Police in Ireland have stepped in to reassure the public after alarming AI-generated images of a character resembling Dr Seuss’ Cat in the Hat spread widely online
Carrington Walker Live News Journalist, Cathal Austin and Cathal Ryan
21:33, 21 Aug 2026Updated 21:34, 21 Aug 2026
Police have been compelled to issue a statement following the emergence of disturbing images that seemingly depicted someone dressed as Dr Seuss’ Cat in the Hat menacing a residential area.
The unsettling photographs surfaced from Limerick in Ireland, showing an eerie cat-like figure lurking through streets and loitering in residents’ driveways, sparking concern among both locals and social media users. Fortunately for those left unnerved, Gardaí officials have now confirmed the pictures are fabricated and were in fact artificially generated by an unidentified hoaxer.
The images, which initially surfaced on Facebook though were believed at the time to have come from photo-sharing platform Snapchat, were paired with bogus and deceptive claims that officers were looking into the sinister real-world cartoon character, the Irish Mirror reports.
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The prank wasn’t confined to Limerick either, with doctored images of the figure appearing in locations including Glanmire, Cork, Cahir, Tipperary, Curracloe, Wexford, and Broadford Park in Dublin, all contributing to the mounting panic online.
Notably, one regional police force even deemed it necessary to tackle the matter head-on, issuing a firm statement to reassure residents that the entire episode was complete nonsense.
A spokesperson for Wexford Garda stated: “In an unusual turn of events we are hearing a lot about an illusive Dr Seuss character doing the rounds online, apparently causing havoc in neighbourhoods and towns across the country.
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“Fortunately, we can rule out the issue, which is essentially an AI prompt that places the character into images/videos of familiar places. To be clear, the Cat in the Hat was not in your driveway while you were out and he is not currently hiding out in Curracloe.”
Remarkably, this isn’t the first occasion officers have been forced to issue alerts about misleading AI-generated trends.
Last year, police forces across the UK became involved after a viral stunt featuring a fabricated “AI homeless man” supposedly invited into people’s homes resulted in numerous emergency calls from individuals who’d been duped by what turned out to be an elaborate wind-up.
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Dorset Police disclosed they’d taken a call from one “extremely concerned parent” who’d been convinced by their daughter that an unknown man was present in their family residence while she was home alone, only for officers to establish the entire incident was an AI-generated hoax.
A force spokesperson advised: “: “If you receive a message and pictures similar to the above antics from friends or family, please attempt to check it isn’t a prank before dialling 999.”
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The incident took place in July, at the same time as a series of attacks on US water infrastructure which sparked worry in the White House and affected 12 states
A power plant in Great Britain was forced to close for four days after a cyber attack by Iran-linked hackers, it has been revealed.
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According to reports, the facility was disabled “while staff fought to bring it back online” after the attack last month – the exact location of the site has not been revealed due to security reasons.
It is, however, understood that the plant affected was not one of the biggest sites in the country, according to the Telegraph. Due to the relatively small nature of the plant, the outage had no impact on the UK’s wider power supply or energy generation. This has been confirmed by the Government, which has described the UK’s energy system as ‘highly resilient.
The incident took place in July, at the same time as a series of attacks on US water infrastructure – those attacks affected 12 states and caused concern in the White House.
In response, the Government briefed the chief executives of power companies and wrote to businesses with advice, direction and next steps.
A Government source told the Telegraph: “We have thresholds for important generators to legally notify us of cyber activity, and this site is nowhere near. It’s a very small scale site, less than a rounding error compared to grid capacity.”
A Government spokesman said: “The UK has a highly resilient energy system. We work closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards.
“This story refers to an incident impacting a small-scale energy generator, and at no point was there a risk to the wider energy system.”
The tragedy prompted other police forces to send their condolences with Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, saying: “The loss of two dedicated officers in the line of duty is felt profoundly across the entire policing family and I have personally reached out to Chief Constable Victoria Fuller today, to extend our sincere sympathies.
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Buffalo Bills are giving defensive tackle Ed Oliver support and space following the accidental death of his 2-year-old son.
Oliver has been grieving throughout training camp and many of his teammates only learned of the tragic accident on Friday. Following Saturday’s 31-7 preseason win over the Browns, Bills quarterback Josh Allen said the team is standing with Oliver.
“Obviously, very unfortunate what happened and as a teammate of him, as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him,” Allen said. “There’s nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there in whatever ways he needs.
“That’s what we’re going to continue to do. That’s what teammates do. You love up on each other when we’re down, and I can’t imagine what he’s going through. But the way that he’s dealt with it has been unbelievable.”
