The officer is due to face the misconduct hearing in September

A Cambridgeshire Police Constable is due to face a misconduct hearing over allegations that he misled investigators. ‘PC A’ is accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour to the level of gross misconduct.

The officer allegedly claimed to have had no contact with an ex-partner since 2019 during a professional standards conduct interview in July 2023. Several months later, PC A then stated that they had had no contact with an ex-partner since 2019, except for contact initiated by the ex-partner in connection with criminal proceedings against them.

Messages dated February and June 2022 are alleged to demonstrate that contact was initiated by PC A with an ex-partner, resulting in the ex-partner asking PC A to stop contact and subsequently blocking PC A.

PC A also reportedly told the Chief Constable of the police force that they had never associated with the ex-partner’s brother. It is alleged that this was inconsistent with an account PC A had previously provided to investigators from Northamptonshire Police during a criminal interview.

The officer has been accused of committing gross misconduct in honesty and integrity. PC A is due to face a misconduct hearing on Monday (September 21) at 9am.

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 17:41 BST, 18 September 2026 | Updated: 06:11 BST, 19 September 2026

A flight from the Netherlands to the Caribbean was forced to turn back over the Atlantic after the airline’s ex-CEO’s power bank allegedly caught fire midflight.

A power bank caught fire on board a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao on Thursday, the airline said in a statement to the Daily Mail. 

‘The crew followed the applicable procedures and extinguished the fire. Due to the situation, the decision was made to return the flight to Amsterdam,’ the airline said.

Flight tracking data showed the Boeing 777-300ER was soaring above the Atlantic Ocean five-and-a-half hours into its flight to the Caribbean when it turned around.

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An unnamed passenger told Dutch publication RTL News the power bank belonged to former KLM President and CEO Camiel Eurlings.

‘Suddenly, a bang was heard,’ the passenger said. ‘After that, there was an immediate fire; large flames were coming out above the seat. 

‘The bang was the power bank exploding and immediately catching fire. The cabin crew responded very quickly and appropriately, and then spoke to everyone one-on-one and reassured us.’

A photo circulating on social media appears to show the business class seat window cracked and blackened after the explosion.

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A power bank caught fire on board a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao on Thursday

Passengers identified the power bank user as former KLM President and CEO Camiel Eurlings

Eurlings, who led the company from 2013 to 2014, reportedly sustained minor injuries from the incident.

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The passenger claimed she spoke with Eurlings after the incident and he was ‘extremely shocked.’

‘He feels terrible about the situation and all the inconvenience for everyone. He was very upset,’ she told RTL News.

However, the passenger added that it was ‘incredibly stupid’ for the airline’s former CEO to use the power bank during the flight. 

‘Especially when you are supposed to be extra familiar with the rules, and yet you break them,’ she said.

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The airline rebooked the passengers on a flight that departed Friday morning. 

KLM policy allows passengers to bring electronic devices with lithium batteries that are 100 watts or less on board; however, they are not allowed to use them during the flight.

‘One more thing about power banks: always keep yours with you. It’s not allowed to put it in the overhead bin, and using or charging it on board is also not allowed,’ the company website states.

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Should airline staff and ex-executives be held to higher safety standards than regular passengers?

The KLM flight (stock image pictured) was forced to turn around over the Atlantic and return to Amsterdam

Eurlings, who led the company from 2013 to 2014, reportedly sustained minor injuries from the incident. Eurlings is pictured here on board a plane in 2013

Virtually all modern power banks use lithium batteries. Lithium batteries pose a greater risk on flights because they can overheat and cause heavy smoke and fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

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KLM would not confirm Eurlings’ identity as the power bank user, stating: ‘For privacy reasons, we never disclose who is on board our aircraft or who is involved in specific incidents.’ 

Eurlings previously served on the executive branch of the Netherlands government from 2007 to 2010.

