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Late Brentford winner plunges Howe into biggest crisis of Newcastle reign

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Late Brentford winner plunges Howe into biggest crisis of Newcastle reign

Eddie Howe has moved to quell speculation he could walk away at the end of the season following a dispiriting run of results.

Newcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, ended on Wednesday night when Manchester City completed a 5-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Howe’s men, and they head into tonight’s Premier League game against Brentford sitting in 11th place in the table.

However, after social media went into overdrive in the wake of a hugely disappointing first-half performance at the Etihad Stadium to suggest the 48-year-old has taken the club as far as he can, with further speculation that he could replace England boss Thomas Tuchel this summer despite Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson’s claim this week that the two parties remain happy with each other, Howe was in defiant mood.

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Howe said: “That’s a surprise to me. I give my best to the football club every single day, to all the players and the staff. I try to be the best version of myself to inspire the team to win games.

“That’s my only thought. I don’t tend to look too far ahead, but I try to prepare and plan for the club to move forward in every sense. My individual future isn’t really relevant.

“Who knows? I don’t know my length of time here, I’ve got no idea. I just try to do my best every day until told differently.”

Injury-hit Newcastle go into the weekend seven points adrift of the top five but still in business in the Champions League – they face Azerbaijani side Qarabag over two legs for a place in the last 16 later this month – and the FA Cup.

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Their home form has been reasonably solid – although Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa have won in the league at St James’ Park this season – but their return on the road during a campaign which already amounts to 38 games in all competitions has been significantly below par.

The loss of £130m striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool during the summer has had a lasting and ongoing impact, and Howe acknowledges that the £219m they spent on Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey is yet to pay full dividends.

Full team news on the way shortly.

By Press Association

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Savannah Guthrie begs mom’s ‘kidnappers’ to return Nancy and declares ‘we will pay’ in new emotional video

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Savannah Guthrie begs mom's 'kidnappers' to return Nancy and declares 'we will pay' in new emotional video

SAVANNAH Guthrie has said she will agree to pay a ransom to the people who are believed to have kidnapped her 84-year-old mom.

The Today Show host filmed a video pleading with Nancy’s suspected captors to return her safely after alleged ransom notes were uncovered.

Savannah Guthrie told her mum’s suspected captors ‘we will pay’ in a message alongside her brother and sisterCredit: Instagram
Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been kidnapped sometime last weekendCredit: NBC Universal
Savannah with her 84-year-old mum on the set of The Today ShowCredit: Getty

Nancy’s three children held hands as Savannah made the announcement alongside sister Annie and brother Camron.

She said in the short video: “We received your message, and we understand.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.

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“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

read more in Nancy Guthrie

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KIDNAP MYSTERY

Police seize car and remove CCTV camera from home of TV star’s missing mum

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ON THE TRAIL

Trump reveals ‘very strong’ clues found in hunt for ‘kidnapped’ TV star’s mum

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What we know about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance…

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No other details about the ransom were mentioned and it remains unclear if the Guthrie family have been in contact with the suspected kidnappers.

It comes after the alleged captors behind Nancy’s abduction reportedly issued two stern deadline demands.

The first deadline was set for 5pm on Thursday with the demands not met.

Snippets of the alleged ransom note have been reported by various news outlets in recent days.

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The letter is said to have demanded millions of dollars in cryptocurrency be transferred to a Bitcoin address.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the Bitcoin address provided in the letter is active.

FBI special agent Heith Janke told reporters on Thursday that authorities had reason to believe the note was legitimate.

It contained details about the crime scene, including what Nancy was last wearing as well as mentions of a flood light that activated on the property.

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Authorities said the note contained information “only the abductors would know”.

Agent Janke added that there was an additional demand with a deadline set for February 9.

This was described by TMZ as being “much more serious”.

Savannah’s latest plea in full

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The Today Show host made an emotional plea alongside her siblings on Saturday.

She said: “We received your message, and we understand.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.

“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

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Arizona cops and the FBI are still searching for any signs of Nancy as they continue to build up their case on her disappearance.

US President Donald Trump revealed that the FBI have some “very strong” clues in the search for the missing mom.

When asked what the clues would help with, Trump replied: “I’m not talking about a search. I’m talking about a solution.”

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Cops were seen swarming Nancy’s Arizona home on Friday as they seized a car and camera wired to the roof.

