A 46-year-old man was arrested by police and later charged

Residents were evacuated from their homes after reports of a “suspicious device” at a Cambridgeshire property. Cambridgeshire Police were called to the incident at a property in Cathwaite, Paston, Peterborough just before 9.30pm on Wednesday (April 22).

Officers evacuated nearby residents as a “precaution” and it was later confirmed the device was not “viable”. A 46-year-old man was arrested by police.

A police spokesperson said: “Luke Plumridge, 46, of Cathwaite, Paston, Peterborough, has been charged with threatening to destroy/damage property.” Plumridge appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates Court on Thursday (April 23), where he indicated guilty to the charge.

He was remanded on unconditional bail until June 2. Plumridge is set to appear at Peterborough Magistrates Court on June 2 for sentencing.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

Dragons beat Zebre 19-18 thanks to a late try that secured a first victory away from home in the URC since 2022

The Dragons won away from home in the United Rugby Championship for the first time in four years after a last gasp try from wing David Richards sealed a dramatic comeback. It was their first win outside of Wales in the competition since 2021.

Dragons trailed 18-14 in the final minute before Richards dived over to snatch his side a rare win on the road and lift them up to 14th in the table above Welsh rivals Scarlets.

It also gives them a huge boost before their Challenge Cup semi-final in Montpelier next month.

Wing Jared Rosser’s try gave Dragons a 7-3 half-time lead, but they fell behind early in the second period when Zebre hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo touched down.

Dragons retook the lead through second row Ben Carter’s 67th-minute try before Zebre responded again to go 18-14 ahead when Samuele Locatelli went over for their second try.

But in the final play of the game Dragons threw the ball wide and Richards raced on to fly-half Tinus de Beer’s superb flicked pass to go over in the corner.

Dragons co-captain Angus O’Brien said: “We knew it was going to be tough after we came here two weeks ago in the European competition.

“Zebre put up a massive performance but I am proud of how we fought until the very last minute.

“That’s two of the last four games that we have won with the last play and that shows the character and grit of this team.”

Get your blueberries to go the extra mile with an easy wash with water and one simple kitchen staple.

For every couple of fresh blueberries you pop into your mouth and enjoy, there are always a few that end up mushy or covered in fuzzy mould in the blink of an eye. As juicy and delectable as these fresh berries are, they’re also an impossibly delicate fruit.

Blueberries may be small, but they can carry a lot of residues of pesticides, dirt, and bacteria. If you’re rinsing them under plain water and calling it a day, it might be time to level up your berry-cleaning game for them to stay fresh for longer.

With this in mind, food storage expert Amy Cross took to her Instagram page @thecrosslegacy to share her go-to method for keeping blueberries “long-lasting”.

Amy claims that blueberries are “one of the longest-lasting berries”, when they are stored correctly.

She said: “When you wash and store them correctly, they can stay fresh for six to eight weeks.”

All you have to do is fill a large bowl with water, put in the blueberries, and add in one quarter of a cup of 5% distilled white vinegar.

Then set a timer for two minutes and allow the blueberries to soak in the vinegar rinse.

After that time, you can drain the blueberries using a colander and give them a quick rinse. The rinse will remove any debris left behind from washing.

Once the blueberries are rinsed, lay them out to dry in a single layer on a cloth towel. Let them dry for several hours until they are bone dry.

After the blueberries have dried for a few hours, they are ready to be put away. Amy said that she prefers putting them in mason jars before storing the fruit in the fridge.

You can use a jar with a metal or plastic lid for blueberries, as well as any other type of berries in a jar.

A paper towel should be placed at the bottom of the jar to collect any excess moisture.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department will adopt firing squads as a permitted method of execution as the Trump administration moves to ramp up and expedite capital punishment cases, officials said Friday.

The Justice Department is also reauthorizing the use of single-drug lethal injections with pentobarbital that were used to carry out 13 executions during the first Trump administration — more than under any president in modern history. The Biden administration had removed pentobarbital from the federal protocol over concerns about the potential for unnecessary pain and suffering.

The moves were announced as part of a broader push to step up federal executions after a moratorium under the Biden administration. Only three defendants remain on federal death row after Democratic President Joe Biden converted 37 of their sentences to life in prison, though the Trump administration has so far authorized seeking death sentences against 44 defendants.

“The prior administration failed in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice is once again enforcing the law and standing with victims.”

The federal government has not previously included firing squad as a method of execution in its protocols, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Five states currently allow executions by firing squad: Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah.

The pentobarbital protocol was adopted by Bill Barr, attorney general during Trump’s first term, to replace a three-drug mix used in the 2000s, the last time federal executions were carried out before Trump’s first term in office.

