Keely Hodgkinson pulled out of the 400m final at the UK Athletics Championships moments before Sunday’s race after feeling “a little twinge”.

The Olympic 800m champion has been competing over the shorter distance in a bid to improve her first-lap speed and challenge for the 800m world record this summer.

After qualifying from Saturday’s heats, she warmed up for the final in Birmingham but stepped off the track right before the finalists were put under starters’ orders.

Hodgkinson looked emotional as she stood at the side of the track before making her way back inside the Alexander Stadium.

BBC’s commentary team later received a message from Hodgkinson’s coach Jenny Meadows, saying she withdrew as she “felt a little twinge in her last strides before the race” and that she “wanted to play it safe”.

The 24-year-old endured an injury-disrupted 2025 and her withdrawal on Sunday comes four weeks before the London Diamond League meeting, which she has earmarked for a tilt at the 800m world record.

Amber Anning earned a reprieve after a false start in the 400m but the world indoor champion regrouped to retain her title, winning in a time of 50.16 seconds.

Minutes before Hodgkinson’s withdrawal, her friend and rival Georgia Hunter Bell retained her 800m title, leading throughout to win by a distance in one minute 55.93 seconds, breaking a championship record set by Kelly Holmes in 1995.

More to follow.

The works will affect the Manchester Road East, Manchester Road West, Cleggs Lane, and Armitage Avenue junction until mid-October, as resurfacing work is undertaken and a new crossing is installed.

Local contractor Rosgal Ltd will be the company to undertake the works, on behalf of the commissioner, Salford Council.

(Image: Dan Dougherty)

The works will take place in four phases in an attempt to ‘minimise disruption,’ according to Salford Council.

Working hours will be between 9.30am and 3.30pm, with temporary traffic light signals and road closures in place.

The ‘North East’ quadrant – Cleggs Lane – will take place between June 22 and July 10.

The ‘South East quadrant – Manchester Road East – will take place between July 13 and 31 July.

The ‘South West’ quadrant – Armitage Avenue – will take place between August 3 and August 21.

The ‘North West’ quadrant – Manchester Road West – will take place between August 24 and September 14.

(Image: Dan Dougherty)

Several buses pass through this junction as they travel between Bolton, Little Hulton, Walkden, and Manchester, including the 36, 38, and 20.

If the works are completed on schedule, they should be finished by October 12.

Lewis Croden, City Councillor for Little Hulton Said:” While we appreciate these works will cause temporary disruption, they are essential to create a safer, better-functioning junction for pedestrians and all road users.

“We’ve phased the project to keep impacts to a minimum over the 17-week period.”

I came, I saw, I enjoyed, I didn’t want to go home – ever

Travelling around Wales there are so many towns and villages that can boast a unique collection of historic and stunning period properties, eye-catching contemporary constructions, and cute cottages that are either private dwellings or holiday lets.

But with a substantial choice of places to stay it can feel overwhelming to decide on a property that can wrap you up in the most wonderful of settings as the backdrop to creating lasting and life-enhancing memories with family or friends.

Enter Great House to instantly help with the decision – a grand yet warm and welcoming Georgian house that nestles along the road into the unique township of Laugharne, once described by poet Dylan Thomas as ‘the strangest town in Wales’. Just from the impressive front façade you know this property is going to be special, but its interiors and facilities easily soared past my expectations. For more home, renovation and interiors stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

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Writing about property for too many years to remember, I have seen, visited and stayed at so many houses and homes and they have all been special but staying at Great House is truly a standout experience.

Arriving at the property there is a small, dead-end road to meander down before you find an unassuming single garage door – surely this isn’t it? – it didn’t look very grand! But press the button for the automatic door and the back of the house and garden is slowly revealed as the garage opens, and it is breathtaking.

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The rear of the huge and commanding house soars up four-storeys not the three suggested from the front elevation. Enclosed within its private stone walls are a lower lawn, a terrace with heated swimming pool against a backdrop of magnolia trees, a terrace for alfresco dining with a sizeable table and enough chairs to easily host more than the ten guests this property can accommodate.

As you drive through the garage to the private drive next to the lawn that can accommodate three cars, the door closes behind you there’s a feeling of being fully cocooned within this wonderful property’s boundaries, away from the busy and stressful world outside.

