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Pictured: Five men killed in ‘TikTok joyride’ crash after VW driving wrong way smashed into police car and left two officers dead

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Makai Saddington, 18, had posted videos on TikTok of him being chased by police in the past few months

Five joyriders have been pictured after dying when the car they drove the wrong way smashed into a police vehicle and left two officers dead.

PC Matthew Blades, 38, and 37-year-old PC Tom Clough have been hailed for their bravery after being killed in the line of duty on the A66 at Middlesbrough yesterday.

Both police officers and the five men in the Volkswagen Passat were all declared dead at the scene. 

It comes amid similar tragedies linked to an online craze in which youngsters prompt police car pursuits before sharing video footage. 

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The victims have been named locally as Michael Ray, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington.

Last night it emerged Mr Saddington had posted a string of TikTok videos appearing to show him taking part in high-speed police chases months before his death.

It is understood he and his companions had close links to the traveller community.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, the group of teenagers became involved in a pursuit with two police cars chasing the ‘suspicious’ vehicle.

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Ring doorbell footage shows that at 3.36am the VW Passat was driven at speed through Middlesbrough’s streets before officers halted the chase when the vehicle turned on to the A66.

Makai Saddington, 18, had posted videos on TikTok of him being chased by police over the past few months

Jakub Matusiak was described by his sister as her 'best friend always and forever'

Jakub Matusiak was described by his sister as her ‘best friend always and forever’

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Close friends Theo Rae (left) and Cole Worthy both died in the crash on Saturday night

Close friends Theo Rae (left) and Cole Worthy both died in the crash on Saturday night

Michael Ray was praised by those who knew him as a 'lovely, down to earth lad'

Michael Ray was praised by those who knew him as a ‘lovely, down to earth lad’

This is the moment police are seen pursuing a car down a narrow road just minutes before seven people, including two police officers, were killed in a head-on smash

This is the moment police are seen pursuing a car down a narrow road just minutes before seven people, including two police officers, were killed in a head-on smash 

Just three minutes after the pursuit was caught on camera, at 3.39am, the car ploughed into the path of a different marked armed-response vehicle, which was on the correct side of the A66.

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Cleveland Police lowered flags to half-mast at their Middlesbrough headquarters in tribute to their fallen colleagues, who are understood not to have been part of the pursuit.

As an investigation into the incident continues, social media posts from the teenagers reveal some insight into their activities before the tragedy happened.

In one clip, filmed in May by a passenger and set to rap music, 18-year-old Mr Saddington is seen in an Audi being driven at speed through a housing estate with a police car’s blue lights flashing in pursuit.

The vehicle is then seen veering across a grassy playing field in an apparent bid to shake off officers.

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Another video on an account associated with him shows a green Nissan being driven around before being set alight, while separate images posted elsewhere show him and a friend posing in cars wearing black balaclavas.

The clips reflect a trend of young men filming themselves being pursued by police at high speed and posting the clips on social media in pursuit of views and likes. 

It happened just days after five teenagers died in a head-on collision on a motorway in Ireland.

The masked youngsters were in a stolen BMW travelling the wrong way down the M9 in County Kildare at 2am last Sunday.

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Police had tried to pull the stolen car over but it sped off the wrong way down the M9 to avoid a stinger device that had been deployed to stop the car.

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The occupants of the other vehicle – three sisters and a seven-year-old boy – suffered serious injuries in the crash and remain in hospital. 

Following news of Saturday’s Middlesbrough crash, family and friends posted a series of tributes to the five teenagers. 

The mother of Mr Saddington’s one-year-old son posted on social media: ‘What am I supposed to do without ur daft phone calls and u torching (sic) me life’s so cruel.’

Mr Saddington’s aunt Sharon Morgan posted online: ‘Today is a day I never thought I would have to face.

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‘I’m heartbroken to say that we lost my beloved nephew today, our Makai. There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life.

‘You brought so much love and happiness into our family, and your memory will stay with us forever. This loss has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled.

‘Rest peacefully, my beautiful nephew. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, fly high love ya aunty Sharon…

‘Keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we try to get through this heartbreaking time, especially our Alisha, his Mam.’

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Meanwhile, friends of Cole Worthy called his death ‘a massive devastation’ and another wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbroken, you are gonna be missed Cole, love u lots.’

He shared a friendship with Theo Rae, who also died in the crash – with the pair pictured together last December and often commenting on each other’s social media posts.

One commenter wrote of Theo that he was ‘taken way too soon’ and had a ‘heart of gold’, describing as someone who would have ‘done anything for anyone’. 