FBI agents confiscated an SUV from the property where Guthrie is believed to have been kidnapped sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

A tow truck removed the blue Subaru SUV from her home before cops escorted it to an impound lot near Pima County Sheriff’s Office, according to Fox News.

Police were seen towing a blue SUV from her homeCredit: NBC LA
A sign showing support for the Guthrie family in front of Nancy’s houseCredit: Reuters

Investigators did not share why the vehicle had been seized from the property on their third visit to the crime scene.

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Forensic teams were also seen scouring the roof of the Tucson property to retrieve the camera that had been missed in several previous searches.

Blood drops were also found on Nancy’s front step, but detectives have not confirmed who the blood belongs to.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated the force believes the 84-year-old is “still alive”.

A reward of $50,00 is being offered for any information leading to a breakthrough in the case.

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It comes as a man behind fake ransom note texts to the missing woman’s desperate family has been arrested.

Derrick Callella from California was arrested and charged for sending fake text messages demanding payments and making phone calls to Nancy’s family.

Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home on February 1, 2026.

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Timeline:

  • January 31, 5:32 pm: Nancy Guthrie jumps in an Uber and travels to a relative’s house for dinner.
  • January 31, 9:48 pm: Family members drop off Nancy, 84, at her home in Tucson, Arizona, after having dinner with her.
  • January 31, 9:50 pm: Nancy’s garage door closes.
  • February 1, 1:47 am: Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnects.
  • February 1, 2:12 am: Software detects person on camera (No video available, no subscription).
  • February 1, 2:28 am: Nancy’s pacemaker app shows disconnect from her phone.
  • February 1, 11:00 am: A parishioner at Nancy’s church calls the mom’s children and says she failed to show up for service.
  • February 1, 11:56 am: The family goes to Nancy’s home to check on her.
  • February 1, 12:03 pm: A 911 to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department is placed by the family.
  • February 1, 12:15 pm: Pima County deputies arrive at Nancy’s residence.
  • February 1, 8:55 pm: The Pima County Sheriff’s Office gives their first press conference, and reveals some clues found at Nancy’s home caused “grave concern.” They say helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras are all being utilized in the search.
  • February 2, 9:17 am: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says search crews have been pulled back, as Nancy’s home is considered a crime scene.
  • February 2, morning: Savannah releases a statement that’s read by her co-hosts on Today, and thanks supporters for their prayers.
  • February 2, evening: Nanos tells the media they fear Nancy has been abducted.
  • February 3: Nanos admits they have no suspects, no leads, and no videos that could lead to Nancy’s recovery. He and the FBI beg for more tips and accounts from residents.
  • February 3: A trail of blood is pictured outside Nancy’s home, where there were reportedly signs of forced entry.
  • February 6: Police seize car from Nancy’s home
  • February 7: Savannah says ‘we will pay’ ransom for her mom’s return
Cops have been around the home of Nancy searching for cluesCredit: Reuters
President Donald Trump speaks told reporters that new evidence is being probedCredit: AP

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Savannah Guthrie pleads for safe return of mother, says ‘We will pay’

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Savannah Guthrie pleads for safe return of mother, says 'We will pay'

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Savannah Guthrie told the potential kidnappers of her mother Nancy Guthrie on Saturday that the family is prepared to pay for her safe return, as the frantic search for the 84-year-old Arizona resident has entered a seventh day.

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she said in a video posted on social media, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

Guthrie was referencing a message that was sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday afternoon, according to Kevin Smith, a spokesperson for the FBI office in Phoenix.

KOLD said it received an email related to the Guthrie case on social media that day but declined to share specific details about its contents as the FBI conducted its review.

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The station was one of multiple press outlets that received alleged ransom letters during the week. At least one letter made monetary demands and established Thursday evening and the following Monday evening as deadlines.

In a news conference Thursday, law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously. They also said one letter referenced Nancy Guthrie’s Apple watch and a specific feature of her property.

The video released Saturday was the third this week that pleaded with potential kidnappers.

No suspects identified

Investigators think Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson last weekend. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said. Authorities have not identified any suspects or ruled anyone out.

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The sheriff said Friday that he was frustrated that a camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home was not able to capture images of anyone the day she went missing.

Investigators have found that the home’s doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday and that software data recorded movement at the home minutes later. But Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so none of the images were able to be recovered.