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Oliver has asked for privacy and prayers while still mourning his son, who was also named Ed. The toddler was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in a residential pool in Harris County, Texas, on June 28, a person briefed on what happened told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the team and player have not revealed that information.
Without providing many details including names or ages, the Harris County Sheriff’s department posted a note on its Facebook account that evening regarding the drowning of a toddler in a neighborhood community north of Houston.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the toddler’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing,” the post read.
A sheriff’s official told The Associated Press on Saturday that a report was not immediately available.
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Before Saturday’s game, Bills general manager Brandon Beane issued a statement expressing his and the organization’s condolences.
“It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we grieve this tragic loss,” Beane said.
Bills first-year coach Joe Brady was equally compassionate toward Oliver, who is in his eighth season with Buffalo.
“Ever since I found out the news, I can’t fathom what he’s going through,” Brady said. “As a coach and a father, there really aren’t words to describe it. It’s all about us loving him and giving him the privacy that he deserves.
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“It’s hard when I see him. I don’t have the words, but all I can do is support him in whatever way he needs.”
The 28-year-old Oliver was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Houston.
Oliver reported for training camp on time last month and appeared with the starters in the Bills’ preseason-opening 29-14 win over Carolina last weekend. He has not practiced this week because of an undisclosed injury.
A Texas judge denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony on Saturday in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet, a killing that drew national attention and led to harassment of the families.
Judge Michael Chitty denied the retrial motion in a half-page order following a two-day hearing this week near Dallas, citing a review of the evidence and arguments. He did not elaborate.
Russell Wilson, Anthony’s attorney, said the defense would appeal.
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“Our commitment to our client has not changed,” Wilson said. “We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”
A Texas judge denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony on Saturday in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet, a killing that drew national attention and led to harassment of the families (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the trial as fair this week.
“We respect, and expected, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial,” Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said after the denial was announced. “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week’s hearing.”
Anthony’s attorneys also demanded a retrial because they said trial judge John Roach’s courtroom rules were so strict that they limited the public’s access to the proceedings. And in asking for Roach’s recusal, they noted that he gave a posttrial interview with a Dallas TV station in which he said the jury “got it right.”
Roach said his rules were necessary for a fair trial, and prosecutors insisted he did nothing wrong.
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The case attracted widespread attention in part because of a flood of social media posts that amplified the killing in racial terms. Anthony is Black; Metcalf was white. Lawyers on both sides, however, told jurors that the case had nothing to do with race.
Jurors rejected Anthony’s claims that he was defending himself during a confrontation with Metcalf in the bleachers of the track meet.
When Trump Mobile was launched by US President Donald Trump’s eldest sons in the summer of 2025, the company advertised that a “T1” smartphone would be built in the US and shipped to customers within months.
Over the last year, key details about the phone’s manufacture, design and delivery date have changed, and some customers are still waiting for their phones – as Thomas Copeland explains.
Produced by Aisha Sembhi. Graphics by Mesut Ersoz.
Kelly Rowland has replaced LeAnn Rimes on the programme, who was only involved for one series.
The 45-year-old rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny’s Child.
She joins Tom Jones, will.i.am, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones among the coaches.
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When she was announced on the show, Rowland said: “I am excited to join The Voice UK as a coach, and am looking forward to working with the excellent and passionate coaches the show is known for.
“I can’t wait to hear all the new talent and go to battle for my team.
“Let’s go!”
Emma Willis is also back presenting, though it remains unclear if she will return as host for the future, as she is now one of three presenters on Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking about Rowland joining the show on Digital Spy, Willis said: “She’s just incredible.
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“She’s everything you’d want from a coach. I was in awe of her!
“Her energy is fun and vibrant, and she’s incredibly compassionate.
“She started her career when she was very young, and has been doing what she does for a really long time.
“She knows how to navigate the music industry and how to look after someone.”
Who is Kelly Rowland?
Rowland was one of the members of Destiny’s Child, which is one of the world’s best-selling girl groups.
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During the group’s three-year hiatus, she released her debut solo album, Simply Deep, in 2002, which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and sold more than five million copies worldwide.
The album included the Billboard Hot 100 number one single Dilemma (with Nelly), as well as the UK hits Stole and Can’t Nobody.
Following the disbanding of Destiny’s Child in 2006, Rowland released her second solo album, Ms. Kelly, in 2007, which produced the international hits Like This (featuring Eve) and Work.
Rowland explored electronic dance music on her third solo album, Here I Am (2011), which spawned the UK hit singles Commander (featuring David Guetta), Down for Whatever and What a Feeling, as well as the electro-R&B single Motivation (featuring Lil Wayne).
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She was a judge on the eighth season of The X Factor UK in 2011, as well as the third season of The X Factor USA in 2013, and also served as a coach on The Voice Australia from 2017 to 2020.
