Defenceless Maya, two, died in Newcastle’s RVI days after being violently shaken by her mother’s new partner, Michael Daymond, at their home in Shotton Colliery in September 2022.

Daymond was later jailed for life, while Maya’s mother, Dana Carr, received a nine-year sentence for allowing her daughter’s death.

Maya Chappell (Image: FAMILY)

In September last year, Maya’s great aunts, Gemma Chappell and Rachael Walls, set up the Maya’s Law campaign, looking to bring in a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS), which would allow families to request information about a partner or caregiver’s violent or abusive history, similar to Clare’s Law and Sarah’s Law.

At the end of January, a petition set up by her family for a change in the law hit more than 110,000 signatures, meaning it will now be considered for a debate in parliament.

While surpassing 100,000 signatures does not automatically secure a debate, it means the Petitions Committee must now consider allocating Parliamentary time.

Maya Chappell (Image: FAMILY)

For the family, that decision is the next crucial hurdle.

In the latest update, MPs from across the region paid tribute to Maya’s great aunts, Gemma and Rachael, whose “relentless campaigning” has propelled the issue from local tragedy to national political agenda.

Liz Twist, MP for Consett and Blaydon, said she was “absolutely delighted” the petition had gone “well above the 100,000 signatures mark”, crediting the pair with “moving heaven and earth” to make it happen.

Consett and Blaydon MP, Liz Twist (Image: PARLIAMENT)

“That’s only happened because of their tireless work day and night,” she said.

Ms Twist confirmed she would work with the family ahead of any potential debate “to carry on making the very best case in Parliament to make Maya’s Law and stronger child protection measures a reality.”

Mary Kelly Foy, MP for the City of Durham, described the breakthrough as “absolutely amazing news”, stressing that surpassing 100,000 signatures ensures the petition will now be considered for Parliamentary debate.

Mary Kelly Foy, MP for City of Durham (Image: PARLIAMENT)

“It’s no exaggeration to say that this petition has only reached this level thanks to the hard work of Gemma and Rachael,” she said.

“They have given everything to reach this milestone.”

But she warned that the real test lies ahead.

“It’s vital that we keep this discussion going in Parliament and ensure that Maya’s Law remains on the agenda,” she added, pledging her continued support to strengthen child protection laws.

Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland (Image: PARLIAMENT)

Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, said his thoughts remained with Maya’s family and praised their “immense courage in campaigning for change after such a devastating loss”.

He said he “wholly supports the issue of child safeguarding failures receiving proper parliamentary scrutiny” and welcomed the opportunity for it to be debated so “lessons can be examined and improvements considered”.

“It is vital that Parliament listens carefully to families’ experiences and ensures our systems are doing everything possible to protect children,” he added.

At the heart of the proposed legislation is the creation of a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS), which would allow families to request information about a partner or caregiver’s violent or abusive history.

Gemma Chappell and Liz Twist (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It would also introduce mandatory information sharing between police, health, social care and councils, strengthen multi-agency safeguarding protocols and give professionals clearer powers to raise alerts or trigger court action.

Campaigners argue that such measures could close dangerous gaps in the current system, gaps they believe failed Maya.

Maya’s great aunt, Gemma Chappell, has urged MPs locally and nationally to ensure the issue reaches the Commons chamber and has thanked those MPs who have already given the family their support

“100,000 people have now given Maya a voice,” she said.

“But now is the time for MPs to step up.

“MPs give us so much support. With ministers seemingly pushing the School and Wellbeing Bill, we need the support of every MP.”

While Maya’s family has hailed the strength of support across North East MPs, there is a level of “anxiety” and “apprehension”, given that 100,000 signatures doesn’t guarantee a Parliamentary debate.

“It does make us uneasy that the debate could still not happen,” Gemma added.

“There are definitely gaps there. No matter what the government do, it’s not going to stop us.