Your first glimpse inside the house is via the lower ground floor where a welcoming kitchen lounge diner greets you with character supplied by the exposed stone walls. In the cosy lounge incorporated into the space is the original stone staircase that once gave access to the street at the front for receiving deliveries when this was a working manor house.

The property is Grade II* listed, a higher level of award given by Cadw to only around 7% of listed buildings in Wales, so there’s no argument to be had about how important The Great House is to Welsh heritage.

The lower floor is a very social space, with a well-equipped kitchen that includes two tower fridge freezers, a dishwasher and double oven with six electric hobs above it, encased within a huge island unit.

My star turn in the kitchen is beans on toast with a slice of cheese under the beans with a sprinkling of soy sauce – try it – so I happily left the first night’s meal to my sister who is a culinary goddess, somehow managing to create delicious meals from scratch with memorable flavour combinations that everyone loves. She’s cooked in many kitchens and her feedback for Great House was glowing.

But arguably it’s upstairs on the ground floor, and then ascending the sweeping staircase to the two upper floors, where the house really impresses, with enough Instagram-worthy rooms, features and items to keep even the keenest influencers busy.

The ground floor has a drawing room and a library at the front of the house accessed from the typically symmetrical Georgian design of a central and wide hallway. Plasterwork, panelling, fireplaces, windows with shutters and seats all demand attention in these quiet and atmospheric spaces.

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At the back of the house is the banqueting hall with an inglenook fireplace so large the whole group could stand up in it. The full size of the fireplace was only discovered and set free from the bricks that had blocked it up for decades when the current owner was restoring and renovating the house.

Bought in 1997 after it had been on the market for over 15 years according to the owner, he set about slowly and carefully bringing back its Georgian grandness back but with an emphasis on creating inviting and comfortable spaces – it took him over ten years.

We used the banqueting hall on the first night to enjoy a family meal together – not my beans on toast – and with the soft lighting, being enveloped in a dark colours, and sitting next to the largest china dresser I’ve ever seen, I felt shrouded in the historic atmosphere and knew we were joining the surely hundreds of people who would have enjoyed dining in this intimate space over the centuries.

The final room on this floor was the bedroom that made us gasp because the four-poster bed was a stunner, with plush, rich pink fabric ruched under the canopy for extra impact.

This bedroom had the best shower I’ve ever used – a rainforest head that was huge plus a hand held bonus shower head and I could use them both at the same time. Surely the boiler at the house must be a beast because at one point every one of the four bathrooms was being used, a combination of showers and baths, and the pressure and heat remained unaffected – impressive.

Then to the grand staircase that rewards your visit with the most incredible half-landing window that demands you linger and look out over the garden and pool. Then climb again to discover two ensuite bedrooms, both with statement beds and huge ensuites with a traditional roll-top bath placed in the middle of each – one pink, one blue.

Also with a shower and the biggest basins we’d all ever seen, these ensuites were popular with the younger generation in our group, with comments including ‘the grandest bathroom I’ve ever been in!’.

During the first afternoon lunch at the huge alfresco dining table and then swimming and playing in the pool, joined by some jugs of Pimms, were on the ‘to do’ list.

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Some people might say we were unlucky with the weather, we had occasional showers and a moderate breeze as the unwanted filling between the two summer heatwave, but the first day was dry and we enjoyed spending time together in the pool and lounging next to it when the sun did grace us with its presence intermittently between the clouds that rushed across the sky.

The first evening we spent time together on the bonus top floor, the converted loft level with the most intoxicating exposed roof structure that has us all regularly looking up and admiring in wonder. We watched football on the large smart television (plus there was ample Wi-Fi for everyone, boosted throughout the house) as well as played pool until the early hours.

The next day, after a slow start because the beds were all so comfortable, the house had so much to do – books, games, DVDs – and spaces to share and enjoy we almost didn’t make it out of the front door at all!

But eventually Laugharne was calling and we indulged in the tourist list – castle, boat house, walk along the estuary as well as wandered up to Milk Wood House on the fabulous Dylan Coastal Resort but didn’t have time for a spa visit or treatment – next time maybe.

The house is well placed as a base for exploring the coastline across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, including Pendine Sands, Pembrey, Tenby and Saundersfoot, as well as castles, houses and estates and nature reserves and country parks to explore as well as children focused sites such as Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo.

