Firefighters worked overnight to contain the flames after a blaze broke out at a vape shop on Union Street.

Business owners in Glasgow have told how their livelihoods have been “wiped out” by a devastating inferno at a vape shop.

Firefighters worked overnight to contain the flames at the premises on Union Street after a blaze broke out at 3.46pm on Sunday, March 8. There were no reported injuries, however, the landmark building was destroyed, having collapsed after being engulfed by the fire.

At its height, 18 fire engines were drafted to the scene. Business owners at the address have told how they have “lost everything” as the building was pictured lying in a pile of smouldering rubble on Monday morning.

Scott McAnally, of Lucky in Love Tattoos, told the Record: “I was in Uist watching the fire on the TV and just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It’s absolutely devastating. We were operating from the building for four years, now everything we have is gone. All we have left is a window frame.

“I estimate we’ll have lost around £40,000 worth of tools and items. We’re going to try and build back up again, but it’s not going to be easy.

“I hope that the council can speed up the process of business licensing applications for those looking for a new premise because as it stands, we’ll need to wait four months, which will be a further blow for small business owners who have been impacted.”

Sam Hendy, who owns S’Amuse Studio beauty parlour, estimates to have lost around £15,000 as a result of the blaze. The 32-year-old is now borrowing cash from family to build her business back up again.

Sam said: “I have lost absolutely everything – everything has been wiped out. I built my studio from the ground up. I lost makeup, brushes and tools that I had been collecting since the start of my career.

“I don’t have much savings behind me, so I’m going to have to rebuild from scratch by taking a loan from family so I can rebuild my kit again. Aside from this, that building was a landmark to Glasgow. Working there made me so proud.

“It’s devastating that this beautiful building, which survived two World Wars, has been destroyed by a fire at a vape shop when vapes are meant to be banned.”

Carina McCreery, co-owner of Hard As Gels nail bar, had only moved into the premises four months ago.

She said: “Absolutely everything has been wiped out. It was hard enough to start up, and now we’re going to have to do it all over again.

“Watching videos of the fire on Sunday night didn’t feel real – I just couldn’t believe it was on fire. I was genuinely hopeful at first that the fire could be contained, but everything is just ash now.”

National Rail said the Glasgow Central Station will remain closed with “no estimate on when it will reopen”. Shocking images show the structure of the building, understood to be around 175-years-old, melted away with police and fire crews at the scene on Monday morning.

The surrounding area remains taped off.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building on Union Street, Glasgow.

“At its height, 18 appliances and specialist resources were mobilised. The incident has since been scaled back and nine appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendanceThere are no reported casualties.”

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BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese parliament extended its term by two years on Monday due to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran that has pushed the region into an escalating conflict and Israel stepping up its attacks on Lebanon following renewed strikes with the militant group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said Monday it was targeting Hezbollah’s financial arm, al-Qard Al-Hasan, as its ground forces in Lebanon’s south launched “focused raids” against what it called the group’s infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has accused Israeli forces of using white phosphorus incendiary shells in strikes on residential areas in a Lebanese village, a violation of international law.

Two more years for the current Lebanese parliament

Lebanon’s state news agency said 76 legislators voted in favor of the decision, 41 were against, and four abstained. Hezbollah’s 13-member bloc in parliament voted in favor of the extension.

The ongoing war with Israel that began last week has displaced over half a million people in Lebanon and made it difficult to hold a vote in large parts of the country.

The parliamentary elections were scheduled for May.

Israel attacks Hezbollah’s financial arm in Beirut, forcing people to flee

Residents of Beirut’s southern suburb, widely known as Dahiyeh, were ordered to evacuate before Israel launched strikes.

Smoke billowed over Beirut after the attacks. The first strike destroyed a building housing an office of al-Qard al-Hasan in the southern suburb of Chiyah. A Lebanese journalist on site told The Associated Press he was wounded in the leg and taken to a nearby hospital. Video footage showed what appeared to be two strikes on the building that were minutes apart.