“It is concerning, it’s actually almost disappointing, because you’ve got your hopes up,” Nanos told The Associated Press in an interview. “OK, they got an image. ‘Well, we do, but we don’t.’”

President Donald Trump, speaking on Air Force One on Friday, said the investigation was going “very well.”

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“We have some clues that I think are very strong,” Trump said, while en route to his Florida estate. “We have some things that may be coming out reasonably soon.”

Investigators return to scene

They were back in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood on Friday.

The sheriff’s department posted on social media to say access was restricted to the road in front of the home to give investigators space. Journalists staked out there were directed to move.

The Catalina Foothills Association, a neighborhood group, told residents in a letter that authorities were resuming searches in the area immediately.

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“I know we all stand together in our collective disbelief and sadness and greatly appreciate your willingness to speak with law enforcement, share camera images and allow searches of your properties,” the association president said in the letter.

The sheriff said Thursday that investigators have not given up on trying to retrieve camera recordings.

“I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here’s a picture, here’s your bad guy. But it’s not,” Nanos told the AP. “There are pieces of information that come to us from these tech groups that say ‘this is what we have and we can’t get anymore.’”

The sheriff also said he had no new information about the note to the TV station or other purported ransom letters sent to some media outlets, saying the FBI is handling that side of the investigation.

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Meanwhile concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health condition has grown, because authorities say she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

“Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day,” Nanos said. “She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they’re getting that medication to her.”

The kidnapping has captured the attention of Americans, including Trump, who said he was directing federal authorities to help investigate.

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Newcastle 2-3 Brentford: How much pressure is Howe really under?

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Dango Ouattara scores for Brentford against Newcastle United on 7 February, 2026

Such esteem should not come as a surprise.

This is a manager who ended Newcastle‘s seven-decade wait for a major domestic trophy less than a year ago, and who led his side to Champions League qualification in 2025 and 2023.

It is why Howe commanded instant respect from chief executive David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson when they were finally appointed earlier this season.

The pair have quickly struck up a relationship with Howe, and have repeatedly talked about the importance of alignment behind the scenes at a time when there have been very public ructions at clubs elsewhere.

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There has been a degree of an understanding that this side are in transition following a turbulent summer.

There is also a recognition behind the scenes that the incredibly hands-on Howe has not had much training time with his players, and has had to contend with fatigue and injuries during a relentless schedule this season, which is a relatively new phenomenon for Newcastle.

Newcastle have a strong chance of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League, and have an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa to come next week, but this season is unravelling. Fast.

No teams have dropped more points from winning positions in the league than Newcastle (19).

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Howe’s team have only won three away games in all competitions this season, and have lost three of their last four matches at St James’ Park.

They are as close to the relegation zone as they are the top five.

Such statistics are all the more damning in a week during which Hopkinson doubled down on his assertion that Newcastle would be competing for the biggest prizes by 2030.

Howe certainly needs no reminding that he needs to spark a turnaround sooner rather than later.

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“I’ve got to work better, do more and take full responsibility for everything you see on the pitch,” he said.

“I’ve got to work out solutions. That’s for me to do and it’s the same for the players.

“I have to ask them to be really honest with themselves and look at their best level and judge how we are playing against that now in this current moment.

“I don’t think there’s too many who could say they’re playing towards their best so that gives us growth to improve.”

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Boxing: Nick Ball knocked out by Brandon Figueroa to lose world title fight in Liverpool

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Brandon Figueroa punches Nick Ball and his face contorts

Figueroa, 29, lived up to his moniker, ‘Heartbreaker’, on a deflating and sorrowful night for ‘Wrecking’ Ball and the Liverpool crowd.

The challenger was met by a chorus of jeers on his ring walk, the 7,500-capacity arena close to full and firmly partisan. Figueroa blew kisses to his loved ones and stood calmly in his corner as the noise swelled for Ball.

The Kirkby-born fighter was given a proper hometown reception. From John Conteh to Natasha Jonas, Liverpool has never been shy of producing world champions, and Ball is the latest to have carried on that proud tradition.

The contest began at a frantic pace. Ball threw 145 punches across the opening three rounds – including sharp uppercuts in the first and second – with Figueroa throwing 204 times.

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At just 5ft 2in, Ball conceded seven inches in height but dismissed the idea that was a disadvantage beforehand, insisting he preferred “punching up” at taller opponents.

