David Watson has paid tribute to ‘his little animation tester’ Charlie who died last year aged five in his new video game

A grieving dad has paid a touching tribute to his five-year-old daughter who died last year in a new video game based around the July bonfires in Belfast.

Charlie Watson passed away on July 5, 2025, following a nearly five year long battle with Neuroblastoma breaking the hearts of her parents and siblings who miss the happiness and creative that she brought into their lives everyday.

Her father David, an independent animator and game developer, said he used to enjoy making animations and games for Charlie and she loved to test them for him and give him feedback on how he could make things better. She also used video games to help her escape from the difficulties that she faced during her cancer treatment, similar to how David would go to Rick’s Arcade growing up on the Shankill Road to get away from the world.

Following Charlie’s passing he said “didn’t know where he was in life” and was struggling to cope with the grief of losing his little girl. Then around five months ago he was asked to create a fire animation for someone which led to him developing the idea for a game based around bonfire building and his childhood growing up on the Shankill, with the project helping him escape from his grief while honouring his daughter’s memory.

On July 5, 2026, the first anniversary of Charlie’s death, David completed the game, Superprod, with the five-year-old appearing throughout it on the background billboards.

Speaking to Belfast Live David said: “When I was growing up on the Shankill, Rick’s Arcade was where I went to escape from the world. It wasn’t just the troubles going on but there was the AIDs crisis and the threat of nuclear war, it was mad. But at the arcade you were in a completely different place.

“When Charlie was going through her treatment, which was more than anything I ever had to deal with, she used video games to escape from it all too and was able to stay our happy little girl right to the end.

“She was always a very creative kid and loved checking out animation projects or little games that I would make for her. She was my little tester and always wanted to get involved.

“For months after she passed, I didn’t know what was going on, but eventually I had to get back to work. I was asked by someone to create a animation for a fire and while making it I got the idea for a game about bonfire building and my childhood growing up on the Shankill when I was around Charlie’s age.

“It is not aimed at being divisive or anything and is really just meant to capture the way you saw the world before you knew about politics and everything else going on in the world.

“When I have been making the game, it has allowed me to escape again, when I am doing that, I am not really here. I then finished it on the first anniversary of her death, and I hope that it can be a little tribute to her and the great community that I grew up in.”

Set on Bonfire Night, players take control of Superprod after mysterious little green men steal his teddy bears and place them atop towering bonfires across the neighbourhood. Along the way, players encounter a surreal version of Belfast filled with recognisable local symbols, humour and references that reflect childhood memories of the area.

Designed with simple one-touch mobile controls, Superprod is accessible to experienced gamers and newcomers alike.

You can play Superprod now at www.tinyflea.com

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The City of York Council has confirmed the closures, which are to allow for essential maintenance works in various locations.

Plainville Lane and Bull Lane in Wigginton will also be closed for telecom repair works between 8am and 6pm daily from today (Monday, July 6), to Thursday, July 9.

This affects the stretch between the south-western boundary of Jacobella Lodge and a point 182 metres north-west of said boundary.

Jockey Lane will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily from today (Monday, July 6), to Sunday, July 19, for highway resurfacing works.

The closure affects Monks Cross Link, Vangarde Way, Kathryn Avenue, and a section of Jockey Lane itself.

Brompton Road in Clifton will be shut for water mains works from 8am on Wednesday, July 8, until 6pm on Friday, July 10.

The closure affects the area between the eastern boundary of property No. 4 and its junction with Lister Way.

• For more information on this notice, click here.
• For more notices affecting YOUR area, visit our Public Notice Portal at publicnoticeportal.uk/york-press

Public right of way No. 14/12/10 and Kerver Lane in Dunnington will be closed for drainage works from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, from today (Monday, July 6), to Friday, July 31.

The closure affects the footpath between its junction with Petercroft Lane and Eastfield Lane, and a section of Kerver Lane.

The York Road Level Crossing in Strensall will be closed for railway maintenance works from 11pm on Sunday, July 12, until 6am on Monday, July 13.

Finally, public right of way No. 18/18/10 in Haxby, on Sandy Lane, will be closed for water mains works from 8am on Wednesday, July 15, until 5pm on Tuesday, July 21.

The closure affects the footpath between its junction with The Village and the southern boundary of property No. 100 The Village.

