Two children and a member of staff were injured and a schoolgirl detained following the incident

A schoolgirl arrested after two students and a member of staff were stabbed at a north Manchester high school has now been detained under the Mental Health Act, police have confirmed.

Emergency services attended Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley yesterday morning (Tuesday, June 9).

Three people – a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy and a 27-year-old male member of staff – suffered knife wounds in the incident.

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“Staff were quick to detain a girl to ensure no further harm came to pupils or staff, and officers arrived shortly afterwards” Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A 14 year-old schoolgirl was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault. In an update issued this evening (Wednesday), GMP said she had not been detained under the Mental Health Act.

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All three of those injured were taken to hospital following the incident. Their injuries are not thought to be serious and all have now been released from hospital after being assessed, GMP said.

The force said their investigation into the incident was ongoing.

“As part of our investigation, we are also aware and are looking into social media posts in relation to this but would like to remind communities this is an ongoing live investigation” their statement said.

A senior officer added that names ‘related to the incident’ were being ‘circulated on social media’ which he said was ‘unhelpful’ as he urged people ‘not to speculate.’

Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock, from GMP’s City of Manchester North division said: “Our investigation has continued at pace since yesterday morning when we were first made aware of the incident.

“Our thoughts are with those that were injured and were caught up in the incident. Whilst the physical injuries were not believed to be serious, we know the impact to those that were involved or were witnesses to this will be significant, and we want to reassure our community we are taking this very seriously.

“As our investigation progresses, we are aware that names relating to the incident are being circulated on social media which are unhelpful for the investigation. This is also causing concern with the victims and those that have been impacted therefore we would stress that people do not speculate regarding this incident.

“Officers will remain in and around the area to provide support to ensure staff, students and the wider community feel safe. If you have any concerns, please speak to our officers who are there to support you.”

In a statement issued yesterday, the Co-op Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: “”Shortly after the start of the school day, an incident occurred on site involving a pupil with a knife. The school was immediately placed into lockdown, and staff acted bravely to quickly detain a student before emergency services arrived.

“Greater Manchester Police arrested the student, who remains in custody. Police have confirmed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

“Three people, two pupils and a member of staff sustained injuries. They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where they are in a stable condition with injuries not believed to be serious.

“While our policies outline strict screening and search powers in line with Department for Education guidance, weapons can unfortunately be small and easily concealed without prior indicators. We had no reason to conduct a search on any student this morning.”

The spokesperson said the school will be providing full support to students.

They added: “We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils. School will reopen as normal tomorrow, Wednesday 10th June. Full emotional support will be in place for pupils, and local officers will maintain a reassuring presence in the area.”

Viewers have declared the period drama to be ‘flawless’ and ‘perfect’, and it’s ideal for Game of Thrones fans.

Period drama fans have been left begging for more of a “masterpiece” programme.

The historical drama, set in Renaissance-era Italy, based on a real noble family of Spanish origins and their rise to power.

The Borgias first aired in 2011, running until 2013 across three seasons, and it’s now free to watch on Channel 4.

Starring Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, Francois Arnaud as Cesare, Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia and David Oakes as Juan, the series follows the family’s scandalous ascension to the papacy.

Focusing on the highs and lows they face as well as their struggles to maintain the power they hold, The Borgias fictionalises the unstable world of politics in 15th century Europe.

Perfect for Game of Thrones fans, The Borgias follows ruthless political play, and the backstabbing, betrayals and scandals involved within power-hungry dynasties.

The synopsis teases: “Rodrigo Borgia is cunning, corrupt and flamboyantly cruel. He’s also just been made Pope… Series 1 of the compelling drama depicting one of history’s most fascinating families.”

Several fans have hailed The Borgias as a “masterpiece”, as one begged: “For the love of god bring back that show! It’s exceptional and one of a kind show… I’m just in love with The Borgias!”

“So good it’s stunning,” another said, adding: “Overall, a superb and satisfying journey throughout that I will never forget.”

A third fan called it “too good for TV,” while another said: “10 out of 10 stars for the masterpiece that is this show!”

