Sixteen-year-old William was last seen in Spennymoor on Saturday (May 30) but he may have links to Peterlee, Hartlepool and Durham City.

Durham Police say he was last seen wearing a black puffer body warmer, a black Gucci cap and a gold belcher chain.

He is described as 6ft 3inches with brown hair.

Police have appealed for help in their search for missing 16-year-old Spennymoor teen William. (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 101.

Neighbours claimed Jo Shaw had ‘been complaining to the police for some time’ before her death

An investigation will look into how police handled ‘years of calls’ from a Bristol mum who was killed in a ‘deliberate’ house explosion caused by her ex.

Jo Shaw, 35, reportedly ushered a child to safety shortly before the blast, which also killed her former partner Ryan Kelly, 41, on May 3, after he arrived at her address in Sterncourt Road with an explosive device, neighbours say.

The mum was described as telling a child to leave the home to play outside on a trampoline when an argument broke out between her and Kelly, previously convicted for serving as a foot soldier in a local drugs gang, shortly before the explosion, the Mirror reports.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating the interaction between Ms Shaw, Kelly and Avon and Somerset Police. Reports suggest that the mum had contacted the force to report her ex’s dangerous behaviour on several occasions beforehand.

“She had been complaining to the police for some time before this incident, and he had been harassing her,” neighbour Stuart Blanchard previously told the Mirror.

“I’d heard the shouting before while having breakfast, something like ‘get out, get out’ but there’s something every week in this area so I didn’t go out.

“Then there was a bang, it shook my front door. But my friend heard the kicking so went over. I thought it was a gas explosion so stayed inside. It’s a shock for everyone because they were a really nice family,” he added. “I cannot believe it has happened.”

Avon and Somerset Police last contacted Ms Shaw four days before the explosion, according to the IOPC, which added its investigation would look at past incidents over a five-year period, from May 2021.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected at this very difficult time,” said IOPC director Derrick Campbell. “We are independent of the police, and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation, to fully establish the circumstances of what happened prior to the tragic events of May 3.

“There is a significant history of police involvement in relation to Mr Kelly’s behaviour, including allegations of stalking, harassment and assault which we need to examine as part of our investigation.

“We are reviewing extensive documentation detailing that history as part of our inquiries. We will be keeping all interested parties updated as our investigation, which is at an early stage, progresses.”

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The cause of the explosion is currently being treated as deliberate by Avon and Somerset Police – with Ms Shaw’s death therefore being recorded as a homicide. No one else is being investigated in connection with her death.

Three other people, including a child, sustained minor injuries in the blast. The force had previously said a call was received from a person inside the house at 6.17am reporting a domestic-related incident, saying a man they knew had forced entry to the house.

The caller remained on the line while officers were dispatched to the house and at 6.30am the caller told police the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device. About two minutes later there was an explosion at the property, in which Ms Shaw and Mr Kelly died.

The change of use proposal for the vacant retail unit in the High Street was recommended for approval by a Redcar and Cleveland Council planning officer, but turned down by members of the local authority’s regulatory committee.

Applicant Raman Amiri’s bid to create a shawarma-related venture on the site of the former Jubilee’s card shop belonging to late businessman Kenny Surtees attracted 123 objections from residents, with ward and neighbouring councillors also unhappy at the plans.

Mr Amiri did not appear before a meeting of the committee in support of his application and to answer questions, while members expressed doubts about whether there was sufficient space in the end terraced property to house a fully-fledged restaurant.

What the report said

The officer’s report said: “The premises was previously operated as a card shop which fell within the E use class. 

“The use of the premises solely as a restaurant would not require consent as a restaurant also falls within the E use class. 

“The proposal seeks to change the use of the premises to be a mix of restaurant (use class E) and hot food takeaway (use class sui generis) which would suggest that the takeaway element would not be ancillary to the main use as a restaurant.”

