tom and Zendaya’s latest movie The Odyssey has already set critical and audience review records.

Figures show that, from just under one week of The Odyssey’s wide release, July 17, the movie’s total haul is $303million worldwide, with likely another $15-20million coming in when Wednesday’s figures arrive.

But with the couple’s upcoming Spider-Man movie set to be released in days, fans will have to see which film becomes the top-grossing film of the year, as Brand New Day is currently breaking ticket pre-sale records for the opening weekend and first week.

Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Igor Thiago, while they are also believed to be pondering a bid for Lewis Hall following Eddie Howe’s abrupt exit from Newcastle, where Matthias Jaissle will take over this weekend. Chelsea are set to confirm the arrivals of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck after unveiling Maxence Lacroix, while Liverpool are stepping up their big-money pursuit of Bradley Barcola amid new links to Japan star Kaishu Sano.

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who successfully exposed Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) affair back in the day, and the one Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) had with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), is very close to having a full-blown affair of her own in EastEnders.

The chemistry between Lauren and Mark Fowler Jnr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) has been brewing for ages, and viewers knew the will they/won’t they would eventually turn into a ‘will they’ due to how shifty the pair looked during the flashforward episode.

Next week, Lauren does her best to ignore her feelings for Mark, but is rattled when he attempts to make her jealous by flirting with one of Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) female colleagues.

Mark’s games are cut short when the woman takes an interest in one of the stolen cars. He later heads to see Lauren to tell her how he really feels, but Peter Beale (Thomas Law) arrives an interrupts the moment.

Lauren tries to deflect Peter’s questions, but eventually admits that she and Mark have been dealing stolen cars.

As Lauren spirals in the aftermath, Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) pushes her to be honest about her feelings for Mark, but she isn’t sure what to do next.

Lauren appears to make a decision though, and later meets up with Mark. There, she asks him to prove how much she means to him…but what exactly will Lauren say next?

As the week draws to a close, Lauren is surprised when Peter asks to meet up, and then reveals that Mark has told him the truth.

Has Mark really revealed his connection with Lauren?

Or is Peter referring to something else?

Pondering over the different side we’ll see to Mark in these scenes, star Stephen Aaron-Sipple told us: ‘Nobody is tough all the time, so it’s been nice exploring a different side of Mark beyond his hard-man persona. We all have people we can let our guard down with, and for Mark, Lauren has become that person.

‘She doesn’t judge him for who he is, and that allows him to be more playful, open and vulnerable around her. Mark obviously has Vicki, and he had a similar relationship with Sam when she was on the Square, but since Sam left, Lauren has become that person for him.’

When asked about whether Lauren and Mark would make a good couple, Stephen said: ‘They already make a great team. There’s a lot of mutual respect between them, and neither of them judges the other.

‘They could make a great couple and, in another world, maybe they already would be. The problem is there are quite a few obstacles standing in their way right now!’

MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as sinister Sheila closes in for Gray

MORE: EastEnders pictures confirm aftermath of Lauren and Mark twist as sparks fly

MORE: Ian prepares for the end as he says goodbye to Walford in EastEnders

The reassurance comes after social media users claimed the service would only be available at weekends, sparking disappointment among shoppers who enjoy customising their pizzas during the week.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, said over the past two days that the service was being cut back, with one person writing: “ASDA make your own pizza down to weekends only”.

Others said “There’s literally zero reason to go to Asda now.” and described the rumoured change as “Just the start of a downward spiral.”

A photograph appearing to show in-store signage backing up the claims was also shared online.

However, Asda has dismissed the rumours.

A spokesman for the supermarket said: “We know how much our customers love our pizza counters.

“They can be reassured that freshly made pizzas will continue to be available in all 464 of our stores as usual.”

This is not the first time the future of the pizza counters has come into question.

Similar rumours circulated in April suggesting the service was being discontinued altogether.

Asda introduced a World Cup promotion offering half-and-half pizzas, priced at £3.98 for a medium and £4.98 for a large.

The pizza counters allow customers to choose their own base, sauce, and topping, making them a popular choice for families and individuals wanting a quick, customised meal.

The reassurance means customers can continue enjoying their made-to-order pizzas any day of the week.