In 2011, he joined Air France-KLM as executive vice president before becoming President and CEO of KLM in 2013, according to his LinkedIn.

He currently works as a partner at the investment company Knighthood Global Limited. 

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The Daily Mail has attempted to contact Eurlings for comment. 

A disillusioned reader lists over a dozen video game franchises he thinks have run their course, from Call Of Duty and Assassin’s Creed to Mortal Kombat and The Last Of Us.

There are franchises that we grow up with and cherish over many years. In retrospect, we grow to appreciate what they brought to the table.

Over time though, many eventually shift towards becoming stale, overdone, and repetitive, and are essentially only around to generate cash or are safer options, rather than risking new ideas or creative freedom.

With that being said, I’d like to present a list of 15 franchises that I believe need to be wrapped up and hopefully, these studios can focus on innovation instead.

15. Outlast

In 2013, Red Barrels presented us Outlast. It was a massive success and spawned DLC, a sequel, and a multiplayer title. But it’s been 13 years now. You can only milk this franchise so much, before it becomes tiring. It already has. The formula is stale and I’m hoping very much that it ends after the next title, because we deserve a new IP and a new genre from this talented developer.

14. Doom

So the general consensus is that The Dark Ages was a disappointment for the franchise. I say good to that, because it’s time to lay the slayer to rest. Id Software need to reset massively, because no matter how you innovate with these games, it is just treading old ground. I’d love them to tackle a new genre. A third person narrative title would be interesting and a fresh perspective would be satisfying.

13. Amnesia

From one horror series to another, Amnesia: The Dark Descent was fantastic for its time in 2010 but it’s long overdue to put it to rest. Especially after the awful title that was Rebirth. Frictional has to go back to the drawing board and stop just relying on a franchise that should have ended years ago.

12. Five Nights at Freddy’s

It’s a trilogy of horror franchises that need to end. This is quite honestly the most tired, outdated, and bland of the three. It’s long milked to death and just a concept that should have only remained a one title idea. But it has spawned unwanted sequels, two awful films, and horrendous additions. Let it die Scott, for all of our sakes.

11. Every sports franchise

NBA, EA Sports FC, Madden, WWE 2K… it’s just squeezing money out of consumers and it has lasted far too long. The updates are minimal each year, the releases are tiring, the effort is non-existent. I’m just tired, boss.

10. Call Of Duty

Do I need to say more? I’d say the failure of Black Ops 7 was a wake-up call, but who are we kidding? We’re getting an eighth game, at one point and even more suffering. As long as people keep buying, Activision will continue torturing us. It will never end.

9. Far Cry

Far Cry 6 was released in 2021 and if fortune was kind, it would have been the last instalment. It should have been wrapped up years ago but Ubisoft is already developing a seventh game. By this point it’s just a franchise that peaked with the third game and continues to be churned out. It’s more outdated and tragic than the fact we will likely never see Sam Fisher again.

8. Dragon Age

Mass Effect has one thing going for it: the return of Liara in the next instalment. Dragon Age is the opposite. After the failure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It’s time to pull the plug on Varric, Solas, and the entire franchise. Because it should have ended after Inquisition.

7. Metal Gear Solid

It should have ended with the fourth title; that is the cold truth of Metal Gear Solid. But it refuses to lay down to rest. It was a legendary creation once, in Hideo Kojima. It is just a shell of its former self; a disappointing remake of the third title needs to be the signal that it’s time for Snake to rest for good.

6. The Last Of Us

When you have created more remasters, remakes, ports, and a two season series rather than actually announcing a third title it’s just evidently a fact that it’s time to leave this world behind. A franchise created in 2013, it has left Naughty Dog without a single PlayStation 5 title in this generation so far. Just like Uncharted, it’s time for Ellie’s story to be finished.

5. Assassin’s Creed

Ubisoft’s golden goose, that truly refuses to die. Assassin’s Creed is all Ubisoft has at this point and it shows. But how many times can we repeat old tropes? Assassin’s Creed Hexe is up next. Just what we need. More Templars and Assassins. God help us.

