I was only two years old when Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were killed in Soham by the evil Huntley. I don’t remember it, but it’s always something that I remember being spoken about over the years. Especially living in Cambridgeshire, it was something I always knew happened just down the road.
Advertisement
Huntley died in hospital on Saturday (March 7) after being attacked in prison and as soon as my shift started on Monday, I headed out to Soham to speak to people in the aftermath.
We wanted to speak to the people of Soham and hear their perspective, both on the death, but also how it impacts their town, which has been “haunted” by the tragedy. I went into it apprehensive, as I knew it was a sensitive topic for people in the area.
It took a while for me to find people happy to speak. I tried knocking on doors and talking to people in the high street. For some, it was clear they didn’t want to talk as soon as I explained what the topic of conversation would be.
This was totally understandable, it’s not a nice thing to talk about and the impact on the town was clear immediately. For the people who were comfortable talking to me, they were still apprehensive, but they made their thoughts clear.
Advertisement
They said Huntley was a horrible man and his death was something people were happy about. On the flip side though it was immensely clear how sad people were that his evil crimes were what Soham was known for.
With his death, the town and families affected have been pushed into the spotlight once again. The final thought now that Huntley is dead, they just want the town to be able to move on.
While out in the town I walked to Soham Village College where Huntley worked at the time of the murders. The school was set back, but as I looked at its pretty building through the gates, I felt sad.
I looked around and it really hit me that these are the roads he walked, these are the grounds he worked on and this was also the place where he dumped the poor girls’ clothes. I felt sad. So many young people have since come and gone from this school, but it is his murderous crimes that the school is most known for.
Advertisement
After seeing the school, I walked around to College Close, where Huntley used to live. I understand that his house was demolished not long after the girls’ deaths but when I walked around to the road, I didn’t realise how close it was, as it backs onto the school.
I also saw a sign for the Ross Peers Sports Centre, the place the girls were supposed to go to get sweets that tragic night. I felt even more sad and couldn’t imagine what it was like to live in this town at the time.
Hearing from people how much this murder affected such a lovely town, the pain was obvious. It’s clear this town has been hurting since 2002.
Two innocent girls had their lives taken away by an evil man. Now that he’s dead, I hope the town can move on.
Shabana Maymood has approved a Metropolitan Police request to ban a pro-Palestinian march “to prevent serious public disorder”.
The annual Al Quds Day demo had been due to take place in London on Sunday.
It had drawn criticism over apparent backing for the Iranian regime after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli air strikes earlier this month.
Several counter-protests had also been planned for the day.
Advertisement
Announcing her decision to ban the march, Mahmood said she was “satisfied doing so is necessary to prevent serious public disorder, due to the scale of the protest and multiple counter-protests” amid the ongoing Iran war.
The home secretary added: “Should a stationary demonstration proceed, the police will be able to apply strict conditions.
“I expect to see the full force of the law applied to anyone spreading hatred and division instead of exercising their right to peaceful protest.”
The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which organises the protest, has previously insisted the demonstration is always “good natured and peaceful”.
Advertisement
In a statement on the organisation’s website, the IHRC said it “strongly condemns” the decision to ban the march and was seeking legal advice.
Confirming a “static protest” will go ahead on Sunday, the statement said: “The police have brazenly abandoned their sworn principle of policing without fear or favour. They cannot present evidence because there is none.
“In essence, this is a politically charged decision, not one taken for the security of the people of London.”
It is the first time a protest march has been banned since 2012.
Advertisement
The Metropolitan Police said previous Al Quds Day marches resulted in arrests for supporting terrorist organisations and antisemitic hate crimes.
In a statement, the force said: “The decision to ban it this year is purely based on a risk assessment of this specific protest and counter-protests – we do not police taste or decency or prefer one political view over another, but we will do everything we can to reduce violence and disorder.”
