Emergency services were called to Merrington Road at 1.05am on Tuesday, March 3, with dramatic pictures showing the scale of the blaze.

Police and firefighters attended with crews using a hose reel to extinguish the flames. Video from the scene shows the fire being tackled by firefighters, with plumes of smoke being sent into the sky.

One week on, Durham Police has confirmed the investigation into the suspected arson attack remains ongoing.

In an earlier statement, the force said: “Police were called just after 1.05am today to a garage fire at the allotments in Merrington Road, Ferryhill.

“The fire is believed to be suspicious and an investigation is ongoing.”

Dramatic pictures show a huge fire at a garage in Ferryhill (Image: SHAHBAZ ALI KHAN)

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) spokesperson added: “We were called at 12.35am today (March 3) to a garage fire on Merrington Road in Ferryhill.

“Two fire engines from Durham and Spennymoor Fire Stations attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire with two hose reels.

“Crews left the scene at 1.42am.”

If TikTok fitness advice is to be believed, you should be interval walking like the Japanese, hanging from a pull-up bar every day and committing to a 75-day challenge with no rest days.

Some of these trends are grounded in scientific research. Others are built on shaky claims or misunderstandings of how the body actually adapts to exercise.

Social media has made fitness advice more accessible than ever. But a review has raised concerns about the accuracy and quality of online fitness content, much of which is produced by creators without relevant qualifications.

So which viral workouts actually hold up when you look at the evidence? Here’s what the science says about four of the most widely shared trends.

Japanese walking

According to an analysis of Google search data, “Japanese walking” saw a 2,968% increase in search interest over the past year. The method is simple: alternate three minutes of brisk walking with three minutes at a gentle pace for around 30 minutes.

What makes this trend unusual is that it’s actually grounded in peer-reviewed research. Developed by researchers at Shinshu University in Japan, a randomised controlled trial studied 246 adults (average age 63). The interval walking group showed significantly greater improvements in thigh muscle strength, aerobic capacity and blood pressure than a steady-pace group. A 2024 review confirmed these benefits hold up across larger populations.

There are caveats, though. In the original study, roughly 22% of participants dropped out of the interval programme – more than in the steady-pace group. And no study has yet linked Japanese walking directly to living longer. We already know that hitting a modest daily step target reduces the risk of death and disease. Japanese walking appears to be a useful upgrade to a regular walking habit – but it’s not the only way to get moving.

75 Hard

The 75 Hard challenge is one of the most widely shared fitness trends on TikTok. The rules: two 45-minute workouts daily (one outdoors), a strict diet, a gallon of water, ten pages of reading and a progress photo – for 75 consecutive days with no rest days.

The no-rest-days rule is the most problematic element. Physiological adaptation to exercise, the process by which your body becomes fitter, doesn’t happen during training. It happens during recovery. Exercise creates a controlled stress; given sufficient rest, the body rebuilds and adapts.

Without it, you accumulate fatigue rather than fitness. A joint consensus statement from the European College of Sport Science and American College of Sports Medicine outlines how sustained overload without adequate recovery can progress to overtraining syndrome: chronic fatigue, declining performance and increased susceptibility to illness and injury.

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75 Hard: what you need to know before taking on this viral fitness challenge

The 90 minutes of daily exercise also far exceeds the World Health Organization’s guideline of 150–300 minutes per week. For someone currently inactive, jumping to 630 minutes a week is a recipe for injury, not transformation.

Dead hangs

Dead hangs (hanging from a pull-up bar for as long as possible) are a fixture of fitness social media. Proponents claim the exercise decompresses the spine, corrects posture and transforms shoulder health. Some of these claims hold up better than others.

The strongest case for dead hangs is grip strength. This might sound unglamorous, but it’s clinically significant. A 2019 narrative review described grip strength as an “indispensable biomarker” for health, with multiple meta-analyses linking weak grip to higher mortality risk. The PURE study, which tracked nearly 140,000 adults across 17 countries, found grip strength was a stronger predictor of cardiovascular death than systolic blood pressure.