4. Ninja Gaiden

So it’s a harsh truth that Ninja Gaiden 4 wasn’t a massive commercial success. Which makes sense for a franchise that is honestly overdone and just boring at this point. You can only slaughter enemies so many times, before you realise that it’s just been run into the ground. It’s time to kill this licence off for good. [That was the first new Ninja Gaiden in 13 years; in fact, many of the games you mention haven’t had any sequels for years – GC]

3. Red Dead Redemption

The tale of the west is complete. So why even a possible third title could make sense is beyond me. We’ve had two stories revolving around the death of the outlaws and the modernisation of the world. The stories of two outlaws who achieved redemption through death. That’s more than enough reason to wave goodbye to a special franchise, pardner.

2. Mortal Kombat

It’s long overdue. No matter how innovative the fatalities are or how stellar the graphical prowess is it’s lasted for far too long and the never ending narrative of this tournament needs to definitively end.

1. Halo

It was a childhood journey, a cherished memory for friends and families, to spend hours in multiplayer, the campaigns, and to grow up playing through a special series of titles. But Halo truly fell when it was no longer Bungie’s creation. It lost the magic and the cinematic flair when 343 took over. It is now a shadow of its former self and it shows massively, with the fact it is no longer Xbox’s exclusive flagship franchise. It is also a PlayStation title as well. Halo was something amazing for fans growing up, but it’s absolutely time for a special soldier to put down his helmet and take his rest, for he has earned his retirement.

I’d also like to include a final mention:

16. Gears Of War

If a sixth game is to be made let it be the end of the Locust War and the end of Marcus Fenix’s story. Just end it all, please. This war is long overdue it’s finality.

By reader Shahzaib Sadiq

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

MORE: I have huge respect for fans protesting the PS5 no disc policy on social media – Reader’s Feature

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Around 4.30pm today (September 18), at least eight Durham Police officers were spotted on the Front Street in Consett, near a Subway sandwich shop.

A large police cordon was put up, blocking off several businesses.

A crime scene cordon was put up at the scene (Image: Joshua Nichol)

The incident caused traffic and transport delays. (Image: Joshua Nichol)

Front Street was closed in both directions between the junctions with Albert Road and Medomsley Road.

The incident left bus routes diverted and queuing traffic during rush hour.

Durham Police issued a statement, warning people to avoid the area.

Queuing traffic as police rushed to the scene in Front Street (Image: Joshua Nichol)

A spokesperson for the force confirmed: “Front Street, in Consett, has been closed as part of an ongoing police investigation.

“The road is currently closed in both directions between the junctions with Albert Road and Medomsley Road.

“We’d advise people to avoid the area and find an alternative route if they are travelling in the area.”

The incident left residents and business owners baffled.

At approximately 4.38pm, a local business owner said: “They’ve been here about an hour.

“There was a line of officers sweeping the street. I’m not sure what they are looking for.

“We’ve had cannabis raids before but this is different to that.”

A resident, who wishes to remain unnamed, added: “I don’t know what’s happened, but there were five or so officers sweeping the path.

“It looked like they were looking for evidence.”

The nature of the incident is not known at this time.

Cordons remain in place.

Durham Police has been contacted for further information.

Representatives for stand-up comedian Carrot Top, real name Scott Christopher Thompson, have confirmed he has been rushed to hospital and his show at the Luxor has been cancelled

Stand-up comedian Carrot Top has been rushed to hospital.

The 61-year-old comedian (real name Scott Christopher Thompson) was rushed to hospital on Friday just hours before a scheduled comedy show at Las Vegas’ Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Jami Schlicher, a representative for Thompson, did not confirm the reason for the star’s hospitalisation, but instead shared that he is currently receiving ‘the care and support he needs.’

Mr Schlicher tells The Mirror: “Mr. Thompson is recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs. His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy.”

