Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who is attending the scene, has said in an update on London Fire Brigade’s website: “Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of refuse alight at a recycling centre.

“Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Loose embers have also been reported, which is normal during large fires. Residents are advised to pour water onto them if they are concerned about loose embers on or near their properties, but if they do catch something alight, don’t hesitate to call 999.”

Police were called to the scene on Sunday evening

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Detectives have launched a murder investigation in Essex after the death of a 12-year-old boy. Emergency services were called to Ashwells Road, Brentwood on Sunday evening (June 7).

Police attended at around 5.40pm, and the boy was found with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital for immediate treatment where he has since died. His family and loved ones are being supported by specialist police officers.

A boy aged 15 and a man aged 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody for questioning EssexLive reports. The pair are both from the Pilgrims Hatch area.

A cordon remains at the scene in Brentwood and is expected to remain for some time. Multiple police vehicles were on the small lane earlier on June 8.

DCI Louise Metcalfe of Essex Police’s serious crime unit said: “Our first thoughts are of course with the family of the boy who has tragically died after this incident. By its very nature, this is an evolving investigation which has a number of complexities and will take some time to work through and cannot be rushed.

“We’re working hard to build a full picture of the circumstances around it, and I’d like to thank those who have already come forward to provide their accounts of what happened. To residents who we have not yet spoken to, I would urge you to please review any CCTV you have from 8am on Sunday, 7 June, right through to 7pm, and please get in touch through our dedicated public portal, which has been set up for this incident.

“Although we remain in the early stages of this investigation, we are confident this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing risk to the community.”

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher added: “I’m acutely aware that this incident is likely to have a significant impact in our community, and I know the investigation team is doing everything possible to fully understand the circumstances and progress this appropriately.

“The loss of a child is every parent’s nightmare, and I would ask that this family’s privacy is fully respected at this time, both in person and online. Our key local partners have also been updated on this incident.”

A ‘targeted operation’ took place over the weekend

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Police in Wigan have seized nine e-bikes and e-scooters during a crackdown this weekend.

During the ‘targeted operation’ police seized the vehicles in Ince, Hindley and nearby areas.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Over the weekend, officers carried out a targeted operation in Hindley, Ince and surrounding areas focusing on the illegal use of electric bikes (E-bikes) and e-scooters, which have been linked to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity across the locality.

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“As a result of proactive patrols and enforcement, 9 vehicles were seized. These seizures form part of our ongoing efforts to tackle nuisance riding, improve road safety, and disrupt crime.

“We recognise that some people may disagree with the seizure of e-scooters and bikes. However, the fact remains that they are not permitted for use on public highways, and their misuse continues to be a regular concern raised by residents at our community police surgeries. We are listening to those concerns and taking action where necessary.

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“We understand the impact illegal vehicle use can have on our communities and remain committed to tackling these issues head-on.

“If you have any information about crime in your area contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your continued support.”

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The confidential discussion has locked in a tourism facilitator for the next two years for the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geo-park

A major tourism plan for a Unesco area in Northern Ireland has been approved behind closed doors.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee agreed to the business case, but has kept the public and media outside.

The confidential discussion has locked in a tourism facilitator for the next two years for the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geo-park.

READ MORE: Council CEO denies ‘media blackout’ of King’s visit to Co Down.

READ MORE: NI councils’ first unionist chairperson announcement hailed a ‘historic day’ by DUP councillor.

In open session, committee chairperson Killian Feehan said: “The Sustainable Tourism Network, on proposal of Councillor Glyn Hanna and seconded by Councillor Terry Andrews, it was agreed to approve the business case, procurement and the appointment of a facilitator to deliver the Mourne Gullion Strangford Sustainable Tourism Network programme of work over a two year term.”

The wide area of Mourne Gullion Strangford, was designated a Unesco Geo-park n May 2023.

According to its website, the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Sustainable Tourism Network includes representatives from the food and drink sector, outdoor activity providers, accommodation providers, cultural and heritage organisations, and tour guides.

A study is currently under way to explore how the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark has developed a successful sustainable destination model and how that could be applied within Mourne Gullion Strangford.

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

The fly-tip included household items and construction materials

A pile of fly-tipped rubbish has been dumped, blocking a Cambridgeshire footpath. A passerby reported seeing the discarded items on a public footpath that sits on the western edge of Yaxley near Wykes Road on Sunday, June 7.

The pile appeared to include household items such as a suitcase and broom as well as construction materials including wooden planks and plasterboard. Tangled electrical cords or wires also seem to have been dumped.