Michael Ray was praised online as a ‘lovely, down to earth lad’.

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The sister of Jakub Matusiak said her heart was ‘broken’ by the news, describing her sibling as her ‘best friend always and forever’. 

A friend wrote he would be ‘missed by everyone who knows you’. 

As more details emerged, householders in Lime Road – a mile from the crash site – told how they were woken by the noise as the stolen car ‘shot down’ the street, followed by police cars.

Makai Saddington posted videos on his Tiktok of men in balaclavas driving cars at speed

Makai Saddington posted videos on his Tiktok of men in balaclavas driving cars at speed

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In the  video captured by a home security camera, two police cars follow just seconds later

In the  video captured by a home security camera, two police cars follow just seconds later

Police officers at the scene of a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 near Middlesbrough

Police officers at the scene of a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 near Middlesbrough

Neil Hutchison, 47, said: ‘You could tell from the noise that they were travelling at high speed. 

‘Two cars went down the street and then a few seconds later there was a third, they were obviously going after another vehicle. It’s tragic that it ended with people dead.’

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Chief Constable Victoria Fuller looked close to tears as she told how, together with her deputy David Felton, had visited the families of PC Blades and PC Clough to offer condolences and support ‘with this unimaginable loss’.

Paying tribute to the men, she said: ‘These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents, who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.’

She added: ‘This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland.

‘The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies.

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‘My thoughts, and the thoughts of everybody here at Cleveland Police, are with their families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.’

Lauren Somerville, chairman of the Cleveland Police Federation, said: ‘Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family is feeling today.

‘Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not. That is just unfathomable.’

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller named the two police officers killed as PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough during a police press conference on Saturday

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller named the two police officers killed as PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough during a police press conference on Saturday

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A police cordon at the scene of a crash that killed two officers near Middlesbrough

A police cordon at the scene of a crash that killed two officers near Middlesbrough

Redcar MP Anna Turley, a Labour government minister and whose constituency covers the area, said of the officers: ‘They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families.

‘Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served.’

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

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Chief Constable Fuller added: ‘While this investigation is ongoing, and out of respect for all those who have lost loved ones, I would strongly urge people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the families.’

Residents said they were woken by ‘a fleet of ambulances, fire engines and police cars’ racing to the scene. 

The North East Ambulance Service said 14 ambulances, specialist paramedics, a hazardous response team and a Great North Air Ambulance Service doctor attended. 

A spokesman said: ‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.’

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Prime Minister Andy Burnham thanked the emergency services for their response in ‘incredibly difficult circumstances’.

Writing on X, he added: ‘My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved.’

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: ‘My thoughts are with the families and friends of those officers killed in the line of duty as well as those serving in Cleveland Police, the wider police family and all the emergency services who attended the scene.’

Craze that claimed five more young lives just a week ago 

By Padraic Flanagan

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It was feared last night that the A66 crash may be a copycat tragedy – thanks to the deadly TikTok craze that claimed the lives of five teenagers in a head-on motorway smash in the Irish Republic last week.

In that case, the youngsters, who were all wearing balaclavas in a stolen BMW travelling the wrong way down the country’s M9, died at the scene in Co Kildare in the early hours of Sunday.

The deaths of Joey Carthy, 15, Jack Kennedy, 17, Alex McCarthy, 16, Jeremy O’Brien, 18, and 17-year-old Kamil Pustkowski led to public fury at social media platforms after it emerged that the teenagers were filming themselves in the car. 

That anger intensified on Thursday when TikTok declined an invitation to appear before an Irish parliamentary committee on media to discuss the latest craze of posting videos of people driving the wrong way down motorways.

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Sisters Ella Hendricken, who is in her 20s, and Niamh and Alma Kinsella, in their 30s, as well as Alma’s seven-year-old son, Yemi, are being treated in hospital for serious injuries after their Hyundai was hit by the BMW.

The innocent victims, from Graiguecullen, Co Carlow, were on their way to Dublin to fly out for a family wedding in the UK when the teens smashed into their car. Three of the five teens killed in the M9 tragedy were buried on Friday. Two more funerals are due to take place today and on Tuesday.

Videos featuring youngsters in stolen cars trying to bait police into high-speed chases have become a macabre trend.

Mary Aiken, a professor of forensic cyber-psychology at the University of East London, told The Guardian: ‘While driving, they’re simultaneously filming and capturing content for posting later or live streaming. They have one foot in the real world and one foot in cyberspace They’re thinking about the likes… about kudos.’

