Romeo Is A Dead Man – a very strange game (NetEase Games)
Suda51, the man behind Lollipop Chainsaw and Shadows Of The Damned, returns with his weirdest and most entertaining game in several years.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Grasshopper Interactive founder Goichi ‘Suda51’ Suda has a reputation for bringing a punk aesthetic to the craft of making video games. He’s best known for earlier titles like killer7 and No More Heroes but after a poor run in recent years, Romeo Is A Dead Man is very much a return to form. It’s quirky, rule-breaking, and feels like it shouldn’t work – yet, somehow, it does.
If nothing else, Romeo Is A Dead Man is utterly distinctive: you’re not likely to mistake the hard-boiled, ultraviolent, cynically humorous games Suda51 churns out for those made by anyone else. The first aspect in which this new game forcibly grabs your attention is by employing a blizzard of vastly differing art styles, instead of just one.
Thus, in Romeo Is A Dead Man’s first hour, you find a diorama style intro; comic book style framed cut scenes (which themselves showcase different styles of comic book art); conventional third person 3D which is also warped into a Tron style, blocky, shiny neon version of itself; a pixel art hub offering homages to games of the 16-bit era; psychedelic, fractal-like transition screens; and further retro homages going all the way back to the days of Pong.
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The game is visually arresting but in the hands of anyone other than Suda51, it would surely have ended up as a horrible mishmash. That it manages not to, is attributable to the sheer off-the-wall nature of its storyline, which instantly forces you to suspend disbelief, then carries on further into the outer reaches of preposterousness. Once you surrender yourself to its logic-defying weirdness, the use of different visual styles to convey chunks of that narrative somehow makes sense.
Romeo Is A Dead Man’s plot centres on Romeo Stargazer, deputy sheriff in a small, dead end American town, who stops his squad car to investigate a body in the road and is mauled and killed by a monster. Luckily, his grandad Benjamin is a time-travelling boffin who has invented a life support system which he turns up with and injects into Romeo. Benjamin dies in the process but is reincarnated as a patch on the back of Romeo’s jacket.
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As a result of his newfound powers, Romeo is recruited by the FBI’s Space-Time division, who send him off to take down a list of the universe’s most nefarious space-time criminals, lurking in different time periods and causing anomalies that destroy different multiverse versions of Earth. It turns out that among their number is Juliet, Romeo’s ex-girlfriend. Throughout the game, the story of their romance is told in flashback. Romeo, a puppyish character, still pines for her and that leads to disaster whenever he catches up with one of her variants.
Romeo, along with his mother and sister, and a cast of weird alien types, is headquartered on the FBI’s Space-Time spaceship, which provides a tempo-altering oasis from the relentless gore and violence that each chapter brings. There’s loads to do on the spaceship, most obviously upgrading Romeo’s abilities via a Pac-Man pastiche. But you can also grow zombie-like allies for you to summon or sit around listening to shaggy dog stories from the other characters.
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When it’s time to go on a mission, you’ll find each chapter sends you to a different time period, where Romeo must use his melee and shooting skills to dismember hordes of enemies. The combat, using both a melee weapon and a gun, is reminiscent of No More Heroes and the only part of the game that feels in any way ordinary. It’s gory and fun, but it’s the set pieces, locations, and enemies that add the most flavour. The fact that you can’t change weapons without switching back to the main menu is a pain though.
The other element to each chapter is subspace, which is accessed via TVs on which a mysterious philosophical Svengali appears, and allows you to reach areas inaccessible in the surface world. There’s no fighting in subspace (at least until the game’s latter stages) but there are puzzles which open up new areas and staircases, and key parts to find, which will allows you to reach the chapter boss.
The normal graphics are actually pretty good (NetEase Games)
There are puzzles – some quite decent but never too obscure – in the surface world too, and plenty of gameplay variation between the chapters. One, for example, majors on stealth (and is set in a creepy abandoned hospital, bringing to mind classic horror games of yore). In another chapter, set in the 1970s, Romeo acquires a zombie assistant called Jenny, who ends up being dismembered but still survives. As is customary for a Suda51 game, dark humour abounds.