Gemma ChappelL, Great Aunt of Maya Chappell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“This campaign is about giving Maya the voice she never had.

“We’re not naive to think that things can change overnight, but we must try to change the tide for other families who have been through the same.

“There is a mountain to climb, but we won’t stop until we get what we want and get change.”

Gemma has also called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet with the family and other bereaved families to make a case for a law change.

While the government’s target is seemingly to move forward with the multi-million-pound Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, Gemma says that she wants to work with the government to make some amendments and “protect children from falling through the cracks”.

But, with the support of MPs across the North East, it has given Gemma hope of securing a debate.

Emma Lewell, MP for South Shields and a former children’s social worker, said she “wholeheartedly” agrees there are gaps in the current safeguarding system and backed the four policy proposals put forward under Maya’s Law.

“There is nothing more heartbreaking than the death of a little one,” she said.

“The family are right that current legislation is highly restrictive on professionals’ ability to share information and data, which could identify safeguarding concerns early on and avoid the loss of another precious little life.

“We should be doing all we can to protect children.”

Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, said Maya and her family were “failed by the system” and gave her full backing to calls for the proposed law to be brought forward.

“Too often, we see failures in information sharing between agencies,” she said.

“Maya’s Law would ensure that safeguarding agencies fulfil their obligations and close the gaps in the current system to ensure no child slips through the cracks.”

Maya’s Law proposes four key changes:

• A Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS) allows families to request risk history information about caregivers or partners
• Mandatory information sharing between police, health, and social care agencies
• Stronger multi-agency protocols, particularly in cases involving custody or unsupervised access
• New safeguarding powers for professionals to raise alerts or trigger court action, even without an active investigation

Eight people were killed in shootings at a school and home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Tuesday, February 10. The victims included five students, one teacher, and two family members, leaving the community devastated.

Canada’s most lethal shooting has claimed eight lives, including those at a school and a residence, and left 25 others injured, plunging the community into ‘deep sorrow’. The incident occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on Tuesday, February 10, a rural town of approximately 2,400 inhabitants.

Families are “heartbroken” as their children failed to return home from school. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP Commanding Officer, expressed: “The BC RCMP offers sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the entire Tumbler Ridge community that is grieving alongside them, reports the Mirror..

“This is a time of deep sorrow, and many are still processing the weight of this tragedy. We will continue to support the families, respect their wishes, and walk with the community as it begins the long journey toward healing.”

Here’s what we know so far about the victims.

Jennifer Jacobs and Emmett Jacobs

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Among the victims is the mother of 18 year old suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar. Jennifer Jacobs, 39, was discovered deceased at a Tumbler Ridge residence along with another family member.

The RCMP confirmed that Van Rootselaar’s 11 year old step-brother, Emmett Jacobs, also lost his life at the property. The suspect was found dead at the school due to self-inflicted injuries, police reported.

According to the BBC, court documents from a 2015 family dispute reveal that Jacobs and her children spent years travelling across Canada, with a judge describing the family’s lifestyle as “an almost nomadic life”, relocating between “Newfoundland, Grand Cache and Powell River, British Columbia” during a five-year span.

The case concluded with Jacobs being instructed to return with the children to British Columbia.

Abel Mwansa

Abel Mwansa, 12, was an exceptional footballer who harboured a passion for science.

Abel’s father, a pastor, shared a statement on social media expressing: “If I had power to give life I would have brought you back to life together with others that where killed alongside you but son my power is limited, and seeing your child murdered at this age is heart breaking.”

His coach Tyler Curry informed Global News that Abel consistently demonstrated total commitment and frequently assisted his fellow players.

Ezekiel Schofield

13 year old Ezekiel sadly died at the school on Tuesday. In a social media post, a family member said they “just feel absolutely broken” after the incident.

Ticaria Lampert

Ticaria, 12, was amongst the five pupils who tragically died on Tuesday, with her mother revealing that “our family is shattered” in the aftermath.