Huntingdonshire District Council has confirmed that its team have been made aware of the fly-tip in Yaxley, near Peterborough. The team will be attending the site of the fly-tip on Monday, June 8, to search for evidence.

Local councils and the Environment Agency have powers to tackle fly-tips. This includes fixed penalties of up to £400 or prosecution.

The Huntingdonshire District Council website explains: “Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land or a highway.

“Fly tipped waste generally consists of household rubbish and waste that is difficult or expensive to get rid of, such as tyres, mattresses, household appliances and construction/DIY rubbish.”

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A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “Our team has been made aware of this fly-tip and will be attending today to search for any evidence.”

Thirty people are set to be sentenced for their part in the Ely riots. The violence began following the the deaths of two teenage boys in an electric bike collision on May 22, 2023.

Around 150 people attended the riot which saw hours of violence and vandalism take place on the streets on and near Wilson Road.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed while riding an electric bike through the streets of Ely in Cardiff. The two young boys were involved in a fatal collision and were later pronounced dead at the scene.

The mothers of the two teenagers attempted to run to their children, grief-stricken and in desperation, but their path was blocked by the police.

Moments after the collision large crowds consisting of members of the close-knit community of Ely came out to witness the horror as it unfolded.

Shock and sadness quickly turned to distress and anger at how the police were handling the scene and as rumours circulated that the police were responsible for the death of Kyrees and Harvey who had previously been pursued by a police van.

30 people will today be sentenced for their roles on the fateful day of May 22. You can get live updates from the court room here.

Seven women have made allegations of sexual exploitative and predatory behaviour against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.

The claims have been made in a joint investigation by BBC’s Panorama and The Times, and relate to historic allegations dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Before they were published, Mr Sullivan, the former West Ham Football Club co-chairman, denied all allegations, calling them “factually incorrect and entirely false”.

The claims were made by women who were young models seeking work at Mr Sullivan’s Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers. They include one who claimed Mr Sullivan asked her for sex, promising to make her one of “my regular girls” in the newspaper. The account has been called “implausible” by Mr Sullivan’s lawyers.

Another woman claimed she was scouted on the street by a female agent who then directed her to Mr Sullivan and told her to “just go in there and just do what he says”. Other women claimed Mr Sullivan attempted to pressure them in exchange for work at his newspapers.

On Monday evening, The Met Police said it was investigating a report relating to the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s”. The force said this investigation related to one alleged victim.

On Saturday, Mr Sullivan confirmed he will step down as chairman of West Ham with immediate effect to fight “false allegations” about his private life after 16 years at the helm.

“I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published,” he said in a statement. “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.

“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.

“I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.

“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football. West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.

“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect. This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.

“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.”

The BBC said the findings were a result of “a joint investigation by Panorama and The Times newspaper into the behaviour of David Sullivan, who has announced he is stepping down as co-chair and director of West Ham United Football Club. Over decades, he has made millions from pornography, newspapers and football”.

Mr Sullivan first took over West Ham with his business partner David Gold in January 2010. His tenure oversaw the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, the focus of numerous anti-board protests among club supporters. Mr Sullivan’s net worth was estimated to be around £1.2billion in 2024, according to The Times Rich List.

On its investigation, A Met spokesperson said: “We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed. As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and the appropriate enquiries carried out.”

West Ham United and Mr Sullivan’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

Researchers have discovered a muscle-targeted therapy that could help protect muscle during weight loss treatment.

Weight loss medication has become widely popular over the past couple of years as it helps users cut out food noise and reduce their intake. However, there has been a growing concern these treatments that lead to rapid weight loss could also lead to loss of muscle.

In order to combat this, a new study suggests taking an additional medicine alongside the weight loss injections may help reduce the risk of muscle loss. For the research, a muscle-targeted therapy called apitegromab was tested to compare the effects on current jab users.

Apitegromab is an antibody that stops the activation of myostatin, which is a protein that regulates muscle mass. If the myostatin is activated it can inhibit muscle growth, which could later lead to fragility and issues with metabolism if left untreated.

Previous studies have found an absence of this gene has been associated with an increase in muscle strength and mass. To see how this antibody would work on weight loss injection users, researchers examined data from 102 adults taking weekly jab Mounjaro, otherwise known as tirzepatide.

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For the study, half of the group was given apitegromab alongside the jab while the other half were given a placebo which wouldn’t change the outcome of their results of using Mounjaro alone. The results found both groups saw similar overall weight loss.