As the game builds to a crescendo, you’re even treated to an 8-bit style point ‘n’ click interlude, which morphs into a Japanese hip-hop musical number. By then, Romeo seems to exist outside of space and time. Each chapter begins with an Oscar Wilde quote and it’s a fair bet that no other game this year will be so chock full of literary references.
If you’ve recently worried that games are in danger of becoming generic and safe, Romeo Is A Dead Man will more than allay such fears. It’s completely out there, both visually and story-wise, pleasingly experimental, very funny, and pretty satisfying to play – although its combat is probably its most conventional aspect.
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What it isn’t, is polished to within an inch of its life, although for some that will be another part of the charm. It isn’t the longest game around – if you explore every nook of subspace for collectibles, you might get 20 hours’ gameplay from it – but it also doesn’t overstay its welcome.
It makes little sense, at least as far as conventional logic is concerned, but in terms of pure escapism it’s off the charts, creating the absolute antithesis of anything corporate or bland. Romeo Is A Dead Man offers glorious proof that Suda51’s punk ethos is still alive and well. It won’t appeal to everyone, but that’s the point.
Romeo Is A Dead Man review summary
In Short: Suda51’s punk attitude results in another uniquely bizarre third person action game, but this one has more life and originality to it than most of his other more recent titles.
Pros: Arresting mix of art styles, out there storyline, and good sense of humour. Enjoyable third person action and great music.
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Cons: Unlike the rest of the game, the combat is not especially original and the bosses can be a bit samey. Not very polished.
Score: 8/10
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Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S, and PC Price: £41.99 Publisher: NatEase Games Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture Release Date: 11th February 2026 Age Rating: 18
The uglier the enemy the tougher they are (NetEase Games)
In terms of average age, Chelsea (24y 31d) and Paris SG (24y 195d) are the two teams with the youngest starting XIs fielded in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Since the start of last season, only Ousmane Dembele (16) has more combined goals and assists for Paris SG in the Champions League than full back Achraf Hakimi (13). The Moroccan also leads all players for the French side in this period for assists (8) and chances created (54).
Estevao is Chelsea’s joint-top scorer in the Champions League this season (3 – level with Joao Pedro). Should he find the net in this match, he would become the youngest ever South American player to score in a knockout stage game in the competition.
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Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:30
Previous meetings: PSG vs Chelsea
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:25
Match stats
Since losing 2-1 to PSG in March 2016, Chelsea have won all six of their Champions League games against French clubs (four vs Lille, two vs Rennes).
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Liam Rosenior will be the 16th manager to see his first knockout stage game in the UEFA Champions League come against the reigning champions. Of the previous 15, only one of those has been victorious (D5 L9): Ralf Rangnick in April 2011 (FC Schalke 04 5-2 Internazionale, quarter-final first leg).
Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:17
Head-to-head
These two sides have met eight times in this competition in the past, with Chelsea winning two, PSG winning three and three ending as draws.
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The first meeting came in the group stages in 2004/05, where Chelsea drew 0-0 at home before winning 3-0 away.
And the most recent meeting came in the round of 16 in 2015/16, where the Parisian side won both legs 2-1.
Of course, these teams also contested the ‘first’ Club World Cup final last summer, with the Blues dismantling the European champions on their way to a 3-0 win.
(Getty Images)
Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:10
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PSG v Chelsea – line-ups
Here are the line-ups in full, as Marquinhos returns to the PSG defence:
Why Liam Rosenior’s return to PSG is this year’s most fascinating Champions League knockout tie
Like Arsenal, the PSG staff were seeing Liam Rosenior giving the opposition a lot of unexpected things to think about. They were also seeing how the young coach had evidently upscaled from Strasbourg, that he was able to add even greater layers of sophistication to his approach with superior players.
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Chris Wilson11 March 2026 19:00
Chelsea team news – Sanchez dropped
The big news is that Robert Sanchez has been dropped. A big call by Liam Rosenior, and we saw last night how a change of goalkeeper can turn out. FilipJorgensen is the man between the posts.
