Firefighters have been tackling the derelict building fire throughout the night
14:27, 13 May 2026Updated 14:34, 13 May 2026
Firefighters tackle huge blaze at derelict school as people told ‘avoid’ area
Firefighters remain at the scene of a huge fire at a former school. Suffolk Fire and Rescue were called to a fire at the former Parkway Middle School in Haverhill at around 8.20pm on Tuesday (May 12).
Ten fire crews were called to the blaze, as well as 12 fire engines. Large plumes of smoke could be seen nearby as crews tackled the fire throughout the night.
Advertisement
Fire crews, alongside police and fire investigation teams, remain at the scene this afternoon (Wednesday, May 13), with two fire engines. A fire spokesperson said: “A cordon is still in place while investigations continue, and UKPN are also on site carrying out power isolation work to ensure the area remains safe.
“We would like to pass on a huge thank you to all emergency service personnel and partner agencies who worked tirelessly through the night, as well as to local residents and businesses for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the incident. Please continue to avoid the area while investigations and safety work remain ongoing.”
The recent attack by Ukraine of a Russian missile-carrying corvette stationed in the Caspian Sea more than 1,500km away from Kyiv has put the spotlight on this large, often overlooked body of inland salt water.
The Caspian Sea hosts major offshore oil and gas fields and critical maritime infrastructure, including ports, pipelines and terminals that connect central Asia to global markets. It is a key node in the so-called middle corridor trading route from China to Europe via central Asia that avoid increasingly uncertain routes via Russia in the north and Iran in the south.
China views it as a key corridor for energy supplies and its belt and road initiative that is an economic statecraft strategy that uses infrastructure connectivity to expand Beijing’s influence. The middle corridor links mainland China to Europe via Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Turkey, meanwhile, uses Caspian links, especially fossil fuel transit projects, via Azerbaijan, to increase its influence across the Turkic world, becoming a regional energy hub.
The 2018 Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea sets out how the Caspian’s oil, gas, and fishing resources are divided among the bordering nations. Crucially, the agreement also prohibits the deployment of armed forces from third-party countries within the Caspian’s waters. This establishes a regional security order that excludes western military presence.
Advertisement
Russia’s back yard
For Russia, the Caspian Sea has a high value, both as a strategic back yard and a bridge to Iran. There, Moscow maintains the strongest navy and has used the Caspian as a platform for long‑range power projection. This has included missile strikes into other theatres, including against Islamic State targets in Syria in 2015.
The ‘world’s largest lake’: Caspian Sea. Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Caspian Sea has also gained renewed importance as a rear maritime space for Moscow. Indeed, with the Black Sea Fleet increasingly under threat from Ukraine’s drones and missiles, elements of Russia’s naval forces have redeployed away from the contested Black Sea towards the Caspian Sea via inland waterways. That said, Ukraine’s recent attack demonstrates that the Caspian Sea’s role as a sanctuary for Russia’s naval forces is limited.
More importantly, the Caspian Sea plays a structurally important role in enabling strategic coordination between Russia and Iran. As a geographically enclosed maritime space with its own specially designed legal status, it provides a direct logistical and economic corridor between the two states that is largely shielded from western military presence and oversight.
Advertisement
The Russia-Iran connection
This corridor enables not only energy cooperation and trade flows but also the movement of technologies and materials relevant to sustaining both war economies under sanctions pressure. This includes sanctioned goods, drone components and dual-use technologies. The Iran war has accelerated this trading pattern.
In this sense, for the two allies, the Caspian Sea functions as a critical node in a broader resilience architecture. It reinforces bilateral alignment and reduces exposure to external coercion. Its role is therefore less tactical than systemic: it provides a stable logistical, economic and strategic framework that underpins long‑term convergence between Moscow and Tehran.
In late March 2026, Israeli airstrikes reportedly disabled dozens of Iranian Caspian naval assets, including missile boats, a corvette, a shipyard and a command centre.