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Gaby Roslin comforts emotional dog owner in new ITV series ‘it’s heartbreaking’

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Daily Mirror

Things took an emotional turn during the first episode of The Joy of Pets as Gaby Roslin spoke to a couple who are fostering a blind dog

TV veteran Gaby Roslin was on hand to provide emotional support to a dog owner who appeared on ITV’s, The Joy of Pets.

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The brand-new series, which kicked off on Sunday (August 23), saw Gaby and her co-star, Dr Bolu Eso, celebrate the nation’s love of animals. In the first episode, Gaby and Dr Bolu were in Horsham, West Sussex, where they met a number of furry animals, including dogs, rabbits and even a rat.

During the first episode, Gaby was joined by dog owners Paul and Anna, who are currently fostering a blind husky named Cookie.

Talking to owners Anna and Paul, Gaby discovered that the couple had already lost a dog over a year ago. Paul admitted that he was reluctant to care for a dog “full time” but was keen to foster.

After telling the RSPCA their story, the charity was happy to allow the dog-loving pair to foster Cookie, who became blind in both eyes as a young pup.

Talking about Cookie, Anna said: “We just fell in love with her straight away and she actually does look like our old dog as well. So when she came out, he was a husky dog, same colouring, so it was a bit like ‘ok,’ but in a nice way.”

Paul added: “It was spooky!”

Later in their chat, as the couple continued to share their story, Gaby highlighted how brave they were after losing their first pup, whom they had had for 13 years.

Seeing Paul become increasingly emotional, Gaby hugged him and said: “Everyone understands this, Paul. Losing a pet is heartbreaking; you can’t deny it.

“And you’ve found another pet that has created you a whole new life together, I think it’s wonderful. But I can see what she means to you.”

Gaby, who came up with the concept for The Joy of Pets, has expressed her love for all animals and has shared her highlights from the series. But despite her admiration for animals, she currently has none of her own.

She said in a statement: “My husband is allergic to dogs and cats, so I spent a lot of time taking my friends’ dogs for a walk. I grew up in a house full of animals.

“When I was born, there was already a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, there was a cat that was mainly outside, there was a tortoise, two rabbits and we used to always take the guinea pigs home from school to look after them in the holidays. My mother was obsessed with animals, so that’s definitely where I got it from.”

The Joy of Pets airs Sundays at 11:30am on ITV1.

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How to watch Newcastle vs Liverpool FC: TV channel and live stream for Premier League today

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How to watch Newcastle vs Liverpool FC: TV channel and live stream for Premier League today

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Iran-linked hackers shut down UK power plant – should we be worried? | News UK

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Iran-linked hackers shut down UK power plant - should we be worried? | News UK
At no point was there a risk to the wider energy system (Picture: AP/Getty)

Cyber hackers linked to Iran shut down a UK power plant for four days.

The incident, which occurred in July, involved an unidentified small-scale energy generator, according to The Telegraph.

Hackers unlikely had civilian harm in mind when targeting the power plant, though it is reportedly the first time Iran-linked crooks knocked one offline.

The National Cyber Security Centre, part of the spy agency GCHQ which investigates attacks on infrastructure, declined to comment as it does not routinely acknowledge individual incidents.

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The power grid was never at risk and the incident had no impact on energy production, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told Metro.

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Department officials briefed energy bosses and wrote to companies with advice, direction and next steps following the shutdown.

SELBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Recently installed wind turbines generate electricty in the shadow of Drax, Europe's biggest coal fired power station, on August 24, 2010 in Selby, England. The Rusholme wind farm will create 24 Mega Watts when fully operational in comparison to Drax which creates 3,960 Mega Watts. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Most small-scale power plants only kick in for a few hours a week to top up energy supplies, such as when it’s not that windy (Picture: Getty Images)

A government spokesperson added: ‘The UK has a highly resilient energy system.

‘We work closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards.

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Could hackers target anything else in the UK?

Security experts have long warned that a cyber attack by a foreign country during a time of war isn’t just the stuff of cheap Hollywood films.

Fears of Iranian-linked cyber attacks have been high since the US and Israel launched a deadly attack on Iran in February, igniting a war.

Factories are easy targets for cyber attacks, Steffan Roxrud Thorvaldse, CEO of Qbee, a device management platform, told Metro.

‘Modern factories now operate as “smart” environments where everything is connected, from sensors and cameras to robotics and control systems,’ he said.

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SELBY, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: An aerial view of the Drax Power Station in the rural constituency of Selby and Ainsty on June 19, 2023 in Selby, England. Last week, the MP for Selby and Ainsty, Nigel Adams, announced he was standing down with immediate effect. He had already declared he would stand down at the next election. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Which power plant was breached is unclear (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

‘That means more ways in for attackers.’

