The former police officer will face an upcoming misconduct hearing

A former Cambridgeshire Police officer has been accused of having an “inappropriate” personal relationship with a woman. Former PC Neil Woodley has been accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour to the level of gross misconduct.

It is alleged that former PC Woodley formed and maintained an “inappropriate personal relationship with a female member of the public” between June 12, 2022, and April 5, 2023.

He is accused of acting in a manner likely to bring discredit upon the police service. Between the same time frame, the former officer allegedly failed to discharge his duties and responsibilities diligently by failing to take appropriate safeguarding measures following reports of suicidal intent and/or self harm by a woman.

It is alleged that former PC Woodley breached the standards of professional behaviour in duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct. An upcoming misconduct hearing will determine whether he committed gross misconduct.

The hearing will take place online on Tuesday, September 1.

THE sad news of the passing of the great Dolly Parton has been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation that she so richly deserves.

Born in to dirt-poor poverty, she took her talent, along with southern girt and determination, and conquered country music at a time when it was male dominated.

Dolly had the ability to make fun of herself, not take herself seriously which made the public love her all the more.

Her music is iconic and based over a career spanning 60 years. Her husband always by her side.

Along with her music and being as smart as a whip, her wealth was dedicated to helping children who needed educational support.

One of the best people this world has ever produced.

Rest in Peace Dolly. There will never be another.

John Jones,

Russet House,

Birch Close,

York

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Emergency services, including six fire engines were called to a house fire on Birchington Avenue at 5.23am on August 26 where sadly, two people have been confirmed dead.

Four people have been taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment.

The fire service has confirmed the fire has now been extinguished and have released an updated statement.

Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

The force said: “Following Cleveland Fire Brigade’s attendance at a house fire on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, this morning (Wednesday, August 26), we can confirm that the fire has now been extinguished.

“Six fire appliances from Grangetown, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Saltburn attended the incident, along with the Incident Command Unit. One appliance remains at the scene on protective standby.

“We can confirm that six people were inside the property at the time of the fire. Tragically, two people have died.

“One person remains in a critical condition, while three others are receiving treatment.

“The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident will now be jointly investigated by Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade’s fire investigation officers.

“It is with great sadness that we share this update. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone affected at this incredibly difficult time.”

Firefighters were spotted dampening down the smoking roof of the home which has been wrecked by the fire.

A ladder was also seen propped against a rear upstairs window of the family home.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “My daughter heard shouting and screaming this morning. The dogs were barking.”

The neighbour said a family lived at the house, adding: “I don’t know the people who live there, we just say hello when we walk past.”

Another resident said: “It’s just horrible, we were all in bed when it happened.”

While another added it was a “tragic incident for this area.”

Emergency services at the scene of a major residential fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

Police officers continue to guard a cordon around the scene.

Redcar and Cleveland Local Policing Commander, Superintendent Emily Harrison, said: “This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in the deaths of a number of people this morning, and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.

 “We are working to establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened, but we are keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time.

“We will have a high visibility presence in the Grangetown area as this investigation progresses, and to provide reassurance to local communities, who will no doubt be impacted by this tragic incident.

 “We encourage anyone who has concerns, or who may have information regarding the incident in the early hours of this morning, to approach one of our officers or to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar & Cleveland added: “I am devastated to hear of the tragic loss of life following this morning’s fire in Grangetown.

“My deepest condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have died, and my thoughts are also with those injured and receiving treatment.

“Our community has faced a profound amount of heartbreak over the past few weeks.

“Please keep everyone affected in your thoughts, give the emergency services the space they need, and avoid speculation as Cleveland Police & emergency services continue their investigation.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded Elon Musk the Order of Freedom, one of the nation’s highest state honors, citing his “outstanding personal merits” in safeguarding human life and liberty while reinforcing connections between Ukraine and the United States.

Musk, founder of SpaceX, has emerged as a central, if controversial, private figure in Ukraine’s defense effort. His deployment of the Starlink satellite network provided a crucial communications lifeline for both troops and civilians following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The satellite network is now deeply integrated into Ukraine’s military infrastructure, with service members and commanders depending on the connection to coordinate battlefield actions.

Starlink does not currently function over Russian territory but Zelensky is urging Musk to alter the policy. Enabling access across the border would allow Ukrainian forces to maintain continuous satellite links during long-range drone attacks against Russian military and industrial targets.

Musk did not immediately offer a comment regarding the award, which was conferred via presidential decree.

Elon Musk has restricted Starlink use in Russia

The technology has proved essential to Ukraine’s aerial strategy, helping operators guide drones over extended distances. This access was instrumental in the initial success of Kyiv’s medium-range drone strikes, which disrupted Russian logistics lines earlier this year.

While Musk permits Ukrainian forces to utilize Starlink within national boundaries—including regions currently held by Russian troops—he maintains strict restrictions on its operation inside Russia proper.

SpaceX further aided Kyiv earlier this year by responding to requests to deactivate unauthorized Starlink units being operated by Russian personnel in occupied zones.

These actions helped place sustained pressure on Russian supply lines in Crimea, affording Ukrainian troops a degree of tactical momentum not experienced since the major counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson in late 2022.

Musk’s critical role underlines how Kyiv remains dependent on a single private individual. Because Starlink is so deeply woven into military communications, SpaceX holds considerable leverage over how its technology is deployed.

Preserving a positive relationship with Musk is paramount for Kyiv, given that his policy decisions carry immediate consequences for the country’s defense capabilities.