Otherwise the line-up is as expected, with ColePalmer operating from the right side and ReeceJames in midfield.
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Lawrence Ostlere11 March 2026 18:54
Chelsea – confirmed line-up
Lawrence Ostlere11 March 2026 18:49
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Team news
The line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides…
PSG are without Fabian Ruiz but Joao Neves could return after an ankle injury.
Estevao and Jamie Gittens are both missing from Chelsea’s squad with hamstring injuries.
Chris Wilson11 March 2026 18:40
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Tonight’s Champions League fixtures
Here’s the full list of tonight’s Champions League fixtures, with the Arsenal game already underway at the BayArena:
The biggest move Wednesday came when the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson a day after backing out of a deal with the Raiders for Crosby over a failed physical, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
Hendrickson was an All-Pro for Cincinnati in 2024 when he led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks. He played in only seven games because of injuries last season and had four sacks but has reached double digits in sacks four times in the previous five seasons.
It was a quick pivot for the Ravens after the surprising development Tuesday night when Baltimore pulled out of the trade that was supposed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas.
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A person with knowledge of Baltimore’s decision told the AP that Crosby failed his physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because those results are private.
Crosby had surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He missed the final two games of the season because of the injury despite wanting to play through it at the time.
The Raiders, who have been among the biggest spenders in the opening days of free agency, now must figure out what to do with Crosby. Las Vegas still has plenty of cap room to keep the five-time Pro Bowler on the roster with his $30 million salary if the team can’t find another trade. Crosby was back in the team facility in Nevada on Wednesday, a person with knowledge said on condition of anonymity.
Jones and the Colts agreed on a two-year contract that is worth up to $100 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told the AP. The person requested anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.
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Jones will receive $88 million over the next two seasons with $50 million guaranteed instead of playing on the $37.8 million transition tag. He can make an additional $12 million through incentives.
Jones led the Colts offense to a productive 10-game start. But following the bye week, Jones played through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then wound up suffering a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.
Jones set career highs in passer rating (100.2) and completion rate (68%) as Indianapolis ranked fifth in the NFL in scoring at 28.9 points per game before he went down for the season.
All the people are speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because teams haven’t announced the moves or other developments.
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Washington agreed to terms with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson on a one-year contract worth $12 million with $10.3 million guaranteed, according to Athletes First, the agency that represents him. Coming off ranking last in the NFL on defense, the Commanders also reached deals with linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Amik Robertson, after losing out to Baltimore on Hendrickson.
In other news, the Ravens and Bills both restructured the contracts of star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to create more room under the salary cap to start the league year.
Baltimore had been hoping to sign Jackson to an extension before the start of the new league year Wednesday. But that hasn’t happened. Instead the Ravens have restructured Jackson’s deal to create cap space, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn’t been finalized.
Jackson has two years remaining on the five-year, $260 million contract the Ravens gave him in 2023.
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Buffalo’s move with Allen frees up approximately $12 million in much-needed salary cap space for the team entering the NFL’s new year, a person familiar with the discussions told the AP.
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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi and AP Sports Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow contributed to this report
Owners Natalia, 31, and Atilla, 42, from Spennymoor, said they had always wanted to open a full‑time centre, and since launching, the business proved popular with local families.
The Luxury Little Play Company (Image: The Luxury Little Play Company)
However, in a post on social media on Monday (March 9), they confirmed they had made the “difficult decision” to close the play café permanently.
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The Facebook post said: “As many of you know, we had planned to keep the café open while we looked for the right person to take over and continue welcoming families here.
“It was our hope that the café would remain open and continue trading for a long time. Unfortunately, for reasons outside of our control, this is no longer possible.
“Because of this, we had to make the very difficult decision to close suddenly.
“[Monday] ended up being our final day, and there will be no more play sessions.
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“We are truly heartbroken that it has come to an end so quickly and without the chance to say a proper goodbye to everyone who has supported us.