Attorney General Merrick Garland in the final days of the Biden administration withdrew the pentobarbital lethal injection policy after a government review of scientific and medical research found there remains “significant uncertainty” about whether its use causes unnecessary pain and suffering.”

In 2020, under Barr’s leadership, the Justice Department published a rule in the Federal Register to allow the federal government to conduct executions by lethal injection or use “any other manner prescribed by the law of the state in which the sentence was imposed.”

A number of states allow other methods of execution, including electrocution, inhaling nitrogen gas or death by firing squad.

The Trump administration, in a report released Friday, said the Biden administration “got the standard and the science wrong.” The Biden administration’s findings, among other things, “failed to address the overwhelming evidence” that an injected with pentobarbital quickly “quickly loses consciousness—rendering him unable to experience pain,” the report said.

Currently on death row are are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history.

“Prison officer numbers and security unfortunately have been depleted over the years due to cutbacks, and violence is totally out of control,” he says. “Prisoners who are serving these sentences do so for a reason, and in the absence of the death penalty – which is an entirely different argument – it demonstrates how dangerous our prisons have become.”

“This is the best hair removal method I’ve tried. It’s so much easier and less painful than waxing or shaving”

Dealing with unwanted body hair can be quite the burden come summer, with many removal methods proving either painful or time-consuming. Whether you’re looking to achieve smooth skin ahead of a holiday or simply want to go hair-free for summer shorts and dresses, we’ve tracked down a deal on a gadget that fans claim made ‘a big difference after a few uses.’

Keskine’s IPL Hair Removal Handset has garnered widespread praise among beauty enthusiasts online – so much so that it carries an impressive rating of 4.9 out of five stars from nearly 4,000 reviews. The device – which provides at-home hair removal – has been engineered to permanently eradicate unwanted body hair from multiple areas of the body.

These include the armpits, legs, face and bikini area. Keskine states that users can expect to notice results in as little as 1 to 4 weeks, with the best results typically achieved in around 6 to 12 weeks.

READ MORE: Shark reduces gadget said to work ‘like an iron’ on wrinkles by mature shoppers

READ MORE: Denise Welch-approved £18 Boots serum for sagging necks has shoppers ‘ageing backwards’

What’s more, the handy device is now available as part of a double discount deal on the retailer’s website. The IPL Hair Removal Handset has been reduced from £299 to £199, but there’s a way for shoppers to save even more with a quick and easy method.

Keskine fans who enter the code SUMMER20 at checkout will see the price drop to just £159.20 – however, they’ll need to act fairly swiftly as this exceptional offer expires on May 31, 2026. While this remains a considerable investment, when salon-goers take into account that a full leg wax can set you back around £30-£40 per session alone depending on the salon and location, the Keskine device works out at roughly the equivalent of five or six salon visits.

Keskine’s IPL device features multiple intensity levels that can be adjusted to suit varying skin sensitivities and target areas. Designed with an ergonomic shape for ease of use, it also boasts a rapid flash rate for swift and effective hair removal, reports the Mirror.

The Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset is available from Keskine

£299

£159.20

Keskine

Buy here

The device targets rough, stubborn hairs with technology aimed at achieving up to 98% hair reduction, while full body treatments can take around 24 minutes.

Advertisement

For those looking at alternatives to Keskine’s device, LookFantastic stocks the FOREO PEACH 2 Go Device in a spring-inspired lavender shade for £269. This is also suitable for use on both faces and bodies, and delivers up to 120 flashes per minute for speedy hair removal.

Over at Boots, the Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL Hair Removal System with connected App and 4 attachment caps PL7387 is for shoppers with a bit more budget to use, as it comes in at £999.99. Complete with real-time guidance, users can monitor their progress with the device at home through a dedicated app.

Keskine’s device still offers the best bang for your buck, though; shoppers who purchased it believe so as well, as they simply can’t stop raving about the IPL Hair Removal Handset. One customer said: “This is the best hair removal method I’ve tried. It’s so much easier and less painful than waxing or shaving. I’ve noticed a big difference after just a few uses.”

Advertisement

Someone else echoed this view, writing: “The device is effective and really simple to operate. It’s pain-free, and I noticed a reduction in hair growth after just a few uses. Definitely a game-changer for my skincare routine.”

Another shopper’s review reads: “I love that I can use this from the comfort of my home instead of booking salon appointments. The convenience alone makes it worth it. Plus, my skin has never felt this soft!”