The strikes are likely to have severely disrupted the Caspian logistics corridor that links Russian ports to Iran’s port at Bandar Anzali, the largest and oldest Iranian port on the Caspian Sea. It also degraded Tehran’s ability to receive supplies via this route. This could force both countries to rely more on riskier overland routes via Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan.
In other words, the Caspian’s attribute as a haven for the two allies is currently under threat. That might force Russia and Iran to spend more on multi-level air defence systems and drone monitoring. They might even need to redeploy troops and military equipment to the region. This would significantly raise the cost and complexity of using the Caspian as a safe space for mil,itary and naval assets and a bridge for trade.
Advertisement
The Caspian Sea has become an increasingly important strategic connector linking two conflicts that are usually thought of as separate. The war in Ukraine and the war in Iran are not isolated theatres but parts of an emerging Eurasian conflict system in which Russia and Iran are mutually dependent.
Iran’s provision of drones and other military support to Russia has directly affected the course of the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia’s diplomatic, military and economic backing is central to Iran’s capacity to withstand pressure and sustain its regional posture.
The Caspian Sea underpins this alignment by providing a relatively insulated corridor for coordination, logistics and economic exchange.
Recent events, such as Ukrainian and Israeli strikes, however, reveal the limits of this strategic function for both Moscow and Tehran. At the same time, other countries, notably China and Turkey, are investing in the middle corridor. This is raising the value of the Caspian Sea, both economically and in terms of its geographical connectivity.
Advertisement
The Caspian Sea faces an uncertain future. Its north–south Russia–Iran strategic and military axis is increasingly contested by their adversaries. Its east–west trade and energy role, meanwhile, holds the potential to rebalance regional power dynamics towards economic connectivity, rather than conflict. Or, to put it another way, this body of water could become either be a theatre of strategic confrontation or a corridor of trade and exchange. The latter, of course, would be better for all concerned.
It’s been a staple of the indoor Manchester destination for years
A popular restaurant inside the Manchester Printworks has closed down after nearly two decades.
Advertisement
Mexican-inspired restaurant Chiquito ceased trading at the indoor Manchester destination at the start of the month. Signs on the front of the unit confirmed the restaurant officially closed on May 3 with the lease of the unit understood to have now expired.
In a notice to customers, the restaurant said: “We would like to inform you that our restaurant will be closing permanently on Sunday 3rd May 2026. As we approach our final days, please note that our menu and stock may be limited, and some items may no longer be available. We appreciate your understanding during this time.”
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
First launched in 1989 as the ‘original Mexican grill and bar’, the brand was originally part of The Restaurant Group (TRG), who were also behind brands including Frankie & Benny’s. Since 2023, Chiquito has been owned by The Big Table, who also operate Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge.
Advertisement
Taking over two units, including the former Moby’s Fish Bar space, it’s not immediately clear when the restaurant first opened at the Printworks, but it was referenced online as far back as 2009. The brand’s logo signage has already been removed from the restaurant unit, whilst workers were seen inside the property on Wednesday morning (May 13) removing its interiors.
Following the closure of the Printworks site, the nearest Chiquito restaurants still in operation are at Ashton Leisure Park, in Ashton-under-Lyne, and at the Cheshire Oaks shopping centre. It currently runs nine sites across the country.
In the notice on the front of the Printworks site, Chiquito also said: “We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support, loyalty and for being a part of our journey. It has been our pleasure to serve you.”
Advertisement
The Printworks, which is home to the largest digital ceiling in Europe, is home to the likes of Nandos, Frankie and Benny’s, Vue and interactive games bar Boom Battle. It had also been home to the city’s only Hard Rock Café, which shut at the start of the year after 25 years of trading.
In a bombshell decision Wednesday, the South Carolina Supreme Court struck down the murder convictions of disgraced legal scion Alex Murdaugh.
The five-member court unanimously overturned the outcome of Murdaugh’s six-week trial from 2023, which convicted him in the brutal 2021 killings of his wife Maggie, and his 22-year-old son Paul, due to the “improper external influences” of former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill.
“Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial,” the justices wrote in a 5-0 vote.
The extraordinary decision throws the sprawling Murdaugh saga back into uncertainty nearly three years after a jury convicted him in the brutal killings.
Advertisement
The case will now return to circuit court, where South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office must decide whether to retry Murdaugh for the killings.
Alex Murdaugh was convicted in the brutal 2021 killings of wife Maggie Murdaugh and son Paul Murdaugh in 2023. Those verdicts have been reversed (The State Newspaper, 2024)
At the center of the appeal were allegations involving former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill, who was accused of improperly influencing jurors.
Murdaugh’s attorneys argued Hill made comments about his testimony, urged jurors not to be misled by the defense and sought publicity surrounding the high-profile case.
Hill later pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, perjury and misconduct charges related to her conduct surrounding the trial, intensifying scrutiny over whether Murdaugh received a fair trial.
The state Supreme Court’s ruling does not declare Murdaugh innocent. Instead, it centers on whether the integrity of the trial itself was compromised.
Advertisement
“If only the people who may be innocent get a fair trial, then our Constitution isn’t working,” defense attorney Dick Harpootlian argued before the justices earlier this year.
What the ruling means for Murdaugh now
Despite the dramatic reversal, Murdaugh will not be walking free.
The 57-year-old remains behind bars serving multiple prison sentences tied to dozens of financial crimes in which prosecutors said he stole millions from clients, law partners and others.
Advertisement
Even with his murder convictions vacated, those financial crime sentences alone could keep him imprisoned for decades.
The ruling instead resets the murder case procedurally.
The case will now return to circuit court, where South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office must decide whether to retry Murdaugh for the killings.
Legal experts say a second murder trial would likely become another massive spectacle, reigniting worldwide attention on a case that already spawned documentaries, podcasts, books and nonstop true crime coverage.
Advertisement
Why the Supreme Court overturned the convictions
The appeal centered largely on claims that Hill improperly influenced jurors during the original murder trial.
Several jurors testified during earlier hearings that Hill made comments warning them not to let the defense “distract” or “mislead” them. Others said she encouraged jurors to closely watch Murdaugh’s body language while he testified.
Former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal previously ruled Hill acted improperly but concluded there was insufficient evidence proving her comments affected the verdict.
Advertisement
The Supreme Court ultimately disagreed.
Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill is sworn in before taking the stand to testify during the Alex Murdaugh jury-tampering hearing in 2024 (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool)
During oral arguments in February, several justices openly questioned whether the integrity of the trial had been irreparably damaged.
Chief Justice John Kittredge pressed prosecutor Creighton Waters over testimony that Hill told jurors, “Don’t let the defense confuse you.”
“Assume we find that statement was made,” Kittredge said. “Do you still have a path to victory?”
Waters maintained the evidence against Murdaugh remained overwhelming and argued Hill’s comments were too brief to influence jurors after six weeks of testimony and hundreds of exhibits.
Advertisement
But appellate courts focus not on guilt or innocence – they focus on whether the legal process itself was fair.
Ultimately, the justices determined the concerns surrounding juror influence warranted a new trial.
Prosecutors still maintain the evidence was overwhelming
Even with the convictions overturned, prosecutors continue to stand by the evidence presented at trial.
Advertisement
At trial, prosecutors argued Murdaugh murdered his wife and son as his financial crimes were collapsing around him and public exposure was closing in.
Defense attorneys countered that there was no direct physical evidence tying Murdaugh to the shootings, no murder weapons were ever recovered and no blood or DNA connected him to the killings.
They also argued prosecutors unfairly flooded the trial with extensive testimony about Murdaugh’s financial crimes, prejudicing jurors against him.
Chief Justice Kittredge himself questioned whether prosecutors went too far.
Advertisement
“The granular detail, and the expansiveness of everything under the sun that was allowed, was arguably problematic,” he said during arguments.
How the case captivated the nation
Murdaugh’s fall from power stunned the country.