One viewer called it a “perfect mini series”, as someone else wrote: “This is by far the best historical drama I have ever seen! The acting was completely amazing and it kept me completely entranced up to the very last second!”

Another called it “magnificent,” saying: “The acting is flawless by the main characters! The story, script and costumes are wonderful! I’ve watched it over and over, many times!”

“The Borgias is one of the best series I have ever watched!” another said.

As well as widespread acclaim from viewers, The Borgias gained 16 Emmy nominations, and three wins, two for Outstanding Costumes for a Series and one for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.

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Despite the demands from fans, it was confirmed in 2013 that The Borgias wouldn’t be returning for a fourth season.

“It has been an honor to work with the great Neil Jordan and the incomparable Jeremy Irons on The Borgias,” David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc, said at the time, as per Variety.

“Neil has written nearly every episode of this series himself. His extraordinary storytelling combined with Jeremy’s fascinating portrayal of the infamous Pope Alexander VI, has made for truly outstanding television that will live on. I look forward to future collaborations.”

The Borgias is available to watch on Channel 4

Council leaders have supported new planning guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which requires owners to apply for planning permission when converting properties. 

A HMO is defined as a property occupied by at least three people who are not from a single household but share facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen. Currently, properties for between three and six occupants can be converted without planning permission.

The new powers, known as an Article Four direction, will come into force on July 28. 

Darlington Borough Council admitted it does not have an accurate database of where all the current HMOs are located, as many have not previously required planning permission or a licence.

The new powers will provide the local authority with greater oversight of the scale of the issue across the borough after repeated complaints from residents, whose lives have been impacted by shared housing schemes on their doorsteps. 

Concerns previously raised include anti-social behaviour, noise and nuisance, living conditions and property standards, impact on parking, and poorly maintained properties.

Councillor Hilary Allen, Liberal Democrat member for North Road ward, said: “In the poorer areas of Darlington, the ones that are more densely populated, we are getting more requests for HMOs. I hope the council will take notice of that so that we don’t end up with a ghetto-type situation further down the road.”

As part of the council’s work on tackling HMOs, a supplementary planning document has been created to assist property owners, planning applicants, planning officers and elected councillors in preparing, commenting on and determining future planning applications. 

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: “The council recognises that HMOs provide an important element of meeting the borough’s housing needs, particularly for people on low incomes, young professionals, students and the growing number of one-person households. 

“But at the same time, high concentrations of HMOs can present a challenge to creating mixed, balanced and sustainable communities and have an impact on residential character and amenity.”

Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has shared an update on her cancer battle after revealing that doctors had discovered an ‘infection in the blood’

Tracy Shaw has revealed that she has an “infection in her blood” in a new health update, after breaking down over her cancer battle.

Earlier this year, the Coronation Street star revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, before undergoing chemotherapy. The 52-year-old has since been sharing her journey with fans on social media.

Just days after opening up about the impact of her treatment in a tearful video, she explained that she had been discharged from hospital while fighting an infection.

“I was let out, last night, from the critical unit because it’s better for us as cancer patients to be at home,” the Maxine Peacock actress began the lengthy clip.

“The microbiologists are super geeking over this germ, infection… They’re not quite sure what it is so they’re just blasting it with some really strong antibiotics. I’m full of drip at the moment. I’ll go back in today to have my second one.”

“Basically I’ve just been sleeping. I’m in safe hands, thank you to the NHS, thank you to all the nurses, thank you to my oncologist team,” she said. “They are very hot on anything to do with infection when we’re going through chemotherapy because it’s quite critical. It’s just a fact, I’m not making a drama out of this.”

Tracy explained that she felt her body “really struggling on Sunday” and had her bloods taken, but was asked to go back in for another appointment, to get more bloodwork done.

“So they’ve taken more bloods, checked my heart and taken more scans. A thorough body check, basically. I’m in safe hands, it isn’t pleasant – of course it isn’t pleasant,” she continued, pointing out some of the red marks on her skin.

