The teens have been drawn into the area by posts made on social media.

A group of ‘hundreds’ of youths have descended on an estate with police saying they have set fires, stolen from a local shop, fought in the street and hurled food at residents.

The teen yobs are said to have swarmed on Southglade Park in Bestwood over the past week, drawn by the heatwave and social media posts, reports the Mirror.

Local residents have reported some of the “mad behaviour” of the group, with one shop forced to temporarily close after hundreds of pounds worth of goods was stolen.

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed it received reports of youths fighting, setting small fires, abusing shop staff, throwing stones, intimidating people and riding bikes in front of moving vehicles, leading to the force having to issue a 48-hour dispersal order across the estate starting on Wednesday, May 27, which was later extended to yesterday morning.

The Premier convenience store on Southglade Road explained how it closed its doors for a combined 10 hours over three days amidst the chaos.

Shop assistant, Suthan Maniam, reported up to 200 teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, gather at the park opposite the shop and believed most of them were coming from outside the local area, after social media posts advertised water pistol fights.

Mr Maniam said teens went on to steal hundreds of pounds worth of ice creams and soft drinks from the shop. He also said he saw people being “pushed” into buses and a heavy sign was also thrown towards a group.

“It’s very mad behaviour. It’s when it’s especially warm days or school has been off,” he said. “They’re very rude. They start with water [in the water guns] and then put in sticky soft drinks.

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“No one is going to listen, that’s the problem. I’ve never seen this kind of behaviour but we can’t do anything about it.”

Mr Maniam hoped the dispersal order would make things better, adding: “They don’t want to enjoy the summer, they need to do some antisocial behaviour.

“When they assemble as a group it’s different behaviour. When they come as smaller groups they’re alright.”

A video posted to TikTok showed a huge group of youths gathered in the car park and the street outside the Premier, while another shows a tree and bushes engulfed in flames with the caption: “Casual day in Southglade yesterday”.

A local mum, who did not wish to be named, said a pint of milk was chucked over her daughter by a member of the group in the street.

“She had to get changed. They threw it across the road and it went all over her clothes,” she said.

Another woman said she was planning to have a barbecue with her son at the park, but had decided against it due to the antisocial behaviour.

“It puts adults like ourselves off from doing things,” she said. “We should be able to go out in the community and socialise but when they’re acting like ****heads we can’t.”

However, the 36-year-old, who did not wish to be named, said she had some sympathy for the kids.

“If there were things for kids to do it wouldn’t be so bad. They’re bored and have got nothing to do. I was a rebel at 13.”

Pensioner Janet Stanley, who lives opposite the field, said she had seen hundreds gather but described them as “nice people”. The 82-year-old, who has lived there for six decades, said she had seen kids fighting but that they were always friendly to her.

“I don’t mind them. I wave at them out the window and they always wave back. They’re just having fun and sometimes someone will say something [and they’ll fight],” she added.

When Nottinghamshire Live visited the park on Thursday, litter was strewn across the streets, outside the Premier and all over the field and multi-use games area.

Rob Mabbott, a volunteer litter picker, was out cleaning up after the teenagers and said it made him “wonder why you bother”.

“It’s just terrible. You try and do your best and just want to make the environment nice and safe for kids, ironically,” said the 58-year-old.

“I thought we’d better see if there’s anything we can help with for those people that are law-abiding and like to live in a nice place. It’s worse than I thought. It was only done a week ago.

“It does make you wonder why you bother. It certainly wasn’t like this when I was a kid in the ’70s.”

Mr Mabbott, who has been litter-picking since 2012, said he and his colleague expected to fill up to eight bags between them.

Sergeant Rose Barton of Nottinghamshire Police said: “Our neighbourhood policing team has received a stream of separate reports of antisocial behaviour in and around Southglade Park in recent days.

“While we’re aware the mixture of the warm weather, Bank Holiday weekend and half term will, quite rightly, lead to young people wanting to hang out with their friends, there is a point where a line is crossed.

“That has now taken place, with the numerous reports of antisocial behaviour severely impacting on the local community, which has prompted us to make the decision to issue this dispersal order and then extend it for longer.”