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What are dead hangs? What are the shoulder pain risks and how do I do them safely?

The “spinal decompression” claims, however, are less convincing. While gravity-based traction can temporarily increase disc height, the spine returns to its normal state once you’re back under gravitational load. No study has shown that brief bouts of hanging produce lasting spinal changes. Dead hangs are a useful exercise, just not for the reasons most often claimed.

Pilates

Pilates was the most-booked workout globally on ClassPass for the third consecutive year, with reservations up 66% from 2024. Research supports its benefits: a systematic review found strong evidence that Pilates improves flexibility and dynamic balance in healthy people, with moderate evidence for muscular endurance.

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Where the evidence falls apart is the claim that Pilates builds “long, lean muscles”, as opposed to “bulky” ones from lifting weights. This is a myth. Muscle length is determined by anatomy, where each muscle’s tendons attach to bone. No form of exercise can change that.

What Pilates can do is improve the range of motion around a joint and build endurance under lower loads. But the “lean versus bulky” framing has no basis in physiology, and risks discouraging people from progressive strength training, which carries substantial benefits for bone density, metabolic health and cardiovascular risk.

Social media has got more people interested in exercise – and that’s genuinely valuable. But viral appeal is not the same as evidence. The principles that actually keep people healthy haven’t changed: build up gradually, allow time to recovery and be sceptical of anything promising dramatic results in an unrealistic timeframe.

Lorna Luxe has shared an update with her fans since the death of her husband John – and revealed details about the ‘beautiful’ funeral held yesterday he would have ‘loved’

Speaking out for the first time since her husband’s death, fashion influencer Lorna Luxe addressed her 1.8 million followers. Lorna Andrews, known online as Lorna Luxe, took a break from social media when her husband John sadly lost his battle to cancer last month, and today shared that the “beautiful” funeral took place yesterday.

The 43-year-old opened up about the send off she and loved ones gave him, and said they had a “humanist” funeral. A non-religious, personalised ceremony that focuses on celebrating the life, personality and legacy instead of a religious one. In the video, she began by saying: “Hiya, how you doing?

“I haven’t spoken to you in so, so long. I was looking back through my archive, I think it was the end of Jan.” She then said she had so many messages from people, and decided to share a video to update.

READ MORE: Lorna Luxe shares message with fans in wake of husband John Andrews’ death

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She said: “We had John’s funeral yesterday and it was beautiful. It really was beautiful. And people that I’d not seen in a very long time turned up. I knew we’d have a good turn out because people loved John. He was very loved.” She then added she was shocked at how many people had turned up.

“I was like ‘wow’ all of these people rocked up, and we’re in the midlands. I was just really touched by that, and yeah, it was a good day. It was good to chat about him and celebrate him. We had a humanist celebration,” and said the ceremony was done by a woman who “captured him in such a way it was almost like she knew him.”

The fashion influencer and businesswoman was left heartbroken after revealing her husband has died aged 64 after a battle with cancer last month.

She regularly updated her followers with his ongoing battle, but sadly said doctors exhausted all available treatment options when the couple were told his illness was terminal.

Their world came crashing down in April 2023 when John, a former banker, received a stage three cancer diagnosis and began chemotherapy treatment. Following a period of remission, Lorna shared the crushing news in May 2024 that the disease had returned with a vengeance, spreading to John’s brain and reappearing in his adrenal gland. The cancer was subsequently upgraded to stage four.

Despite this setback, the couple remained hopeful when John’s oncologist gave him the green light for surgery to remove the tumour from his adrenal gland. However, just days afterwards, John was struck down by a severe migraine and rushed to A&E, where medics uncovered yet another tumour in his brain.

Supporters were heartbroken when Lorna shared the devastating news that John’s cancer had become terminal, with all treatment avenues now exhausted. In a poignant update posted on Instagram, accompanied by footage of the devoted pair, she wrote: “John’s condition has worsened and he was hit with sepsis over Christmas. He’s back home with me now, but we’ve been told his cancer has progressed to other organs so treatment is no longer an option.”