A member of a once-dominant South Carolina legal dynasty, Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of killing Maggie and Paul at the family’s Colleton County hunting estate on June 7, 2021.
Advertisement
Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh left to right (Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook)
The trial exposed not only the murders, but also a tangled web of alleged corruption, financial fraud and addiction that destroyed the family’s public image.
The case quickly became a national obsession, fueled by livestreamed courtroom testimony, explosive revelations and the mystery surrounding the killings themselves.
Now, with the convictions overturned, the legal drama enters yet another extraordinary chapter.
What happens next
The next move belongs to prosecutors.
Advertisement
Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office must now decide whether to pursue another murder trial – a process that could take months or even years to unfold.
If prosecutors move forward, the state would once again need to present its case before a new jury while the defense seeks to capitalize on the controversy surrounding the original proceedings.
Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s ruling could also have sweeping implications beyond Murdaugh’s case, particularly in how South Carolina courts handle allegations of juror misconduct in future high-profile trials.
For now, one thing is certain: the Alex Murdaugh saga is far from over.
The redevelopment is a part of the Fenland Inspire! campaign to improve leisure facilities and public spaces around the area.
A contractor has pulled out of redeveloping a leisure centre in a Cambridgeshire village. Fenland District Council has had to find a new contractor for work on the Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey.
Advertisement
The council’s project delivery partner, Alliance Leisure, informed them that Curo Construction had ceased trading. Curo Construction had been dealing with the pre-contract design and development work for the project.
A council spokesperson said that as soon as Alliance Leisure was notified, they cancelled the pre-contract and started a review of other firms to continue the project.
Speller Metcalfe has been chosen to undertake the final stages of the pre-contract RIBA Stage 4 work. The contractor is now being briefed and a revised project programme is expected to be finished next week. All of the other project partners will remain the same.
Cllr Steve Count, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Fenland Inspire! Manor Redevelopment, said: “We recognise that residents and local businesses will have questions following the announcement that the firm has ceased trading. Our priority is to ensure continuity for this proposed redevelopment and to keep the project moving forward.
Advertisement
“Alliance Leisure acted quickly to secure an alternative contractor, and we are pleased that Speller Metcalfe is now progressing the remaining pre‑contract work. We will provide further updates as soon as the revised programme is confirmed.”
The council is redeveloping the centre as part of its investment campaign Fenland Inspire!, which wants to improve leisure facilities and public spaces around the area. The project is subject to planning permission and Cabinet approval before any work can start.
A decision on the final detailed designs is expected to be made in summer of this year.
Mark Mayatt-Simmons, of Ripon, completed the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats route, raising more than £2,300 for Leeds-based Epilepsy Action in honour of his daughter, Alia, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of four.
Mr Mayatt-Simmons said: “Alia had her first seizure out of the blue when she was just four years old.
Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons and his daughter Alia (Image: Supplied)
“Initially we were told this can happen and not to worry, but after several seizures and EEGs, a diagnosis of epilepsy followed.
“It’s been a huge journey for us as a family.
Advertisement
“On difficult days Alia can have over 100 seizures, while on good days she can be seizure-free.
“She experiences a wide range of seizure types – tonic-clonic, focal, absence, myoclonic and atonic.
Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising more than £2,300 for Leeds-based Epilepsy Action in support of his daughter Alia, who lives with epilepsy. (Image: Supplied)
“She has been on many different anti-seizure medications (with a range of side effects), tried the ketogenic diet and has also had neurosurgery.
“Epilepsy affects the whole family. Her younger sister Iris copes incredibly well and is classed as a young carer.”
Advertisement
He added: “Everyday life is shaped by epilepsy – from checking where the nearest hospital is when travelling, to thinking about safety in the home or whether a particular activity is suitable.
Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons with his friend Tom (Image: Supplied)
“Alia is incredibly resilient, smiley and adventurous – she loves nature, the outdoors and climbing.
“Support and advice from charities like Epilepsy Action have been invaluable, especially early on, and still are now.