“This place has meant so much to us, and it was never just about the play – it was about the community, the chats over coffee, the friendships made, and the lovely atmosphere we all created together.
The Luxury Little Play Company (Image: The Luxury Little Play Company)
“To every family who visited, every child who played here, and every parent who sat down for a moment with a good coffee and a chat – thank you. You made this place special.”
The centre included soft play areas, a bubble house, bouncy castle and teepee, as well as a café and kitchen serving hot food.
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The owners said customers can still find them at a playcentre in Durham, called Petite Street Playtown, and will continue with their soft play and bouncy castle hires.
The post added: “And please remember, if you used to come not only to play but also to chat with us, spend time in a lovely atmosphere, and enjoy great coffee, we will always be here for you at Petite Street Playtown, serving you with smiles and love as always.
“We will also continue with our soft play and bouncy castle hire ‘luxurylittleplay’ which means that we will still be able to meet many of you along the way.”
The Luxury Little Play Company (Image: The Luxury Little Play Company)
Following the announcement, customers took to social media to share their support online.
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One person said: “Aww such a shame we’d hoped for another little visit before goodbye! Wishing you all well for the future.”
While another commented: “You are such a lovely family – thank you for so much warmth and kindness during our visits. We’ll see you at Petite Street very soon.”
Pompey find themselves looking over the shoulders at their Championship rivals, who can cut the gap to the bottom three to just two points tonight. After one point from a possible 12, John Mousinho is facing a number of issues – we highlight six key areas which need consideration at a critical moment in the season.
For those who didn’t know, official support for Windows 10 ended in October last year – this was unless users extended their licence for another year.
However, the support of the software will completely come to an end on October 13, 2026, even for those who chose to continue using it as part of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.
With Microsoft no longer offering fixes or security updates in just a few months’ time, devices with Windows 10 could become susceptible to cyber-attacks and hackers.
Of course, the first point of action is to upgrade to Windows 11 for free before the beginning of October.
But as Which? estimates around 21 million people in the UK currently own and use computers and laptops with Windows 10, not all will be able to choose the above option.
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This is because if you have a PC that has Windows 7 or 8.1, or even one bought with these and later upgraded to Windows 10, you probably won’t have the correct specs to upgrade to Windows 11, the consumer champion has outlined.
How important are Windows security updates? Tech expert explains
With this in mind, Scott Bordoni, chief operations officer at Sync has explained the importance of having up to date security updates, and what you can do if you can’t upgrade to Windows 11 straight away.
Scott warned: “Security updates are one of the most important protections any computer has.
“They fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively look for.
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“Once those updates stop arriving, devices gradually become easier targets for malware, scams and data theft.
“When support for Windows 10 ends, computers won’t suddenly stop working.
“But over time they will become more exposed to new security risks because newly discovered weaknesses will no longer be patched.”
What to do before Windows 10 ends to avoid becoming a ‘target’ for scams
Scott continued: “For users who can, upgrading to a supported operating system is the best step.
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“Many devices are eligible for Windows 11, which continues to receive regular security updates and protections.
If you have a PC that has Windows 7 or 8.1, the Windows 11 upgrade might not be possible (Image: hadrian-ifeelstock/Getty)
“If upgrading isn’t possible straight away, there are still sensible steps people can take to reduce risk.
“Make sure antivirus software is active and up to date, keep browsers and apps updated, and be cautious with emails, downloads or links from unknown sources.
“It’s also worth reviewing how the device is used.
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“Avoid storing sensitive information unnecessarily, keep regular backups of important files, and use strong, unique passwords wherever possible.”
The tech expert concluded: “The key thing is awareness.
“Your computer won’t suddenly become unsafe overnight, but the longer unsupported systems stay in use, the more important it becomes to manage security carefully.
“Moments like this often prompt organisations to review the wider security model of the devices they use.
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“Many are increasingly considering platforms designed with security built in from the ground up, such as macOS, which includes features like hardware-level protection, secure boot and regular system-wide updates.”