The Met said the “uniquely complex” international situation and “severe” risks meant merely placing conditions on the protest “will not be sufficient to prevent it from resulting in serious public disorder”.
It added that it would place “strict conditions” on any static protest, which the law does not allow the police or Government to ban, but “given the tensions, we have to accept that confrontations could still take place”.
Advertisement
The decision follows calls from Labour and Conservative MPs to ban the march.
Earlier on Tuesday, courts minister Sarah Sackman said people expressing support for “the malign regime in Iran” should not be “on the streets of London calling for hate and hostility against this country”.
Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns also called for the march to be cancelled, saying there was “no place in our country for the celebration of terrorists”.
A spokesman for the IHRC, Faisal Bodi, told the BBC’s The World Tonight that it was “a sad day for freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right of people to legitimately protest about issues they feel strongly about”.
Advertisement
He added: “This demonstration has taken place for the last 40 years peacefully.”
The IHRC has previously expressed support for Iran’s former supreme leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Following his death in a US-Israeli airstrike last month, the group said Khamenei “chose to stand on the right side of history” and described him as “a rare role model” who would be “mourned by freedom loving people all over the world”.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the decision to ban the march, saying it was “a positive development” and adding: “Allowing this hate-fest to go ahead would have sent the message that Islamists rule the roost in Britain.”
The county’s police force issued an appeal for information or sightings of Zafar Iqbal from Nelson in Lancashire.
Recommended reading:
“This motorcycle stopped and the rider covered the number plate of the vehicle before riding past.
Advertisement
“Enquiries later identified the motorcycle and the rider to be Iqbal who has attempted to pervert the course of justice continually, stating he had sold the vehicle years ago despite enquiries proving otherwise.
“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to locate Iqbal and we’re now appealing for your help to help find him.
“We believe that Iqbal could be in Nelson or Blackburn.
“He also has links across Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
Advertisement
“Iqbal is described as Asian, grey hair with a grey/black beard or facial stubble.
“If you see or have information as to his current whereabouts, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101.
“Alternatively, you can pass on information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.
“If you have an immediate sighting of Iqbal, please call 999.
Advertisement
“Please quote reference number 12250129150 when providing any information.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it hit “fuel depots” near Tehran in a post on X on 7 March, which included a photograph showing damage to the Tehran oil refinery. BBC Verify provided the coordinates of this facility, along with three other locations we identified, to the IDF and the Pentagon for comment. The Pentagon did not reply, while the IDF said there were “no IDF strikes at those sites”. We have asked for clarification.
EXCLUSIVE: NHS Lanarkshire’s performance on GP numbers and accident and emergency waiting times have been blasted by Labour MP Imogen Walker.
SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray has been accused of “shameful” NHS failures in his own backyard.
Advertisement
NHS Lanarkshire is either bottom of the league or under-performing on GP numbers and accident and emergency waits.
Labour MP Imogen Walker said: “Neil Gray is the Cabinet Secretary responsible and this is happening in the very communities he represents. He must know what is happening, so why won’t he act?”
The SNP Government is under mounting pressure over patients languishing on waiting lists and the 8am rush for a GP appointment.
First Minister John Swinney has ploughed extra cash into cutting waiting lists while announcing new GP walk in centres.
Advertisement
But an analysis of official figures shows that NHS Lanarkshire, which serves Gray’s Airdrie and Shotts constituency, is one of the biggest stragglers.
As of March last year, the health board had the lowest number of full-time GPs in Scotland for every 10,000 patients.
The Lanarkshire figure stood at 4.4, lower than the thirteen other NHS boards and below the average of 5.9.
Advertisement
A survey on patient satisfaction for GP services, covering 2023/24, also revealed NHS Lanarkshire with the worst record.
When patients were asked how easy it is to contact their general practice in the way they wanted, only 59% of respondents in NHS Lanarkshire reacted positively.
This was the lowest of fourteen NHS boards, with every other organisation recording over 70% or more.