As blood trickled from the champion’s nose and reddened his mouth, Figueroa continued to press and appeared the fresher man at the halfway mark.

Ball responded with a blistering flurry in the eighth. Figueroa winced, smiled and fired back to the body. With some tight rounds, the fight felt finely poised and destined to go to the scorecards.

“Championship rounds. This is your territory now,” Ball’s corner told him.

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There was nervousness in the arena, but nobody predicted such an abrupt ending.

With Ball scrambling on the floor after the initial left, he admirably rose on the count of nine.

But Figueroa sensed the finish and unloaded – a left-right-left combination completing the job for the Texan.

During the melee that followed the stoppage, Andrew Cain, a member of Ball’s team who won his own fight on the undercard, appeared to aim a kick at one of Figueroa’s cornerman.

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Tensions were calmed quickly, and scorecards revealed the knockout was the icing on the cake for Figueroa, who was ahead of two of the three scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

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Police name man found dead at Peterborough house

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Cambridgeshire Live

A man has been charged with murder in relation to his death

A man found dead at a house in Peterborough has been named as Imran Bashir. A murder investigation was launched by police after the death of a man at a property on Gladstone Street, Millfield, in Peterborough.

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Police were called to the area at around 10.45am on Wednesday, February 4. The 50-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paying tribute to Mr Bashir, his family said: “Though his life was taken far too soon, his love was not. It lives on in the memories he created the values he passed down, and the lives he shaped forever. He will be remembered not for the way he died, but for the way he lived – and for the love he gave so freely.

“He is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We love you and you will be missed for the rest of our lives. Your kids are devastated with this loss, and no one will ever be able to ease this sorrow, grief and pain. As a family, we kindly ask for respect and understanding during this difficult time, and we are grateful for your support and prayers. Keep praying for us.”

Filippo Femminile, 31, of Ellindon, Bretton, has been charged with murder. He appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court this morning (February 7) and has been remanded in custody to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday (10 February).

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A second man, 37 from Stowmarket, Suffolk, who was arrested on suspicion of murder earlier in the week has been bailed.

Anyone with any information is urged to report it online or via 101, quoting Op Venia.

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Gemma Collins shares new look as she goes makeup-free in post-birthday snap

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Daily Mirror

Gemma Collins shared an update as she relaxed in the Cotswolds just days after she celebrated turning 45 and looked back on her impressive rise to fame over the years

Reality TV star Gemma Collins has stunned fans with her new natural makeup-free look.

The Towie legend, 45, shared an update with her fans as she relaxed in the Cotswolds. Wearing a chocolate brown hat adorned with a feather and a cream tutrle-neck jumper, fresh-faced Gemma smiled for a selfie.

She captioned the photo “Feeling at peace, rooted, and quietly whole. There’s something about the Cotswolds that slows the breath, softens the heart, and reminds my soul exactly where it belongs. Missing my love @rami_hawash.”

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Fans took to the comments to share their love for Gemman, one wrote: “Absolutely best photo ever,” another said: “Looking so serene, relaxed and happy Gemma.”

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It comes after Gemma celebrated turning 45 last weekend and shared a snap of her smiling on the slopes on her special day. As part of her birthday post she opened up on having her “dream career” before offering up a motivational quote. The GC told her Instagram followers: “Grateful to be turning 45, deeply in love with my dream career, and walking proof that where you start never limits where you can go.

“From Romford to St Moritz, this journey is about belief, courage, and showing others that dreams are meant to be lived out loud. If I can do it, so can you.”

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Gemma went on: “I didn’t start with shortcuts or silver spoons. I started with belief. Belief that where you come from does not define where you’re going. Belief that your story can stretch further than your postcode.

“From Romford to St Moritz, I’ve learned this: Dreams don’t respond to doubt, they respond to action. You don’t need permission to grow, only the courage to begin. There will be moments when people don’t see your vision.

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That’s not your sign to stop, that’s your sign to lead. Keep showing up. Keep refining. Keep becoming.”

As she added that “success isn’t about age, background, or timing,” Gemma said it is more about “resilience, consistency, and staying true to who you are even when no one is applauding yet”. Gemma added: “If you’re listening to this and wondering if it’s too late, too far, or too much let me tell you: it’s not. Your journey is valid. Your dreams are calling. And your next chapter can be your most powerful one yet.