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 for free? How to get
If you currently have Windows 10 and your device is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, this is how you can get the newer software with the most up to date security:
Firstly, check your laptop or computer can get Windows 11 by using this Which? tool
Right-click the Start (Windows) button, or press the Windows key on your keyboard
Choose Update & Security > Windows Update
Follow the on-screen instructions
Additionally, if you’re not sure which version of Windows you’re running, you can check by:
Right-click the Start (Windows) button on your screen, or press the Windows key on your keyboard
Select Settings > System > About
Navigate to Windows specifications for more details
Did you know support for Windows 10 was ending this year? Let us know if you have a device that will be affected in the comments below.
In an email following his sacking, dated 17 September, 2025, Lord Mandelson wrote: “My chief concern is leaving the US and arriving in the UK with the maximum dignity and minimum media intrusion which I think is to the advantage of all concerned, not least because I remain a crown/civil servant and expect to be treated as such. How is the FCDO assisting in this?”
A Woman of Substance is making its Channel 4 debut tonight with the period drama set to air over the next month.
A Woman Of Substance official trailer for Channel 4 drama
Channel 4 is preparing to debut A Woman of Substance, a television adaptation of a best-selling novel frequently ranked amongst the “best-selling books of all time”.
Featuring Vera star Brenda Blethyn and Outlander’s Jessica Reynolds, the duo portray the older and younger incarnations of the determined Emma Harte in A Woman of Substance.
The eight-episode Channel 4 drama chronicles how Emma, an impoverished Yorkshire housemaid in the 1900s, pursues vengeance following betrayal and subsequently builds a worldwide business empire.
However, her challenges persist into her late seventies as Emma confronts fresh personal troubles and unforeseen adversaries.
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With A Woman of Substance broadcasting every Wednesday and Thursday evening over the coming weeks, viewers are eager to discover the origins behind the narrative.
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
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Is A Woman of Substance based on a true story?
A Woman of Substance draws from author Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE’s debut novel sharing the same title, initially released in 1979.
This marked the opening instalment of a successful seven-book sequence and swiftly achieved international bestseller status, with sales exceeding 30 million copies globally.
Bradford’s creation was subsequently adapted into a mini-series, also by Channel 4, back in 1985.
Therefore, A Woman of Substance isn’t rooted in actual events but, despite Emma Harte being fictitious, Bradford has previously commented on how her literary heroines are similar to herself in possessing a “backbone of steel”.
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Much like her fictional creations, she hailed from Yorkshire, departed education at 15 and climbed the ladder from journalist to bestselling novelist.
In 2020, Bradford was considering penning a prequel to the A Woman of Substance series and therefore revisited her earlier works in preparation.
She subsequently told The Guardian: “All I could think at the end was these women are all working hard.”
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She continued: “They’re all driven, ambitious and disciplined. I’ve written about myself in every book.”
She also discussed her husband Robert Bradford, to whom she was wed for 55 years, before his passing in 2019 at the age of 92.
Bradford confessed: “All I wanted to do was go and lie in his plot next to him for quite a few weeks,”.
However, she reflected: “But I guess if you’re a practical, down-to-earth Yorkshirewoman … we’re rather stoical, and I’m strong. I’ve always had a backbone of steel.”
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She added: “I’ve gone through all sorts of things and come out the other end.”
A Woman of Substance continues every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Police were called to Church Bank in Bolton town centre, just off Churchgate, at around 4.45pm today, March 11.
A reported “altercation” between two men took place there, with one being arrested on suspicion of assault.
Another man “received treatment” for his injuries, with police saying he is to be taken to hospital to be assessed.
Offers are conducting further enquiries.
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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 4.45pm today (11 March), officers responded to reports of an altercation between two men on Church Bank, Bolton.
Police and paramedics on scene (Image: Newsquest)
“Officers attended and a man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault.
“One man has received treatment for his injuries and will be further assessed at hospital. Enquiries are ongoing.”
A police van and an ambulance were seen at the junction of Church Bank, Church Gate and Silverwell Street at 5.30pm today.