The strikes on Chiyah were followed by more airstrikes on nearby areas, forcing Lebanese troops to close roads where al-Qard al-Hasan branches are located to ensure people’s safety.

Israel says Hezbollah uses al-Qard al-Hasan to finance its military activities and has targeted several of the group’s branches in southern and eastern Lebanon last week.

Israeli ground forces start ‘focused raid’ in south Lebanon

In southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said it launched a “focused raid” to eliminate Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure using a brigade combat team under the command of the 36th Division.

The military said before they initiated the operation, its forces launched a combined air and ground attack in the area.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it struck Israeli troops inside Lebanon with anti-tank missiles and that it fired a volley of rockets on the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona in retaliation for Israeli strikes on cities, towns and villages in Lebanon.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Lebanese government flare up

The latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah beganon Feb. 2 when the group fired rockets and drones on northern Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, two days earlier in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike. Israel retaliated with large waves of airstrikes and Israeli troops captured several new posts in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese government last week declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal and ordered the country’s security forces to detain those who were behind the strikes on Israel.

Three Hezbollah members were also detained last week while carrying weapons on their way to south Lebanon and were questioned by judicial authorities. On Monday, the military court in Beirut ordered them released on a $20 bail each, judicial officials said.

The officials said the judge asked the three men what they were doing and they responded that they were heading to south Lebanon to fight against Israeli forces. They spoke in condition of anonymity as they are not allowed to speak to the media.

Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus shells in strikes on Lebanon

The human rights group said in a report Monday the Israeli military “unlawfully” hit a village in southern Lebanon with shells containing white phosphorus, a controversial incendiary munition.

Through geolocating and verifying seven images, Human Rights Watch said Israel fired white phosphorus using artillery at residential areas in the southern Lebanese village of Yohmor. It happened hours after the Israeli military warned the residents of the village and dozens of others in southern Lebanon to evacuate.

Human Rights Watch said it couldn’t independently identify if any residents were still in the area or if anyone was harmed.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, it has maintained that it uses white phosphorus as a smoke screen and not to target civilians.

Human rights advocates say the use of white phosphorus is illegal under international law when the white-hot chemical substance is fired into populated areas. It can set buildings on fire and burn human flesh down to the bone. Survivors are at risk of infections and organ or respiratory failure, even if their burns are small.

“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said the munition was used in Israel’s last war with Hezbollah, over a year ago, on numerous occasions in southern Lebanon, while civilians were still present.

___

Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel.

The weight range is good, spanning from a light 2.3 kilograms to a heavier 22.7 kilograms per dumbbell in increments of 1.13 kilograms. It’s an odd increment amount but that’s because these adjustable dumbbells work in pounds rather than kilograms, so the 1.13 kilogram increment is 2.5 pounds.

I will admit that I did struggle to work out what weight I was dealing with when using these, as every label displayed the weight in pounds rather than kilograms. The colour band indicators on the metal rails correspond to the weight chart on the handle, but as this was all in pounds, I had to keep doing mental arithmetic in my head to work out what that meant in kilograms. Once you’ve figured this out it’s a much smoother process.

The padded rubber handle was comfortable to grip and didn’t feel rough on my hands, and despite the odd look of these, they still worked well overall.

Key specifications

• Weight range: 2.3kg to 22.7kg
• Increment size: 1.13 kg (2.5lbs)
• Type of mechanism: Pin

How do adjustable dumbbells work?

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weight settings using a built-in mechanism such as a dial or pin. Instead of switching between multiple dumbbells, you simply adjust the load on a single unit, which typically ranges from two kilograms up to 40 kilograms, or even more.

The weight plates remain on a central handle and unused plates stay in the base. This makes them a great space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they come without the clutter of traditional weight racks.

What are the disadvantages of adjustable dumbbells?

There are some trade-offs to adjustable dumbbells. Many models can be bulkier than fixed dumbbells, which can affect grip and movement.

It can also be difficult to quickly change the weight on adjustable dumbbells and they can be slower to adjust mid-workout. If you enjoy doing supersets or circuits, this might hold you back slightly.