Fans have flooded his last Instagram post with messages of support and love, one fan wrote: “Just heard sad news. Hope you’re gonna be OK dude. Saw you last December and plan on bringing another friend next trip to LV to see you again. You are hella adored and hope you really know that. Truth.” Another wrote: “You’re loved more than you know. You’re special & the world is more beautiful with you in it. Sending love & hope your way.”

A third wrote: “Remember how much you are appreciated! The world needs your humor!!!”

Carrot Top is known for his high energy prop comedy, signature red hair and elaborate stage performances. He’s been a longtime headliner at the Luxor, where he has the longest running residency in Vegas. He was due to perform on Friday night at the Luxor but the show was cancelled following his health scare.

Born in 1965, in Rockledge, Florida he began performing stand-up comedy while attending Florida Atlantic University. He later built a career around his signature red hair, exaggerated props, and visual comedy style.

He gained national attention during the 1990s through appearances on television shows and comedy specials. He became a frequent guest on programs including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman.

This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

Sharron Smith, chief executive of York Carers Centre, said people looking after loved ones increasingly had no lives of their own, with some reporting experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Cllr Jo Coles, Labour ward member for Westfield, said the state of social care was the biggest issue facing York Council as she welcomed national efforts to look into changes.

But opposition Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Cuthbertson said the council’s record on adult social care was concerning and Conservative Cllr Chris Steward said a Labour call for action lacked substance.

It comes as councillors backed a call to support the Government’s Big Conversion on Care which is looking at the future of services in England.

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Cllr Coles’ motion stated it came amid rising demand for care, a forecast rise in dementia, increasingly complex needs and a high turnover and difficulties recruiting workers.

Ms Smith said action was needed now to deal with the pressures carers and families are facing.

She added they needed help before they reached crisis point.

Ms Smith said: “The growing need for care is one of the greatest challenges facing us as a nation.

“For many years, carers were described as ‘unsung heroes’, saving the economy billions of pounds and providing support that would otherwise fall on already stretched public services.

The Government is conducting a review into adult social care (Image: Pixabay)

“However, what we are increasingly seeing is something much more troubling.

“We are seeing carers with no life of their own, we hear from carers who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“We hear from carers who are exhausted, isolated and at breaking point.

“This is not sustainable.”

Cllr Coles said the work of unpaid carers was supporting council services which would otherwise collapse under the strain of the pressure facing them.

She added calls to go further with proposals to adopt targets and aims for care in York were not possible without extra funding and counter-productive in some cases.

Cllr Coles said: “Many receive the care they need from other family members who never never chose a career in care but just chose to look after someone they love.

“The work that carers do isn’t glamourous, it’s low paid, physically demanding but emotionally incredibly skilled.

“It isn’t an abstract line in a budget, it’s dignity, independence and can mean a couple being able to stay together at home in York.”

Cllr Cuthbertson, of Haxby and Wigginton ward, said the rating of the council’s adult social care services as ‘requires improvement’ had to be recognised.

Cllr Carol Runciman, the opposition group’s health spokesperson, said the call also came as no replacement had yet been brought in for the Dial & Ride service axed in December 2023.

The Liberal Democrat said: “We can’t talk about the importance of abstract principles while cutting the services that make this possible.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Steward said the Labour motion lacked any tangible ideas to improve social care locally.

His group called for guaranteed assessments within 28 days, home adaptations within 10 days, yearly health and wellbeing checks, hospital discharges within 48 hours and digital access to care cases.

Cllr Steward said: “The Labour motion is empty and does nothing on its own.”

Mars’ journey through Cancer may have been uneventful thusfar, but that’s about to change. Prepare for a shift in gear or direction.

Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, something new will arise from within. Whether it’s a budding relationship or a change in routine, it’s down to you to make the leap.