“Although they can’t pinpoint what this is. It looks part of the pox family. I have had chickenpox, I’ve had measles, maybe this means this is circulating in the area, and I’m just low and susceptible to catching it.

“Let’s hope that the germ they found will do some good to help somebody else be able to have the medicine to recover from it which would be wonderful. Peace and love to you all.”

“Infection in the blood. Cancer research UK. Without scientists, micro biologists , we wouldn’t learn about cancers,” she wrote alongside the upload. “THANKYOU NHS. All the staff at the Royal Berkshire hospital. My oncologist team. Couple more days of treatment, I’m in very safe hands.”

Fans were quick to offer Tracy their support and well wishes in the comments below. An Instagram user wrote: “Good morning lovely. You’ve been in my prayers last night and this morning. Sending you so much love sweetheart. Will ne thinking of you having that second drip. You’re so right. You’re in safe hands [sic].”

“On top of it all u still smiling sheer strength right there. Sending love [sic],” an Instagram user wrote, as another agreed: “Your strength and positivity is something else Tracy. Sending you love and support, you’ve got this!! X.”

Tracy went public with her diagnosis in April and shared at the time that she would have to undergo “five months” of chemo.

Following the update, she recently became emotional as she reflected on what the future holds, telling fans in a candid clip last month: “Each morning I wake up and know that I have to go into hospital and receive more news, which has been going on for a long time, that unknown…I just think, ‘I can’t go through with this anymore,’ but I’ve not even started my journey.

“I’ve had a good cry. I’ll go in later today and I’ll meet some other ladies who will start the treatment with me – chemo. And I’ll find out the date. 50% of me wants to get going. I want to know that it’s being shrunk and the cancer is being dealt with.”

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

Callum Turner has said he finds speculation that he is set to play James Bond “amusing”.

The British actor, 36, is one of the rumoured frontrunners to play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down.

Many of the stars named in the odds have remained tight-lipped at the possibility of taking over the role.

Turner has now also dodged questions, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do.”

When asked if he was interested in taking the role if he was offered, he “laughed and looked down at his sneakers”, according to the publication.

He added: “I am not going to comment on that.”

But he went on to share: “I will tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing!

“It is such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.”

In the profile piece on the actor Hollywood star George Clooney – who directed him in the 2023 drama film The Boys In The Boat – also weighed in and said: “I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond.

“He is tall and handsome and charming and British, so he is the perfect guy to do it.”

Ian Fleming’s beloved spy was previously played by English actor Craig, who took on the role in 2006’s Casino Royale and starred in five films until he left the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die.

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Since then, there has been significant speculation surrounding who will play James Bond next, which comes after Amazon MGM Studios also took creative control of the franchise.

It was announced in August last year that the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, while it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Other actors rumoured to be in the running for the role also include Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi.

Turner, who married singer Dua Lipa last week, rose to fame in the Fantastic Beasts films, and went on to appear in the TV series Masters Of The Air and romantic comedy film Eternity.

Sir Idris Elba recently said rumours he was set to play the spy were “not realistic”.

The Luther star has been rumoured to be in the running for Bond for more than a decade but said it was “never legit”.

The 53-year-old said the character was “written how he was written for a reason” and that not all audiences “will go” for a black Bond because it is “not what they like in their culture”.

Speaking to British GQ, Sir Idris said: “It was never legit. It was always just a rumour. I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.

“Bond is big all over the world and (audiences) won’t (all) go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”

A fire at the site in April 2025 destroyed several caravans and caused damage to others

Caravans must be cleared from a site in Cambridge after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal by the landowners. The Laurels, part of the Fen Road Gypsy and Traveller site in Chesterton, must be cleared by November 2026.

A fire at The Laurels in April 2025 involved several caravans, outbuildings, vehicles, and a stable block. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) then served an enforcement notice on the site, since caravans there did not have planning permission.

Planning permission was granted in 2014 for land at The Laurels to be used as seven caravan plots for Travellers. Five caravans were destroyed across two plots in the fire, while four caravans on an additional plot were removed or ceased being used.