Cops raided addresses in Stretford, Wythenshawe, Yorkshire and Frodsham in Cheshire
Police investigating a series of burglaries uncovered a ‘chop shop’ and seized several suspected stolen cars during raids across the north west this morning.
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Cops raided addresses in Stretford, Wythenshawe and Yorkshire, During a warrant executed in Frodsham in Cheshire officers found a ‘chop shop’, where stolen cars are broken down and sold as parts.
It following an investigation into a series of at least 12 burglaries in Gorton and Levenshulme during which cars were taken. Some eight vehicles suspected to have been stolen were seized during this morning’s raids and assessments are being carried out to establish if they are in a condition fit to be returned to their owners.
During the raid in Frodsham, police say a ‘chop shop’ was uncovered.
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Two men, both 26, and one man, 36, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary ‘as part of initial enquiries’, according to Greater Manchester Police. The suspects remain in custody for questioning.
When he was installed as chief constable in 2021, Sir Stephen Watson vowed that every burglary would be investigated, which wasn’t the case under the previous regime. The force says that there have been about 500 fewer burglary victims each month across Greater Manchester since May 2021 ‘thanks to the ongoing efforts and work of neighbourhood teams’.
Following this morning’s raids, Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “Burglaries are crimes which can leave people feeling scared in their own home and is something that we have zero tolerance for.
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“After identifying a trend from a series of burglaries committed across January, we proactively began an in-depth investigation, which resulted in today’s activity and results.
“Every single day across the entirety of Greater Manchester, officers work to tackle burglaries whenever they occur – from providing bespoke preventative advice to arresting those responsible.
“If you have been the victim of a burglary, please do get in touch with your local team, who will be best-placed to provide advice, assistance, and do their best to get you the justice you deserve.”
On Wednesday Keir Starmer was once again confronted with difficult questions about his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite his ties to the notorious paedophile
18:57, 11 Mar 2026Updated 19:07, 11 Mar 2026
Even war in the Middle East can’t silence the drumbeat of anger around Jeffrey Epstein and his web of influence.
On Wednesday Keir Starmer was once again confronted with difficult questions about his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite his ties to the notorious paedophile.
This fateful mistake has cast a cloud over the Prime Minister, whose leadership was left teetering on the very brink last month. The first batch of Mandelson files contains no dramatic revelations – bar the extraordinary demands by Lord Mandelson for a £500,000 payout from the taxpayer.
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But it offers no exoneration for Mr Starmer either. The 147-page dossier lays out in black and white how the Prime Minister was warned about Lord Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein. A due diligence report by the Cabinet Office explicitly mentions claims that Lord Mandelson remained friends with Epstein after his conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. It also notes reports that Lord Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse while he was in jail.
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There is private frustration in Downing Street that Scotland Yard has blocked the release of a crucial exchange between Morgan McSweeney, the PM’s then-chief of staff, and Lord Mandelson. No10 insiders believe the questions posed by Mr McSweeney will demonstrate that Lord Mandelson lied outright. The peer is said to believe he answered accurately.
All involved believe the police probe must be allowed to proceed, but there is some frustration that this exchange has been held back. Yesterday’s document dump is only the tip of the iceberg of the vast tranche of documents, WhatsApps and emails relating to the appointment the Government has been compelled to publish by Parliament.
What comes next could be more explosive, including Lord Mandelson’s communications with top ministers and officials. Diplomats are concerned about the risk of stray comments offending Donald Trump or other world leaders, even after the files have passed through vetting by Parliament’s intelligence watchdog.
But the central questions remain – what did Mr Starmer know and when? It may be true that he didn’t know the full extent of their friendship, and Lord Mandelson may have lied to him.
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But even if Mr Starmer never read newspaper reports about Mandelson and Epstein, officials spelled out to him that there were serious risks and he appointed him anyway. Perhaps he weighed these risks against the benefits of Mandelson’s undoubted political skills, which were deployed successfully with Mr Trump.
Perhaps he was badly advised by Mr McSweeney, who quit last month over the row. Time will tell whether these files clear the PM or not. But the buck will stop with him in the end.