The social media personality revealed that sharing John’s journey publicly has been therapeutic, with encouraging messages from her audience offering “exactly what I needed” throughout this challenging period. “When the chips are down, you just want to see people getting behind you”, Lorna expressed.

“I haven’t got brothers or sisters. I haven’t got a massive family unit. When John was in hospital, I would come home overnight, get myself a glass of wine and I would be sat there replying to all these messages. They were all just full of love, really nice – exactly what I needed at that time.”

It is the start of a huge fortnight for Arsenal in their quest for an unprecedented quadruple and they’ll be keen to take a positive result into next week’s second leg which falls five days before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. William Saliba, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel all return, but Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with a knee injury.

A Pentagon probe has found that outdated U.S. targeting data caused an American Tomahawk missile to destroy an Iranian elementary school in the opening hours of President Donald Trump’s war against Iran. The findings stand in stark contrast to Trump’s efforts to blame Tehran “or somebody else” for the deadly attack.

Citing U.S. officials familiar with the preliminary findings, the New York Times reported Wednesday that the Feb. 28 hit on the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school stemmed from the use of old Defense Intelligence Agency data showing the school building to be part of an adjacent Iranian military base.

The Times said the inaccurate data was provided by the DIA to U.S. Central Command, which created a targeting package for the missile strike that included the school building.

But when asked about the report on his way to Ohio Wednesday, Trump told reporters outside the White House: “I don’t know about it.”

According to Iranian officials, the Tomahawk hit killed more than 175 people, with the vast majority of the dead being children.

Evidence from data analysts reviewing satellite imagery, video footage and social media appears to show the school was hit by a precision strike and may have been hit more than once. Maps from the Department of Defense also appear to show two Iranian air defense targets surrounding the school’s location, which is within what the Pentagon describes as a “U.S./Israeli strikes” zone.

Outside military analysts also have suggested that the Pentagon’s AI-driven targeting — or human error that failed to check whether target maps were up to date — may have played a role in the strikes.

The Pentagon’s preliminary finding that the U.S. is to blame for the strike is unsurprising considering no other country involved in the war fields Tomahawk missiles, but it comes just days after Trump attempted to deflect blame for the attack by suggesting that Iranian forces — which do not possess Tomahawks — had used the cruise missiles to hit the school.

During a press conference on Monday, he claimed he hadn’t seen any evidence that the U.S. was responsible and falsely claimed Iran “has some Tomahawks” even though the cruise missiles are operated exclusively by the U.S. and a few key allies such as the U.K.

“Whether it’s Iran or somebody else … a Tomahawk, is very generic. It’s sold to other countries, but that’s being investigated right now,” he said.

When pressed further on why he’d make such a claim when even Hegseth had refused to go that far, Trump replied: “Because I just don’t know enough about it.”

“I think it’s something that I was told is under investigation, but Tomahawks are used by others. As you know, numerous other nations have Tomahawks. They buy them from us. But I will certainly whatever the report, I’m willing to live with that report,” he said.

When initially asked about the strike last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the U.S. “does not target civilians” and suggested that reports of the death toll were “propaganda” that journalists had “fallen for.”

But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has boasted of ensuring that U.S. forces under his command do not abide by “stupid rules of engagement,” acknowledged the existence of an investigation last Wednesday, days after the missile strike.

The all-girls school at the center of the investigation is located in the city of Minab, roughly 600 miles from Tehran and near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to satellite images, it is located adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps base.

Iranian authorities reported initial strikes in the area at roughly 10:45 a.m., with reports emerging from social media at 11:30 a.m. local time Saturday, February 28, which is the beginning of the Iranian workweek, when teachers and students would have been inside the school.

Footage reviewed by BBC Verify showed a man filming the area as he rushes into the school’s courtyard. Four plumes of black smoke can be seen from inside the courtyard. The smoke appears to emerge from the location of nearby strikes, including the IRGC compound.