“Epilepsy is about so much more than seizures.
Advertisement
Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons on the road (Image: Supplied)
“It affects every part of life and no two people experience it the same way.”
He said: “It can also be incredibly unpredictable, with one day completely normal, the next very challenging, and that uncertainty is something families live with all the time.
“If more people understood what a seizure can look like and how to respond, it could save a life but also help protect someone’s dignity in their bad day.”
Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons, right, with his friend Tom (Image: Supplied)
Mr Mayatt-Simmons undertook the cycling challenge with his friend Tom.
Advertisement
He said: “I’ve been friends with Tom since university, and within five minutes of pitching the challenge to him he said yes.
“This is our first challenge like this together – neither of us had any cycling background so we were very much learning and adapting each day.
Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons (Image: Supplied)
“Mentally it’s very demanding – there are highs and lows each day.
“There is definitely a resilience factor – pushing through discomfort and pain.
Advertisement
“Having the motivation of supporting Epilepsy Action is huge when the current hill climb seems insurmountable or the headwind is picking up.”
Lands End (Image: Supplied)
The journey also created opportunities for connection and conversation with others affected by the condition.
Mr Mayatt-Simmons said: “A huge part of this challenge has been the people we’ve met and the conversations we’ve had about why we’re doing this.
“From the very first night before we even started, we ended up sharing drinks with a couple who had epilepsy in their family and immediately wanted to support what we were doing – and that’s been a theme all the way along the route.”
Advertisement
Having a rest (Image: Supplied)
A passionate volunteer for Epilepsy Action, Mr Mayatt-Simmons takes part in Talk & Support Groups and supports others as a Peer Support Officer.
He hopes to raise both funds and wider understanding of epilepsy through his efforts.
Philippa Cartwright, director of fundraising at Epilepsy Action, praised the impact of the ride.
Left, Mark Mayatt-Simmons with his friend Tom (Image: Supplied)
She said: “Mark and Tom took on a monumental challenge, and we’re so touched by their determination and drive to raise awareness of a condition that affects over 630,000 people in the UK.
Advertisement
“Through Mark’s own journey with his daughter, his family know the challenges as well as resilience that come with living with epilepsy.
“All of us at Epilepsy Action have been cheering Mark and Tom on from start to finish.
“We couldn’t be prouder of them and are so thankful for their extraordinary commitment and effort.”
A restaurant in Preston has announced its upcoming closure
Customers have been left ‘absolutely devastated’ after a restaurant in Preston has announced it will be closing doors for the final time.
Advertisement
Seitanic, located on Market Street West, Preston, will be shutting down in a matter of months due to ‘rising costs’ and it no longer being viable for them to remain open, bosses have said.
The vegan kebab and street food restaurant currently has another site in Blackpool, inside Abingdon Street Market, the future of which hasn’t been mentioned in the announcement.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
In a post on Facebook, Seitanic owners have written: “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! It is with a very heavy heart that we’re going to be saying goodbye to the city of Preston and the amazing team at Chews Yard.
Advertisement
“This isn’t a decision that has come lightly but in an ecomony of rising costs, it just isn’t viable anymore for us continue. We’ve met so many wonderful people over the years and served a staggering amount of plant based goodness.”
In a message direct to Seitanic customers, the owners wrote: “Thank you to all those who came down to support us, you’ll be dearly missed. We’re here until the end of July, with the last day being 02/08 so be sure to come down and give us some choice words.
“This definitely isn’t the end of the Seitanic crew and we’ve got some exciting things planned for the future so stay tuned!”
The note was signed ‘much love’, from Jordan, James and Shannon.
Advertisement
Customers have raced to the comments to share their despair after learning the news.
Rick N Sarah May wrote: “Absolutely gutted!!! Will you still be in Blackpool??”, and Heather Crabtree commented: “Oh this is very sad news. Wishing you the best of luck with your new venture.”