Greater Manchester will get a new mayor on Friday following the historic vote to elect Andy Burnham’s successor.

Polling stations closed at 10pm on Thursday, with the count taking place from 9am on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of votes will be counted at Co-op Live, with the result not expected until at least early afternoon.

And it could be even later if no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote – meaning the second round votes will need to be counted.

The election was held using the supplementary vote system, which meant that people were able to vote for two candidates, a first and second preference.

The by-election, the biggest ever held in the UK, is taking place after Mr Burnham had to stand down from the post after being elected MP for Makerfield.

Seven candidates were standing in the election: Sian Niamh Astley for Reform UK, Geraldine Coggins for Green Party, Bev Craig for Labour, Phil Eckersley for the Conservative Party, Marcus Jonathan Farmer – independent, Richard Kilpatrick for Liberal Democrats, and Marlon West for Restore Britain.

Whoever is voted in will have a direct say in setting budgets and priorities across the region, meaning the election will have a major impact on the future of housing, transport and policing for people across Greater Manchester over the coming years.

Follow the latest updates in our live blog below as the results are counted.

If you are looking for a spot along the Northumberland coast to relax in, you might want to try the Fishing Boat Inn.

Found in the coastal village of Boulmer, the restaurant might look like a normal pub from the outside, but it boasts “idyllic” views at the back.

The restaurant is just steps away from the sea and provides guests with a calming place to stay.

What is the Fishing Boat Inn like?

The Fishing Boat Inn’s website says: “Whether you’re looking for a snack or a full meal, our restaurant is open five days a week, offering a selection of handcrafted dishes.

“Our Catering team is headed up of 2 very talented chefs, George & Alex.

“Together they have created a menu using fresh local ingredients and we include specials everyday, so each day there is something new.

“If you’re not hungry, why not visit our fantastic bar or outside decking area and enjoy one of the finest beer ‘garden’ views on the Northeast coast!”

The restaurant offers a lunch and evening menu with sandwiches, starters, and mains.

The Fishing Boat Inn is known for its fish dishes from classic beer-battered haddock and chips to fillet of salmon and Asian-style sea bass.

There are also a few options for those who are not a fan of fish, including the rack of lamb and fillet steak.

The restaurant also offers a seafood tower featuring three layers of fish including cod goujons, scampi, and smoked salmon.

If you visit on a Sunday, you can enjoy the Sunday roast where you can choose from beef, pork, turkey, or a nut roast to enjoy alongside all of the traditional Sunday trimmings.

The Fishing Boat Inn is not just a restaurant, but it also has a few rooms if you wanted to extend your stay.

There are a few different rooms to choose from with views of the beach where you can watch the sun setting over the coast.

What do visitors think of the Fishing Boat Inn?

Visitors on Tripadvisor have praised the restaurant for its “picturesque location” and “excellent” seafood.

One reviewer said: “This is the fourth time we’ve stayed at The Fishing Boat Inn and it won’t be the last.

“The location and views are exceptional.

“They are matched by the friendliness and service offered by the staff and the food was amazing.

“If the chefs haven’t been recognised for quality, it’s only a matter of time.

“Wonderful place to be.”

Have you ever visited the Fishing Boat Inn? Let us know in the comments.

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Mali is facing its most serious security crisis in years as al-Qaida-linked militants and separatist rebels join forces to intensify attacks against its military.

The partnership between the JNIM jihadi rebels and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) is the latest twist in a decades-long conflict in what is already the world’s most terrorized region.

It has resulted in some of the largest attacks Malian security forces and their partners have seen in years, analysts say.

The rebels and separatists launched massive simultaneous attacks across the country in April for the first time in a decade. Earlier this month, they partnered to ambush a Malian military convoy, capturing or killing dozens of soldiers, and mounting pressure on the ruling junta.

Fatalities from militant attacks increased by 35% to 3,435 in the first seven months of this year, compared with 2,546 in the same period in 2024, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), an independent conflict monitor.

“The JNIM and FLA see the benefit of working with each other because they function as force multipliers for each other,” said Heni Nsaibia, a senior analyst for West Africa at ACLED.