Sarah Lampert informed CBC News that her daughter constantly sought to bring laughter to others. She characterised her as a whirlwind of vitality who was “loud and proud”.

“She was a dork of all dorks. She had a Santa sack of every bad dad joke you could think of…. She felt accomplished when everybody’s tummy hurt,” Sarah Lampert said, adding that Ticaria was her “tiki torch, powered by love and happiness.

“Our family is shattered and it is going to take immense amounts of time to get through this.”

Shannda Aviugana-Durand

Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39, also lost her life at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, police have confirmed. The teacher was the sole adult victim in the tragic school incident.

The BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) issued a heartfelt tribute to Aviugana-Durand: “We are grieving the profound loss of one of our union members whose life was taken in this terrible event. Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39, was a member of the BCGEU and worked at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School,” the statement said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives she touched.”

Zoey Benoit

Zoey Benoit, 12, has been remembered as a “resilient” youngster who “brought so much laughter” into her family’s world.

Her relatives shared a statement through the RCMP which read: “Our beautiful Zoey, our daughter, sister, niece, grand daughter and friend. She was so resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.

“She brought so much laughter and smiles in her presence. She loved spending time with her family where she could show her love.

“Our family is devastated by this loss, but we will cherish her memories with us so close to our hearts forever.

“She will forever be loved and never forgotten. We miss you beautiful girl, Zoey we love you so much.”

Kylie Smith

12-year old Kylie Smith was amongst those tragically killed during the shooting at the school. Her family paid tribute to a youngster brimming with ambition and devotion to those she held dear.

They said: “Kylie was the light in our family. She loved her family, friends, and going to school.

“She was a talented artist and had dreams of going to art school in the big city of Toronto. Rest in paradise, sweet girl, our family will never be the same without you.”

Christopher John Eadie was found dead in the garden of his home on the Sandringham estate by his partner Joanne after becoming distraught over dwindling work and an ill-fated paint job

A decorator for the Royal Family took his own life after becoming distraught over dwindling work and an ill-fated paint job which the King asked to be redone, an inquest has heard.

Christopher John Eadie , known as Chris, was found dead in the garden of his home on the Sandringham estate near King’s Lynn by his partner Joanne. Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard the 63- year-old self-employed decorator had worked at the estate for more than 30 years and took enormous pride in carrying out projects for the late Queen and later King Charles.

His brother Mark Eadie said highly skilled Mr Eadie ‘s “perfectionism” meant he was frequently appointed for “the top jobs” within the Royal household, including painting the bedroom of the Prince and Princess of Wales. But in recent years, work from the estate became less frequent following management changes and the introduction of new contractors – something that deeply affected him.

Mr Eadie , told the hearing Chris was a “talented perfectionist” who lived for his work. “My brother was absolutely brilliant at his job,” he said. “He had incredible attention to detail and wouldn’t let anything go unless it was perfect.”

He added his brother was immensely proud of working for the Royal Family, carrying out jobs discreetly inside royal residences. “He was loyal and wouldn’t talk about what he did, but I know he painted William and Kate’s bedroom and even met their children once in the garden. He said they were lovely,” he said.

But one job in particular left him devastated. Mr Eadie had been tasked with painting a pagoda over a Buddha at Sandringham in colours requested by the King. Although Chris felt the colours were “a bit garish”, he painted it exactly as instructed.

However, the King was not happy with how it looked and ordered it be repainted. Mr Eadie said Chris dutifully stripped the structure and prepared it ready for new colours chosen by the King, only for the final painting work to be handed to another contractor.

“After all that detailed preparation, someone else was given the job,” his brother said. “He was devastated.”

The court heard that around the same time Chris had begun losing weight and suffering from a lack of appetite, becoming convinced he might have cancer. Phone conversations with his brother revealed his mental health was deteriorating as worries over both his health and work at Sandringham mounted.