Julie Stacey said: “Aww this is sad news and I’m really sorry to read this, me and mates love a Seitanic and a play when we visit Preston (the playhouse is practically next door). I hope to get in one last time before you close.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Cheryl Parker commented: “I really hope it’s not the end. The best seitan I’ve ever had. Whether we dine out with you guys or eat it at home.”, and Sarah Bee-Bee added: “Nooo it’s the best vegan food in Preston.”
Reform UK Bolton’s leader Trevor Jones said the party has refused to attend a mayoral banquet over concerns about the cost to taxpayers, sparking a reaction from other parties.
The party’s group leader said Reform councillors would not attend any banquet paid for by Bolton Council while residents are struggling financially.
Cllr Jones said in a social media post: “Our 10 Reform Bolton councillors will not be attending any banquets that are paid for by Bolton council taxpayers whilst we have food banks and Boltonians struggling to make ends meet.”
Mohammed Iqbal, Bolton’s mayor for 2026, on the left. (Image: NQ)
A mayoral ceremony took place this morning, swearing in Cllr Mohammed Iqbal for Great Lever as first citizen followed by a celebratory civic event at Bolton Town Hall.
But Labour councillor Andy Morgan, representing Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor, rejected claims there would be a “Town Hall banquet.”
He said: “Councillors attending the Mayoral ceremony are doing so out of respect for the office of the Mayor and the civic traditions of our town, nothing more.
Cllr Andy Morgan on the right with Cllr David Chadwick, Deputy Mayor. (Image: NQ)
“Many of those attending tomorrow’s event work day in and day out, whilst also working a day job or running a business.
Advertisement
“What they are also doing is supporting residents who are vulnerable, isolated, struggling financially, or without the family and support networks that many others rely on by promoting inclusion and promoting unity.”
Cllr Morgan said portraying the event as “lavish” is “simply dishonest”.
(Image: NQ)
He added in the post: “Peddling misinformation for political point scoring only creates unnecessary division in Bolton.
“Our town deserves better than manufactured outrage and false narratives.
Advertisement
“Let’s have some civic pride in our town and borough!”
More than 50 people have reported symptoms of the highly contagious norovirus, with one dead following the suspected outbreak
14:15, 13 May 2026Updated 14:22, 13 May 2026
Holidaymakers and crew aboard a cruise liner have been placed in quarantine following the death of an elderly passenger during a suspected norovirus outbreak – and the ship made a stop-off in Belfast earlier this month.
Over 50 individuals have experienced symptoms of the highly infectious virus while on the Ambassador Cruise Line vessel, called the Ambition, remains moored in Bordeaux. More than 1,700 passengers and crew on the vessel have been restricted to their quarters after the 90-year-old passenger passed away, according to health authorities.
The initial indications of symptoms amongst those travelling on the ship were documented on May 11, Bordeaux authorities confirmed. Approximately 50 people have displayed signs of the highly contagious norovirus, a type of gastroenteritis which triggers vomiting and diarrhoea, health authorities have confirmed, reports the Mirror.
Advertisement
The vessel had departed the Shetland Islands on May 6, before calling at Belfast, Liverpool and Brest in France and arriving in Bordeaux, from where it was due to set sail for Spain today.
The local Gironde prefecture announced in a statement today: “According to information relayed last night by the ship’s captain, up to fifty passengers experienced symptoms consistent with an acute gastrointestinal infection. These passengers were immediately attended to by the ship’s doctor and isolated in their cabins.
“A medical team, supervised by the maritime medical coordination service and under the authority of the maritime prefect, was dispatched on board to assess the health situation. Samples are currently being taken by the infectious diseases department of the Bordeaux University Hospital.”
Advertisement
Officials confirmed that health management procedures had been put in place, noting this virus bore no connection to the hantavirus outbreak which resulted in the deaths of multiple passengers on a different cruise. It remains uncertain how long those on board, believed to be predominantly British and Irish passengers, may remain stranded in France.
Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect roast potato with a crunchy exterior and tender interior, this ingredient will crisp them up properly.