Attackers can gain entry by slipping into security holes in online systems, such as a CCTV camera that uses out-of-date software.

‘From there, attackers can move through networks and potentially interfere with systems that control real-world operations, like factory machinery and production lines,’ Thorvaldse added.

Some experts worry that ‘Iranian hacktivists’, groups which either have ties to or are sympathetic to the regime, could strike.

Richard Ford, CTO of the cybersecurity specialist Integrity360, said: ‘It’s impossible to say what companies could be next and whether any will be in the UK, but the chances of it will depend on the UK’s perceived involvement in the war.

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‘Although, as with the war, it is not just the US and Israel being targeted but also their partners and allies.’

A man crosses Tehran's Enghelab Square on July 15, 2026, past a giant anti-US billboard featuring US president Donald Trump in a coffin with text in Persian reading "We Kill Trump". Hostilities renewed between Iran and the US, endangering a memorandum of understanding, reached in June with Qatari and Pakistani mediation, aimed at ending the war. The confrontation resumed on July 7 after attacks on ships in the Gulf, which Iran has attributed to Iran. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /
No major hacks from Iran-backed groups have happened (Picture: AFP)

Other experts worry that hacking groups could also be posing as Tehran-affiliated to stir up tensions.

Or they are using the Iran war to pursue their own agendas, such as what a pro-Russian group did by prying open CCTV footage of an Ipswich go-kart track in March.

‘#TimeOfRetribution,’ the group said in a Telegram post at the time, seen by Metro.

Hacktivists can be hired on the dark web, a shady, heavily encrypted corner of the internet away from prying eyes, to knock out websites.

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One common – and cheap – hack offered is a distributed denial of service (DDoS), which brought down a massive chunk of the web last November.

Computer vandals jam a website with so many requests that it buckles under the load and becomes unresponsive.

Despite these concerns, experts who specialise in tracking Iranian hacking groups have seen little activity.

Shopper entering a Marks and Spencer food hall on the concourse of Waterloo Station in London UK. April 2026
Hackers targeted Marks and Spencer’s last year (Picture: Getty Images/iStock Unreleased)

This was to be expected. The Intelligence and Security Committee, which oversees spy agencies, said last year that while Iran spends millions of dollars on hacking groups, it’s ‘unlikely’ they’d break into British facilities.

The risk of a successful cyber attack against UK infrastructure is between five and 25%, the Cabinet Office said in July.

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Still, Ford says it’s vital the government is prepared for cyber attacks, which officials routinely stress that they are.

‘The worst case, which is less trivial to launch and successfully orchestrate, would be a breach of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) such as electricity, water supply, health services and food supply, and that could have a myriad of effects and be the highest impact felt by Britons,’ Ford said.

‘M&S is a very good example of a cyber attack,’ he added of the Easter breach last year, ‘particularly in terms of severity and impact where shelves were left bare and customers unable to place orders.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Gordon Ramsay’s new TV show has ‘already fallen apart’ after former nemesis Marcus Wearing ‘quits’

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Gordon Ramsay’s new TV show was due to start filming next month but production has permanently halted after his former rival Marcus Wearing told producers he no longer wants to take part

Gordon Ramsay’s latest TV venture has reportedly been left in jeopardy after his former rival and fellow chef Marcus Wearing allegedly quit the show just a few weeks before filming.

Under his TV production company Studio Ramsay, Gordon, 59, was launching a new show on BBC alongside Marcus, 56, who previously graced our screens on MasterChef.

But it looks as though the cinders of their 16 year feud may still be burning despite their recent reconciliation as Marcus reportedly told production he did not want to be part of the show anymore.

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A source claimed: “Sadly, the format has already fallen apart. Last week, Marcus told the producers he didn’t want to do it anymore, leading to the show being halted.”

“It’s a shame as there was so much excitement about the reunion. It all feels pretty final, but the BBC could try to rescue it in another way,” they added to the Sun on Sunday.

Back in 2008, the TV chefs fall out became one of the major talking points within the industry. Marcus had been working at one of Gordon’s restaurants as head chef but quit to launch his own restaurant.

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This caused a major rift among the pair which led to years of silence, but they reconciled a few months ago which led to them agreeing to work together.

Speaking about the upcoming series, the Kitchen Nightmares star previously said: “Marcus and I go back a long way. And I’m delighted we’re coming together to bring this special series to BBC Daytime.”

In June, Marcus added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside Gordon again. It’s been many years since we last shared a kitchen. I can’t wait to get started.”

