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James Blunt reveals his wife Sofia Wellesley signed him up for Celebrity Traitors and he had to ‘speed watch’ the last series as he says he ‘wanted to emulate Joe Marler’ in the castle

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James Blunt has revealed he had to 'speed watch' the last series of Celebrity Traitors after learning his wife Sofia Wellesley signed him up for the show

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James Blunt has revealed he had to ‘speed watch’ the last series of Celebrity Traitors after learning his wife Sofia Wellesley signed him up for the show.

The singer, 52, is one of 21 stars who headed to the famous Scottish castle to appear on the BBC series, which kicks off on Thursday October 1.

While James was tight-lipped about his appearance on The Traitors, he did share that he tried to emulate last year’s finalist Joe Marler.

The pair were both guests on Thursday’s episode of The One Show, with James quick to avert questions about how far he progressed in the castle.

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When discussing potential favourites for the show, Joe backed James, saying: ‘It’s James! As soon as that cast was revealed, I was like, it’s James Blunt, he’s going to be the dark horse. I’ve admired him.’

Turning to James, he added: ‘I’ve admired you from afar,’ and James replied: ‘Well, I’ve always thought we were brothers separated at birth. We’re so similar!’

James Blunt has revealed he had to ‘speed watch’ the last series of Celebrity Traitors after learning his wife Sofia Wellesley signed him up for the show

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The singer is one of 21 stars who headed to the famous Scottish castle to appear on the BBC series, which kicks off on Thursday October 1.

The singer is one of 21 stars who headed to the famous Scottish castle to appear on the BBC series, which kicks off on Thursday October 1.

Reflecting on watching the previous series of The Celebrity Traitors, James revealed: ‘I haven’t watched much TV and I found out from my wife that I was on Celebrity Traitors, she signed me up for it. So I was given a speed-watch of the whole thing.’

Asked which former contestant he would most like to emulate, James added: ‘If I can’t be Alan Carr, then if I would want to be anyone, it would be a Joe Marler.’

Joining James and host Claudia Winkleman in the Scottish Highlands for the second series are Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

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Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha’la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney complete the line up. 

A trailer released last week showed the stars meeting each other for the first time at Ardross Castle, where the show is filmed, as Claudia declared: ‘The game is on!’

The clip hinted at the difficult tasks the group had to endure, including an exploding pirate ship, as the stars try to build up a £100,000 cash prize for a chosen charity.

It showed the players arriving at the castle before heading to a church to take their seats for the first task. 

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Maya quipped to her fellow players: ‘If this is the last time we are all friends, then good luck!’

While James was tight-lipped about his appearance on The Traitors, he did share that he tried to emulate last year's finalist Joe Marler, as the pair appeared on The One Show

While James was tight-lipped about his appearance on The Traitors, he did share that he tried to emulate last year’s finalist Joe Marler, as the pair appeared on The One Show

The teaser then cut to the first tense Round Table as Ms Winkleman told them: ‘I have chosen my Traitors. The game is on!’ 

She added: ‘There are now killers among you. People are out there to deceive. Fame won’t save them.’

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The series will begin with an extra-long episode and a new bonus special, Traitor Or Faithful? Claudia Decides, which will be available on October 1 from 9.15pm on BBC iPlayer. Viewers will find out how Claudia chooses her Traitors in the one-off show. 

The regular episodes will be screened on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8pm. 

The Celebrity Traitors line-up 2026

 

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 Jerry Hall

Jerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era's most recognisable fashion icons

Jerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era’s most recognisable fashion icons 

Richard E Grant

Richard E Grant, 69, is celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Richard E Grant, 69, is celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 

 James Blunt

James Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single You're Beautiful

James Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single You’re Beautiful

 Ross Kemp

Ross Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to want to challenge himself

Ross Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to want to challenge himself

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 Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen

Michael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen

 Rob Beckett

Best friend of fellow Traitors star Ranganathan, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high energy and booming laugh

Best friend of fellow Traitors star Ranganathan, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high energy and booming laugh

 Sharon Rooney

Sharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary

Sharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary

 Joanne McNally

Joanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life

Joanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life

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 Amol Rajan

Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television

Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television

 King Kenny

King Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments

King Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments

 Sebastian Croft

Sebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper

Sebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper

  Maya Jama

Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK's most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island

Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island

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 Miranda Hart

Miranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda, which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legend

Miranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda, which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legend

Romesh Ranganathan

Romesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery

Romesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery

 James Acaster

Comedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble, who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu

Comedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble, who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu 

 Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game Of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us

Bella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game Of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us

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 Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, which found fame on The X Factor in 2011

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, which found fame on The X Factor in 2011

 Joe Lycett

From TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain's most inventive comics

From TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most inventive comics

 Hannah Fry

Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into engaging content for viewers

Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into engaging content for viewers

 Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera

Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera

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 Myha’la

Myha'la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry

Myha’la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry

 

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Police disguised as a delivery rider takes down knife suspect | News UK

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Police disguised as a delivery rider takes down knife suspect | News UK

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A wanted man carrying a machete was caught in a police ambush after officers went undercover as a takeaway rider and street cleaner.