Fewer than one third – 32% – said their GP surgery allows them to make a doctor’s appointment three or more working days in advance, the worst positive figure for a board.
Advertisement
NHS Lanarkshire was also bottom when asked about GP opening hours, the quality of information provided by receptionists and the arrangements for speaking to a doctor or nurse.
In response, the board pointed to separate figures showing the GP consultation rate slightly above the national average over the last 12 months.
On accident and emergency services, NHS Scotland aims to have 95% of patients seen, admitted, discharged, or transferred within four hours.
Papers show NHS Lanarkshire reported a 51% performance in December – significantly below the national average.
Advertisement
Imogen Walker, MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley, said of the record in Gray’s own patch: “After 19 years with the SNP in power, their record on health care speaks for itself. Hospitals are at breaking point, we do not have enough GPs, and my constituents are paying the price for years of failure.
“Many are living with painful conditions, unable to see a doctor, or feeling they have no choice but to pay privately. Some of the cases I deal with are heartbreaking, and the SNP Government will not admit the depth of the problem, let alone find a solution.
“The Scottish Government receives 20% more funding per person than the rest of the UK and has had billions more for healthcare. While waiting lists in England under the UK Labour government continue to fall, the SNP is failing Scots on every measure.
Advertisement
“While dedicated NHS staff work tirelessly, the Scottish Government continues to defend a shameful record. I will not stop working to get my constituents the health care they deserve.”
Dr Lucy Munro, NHS Lanarkshire Divisional Medical Director, said: “NHS Lanarkshire recognises the significant pressures facing health and care services, including workforce challenges in general practice, high demand in emergency departments and long waits for some services.
“Despite the workforce position, our clinical teams in general practice continue to strive to meet patient access needs, with a GP consultation rate slightly above the national average over the last 12 months.
“We are taking action to increase capacity through multidisciplinary primary care teams, improve patient flow in hospitals, and redesign pathways to reduce waiting times, including for neurodevelopmental assessments. Our staff continue to work tirelessly in extremely challenging circumstances and we remain committed to improving access, experience and outcomes for patients across Lanarkshire.”
Advertisement
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Long waits have come down for over the last eight months, including in NHS Lanarkshire. We are working closely with NHS Lanarkshire as they take forward the action needed to improve A&E performance, including strengthening patient assessment on arrival to A&E and ensuring the right support is in place after discharge.
“Our half a billion pounds deal with GPs will improve access and ensure more investment goes into primary care – our new network of walk-in clinics, including one in Clydesdale, will boost capacity and reduce pressure.”
I mean, they were present at the epic disaster that was the Driscoll family Christmas dinner that involved exposed abortions and a vicious beating that left a man unconscious.
But since the solidifying their fledgling relationship, things have been relatively un-dramatic for Alya and Adam, which is incredibly rare for anybody that lives in the vicinity of Coronation Street.
Advertisement
Alya is summoned… (Picture: Danielle Baguley/ITV)
…and she’s not pleased to see Rich (Picture: Danielle Baguley/ITV)
‘Rich is back on the cobbles and wants something from Alya. The last time he was here it led to her leaving her life behind and moving abroad for work so whatever he’s got planned might not be good news for Alya and boyfriend Adam,’ a Corrie source previously disclosed and, it seems, his reappearance certainly isn’t good news for the duo.
Alya found herself summoned to see Rich while Adam dealt with Adam continued to beef with Jodie and, in no uncertain terms, told him to stay away from her. Although Alya makes it clear she has no interest in speaking to him, he remains undeterred, and calls her the next day.
Relenting, Alya meets Rich later in the week and is hit with a brutal ultimatum.
Will Alya and Adam’s business go down in flames? (Picture: ITV)
Next week sees Adam revel in the joy of poaching a client from Rich’s firm, Fabian Croft. Though she paints on a smile, the weight of Rich’s words is clearly laying heavily on her.