Last year, he took part in a school talk to discuss his journey from a budding chef to a Michelin starred TV star. But one pupil was only concerned with whether he knew the Hell’s Kitchen favourite.

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When asked, he responded: “I know him very, very well. I worked with him. I was business partners with him. He was the best man at my wedding and then I fell out with him.”

The pair had opened a restaurant together back in 1999 called Pétrus. However, Marcus had plans on going solo, taking over the lease, which resulted in a bitter fall out and a legal battle

Following the legal fall out, Gordon maintained ownership of the Pétrus name and his pal moved on to open Waering at The Berkeley Hotel.

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The Mirror has contacted reps for Gordon and Marcus for a comment. A BBC spokesman declined to comment.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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New season, new hairstyle for Haaland! Man City star Erling chops off iconic long hair and shows off new look ahead of Premier League campaign

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Erling Haaland has ditched his iconic long locks for a buzz cut, as he revealed on Instagram

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Erling Haaland has shocked fans by debuting a new hairstyle.

The Manchester City striker has abandoned his trademark Viking-style long locks and opted for a buzz cut. 

He teased the new trim in a short Instagram video on Sunday morning and fans will get to see it in all its glory as City take on Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.

Haaland has varied his hairstyle down the years, sometimes adopting a ponytail and other times letting his plumage fall freely, but this is a new aesthetic for the 26-year-old. 

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‘No way,’ former City boss Pep Guardiola said in reaction to Haaland’s new look on his YouTube channel. ‘You are lucky you have hair!’ 

Former Barcelona and Inter Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who once told Haaland his power comes from his long hair – asked if he shaved it all off ‘for a bet’, while Jack Grealish admitted ‘I can’t stop looking at the top of your head.’ 

This was what the 26-year-old Manchester City man looked like before he got his trim

Erling Haaland has ditched his iconic long locks for a buzz cut, as he revealed on Instagram 

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Former City boss Pep Guardiola was stunned by his old striker's new look

Former City boss Pep Guardiola was stunned by his old striker’s new look

The forward has enjoyed a free-spirited summer holiday since reaching the World Cup quarter-finals with Norway. 

He spent time hanging out with Pretty Little Thing founder Umar Kamani on a yacht in the French Riviera and also went on a boat trip around Sicily. 

Haaland also had the chance to meet basketball legend Michael Jordan, a link-up brokered by one of Kamani’s friends, as exclusively revealed by Daily Mail Sport

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He and Kamani were merrymaking at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a stunning coastal resort in Antibes where suites break the bank at up to £7,058 per night. 

Then again, that’s merely a drop in the ocean for Haaland, who nets close to £1million per week, and Kamani, whose net worth is estimated to be around $1billion (£797m). 

Haaland recently claimed on Snapchat that his brain is ‘fried’ after playing in 67 games for club and country last season, so a break was needed.

You could say he has been letting his hair down – but that won’t be possible with this new chop.

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The Norwegian has garnered plenty of popularity for his hair in the past. Former Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne revealed that his children were inspired by his look.

‘Erling is a superstar. All three children have long hair. I see that with the kids at [my son’s] school too. They all have hair like that. It’s funny,’ he said in 2023. 

For the Community Shield last week, Haaland sported a ponytail and proved to be ineffective.

He sported a ponytail for last week's Community Shield match with Arsenal but was ineffective

He sported a ponytail for last week’s Community Shield match with Arsenal but was ineffective

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Manchester City lost 3-0 to Arsenal, submitting a languid and toothless performance which saw new manager Enzo Maresca come under fire.

Replacing Pep Guardiola after his trophy-laden decade was always going to be an uphill task.

Haaland was limited to 13 touches and had zero shots on target before being hooked against the champions.  

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Kilkeel RNLI names new lifeboat in memory of donor’s brother

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In a touching gesture in memory of her brother, Margaret presented the RNLI with Bobby’s old Sunday School Bible, which she asked to be kept on board the lifeboat.

A new Shannon class lifeboat has been officially named Bobby Cameron during a special naming ceremony and service of dedication at Kilkeel Lifeboat Station in Co Down on Saturday, 22nd August.

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The lifeboat, which went on service in June of this year, has been largely funded by the donor Margaret Cameron and was named in memory of her beloved brother Bobby. Margaret and her brother were brought up, along with two older brothers, on a farm at Gracehill in Ballymena during the Second World War, and came from an Ulster-Scots background.

Bobby followed a career in joinery and construction and became a skilled City and Guilds craftsman in the construction industry. He also held a teaching post at the College of Technology, Belfast, and subsequently worked in the Department of Economic Development, setting up and organising training for apprentices and unskilled workers.

