As well as our MEN hustings, we’ll also be bringing you updates from the Makerfield by-election campaigns and the wider politics events of the day.

Labour have now accused Reform of “dragging politics into the gutter” after one of the party’s councillors posted a fake poll about the by-election.

Sarah Mason claimed Reform and Labour are neck-and-neck a week out from polling day, with both candidates at 44 per cent. The Scarborough councillor has now deleted the post.

A Labour Party Spokesperson, responding to reports of Reform misinformation, said: “Reform are dragging politics into the gutter. They’re stooping to new lows online because they know Robert Kenyon isn’t fit to be an MP – yet they won’t admit it.

“Instead of spreading misinformation online they should be forcing their candidate to apologise to the public for the vile comments he’s made about women and disgusting false narratives he’s peddled over the Manchester Arena bombing.

“While Reform continues to be mired in scandal and they reach for desperate underhand tactics, Labour’s Andy Burnham is determined to deliver the investment and fairer future all communities across Makerfield deserve. Send Reform packing next week – vote for Labour’s Andy Burnham on Thursday 18 June.”

The stand-off between Ten Hag and Sancho lasted four months, before Sancho joined Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the season and helped them reach the Champions League final.

But they could not afford to keep him and, although United sporting director Dan Ashworth was credited with brokering the truce that allowed Sancho to join up with United in the pre-season of 2024, it was a temporary situation, which Chelsea seemed to solve by agreeing a loan that committed them to a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Yet, after five goals in 41 appearances, Chelsea preferred to pay a £5m penalty to send Sancho back to Old Trafford.

This time, there was no olive branch. Sancho was placed in Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ and had to train away from the first team until he joined Villa on 1 September.

Now United have decided not to trigger the one-year option.

At 25, Sancho still has a lot to offer. There were glimpses of quality during his time at Villa, but he was only introduced off the bench nine minutes from the end of the Europa League final victory over Freiburg on 20 May.

“Seeing Jadon close up, technically, he’s got an awful lot of ability,” said current United interim head coach Michael Carrick when he was asked about Sancho in March.

Carrick worked with Sancho as part of Solskjaer’s backroom team and managed him for three games during his short stint in charge after the Norwegian’s dismissal.

“In and around the box; his ball carrying; his little plays; the connections; his creativity; the way he handles the ball – he’s got natural ability,” said Carrick.

“He’s always had it all the way coming through. That’s one part of football.

“But – and I’m not talking about Jadon individually on this – it is just how it is and how it should be.

“You can’t just assume it’s all going to be smooth. It’s proven that it’s not always like that.

“You’ve got to find a way through it. If you are playing in a good team with good players and a good squad and depth, that’s part of the challenge to stay at the top.”

Footage emerged of the team appearing to be searched on the airport tarmac during their journey to the World Cup, but a statement has now been released clarifying the pictures

The Senegal Football Federation has released a statement clarifying the situation surrounding their arrival in the USA for the World Cup. Footage emerged online appearing to show players and staff members being screened and searched on the airport tarmac.

The videos prompted widespread criticism online. Among those to take aim at the footage was former England striker and pundit Ian Wright.

The incident came at a similar time as when Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the country. He was turned away after an 11-hour-long interview at border control.

Senegal have now moved to explain the situation, clarifying that the checks actually took place before the team’s arrival in San Antonio. They also explain that the checks were pre-arranged.

“Following the circulation on social media of a video showing players and staff members of the Senegal national team undergoing a security check on an airport tarmac, we wish to provide the following clarifications in order to avoid any erroneous interpretation,” the statement read.

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“Contrary to certain reported information, this check did not take place upon the team’s arrival in San Antonio, but rather at the time of boarding at Raleigh airport on Sunday, June 7, 2026, before the flight’s departure.

“As part of the logistical organisation of the trip, the bus carrying the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly onto the airport tarmac.

“This procedure allowed the players and staff members to complete all security and police checks directly at the foot of the aircraft, without having to pass through the usual areas of the terminal and the boarding lounges.

“This arrangement was essentially aimed at optimising the travel time of the delegation and facilitating its boarding on the private flight to San Antonio.

“We wish to emphasise that this procedure took place in compliance with the airport security rules in force and that no particular incident was reported.

“The private flight connecting Raleigh to San Antonio took place under excellent conditions, and the entire delegation arrived at its destination normally.”

Senegal were in action in the early hours of the morning as they drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. The game saw Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson receive a red card. The nation takes on France, Norway and Iraq in their group stage games.

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Police are responding to reports of three gunshots heard.

The incident was reported at 10.29pm yesterday evening (June 9) on Brascote Lane in Newbold Verdon, a village in Leicestershire.