His former partner, Joanna described him as a loving father to his two sons who took huge pride in his career and his long service to the royals. But she said the reduction in work from Sandringham after decades of loyalty deeply upset him with the pagoda incident becoming a particular source of angst.

Six weeks before his death she found him sitting in the dark at home and later feared he had been considering harming himself. In the days before he died she told the court he became unusually affectionate, something she now believes was part of saying goodbye.

Police officer David Norris told the inquest officers were called to the address after his partner discovered a note inside the house and found Mr Eadie hanging in a small garden space between sheds.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him after cutting him down but were unable to save him. Inside the house officers found the handwritten letter and a bottle of open spirits.

Toxicology tests later showed only a small amount of alcohol in his system, along with raised levels of paracetamol, though not enough to have caused death. A post-mortem examination concluded he died by hanging.

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Medical evidence showed Mr Eadie had visited his GP earlier in the year complaining of weight loss and abdominal discomfort and later began taking antidepressants after reporting anxiety and work-related stress.

His medication for anxiety ran out shortly before his death on October 10, 2025, and a repeat prescription had not been requested.

Edward Parsons, land agent for the Sandringham Estate, said Mr Eadie had never been directly employed by the estate but was one of many contractors used for work, with jobs allocated based on requirements. He said though Mr Eadie had been awarded a number of jobs in 2025, a decision had then been made not go ahead with work.

In his final note, Mr Eadie apologised to loved ones, writing: “Tell everyone I love them so much. I am sorry.”

Summing up, the coroner Yvonne Blake said worries about his health combined with work concerns had led to a decline in Mr Eadie ‘s mental health.

However, she concluded there was insufficient evidence to say he intended to end his life and recorded a conclusion reflecting mental health deterioration rather than suicide, saying: “I am not satisfied that he intended to die. He had a decline in mental health and was upset about work. These things prevented sufficient clarity of mind.

“He took his own life but the deterioration in mental health means I am not concluding suicide.”

She expressed condolences to his family, describing him as a man who clearly took immense pride in his work and was deeply loved by those close to him.

“I know he was a man who took great pride in his work. He was self employed but did a lot of work at Sandringham. He felt discarded not having as much work there as he used to and he put this down to different contractors being used.”

A spokesperson for the Sandringham Estate said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Eadie.”

Joe Rogan has once again ripped into the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files and the president’s repeated assertions that they are a “hoax,” following the latest batch of released documents by the Department of Justice.

“None of this is good for this administration. It looks f****** terrible,” the podcaster and MMA commentator said during Thursday’s episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. “It looks terrible for Trump, when he was saying that none of this was real, this is all a hoax. This is not a hoax.”

Rogan’s comments follow the latest document dump by the DOJ, which delivered over three million files, including 180,000 pictures and 2,000 videos on January 30. But many details of potential co-conspirators of the convicted sex offender remained redacted.

Under pressure from Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna the DOJ unredacted the names of at least six “wealthy, powerful men,” including Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

Thee files revealed Epstein and the Emirati billionaire had shared years of correspondence, discussing sex and sharing links to fetish websites, including one particularly disturbing email in which Epstein told bin Sulayem he “loved the torture video.”

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Being named in the files does not suggest wrongdoing and Sulayem has not been charged with a crime in connection with Epstein. Searches suggest his name is included more than 5,000 times in the files.

“What the f*** man?” Rogan said, in response to the particular exchange with bin Sulayem. “And why is his name redacted? Why would your name be redacted if you’re not a victim? Like, this is what’s crazy about all this.

“How come you redact some people and you don’t redact other people? Like, what is this? This is not good.”

Rogan, whose podcast has 14.5 million followers on Spotify, has been both critical and supportive of Trump, even inviting him onto the show during the 2024 presidential election campaign. But in recent months the podcaster has been more vocal in his disapproval of certain policy areas including the heavy crackdown on immigration by federal authorities.