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Gateshead’s new Reform administration flexed its majority at the Civic Centre on Friday afternoon by formally electing the new council leader and deputy, Nick Allan and Fiona Pearce.

The party was able to win the vote to appoint its leadership, despite having seven councillors absent as they were attending a wedding in Turkey.

Ultimately, Reform still had 30 councillors in the chamber to the combined opposition parties’ 28.

The local election results earlier this month marked the first time Labour has not held the reins of power in the Gateshead Council chamber, going back more than 50 years.

Reform claimed 38 seats out of 66 following the May 7 poll.

However, one of its new councillors in the High Fell ward has already resigned. The party said that Danielle Cavanagh had quit the role due to added work commitments as her business is expanding.

Coun Allan also announced earlier this week that Reform would effectively refund the cost of the by-election through one of its cabinet members not claiming their special responsibility allowance of almost £20,000 this year. 

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Friday that the others missing from the meeting would have been able to attend had it taken place last week, as had been originally planned. It was also confirmed that all seven  had signed their declaration forms confirming their position as elected representatives.  

In addition, Coun Allan also announced the makeup of the council’s new cabinet following a question from Labour group leader John Adams. 

Reform’s new cabinet at Gateshead Council is as follows:

• Deputy leader (and children’s services): Coun Fiona Pearce
• Adult social care: Coun Col Daughtry
• Sport and culture: Coun Michael Robinson
• Housing: Coun Gavin Brierley
• Environment: Coun Garry Thompson
• Roads and traffic: Coun Graham Keating
• Economic development: Coun Steve Campion
• Public health and community safety: Coun Sandra Pickering

Reform councillors were also elected to the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Coun Andrea Graham of Birtley North and Lamesley ward and Coun Michelle Merrin of the Lobley Hill and Bensham ward took the roles respectively.

There will be four open-top buses in total, including a lead-off ‘Champions’ truck featuring DJs. The Arsenal players will be in the lead bus, with the men’s team staff to follow in a second and then another featuring the Arsenal Women’s squad, who will parade their FIFA Women’s Champions Cup trophy.

Ben Brooke became emotional on Instagram as he shared behind-the-scenes snippets of his choir’s big win.

In a sweet post on social media, showing glimpses of their celebrations, he wrote: “Last night was one of the most incredible nights of my life. A year ago, most of us were complete strangers brought together for what was meant to be a beer advert. None of us could ever have imagined where that one decision would lead.“What followed was friendships, laughter, memories that will last a lifetime and a journey that took a group of ordinary farmers all the way to winning Britain’s Got Talent.

But somewhere along the way, this became about so much more than singing. It became about community. It became about shining a light on farming and rural life. And it became about showing people that no matter who you are or where you come from, amazing things can happen when people come together.”“The support we’ve received has been overwhelming. Every vote, every message and every person who got behind us helped make this possible,” he added. “For generations, farming has quietly got on with feeding the nation. Last night, it felt like the nation stood alongside us.“I’ll never be able to properly put into words how grateful I am. Thank you for believing in us.”

Organisers say that visitors to the show can look forward to a blossoming line-up of special guests from July 31 July to August 2.

Charlie will be attending on August 1 and national television presenter, Chartered Horticulturalist and bestselling author David Domoney will be heading to the show on Sunday 2 August, delivering an inspiring programme of expert talks, audience Q&A sessions and a meet and greet.

David, who inspires people to become more involved and engaged with plants and nature, is a regular face on national television, presenting shows including ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’ (Britain’s most viewed TV Gardening show), and the Sunday Morning show ‘Love Your Weekend’, and serves as the resident garden presenter on ITV’s flagship show ‘This Morning’.

Charlie Dimmock

Firm favourites of the show Jonathan Moseley, Martin Fish and Jill Fish will also be back for 2026, for all three days of the show, sharing their expert knowledge on the Potting Shed Stage.