According to a man, two shots were allegedly fired into a car and one through the front door of a property.

A large, burning cross was discovered at a Chicago park on Tuesday afternoon, and police said they are investigating how it ended up there and the motive behind it.

Video taken by a motorist shows the wooden cross engulfed in bright orange flames as it leans against a tree in Grant Park, a popular area near Lake Michigan. The Chicago Fire Department confirmed the flaming object was a cross, and said officials put out the fire.

Chicago Police said there were no reports of injuries and that they are investigating the motive and circumstances around the “object on fire.”

Keinika Carlton, 43, was driving home from running errands with her daughter and mother-in-law when they saw the cross on fire. She said she felt a combination of shock, sadness, disgust, as well as curiosity.

“Is this a racial thing? Is this a religious thing?” she said. “As Black women, of course, our first thought is racial, because burning crosses are known to be used as a tactic, an act of violence toward Black Americans in the South.”

Carlton estimated the cross was at least 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall. The experience was new to all of them, including Carlton’s mother-in-law, who grew up in Kentucky.

Carlton said as they slowed down to shoot a video of the flames, she saw around her other cars slowing down and people walking nearby, staring at the cross burning.

While the motive behind the burning cross was not immediately clear, cross burnings in the U.S. have historically been seen as “symbols of hate” that are “inextricably intertwined with the history of the Ku Klux Klan,” according to a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision written by the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. The justices ruled that the First Amendment allows bans on cross burnings only when they are intended to intimidate because the action “is a particularly virulent form of intimidation.”

Alyna Carlton, 22, said she never thought she would see something like that in her lifetime.

“It kind of really opened my eyes, had me realize that I’m not that far removed from the past.”

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong authorities on Wednesday charged seven people and two companies with offenses including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud over the city’s deadliest fire in decades.

The massive blaze engulfed seven apartment buildings and killed 168 people on Nov. 26, 2025. Former residents and relatives of the dead have been waiting for answers for months after the fire shattered the close-knit community of Wang Fuk Court, which housed thousands of people in the suburban district of Tai Po.

In a statement on Wednesday, authorities said police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption charged the suspects with 25 counts. Money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice and tax evasion were also among the allegations.

The seven people played different roles in the major renovation project of Wang Fuk Court. The two companies charged are the project consultancy firm, Will Power Architects Company, and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., the main contractor involved in the project.

The seven defendants, Wong Hap-yin, Hau Wa-kin, Ho Kin-yip, Ng Yeuk, Hung Kwok-wai, Chung So-fan and Lin Min, were brought to court Wednesday afternoon. Authorities said they included directors of the two companies and a registered inspector of Will Power.

The defendants told the court that they understood the charges, and most appeared calm.

In March, police said they arrested 38 people on accusations related to the fire, including manslaughter and fraud. Nine have been charged, police said. The anti-graft agency said in the same month that they also arrested 23 people on suspicion of offenses such as bribery and conspiracy to defraud.

Victor Dawes, a lawyer representing an independent committee conducting an ongoing inquiry into the fire’s cause, previously said almost all fire safety systems failed on the day of the blaze because of human error.

He signed off from Thursday’s show by telling listeners “see you next week” but did not appear on Monday evening, with the BBC saying that Mr Livesey had asked to take a break from presenting the show for a “short time” while the corporation considers the issues raised by the investigation.

The million-selling singer took to the stage at St George’s Venue in Hartlepool, delivering a sold-out acoustic performance alongside long-time collaborator Carmelo Luggeri.

The show featured reinterpretations of her classic hits, including Loving and Free, I’ve Got The Music In Me, and her iconic duet with Elton John, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, which has now surpassed 1.1 billion Spotify streams.

The stunning St George’s Venue in Hartlepool as Kiki Dee & Carmello appear on stage (Image: Goffy Media)

But the night took an unexpected turn when the duo realised after leaving the stage that they had missed out Amoureuse, one of Kiki’s most beloved songs.

In a rare move, they returned to the stage to perform the track live for fans.

Kiki said: “It was the first time we’ve had to reassemble the audience, but we all laughed about it as we hooked up again to restart.

“I’ve loved playing Hartlepool.

“We’ve played a few churches now and they have an ambience all of their own.

“It was great to look out and see so many happy faces joining in with us.

“St George’s Venue is a terrific place and we would be delighted to return one day.”

The performance is one of the latest in a series of high-profile events at St George’s Venue, inside St George’s Church at the corner of York Road and Park Road.

Carmelo Luggeri, an English-born guitarist, composer, and producer of Italian heritage, has toured with Kiki for over 30 years across the UK and Europe.