Zelensky has requested assistance from American officials to convince Musk to widen Starlink’s operational range. However, Musk considers expanding access inside Russia to be a “significant and dangerous escalation,” according to statements Zelensky made to journalists last week.

The friction over Starlink’s boundaries has also triggered internal political fallout in Kyiv. Miscommunication regarding whether SpaceX had authorized Starlink usage within Russian territory created friction between Zelensky and former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who served as the government’s primary liaison to Musk.

Fedorov was subsequently removed from his post in July during a broader cabinet reorganization.

Zelensky noted that inaccurate reports from the Defense Ministry concerning SpaceX’s stance led to a difficult interaction with U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that the Ukrainian leader had misled him.

This confusion played a role in “some of the steps” taken regarding Fedorov, Zelensky indicated to reporters, though he did not directly accuse the former minister of intentional deception.

Fedorov’s departure highlights the far-reaching political consequences of Musk’s involvement in the conflict.

The bus was involved in a crash with another vehicle in the early hours of Monday morning

Manchester indie rock band Inspiral Carpets’ tour bus was involved in a crash on a motorway in Scotland.

The crash happened in the early hours of Monday morning (August 24). The band, who hail from Oldham, had played gigs in Scotland on August 21 and August 22 and were travelling back towards England.

The tour bus was involved in a crash with another vehicle on the major A74(M) motorway which with the M74 connects Scotland to England. A spokesperson for the Inspirals said no-one in either of the vehicles suffered serious injuries.

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The band, whose current members are Clint Boon, Stephen Holt, Martyn Walsh and Oscar Boon, the crew and bus driver escaped uninjured. Two people in the other vehicle suffered ‘minor injuries’ and were taken to hospital, the spokesperson added.

A statement issued on behalf of the Inspiral Carpets said: “In the early hours of Monday 24th August, the tourbus carrying Inspiral Carpets was involved in a collision with another vehicle on the southbound carriageway of the M74 motorway in Scotland. Thankfully no one from either vehicle was seriously injured.

“Two people travelling in the other vehicle received minor injuries and were taken to hospital. The band, crew and bus driver were all uninjured. As the matter is now in the hands of the police the band can give no further comment for the time being.”

Police Scotland has been contacted for a comment on the incident.

The This Is How It Feels hitmakers have 14 top 40 singles to their name, as well as three top ten albums, in almost 40 years. The band is releasing new album Burn Like the Sun in January 2027.

What are “poop pills”?

And… did it work?

Sharon Beshenivsky was murdered on her daughter’s fourth birthday in Bradford

The mastermind behind the 2005 armed robbery at a Bradford travel agents that led to the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky has died in jail.

Piran Ditta Khan died on February 21, 2025, at the top-security Wakefield Prison. His death came less than a year after he was jailed for life with a 40-year minimum term for murdering the police officer, after he had spent 15 years on the run.

A 20-minute inquest hearing at Wakefield Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (26 August) confirmed no evidence of assault or trauma, and concluded that the 76-year-old died from complications associated with lung cancer. He died of natural causes, a coroner has ruled.

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Assistant Coroner Naomi McLoughlin told the inquest that she had a statement from Khan’s son, Shabaz Khan, which said the imposition of the 40-year tariff had “taken its toll” on his father. The coroner said Mr Khan described how his father had always maintained his guilt in relation to the robbery but had pleaded not guilty to murder and was found guilty “by association”.

The court heard that Khan was being treated for stage-four lung cancer when he was taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield in February of last year, suffering from what turned out to be a stroke.

Doctors decided his cancer was too advanced for any rehabilitation work in hospital to have made any difference, so Khan was returned to prison where he received palliative care until his death 10 days later.

Ms McLoughlin said his cause of death was bronchial pneumonia “in association with” multiple strokes and cancer of his right lung. The coroner noted the strokes could well have been caused by the cancer.

The court heard Khan was born in Pakistan, came to the UK in his early teens and was married with five children. He smoked around 10 to 15 cigarettes a day.

PC Beshenivsky was shot dead on her daughter’s fourth birthday in November 2005 after responding to an active robbery at the Universal Express travel agency in Bradford. She and her partner, PC Teresa Milburn, were both unarmed and shot at point-blank range as the robbers fled.

Khan was the sole gang member familiar with the business. Two months after the killing, he fled to Pakistan, remaining at large for nearly 15 years until his arrest in 2020 and extradition to the UK in 2023.

In April 2024, Khan became the seventh and final member of the gang to be convicted. He was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of murder, firearm possession, and weapon offenses, in May 2024.

At sentencing, Mr Justice Hilliard noted that Khan would inevitably spend the rest of his life behind bars due to the gravity of his actions.

In a statement to the court in 2024, Paul Beshenivsky, who had been married to Pc Beshenivsky for four years when she died, said: “The way we lost Sharon was in the most brutal, callous and futile way. She never came home due to the actions and organisation of one person – Piran Ditta Khan.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the county police say that they have been called to an incident involving ‘cylinders’ in Crossfield Crescent, Fulford, today (August 26).

It is believed to have started at around noon and there are currently number of fire engines and officers in attendance.

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“Due to reports that cylinders are involved, a safety cordon has been established and a number of nearby properties have been evacuated as a precaution. Crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time. Please avoid the area,” said a spokesperson for the service.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police added: “We are currently supporting our colleagues from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in response to this incident in Fulford. Please follow their advice and avoid the area where possible.”

More to follow.