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Meningitis B latest: Cases rise again as 8,000 vaccines given out after students queue for third day

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Meningitis B latest: Cases rise again as 8,000 vaccines given out after students queue for third day
Cases rise again as hundreds of students queue for third day for vaccine

More than 8,000 vaccines have been delivered after meningitis cases linked to the Kent outbreak reached 34.

The UK Health and Security Agency said the total number of confirmed and suspected cases had increased to 34, up from 29 previously, in an update on Saturday.

Hundreds of students at the University of Kent joined queues to be vaccinated for the third day, after two people died from the disease. By 5.55pm, at total of 8,002 vaccines had been administered and 12,157 antibiotics handed out, NHS Kent and Medway said.

Health chiefs have suggested the peak of the outbreak, described as “unprecedented” because of the large number of cases linked to a “superspreader” event at a Canterbury nightclub, has passed, but said cases may continue to rise in the coming days.

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However they warned “sporadic household cases” of meningitis B could spread outside the epicentre of the outbreak in Kent.

On Friday, Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s public health director, said it was most likely that it would be contained in Kent with a few additional cases outside of the county, “which can be easily contained”.

Officials said secondary cases could involve people who were not infected at the nightclub, but caught the illness from someone who was there.

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More than 8,000 menB vaccines administered

More than 8,000 meningitis B vaccines have been handed out since the outbreak in Kent while the number of cases is up to 34 from 29.

Hundreds of students and other eligible people queued to receive vaccines and antibiotics on Saturday, and more are expected to be waiting outside the clinics when they reopen on Sunday morning.

NHS Kent and Medway, which is in charge of the rollout, said it moved staff to focus on sites with the longest wait times during the week.

A spokesperson said: “Our teams have been working overtime this weekend and into the evenings during the week to deliver antibiotic and vaccine clinics as fast as possible.”

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According to the trust, 8,002 vaccines had been administered and 12,157 antibiotics handed out in Kent by 5.55pm on Saturday.

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 08:26

Wes Streeting pays tribute to healthcare workers battling to contain outbreak

Health secretary Wes Streeting has paid tribute to the “Herculean efforts” of healthcare teams battling to contain the meningitis outbreak.

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Writing in the Sunday Mirror a week after the outbreak began, he expressed his condolences to the family of two students who died and said his thoughts remain with all those in hospital battling the “terrible disease”.

He added: “It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the response to this outbreak.

“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe. To the UKHSA and other public health officials working to contain the outbreak.

“To the NHS team who stood up a vaccination programme within one day of it being announced and distributed thousands of doses of antibiotics, and to those caring for young patients in hospital.

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“To the school, college and university staff keeping students and parents informed, helping young people through this, and keeping their education going.

“And to the thousands of students, pupils, and other members of the public who have so readily and responsibly come forward for antibiotics and vaccination.

“I am incredibly grateful to you all. Thank you. We urge people in Kent and across the country to keep following the advice, living your lives and looking after one another.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting during a visit to the University of Kent campus in Canterbury
Health Secretary Wes Streeting during a visit to the University of Kent campus in Canterbury (PA Wire)

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 08:13

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In brief: Everything you need to know about the meningitis outbreak

  • The number of meningitis cases in Kent rose to 34 on Saturday, including 23 confirmed cases and 11 still under investigation, up from a previous total of 29
  • Two students have died in the outbreak, including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny and another student from the University of Kent
  • Hundreds of students and other eligible individuals queued for a third consecutive day at the University of Kent campus clinic for meningitis vaccinations
  • As of Saturday lunchtime, health authorities had administered more than 11,000 doses of antibiotic and more than 7,000 vaccines to help control the outbreak
  • Public health officials are urging vigilance for symptoms and reassuring the public that the risk to the wider population remains low, despite warnings of potential small, sporadic clusters appearing elsewhere

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 07:10

Latest: Cases rise as more than 7,000 vaccines administered

The number of cases linked to the meningitis outbreak in Kent increased to 34 on Saturday, as hundreds of students queued for a third day to get vaccinated.

Some 23 cases have been confirmed alongside a further 11 cases that “remain under investigation”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Eighteen of the 23 confirmed cases are meningitis B and all required hospitalisation.