Roy Hallissey was known to regularly visit a market in Poplar, east London, but would avoid the area whenever he spotted police.

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So officers from the Metropolitan Police took a different approach.

One disguised himself as a street cleaner while another posed as a delivery rider, approaching Hallissey from separate directions.

The police then arrested him and found a large machete hidden around his waist.

Hallissey was wanted after being convicted of a stabbing and failing to attend court for sentencing. He was also wanted over an alleged assault on an emergency worker.

3716671 Police in disguise swoop to arrest suspect 'carrying machete'
Officers went undercover as a takeaway rider and street cleaner (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

He had breached a criminal behaviour order banning him from Poplar.

Hallissey later pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article, breaching the order, driving offences, assaulting police and escaping lawful custody.

He is due to be sentenced on October 7.

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Hundreds raised for Macmillan and local animal rescue charities in two nights

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Hundreds raised for Macmillan and local animal rescue charities in two nights

Two nights of quizzes raised hundreds for charity last week. Macmillan Cancer Support received a £260 boost and Second Chance Animal Rescue branches in Southampton and Portsmouth received £255 each, thanks to charity quizzes last Friday and Saturday. Both charities need funds to provide vital services to people and animals here in the south.

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‘Best spy thriller’ with Sarah Lancashire gets update as fans declare ‘wait is over’

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Wales Online

Netflix has announced two major updates, both starring Happy Valley actress Sarah Lancashire.

Netflix viewers have been left thrilled after a first-look trailer at Black Doves season two dropped.

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The spy thriller series, starring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire, first aired in December 2024, and now, two years later, a second is due to follow on November 5.

It sees Love Actually star Keira as Helen, the wife of the government’s Defence Secretary, who finds herself in danger as her identity as a secret spy is put at risk when her lover is killed.

The synopsis for season two teases: “Helen is still betraying her nation’s secrets to the covert organisation she serves: the Black Doves. But after the misadventures of last Christmas, and with her husband Wallace (Andrew Buchan), preparing to become Prime Minister, she is walking a more treacherous line than ever.

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“As Helen’s enigmatic handler Mrs Reed (Sarah Lancashire) is ensnared in a ruthless plot to undermine her position in the Black Doves, Helen is reunited with her best friend Sam (Ben Whishaw). The once high-end triggerman is now reduced to lonely drinks in Soho bars and low-rate hits.

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“As they search for answers, loyalties are weaponised, trust is shattered, and the fight to protect the people they love could cost everything. With all the explosive wit of series 1, Helen and Sam’s mission leads them back to old friends and enemies, through the dark decisions and painful sacrifices of their pasts, and right to the heart of the Black Doves.”

The new trailer begins with Helen coming to terms with her new role as the Prime Minister’s wife, while Reed warns her: “Stay good at lying, that’s my advice, for both our sakes.”

“Finally wait is OVER,” one fan wrote. Another commented: “It’s about time. Prepare season 3 immediately.” Someone else said: “Can’t wait to see more of Keira Knightley in action.”

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Yet another said: “Now this is what a second season should look like…”, as one fan added: “I cannot wait! The first series rocked.” Another viewer echoed: “Keira Knightley absolutely owning this role. Easily one of Netflix’s best spy thrillers!!”

The season two cast also includes Kathryn Hunter, Ella Lily Hyland, Gabrielle Creevy, Agnes O’Casey, Ambika Mod, Babou Ceesay, Sam Riley, Neve Campbell, Sylvia Hoeks, Goran Kostic and Samuel Barnett.

As well as Black Doves, Happy Valley actress Sarah is set to lead the cast of another Netflix series, Witch Hunt. Penned by the creator of The Split, Abi Morgan, the synopsis reads: “When August Howell, a descendent of the ‘Witch of Cambridge’ is released after three decades in prison for drowning her three young daughters, she comes home to a community who does not want her back.

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“But when concern grows that her return has triggered a modern day witch hunt in the university town, the police must turn to August’s last surviving daughter, Professor Wren Howell, academic and investigative psychologist to help find the killer as past resentments and local folklore collide.”