Both groups, Nsaibia said, have the same goal of “finishing the common enemy,” which they see as being the Malian armed forces and its partner, Russia’s Africa Corps paramilitary group.

The relationship between the groups is “a form of tactical coordination” focusing on military operations, FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane told The Associated Press.

He said the groups had agreed that after securing independence of the northern region of Mali the communities would decide what version of sharia is applied.

The latest dimension to the Mali conflict began in 2012 with the northern Tuareg rebellion, which opened the field for jihadis, setting the country and the wider Sahel — a vast strip of semi-arid desert stretching from North Africa to West Africa — on a violent path.

Soldiers took over Mali’s civilian government in 2020, citing the security crisis, setting off a series of coups across the Sahel, which is considered the deadliest region in the world with a record of up to half of all terror-related deaths globally, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace.

The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.

Here is a guide to the groups fighting in Mali and their goals:

The group is led by Iyad Ag Ghaly, a veteran of the Tuareg rebel group and a former Malian diplomat. It operates across much of Mali in the north, south, west and central axis. Last year, it imposed a blockade on fuel imports into the country, disrupting fuel supplies to the capital Bamako to date.

JNIM is also active in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, and has been expanding its presence to coastal West Africa.

Analysts say JNIM has forced the Malian military to disperse across wider territories, stretching its operational capacity on multiple fronts. Recently, it has been presenting itself as an alternative legitimate authority to the government.

“JNIM has progressively expanded its influence, becoming an increasingly unavoidable interlocutor for some local communities and exercising de facto authority in certain areas where state institutions have only a limited presence,” said Beatrice Bianchi, an adviser for the Sahel-Sahara Security Strategies Centre.

Azawad Liberation Front (FLA)

The FLA, which was formed in 2024, is fighting for the independence of northern Mali. It is the latest iteration of the complex formations of several Tuareg separatist rebel groups that have emerged in the north.

Its roots date back to the 1960s following Mali’s independence from France, when it claimed that the central government marginalized the northern region politically and economically.

In April 2012, a coalition of Tuareg rebel groups under the Coordination of Azawad Movements declared independence and sparked a rebellion alongside Islamic militants.

A 2015 accord signed in Algeria between the Malian government and the rebels led to a cessation of fighting between the group and government forces. In 2024, however, the Malian junta exited the accords as tensions flared between the junta and the rebels, leading to renewed hostilities.

Several officials of multiple rebel groups then came together to form the FLA.

Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP)

The Sahel-based arm of the Islamic State group, the ISSP was formed by defectors from al-Mourabitoun, one of the four al-Qaida affiliates that came together to form the JNIM.

In Mali, it is considerably less prominent compared to JNIM, and most of its operations are in the Menaka region, which borders Niger.

The Islamic State group acknowledged the ISSP’s allegiance in 2022. Unlike JNIM, which tries to present itself as a better alternative to the government, ISSP’s stated goal is to build an Islamic caliphate in the region, and it’s considered more coercive in its relationship with civilians.

“Both organizations are responsible for significant violence against civilians, but JNIM has generally sought to combine coercion with efforts to build local acceptance, while the Islamic State has relied more heavily on overt violence and intimidation,” Bianchi said.

Both groups are also often at loggerheads as they violently compete for territories and differ on jihadi philosophies, reflecting the global rivalry between al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

Africa Corps

The Africa Corps is a Russian paramilitary group that succeeded the disbanded Wagner Group. After coming into power, the Malian military junta expelled French forces from the country in 2022, citing protection of national sovereignty and a worsening security crisis.

Mali then turned away from its traditional Western partners to Russia — first to the Wagner Group, a private organization that acted as Russia’s diplomatic proxy.

Russia has since replaced Wagner with the Africa Corps, answerable to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The Africa Corps fights alongside the Malian army and has been accused of gross human rights violations.

Other pro-government forces

Other smaller ethnic auxiliary groups support the government.

They include the Dozo militias, former hunters that have become militarized, and some Tuareg groups, such as the Imghad Tuareg Self-Defense Group and Allies (GATIA) and the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), in the Menaka region.

The support can also be fluid. Dan Na Ambassagou, a militia group that fights against Fulanis, accusing them of harboring Islamist groups, was once embraced by the government but has now been denounced.