Alternative routes for diverted vehicles will be signposted throughout the works period.

Access for residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained where possible.

Charlie Kirk‘s accused killer Tyler Robinson was seen laughing in court as the conservative star’s widow Erika wept just feet away. 

Erika Kirk, dressed in all black, faced her husband’s alleged murderer for the first time Monday morning as he appeared before a Utah judge for a five-day preliminary hearing.

She had burst into tears before the hearing even started, according to the Daily Mail’s reporter in the courtroom.

She was accompanied by her rarely-seen in-laws, Robert and Kathryn Kirk.

Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina Anderson Trump, showed up to support the sobbing widow and were seated in the front row.

Robinson, however, is said to have been laughing with his attorney Kathy Nester ahead of the proceeding, which will determine if he has to stand trial for Kirk’s murder. It is unclear what prompted his expression of mirth. 

The 23-year-old is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 assassination of Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a crowd of thousands during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

The accused killer turned himself in after the shooting and prosecutors allege that he also sent a text message confession to his transgender partner.

He has not entered a plea in the case and attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence. The defense has sought to get the death penalty taken off the table.

Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 assassination of Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a crowd of thousands during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University

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Kirk’s parents and his widow all left the courtroom shortly after Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley began testifying about the moments the Turning Point USA founder was shot.

Bagley, the prosecution’s first witness said he could see the right side of Kirk’s body as he spoke on the college campus on September 10 last year.

Kirk was in the middle of answering a question when the officer heard a gunshot ring out. He saw people fleeing the area before police confirmed that they had had a suspect in custody over the radio. 

‘I saw him go to the left … I could no longer see the right side of his body,’ Bagley told the court. ‘Then everybody started getting up and started to run, more of a chaos situation.’

He then began assessing the crowd for injuries as he worked to ‘preserve the crime scene.’ 

After the shooting, Bagley went to the top of a nearby building where he saw a disturbance in the gravel that looked like a ‘sniper pad’, where someone might have been laying in a position that would allow them to shoot a weapon.

The officer told the court that there was a clear ‘line of sight’ from where Kirk was sat to the top of the Losee Center, where Robinson allegedly fired his rifle.

Erika leaned her head on a friend for comfort as the testimony was delivered. She wiped away her tears with a handkerchief. 

Robinson, with his attorney Kathy Nester, listens as evidence is presented at his pretrial hearing on Monday morning

Erika was accompanied by Charlie’s parents Kathryn and Robert Kirk, seen arriving at the Fourth District Courthouse

Kathryn Kirk, clutching a pocket-sized packet of tissues, listened to the testimony with her head bowed and eyes closed.

Robinson looked at the exhibits on the monitor and took notes.

Nester, during her cross-examination of Bagley, questioned him about the report he wrote after the shooting, including his observation about finding an empty pistol holster on the ground after the crowd fled.

Bagley acknowledged that he never took custody of the holster and doesn’t know if it was ever fingerprinted.

She asked Bagley if he ever attended a meeting to discuss how officers would keep people safe on the day of the shooting. The officer said he did not.

Bagley said there were six officers working that day. Thousands of people attended the event.

There were no metal detectors being used to screen the crowd, and no drones being used for security, Bagley said.

He also said there were no law enforcement officers on the roof, stairway or walkway when he arrived to work that day.

Kirk’s widow and parents all left the courtroom shortly after Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley, pictured, began testifying about the moments the activist was shot

The Kirks plan to attend the entire weeklong pretrial hearing for Robinson.

Ahead of the hearing, the family released a statement saying his death ‘irrevocably impacted our lives.’

‘Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death, and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children,’ Erika said in the statement shared on X.

This week’s hearing marks the most significant presentation of evidence in Robinson’s case so far. 

After the hearing concludes, state District Judge Tony Graf must determine if the case should proceed. 

The judge previously denied a defense request to take the death penalty off the table after he held a prosecutor in contempt. 

A death sentence is an option in Utah only when a crime has aggravating circumstances. 

Prosecutors will argue in Robinson’s case that Kirk’s shooting endangered others in attendance.

Charlie Kirk speaks to a crowd during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 before he was shot dead

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Erika and Charlie Kirk with their two children

This week’s resembles a mini-trial, but prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk. 