Sarah said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone, SISTER Pictures and Netflix on Witch Hunt. It’s a brilliantly imagined and utterly compelling story, with a deeply complex character at its heart. There’s so much to explore in August, and I can’t wait to begin.”

Abi added: “I am delighted to be bringing Witch Hunt to Netflix. A dark, yet emotionally charged love story between August Howell, newly released from prison for murdering her children, and the daughter she has left behind, after thirty years inside.

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“I last worked with Sarah Lancashire over 25 years ago. I have been chasing the perfect role for her ever since. This is it. I can’t think of anyone better to embody the terrifying tenderness of ’the Witch of Cambridge.’ It’s gothic horror meets dark thriller laced with modern day witchcraft, raising the question can August ever be forgiven for her crime?”

Black Doves season 2 lands on Netflix on November 5

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Large fire breaks out at Gaza Barracks in Catterick Garrison

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Large fire breaks out at Gaza Barracks in Catterick Garrison

Firefighters are tackling the large blaze at Gaza Barracks in Catterick Garrison this evening, with multiple appliances at the scene.

Crews from across North Yorkshire are being supported by firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service as the emergency response continues.

The blaze is understood to be in an accommodation block at the barracks, off Hipswell Road, Catterick Garrison.

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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned that the incident is expected to continue throughout the night.

A spokesperson for the service said: “North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have multiple appliances in attendance an accommodation block fire.

“An appliance from County Durham and Darlington, along with their aerial ladder platform, are also in attendance.

“This incident is expected to be ongoing throughout the night.”

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The scale of the blaze has attracted attention across the surrounding area, with videos and photographs posted online showing onlookers watching the fire unfold.

Residents in nearby Richmond have also reported being able to see the fire from the town.

Hipswell and Colburn councillor Kevin Foster said he was monitoring the situation as emergency crews continued to deal with the incident.

He said: “At this stage, details are limited, and I am awaiting further information.

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“My immediate concern is for the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the camp, including our military personnel, their families and the emergency services responding to the incident.

“I would like to thank our emergency services for their response and hope that everyone involved is safe.

“As North Yorkshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, I will continue to monitor the situation and offer any support I can to our Armed Forces community.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I hope to hear positive news as further details emerge.”

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Further details about the circumstances surrounding the fire have yet to be confirmed.

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Far-right activist Danny Tommo charged after ‘slashing dinghy in Channel’

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Manchester Evening News

Danny Tommo has been charged with criminal damage after allegedly slashing a dinghy with a knife in the Channel

Far-right campaigner Daniel Thomas – known by his followers as Danny Tommo – has been charged with criminal damage following footage allegedly showing him slashing a boat in the English Channel while an emergency worker was aboard.

The 37-year-old, who has no fixed address, was also charged on Thursday evening with refusing to provide police with his phone’s Pin code, under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

He was held in custody to appear before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Hampshire police confirmed.

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The force stated: “The charges follow an allegation made to police that damage had been caused to a boat in the Channel whilst an emergency responder was on board.”

Several hundred individuals, predominantly dressed in black, assembled outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening, believing Thomas was being held within.

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Man United handed updates on two left-back targets after double transfer decision

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Manchester Evening News

Manchester United are expected to continue their search for a left-back when the transfer window reopens in January

Manchester United have been handed updates on two left-back targets ahead of the January transfer window. The position was one targeted by United in the summer window.

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While the priority was to strengthen the midfield, the final days and weeks of the window saw them try to add to their left-back options. They eventually decided to go with what they have for the first half of the season.

With Michael Carrick seemingly preferring to play Patrick Dorgu further forward, it leaves Luke Shaw as the only natural senior left-back in the squad. While he played every Premier League game last season, he has had previous spells out due to injury.

A recent injury to Shaw has led to Dorgu playing further back as he provided cover. However, United could look to provide genuine competition to the 31-year-old when the window reopens in January.

They could potentially reignite interest in a couple of their targets from the summer. RB Leipzig’s David Raum was one of the names said to be on the list.

He’s been linked with United for the last few years, with reports that he was offered to the club in the summer. He has less than a year remaining on his current contract, meaning he could be available for a cut-price.

However, it seems that United are expected to face competition for the 28-year-old. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are keen to sign him on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.

It’s added that the Italian side face competition from teams in England, but have ‘positioned themselves favourably’ due to a positive relationship with the player’s agent.

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Another player who United were linked with in the summer was Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde. It seems that they have been handed a boost over a potential January move with Fichajes reporting that Balde is at the top of the list of players Barca want to sell.