Try to enjoy the opportunities presented to you. Even if things feel uncomfortable, the messages the comsos sends are for your own good.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday September 19, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Your ruler Mars has been moving through the zodiac sign it finds it hardest to flourish in. Indeed, over the last near to six weeks your moods may have been up and down, or you have found yourself frustrated by limitations or the demands of people close to you. Next week he moves into the sunny Leo, but from now until then do expect your vitality to pick up.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

You have likely found yourself more forthright in your opinions of late, but perhaps also rather more exasperated with others’ opinions or with any limitations to moving freely around. Now you can find yourself keen to get more action-oriented and even want to test your body in some vigorous ways. Now then Taurus, where are those old walking boots?

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Is there a part of you that enjoys, even relishes an indulgent splurge or two, and life’s pleasures, small or large? Of course there is. It just isn’t the archetype of your sign, which is very much based on quick communications and sharp observations. Yet your appreciation of the good things can see you splash out on something lovely for your home or a family member now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

It’s fair to say, Cancer, that feisty Mars’ journey through your sign this time around has been far from uneventful, but that doesn’t mean easy. Mars is to do with desire, even force and can be an impatient vibe, but emotion gets mixed with irritation a little too easily, so you may have found the defensive side of your nature to the fore. Fortunately, things now ease.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Despite the dazzling array of energies lighting up your potential to showcase your skills and talents that have been to the fore, there have been some old energies stirring too. Not all of these have been straightforward, and along with the dazzling brightness, there have been occasional dips in mood. Now, however, past knowledge can help you to earn and do more.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

The Sun in Virgo links back to the passion and drive of Mars, and this fine combo can see you surf the weekend with an enormous amount of determination. Stuff that has been put off can be cleared away with aplomb, giving you a sense of satisfaction. If you enjoy any sport or competitive activity, this can also bring an extra spark to your world.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

You have a talent for seeing other people’s viewpoints, even if you don’t agree with them. Recently, however, the planets have conspired to see you show a more authoritative part of your nature. That doesn’t mean you have been going out of your way to find strife; it’s just that you’re setting your boundaries more firmly, if subtly but soon you’ll take centre stage.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

If you are heading out with a group of friends this weekend, chances are it’s going to be a jolly time. And even if you can be picky, ordinarily, about who you spend time with, you may find yourself in a hale and hearty frame of mind, open to taking on life with gusto. Any travel plan or rugged activity can also appeal, but so can an online gathering or connection, too.

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Got a particular goal you want to achieve? Be it personal or professional, your drive for the next few days can be really high. Obstacles are unlikely to faze you, as your determination to overcome them can be incredible. However, what you commit to now doesn’t have to give you instant results, and it may be a bigger ambition that gets things moving.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You could have a real connection with someone you encounter this week, and yes, it could be romantic. So, if you meet someone with a strong sense of self yet who seems open and outgoing, then your curiosity can be piqued. However, just as easily you can find yourself jousting with a new friend and enjoying sharing your life and travel experiences with them.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

If you have been wanting to take a closer look at your personal budget and tease out some solid improvements, this weekend is the perfect time to do it. Equally, the same could be true if you have a business. Even if things have felt stuck, or you have been hidebound by your regular demands, you’ll want to push through them now and dive deep into what’s what.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Your ability to influence lives and draw admiring glances is significantly boosted over the next few days. So whatever strand of life is grabbing your attention just now, know others will be aware of your presence and positively so. Let this vibe in. Strut your stuff with confidence because if you do, it will draw more good things and possibilities your way.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of September here.

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A Fenland rugby club has called on the council to ensure enough space is left for sports as thousands of homes are set to be built

The chair of a rugby club has said they are past “breaking point” with their growing membership forced to share a single pitch. Edwin Fey, chairman of March Bears Rugby Union Football Club, called the situation a “community emergency” that they’ve been trying to solve for the last eight years.

He told Fenland District Council that the “unprecedented growth” of the market town is leaving community infrastructure to fall “dangerously behind”.