Caroline Wolfenden, Director of Change & Delivery at Chorley Council said: “What a line-up! We can’t wait to welcome special guests from the worlds of gardening, TV and radio to this year’s Chorley Flower Show, and there’s more to be revealed so keep an eye out.

“Visitors can also look forward to spectacular show gardens, stunning floral displays, great shopping opportunities, expert talks and workshops, an array of food and drink options, and a wide variety of entertainment for all the family to enjoy – so don’t miss out on early bird tickets!”

ickets are now on sale at the discounted early bird price and also include entry to the Grade I listed Astley Hall, which provides a stunning backdrop for the show in its eleventh year.

Early bird tickets are now available for £15 for a day ticket, £25 for a three-day ticket (plus booking fee when purchasing online). Children under the age of 16 go free (when accompanied by a responsible adult with a paid for ticket) Tickets can be purchased at chorleyflowershow.com/tickets or from the Astley Hall Gift Shop, Ebb &Flo Bookshop and Chorley Theatre (see chorleyflowershow.com/tickets for opening hours of each ticket outlet). Tickets will be full price from Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Jonathan Moseley,Jill Fish and Martin Fish

Discounted tickets are also available online for groups of 16 or more when booking together. Group travel operators wishing to arrange coach trips to the show should email events@chorley.gov.uk

For more information visit chorleyflowershow.com, or follow Chorley Flower Show on Facebook or Instagram.

A CALL for “coherent policy and action” on energy from a York Liberal Democrat councillor has prompted a wide-ranging and at times combative response from Press readers, reflecting deep divisions over the UK’s approach to fossil fuels, renewables and climate change.

City of York councillor Christian Vassie, writing from Wheldrake, criticised what he described as inconsistent national policy, arguing that continued reliance on fossil fuels supports hostile regimes. He also highlighted subsidies and system inefficiencies, including payments to wind farms to switch off turbines and the use of gas to meet demand.

His letter has sparked a fierce row over energy policy and the Lib Dems.

Comments among readers have focussed on issues spanning biofuels, international politics and the long-term viability of renewable energy.

Read Councillor Vassie’s full letter here:

One reader, posting as NigeBoddy, challenged parts of the argument by pointing to government action on sanctions against Russian oil, suggesting newer measures were aimed at reducing Vladimir Putin’s revenues. They called instead for practical incentives to expand biodiesel use, including tax changes and support for converting buses and taxis.

“Anything which diminishes the income of both the current Iranian regime and Putin’s regime simultaneously is a good thing,” they wrote, advocating for a shift in taxation policy to promote domestic fuel alternatives.

Others focused less on energy policy and more on party politics. A commenter using the name PsDsTsTsK argued the Liberal Democrats were failing to capitalise on political opportunities, claiming the party risked irrelevance. They described the party as lacking clear policies and suggested it could “fold” before the next election.

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That view was disputed by other readers, who pointed to Lib Dem activity in local government and recent electoral performance, arguing the party remained active and competitive despite national polling challenges.

Energy generation itself was also a point of contention. One commenter highlighted emissions linked to the Drax power station, describing it as the UK’s largest single source of carbon dioxide and questioning the focus on other fossil fuels. The claim was used to argue that not all renewable-labelled energy sources are without environmental impact.

Debate over climate change quickly followed. Some readers dismissed recent weather patterns as inconsistent evidence, while others emphasised long-term trends. One commenter noted that climate science predicts more frequent extremes rather than steady change, citing record-breaking May temperatures as a sign of shifting conditions.

The discussion also revealed contrasting attitudes to the pace of the transition away from fossil fuels. Several contributors argued that oil and gas remain essential in the short to medium term, warning against what they described as unrealistic expectations.

More readers’ views:

“Life as we know it is strongly dependent on them, with no practical alternative at present,” wrote one reader, who criticised the idea of reducing domestic production while continuing to import energy at higher cost.

Others echoed similar sentiments, calling for continued drilling alongside investment in alternatives. Some argued the UK’s emissions are relatively small on a global scale, suggesting domestic policy changes alone would have limited impact.

However, supporters of stronger climate action countered that coordinated international efforts and long-term planning remain essential, even if progress is uneven.