Residents complained about an over-concentration of fast food takeaways in the area – the proportion of which would further exceed the five per cent threshold of commercial units in hot food takeaway use as per council policy – a potential increase in food waste and litter, and illegal parking, along with a desire to see more independent/general shops.

Normanby ward councillor Curt Pugh said: “Normanby High Street already has more than enough takeaways. 

“Residents repeatedly tell me they want a wider mix of shops and services, and the council itself has recognised the need to limit the number of hot food outlets.”

He added: “There are also serious concerns about the impact on nearby residents. 

“Cooking smells, extractor fans, late-night customers, and delivery traffic will affect the flats above and the houses close by.”

Public Health South Tees was another objector.

The council planning officer’s view was that, as the new venture was not proposed to be open beyond 7pm each day and not late into the evening like most other hot food takeaways, this along with the mixed use aspect, meant that on balance the principle of a change of use was acceptable and it would also bring a vacant unit back into use.

Plans don’t ‘add up’

Eston councillor Stephen Martin said: “We need more diverse high streets and just filling them with fast food outlets isn’t acceptable. 

“Our residents deserve better and the health of our community should be a high priority.”

Cllr Martin said the plans included no real seating area, in the sense of people sat at tables, with benches and stools instead.

He said the application did not “add up” in terms of space for restaurant seating as it was a “very small space”.

Cllr Martin said: “Is it a restaurant or is it just somewhere where you quickly sit down and wait for your food to come?”

He also said Normanby’s proportion of takeaways set against the overall number of available commercial units was more than eight per cent.

Cllr Martin also said while the proposed opening hours were 9am to 7pm, he questioned “who was going to be buying a shawarma at 9 o’clock in the morning?”

He said: “In three months time the applicant may have sought to apply for different timescales, for instance it may not open to 1pm or 2pm and then go onto midnight.

“Then we’d be in the same situation as everywhere else where lots of shops are closed during the day and then open up at night.”

The east coast has seen a hail and thunderstorm leading to flash flooding.

Whitby has been particularly affected with many roads in the town flooded.

According to the Met Office the weather for the region for the rest of the week remains unsettled and rather cool throughout, with rain and showers.

This Evening and Tonight:

Any heavy showers will soon clear eastwards, leaving a largely dry night with clear spells developing for a time. Staying generally cloudy across western areas, with a few light showers. A mild and breezy night. Minimum temperature 10 °C.

Wednesday:

Increasingly cloudy, ahead of a band of rain sweeping east across the region. Sunny spells and blustery showers in the afternoon, with hail and thunder. Showers persisting in the evening. Maximum temperature 18 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Sat

North Yorkshire Police is investigating the disappearance of the juvenile bird after its satellite tag stopped transmitting in the North York Moors.

Following analysis by the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the disappearance of the eagle, which fledged in 2025 and has roamed widely across England this spring, is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is under way, police said.

The bird arrived in the western side of the North York Moors on April 30, and its tag did not communicate overnight into May 1, with no further transmissions since.

The white-tailed eagle, known as G834, was the first to be born in the wild in Dorset in 240 years, as part of a project to bring the birds of prey back to England.

The eagles, nicknamed flying barn doors because of their wingspan of up to 8ft (2.4m), were once widespread in southern England until the 18th century when persecution led to them being wiped out in the region.

The project by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation began reintroducing white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Wight in 2019, and has released 45 eagles since then.

The birds have previously been reintroduced in Scotland.

The first pair of Isle of Wight eagles bred successfully in 2023, fledging the first chick to have been born in the wild in England for more than 240 years.

A further five chicks have been born in the wild since, and last month the government announced the scheme would receive a boost with up to 20 young white-tailed eagles being released over three years in Exmoor National Park.

A statement on behalf of the Forestry England and Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation reintroduction project said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the suspicious disappearance of this young white-tailed eagle.

“It was the first to be bred in the wild in Dorset for 240 years and was beginning to really settle into the landscape.