Later in the week, Rich visits Barlow Legal Services and while the meeting goes well, Adam is horrified to find that their internal email service has been breached: they’ve been hacked.
Advertisement
When Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) arrives, utterly furious at the leak of an email regarding Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) and Rich informs them that their business reputation is effectively destroyed, Alya and Adam reel at what has befallen their business.
Don’t miss a Soaps scoop! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal Metro Soaps reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. We have all the latest soaps news, spoilers, videos, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Instagram was facing widespread technical issues on Wednesday, with users worldwide reporting that they were unable to send messages on the Meta-owned platform.
“Threshold freezes have been introduced to protect taxpayers and students now, alongside future generations of learners and workers. The student finance system protects lower-earning graduates, with repayments determined by incomes and outstanding loans and interest being cancelled at the end of repayment terms.”
‘I’d disown my son if he came out as gay,’ TikTok influencer Harrison Sullivan AKA HSTikkyTokky proudly declares.
Advertisement
It’s just one of many nauseating remarks made during Louis Theroux’s 90-minute deep dive into the world of the ultra-misogynistic manosphere, an ecosystem of online communities that spreads harmful opposition to feminism.
Louis, who has departed his usual home on the BBC for his glossy Netflix debut, was inspired to shine a spotlight on the dark underbelly of the group after discovering the so-called King of Toxic Masculinity, Andrew Tate,through his three sons.
‘I had no idea who he was,’ Theroux, 55, admits.
He suspects Tate wanted to take part in the film, but was ultimately nervous.
Advertisement
‘As a parent I’m obviously concerned. It would be easy to say ”oh well, they don’t take it too seriously”, but at a certain point, a joke is no longer a joke – especially when it’s unchallenged and repeated.’
Louis Theroux attempted to get inside the mind of British TikToker Harrison Sullivan (AKA HSTikkyTokky) (Picture: Netflix)
Influencer Justin Waller says people don’t believe him when he says he’s happy (Picture: Netflix)
Challenge is exactly what Theroux does with the controversial subjects of his film, but they won’t change their ways for anyone – not even their own mothers.
I met Theroux in 2018 and found it hard to imagine such a gentle giant possesses such a dark back catalogue of documentaries exploring seedy subcultures, as well as the lives of neo-Nazis, notorious killers, and Jimmy Savile, but he always remains self-deprecating even in the face of the very worst of humanity. It’s true that his awkwardness is off the charts.
While Theroux is considered one of the world’s greatest documentarians, his trademark of being a remarkable listener and gentle provocateur doesn’t rattle these antifeminist influencers, who will undoubtedly leave your blood boiling.
Admittedly, I had only heard of HSTikkyTokky and his wide-eyed counterpart Ed Matthews, who have taken over algorithms in the UK with promises to coach young men on how to be ‘proper boys’ through dodgy trading tips and Telegram subscriptions offering explicit content.
Advertisement
The American subjects, Myron Gaines, Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy (known online as Sneako), and Justin Waller, are equally as problematic for all of the same reasons and then some.
They all come across as so disturbingly convincing at their craft that it’s easy to understand why young boys are infatuated with these hypermasculine men. And parents, like Theroux, are right to be terrified.
Myron Gaines is best known as the co-host of the Fresh & Fit podcast (Picture: Netflix)
Sneako has been banned from multiple social media platforms (Picture: Netflix)
In one scene, boys who look as young as 10 are seen chanting ‘f**k women!’ and ‘all gays should die’ alongside their ‘king’ Sneako, 27, a political commentator and social media personality who was once banned from YouTube for promoting violent, misogynistic content.
Gaines and Waller are both supported by the women in their lives who egg on their behaviour in return for a ‘relaxed’ life. This is all despite several of the men thinking women shouldn’t be allowed to vote and sex workers, some of whom they profit from online, are ‘repulsive’.