Appearing to give the president the benefit of the doubt, Rogan continued: “Maybe he didn’t know, if you want to be charitable, but this is definitely not a hoax.

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“And if you’ve redacted people’s names and these people aren’t victims, you’re not protecting the victim. So what are you doing? And how come all this s*** is not released?”

The significant redactions have sparked huge outrage on both sides of the political aisle.

As a result the DOJ announced that members of Congress would be allowed to view the fully unredacted files in-person. Lawmakers from both parties have been reviewing the unredacted files since they became available Monday.

Democratic Congressmen Jamie Raskin as well as Khanna and Massie were among those to visit the DOJ on to review the remaining files via a secure terminal.

One of Epstein’s victims was just nine years old, according to Raskin, while Massie said that files he had viewed suggested that a senior official in a foreign government was allegedly involved in his sex trafficking network.

Lord Sugar didn’t hold back in another brutal boardroom showdown as one The Apprentice candidate was forced to leave.

Another contestant has been fired from The Apprentice after a chaotic third task.

Lord Sugar’s BBC competition is well underway, with a shock double firing in the first episode after the candidates were flown out to Hong Kong.

Among those hoping for a £250,000 investment into their business are a Geordie Shore star and the owner of a photobooth company.

In tonight’s episode, a fourth candidate was eliminated from the boardroom after a chaotic challenge.

The contestants had been tasked with a plan to turn poultry into profit, as one team were given 25 kilos of chicken and the other given 25 kilos of eggs. Both teams were asked to create a dish to serve to the public, as well as meet a corporate client looking to place a bespoke order of canapes which the candidates had to prepare and serve at an event.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star’s ‘personal beef’ with Britain’s Got Talent exposedREAD MORE: Channel 4 999 What Happened Next mum emotional as she forgives daughter’s killer

In teaser clips for the episode ahead of it airing, one team caused chaos in the kitchen as they attempted to cook a carbonara sauce without being able to taste eggs, cheese and pork, leaving them all grimacing at the taste. Another saw the same team fail at simple mathematics, confusing 5g of flour for 1.5kg.

However, despite their kitchen antics, it was a negotiation with a corporate client that left a team failing.

Tanmay, Megan and Carrington found themselves in the firing line, with team leader Carrington blaming the loss on low negotiation, and Tanmay and Megan battling it out for another week.

After securing the low deal, Tanmay became the fourth candidate to leave the competition, later admitting his firing was “unfair”.

He shared: “Ultimately, I am disappointed for it to end this way. When we went into the negotiation, I was looking forward to it, I see negotiation as an art form, but that negotiation didn’t become a very nice piece of art. Karishma started with a monologue which set the tempo and then Megan came through and set the price ceiling by saying £12, and I shook the hand on £11.80 trying to salvage it.

“I did take the bullet in the boardroom and I do think it was unfair. But you win some and you lose some and I can’t do much about it now!”

He went on to say he didn’t believe he deserved being fired, adding: “I think at the time, sitting in the boardroom, it was a lot closer and I remember in the moment thinking it could probably go either way between myself, Megan and Carrington.

“You could have even put an argument forward for Karishma and Andrea but in the boardroom, I was there, and I tried to keep composed but I do think it was unfair.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website

Speaking of his experience on the show, Tanmay added: “I have learnt that I can probably do anything now. I think I was already confident, but it has given me more confidence that I can do anything I want to do. I can put my mind to it and do it. It has also given me the confidence in my ability to work with people of different backgrounds and temperaments, as you know, some are fierier than others. It was good to handle big personalities.

“I also learnt that I am good at reading people and building rapport. Although the process taught me that there are moments where leadership means pausing the room when momentum is moving too fast, especially when decisions affect value.”

The Apprentice continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursdays at 21:00, with The Apprentice: Unfinished Business airing straight after on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

The passenger was declared dead after landing.

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Cabin crew working on an Emirates flight found a passenger had become “unresponsive” moments before landing in the UK and despite their best efforts, was later declared dead.