Satellite imagery taken in the aftermath of the attack appeared to show that multiple precision strikes hit at least six IRGC buildings and the school itself. Four buildings inside a nearby naval base were completely destroyed, and two other buildings showed impact points at the center of their roofs, according to an analysis from The New York Times.

After news of the Pentagon’s preliminary findings emerged Wednesday, a statement from U.S. Central Command warned Iranian civilians to stay away from ports used by the Iranian navy.

The CENTCOM statement said the Iranian government was using civilian port facilities to “conduct military operations that threaten international shipping” in the Strait of Hormuz.

“This dangerous action risks the lives of innocent people. Civilian ports used for military purposes lose protected status and become legitimate military targets under international law,” the statement said.

Alex Woodward contributed reporting from New York

Some argy-bargy followed the final whistle, with Luis Enrique striking Joao Pedro, but differences can be settled on the banks of the Seine this evening. That match came just eight short months ago but there has been plenty of upheaval at Chelsea since, most notably in the dugout. A tactical masterclass from Enzo Maresca helped the Blues pip the European champions Stateside, and now Liam Rosenior must see if he can repeat the trick against the Ligue 1 champions-elect.

The pub is a popular spot for watching rowers on the River Cam

A popular pub in a Cambridgeshire village found along the River Cam is set to close for a refurbishment. The Plough in Fen Ditton, Cambridge, has closed to undergo a month-long renovation to deliver “a country pub experience worthy of Fen Ditton locals”.

The Plough is known for being a good spot for those wanting to watch the Cambridge Bumps and offers visitors a place to enjoy a drink in its large beer garden. The pub will be designed to be a “go-to destination for relaxed indulgence” and will “blend the timeless charm of a country pub with a modern, elegant look”.

The refurbishment will include a complete refresh of the beer garden with a new pizza shack being built that will serve a range of pizzas alongside an updated outside bar area. Food will be “at the heart” of visitors’ experience with the pub’s menu featuring pub classic dishes using seasonal ingredients.

The pub will be offering a variety of set menus for guests to enjoy including the Weeknight Escape menu, which costs £22.95 for two courses and £27.95 for three courses, and is available from Monday through to Thursday. The Plough will be offering two for £16 cocktails on the same days.

The refurbishment will create around six new jobs such as front of house and kitchen roles. The Plough is set to reopen on Friday, April 3.

Stacey Norwood-Gregory, the general manager of the pub, said: “The Plough has always been at the heart of the Fen Ditton community, and the refurbishment is a chance for us to give back to our guests this summer.

“We can’t wait for the people of Fen Ditton to experience the fresh look while enjoying the classic premium country pub experience with great food and excellent customer service from both me and the team.”

Acting off intelligence, local law enforcement attended an address on Shiel Walk, Craigshill, on Tuesday, March 10.

A raid in West Lothian has led to an estimated £120,000 worth of cocaine being seized from a Livingston property.

Acting off intelligence, local law enforcement attended an address on Shiel Walk, Craigshill, on Tuesday, March 10.

Class A wrapped cocaine and other drug paraphernalia was discovered alongside a four-figure sum of cash. Enquiries remain ongoing in relation to other items seized.

READ MORE: Influx in West Lothian dogs sees bins overflowing within days of being emptied

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “We know that organised criminals use addresses to store and distribute drugs and we will continue to disrupt drugs crime in the Livingston area.

“We work every day to protect the public and to prevent drugs being circulated on our streets. This is vitally important in addressing the concerns of local people.

“If you have any information relating to drug crime, please report it to us so that we can investigate thoroughly.”

Those with information or concerns should report this to us via 101.

READ MORE: Livingston health club announces plans for new padel courts

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Dave Robertson has called on the Government to force Royal Mail to “be honest, ‘fess up and fix it”

Politicians have accused the Royal Mail of ‘lying’ about its performance and ‘pretending’ not to prioritise parcels over letters. It comes amid concerns Royal Mail is not meeting Ofcom targets for timeliness in its deliveries, potentially leading to millions of letters arriving late.

Labour MP Dave Robertson said that people in his constituency are “sick of being lied to by Royal Mail”.