Some mechanisms can also wear out or stop working if used repeatedly. This is unlike conventional dumbbells, which are straightforward lumps of iron.

How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be?

This completely depends on your fitness level as well as your goals. If you’re a beginner or you’re focusing on lighter resistance training, a set of adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of two to 25 kilograms (per dumbbell) will likely be enough.

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced lifter, a set of adjustable dumbbells that reach 40 kilograms or more will be better suited. Bigger, compound movements that require more muscle activation, such as squats and lunges, will need heavier weight than single-muscle isolation exercises, such as bicep curls.

What is the best mechanism for adjustable dumbbells?

This depends on personal preference as well as what type of training you do and how often you need to change the weight. A slide or pin-based mechanism can be a little slow or clunky, whereas a dial-based mechanism tends to allow you to work at speed.

What matters most is that the set of adjustable dumbbells you choose comes with a reliable locking mechanism. This helps avoid any potential injuries.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price in comparison to a full set of fixed dumbbells?

Yes, for most people, adjustable dumbbells offer much better value than a full set of fixed dumbbells. A good quality pair of adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they don’t require much room to store but they still offer a decent weight range.

A full set of fixed dumbbells usually requires a rack and plenty of floor space, whereas adjustable dumbbells do not. Plus, if you ever need to move or transport a full set of fixed dumbbells, this can be a chore in itself, whereas moving a set of adjustable dumbbells, although still a challenge, is much less of a hassle.

Still, back in the day, some doctors would prescribe the Black Stuff: “I’ve been a solid Guinness girl since my early 20s,” Cheryl Ward, 42, from South London, tells me. “I used to faint a lot, and the doctor told me half a Guinness now and then wouldn’t hurt. I was low in iron, so he suggested supplements or a little Guinness — I picked the alcohol option. I like it because it’s not gassy like beer, has health benefits, and if you find a good pint, the creamy bitterness is absolutely delightful.” Her favourite place to enjoy a pint in London? “The basement bar at Bradley’s on Hanway Street.”

Marks & Spencer customer, Leah Watki, put every version of the supermarket’s Percy Pig sweets to the taste test. And there were four that emerged as clear winners

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A woman has delivered her verdict after tasting every flavour of Marks & Spencer’s Percy Pig sweets.

The famous confectionary first hit the supermarket’s shelves in 1992, but was withdrawn five years later. Thankfully though, the sweets reemerged in 2008 and have grown increasingly popular ever since.

As such, rivals have introduced imitations in recent years, including Lidl with Henry Hippo, Aldi’s Leo the Lion and even Poundland’s own Dinky Dogs. But M&S are the originals and there are so many different flavours to choose from.

So which variety is the best? Leah Watki was determined to find out. She conducted a taste test for her YouTube subscribers and said: “Let’s try every single flavour of Percy Pigs”. Here’s how she got on…

First, Leah tore open a large packet of the original flavour version of the treats. She gushed: “Yum. As I always say, you can never go wrong with the classic. It’s a 10 out of 10.”

Next on her taste test was the Squidgy Snouts variety, which again she awarded top marks owing to their similarity to the original.

Leah moved on to multicoloured Party Time Percy Pig gummies, which didn’t blow her away. She said: “They’re nice, but they’re not as good, so seven out of 10.”

As for the Reversey Percy, she admitted that whilst they taste “good” she wouldn’t buy them again. She added: “Six out of 10.”

Leah then sampled the assorted flavour Fruity Chews. She concluded: “I like some of the flavours, but not all of them that are in here. And they’re very chewy, so six out of 10.”

Piglets came next, which clearly went down a treat. “Why is everything mini just automatically better?” Leah pondered as she munched on three sweets. “10 out of 10.”

Next came Original Veggie Percy, appearing tough in texture. Leah attempted to bite one in half and added: “Obviously if you are a vegetarian then they’re great, but five out of 10”.