Her work has earned her several awards and nominations, including four Grammy Awards, one Billboard Music Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards.
Will you be watching The Voice UK 2026? Let us know in the comments.
Many a golf widow might tell you that long hours spent on the course lead to a chap being under par in bed… but now scientists say that the opposite is true.
For when it comes to golfers, it appears that regularly swinging a club on the green is no handicap to your sex life.
In fact, far from the old stereotype of middle-aged men replacing sex with golf, it seems that the sport boosts the libido and keeps more men sexually active.
Golfers are not only more likely to have sex than men who do nothing but also more likely than other sportsmen to do so, according to the first in-depth study of the love lives of men who play the game.
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And researchers believe the physics of a golf swing could even be responsible for a good performance in bed, pointing out that the swing is ‘a complex, whole-body movement requiring both strength and precision, based on a precisely co-ordinated sequence of muscle activations to enable a smooth and repeatable motion’.
The research by the Technical University of Munich examined more than 8,000 men aged around 50 who were divided into three groups – golfers, other sportsmen and those who played no sport. Of the golfers, 96.7 per cent were still sexually active, compared to 90 per cent of other sportsmen and 85 per cent of non-sporty men.
Around half of the golfers had more sexual partners in their lifetime than the others, the medical journal Urologie reported.
These golfers said they had had 11 or more partners while only a third of other sportsmen and three in ten of the inactive men said the same.
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Far from the old stereotype of middle-aged men replacing sex with golf, it seems that the sport boosts the libido and keeps more men sexually active (stock image)
The research found over a quarter of the golfers had sex twice a week, dropping to less than a fifth of other sportsmen and less than two in ten of the third group.
Golfers were also less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction with just over a quarter saying it had been an issue compared to a third of other sportsmen and over four in ten of the inactive group.
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There were no results on another subject often linked to golfers – their ability to embroider the truth.
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Why playing golf can make your love life go with a swing!
Rhys Whittock, who is regarded as one of the nation’s leading Prince Harry lookalikes, is already being flooded with enquiries after news broke that Harry and Meghan are planning to move back to Britain
A man who looks remarkably like Prince Harry could see business boom now the Sussex’s have confirmed they are returning to the UK.
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Prince Harry and Meghan plan to move back to Britain in a shock development more than six years after they relocated to the US. The Sussexes are returning to the UK later this month – making their home in a non-royal residence outside of London – and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
It is understood there will be no change to Harry and Meghan’s role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family. They are expected to remain financially independent and continue their commercial and charitable work, while Harry is not expected to undertake official royal duties.
This is fantastic news for Rhys Whittock, who is regarded as one of the nation’s leading Prince Harry lookalikes, is already being flooded with enquiries after news broke this week, reports Daily Star.
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Rhys says his resemblance to Harry has remained remarkably consistent over the years, something he believes has helped him stay at the top of his game and ahead of his rivals. Rhys normally earns a couple of hundred pounds per appearance, although fees and perks vary depending on the job.
One of his wildest jobs took him all the way to Macau, China, where he was hired for a billionaire’s birthday party. He added: “It was an incredible experience. I got to stay in a beautiful hotel and was treated like royalty. I’ve travelled all over the world doing this job, and that’s one of the best things about it.”
Now, he expects Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain to bring another surge in demand. He added: “I’m expecting it to get super busy now. This is definitely good news for me.”
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Alongside his lookalike work, Rhys is an estate agent, meaning Harry’s return could give him the perfect excuse to combine both careers. He joked: “Harry is going to be looking for a house, so I’d happily show him around some suitable properties. I’d be more than happy to help him find a palace.”
Rhys shared: “I’d love to meet Harry one day, shake his hand and thank him. He has genuinely changed my life. I wouldn’t have met my wife or had my daughter, who we named after Princess Diana, as I met my wife at a London Fashion Week event during an appearance as Harry.”
Rhys also hopes Harry would see the funny side of his unusual career.
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
As the Sun enters Virgo, you may feel compelled to reconsider daily routines. Be real with yourself and others today.
Capricorn, Sagittarius and Libra, adventure, curiosity and new experiences come thick and fast. You yearn for change, so honour that.
Don’t feel unsettled by this new and exciting cosmic element. Take it has an oppoortunity to learn and grow.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday August 23, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
As the Sun enters Virgo it lands in your lifestyle zone, shining a light on your daily rhythms. Your habits inform your life, weaving a tapestry that can be very revealing. What picture are you creating? This question could inspire you to make changes that put you on a path to greater happiness and productivity. Want something new? It helps to be honest with yourself.