The Planning Inspectorate notice from February 2026 states that use of the land as a caravan site must end, and all caravans and residential paraphernalia must be removed. All hardstanding must be removed, as must all materials and waste associated with removing the caravans and other materials.

SCDC investigations found that some people living in caravans were not Gypsies or Travellers, which is a requirement of the planning permissions. Four additional enforcement notices have been served on several parts of the Fen Road site and are currently progressing through the legal process.

It followed a coordinated visit to the site by SCDC staff in October last year, which aimed to ensure the site was meeting planning regulations. A council spokesperson said that staff spoke with residents living in around 100 caravans to understand who was at the site.

Dr David Cox is a neuroscientist and health journalist who has discussed how diets can impact ageing while also naming the one ‘superfood’ he consumes every day

A neuroscientist and health journalist has shared the single ‘superfood’ he consumes daily to help slow the ageing process.

Dr David Cox, author of The Age Code, discussed this during an appearance on Tonight on ITV. The programme examined whether selecting the right diet can enhance our quality of life as we grow older, particularly given that the number of UK centenarians has doubled over the last two decades.

Addressing whether it’s ever too late to make meaningful dietary adjustments, Dr Cox explained: “Subtle tweaks to diet, whether you’re 20 or whether you’re 90, can still make a big difference and give you many more years of healthy life to come.”

While more people are reaching 100, healthy life expectancy – the period during which we remain in good health – has actually declined to 61 years for both men and women.

When questioned about the foods he prioritises in his own diet, Dr Cox highlighted one particular group.

He said: “I mean, 100% the berries. That’s now become a really key component of my diet. Blueberries for example.

“Strawberries as well. They contain these natural chemicals called salicylates which actually help disable zombie cells and make it easier for your immune system to get rid of them. Berries are real, real superfoods.”

For those unfamiliar with the term “zombie cells”, Dr Cox clarified that our cells contain batteries which convert the energy from food into the energy our bodies require to function.

However, he went on to explain: “But the problem is at the same time they also produce exhaust fumes. They are called zombie cells. Basically, as you age your body becomes more full of these damaged cells which just refuse to die off.”

He continued: “The zombies basically take over and your short term risk of disease and death goes up.”

Dr Cox’s latest book examines the relationship between diet and cellular ageing.

He suggests that insufficient fibre intake is a significant factor behind the rising cancer rates amongst those under 50, a topic he addressed during an appearance on The Pat Kenny Show in Ireland.

Speaking on the programme, the expert explained: “Things we’re not even doing or things we’re eating which are not good for us in our diet, are basically stressing our bodies, which is accelerating ageing in different ways.

“Many of us are eating too much. From the moment we wake to the moment we sleep. We’re eating in some way, whether that’s meals or snacking.

“It basically puts what I call metabolic stress on our bodies because our bodies are not getting a chance to kind of recover.”

Beyond inadequate fibre consumption, he warned that excessive processed food intake, coupled with insufficient whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, is contributing to the problem.

The drivers continue to hold licences despite accumulating the 12 penalty points that would normally see them banned, a situation described as “very concerning” by the RAC.

New figures obtained by the RAC via a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA reveal that 4,154 individuals in the UK have been permitted to keep driving.

Some of these drivers have racked up far more than 12 points; 117 hold more than 20, while two individuals have amassed 43 and 45 points.

7 Common Speed Camera Myths

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more which would normally lead to them losing their licences – and for very good reason given that speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads.

“A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again.

“Our research also identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have to have these devices.

“We urge the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have Intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles.

“This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”

Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) is a technology that physically prevents a vehicle from exceeding the speed limit, except in limited emergency override scenarios, which are logged and can be reviewed.

This is different from the Advisory ISA systems now standard in most new cars.

The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which calls for courts to be given powers to mandate the use of IISA devices for repeat or excessive offenders.

Research conducted by the RAC in response to a government consultation found that 86 percent of drivers support new measures targeting excessive speeders.