The experiment continued as Leah ripped open a packet of Percy Pig and Pals. She said: “I’m not a fan of cola flavoured sweets. The cola flavour just takes over the whole packet. Four out of 10.”

Phizzy Pigtails followed, which Leah immediately described as “very sour”. She added: “If you like sour, you will love them. But I am more of a sweet girl. Eight out of 10.”

Last on the taste test was You Give Me Butterflies. The foodie gushed: “They are so good. And they are so cute. 10 out of 10.”

The observant among you will have noticed that four of the sweet treats got Leah’s top marks. These were the original Percy Pigs, Piglets, Squidgy Snouts and You Give Me Butterflies.

On the other hand, she wasn’t too keen on Percy Pigs and Pals or the vegetarian version of the popular confectionary. So do you agree? Don’t forget to leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

A masked fan unplugged a VAR monitor during ‌a German second division football match.

Bundesliga 2 club Preussen Munster said in a statement that the video assistant referee system was supposed to be used during the first half of their match against Hertha Berlin on Sunday after a foul.

However, “the referee was unable to review the incident using the VAR monitor in the stadium because a masked spectator from the active fan section illegally entered the pitch and unplugged the technical equipment”.

“The penalty decision was ultimately made by video referee Katrin Rafalski in the VAR room in Cologne”, the club said, adding it “regrets the incident and will do everything in its power to identify and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice”.

Preussen Munster said “immediate measures have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future”, and that initial findings “indicate that this was a planned action – a banner to that effect was displayed in the home section shortly after the technical malfunction”.

Pictures from the match showed home fans with a banner that read “pull the plug on VAR”.

Hertha Berlin scored from the penalty before going on to win 1-2 with a stoppage-time goal.

VAR was introduced in the Premier League in 2019 and was initially welcomed by players and fans over concerns about refereeing in the league.

Since then, VAR has become a major source of controversy, with the league’s chief football officer admitting in 2024 that decisions are too slow and spoil the enjoyment for supporters.

Read more from Sky News:
Fire shuts Scotland’s busiest train station indefinitely
Oil price sees biggest single-day spike in six years

According to the Premier League’s website, VAR is only used for “clear and obvious errors” or “serious missed incidents” – meaning incidents concerning goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents and mistaken identity.

During the winter months, many of us have to exercise in the dark when we might not be able to see obstacles, and drivers and cyclists might not see us. That’s why it’s important to wear the best head torch you can afford. But, from Petzl to Ledlenser and battery-powered to rechargeable, the choices can seem baffling.

I’ve been an ardent runner for over 20 years, taking part in multiple marathons and parkruns. I’ve also explored the risks of running in my books Running: Cheaper Than Therapy and The Runner’s Code. Having face-planted many a time, I know the dangers of a dash in the dark.

So these past few months, I’ve put the most popular head torches to the test. You can read my full reviews below, along with my answers to frequently asked questions, but if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at my top five:

The best head torches: At a glance

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How to choose the best head torch

As with the best bike lights, the key things to look out for are the brightness (measured in lumens – 300 should be good enough for all but the most adventurous of activities); beam distance (ideally adjustable); a long battery life (essential); weight (the lighter the better); and ease of use (not too fiddly, especially when it is cold).

Extra features such as red light night vision (less likely to scare off wildlife, or blind other members of your group), a dimmer function, a smart memory, a secure fit and a tilt function for flexible beam focus are also worth considering.

Then there’s the weather-proofing. Head torches are given ratings depending on their ability to withstand water. An IPX4 rating means splashproof (should be fine for walking or running); IPX6 means it can take a blast of water (should be fine for paddle boarding); and IPX8 means it can be submerged (should be fine for paddle boarding that goes wrong).

Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended

Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don’t accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles.

From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.

How we test head torches

Two males have been arrested

A PSNI vehicle has “extensive damage” and two officers have been injured after a collision over the weekend.

Police arrested two men following a report of a creeper-style burglary in Newtownabbey on Sunday, March 8 which led to a pursuit. A police spokesperson said it was reported that shortly after 9pm last night, entry was gained to a property in the Catherine Court area “and a male took the keys of a white VW Tiguan, which he made off from the scene in”.