The standard is lower than for a trial, where prosecutors must prove guilt ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’

Prosecutors can use secondhand information, or hearsay, to help present their case. They expect to present between 40 and 50 exhibits during this week’s hearing.

Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander told the judge that the state’s exhibits will include several videos of the September 10 shooting.

Prosecutors have said they also plan to present DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, autopsy findings and witness statements.

Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, is not expected to testify in person during the hearing.

But Twiggs will deliver a pre-recorded statement at the proceeding.

Twiggs, 22, who is transgender and goes by the name ‘Luna,’ was living with Robinson during the time of the alleged murder.

After Robinson turned himself in to authorities, federal investigators learned that he sent Twiggs a flurry of text messages during his 33 hours on the run, disclosing his alleged involvement in the shooting and his efforts to evade capture.

Erika broke down in tears at Charlie Kirk’s memorial on September 21 last year as she publicly forgave her husband’s killer

In addition to the alleged confession note, Robinson reportedly texted his roommate that he targeted Kirk because he ‘had enough of his hatred,’ prosecutors have said.

Twiggs has never been charged or implicated in the shooting, and has instead cooperated with authorities. 

Before his death, Kirk and the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, galvanized the conservative youth vote to help President Donald Trump win a second term.

The Republican president has said he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty.

Erika Kirk said during her husband’s memorial service that she forgives Robinson.

‘[Charlie] wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,’ Erika said at the memorial, sparking a standing ovation and roars from the crowd of more than 60,000 people.

‘That man, that young man, I forgive him,’ she added, while breaking into tears.

Their car plunged 100 feet into a ravine off the A7 motorway in Malaga last month

An Irish couple who tragically lost their lives in a road tragedy in Spain will be laid to rest this Thursday.

Michaela Newcombe, Amy McCullagh and her brother-in-law Mark McCullagh, who were all from Mullingar in Co Westmeath, died when their car plunged 100 feet into a ravine off the A7 motorway in Malaga in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 28.

Mark’s brother, Ian McCullagh, 35, who was married to Amy, was seriously injured but survived the horror crash. He remains critically ill in hospital in Spain, reports the Irish Mirror.

Michaela will lay in repose at Gilsenan’s Funeral Home in Westmeath on Wednesday from 3.30pm concluding with prayers at 6.30pm.

Her funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 11am in the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium Cavan at 2.30pm.

Mark will lay in repose at the family home at 231, Greenpark Meadows on Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. His family have requested the house be private at all other times.

His funeral mass will also take place on Thursday at 2pm in the Cathedral of Christ the King followed by burial in Ballyglass Cemetery.

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The heartbroken families of Michaela, Mark and Amy have also united in an emotional appeal asking people to support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which is helping bring their loved ones home so they can be laid to rest.

Their grieving families are asking people to support the trust, whose vital work helps return the remains of Irish people who die overseas, giving grieving families the chance to bring their loved ones home.

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

“This can sap the enthusiasm of even the most dedicated volunteer” says founder

An appeal has been made to Belfast Council after a man was caught in the act trashing a much treasured restored alleyway in South Belfast.

Volunteers who set up the charming “Foxglove Alley” in Stranmillis have called upon the council to adopt a policy of emergency clean ups for those alleys that have been restored by the local community. In the last ten days the alley has been rubbished six times.

CCTV footage was taken of a man in his 60’s lifting several full binbags taken from a nearby bin, and scattering the contents all over the alley, then scavenging for keepsakes among the rubbish.

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Foxglove Alley is a volunteer-led community project dedicated to regenerating an adopted alleyway since late 2024. Residents meet monthly, sometimes more frequently, to garden, tidy and maintain the space.

Founder Olivia McIntyre has called for a dedicated team from City Hall that can be contacted to advise and respond quickly to similar acts.

She said: “What was once an unloved, neglected alley that people actively avoided has been transformed into a welcoming community hub where neighbours connect and take pride in their local environment.

“The project’s success is driven by a small but dedicated group of volunteers whose resilience and determination have helped overcome ongoing challenges such as fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. Their efforts continue to improve the area, strengthen community spirit and create a greener, more welcoming place for everyone.”

She said: “What we’ve learned from this experience is that one person can undo our group’s many hours of hard work in seconds. This can sap the enthusiasm of even the most dedicated volunteer. We rely on a small but mighty team of volunteers to give up their time to help.