Bobby was happily married to Betty for 20 years and was devastated when she died in 1998. He remained a widower for the next 26 years until his death two years ago, aged 90 years. Neither Bobby nor Margaret had any connection with the RNLI other than a shared admiration for the lifesaving work they perform.

At the start of the ceremony, Margaret Cameron handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI through Peter Sparkes, the charity’s Chief Executive. John Fisher, Kilkeel Lifeboat Operations Manager, then accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the station.

Speaking during the ceremony, John said: ‘Today is a very special occasion for us. It marks 40 years since Robert Grimason, a local businessman, started the RNLI in Kilkeel. During those 40 years, we’ve answered 598 calls, aided over 400 people and saved 43 lives. The commitment, courage and dedication of our people is what the RNLI is all about. Today is another milestone in our history. I cannot thank the Cameron family enough for making this possible. Their generosity has provided us with an exceptional lifeboat that will help us to continue our mission of saving lives for many years to come.’

The Rev Rodney Cameron, nephew of Margaret and Bobby Cameron, led the Service of Dedication that followed. Then, before the gathered crowd of well-wishers, including family and friends of the station, Margaret Cameron named the lifeboat in memory of her brother, while the lifeboat crew poured a bottle of champagne over the side of the boat before it was launched.

Speaking as she named the lifeboat, Margaret Cameron said: “Today is the fulfilment of all my dreams. I am so glad that I was able to do this for Bobby. I miss him very much, and this lifeboat is really a tribute to his memory, as a brother and an uncle.’

In a touching gesture in memory of her brother, Margaret presented John Fisher with Bobby’s old Sunday School Bible, which she asked to be kept on board the lifeboat.

The Shannon is the latest class of all-weather lifeboat to join the RNLI fleet. She’s the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making her our most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat yet.

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The lifeboat was also partly funded by generous bequests from Edna Joyce Burgess and Hazel Mills, lifelong supporters of the RNLI. The vessel is also a legacy lifeboat and carries the names of generous supporters who appear within the letters and numbers that make up the lifeboat’s identifying number.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Two released on bail after re-arrests made in Liam Potts case

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Tribute to Northumberland man whose body was found in Tyne

The pair, aged 22 and 23, were detained in connection with the death of Liam Potts, whose body was discovered in the river on August 18, and have now been released on police bail.

Liam had been reported missing on August 15, after a night out with friends.

Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit made the discovery in the river close to Wylam Bridge on August 18.

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Prior to Liam’s disappearance, officers received a report of a disturbance at The Boathouse and a subsequent collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and a group of pedestrians.

A man and woman in their 20s suffered serious injuries in the crash.

The woman has since been discharged from hospital, while the man is still receiving treatment.

Liam was not in the car and was not hit by it. He was last seen leaving the bridge on foot towards Wylam.

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At first, officers did not think there was any third-party involvement in his disappearance.

But further investigations are now trying to find out if the disturbance and crash on Wylam Bridge directly led to Liam entering the water.

Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team is leading the investigation.

After the latest arrests, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Rachael Rutherford, said: “The facts remain the same that Liam was on the bridge at the time of the collision, but he was not an occupant of the vehicle and was not struck by the vehicle.

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“Enquiries have revealed that Liam, for reasons yet to be established, entered the water within minutes of the collision.

“We have therefore made the further re-arrests as we are looking to establish whether there is any link between the collision and Liam entering the water.”

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Liam’s death.

Liam’s loved ones have now shared an image and paid tribute to him.

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Iran’s president says US memorandum is best path out of stalled war

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Iran’s president says US memorandum is best path out of stalled war

Iran’s president defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the best way out of a stalled war.

Meanwhile, the new head of the Islamic Republic’s top security body warned, in a more forceful tone, of retaliation if neighboring countries support U.S. threats to further sanction Tehran.

Pakistan’s army chief planned to travel to Tehran on Monday, Iranian media reported.

A Palestinian man was beaten by an Israeli settler outside his home, and Israel’s military said they were pursuing a stabbing suspect in a separate attack, the latest violence in the occupied West Bank.

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Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday. Full coverage can be found here.

Iran’s president says his country needs to get past current stall

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a recent memorandum of understanding as the best way for the country to move beyond what he described as a situation of “neither war nor peace.”

In a speech published by state-run IRNA early on Sunday, he said members of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council believed the memorandum represented the best possible agreement based on what he described as dignity, wisdom and the national interest.

“There is not a single provision in this agreement that amounts to capitulation,” Pezeshkian said. “The supreme leader sets the policies, and we will follow that path.”