Meanwhile more than 7,000 vaccines had been administered by Saturday afternoon as health officials worked to contain the outbreak.

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Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 06:10

Experts considering expanding menB vaccine availability

Experts are said to be considering expanding the eligibility for the routine meningitis B vaccine following a call for Wes Streeting.

The joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) reportedly launched a review following the outbreak in Kent and are thinking about a wider review of eligibility for menB vaccinations, The Guardian reported.

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The JCVI has previously said a catch-up campaign for young people who were born before 2015, when the jab was introduced for babies, would not be cost effective.

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 05:10

Towie star Jordan Brook battling viral meningitis

‘The Only Way is Essex’ star’s case is not connected to the outbreak of meningitis in Kent, where cases have now risen to 34.

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Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 04:10

WATCH: Michael Rosen opens up about son’s meningitis death

Michael Rosen urges parents to check for these meningitis symptoms as he opens up on son’s death

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 03:10

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Recap: Scientists say meningitis strain is not new variant

The Independent’s health reporter Rebecca Whittaker reports:

Scientists say the meningitis strain is not a new variant and may not have mutated into an “invasive strain”.

Professor Brendan Wren, Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said: “The initial sequence data confirms that it is a single menB strain causing the current cluster of meningitis cases.

“The MenB ST-41/44 clonal complex has been previously identified in the UK and is not a new variant. This suggests that the strain has not mutated into a more invasive strain, but scrutiny of the full genome sequences and further studies will be required to confirm this.

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“The current Bexsero MenB vaccine based on the cell surface antigens of MenB strains should provide protection against the MenB ST-41/44 variant.”

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 02:10

Meningitis: Symptoms to look out for

Some key symptoms of meningitis and sepsis, according to the NHS, include:

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  • High temperature
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Pale, mottled or blotchy skin
  • Spots or a rash
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to bright lights
  • Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
  • Fits (seizures)

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 01:10

WATCH: Hundreds queue for a vaccine following deadly menB outbreak

Growing queue at University of Kent meningitis vaccination centre

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 00:10

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Scott Mills removed from DJ set in Harrogate after sacking

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Scott Mills removed from DJ set in Harrogate after sacking

The 53-year-old was sacked by the BBC shortly before it emerged the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into him in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000.

Mills was due to perform a DJ set at the Ibiza Symphonica summer concert at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on August 15.

An Ibiza Symphonica statement read: “We have carefully considered the serious nature of matters in the public domain concerning Scott Mills and have decided to move forward without Scott as part of our line-up.

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“We feel this is the most appropriate way to maintain the focus on the spirit of Ibiza Symphonica which is an event rooted in enjoyment, celebration and positivity.

“We cannot wait to welcome audiences to what promises to be a joyful and memorable evening on August 15th.

“Further line-up announcements will be made in due course.”

It comes after Channel 4 announced it would not show the final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer, which features the DJ as a celebrity contestant, because of allegations against Mills – saying the show would be replaced by an alternative episode.

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Following his sacking, Mills stepped back from his role as an ambassador for MS Society UK on Tuesday (April 7), while children’s cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK has decided to “part ways” with Mills, who had been a patron since 2021.

He has also been dropped as the host of the BBC’s new Race Across The World spin-off podcast.

Since Mills’ sacking, the BBC has admitted it knew about a police investigation into allegations of a historical sexual offence in 2017, but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks before his sacking.

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On Wednesday last week, Mills released a statement through his lawyers saying he had been the subject of “rumour and speculation” since he was fired, and that he “co-operated fully” with the police investigation into allegations of a historical sexual offence.

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Five great events to enjoy in Bolton this Week

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Five great events to enjoy in Bolton this Week

From world-class theatre to community showcases and live music, there’s plenty happening across the town.

Here are five of the best events to check out this week.

See a Classic Reimagined: Waiting for Godot

Waiting for Godot (Image: Octagon Theatre)

Samuel Beckett’s iconic play arrives at the Octagon Theatre in a major new co-production running from Wednesday, April 15 to Saturday, May 2.

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Starring Matthew Kelly and George Costigan, this fresh staging places audiences in the round, immersing them in Beckett’s stark and darkly humorous world.