Gaines, a suave sportscar-driving ‘success coach’ who mingles with Donald Trump, gives Theroux an exclusive look inside his personal life, which, without knowing anything about him, looks perfect. A pristine mansion, adorable kids, and a beautiful wife.
Advertisement
But he quickly explains that he’s in a ‘one-sided monogamous relationship’, where he can sleep with as many women as he wants, but the mother of his children can’t speak to other men.
‘I like to tell people we have lanes,’ Kristen admits. ‘My lane is changing diapers, cooking, and cleaning, and his lane is working and providing. It works for us.’
A startling reality given a recent study found 31% of Gen Z men agree that a wife should always obey her husband, compared to 29% of Millennial men, 21% of Gen X men, and 13% of Boomer men.
Theroux travels to Miami, New York and Marbella to meet the content creators at the heart of the manosphere (Picture: Netflix)
What does red-pilled mean?
A terminology which comes up within the documentary and the manosphere is red-pilling.
It refers to adopting a perspective that believes hidden truths about society, often associated with skepticism toward mainstream narratives and, in modern contexts, anti-feminist or far-right ideologies.
Advertisement
Red pill came from a scene in the 1999 film The Matrix where the main character, Neo, is given the choice between taking a blue pill that would return him to a state of ignorance and a red pill that would show him the truth that humans are enslaved in a simulated reality.
The concept spread in the 2010s within online communities associated with conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies.
Advertisement
While the participants in the film all share the same deep mistrust of Theroux and the mainstream media, they refuse to be labelled as misogynistic because they actually ‘love’ women. ‘And since I understand them, I know what is best for them,’ Gaines boasts.
Theroux attributes association with the manosphere with broken childhoods (Sullivan’s single mum worked six-day weeks to put him through private school, while Gaines was nearly put into foster care). You’d have to dig pretty deep to find even an ounce of sympathy.
It’s not just the anti-woman rhetoric and resentment which is folded into the film. The racism is so casual within the manosphere that it’ll make you see red.
I’ve never seen Theroux confronted in such a vicious way within his own territory — and while the cameras are rolling. Amid all the discussions of misogyny, homophobia, and pornography, the most uncomfortable part is seeing him subjected to vile antisemitic comments. They aren’t thinly veiled remarks – they’re blatant and they sting even the viewer.
Advertisement
It’s like seeing a group of teenagers gang up on your dad.
The empath in every viewer will hope that the behaviour of the manosphere is smoke and mirrors for a bigger issue at play – the copious amounts of money the men are earning online simply by misbehaving.
Sullivan doesn’t mind being called a misogynist, homophobic, and a scammer (Picture: Netflix)
These days rage bait is lucrative. Social media platforms reward strong emotional responses, encouraging creators to produce content that incites rage – and Sullivan knows exactly that all too well.
‘Call me a misogynist, call my homophobic, call me a scammer – I’m all those things,’ he brags.
In spite of Theroux’s best efforts to understand and confront the warped views of the manosphere, it almost seems redundant to even bother trying.
Advertisement
These men are lining their pockets by selling vulnerable boys a dream, and they certainly won’t back down in the face of any criticism.
Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere premieres globally on Netflix on March 11.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Rory McIlroy may be one of the most popular athletes in the world, but the five-time major winner has been compared to Sir Keir Starmer by his former agent
Rory McIlroy’s former agent has compared the five-time major winner to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. Andrew “Chubby” Chandler managed McIlroy from his professional debut in 2007 until they parted ways in October 2011.
Advertisement
McIlroy left Chandler’s International Sports Management (ISM) agency as he felt he was being steered in the wrong direction. The Holywood golfer moved on to join fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell at Horizon Sports Management, but that partnership only lasted two years.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Chandler believes McIlroy, who will defend his Masters title next month, needs to do less public speaking and keep many of his thoughts to himself. Chandler said: “Rory talks too much, but he’s an absolute gift for the media.