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The deal known as the Memorandum of Understanding that U.S. President Donald Trump signed in June set an ambitious 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program. That period ended last week, but the two sides remain far apart, with no signs of compromise on the crucial issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, vital to global shipping.

Pezeshkian also linked the agreement to Iran’s economic prospects, saying the country could not attract investment in this stalled phase.

“Capital and money are extremely sensitive to risk,” he said. “We have to remove this risk from the country.”

Nearly six months into the war with the United States and Israel, the Iranian economy is suffering under sanctions and a naval blockade.

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Iran security chief warns neighbors against possible economic sanctions

Meanwhile, the hard-line new leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warned Tehran’s neighbors against joining the new U.S. effort to hurt Iran’s economy.

“If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner,” Mohsen Rezaei said in an interview with the state broadcaster that aired Saturday.

Rezaei was named this month as part of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran’s political and military stance. His interview with IRIB is his most extensive public statement since then.

Rezaei said Iran would target oil-shipping routes out of the Persian Gulf — alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz — if neighbors join what he described as the economic war against Iran.

Trump in the past week has vowed to increase Iran’s pain by imposing an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare and isolation. Iran has lived under sanctions for years.

Pakistan’s army chief to visit Tehran

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir will lead an official delegation traveling to Tehran on Monday, Iranian state television reported, citing Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei.

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Baghaei said the visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and continue Pakistan’s work to promote peace and security in the region.

Two regional officials said the visit was part Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, and urge both countries to return to the negotiating table. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The trip announcement came after a phone call between Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There was no immediate comment from Pakistan, which has led several mediation efforts to end the Iran war.

Munir has made several visits to Iran since Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assigned him to help defuse tensions between the United States and Iran.

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__By Munir Ahmed in Islamabad.

Iran executes man arrested during January’s protests

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported on Sunday the latest execution connected to the protests, identifying the man as Majid Adineh and saying he was arrested Jan. 9 in Mohammadshahr, near Karaj, west of Tehran. Authorities said he was carrying a handgun with 30 rounds of ammunition, two stun guns, two cans of tear gas and a battery-powered chainsaw.

The judiciary said forensic examinations indicated the handgun had been fired on Jan. 8 and 9. Mizan said Adineh had joined the unrest following calls by groups opposed to Iran’s government and alleged that he had received training from groups outside the country.

A Revolutionary Court in Karaj later convicted Adineh under Iran’s law imposing harsher penalties for espionage and cooperation with hostile states. Mizan said the verdict accused him of carrying out operations on behalf of Israel, the United States and other groups Iran considers hostile.

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Palestinian amputee beaten by settler in the West Bank

A 61-year-old Palestinian man was struck by a young Israeli settler with a pipe outside his home in the occupied West Bank, leaving him with bruises and pain, a year after he lost a leg after being shot by a settler.

Saeed Muhammad Ibrahim Rabah told The Associated Press that two settlers arrived with a tractor at his home in Khirbet al-Rakeez in the southern West Bank on Saturday afternoon. One of them began moving stones the family had placed at the property entrance and tried to enter.

One settler struck him on his back with a pipe when he approached them to find out what they were doing, Rabah said. They then left, and he was taken for medical treatment and later returned home with bruising and pain. He said the violence is an effort to make families like his leave.

“We will remain, no matter what happens,” he said after going to the police on Sunday to file a report. “This is our land and this is our homeland, and we must protect it.

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Rabah said in April 2025, he confronted settlers on his land while his son filmed. One settler began choking his son as another settler grabbed the father, fired two shots into the air and then shot him in the legs, he said. After a delay, he was taken to a hospital where one of his legs was amputated.

Separately, Israel’s military said Sunday they were pursuing the suspect in a stabbing attack that injured a 24-year-old Israeli man in the area of al-Auja, in the eastern West Bank. Israel’s emergency services said the victim was taken to a hospital in moderate condition.

Violence has escalated in the West Bank, where at least 87 Palestinians have been killed in almost 1,500 attacks by Israeli settlers and soldiers this year, according to Palestinian officials. Three Israelis have been killed by Palestinians in 2026.

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Queen’s University develop dissolvable 3D-printed patch to improve skin cancer treatment

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The small patch contains tiny microneedles that can pass through the outer layer of the skin without drawing blood.

A new dissolvable 3D-printed patch has been developed by researchers in Belfast with the aim of improving treatment for localised skin cancer.

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The patch has been developed by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast.

The small patch contains tiny microneedles that can pass through the outer layer of the skin without drawing blood.

The microneedles can deliver two anti-cancer drugs, curcumin and 5-fluorouracil, for potential use in people with localised skin cancer.