The debate also touched on public perception of government figures. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was both praised and criticised, with some backing his push for renewable expansion while others dismissed his approach as unrealistic.

Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher has replaced the injured Billy Gilmour in Scotland’s World Cup squad.

The 19-year-old made his international debut as a half-time replacement in Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win over Curacao at Hampden.

Napoli midfielder Gilmour damaged his knee in a first-half incident and his withdrawal from the squad was announced later in the evening.

Fletcher, son of former Scotland captain Darren, has played more minutes for Scotland than he has for his club, having come off the bench twice for United this season.

Fletcher, whose twin brother Jack has chosen to represent England, was added to the training squad last week by head coach Steve Clarke, along with Hearts duo James Wilson and Liam McFarlane and Dundee defender Luke Graham.

“It boosts our numbers for training given the staggered arrivals of those who are still playing domestically – and it allows us to take a closer look at some boys who are on our radar,” said Clarke at the time.

Following Gilmour’s injury, Clarke had mentioned Rangers’ Connor Barron, Andy Irving of Sparta Prague and Lennon Milller of Udinese as standby options.

“I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” said Clarke.

“The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.

“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”

Napoli team-mate Scott McTominay wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated for you brother. Football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this, keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.”

The country pub has outdoor seating and Sunday roasts making it a nice spot for any season

Found in the quiet village of Wansford, the Paper Mills might be a good place to escape from city life to enjoy a meal with family and friends. After taking a slow walk through the village, the country pub is worth popping into for a quick drink.

The pub is in the heart of the “picturesque” village and offers a wide choice of beers and ciders as well as a selection of wines and soft drink options. The Paper Mills says its “takes pride in offering a true country gastropub experience”.

To go alongside your drink, there are plenty of dishes created using “fresh, locally sourced ingredients”. The pub has small plates for £6 each or three for £15 with options to pick from including fish tacos, Korean BBQ chicken wings, and pulled beef croquettes.

If you need something more filling, there are a range of pub classic meals such as sausage and mash served with onion gravy and savoy cabbage or beer battered haddock that comes with chips, mushy peas, and tartare sauce. There are also a few “refined” choices like the ribeye steak and pork and beef lasagne.

On Sundays, the Paper Mills offers a roast dinner where you can choose between a range of meats like lamb shoulder, pork belly, and chicken. There is also a smaller roast for children and a vegetarian option meaning everyone is catered for.

When the sun is shining, there is plenty of space to sit outside in the pub’s beer garden or you might opt for the conservatory if you want a more formal place to enjoy a meal. The inside of the pub is also well decorated with a cosy fireplace for the colder months.

The Paper Mills also has lots of events happening throughout the year including live music and special deals. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, there are different deals on meaning you can get a main for just £10.

The Paper Mills can be found on London Road and is only a 17-minute drive away from Peterborough via the A47. The pub is open everyday from 12pm to 11pm apart from on Sundays when the pub is open from 12pm to 6pm.

An urgent search is under way for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering a river in South Yorkshire.

Police were called to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough at 7.59pm on Saturday 30 May after the boy was seen entering the water of the River Don but was not seen getting out.

A specialist search operation remains underway attended by South Yorkshire police officers, alongside emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

An underwater search team is working to find the 11-year-old as part of the multi-agency operation with drone and helicopter assistance from above.

The boy’s family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Doncaster response team inspector Neil Pryce said that the boy had left items on the riverbank and been seen by witnesses getting into the water, indicating his entrance point.

“We know, from witnesses and items left on the riverbank, where the boy entered the water. Utilising specialist knowledge and skills, a coordinated multi-agency operation is underway and we are doing everything we can to find this young man.

“We are invaluably assisted by an underwater search team, supported from above by the police helicopter and drones. This is a tragic incident and we understand that members of the public want to do all they can to help but we must ask that, for everyone’s safety, only those who are involved in our operation enter the River Don.”

He asked that members of the public avoid watching or filming the search operation in order to allow the family some dignity amid the “tragic incident”.