“The return of this lost species to England has so much support from the public and we know that many people will be devastated to hear this news.”

The conservationists said satellite data showing the birds’ minute-by-minute movements was monitored every day and any suspicious or unusual data was always investigated.

The statement said: “These special birds are helping people connect with the natural world and showing how with a little bit of help nature can thrive.

“Thank you to everyone for their continued support and we encourage anyone who has information that may help the police investigation to come forward.”

Despite concerns in some quarters that the birds could prey on livestock such as lambs, a study into the food the Isle of Wight birds are eating reported in 2024 that they were targeting prey such as cuttlefish, rabbits, fish and other birds, and there were “no conflicts” with farming.

But the birds – whose return has faced opposition from some in the gamebird shooting community – have suffered persecution, with police investigating the disappearance of three birds last year in Sussex and Wales in suspicious circumstances.

And in 2022, two released white-tailed eagles from the reintroduction scheme were found dead, prompting police investigations in Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Today’s top Debenhams discount codes and offers

Debenhams has firmly cemented itself in the tapestry of British shopping. If you love a bargain, you’re in the right place, as there’s a whole host of offers available at Debenhams, including impressive discounts of up to 75 per cent. We’ve got all the information on how you can save with the latest discounts and voucher codes.

Save up to 15 per cent with a promo code

You can almost always find a Debenhams discount code for between 10 and 15 per cent off. These tend to change weekly and are usually applicable to specific brands or categories, such as women’s fashion or footwear.

Up to 70 per cent off in the payday sale

Every payday, you can expect big price drops of up to 70 per cent on all departments. In the latest sale, there is at least 20 per cent off almost all beauty, up to 70 per cent off outdoor furniture, clothing, shoes and more – plus an extra 25 per cent off select products. It’s worth checking back towards the end of each month for new additions and flash sales across particular products or categories.

Shop pre-loved fashion

The Debenhams preloved section enables you to enjoy designer fashion without the hefty price tags. Save up to 50 per cent on the cost of luxury items such as handbags, jewellery and watches, all with a 100 per cent authenticity guarantee and condition guide, so you know exactly what to expect. Delivery is free and you also get a 28-day returns period in case you change your mind.

10 per cent off with Student and NHS discounts

If you’ve got your heart set on a full-price find or haven’t got a discount code to use, you can still save on your next Debenhams shop. NHS workers will get a helpful 10 per cent discount on full-price goods at Debenhams, as will students, simply by verifying student status through Student Beans.

Free delivery

At Debenhams, standard delivery starts from £3.99, but the good news is that we often see a free delivery code or £1 delivery code most weeks.

Debenhams’ loyalty and subscription perks

Join the Debenhams beauty club

The Debenhams beauty club is an easy way for you to build points and take advantage of exclusive perks and offers. The loyalty scheme works in a tier structure, with the following point systems as you work your way up:

Debenhams unlimited

If you’re a frequent Debenhams shoppers, it might be worth investing in a Debenhams Unlimited membership for just £14.99 a year. Members get increased benefits such as VIP member days, exclusive offers and unlimited next-day delivery.

Delivery

Standard delivery (within four days) starts from £3.99, or you can opt for super-saver, which takes slightly longer to arrive (between five to seven days). If you’re in a rush, next-day shipping is available for £5.99 or express (arrival within two days) for £4.99.

Returns explained

Debenhams has a 28-day returns period, as long as items are unused, in original packaging and with tags still attached. There is a £1.99 returns fee, so bear that in mind when ordering. You can opt for a credit note or refund back to your original card.

To start your return, simply log in to the returns portal using your email address and order number.

Online shopping made easy

Debenhams makes online shopping easier than ever, with tools and advisors specialising in a number of different services, including beauty advisors, online quizzes and virtual try-ons. This helps you find the styles and shades that suit you best, without having to worry about lengthy returns or extra fees.