Tickets start from £15, making this a great opportunity to catch a landmark piece of theatre close to home.

Support Local Performers at the Albert Halls

Dawsons Academy of Dance & Stage celebrates 35 years with Tonight’s The Night on Wednesday, April 15.

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The show promises an energetic mix of dance, singing, and musical theatre, showcasing the talents of local young performers.

It’s a feel-good community event where, as the organisers say, “every pupil feels like a star for a night.”

Experience the Energy of K-Pop Live

K-Pop fans won’t want to miss K-Pop Party at the Albert Halls on Thursday, April 16.

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Described as the UK’s first touring K-Pop concert experience, the show features hits from global superstars including BTS, BLACKPINK and TWICE, alongside music inspired by Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters.

With immersive staging and high-energy performances, it’s designed for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.

Enjoy a Stadium-Style Tribute to Coldplay

Rounding off the week, Coldplace, widely regarded as the world’s leading Coldplay tribute act, perform at the Albert Halls on Sunday, April 19.

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The show features all the biggest hits, from Yellow and Fix You to Viva La Vida and A Sky Full of Stars, complete with LED wristbands for a full stadium-style experience.

It’s the only Greater Manchester date on their April tour, making Bolton a key stop for fans.

Explore Local Talent at Bolton Museum’s Open Art Exhibition

Bolton Museum is celebrating the very best of local creativity with its 2026 Open Art Exhibition, running until Sunday, May 17.

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Featuring more than 240 works from artists who live, work or study in the borough, the exhibition spans painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and digital art. Visitors can also vote for the Visitors’ Choice Award.

With free entry, it’s one of the most accessible cultural events in Bolton this spring.

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Fuel protest ‘cleared’ from Dublin as Cabinet prepares to hold emergency meeting

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Fuel protest ‘cleared’ from Dublin as Cabinet prepares to hold emergency meeting

The protests – which involved blockades of streets in the capital, Ireland’s only oil refinery, and key depots – strangled fuel distribution across the country and prompted an escalated policing response that resulted in several arrests and public order gardai deployed in Cork, Galway and Dublin.

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Josh Duhamel on Hollywood’s rising costs, life as a father in his 50s and the ‘mindf**k’ of doing it all

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Josh Duhamel on Hollywood’s rising costs, life as a father in his 50s and the 'mindf**k' of doing it all

Away from film sets, Duhamel, who is based primarily in Minnesota, gravitates towards a simpler life away from Hollywood, spending time outdoors with his wife Audra Mari, 32, and growing family. He reflects: “Running around, exploring the woods, jet skiing, tubing… it’s just, it’s such a great way for them to just see… a simpler life.”

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Shed fire in Pottery Lane, York – crews called to scene

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Shed fire in Pottery Lane, York - crews called to scene

Two fire crews were called to the scene in Pottery Lane, off Dodsworth Avenue, shortly after 11.15pm on Saturday (April 11).

Firefighters extinguished the shed that had been on fire in the rear garden and dampened down the area, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A service spokesperson said: “York and Acomb’s crews attended an incident at a residential property involving a shed fire in the rear garden.

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“Crews used two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus, one thermal imaging camera and lighting to extinguish and dampen down [the area].”

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JD Vance announces ‘no agreement’ with Iran over nuclear weapons fear

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Daily Record

US Vice President JD Vance has said that no agreement has been reached with Iran after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, citing their nuclear ambitions as a key blocker for peace

JD Vance has announced that no deal has been reached with Iran following 21 hours of negotiations, pointing to the country’s nuclear ambitions as a major stumbling block.

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Talks between the US and Iran were held in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, over the weekend, with the vice president heading up the American delegation.

“The bad news is we have not reached an agreement,” Vance told reporters.

Sources indicate there were numerous “disagreements” between the Iranian and American delegations throughout the discussions, with Iranian media citing “excessive demands” and “overreach” from Washington.

Reports emerging from within the peace talks suggest the status of the strait remains a significant bone of contention, though Vance indicated the crux of the matter centred on a nuclear enrichment agreement.

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Vance stated that the principal sticking point was that the US hasn’t seen a “fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon”.