Doctors and staff on the the Emirates flight EK067 raced to the aid of the man, just as the jet was preparing to make its landing at Stansted Airport on February 8, reports The Mirror.

The flight had departed Dubai for the UK but it wasn’t until the end of the journey that the man was found in an apparent medical emergency.

Flight attendants and other medical professionals on board the flight attempted to provide emergency medical attention to the passenger, Emirates confirmed in a statement. However, despite their best efforts, he remained “unresponsive”.

After the plane landed at Stansted, it was confirmed by authorities that the man had died. An Emirates spokesperson said that the airline offered its “deepest condolences” to the passenger’s loved ones.

A statement from the airline read: “On Emirates flight EK067 from Dubai to London Stansted on February 8, cabin crew found a passenger unconscious as the aircraft was preparing for descent. Our crew, assisted by doctors on board, provided immediate emergency support; however, the passenger remained unresponsive.

“Upon arrival, local medical authorities met the aircraft and confirmed that the passenger had sadly passed away. Emirates offers its deepest condolences to the passenger’s family and loved ones.”

It has been alleged that the 23-year-old fell from the fifth floor of the apartment block after a “railing gave way” as he looked over a ledge to see if a pizza delivery had arrived

The Prime Minister has written to the grieving parents of Joshua Robbins as they continue their call for answers surrounding his death.

Joshua Robbins from Claudy died suddenly on Thursday, January 29, at Thurston Dwellings on Newton Street in the city, breaking the hearts of his family and friends. He has been described as a “happy, go lucky young man” who had a love for life.

It has been alleged that the 23-year-old fell from the fifth floor of the apartment block after a “railing gave way” as he looked over a ledge to see if a pizza delivery had arrived.

READ MORE: “Joshua’s death must not be treated as an isolated tragedy”, says charity backing grieving parentsREAD MORE: Parents demand answers after NI man’s tragic death from fifth floor of London apartment

His parents called for answers surrounding her son’s death and have contacted the MP for Holborn and St Pancras where Joshua lived, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has written to the couple offering his condolences and saying that he will keep in contact with them.

In the letter, the Prime Minster said: “I am very sorry to learn of the death of your son, Joshua.

“I cannot begin to imagine how you both must be feeling. Please accept my condolences for your terrible loss.

“At a time wher you wish above all else to grieve, you will of course want to know the truth of exactly how this could have happened. Following your contact with my constituency office, enquiries have been made, and we will continue to do all we can to help you get answers to the questions that you have rightly asked about the circumstances of Joshua’s death.

“We will remain in regular contact with you, and I hope that you will feel able to do the same during this unspeakably difficult time.”

Joshua’s mother Fiona took to social media to thank the Prime Minister for his response, along with NI Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood.

She said: “Two weeks ago today my 23-year-old son was killed when a railing failed at his apartment block. Two days later I was in London, writing to the Prime Minister.

“I was also contacted by Sorcha Eastwood MP who had seen what happened to our family and wanted to help and today I received a letter from Sir Keir Starmer MP KC – Prime Minister Josh’s MP for Holborn and St.Pancras.

“In your darkest hour, you learn who acts, not just who speaks. I will always judge people by how they treat you when you are broken. Today, I am grateful for the action, support and the willingness to help us get answers.

“Thank you Keir Starmer this means a lot.”

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

A yellow warning is in force for snow and ice overnight on Thursday and into Friday for Scotland. Snow amounts of a few centimetres even on lower roads could be in store by Friday morning.

On hills above 300m there could be up to 2 to 5cm, with 10cm possible in places.

In addition to the snow, ice will also be a hazard.

A second yellow warning for snow and ice is also in force for northern England and the north Midlands. Here snow will fall at low levels but is not likely to settle below 200 metres. These higher levels could see 2 to 5cm and it’s expected that a few locations above 300m may see as much as 10 cm.