The Lichfield MP said on Wednesday: “I met Royal Mail just before Christmas to complain to them about the total lack of a postal service that we have in Lichfield. We were probably the worst area in the country at that point. I was told when I had that meeting that all of the first class mail went out that week. That is a lie, it is an absolute lie, because my constituents told me.

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“Royal Mail clearly don’t have a handle on this – they are either not measuring their performance or they are covering up their performance.”

He called on the Government to force Royal Mail to “be honest, ‘fess up and fix it”. Business minister Blair McDougall said he understands how “frustrating” it is for MPs to “raise a problem and be told that it doesn’t exist”.

He added: “Royal Mail have a responsibility absolutely to address that in a direct and straight-forward manner, because if we aren’t recognising the problem, we’ll not deal with it.”

Several MPs alleged Royal Mail prioritises parcels, contributing to the late delivery of letters and leading to some customers missing important information, like medical appointments.

In a letter published this week by the Commons Business and Trade Committee, chief executive Alistair Cochrane said Royal Mail does not “operate a general policy of prioritising parcel deliveries over letters”.

He said delivering parcels before letters was only prioritised during busy periods like Christmas to avoid them overcrowding delivery offices, but admitted the company does not keep specific data on the number of letters de-prioritised for parcels during these periods.

Liberal Democrat MP Jess Brown-Fuller (Chichester) said: “The blame for failures doesn’t lie with postal workers, as has been established well today, who are doing all they can to deliver a service.

“But it lies with a private company that is telling their staff to prioritise parcels and then pretending that that’s not their policy. Constituents in my area of Chichester have received hospital appointments four days after the appointment was due to take place.”

Labour MP Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington), who had raised the urgent question on the matter, said: “Royal Mail’s recent letter to the Business and Trade Committee denies operating the parcels-first policy, contradicting repeated internal testimonies. It flies in the face of local evidence from the workforce.”

Labour MP Chris Webb (Blackpool South), who is the son of a postal worker, said: “We know this isn’t the fault of the workers. We know that they are working day in, day out to get these letters out, but we know they are being told to prioritise parcels.”

Labour MP Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire) said: “It’s a standing joke in the job that the quickest way to get a letter delivered is to put it inside of a parcel.”

Responding, Mr McDougall said: “On the issue of the prioritisation of parcels, Ofcom had examined this a few years ago and had found that there wasn’t evidence of it as a policy centrally.

“But I’ve heard from so many members stories about the prioritisation of parcels, and so it’s something I intend to raise with Ofcom later this afternoon.”

​Efforts to establish who owns an electric clock at 86, Newborough in Scarborough town centre have so far not yielded any results.

Time could be running out for the piece of horological history, as it poses potential health and safety risks and could be removed.

North Yorkshire Council officers have recently said they do not think the authority owns it, but are unaware of who does.

​In January, ​Scarborough Town councillors ruled out paying more than £20,000 for repairs to the Westborough-Newborough clock following a request from the town’s civic society.

​​According to Historic England, the electric clock dates from 1988.

​The ownership of the clock is unknown, councillors were told in January, and North Yorkshire Council was planning on removing it over concerns about a health and safety risk, when Scarborough Civic Society stepped in to try and save it.

​In a recent update to councillors, an officer said: “I’ve checked with colleagues across the property, highways and culture teams, and we’ve been unable to find any records showing that North Yorkshire Council owns or has maintenance responsibility for this clock.”

​They added: “As far as we are aware, it has never been recognised as a council asset by Scarborough or North Yorkshire [councils], and given our current budget constraints, we’re unable to assume responsibility or take on maintenance or repair obligations.

​“If there are records indicating that the council holds responsibility, we’d be happy to review this and reconsider our position.”

​A quote for the repair and renovation of the clock from Time Assured Ltd stands “in excess of £20,000”, according to a town council report, which notes: “The Civic Society has advised they are unable to fund this project and the request is for the town council to consider funding the works in full.”

​Members of the town council have asked that anyone with information about the clock reach out to the authority.