He went on to say: “That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”

Speaking to journalists outside the White House on Saturday, Donald Trump claimed military victory over Iran and played down the significance of the ongoing ceasefire talks, insisting “regardless of what happens, we win”.

“Let’s see what happens – maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t,” the president said. “It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.”

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Vance confirmed he would be returning to the US following the conclusion of the talks. He continued: “We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on.

“And we’ve made clear as we possibly could. And they have chosen not to accept our terms.”

Following Tuesday’s fragile ceasefire agreement, Iran and the US were attempting to broker a lasting resolution to the conflict.

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The two nations face substantial hurdles as they remain deeply divided on crucial matters.

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I Am Maximus emulates Red Rum to seal status as Aintree great

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Grand National runners, riders and odds for 2026: Full horse list

Townend has now won the Gold Cup and National in the same season for a second time and had the choice of eight horses from the Mullins yard to ride.

“When they jumped off I got into a nice rhythm again, I still didn’t think he travelled with the enthusiasm of the first year, but I just thought the cheekpieces helped me in the middle part of the race,” he explained.

“I saw the horse in front [Jordans], I wasn’t going to be the one to go chasing them. I was able to get a lead to the Elbow and I didn’t know where the loose horse was going. He [I Am Maximus] is a really, really good horse, that’s why [I always believed in him]. Obviously, Grangeclare West’s preparation was really good in the Bobbyjo, but this lad wasn’t telling me not to ride him.”

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In all, 16 horses finished the race. Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital after a heavy fall from Stellar Story, while three horses – Mr Vango, Top Of The Bill and Quai De Bourbon – were all taken back to the racecourse stables for further veterinary assessment after falls.

The winner will, doubtless, be paraded outside Mullins’s local, The Lord Bagenal, at some stage but do not expect it to last as long as the race.

Explaining the winner’s character, Mullins said: “Normally the horses come to the car park, we have an ice-cream van for the kids and people want their photographs taken with the horses.

“Galopin Des Champs was there for an hour and a half, Lossiemouth for two hours, but I Am Maximus… he ate about three babies and kicked about four pensioners. We had to load him and take him home after five minutes. That’s I Am Maximus, he’ll eat you without salt. He is a character – don’t stand in his way.”

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Darlington cop killed pensioner racing through red light on 999 call to baby

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Daily Mirror

PC Mark Roberts was jailed for speeding through a red light while responding to a 999 call where he smashed into an elderly couple and killed a 74-year-old woman

A police officer who raced through the streets in response to a call about a choking baby has been jailed after his car crashed into a motorbike and killed a woman.

PC Mark Roberts of Northumbria Police was responding to the grade-one emergency call when his marked car smashed into an elderly couple, Ronald and Muriel Pinkney, as they rode their motorbike in Gateshead, north East, on July 8, 2022.

A court heard how Roberts, from Darlington, was driving at 43mph on the 30mph stretch of road near the MetroCentre. As he approached the lights, he was driving around 25mph when his car crashed into the couple, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

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Mrs Pinkney, 74, tragically suffered fatal injuries to her head and neck in the horror smash which occurred on a 30mph stretch of road near the MetroCentre. Mr Pinkney also sustained injuries, including a bleed on the brain and several fractures.

The cop has since been prosecuted and convicted of of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Birmingham Live reports, despite a plea from the couple’s daughter not to send him to prison.

Roberts was arrested after the collision and answered ‘no comment’ to questions during his police interview but provided a prepared statement.

In it, he said the ambulance service had requested assistance about a choking five-week-old baby, which indicated paramedics did not believe they could get to the patient before police.

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Roberts said he took his marked vehicle from Whickham police station, activated his blue lights and sirens, changing the tone of the alert at times, as he made his way through traffic and red lights.

Moments before the collision, the officer saw a white van make an emergency stop. He said: “I couldn’t see anything else before travelling towards the junction. The next thing I recall is there was a bang and both airbags deployed and I hit the windscreen, which knocked me out for a few seconds.”

He he then saw two people on the ground with crash helmets on. Roberts blacked out again and was treated in an ambulance and then taken to hospital. He said: “I believe this was a tragic accident.”