“Walk boldly. Dream unapologetically. And remember: where you start is only the opening line, not the ending.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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Italian police fire tear gas at protesters near Olympics venue | World News

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Italian police fire tear gas at protesters near Olympics venue | World News

Italian police have fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters who threw firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at them near a Winter Olympics venue.

Officers in riot gear and with shields confronted about 100 protesters, some of whom wore hoods and scarves to cover their faces, after they broke away from a main demonstration and appeared to be trying to reach the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink.

A group of protesters also set off smoke bombs and firecrackers about half a mile (800 metres) from the Olympic Village, where around 1,500 athletes are staying.

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Fireworks explode near a police water cannon used against protesters near the Santagiulia venue. Pic: Reuters

Fireworks explode in the sky over police officers. Pic: Reuters
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Fireworks explode in the sky over police officers. Pic: Reuters

Six people were arrested during the altercation, according to police sources.

The main demonstration saw an estimated 10,000 people taking to the streets of Milan on Saturday, on the first full day of the Winter Olympics, to protest against the environmental, economic and social impact of the Games.

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Protesters and police clash as the splinter protest turns violent. Pic: AP
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Protesters and police clash as the splinter protest turns violent. Pic: AP

Protesters take cover as police use a water cannon against them. Pic: Reuters
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Protesters take cover as police use a water cannon against them. Pic: Reuters

Olympic infrastructure projects criticised

The march was organised by grassroots unions, housing-rights groups and social centre community activists.

Protesters carried cardboard cutouts of trees to represent the trees that were felled to build the new bobsled run in Cortina for the Olympics, arguing that infrastructure projects like this have damaged the environment in mountain communities.

Protesters carry cardboard cutouts of trees. Pic: Reuters
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Protesters carry cardboard cutouts of trees. Pic: Reuters

Protesters hold smoke flares during a protest against the environmental impacts of the Olympics. Pic: Reuters
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Protesters hold smoke flares during a protest against the environmental impacts of the Olympics. Pic: Reuters

“They bypassed the laws that usually are needed for major infrastructure projects, citing urgency for the Games,” one protester said, adding that he was concerned that the private company organising the event would eventually pass on debt to Italian taxpayers.

The International Olympic Committee argues that the Games largely use existing facilities, making them more sustainable.

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Police brought the splinter group of violent protesters under control before the main demonstration finished, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

‘ICE out’ signs

Some protesters said they were opposed to the deployment of US immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents to Italy to provide security to the US delegation of athletes, following previous protests in the buildup to the Games.

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Some signs read: 'ICE out' and 'Meloni's government is destroying the rule of law'. Pic: Reuters
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Some signs read: ‘ICE out’ and ‘Meloni’s government is destroying the rule of law’. Pic: Reuters

US Homeland Security Investigations, an ICE unit that focuses on cross-border crimes, often sends officers to events abroad like the Olympics to help with security.

The ICE unit used to crack down on immigration in the US is known as Enforcement and Removal Operations, and there is no indication its officers have been deployed to Italy.

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Blue Peter star who was sacked remembered 30 years after tragic death

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Daily Record

Michael Sundin joined the iconic show in the 1980s but his life and career were cut short by an AIDS-related illness.

A former Blue Peter presenter is being remembered 30 years after his tragic death at just 28.

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Michael Sundin joined the iconic children’s TV show in 1984, having already built an impressive career at a remarkably young age. By 12, he was a trampolining champion — a skill that helped him land the coveted presenting role.

Before Blue Peter, Michael had appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats and played Tik-Tok in Disney’s Return to Oz. He caught the attention of producers during an interview with presenter Janet Ellis and was hired to present the show alongside her and Simon Groom, reports the Mirror.

Taking over from Peter Duncan, Michael quickly became known for his high-energy, adventurous style, travelling to film sets and even visiting Elton John’s home. But despite his on-screen charisma, his time on the programme lasted less than a year after his contract was not renewed.

Michael died in 1989 from an AIDS-related illness. He was just 28.

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Friends described him as a “blond, outgoing, gregarious ball of fun”, but his brief stint on Blue Peter was clouded by controversy. During his time on the show, he was outed as gay by the press — a move many believe played a role in his departure.