This is likely to cause disruption on routes across the Pennines and for Derbyshire and Cumbria. With temperatures plummeting below freezing overnight, the combination of snow and ice could lead to treacherous conditions on untreated roads and pavements.

Saturday will start cold and frosty with the whole of the UK seeing some sunshine and should be the driest day for a good while.

However Saturday night and Sunday brings a renewed risk of snow, quite widely and even at low levels. Keep checking the BBC Weather website and app for all the latest details.

And the hour-by-hour forecast for your area is always available on the BBC Weather website and app.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has claimed victory in the country’s first election since the Gen Z-driven uprising of 2024.

The BNP’s media unit said in a social media post that it had secured enough seats in parliament to govern on its own.

Final results have not yet been confirmed by the Election Commission, although several local media outlets have reported the party’s win.

The BNP is headed by Tarique Rahman, its prime ministerial candidate, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-exile in London.

The 60-year-old is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died in December.

The vote took place on Thursday amid tight security and concerns of democratic backsliding and rising political violence.

A clear outcome in the vote is widely seen as crucial for restoring political stability in the Muslim-majority country of 175 million people.

The bloody student-led revolt of July 2024 led to the downfall of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, sending her to exile in India.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

The actor is understood to have passed away at his Connecticut residence.

Bud Cort has passed away aged 77. The performer achieved iconic status through his role alongside Ruth Gordon in the 1971 picture Harold and Maude, which subsequently became a beloved cult favourite.

Writer and producer Dorian Hannaway, a dear companion of the star, confirmed he died following “a long illness,” the BBC reports. The actor is understood to have passed away at his Connecticut residence, whilst a memorial gathering is expected to take place in Los Angeles.

Throughout his distinguished career, which saw him receive numerous accolades and nominations, he also featured in Ugly Betty, the hit noughties programme that launched America Ferrera to stardom, alongside the 2001 comedy Coyote Ugly, starring Piper Perabo and Adam Garcia.

Bud leaves behind his brother Joseph Cox and sister-in-law Vickie, as well as his nieces. Actress Roslyn Kind, sibling of entertainment icon Barbra Streisand, was amongst the first to honour her late friend.

In her tribute, she reminisced about their shared passion for the arts which flourished during their school years, reports the Mirror.

She reflected: “I was only fourteen when I met Bud at the backstage door at my sister’s play. He was majoring in art at the time in high school. We became close friends who shared our interest in entertainment.

“When I got married, Bud and our songwriter friend, Bruce Roberts, wrote a special song that was performed at the ceremony. His unique spirit will always be with me!” Born Walter Edward Cox, he adopted the stage name Cort upon entering showbusiness to prevent any mix-up with Wally Cox, an actor then famous for working alongside his close companion Marlon Brando. Director Robert Altman spotted Cort’s potential in 1970, casting him in M*A*S*H before handing him the lead in Brewster McCloud.

The following year brought his defining performance as a death-fixated young man in Harold and Maude, whose outlook transforms through an unlikely friendship with an ageing Holocaust survivor. Whilst initial reception proved lukewarm, Cort confessed in 2012 that he’d always recognised its destiny as a cinematic landmark.

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Speaking to TrainWreckdSociety, he recalled: “As I was reading the script, I immediately knew it was going to be a classic film for the ages. There was no denying it.

“The studio was stumped on how to publicise it. The art for newspapers and theatre posters was plain black, block lettering on an empty background; it was more appropriate for The Ten Commandments!”.

“Truthfully, its success came from the people. The ground swell of word of mouth dropkicked it over so many goalposts both here and abroad- that Paramount had to re-release it.”

Cort subsequently secured a guest spot in Criminal Minds, before landing a supporting role in Eagleheart during 2012. His final professional appearance was a voice performance as The King in The Little Prince, sharing the cast with Paul Rudd, Ricky Gervais and Mean Girls actress Rachel McAdams alongside numerous other stars.