“That’s why the support of the council is essential. We’re hoping the council will appoint a dedicated team that can advise and respond quickly to this sort of event to nip such behaviour in the bud.

“Without this support, we fear many projects will stall at the early stages. That would be such a pity because we know just how positive an impact this and other alleyways have made. All the work is worth it, we see it every time we walk down our now beautiful, flowering alleyway.”

She added: “The council is aiming to achieve the goal of transforming hundreds of alleyways under the Belfast Alleyway Transformation programme. Building community resilience will be essential if the scheme is to leave a permanent legacy across the city.”

She said: “This recent spate of anti-social behaviour has been very disheartening, but hasn’t weakened our resolve, if anything it has made us more determined than ever to look after the space.”

Belfast has been selected as one of only 24 cities worldwide to receive $1 million (approximately £750,000) through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge 2025 – 2026, supporting an ambitious programme to transform how the council and neighbourhoods work together to manage and improve the network of alleyways across the city. Residents can contact Email alleywaytransformation@belfastcity.gov.uk to express an interest in the funding.

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

A parish council said the concerns are ‘being taken seriously’

Police have increased patrols in a Cambridgeshire village following several concerns that were raised regarding anti-social behaviour. Cottenham Parish Council said it is aware of “many residents” being worried about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village.

It said these concerns are “being taken seriously”. Cambridgeshire Police said they are aware of recent incidents in Cottenham involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.

Police were also called to reports of a quad bike and motorbike being “ridden recklessly” across a village recreation ground on Wednesday, June 3. Cottenham Parish Council previously claimed that the incident caused damage and created a “serious safety concern”.

The council, who said the vehicles were being driven “recklessly”, reported the incident to the police who received “quite a few” calls about it. Officers attended but those involved had left the area, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

In a new statement, Cottenham Parish Council said: “We know many residents are concerned about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village, and we’d like to reassure everyone that these concerns are being taken seriously.

“The Parish Council has been in regular contact with our Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we are working closely together regarding the issues that have been reported.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority for many of our neighbourhood policing teams across Cambridgeshire, and we know it’s something residents want us to focus on.

“While we don’t believe Cottenham has higher levels of anti-social behaviour than similar villages, we are aware of a small number of recent reports involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.”

The police force and parish council has urged anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour to report it to Cambridgeshire Police by calling 101 or reporting it online. Cottenham Parish Council added: “Every report helps to build a clearer picture and supports any action that may be taken.”

The crash happened just as Derby Street becomes St Helens Road between Willows Lane and Florence Street in Daubhill just before 10.20pm on Saturday, July 4.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the following day that the crash had involved an off-road bike and a stationary car.

They said that a biker was taken to hospital with serious injuries while two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.

In a further update at the start of this week, a force spokesperson confirmed that the two men will face no further action, while the injured biker is no longer in a “life threatening” condition.

The crash happened on Saturday night (Image: Public)

The crash on St Helens Road sparked a concerned reaction from residents nearby as crowds gathered, while calls have been made for improved road safety in the area.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Cllr Ayyub Patel, of Rumworth, said: “Road safety is one of the top priorities that residents raise with me and this is another example of just how important it is to make sure our roads are kept safe.”

He added: “There is no wider risk to the community and the police presence in the area is simply part of the investigation.”

The Bolton News understands that AI footage purporting to show the events of the crash had been circulating on social media over the weekend.

Two men were arrested at the scene (Image: Public)

Cllr Patel has said that what it claims to show is not accurate and is disproven by CCTV footage.

As of Sunday morning, the scene had cleared and traffic was able to pass through freely.

Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, also of Rumworth, said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this serious collision, and I wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.

“Since being elected in May, road safety has been one of my top priorities.

“I have consistently raised concerns about speeding, anti-social driving and pedestrian safety across Rumworth, particularly around Higher Swan Lane, Bridgeman Street and the approaches to Sunning Hill Primary School.

“This latest incident reinforces why we cannot wait until serious collisions occur before taking action.

“I have already secured commitments from the Council to review areas where residents have raised persistent safety concerns and to consider extending the borough’s Anti-Social Driving Programme to Higher Swan Lane and Bridgeman Street, subject to funding.

“I will continue working with residents, highways officers and Greater Manchester Police to press for further safety improvements and investment to better protect motorists, pedestrians and local communities.”