Roast potatoes stand as the ultimate comfort food accompaniment, whether you’re serving them alongside pork chops during the week or preparing them for a Sunday roast. While making homemade roast potatoes is fairly straightforward, they can emerge soft, sodden, and oily if you fail to cook them with the proper ingredients.
Advertisement
Potatoes inherently hold substantial amounts of water which converts to steam while cooking in the oven, and should this dampness remain on the exterior then the oil cannot adequately crisp them. Nevertheless, Lindsay, a cook and creator of The Tasteful Pantry, has revealed there’s a remarkably simple method to guarantee potatoes that are “crunchy every time without fail” as you merely need to coat them with semolina.
Lindsay stated: “Semolina adds a gentle grainy texture that crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving the kind of crunch that ordinary roast potatoes rarely achieve.
“It’s the perfect trick if you’ve ever struggled to get that ideal roast – crispy exterior, tender interior, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.”
Advertisement
Semolina is a flour typically utilised for making pasta, bread or even pizza dough, though it’s also employed in roasting fish and potatoes as it’s renowned for creating a perfectly crispy skin.
Its very coarse nature means it performs exceptionally well on potatoes and is also highly absorbent, which enables it to draw considerable moisture from the surface.
Keeping the potatoes as dry as possible during oven cooking prevents them from steaming, allowing them to cook more effectively in the oil.
Using semolina not only stops the potatoes from turning soggy, but also begins to toast in the oven, resulting in a perfectly caramelised exterior with wonderfully crispy edges.
Advertisement
How to make crispier roast potatoes
You will need:
1kg of potatoes
120ml of oil
Two tablespoons of semolina
One teaspoon of salt
Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
Half a teaspoon of onion powder
Hal a teaspoon of oregano
Half a teaspoon of paprika
A quarter teaspoon of pepper
While any oil of your choosing is suitable for roast potatoes, those with a high smoke point, such as sunflower, vegetable, or rapeseed oil, tend to yield the finest results. Alternatives such as duck fat, goose fat or beef drippings are equally acceptable.
Method:
Begin by preheating your oven to 210C, ensuring you have a deep roasting dish large enough to accommodate all the potatoes in a single layer.
Advertisement
Pour your chosen oil into the deep dish and place it in the oven for 10 minutes. It is crucial that the oil reaches a high temperature before the potatoes are added, as this forms a crust and delivers a crispier finish.
Meanwhile, peel and halve the potatoes. Transfer them to a large pot of water and bring to the boil. Allow them to cook for approximately 10 minutes until fork-tender, yet still firm in the centre.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the empty pot. Without applying any heat, use a fork or tongs to gently toss the potatoes around.
This process slightly roughens the surface of the potatoes, creating more edges once they enter the oven, ultimately producing an exceptionally crunchy exterior.
Advertisement
Next, combine the semolina, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the semolina mixture over the potatoes, then give the pot a shake to coat them evenly.
Remove the baking dish from the oven, then carefully transfer the potatoes into it. Using tongs, turn each potato to ensure all sides are covered in oil, then tip any leftover seasoning from the pot into the dish.
Place the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, then flip them over and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Advertisement
When you remove the potatoes from the oven, they should be sizzling, deep golden brown and boasting a wonderfully crispy skin.
This is despite local speculation that a man with a knife had been seen walking along Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge over recent days.
Officers say that they have been to the area to reassure people but they have not found anyone who seems to match the description of a suspicious knifeman.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports that a suspicious male, allegedly with a knife had been sighted on Blackburn Road, Bolton, earlier today.
Advertisement
“We can confirm that nothing has been directly reported to us, nor has any suspicious behaviour been identified.
“Officers who have attended the area for reassurance have additionally not located anyone.”
The Bolton News understands that children were brought indoors at nurseries along Blackburn Road to make sure that they were safe when reports circulated in the area.
But no one is believed to have been in any danger.
Advertisement
Members of the public with any information or concerns can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.
Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login