How do I redeem a Debenhams discount code?

Click the “See code” button on your chosen offer and copy the code that pops up on your screen. You’ll then be redirected to the Debenhams website, or you can switch back to your original tab to complete your order. On the order summary page, you will see a promo code box – paste your code here and hit apply to enjoy your discount.

What is the Debenhams marketplace?

Similar to Amazon and eBay, Debenhams works with other sellers to bring you a wider range of products. This means not everything comes directly from the Debenhams warehouse. However, you will be able to see clearly on the product listing whether the item is from a third-party seller.

Whether it’s to bring you news on Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, or the latest on the Boxing Day sales, The Independent is a trusted consumer champion. Our expert deals team is always on the lookout for ways to save you money and fill you in on the products worth buying, so you can trust we’ll only bring you true deals, from brands that we trust.

In the mood to shop for more bargains? Here’s how to make the most of the Nike sale

Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed he will leave the Cottagers after five years in charge, with the 48-year-old close to agreeing a deal to take over at Benfica.

Silva’s contract expires at the end of June and uncertainty surrounded his future during the final months of the season.

The Portuguese had been offered a new three-year deal with the club keen to keep him.

Silva, who had previously managed Hull City, Watford and Everton in England, was appointed in 2021 when Fulham were in the Championship.

He steered the London club to promotion in his first season and has since established them as a Premier League side.

Victory over Newcastle on the final day sealed an 11th-placed finish in this year’s top flight.

Fulham finished 10th, 13th and 11th in his other Premier League seasons in charge.

More to follow.

Losing weight is hard. Keeping it off is often even harder.

Research has shown that most people who intentionally lose weight regain at least some of it within a few years. This is often attributed to lack of “willpower”, but the evidence actually shows that after we lose weight, the body undergoes a range of biological changes that encourage weight regain. This includes increased hunger, changes in metabolism and shifts in hormones involved in appetite regulation.

Even people who lose weight using a GLP-1 drug find it difficult to maintain their weight loss once treatment stops.

For this reason, finding ways to help people maintain weight loss is a key area of research.

A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that one particular gut microbe may help to prevent weight regain.

The bacterium, called Akkermansia muciniphila, is an abundant species in the human gut microbiome. It lives in the mucus layer that lines the gut. It’s able to feed on mucin (the proteins and sugars that make up this mucus), and is thought to play a role in maintaining the gut’s protective barrier and can also influence metabolism.

Akkermansia muciniphila has attracted attention in microbiome research in recent years due to its association with improved health outcomes across multiple diseases.

Studies in humans have shown that higher levels of Akkermansia muciniphila are linked with better metabolic health, including improved blood sugar control, which reduces the risk of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, lower levels of Akkermansia muciniphila are observed in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

This recent study investigated whether supplementing people with Akkermansia muciniphila after weight loss could help limit subsequent weight regain.

The trial involved 90 adults who were overweight or obese. Participants followed a low-energy diet for eight weeks. This consisted of meal replacement soups and shakes totalling 800-900 calories per day.

After this phase, participants who lost at least 8% of their body weight were then randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or daily supplements containing pasteurised Akkermansia muciniphila for 24 weeks. They were also instructed to follow a healthy diet that aligned with Dutch dietary guidelines, but were told they could eat as much or little as they wanted.

This study did not use live Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria. Instead, they used a pasteurised version (meaning the bacteria had been heat-treated and were no longer alive). This may sound counterintuitive, but previous research suggests that some of the beneficial effects of probiotics, including A muciniphila, may come from components of the bacterial cell rather than live microbes. Pasteurisation may even enhance the microbe’s effects.

By the end of the study, the group receiving Akkermansia muciniphila had regained significantly less weight than the placebo group. On average, those taking the supplement regained around 1.2kg, compared with 3.2kg in the placebo group. This suggests that supplementation slowed, but did not fully prevent, weight regain after initial weight loss.