He said: “For all these hundreds of players, we have exactly one pitch – let that sink in. One single piece of grass to accommodate full contact matches, heavy training every day of the week, toddler sessions and junior fixtures.

“Our clubhouse facilities are outdated, drastically too small and pushed far past their breaking point. Our changing rooms cannot safely or comfortably accommodate mixed genders and expanding youth sections.

“The lack of parking at Elm Road has become a major safety hazard which our volunteers are having to therefore manage. On busy match days and Sunday mornings, the car park overflows completely, forcing parents and visitors to park on narrow verges nearby on a 60 mile an hour road.

“We are physically gridlocked and are turning local families away because the ground simply cannot cope.”

He said his petition saw a “massive surge of support”, reaching the threshold for the council to debate it within 24 hours. Mr Fey called for the council to protect space for sports pitches when considering planning applications for new housing developments. A number of large schemes have been approved in March in recent years including up to 1,200 homes on the western edge of the town.

Cllr Andrew Woollard, of March West and Benwick, agreed with the petitioners and put forward a motion supporting their aims. His motion asked the council to treat sports pitch and open space provision as a priority in section 106 negotiations – where they can secure concessions from developers.

The Conservative councillor said that without delivering these, new projects will place “extra long-term pressure” on the “shortage of pitches” already experienced in March.

He said: “These facilities are heavily used, overstretched and relied upon by clubs who give enormous amounts back to the community. March Academy Football Club, who support 19 teams with 280 members, have recently emailed me to advise that they are now homeless following closure of the Neale-Wade playing field due to unsafe pitch conditions, leaving them desperate for pitches to play their home matches.”

Cllr Gavin Booth, of Parson Drove and Wisbech St Mary, said what the motion asked for should already be in place with their local plan and it’s a “pity it’s not actually happened”.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “I guess what we’re saying with this motion is that things need to ramp up and we need to ensure that what we put in place as a council is actually delivered.”

Conservative councillor Haq Nawaz, of Whittlesey East and Villages, said he thought this could be “a turning point” and hoped their sentiments were taken on board by council officers.

The council passed the motion with 34 votes in favour and four abstentions.

The Toniebox character with ‘brilliant stories’ can be essentially picked up for free via a cashback deal

Tonieboxes have taken the children’s toy market by storm. With screen-time an increasing concern for parents, audio players that remove this problem have boomed in popularity.

The Toniebox is among them, which is designed for children to place toy characters on top (called Tonies) which then play music and stories to keep little ones busy for hours. They’re created with youngsters in mind, meaning they’re robust, squishy and tumble-proof.

And one of the most popular Tonies comes from the huge TV show, Paw Patrol. The Jungle Pups Marshall character usually costs £15 at Argos, but we’ve found a way shoppers can effectively grab one for free.

Read next:

It comes via TopCashback, where new members who sign up here benefit from a £15 cashback bonus when spending £15 or more at a participating retailer. That means that new members who buy the Tonie via TopCashback will basically get it free, once cashback has been applied.

The calculated price includes free click and collect from an Argos store, while for those wanting it delivered, postage is from £3.95. The audio on the Marshall Tonie runs for around 45 minutes, including four stories and the theme song.

Sign up for TopCashback here

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New TopCashback users can get £15 cashback when they spend more than £15

The tales centre around teamwork and problem-solving through playful rescue missions. It should be noted that a Toniebox speaker is required but sold separately.

There are alternative options available besides the Toniebox, including the YOTO Mini, a screen-free Bluetooth audio player that plays stories and music. It’s priced at £64.99 from Yoto and works with physical cards that ‘lets kids explore their imaginations as they explore the world‘.

Meanwhile, for a more visual toy, the Clementoni Disney Storytime Projector with Narration features eight story cards and is designed to keep toddlers entertained. That’s £27.52 at Amazon.

Reviews of the Paw Patrol Tonie have been mostly very positive, with an average of 4.9 stars out of 5. One said: “A favourite in our house! The theme tune pulls my little one in straight away and the story keeps him entertained.”