That evening we ate at Ty Glo, a fabulous pizza and burger restaurant inside a property tucked away along a cobbled lane that one local resident once told me was the maintenance building for the local coach which her family owned, find out more about that here.

Alternatives include Dexters at Browns, one of poet and author Dylan Thomas’ favourite hang-outs, Poons Street Food, The Globe Bar and Restaurant, Milk Wood Bar & Kitchen at Dylan Coastal Resort, The Owl and the Pussycat, The Carpenters Arms, Castle View Fish & Chips, The Cross House Inn and just outside the township, Stone Range Café.

Maybe one of these establishments will be on the agenda next time, and there will be a next time and it will be at The Great House because it is the most welcoming and character-packed properties I have ever had the privilege to visit, let alone be fortunate to stay for a while and soak up its special and relaxing ambience.

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Of course some of the floors are wonky and some of the walls aren’t straight, giving the house its authentic historic charm, and, yes, the house chats to you during your visit – creaking floorboards here and there and the odd squeaky door latch – and I would like to chat back to this remarkable property and say thank you so much for hosting such a special time with my family.

Bookings for The Great House, Laugharne, can be made via Great Welsh Escapes, with prices starting from £295 per night depending on the time of year and length of stay. Visit the website here or call 01994 220629. For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed in south-east London early this morning.

Police were called to Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, at 3.39am on Sunday by the London Ambulance Service after reports of a stabbing.

Officers found a 30-year-old seriously injured man who was treated at the scene and is now in hospital, the Metropolitan Police said.

Soon afterwards, police found another man, who is believed to be in his 30s, in the Westow Hill area with stab wounds. He later died at the scene.

The man in hospital, whose injuries are described as neither life-threatening nor life-changing, has now been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Some businesses in the area have said they’re unable to open because of a road closure and police cordon.

Thai Crystal, a restaurant on Westow Hill, confirmed to Metro that they are unable to open because of the police investigation.

Local pub Craft and Courage wrote on social media that they are unable to open up because of a road closure following the murder.

They added: ‘Serious police issue on Westow Hill. If you fancy a cold pint, Hepcat, or Gravity Well, or some cans to go, pop down to the Crystal Palace Park Market.’

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘This is a fast-moving investigation and residents in Crystal Palace will continue to notice an extensive police presence today as our inquiries continue.’

Anyone with information has been asked to reach out to the police.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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The US President made the prediction amid claims the PM will resign on Monday.

Donald Trump has said Sir Keir Starmer will resign after issuing a social media post accusing the Prime Minister of failing on immigration and energy policy.

The US president’s comments come as Sir Keir spends the weekend reflecting on whether to fight or step down amid mounting calls for him to set out a timetable.

Trump appears to be drawing from media reports that the Prime Minister could quit on Monday before being replaced by newly-elected MP Andy Burnham.

The President has not spoken to Sir Keir since they saw each other at the G7 summit in France earlier this week.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US leader said: “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom.

“He failed badly on two very important subjects – IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!).

“I wish him well! President DJT.”

Trump has repeatedly urged the UK to open up the North Sea for oil instead of using “windmills”.

Sir Keir insisted he and Trump “get on really well” when asked by reporters at the G7 why the two did not hold a one-on-one meeting.

The UK Prime Minister’s initially friendly relationship with the US president has soured significantly in recent months.

Tensions have continued simmering over Sir Keir’s refusal to allow US forces to use RAF bases in the initial wave of attacks against Iran.

Last week, Sir Keir announced a social media ban for under-16s after Trump’s pro-tech US administration warned against such a move.

And recent interventions from Trump administration figures linked to the murder of student Henry Nowak prompted No 10 to criticise those seeking to “interfere in our democracy”.

Labour sources expect Starmer to lay out a timetable for his departure on Monday.

He could stay on until September before handing over to Burnham.

An amber weather warning for extreme heat has been extended by the Met Office, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach 38C (100F) in parts of England later next week.

An updated warning will now be in force from 01:00 BST on Monday through to 23:59 BST on Thursday, reflecting growing confidence that exceptionally hot and humid conditions will continue through the middle of the week.

Large swathes of England and Wales are covered, though more northerly areas are only under the warning on Wednesday and Thursday.