The researchers also observed some improvements in some cardiometabolic markers, including improved insulin sensitivity (meaning the body is responding to insulin more effectively) in the supplemented group.

The gut microbiome and body weight

The microbiome is highly complex. It is influenced by diet, exercise, sleep, medications and many other factors. As a result, microbiome-based therapies are unlikely to be simple, one-size-fits-all solutions.

Although the findings are encouraging, the study was relatively small and only lasted six months after the initial weight-loss phase. We still do not know whether the effects would continue over longer periods.

There are also questions about who is most likely to benefit, as participants with lower baseline gut levels of Akkermansia appeared to show greater cardiometabolic improvements. This highlights a broader challenge in microbiome science: people’s gut microbiomes vary enormously, and treatments that work well for one person may have little effect in another.

The study also involved substantial dietary intervention and support, including the provision of a meal replacement plan for the initial weight loss, and support from dietitians throughout the entire study period. So the microbe was not tested in isolation from lifestyle changes, nor should it be viewed as a substitute for them.

It’s also worth noting that several authors declared links to the company producing the supplement used in the trial. While such collaborations are common in translational research (studies which test lab findings in real people to understand health benefits), independent studies will be important to confirm and build on these findings.

That said, the microbiome is still a fascinating and increasingly important area of research with clear links to many aspects of human health. Our understanding of it is still developing. However, research so far shows that the microbiome plays key roles in metabolism and immunity, meaning it can influence both health and the development of disease.

Many probiotic supplements currently marketed to consumers have limited evidence behind them. Although studies like this suggest that carefully targeted microbiome therapies may have potential to eventually be used as part of weight-maintenance strategies, much more research is needed.

It may even be possible to support and increase Akkermansia muciniphila without supplementation. Diet plays an important role in shaping the microbiome. Diets rich in fibre, particularly prebiotic fibres (a type of dietary fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria), can help create an environment in which beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia muciniphila, can thrive.

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These fibres are found in foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus and many whole grains. Plant foods high in polyphenols (naturally occurring plant compounds that can protect cells against damage and inflammation) – such as berries and grapes – may also promote its growth.

For now, the findings from this study add to growing evidence that body weight is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental and behavioural factors. They also contribute to an increasingly clear picture of the gut microbiome as an important regulator of metabolism and health.

The Reform councillor last August said it had turned into a display of “political activism” rather than being about gay rights when his administration said it would not be funding future Pride events.

Cllr Grimes said at the time: “Pride stopped being a celebration of gay rights a long time ago. It’s morphed into a travelling billboard for gender ideology and political activism that many in the gay community — myself included — want no part of.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t be bankrolling it.”

As the event returned over the weekend (Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, May 31), Maria Exall, national executive member of Communications Workers Union criticised the former GB News host as she appeared on stage.

Speaking on stage at Durham Pride she said: “As unions, we are against hate. We are against transphobic hate, against homophobic hate.

Deputy leader of Durham County Council, cllr Darren Grimes (Image: Stuart Boulton)

“As unions, we are against division, against those who say our rights are contested causes.

“Thank you, we know who we’re talking about… Darren.

“We are not contested causes, we are people with human rights, we are people entitled to live our lives free and safely.”

Responding to Ms Exall, Cllr Grimes posted on Facebook: “I see I’m popular at Durham Pride this year!

“I will always stand up for taxpayers and women and girls against this cult.”

Durham Pride 2026 was the biggest-ever, with 3,000 people attending the celebrations.

This year’s event carried added significance following Durham County Council’s decision to withdraw funding.

In response, trade unions stepped in, raising more than £15,500 to cover the shortfall.

The vibrant parade, which once again celebrated love, diversity and inclusion, started at Palace Green at 11am, before heading down through Owengate and into Saddler Street.

The procession moved into the Market Place before continuing along Claypath and looping via Providence Row and Freemans Place to reach The Sands.