One hairless shopper described their results as ‘amazing’; they wrote: “I’ve been using this device for a few months now, and the results have been amazing! The process is surprisingly simple and almost painless. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in hair growth, with some areas completely smooth after just a few sessions. My skin also feels softer and healthier overall.”

Advertisement

They went on to say: “It’s such a time-saver compared to constant shaving or waxing, and the convenience of doing it at home makes it even better. Highly recommend!”

One customer awarded a five-star rating, but did point out a minor concern about their skin’s condition after using the Keskine’s IPL device: “Very easy to use. Used for a week and already there is a marked difference. Very happy. Does however dry the skin a little but small price to pay for fuzz free skin!”

Another customer added: “It’s been a couple of weeks, and I already see a huge improvement. My hair growth has slowed, and my skin feels so much smoother. This product is so easy to use!” Another simply stated: “I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s genuinely amazing. I’m hooked.”

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa aired its live final on Friday, where Adam Thomas was crowned the winner

Advertisement

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa was full of drama on Friday night as it aired its live final in London.

The highly-anticipated spin-off reached its end on Friday (April 24), with Adam Thomas being announced as the winner. Adam battled it out alongside Craig Charles, Mo Farah, and Harry Redknapp in a live final that was broadcast from London.

However, fans noticed Adam, 37, looking slightly subdued during his win following a heated altercation with David Haye and Jimmy Bullard just moments before live on air.

David, 45, who found himself in a “bullying” row with Adam on the show which he denied, confronted the Waterloo Road star over his argument with Jimmy, 47, earlier on the live final.

Adam and Jimmy argued on Tuesday’s episode during a trial, where Jimmy decided to quit, which meant Adam, who was paired with him, would have to leave too.

However, Ant and Dec made a U-turn decision, allowing Adam to stay on the show after his fellow campmates agreed he could stay in the competition due to the ‘unfair’ circumstances.

Meanwhile, during the live final, the drama continued when Jimmy gave his version of events, leading to a tense segment that ended with Sinitta and Gemma Collins walking off in frustration while Ant hit back at the former footballer.

Following Adam’s win, hosts Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers caught up with the contestants on I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked Live. Speaking to Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, Gemma Collins and Sinitta, Ashley, 44, made a heartbreaking observation about Adam’s win.

The star said: “I hope Adam enjoys it, I think he’s been through so much, and I just hope that he can take a second, because I feel like he doesn’t feel like he maybe deserves it because he’s won.”

To which Scarlett added: “He does deserve it. It was hard in there, and he was amazing, and he was a friend to us all. It is really disheartening that he didn’t get to have that moment of glory.”

Gemma also said: “The best man won! It was positive, like what is such a shame about tonight, I’m just going to tell it how it is. We had such an amazing experience in there. We had a ball.

“It was tough, it was raw, it was hard. You know, but it was fun. It was fun and I just don’t get where the negativity is coming from.”

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is available to stream on ITVX

Construction crews have moved in on the former Judges County House Hotel to transform it into the “top drawer” Kirklevington Hall. 

The project, led by property developer Chris Musgrave, will feature a new restaurant, events pavilion, and garden lodges alongside a community of premium self-build homes.

Plans for the site were approved by Stockton Borough Council last month, despite concerns of the hotel being a “Trojan horse” for new homes. 

And now, pictures taken this week show how new Kirklevington Hall signs have been erected where the Judges signs used to sit on the entrance to the estate, just off the A67. 

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A large new sign has also recently been put up teasing the “private gated community” of “exclusive self-build plots available by appointment only”. 

Kirklevington Hall was originally constructed in 1888 as a rural retreat for the Richardson family of Hartlepool, remaining a private residence for decades. 

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

It was eventually adapted as lodgings for circuit judges who were visiting the North East to preside over court proceedings and was then developed into Judges.

Judges operated until March 2023 when it suddenly closed its doors and cancelled weddings and events. Shortly after, the building was bought by Mr Musgrave. 

(Image: KYMEL)

Now, the property developer and hotel and restaurant operator Kymel are putting a more than £25 million investment to breathe new life into the site, which was in a “poor state of disrepair” following its closure. 

The development will include a luxury spa and wellness facilities, woodland lodges set within the grounds, a high-end events space within the historic walled garden, the conversion of the former stables for events and hospitality use, and a premium food and beverage offering.

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Once operational, the hotel and spa will create a further 80 to 120 permanent roles across hospitality, wellness, events and estate management functions. 

The construction phase is expected to support between 120 and 180 direct and indirect jobs. 

A sketch of the proposed development at Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: GSSArchitecture)

Mr Musgrave said he wanted to celebrate the site’s heritage while “creating a destination of genuine regional and national appeal”. 