The warning means population-wide impacts are likely, including serious health risks, disruption to daily routines and increased pressure on infrastructure.

Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30C (86F) widely across the warning area, with the hottest locations potentially reaching around 38C (100F).

Overnight temperatures are also forecast to remain unusually high, with some urban areas struggling to fall below 20 or 21C (68-70F), resulting in so-called tropical nights.

The heat is spreading from continental Europe where an extremely intense hot spell has developed.

Temperatures in parts of western France could climb to 43 or 44C (109-111F) over the next few days.

Paris is likely to reach 40C (104F) which would be unprecedented for June.

A giant marine slug was found beached in Anglesey by a dogwalker, baffling some experts.

The bizarre creature was later identified as a sea hare, a marine snail more commonly called a ‘sea slug’.

Smaller sea hares are native to the UK, but the Trearddur is thought to be a much rarer creature, usually found in the Mediterranean.

Emma Leese came across the sea hare some 20 metres from the water’s edge at low tide. Worried that local dogs might take too much of an interest, she returned it to the sea.

‘When back in water, it sort of unfolded,’ she said. ‘It began wriggling – slug-like – and its stalks began going back up.’

As sea slugs cannot absorb atmospheric oxygen, they typically die relatively quickly after stranding.

When disturbed in water, they release a dramatic cloud of purple ink derived from the red algae they eat.

Like the octopus, this ink is thought to provide a screen or act as a decoy to confuse predators.

Owner and director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, Frankie Hobro, said it’s more likely the creature is a depilatory sea hare.

He added: ‘This is still a rare UK species, found occasionally in southwest Britain.

‘However, it’s a species we’re likely to see more of in the future as the seas warm and they keep moving north.’

According to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, the Isle of Man has three confirmed sightings of the depilatory sea hare, and north Scotland has one. Wales has none, though there have been anecdotal reports in Pembrokeshire.

As a mollusc, sea hares are related to the common garden snail. Instead of an external shell, they have a thin, transparent internal shell.

Their fleshy mantles have become modified into large, wing-like flaps. The depilatory sea hare can use these to gracefully swim through water – it is said to be surprisingly agile.

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Much more commonly found in the UK is the native spotted sea hare. This is usually around 7m long but can grow to 20cm.

In contrast, depilatory sea hares can reach 40cm, dwarfing their British cousins. They’re also much bulkier.

Frankie advises anyone finding a sea hare not to touch them without gloves, as their skin stores noxious chemicals from their algal food.

‘They are quite revolting to touch. As they have quite strong suction, they should never be prised off a rock, as this may damage them,’ he added.

‘I always say it’s best to leave marine creatures alone, as it might not always be what you think they are.’

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A model claims she was nearly eaten by a shark after being used as fishing bait in a social media stunt.

CeCe Rose was thrown into the water as a human bobber tied to a rope with dead fish strapped to her as part of a wild fishing challenge.

She was rigged up and dropped into a body of water near a harbour.

However, CeCe appeared to come close to meeting her fate when she was filmed almost drowning.

The stunt was uploaded by influencer and media personality Anthony Dawson, who goes by the name TooTurntTony, after he filmed it at one of his properties.

The video shows the Toronto-based model being lowered into the water before she appears to be pulled below the water, with Tony having briefly turned his back on her.

Cece guessed she could have been underwater for two minutes as she screamed for help, although she admitted it ‘could have been less’.

She told Daily Mail she was frightened as the stunt began but felt ‘calm’ entering the water, believing that a shark would go for the dead fish rather than her.

‘At the end of the day, I knew a great white shark wouldn’t be in the area so I just held onto that thought’, she said.

Tony came to her rescue, admitting on camera he ‘probably should’ve used a smaller bait’.

His voiceover adds: ‘It was a complete s***show.’

CeCe later assured fans she was safe and well, writing: ‘Haha I’m fine everyone I promise.’

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Luckily no-one was harmed in the daredevil stunt.

Two men are shown posing with a small shark before releasing it into the water at the end of the clip, which was viewed more than 10.6 million times.

However, not all users were impressed with the experiment.

‘What happens when she gets ate [sic] by a shark?’, one suggested.

Another wrote: ‘Dude your [sic] gonna get someone killed if it hasn’t happened already.’

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