Advertisement
“If he gets a microphone in his hands, he’s a liability in terms of saying anything. He’s more of a liability than the Prime Minister.
“For a while, he was unbelievable. Everything he said, he had to go back and apologise for a month later, including his marriage. Rory just needs to calm down a bit – he thought he was saving the game at one stage but he just talked too much.
“He started to pause and reconsidered what he was saying but I don’t know what his motivation was originally. But I suppose when you’re Rory McIlroy and you constantly have a microphone in front of you. It’s very difficult to refuse it. So I understand. You’re just telling him to calm down a bit.”
Advertisement
Following his Masters triumph to complete the grand slam last year, McIlroy confessed he found it difficult to stay motivated in the subsequent months. He rediscovered his form with a brilliant victory at the Irish Open before enjoying team success at the Ryder Cup in New York at the year’s end.
McIlroy has displayed flashes of brilliance in 2026, but a concerning back problem has cast doubt over his appearance at The Players Championship this week. Chandler believes the current world number two will add to his haul of five majors – and potentially double that figure.
“Rory should play a bit more freely. It shouldn’t be life and death. My guess is that he’ll win another five majors. I don’t think he’ll get to 15 majors, but I think he’ll get to 10,” the Englishman said.
Advertisement
“At the end of the day, one of the things you’ve got to factor in is how many majors Scottie Scheffler is going to get. Rory is 36 so if he’s got six really good years left in him, that’s 24 chances to win more majors.
“You would think Scottie is going to win at least six of them. So, the analogy is that players like Ernie Els and, for that matter, Lee Westwood, struggled to win majors when Tiger Woods was in his prime because he won so many of them.
“It’s a similar situation now; it’s easy to say Rory might win a certain number of majors, but if he’s consistently going head-to-head with Scottie Scheffler, he won’t win as many.”
Advertisement
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Advertisement
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
The tax department may write to you if you owed a tax refund
HMRC has provided an update regarding tax refunds for pensioners. The department clarified its rules in response to a query from a taxpayer.
Advertisement
The person said they planned to retire at the end of April, becoming a “non taxpayer”. They queried whether it would be more beneficial to adjust their salary for the upcoming 2026/2027 tax year now to “claim back the tax”.
In response, the department first asked them to specify if they would have a “continuing UK source of income” post-retirement. The person confirmed that their income would solely come from pensions and that their total income would fall “below the personal allowance”.
State Pensioners to face major tax change
According to the personal allowance, you can earn up to £12,570 each tax year without being liable for income tax on this amount. HMRC offered this advice to the taxpayer: “So once you retire and you’ve got your P45, you can contact the helpline and we can take the details over the phone.
“We’ll use the P45 info and instruct your pension provider to refund any overpaid tax through your pension payments.” Another aspect to consider when planning for retirement is your state pension.
Advertisement
Changes to the state pension
You become eligible for the state pension upon reaching 66 years of age. Nevertheless, this is set to change imminently, with the qualifying age rising from April 2026.
It will gradually increase to reach 67 by April 2028. The full new state pension presently stands at £230.25 weekly, equivalent to £11,973 annually.
The triple lock policy will boost payments by 4.8 per cent from April, lifting the full new rate to £241.30 per week, or £12,547.60 annually, marginally beneath the personal allowance threshold You can check how much state pension you’re projected to receive using an online tool on the Government website.
Should you have been taxed incorrectly by the end of the tax year, which ends on April 5, HMRC will typically get in touch regarding the discrepancy.
Advertisement
The revenue service will dispatch either a tax calculation letter, commonly referred to as a P800, or a simple assessment letter. You will only receive one of these letters if you’re in employment or drawing a pension.
The letters are dispatched between June and March of the next tax year. If you’re registered for self assessment, HMRC will automatically amend your bill and no letter will be issued.
If you think you are owed an amount but you don’t get a letter, there is an online tool available on the Government website to determine whether you’re entitled to claim a refund.