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Jurors were told Northumbria Police’s roadcraft guidance stated that risk taking, even in a ‘noble cause’, was not justified. In mitigation, the court heard Roberts was ‘heartbroken’ by the ordeal.

The court was told he had led a ‘remarkable life of public service’, joining the police after an Army career which saw him serve in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

He was jailed for two years and three months at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (April 7).

Passing sentence, Judge Francis Laird KC, said: “In my judgement only a custodial sentence can be justified for these offences.”

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The judge told Roberts that he was entitled to use exemptions from the speed limit and the ban on driving through red lights but that ‘these exemptions must be exercised cautiously and appropriately’.

“Your speed as you approached the junction was too high,” the judge said. “You observed the junction was clear and you simply chose to drive through without stopping or at least reducing your speed to a point where you could stop should another motorist enter the junction.”

He went on to say: “The evidence suggests Ronald and Muriel Pinkney were visible to you when you approached the junction, however you were so focused on getting to your destination you failed to notice them.”

Roberts was also banned from driving for five years and one month.

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The couple’s daughter, Dawn Hunter-Pinkney, said in a statement that the family ‘don’t blame the officer for what happened’.

She said: “For a long time we were angry but the more we hear about why the officer was driving the way he was, the more we understand.” She went on to say: “We don’t want him to go to prison for doing his job.

“We do accept this is a very tragic accident with a very tragic outcome, but sending the officer to prison won’t bring mam back.”

Ms Hunter-Pinkney said her parents had been inseparable and her dad had been ‘devastated’ by his wife’s death, going from doing everything with her to ‘doing almost nothing’.

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She said: “My dad used to be very active and fit, now he rarely leaves the house.”

Roberts has been suspended by the force. Andy Hill, assistant chief constable of Northumbria Police, said: “I reiterate my previous comments in recognising that no words will make the pain of Mr Pinkney, his family and anyone impacted by this tragic incident, any easier.

“On behalf of Northumbria Police, I wish to express my sincere condolences for your loss and our thoughts very much continue to be with you at this time.” He added: “Each and every day we respond to emergencies and thankfully tragedies of this nature are extremely rare.

“Officers are highly trained and supported to help ensure they keep both themselves and the public safe. Regrettably, on this occasion the standard of driving fell short of what it is expected which has led to the most devastating of outcomes.”

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Leinster pull away from Sale to set up Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon

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Leinster pull away from Sale to set up Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon

Leinster ran in six tries as they trounced Sale Sharks 43-13 to book their place in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.

The Irish province got off to the perfect start at the Aviva Stadium when, after they had secured line-out ball, they went through the phases before hooker Dan Sheehan crashed over to score a 10th-minute try and Harry Byrne added the conversion.

Sharks reduced the deficit six minutes before the break with a penalty from England fly-half George Ford, but they were down to 14 men with four minutes left on the clock when No 8 Dan du Preez was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

Full-back Hugo Keenan stretched Leinster’s lead with a second try three minutes after the restart and prop Simon McIntyre’s yellow card for a high tackle did not aid Sale’s cause despite a second Ford penalty.

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Flanker Ryan Baird crossed for a third try for the hosts and wingers Rieko Ioane and Tommy O’Brien followed suit with Byrne adding the conversions.

Sale replacement Alex Willis touched down in the corner and Ford obliged with the extras, but a Byrne penalty and a converted Jamie Osborne try wrapped up a convincing win.

They will host Toulon in the semi-finals, with Bath awaiting the winner of Sunday’s blockbuster clash between Bordeaux Begles and Toulouse.

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The Lazy Sunday Quiz: Test your general knowledge with these 10 questions – April 12, 2026

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Manchester Evening News

Can you get the answers right in our quiz?

It’s Sunday again, and that means one thing – time for the Lazy Sunday Quiz! Grab yourself a brew and get ready to test your general knowledge with these 10 questions.

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To get full marks, you’ll need to know about a wide range of subjects including science, literature, movies, history, celebrities and some local knowledge straight from your favourite local news website.

So relax, settle in, and test how sharp your brain is this morning by answering the following questions.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE

If you can’t see the quiz below, you can open it in your browser.

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Let us know how you get on in the comments section.

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If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.

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