The show in Hartlepool was praised by organisers as further evidence of the venue’s growing reputation as a destination for major touring artists.

Paul Rodgers, events co-ordinator at St George’s Venue, said: “The feedback has been fantastic.

“Following on from our recent event with Ashley Campbell, daughter of Glen Campbell, we really feel the positive response from people who are sampling what we do and more importantly returning with family and friends.”

The appearance is the latest in a run of high-profile live events at St George’s Venue, as Hartlepool continues to attract established names from the UK music scene to its intimate performance setting.

Róis Máire Donnelly has said police told her threats had been made against her life

The new Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis Máire Donnelly has said that threats have been made against her life.

The new Sinn Fein mayor, who took over the office from DUP councillor Tracy Kelly on June 1, has said that police visited her home last night to tell her they had been made aware of threats against her life and told her to take extra precautions.

She has respoonded by saying it “will not deter” her from doing her role as Mayor.

The Lord Mayor has also expressed her solidarity with the victim of a “vicious” knife attack in North Belfast and thanked those who intervened to save the victim’s life.

She has also condemned the widespread violent racist attacks in Belfast on Tuesday evening saying those involved should be ashamed.

Róis Máire Donnelly said: “Last night, Tuesday 9th June, I was visited at home by the PSNI. The police informed me that threats had been made against my life and advised me to take extra precautions regarding my personal security.

“I want to make it clear that these threats will not deter me from fulfilling my role as Mayor of this great city. I will continue to represent everyone.

“I want to express my full solidarity with the victim of the vicious attack in North Belfast on Monday evening, and also with the community heroes who intervened and saved the victim’s life. They deserve our enormous gratitude for their heroic actions.

“Belfast is home to many people who have come here from other countries and who have made this city their home, who have worked hard, who have looked after our friends and family in our hospitals in their time of need, who have opened businesses and created jobs, and who have become valued members of our community.

“We must stand with these people now in their time of need.

“Those people who took part in violent racist attacks and destruction last night should be ashamed.

“Burning family homes, burning businesses, burning buses and cars, destroying all round them. Young children being evacuated from their home carrying their teddy bears.

“It is disgraceful and disgusting. It is racism, it is intimidation, and it is absolute thuggery.

“I call on those involved in this violence to stop, and stop now. You do not represent Belfast.”

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The third day of a sentencing hearing of 30 people involved in the Ely riots has heard how one of the defendants was a “stone and missile thrower” during the initial escalation.

Matthew Cobbe, prosecuting, has told the two-week sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court how McKenzie Pring arrived at the scene shortly after the collision and watched from a short distance until the disorder began to escalate.

“He became involved in the first flurry of stone throwing, gathered stones from a nearby garden, and threw them at police,” Mr Cobbe told a busy courtroom on Wednesday morning as footage of Pring’s involvement was played to the court.

Pring was arrested and made no comment at police interview. The court heard he has two previous convictions for offences including of section 20 and section 18 assaults, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a knife and possession of cannabis.

In mitigation Andrew Taylor said his client Pring should have 20% credit for his guilty plea. The barrister highlighted the defendant was 18 at the time of the riots and was a “good friend” of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, whose deaths while riding an electric bike through the streets of Ely sparked the ensuing riots on May 22, 2023.

The two young boys were involved in a fatal collision and were later pronounced dead at the scene. Around 150 people attended the riot which saw hours of violence and vandalism take place on the streets on and near Wilson Road in the west Cardiff suburb.

Moments after the collision large crowds consisting of members of the close-knit community of Ely came out to witness the horror as it unfolded. Shock and sadness quickly turned to distress and anger at how the police were handling the scene and as rumours circulated online that the police were responsible for the death of Kyrees and Harvey, who had previously been pursued by a police van.

The mothers of the two teenagers attempted to run to their children, grief-stricken and in desperation, but their path was blocked by the police. After the deaths of Kyrees and Harvey had been confirmed the boys remained lying dead on the floor.

The trials of the rioters at Cardiff Crown Court last year heard police officers set up a cordon to protect the scene. As time went on a larger proportion of the crowd became hostile towards the police with that hostility quickly escalating to the point the police were facing a flat-out riot.

Hundreds of officers were directed to assist colleagues as missiles were thrown from the crowd including bottles, bricks, plasterboard, and fireworks. Cars parked in the street were rolled over and set alight, doors were taken off their hinges and thrown at officers, mattresses were set alight, and petrol bombs were thrown with one police officer engulfed in flames.

On Wednesday, defendants Jamie Jones, Jayden Westcott, and Lianna Tucker are also due to be sentenced in the morning before Keiron Beccano, Jordan Webster and Jasmine Smith in the afternoon.

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