While then editor Biddy Baxter publicly blamed his exit on a lack of viewer appeal, others have long suggested his sexuality was the real reason. In a 2007 interview, Baxter dismissed those claims, saying: “It was his leaving the programme because children didn’t like him — nothing to do with his sexual proclivities.”

After leaving Blue Peter, Michael continued acting, starring in the 1987 film Lionheart, touring in stage productions including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Starlight Express, and appearing in Rick Astley’s 1988 video for She Wants to Dance With Me.

That same year, he became seriously ill. Early reports said he had died from liver cancer, though it was later confirmed his death was AIDS-related. He passed away at Newcastle General Hospital.

This week, film archive group The Elstree Project paid tribute to Michael’s remarkable work as Tik-Tok in Return to Oz, highlighting the extreme physical demands of the role.

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They said Michael was responsible for giving the rigid copper robot its movement and personality, performing folded inside a small Kevlar suit, walking backwards throughout filming while relying on an upside-down, reversed monitor to navigate the set.

Walter Murch, the project’s oral history director, said Michael’s contribution was largely erased after his death due to stigma surrounding AIDS at the time.

He said: “There was only a small on-air acknowledgement of his passing on Blue Peter, with no retrospective of his work. In an era marked by silence and stigma, much of his contribution was quietly forgotten.”

Following his death, Blue Peter presenter Yvette Fielding paid tribute on air, saying: “Michael had been ill for a little while but the news of his death came as a great shock to all of us.”

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Three decades on, Michael Sundin is being remembered not only as a talented performer and presenter, but as someone whose legacy deserves long-overdue recognition.

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England tear Wales apart to get Six Nations title bid under way

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England tear Wales apart to get Six Nations title bid under way

Scoring sequence: 3-0 Ford pen, 8-0 Arundell try, 10-0, Ford con, 15-0 Arundell try, 20-0 Earl try, 22-0 Ford con, 27-0 Arundell try, 29-0 Ford con, 34-0 Roebuck try, 36-0 Ford try, 36-5 Adams try, 36-7 Edwards con, 43-7 pen try, 48-7 Freeman try.

England: F Steward (M Smith 64); T Roebuck (H Pollock 64), T Freeman, F Dingwall, H Arundell; G Ford, A Mitchell (B Spencer 66); E Genge (B Rodd 40), J George (L Cowan-Dickie 51), J Heyes (T Davison 51), A Coles, O Chessum, G Pepper, S Underhill (T Curry 51), B Earl.

Sin-bin: M Itoje, T Curry.

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Wales: L Rees-Zammit; E Mee (M Grady 52), E James (17-27 L Belcher), B Thomas, J Adams; D Edwards, T Williams (K Hardy 78); N Smith (R Carre 51), D Lake (L Belcher 66), A Griffin (T Francis 50), D Jenkins, A Beard (B Carter 69), A Mann (T Plumtree 50), J Macleod (H Deaves 52), A Wainwright.

Sin-bin: N Smith, D Lake, B Thomas, T Plumtree.

Referee: P Brousset (FFR).

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Probe into Newton Hall home attack after bullets shot

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Probe into Newton Hall home attack after bullets shot

Durham Police were called following reports that shots had been fired at a property on Featherstone Road in Newton Hall at about 9.40am yesterday (February 6).

Pictures taken at the scene show damage to a window at the home, where bullets appear to have hit the glass, as officers press on with enquiries.

The police probe into a ‘targeted attack’ at a home on Featherstone Road in Newton Hall is continuing (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The two occupants inside the house at the time were uninjured and have since been safeguarded by police.

An investigation remains ongoing and officers have stepped up patrols in the area, but police have said they believe it to be a targeted attack.

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The police probe into a ‘targeted attack’ at a home on Featherstone Road in Newton Hall is continuing (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Fuller, who is leading the investigation, said: “We understand that this incident will have caused a great deal of concern and alarm in the local community.

“From our enquiries conducted so far, we believe this was a targeted attack. There will be increased neighbourhood policing patrols in the area to provide reassurance to local residents.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to please report it, either directly to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage from the Featherstone Drive area at the time of the incident.”

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The police probe into a ‘targeted attack’ at a home on Featherstone Road in Newton Hall is continuing (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The police probe into a ‘targeted attack’ at a home on Featherstone Road in Newton Hall is continuing (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 58 of February 6.

Durham Police can also be contacted online at www.durham.police.uk.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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