Another continued: “I bought this last week, and my little one absolutely adores it! Great buy!”

A third added: “Fab Tonie, my Paw Patrol-obsessed three-year-old (is) a very happy boy.” While another said: “My daughter absolutely loves this, brilliant stories and great for bedtime routine and to reduce tech.”

Of the 14 reviews left to date, 13 awarded the full five stars, while just one review gave four stars, writing: “My grandchildren love listening to them every afternoon before they have their naps.”

However, they didn’t elaborate on why they had deducted a star. One thing worth noting is at the full price £15 Tonie characters are more expensive than standard toys, so parents will need to take care to ensure they aren’t lost down the back of the sofa.

How to get the Tonie character for free

• Sign up as a new member at TopCashback for free here.
• Search for Argos on the website, click through and purchase the Tonie character as normal.
• Receive £15 cashback when spending £15 or more on an item.
• The cashback will track to the TopCashback ‘Earnings page’ within seven days of purchase.

By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 22:38 BST, 18 September 2026 | Updated: 01:42 BST, 19 September 2026

A 13-year-old student pepper-sprayed his teacher before stabbing her and attempting to livestream the attack at a school in Rome.

The boy was wearing a helmet with his mobile phone attached to it as if it were a GoPro when he attacked 66-year-old Isabella Marsilio, according to local media.

Ms Marsilio was just one year away from retiring when she was ruthlessly attacked inside her classroom at Giovanni Verga middle school.

According to reports, the student attempted to film the assault in real time and broadcast it on Telegram, but it is unclear if he succeeded.

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A heroic classmate leaped in and tackled the stabbing fiend, according to news agency ANSA.

Police arrested the teen and hauled him to the police station, accompanied by his parents.

Headteacher Wanda Giacomini said the suspect had ‘always been a calm young man’ without any behavioural problems.

 But as yet unconfirmed reports suggest the youngster had been scrolling through ‘violent websites’ ahead of the knifing, according to La Sicilia.

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A 13-year-old student pepper-sprayed his teacher before stabbing her and attempting to livestream the attack at a school in Rome. Pictured: Police standing outside the school gates following the incident 

The boy was wearing a helmet with his mobile phone attached to it as if it were a GoPro when he attacked 66-year-old Isabella Marsilio, according to local media

Ms Marsilio was just one year away from retiring when she was ruthlessly attacked inside her classroom at Giovanni Verga middle school

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The wounded teacher is not in a life-threatening condition but has been left terrified by the attack, according to regional authorities. 

Marsilio later said she cared about the boy and would like to hug him.

‘I regret only now understanding the depth of his distress. I was afraid I was going to die,’ Ms Marsilio said in an interview with la Repubblica.

President of the borough Mauro Caliste said: ‘She has been deeply affected by these events; she simply cannot make sense of it.

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‘We found her deeply distressed and understandably shaken by what occurred.’

Classmates claimed the boy had failed his English class and blamed the teacher for his bad grade.

‘He did it because he had a failing grade and hated her,’ students told reporters outside the school.

Just before class, the pupil put on a helmet with a video camera attached to film the frenzy and livestream it to Telegram, according to his classmates.

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The youngster had been due to sit a test after failing on his first try, they added.

A teachers’ union president said schools ‘cannot be left alone’ to deal with what he believes is an escalating crisis.

‘We barely have time to reopen school and we’re practically back where we left off: weapons in the classroom, stabbings, violence among students and against staff’, Attilio Fratta told ANSA.

‘It’s become a constant, not a series of isolated incidents’, he added.

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Education minister Giuseppe Valditara said the horror attack highlighted the need for social media bans for children under 15.

He said: ‘We must prevent children under the age of 15 from accessing dangerous social media platforms and channels.

‘In this regard, the EU Commission’s Kids Act is a step in the right direction.’