“A second man got into the car with him at the entrance to Catherine Court. The vehicle then made its way onto the Shore Road and entered the M2, heading city-bound,” the spokesperson added.

READ MORE: Motorcyclist dies following early morning Dunmurry crashREAD MORE: ‘Deep shock’ as murder probe launched after discovery of woman’s body in Co Fermanagh

“It was reported that the vehicle was later in the Springfield Road area. Police then observed it travelling at speed on the Monagh Bypass, where it failed to stop for officers after being signalled to do so. It then continued along the Falls Road, Glen Crescent, Glen Road and Norglen Gardens, and as it entered Monagh Link, it collided with a police vehicle.“The collision resulted in extensive damage being caused to the police vehicle and two police officers sustained injuries which are not believed to be serious at this time. One man aged in his 20s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of driving offences, as well as burglary, failing to stop, remain and report an accident, and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

“A second man also aged in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of burglary, allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, disorderly behaviour, and possession of a Class C controlled drug. They remain in custody this morning, assisting with police enquiries.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with any information which might assist is asked to contact 101, and quote reference number 1671 of 08/03/26. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Julie’s Flowers, based in Gosforth, Newcastle, and Cleadon Village, Sunderland, has spotted a growing trend of customers placing Mothers’ Day orders on behalf of family pets.

Julie Horsted, founder of the business, said: “Every year, we see more cards signed with paw prints or little notes like ‘Love from Max’ or ‘Woofs and cuddles from Bella.’

“It started as a bit of fun, but it’s definitely becoming a thing.”

With the UK experiencing record levels of pet ownership, Ms Horsted says more people are embracing the idea of ‘pet mums’.

Ms Horsted said: “Partners or families will often order flowers on behalf of the dog or cat.

“It’s such a thoughtful and light-hearted gesture, and people absolutely love it.”

The trend began around five or six years ago, starting with the occasional cheeky note from a partner.

(Image: Robin Gladstone)

Ms Horsted said: “At first, it was the odd playful message from a partner.

“But now, it’s whole families leaning into it – or younger couples who don’t have children yet but still celebrate Mother’s Day in their own way.”

Messages often include phrases like ‘Thanks for the walks, belly rubs and treats, Mum!’ or ‘You’re pawsome!’

Ms Horsted believes the trend reflects a broader shift in how people define family.

She said: “There’s been a real cultural shift.

“Pets are very much part of the family now.

“They give comfort and companionship, so recognising that bond on Mother’s Day feels natural for a lot of people.”

The messages are often a source of joy for the florist team.

Ms Horsted said: “We look forward to them every year now.

“They remind us that behind every bouquet is a story – sometimes funny, sometimes moving, but always full of heart.”

A synagogue in Belgium has been damaged in an explosion in what authorities have said was an “antisemitic” attack.

The explosion in the eastern city of Liege happened at around 4am local time, Belgian broadcaster VRT reported.

The blast blew out the windows of the synagogue and of a building on the opposite side of the road.

Pictures circulating online showed damage to the synagogue’s wooden front door. No injuries were reported.

The incident was an “extremely violent act of antisemitism”, Liege’s mayor Willy Demeyer told RTBF.

He added it was “unacceptable for conflicts to be imported from outside into our city”, referring to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Police have not given a cause for the explosion, but Mr Demeyer said the blast “involved a device, so it was all intentional and targeted”, without giving further details.

Belgium‘s interior minister Bernard Quintin said it was “a despicable antisemitic act that directly ‌targeted the Jewish community”.

He added “security measures around similar sites will continue to be strengthened”.

Read more from Sky News:
Four arrested on suspicion of spying on Jewish community
More antisemitic incidents after Manchester synagogue attack

Yves Oschinsky, president of the Committee of Jewish Organisations of Belgium, told RTBF the incident was “extremely worrying, serious and concerning”.

Police have cordoned off the street while specialist officers from the counter-terrorism unit investigate the explosion.