Kymel chairman Paul Mackings said Kirklevington Hall is a “rare opportunity to create a truly special destination, incorporating fine dining and luxury overnight stays to spa breaks, bespoke weddings and high-end events”. 

Self-build plot reservations are now open.

The Maxine Peacock actress revealed that she will be undergoing chemo treatment

Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw has revealed that she is fighting breast cancer in an emotional social media post.

The 52-year-old actress is best known for playing Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap. Tracy made her debut on the cobbles back in 1995.

Known for working with Denise Osbourne (Denise Black) and later Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) in their salon, Maxine was married to Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), but had a dramatic pregnancy story following her affair with Matt Ramsden (Stephen Beckett).

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Sadly, Maxine was infamously murdered by the villainous Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) when she walked in on him attacking Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) with a crowbar. The episode was watched by over 17 million people.

Taking to Instagram on Friday night (April 24), former Weatherfield actress Tracy revealed her diagnosis in a candid video. She captioned her post: “My diagnosis of breast cancer.

“So the journey begins. Love to everyone who is also going through this journey, looking forward to hearing from you all, especially you amazing survivors. Peace.”

Tracy said that she was due to have surgery in two weeks. However, the doctors at the Royal Berkshire Hospital told her she has to have chemo treatment following tests which found HER2 in her cells.

According to the NHS, HER2 is found in all human cells and controls cell growth and repair. High levels of HER2 are found in some types of breast, oesophageal and stomach cancer, which helps the cancer cells grow and survive.

Around 1 in 5 breast and stomach cancers are HER2 positive. HER2 is a protein that promotes cancer cell growth and is found in more aggressive types of the disease.

Speaking in the video, Tracy said: “I have come on just to explain a situation that is happening in my life. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I have to have chemo for five months, then hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the nymph glands out. Thank you for messaging me to check how I am because I haven’t been present.”

The comments section of Tracy’s video saw a host of her former Corrie colleagues and famous friends sending her messages of support and commending her on her honesty.

Jenny Bradley actress Sally Ann Matthews said: “Love you baby girl.” Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, added: “Sending love to you Tracy.”

Denise Welch wrote: “Sending lots of love to you and the boys.” Former EastEnders actress Luisa Bradshaw-White posted: “Sending you massive amounts of love.”

Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan, commented: “Sending you all the love, brilliant you.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, divided opinion with this month’s trip to Australia, with some questioned the nature and purpose of the tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be eyeing another “faux-royal” tour — despite criticism following the Australia trip.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were accused of using their titles for publicity and mixing charitable engagements with commercial ones when they visited Australia this month. The backlash by some became so severe calls were made for the couple to never carry out “royal-style” tours again.

But the defiant pair, who married in 2018 before leaving The Firm just two years later, are now understood to be planning a similar venture — this time across parts of Africa. It is thought Harry and Meghan will visit several large cities and carry out philanthropic projects, just as they did Down Under.

“They’re not calling it a royal tour, but that’s exactly how it’s being designed. Africa is the focus, and the scope is big. Think Commonwealth-level visibility without the royal stamp. It walks like a royal tour, talks like a royal tour, and that’s the issue,” a source said.

READ MORE: Prince Harry proclaims he will ‘always be a part of the Royal Family’ during Ukraine tripREAD MORE: ‘I was crying on my flight home — then Prince Harry said three words I’ll cherish forever’

The destination would be deeply personal for the Duke of Sussex, who has often described Africa as his second home. His first trip there came when he was just 13-years-old, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Recalling the trip, the Duke of Sussex once said: “I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags. We were going to Africa to get away from it all.”

And, with this in mind, the new source told royal journalist Rob Shuter Harry has plans afoot to re-explore parts of the continent. Mr Shuter writes in his substack Naughty But Nice Harry and Meghan are likely to carry out philanthropic engagements, selected media appearances, and revenue-generating opportunities during this jaunt.

But some royal commentators and members of the public questioned the nature and purpose of the Australia trip. Mum-of-two Meghan, 44, was particularly criticised when she encouraging fans to “call me Meg”.

One source familiar with public reaction said: “Encouraging people to basically ‘Call my Meg’ is being seen by critics as a carefully curated attempt to project approachability, but it is clashing with a long-established perception of her as a multi-millionaire figure with exacting, and well-known diva standards. For some, it comes across less as genuine warmth and more as a calculated rebrand that does not entirely ring true.”

Speaking to RadarOnline.com, the insider added: “This kind of informality feels staged, particularly given the level of privilege and expectation that surrounds her, and that disconnect is what people are reacting to so strongly.”