However, people who took apitegromab alongside Mounjaro were found to lose significantly less lean mass, around 1.9kg less, in six months in comparison to those who took the placebo.

The study, which was led by experts from AdventHealth Translational Research Institute in the US, found lean mass accounts for 14.6 per cent of total weight loss in the apitegromab group.

According to phase two of the study, which was published in the Nature Medicine journal, this is almost half of the lean mass weight loss in the placebo group – which sat at 30.2 per cent.

While the findings seem promising, the researchers have called for more work to help confirm their findings on a larger scale.

However, they did state the study demonstrates “clinical proof of concept for a highly selective anti-myostatin antibody to preserve lean mass with tirzepatide therapy”.

Commenting on the study, Dr Marie Spreckley, from the University of Cambridge, said: “These findings suggest that apitegromab may improve the composition of weight loss by preserving lean mass while maintaining similar overall weight reduction.

“This is an important area of research because substantial weight loss, whether achieved through medication, dietary interventions or bariatric surgery, is often accompanied by some loss of lean mass.

“Strategies that help preserve lean mass while maintaining the benefits of weight reduction are of considerable interest, but whether they improve longer-term health outcomes remains to be established.”

She added: “Importantly, although apitegromab preserved lean mass, the study did not demonstrate clear improvements in physical function or cardiometabolic outcomes over the 24-week treatment period.

“Preserving lean mass is biologically plausible and potentially beneficial, but larger and longer studies will be needed to determine whether these changes translate into meaningful improvements in strength, physical function, quality of life, or long-term health outcomes.”

MADRID (AP) — Pope Leo XIV met Monday with six survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Madrid and vowed to consider their suggestions for how the Catholic Church can improve its response to the crisis, the Vatican said.

The meeting, which followed in the tradition of popes meeting with abuse survivors during their foreign trips, lasted about an hour and took place at the Vatican embassy in Madrid, the Vatican said in a statement.

Spain’s Catholic hierarchy has only recently begun reckoning with its legacy of abuse and cover-up after long dismissing the severity of the scandal that came to light thanks to reporting by the newpaper El País.

In 2023, the Spanish government’s ombudsman delivered a damning 800-page report estimating there were hundreds of thousands of possible victims in Spain over decades — based on a survey of 8,000 people. The report also examined 487 known cases.

Spain’s bishops rejected the estimate, saying its own investigation had uncovered 728 sexual abusers within the church since 1945.

During Monday’s meeting, the survivors told the pope their stories and recommendations for how the church should better respond, the Vatican said. Victims in Spain and elsewhere have long complained that the church’s response to the scandal was often retraumatizing, with victims often accused of only seeking money or to harm the church.

“The pope listened with affection and attention, assured them of his closeness — and that of the entire church community — and pledged his commitment to ensuring that the suggestions received serve as a foundation for further efforts, so that the church may truly be a safe and spiritually healthy place where wounds find comfort and healing,” said a statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The encounter marked the first known time Leo had met with victims while on a foreign visit, but it by no means was his first time hearing first-hand from survivors.

As a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, the former Robert Prevost was in charge of listening to victims as the point of reference for the Peruvian bishops conference. In that capacity, he became intimately aware of the abusive practices in the powerful Peruvian group, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, which Pope Francis formally suppressed last year.

Amid public outrage over the abuse crisis, Spain launched a reparations system earlier this year for clerical abuse cases too old to be prosecuted that requires the participation of the Catholic Church and the Spanish government.

Other countries and churches have set up reparations mechanisms to compensate survivors and provide therapy, but the Spanish one is unusual in that it gives the government a strong role in the process and the final say in payouts.

The system, which is not legally binding, has drawn praise and some skepticism from advocacy groups and survivors. It gives people a year to apply.

Leo reaffirms church’s right to confessional secrecy

Leo also reaffirmed the right of the Catholic Church to maintain secrecy involving the sacrament of confession, amid efforts in Europe and elsewhere to force Catholic priests to report abuse that they learn about during the one-to-one conversations.

Independent investigations into clergy abuse around the world have identified the seal of confession as a major impediment to exposing and preventing abuse, and called for it to be abolished. The investigations have documented how abusers used the confessional to solicit sex from minors and then relied on the seal of confession to keep it secret.

In his speech to the Spanish parliament Monday, Leo framed the right of the church to keep priest-penitent conversations confidential as a matter of freedom of religion.

“To protect it legally, as is done in a similar way in some professions, means preserving a sacred space of inner freedom, where the believer can open his or her soul to God without fear of external pressures,” he said.