“To give the boy and his family the dignity they deserve, we ask that people do not spectate or film the search operation.”

It comes as at least 14 people have died during the heatwave after getting into difficulties in bodies of water.

The hot weather has attracted many people to open-water swimming which has resulted in a number of deaths across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire over recent days.

SINGAPORE (AP) — American allies stressed the need for unity at a top defense conference Sunday, saying that as threats increasingly transcend regions, cooperation is more important than ever, even as Washington has become more critical of its traditional friends.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been extremely harsh about NATO, and the comments at the Shangri-La conference came the day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth again chided Western European allies at the forum for not devoting enough resources to defense.

Japan pushes for unity, saying it strengthens deterrence

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi praised Hegseth for his commitment to the Indo-Pacific, but at the same time stressed the continued need for strong coalitions globally.

“Division weakens deterrence, unity strengthens deterrence,” he told the conference, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“If gaps emerge among the United States, Europe, and allies and like-minded countries, forces which take it as an opportunity will surely come in,” he said. “We must prevent such a situation. We must keep our cooperation going on. Now is the time to make our cooperation even stronger.”

Philippines, Japan remain critical of China despite softer US approach

As China has been rapidly expanding and modernizing its military, Japan has been reshaping its own defense policy. Last month, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change in its postwar pacifist policy.

China criticized the change, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying China would “resolutely resist Japan’s reckless moves toward a new type of militarism.”

Koizumi scoffed at that accusation as ironic, coming from China.

“Think about it, there is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers,” he said, speaking in English. “Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled new militarism. Isn’t it strange?”

He said that transparency comes from “discussion and dialogue” and lamented that China had not sent its defense minister to the conference.

At this year’s conference, Hegseth toned down his comments from the previous year on China, when he had warned of rapidly developing threats from Beijing and cautioned it was “actively training” for a possible invasion of Taiwan.

This year’s conference came only about two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump visited Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, however, where Hegseth said the two had agreed to “build a constructive relationship of strategic stability.” His comments were met with praise from China’s delegation in Singapore.

On Sunday, Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr., whose country has clashed repeatedly over competing maritime claims with China, told a small group of reporters that he wasn’t concerned with the change in tone from his most important ally.

“The situation with the United States is different than that from the Philippines,” he said. “They can talk to China that way in a position of parity, if not superiority, while the Philippines cannot.”

He added, however, that he had no intention of following suit.

“If China doesn’t change its behavior, my tone won’t change,” he said.

Australia defends need for rules-based approach to defense

In his speech Saturday, Hegseth applauded many Asian partners for their efforts to step-up defense spending, while reiterating criticism of European allies, who he suggested got “distracted by empty globalist rhetoric about the rules-based international order, while European capitals threw open their borders and hollowed out their militaries.”

“You can have all the rules you want and rules are great,” Hegseth said. “But if you can’t back them up with hard power, the rules are not worth the paper they are written on.”

Many NATO countries failed for years to meet alliance defense spending commitments, but since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many dramatically increased military expenditures and plan more in the future.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the conference Sunday, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, said he agreed with Hegseth’s point that “the rules based order needs to be underpinned by power,” but at the same time said strong rules were “more important today than they have ever been.”

“We are all committed to a rules based system, because that is actually what gives middle powers like Australia or smaller countries agency,” he said.

He also said alliances remain critical to the region’s defense.

“This is a collective challenge and it demands a collective response, which is actually what the rules based order is all about,” he said.

Dutch defense minister pushes for shared response to global conflicts

Netherlands Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius said the current conflicts have global implications and demand a shared response.

“A war in Europe involves drones from Iran, soldiers and ammunition from North Korea and various types of support from China,” she said. “The lesson is clear: regional tensions are no longer regional. Our security is interconnected.”

She said that if middle powers do not work together, they risk becoming spectators or the “subject of conversations,” but with coalitions they can help preserve stability.

“The fact that international rules are being violated does not mean we should abandon them,” she said.

“On the contrary, it means we must defend them more constantly and more courageously. International law may be imperfect, but history teaches us that the alternative is far worse.”