Researchers have said that by delivering medicine straight to the affected area, it provides a more targeted medicine delivery and could help reduce the need for repeated topical treatments, or more invasive procedures such as injections – making skin cancer treatment less painful and easier for patients.

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The research was carried out by Rutuja N Meshram, a final Year PhD student, and Professor Dimitrios A Lamprou, chair of Biofabrication and Advanced Manufacturing, both from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s.

Professor Lamprou said: “Skin cancer is a major public health concern, and current treatments often require repeated topical applications, invasive procedures, or can cause unwanted side effects.

“Many people also experience fear, discomfort, or inconvenience when treatments involve needles and injections.

“Minimally invasive microneedle systems that dissolve after application could provide a more patient-friendly, simpler and less painful way to deliver cancer medicines.

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“Because the microneedles dissolve after use, they may also help reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries and decrease medical sharps waste.”

To create the specialised patch, the researchers developed a one-step 3D-printing method. This allowed them to add both anti-cancer drugs directly into a printable resin before making the microneedle patch.

The researchers said this technique blends the drugs directly into the microneedles during the manufacturing stage, enabling better skin penetration, higher drug loading, and a controlled two-stage release.

They also believe this approach could support the development of next-generation medicine delivery technologies, including vaccines and other life-saving drugs.

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Mr Meshram said: “Advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D-printing are helping reshape the future of medicine by enabling more precise drug delivery and supporting personalised, patient-friendly healthcare.”

“Our findings point to a future where medicines and vaccines can be delivered in ways that are less painful, easier to use, and more acceptable to patients than traditional injections.

“In time, this research could support the development of more personalised treatments and safer, more accessible healthcare technologies.”

The study has been published in Advanced Healthcare Materials and was supported by the Joint Commissioner, Education Branch, Social Welfare in Maharashtra, India.

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Man Utd veteran makes worrying admission after Hull nightmare | Football

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Man Utd veteran makes worrying admission after Hull nightmare | Football
Luke Shaw feels preparations were not adequate (Picture: REUTERS)

Luke Shaw says Manchester United did not prepare well enough ahead of their shock opening day defeat to Hull City in the Premier League.

There was plenty of optimism around the Red Devils at the start of the season but they began in terrible fashion with a 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy gave the underdogs the perfect return to the top flight and piled the pressure on Michael Carrick at the earliest opportunity.

Shaw obviously described the result and performance as ‘disappointing’ but surprisingly suggested that preparation was not good enough.

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Given it is the first game of the season, Manchester United fans may be frustrated that not enough work was done to deal with the threats Hull posed.

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‘Disappointing, I think we knew Hull’s strengths,’ Shaw told Stan Sports. ‘Set-plays and wide positions and crosses into the box. At times we did defend well, but the goals, set-plays, not good enough. We knew they were going to be good from set-plays and ultimately it’s cost us the three points today.

‘Really disappointing. It’s not us and we knew it was coming. I think as a whole, as a group, collectively, we could prepare better. Especially knowing how good they are at set-plays and what their dangers are.

HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Lucas Herrington and John Egan of Hull City celebrate at full-time following victory in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Hull City celebrated a brilliant return to the top flight (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I think also going forward we were lacking that cutting edge today to score the goals and try to fight our way back into the game.’

The England international made it clear that this is the kind of game the Red Devils should be winning as they look to challenge at the top end of the Premier League table.

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‘No excuses at all in this game, but it’s the start of the season and maybe players are finding form a little bit,’ he said. ‘But no way is that an excuse, Manchester United should be coming to Hull and no disrespect to them, but we should be winning the game.’

HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick’s preparations have been questioned (Picture: Getty Images)

The Tigers’ two goals did come from set-plays, with the ball falling to Ajayi after an Oli McBurnie effort was saved by Senne Lammens from a corner.

The second goal came as Mendy headed in a dangerous free-kick cross from Regan Slater, with Shaw coming in for criticism from Wayne Rooney for his ‘schoolboy’ defending.

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A frustrated Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports: ‘It was the same mistakes we made last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to the opponent.

‘In the first 20 minutes, their goalkeeper was the one with the most touches.

‘We needed to press more, be more aggressive, and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these type of goals.

‘Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment. We knew before the game set-pieces would be a big part of their game.’

Manager Carrick tried to be more positive, adding: ‘We did some good things today and it will get lost. We have to find answers but because we lose one game, it doesn’t mean everything needs dissecting.’

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Manchester United return to action against another newly-promoted team, Ipswich Town, on Sunday August 30.

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