The report adds that before any new signings can be made at the Nou Camp, the club must first let players go, with a one in one out policy. The 22-year-old has played just 12 minutes of football so far this season and has been an unused substitute for the remainder of games.

Given Barcelona’s need to sell, it’s a situation that United could potentially take advantage of to try and get a transfer completed at a reduced rate.

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One transfer target who United won’t be reigniting their interest in is Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. The England international was the left-back United were the most heavily linked to in the summer.

But in a blow, Hall has recently signed a new long-term deal at St James’ Park. United will therefore now have to move on to other options, unless they want to pay a huge fee that Newcastle will demand.

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Man charged with murder of Robbie Lawlor in North Belfast

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Belfast Live

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday September 25.

A man has been charged with the murder of a man in North Belfast in 2020.

Robbie Lawlor was shot dead outside a house in the Etna Drive area of the city.

A 41-year-old man who was arrested in Liverpool on Wednesday has been charged with murder, and possession of a firearm or ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property.

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He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday September 25.

All charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

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

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Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas charged after dinghy slashed in Channel

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Danny Tommo, (Daniel Thomas) addresses the group of men outside the Daily Mail Offices at Associated Newspapers on September 9, 2026 in London, England. Leader of the self styled "Patriot Platform" Danny Tommo, (Daniel Thomas) led a group of men in balaclavas to the Daily Mail offices in South Kensington to peacefully protest against the paper's reporting of his Mother's details.

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas has been charged with criminal damage after he was seen in a video slashing at a dinghy in the English Channel.

The 37-year-old, known to his supporters as Danny Tommo, has also been charged with failing to disclose the PIN to his phone, Hampshire Police said.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.

Several hundred people, many wearing black, had gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening believing Thomas was inside.

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They arrived shortly before 18:30 BST and stood on the road outside the building and could be heard chanting “free DT”.

The crowd began to disperse at about 21:45 after protesters learned of the charges against Thomas.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary earlier said an arrest had been made after a “boat that had an emergency responder on board” was damaged in the Channel.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

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Music Makers in Hampshire encouraged to take part in free national Learn to Play event

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Music Makers in Hampshire encouraged to take part in  free national Learn to Play event

UK charity Music for All is delighted to announce the return of its flagship event, Learn to Play, this autumn. Recognised as the UK’s largest free music-making weekend, the event gives aspiring musicians of all ages the chance to try an instrument, develop new skills, and enjoy a free taster lesson with expert guidance.

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Magistrates reject police bid to close York vape shop

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Magistrates reject police bid to close York vape shop

North Yorkshire Police wanted York magistrates to order that 4th Avenue Shop in Tang Hall remain closed for three months.

Julie Dalzell, for the force, claimed that the shop was selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco at cut price sales, that there was a risk to children and that girls had been subjected to unwelcome attention from staff.

The allegations were opposed by solicitor Kashif Khan, speaking on behalf of the shop which is owned by Mohammed Latif Ahmad.

He said the shop and its staff denied the allegations and that the police case only amounted to suspicions, not evidence.

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“You cannot go on suspicion to close a man’s business and his livelihood for any period of time, let alone three months,” he told the court.

Magistrates agreed and rejected the application for a closure order.

The closure notice fastened by police to the shop on Wednesday (Image: Newsquest staff)

The shop, which had been closed under a temporary closure notice on Wednesday, can now reopen.

Ms Dalzell claimed that the authorities had made test purchases in September 2025 and on September 19, and received tobacco and cigarettes that did not comply with the law.

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She alleged that trading standards officers on October 25 had found 25 pouches of illegal tobacco and 104 packets of illegal cigarettes concealed on the shop premises.

Mr Khan said Mr Ahmad had only taken over the shop in November 2025 and that there was no evidence before the court about the illegal nature of the tobacco and cigarettes.

He said no hidden illegal tobacco and cigarettes had been found on Wednesday’s raid.

Police in Tang Hall on Wednesday (September 23) (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Dalzell alleged that on Wednesday a member of staff had given his keys to a vehicle in which police had found illegal products.

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The claim was disputed by Mr Khan who said the vehicle was unconnected to the shop and no staff member had handed over their keys.

Ms Dalzell claimed there was risk of exploitation of children through the shop’s activities because a school was nearby.

“There are reports as well of young girls being subjected to abuse and potentially harassment as a result of people working at the premises,” she alleged.

Mr Khan said the police had not produced evidence to support their claims and magistrates should totally disregard a particular police statement put before them because of what he said were problems with the way it had been composed.

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