A separate survey commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign found that eight out of 10 drivers surveyed said they would support proposals for anyone caught excessively speeding, or who has been caught speeding multiple times, to have an ‘Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance’ device fitted to their car to prevent them exceeding the limit again.

While the Government’s Road Safety Strategy looks at the benefits of Advisory ISA in the context of vehicle safety technology, it makes no reference to the potential use of Intervening ISA as part of a targeted offender intervention programme for repeat or excessive speeders.

This is despite 2024 road casualty data showing excessive speed as a contributing factor in 20 percent of fatal collisions.

A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign said: “Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of death on our roads, and the public clearly recognises the need for action.

“What our research shows is that people instinctively understand the link between tackling dangerous driving and saving lives.

“Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance is a practical, proportionate solution, targeting repeat offenders while allowing the vast majority of drivers to go about their daily lives without disruption.”

A Parliamentary event will be held later today to give MPs the chance to learn about the technology.

Currently, drivers who reach 12 or more points face an automatic ban but can sometimes avoid disqualification if they can show a ban would cause “exceptional hardship.”

It’s an uncertain time for Doctor Who fans now that it’s been officially announced that the long awaited Christmas special has been cancelled and showrunner Russell T Davies is on his way out.

Although it’s horrible that the show’s very future is on a knife-edge and its biggest champion, Russell, is exiting stage left – I can’t help but feel relieved that the British TV legend has bowed out. 

Not because I think he’s bad at his job – he’s an amazing showrunner – I think his talents are better used elsewhere.

And it’s all because of one show: Tip Toe.

For those who have their finger on the TV pulse, you won’t have missed Russell’s new groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Channel 4 show that aired at the end of May this year.

It has received widespread praise, with many hailing it as a timely and urgent reckoning on the rapidly declining state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK today.

And it’s all thanks to Russell.

Starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, the series follows polar opposite neighbours – Leo, an older gay man and Clive, an aggressively heterosexual handyman – whose differences breed homophobia, bigotry, and hostility.

Although his socio-political commentary, especially when it comes to the trans community, is still a work-in-progress – it remains a startling wake-up call to the general public that we’re sleepwalking into a dark, dark world when it comes to achieving any unity in our rights.

And I’m not surprised it’s picking up such glowing reviews.

After ending his first round as Doctor Who showrunner in 2010, the TV icon known as RTD had a run of stellar limited series over the next decade or so.

His 2015 trilogy – Cucumber, Tofu and Banana – were edgy shows, which have gone down as cult classics, especially among LGBTQ+ viewers.

Then, you have his more mainstream work, still with gay and queer characters at their heart, such as A Very English Scandal starring Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, which secured an Emmy, Golden Globe and Bafta.

That’s not mentioning his harrowing drama Years and Years – a post-Brexit reckoning with the UK’s descent into fascism, which still rings out as an eerie prophecy for the state the world is in today, with the rise of Reform and reign of Trump.

Rounding off this brilliant line-up was It’s A Sin, already a beloved LGBTQ+ show that will break your heart while putting it back together again. It reflected on the HIV/AIDs crisis of the 1980s – an era Russell T Davies remembers well, as a gay man growing up in Thatcher’s UK.

As brilliant as his time on Doctor Who was, his return to the show in 2023 had not quite reached the heights many hoped. He faced a lot of criticism, ending in Ncuti’s abrupt departure and the scattered future of the show.

Where his storylines, dialogue and character-building at times fell flat in the past two seasons of Doctor Who, he doesn’t face the same extent of trouble when it comes to his limited series – which I now consider as his superior format.

This was proven when he released the Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea – and it was a standout in his Doctor Who repertoire, which tackled everything from climate change to forbidden love.

I personally loved it, and it marked a return to Russell’s brilliant writing, after finding himself in a difficult place.

Then, of course, we have Tip Toe. 

It’s veritable proof that Russell’s time is best spent working on bespoke ideas that speak to the era we’re in, rather than tying himself up with a show and a fandom that will be impossible to please.