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
April 21 to May 21
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There’s a shift in the air as the radiant Sun enters your leisure zone, so stop waiting for the perfect conditions to start that creative project or new hobby and just dive in and begin. It’s time to revel in self-expression and to showcase your work with pride. And you don’t have to have everything just so. There’s potential for romance and fun times, so enjoy it to the max.
Your focus may shift to your home as the Sun eases into your domestic zone for around four weeks. It’s an opportunity to get a feel for what’s happening around your family situation and how you might improve on matters. It’s a great time to declutter, untangle ancestral stories or give your place the makeover it deserves. Things may come to light that can heal and resolve.
Your mind may snap too and become as organised a filing cabinet as the Sun steps into Virgo and your sector of talk and thought. The coming weeks are a great opportunity to get your ideas down on paper and come up with a workable plan. It’s also a good time to arrange those long overdue appointments and sort out overdue paperwork. You’ll feel so much better.
As the Sun leaves your sign and enters Virgo the emphasis shifts from who you are to what you truly value. Use this opportunity to strengthen your finances and invest in your talents so that they keep paying dividends. You’ll also be keen to purchase high quality pieces that stand the test of time. Resist the temptation to buy cheaper items on a whim – you could regret.
You’re starting a new personal chapter as the Sun enters your sign, filling you with quiet confidence and a chance of personal renewal. As you begin the next phase it helps to work on your priorities first. Make your goals meaningful and be sure they fill you with a sense of joy. It’s time to focus on your needs rather than give into your urge to help others regardless.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
It may be time to slow the tempo and listen to the wisdom that arrives when you’re relaxing or appears at night in your dreams. It’s an opportunity to tie up loose ends, release old worries and make peace with situations and relationships that have already served their purpose. Don’t think of rest as a luxury, as it’s the fertile ground where inspiration can take root.
Your future goals benefit from teamwork as the expertise of friends and associates can help bring your dreams to life. The Sun’s move into Virgo paves the way for a lively social scene and a chance to move in other circles. You’ll also connect with those who share your interests or those in key positions. Conversation become an exciting opportunity to make progress.
Your ambitions get super-charged as the Sun enters your career zone for a four week stay. While it’s great to set your sights high, it’s the ongoing daily effort that gets results and this influence can inspire you to create a step by step approach that enables you to succeed. It’s time to polish your skills, attend to your commitments and let your talents impress others.
Your perspective may shift with every question you ask or new path you explore. And you might truly enjoy travel, study or the chance to expand your horizons in other ways. As the Sun lights up your sector of adventure the coming weeks are an opportunity to think big and dream even bigger. Venturing into the unknown can be a chance to enjoy a richer future.
You may be drawn to explore the deeper levels of your being where some truly valuable discoveries can be hidden. As the solar orb eases into Virgo and an intense zone, those issues that you may have pushed away due to busyness can surface. This is a great opportunity for counselling if you need it, as you’ll get to the heart of the matter, inspiring a gentle peace.
Someone could become an important ally or trusted confidant over the coming weeks as the emphasis shifts to relationships. It’s not the time to do things solo, so be ready to pool your experience and talents with those of others to accomplish something bigger than all of you. Is a key bond going through difficulties? It’s time to talk things over and find a compromise.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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Dolly Parton has opened up about her health struggles after she was forced to cancel a scheduled appearance at her Dollywood theme park earlier this month
Dolly Parton has revealed she neglected her own wellbeing while caring for her beloved husband Carl Thomas Dean before his passing last year.
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The 80 year old country music legend has spoken candidly about her health concerns after being forced to pull out of a scheduled appearance at her Dollywood theme park earlier this month, prompting widespread worry amongst fans, according to The Mirror.
In a fresh interview following the cancellation, the Jolene singer disclosed: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health. But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago.”
The iconic singer, who was wed to Dean for nearly 60 years until his death in March 2025, aged 82, told People: “I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healing, I’m still working.”
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The cause of Dean’s death was kept from the public, in line with his family’s wishes for privacy following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2019. Earlier this month, Dolly missed the opening night of a new attraction at her Tennessee theme park after suffering from dizziness and dehydration, with medical professionals advising her to avoid travel.
“I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that”, she later told fans when appearing virtually, dressed in fairy wings and a pink rhinestone jumpsuit, at the event. “I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned. Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.
“And I’m dehydrated. And so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t travelling this week. So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t travelling this week, you ain’t travelling this week.”
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The remarks come after a string of postponed and cancelled appearances that sparked growing concern amongst her fanbase, prompting her to post a video on social media in October of last year, quipping that she “ain’t dead yet.”
Parton was last seen in public in June, when she marked the opening of her Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop by cutting the distinctive roadside venue’s pink ribbon.
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