Officers remain on the scene

A man has been taken to hospital after a report of a ‘hit and run’ in North Belfast.

Emergency services attended the scene of the incident on Glandore Avenue and remain in the area on Monday evening.

The Northern Ireland Air Ambulance was also reported to have been tasked to the collision and police say the man taken to hospital was a pedestrian.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a hit and run collision on Glandore Avenue, north Belfast, at around 6.10pm on Monday, 20th July.

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“A male adult pedestrian has been taken to hospital for treatment and officers remain at the scene, carrying out enquiries.

“We would ask that motorists seek an alternative route at this time.”

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

Cambridgeshire-born JLS star Aston Merrygold has shared a simple reverse psychology parenting trick to make dentist appointments less daunting for kids

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JLS star Aston Merrygold has revealed the simple parenting trick he uses to make dentist appointments stress-free for his children – and it takes just 30 seconds to work.

The Cambridgeshire-born father-of-three uses reverse psychology to transform the dreaded dentist’s chair into a competition his kids genuinely want to win, rather than resorting to bribes or endless negotiations. The trick, which was first used on him by his own mother, has since been passed down to his eldest son.

During an appearance on the CBeebies Parenting Download podcast, presented by Katie Thistleton and rapper Guvna B, the Cambridgeshire-born star revealed what his dentist appointments looked like as a youngster.

How Aston Merrygold makes dentist visits with his kids stress free

He said: “My mum always used the trick on me, reverse psychology, to kind of make it a bit of a competition and to see what is the least amount of time I could be in the chair.

“It was a case of going, ‘Well, if you’ve got an appointment with a dentist, if he’s gonna see you for 10, 20, 30 seconds, then your teeth are great. You’ll be good to go’.

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“If you’re in this chair a little bit longer, then you’re gonna lose. I’m not losing. This is not a thing.

“That really worked. He’s very similar to me, my oldest son, and it’s a case of just going, ‘Well, how long can you be? I’m gonna time you’.

“He’s just so excited about the end outcome. Whatever your child is into, maybe just try and take that in with them.”

JLS are ‘closer than ever’ due to their combined 10 children

The JLS star also shed light on why he and his fellow bandmates remain inseparable, and it has precious little to do with showbusiness camaraderie. Nearly two decades after JLS first burst onto the scene, the group have revealed they are “closer than ever”, and it is entirely down to their combined 10 children.

Aston explained: “We’re more close now because it’s almost like it’s not our decision to see each other. It’s our kids. They’re family, to the point of going, ‘oh, you know, my cousin and my other cousin’.

“They are honestly so, so close. It’s not really our decision anymore to see each other. Yes, we work together, we love each other, but now it’s like, ‘Okay, Grayson wants to see Valia, he wants to see Kiki or Hook’.

“It just is what it is. Now we have to follow their lead.”

To listen to the latest episode of CBeebies Parenting Download click here.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, recently announced plans to measure testosterone levels in US soldiers with a promise of “ensuring you have the right testosterone levels to operate at your absolute best”. Soldiers found to have low testosterone would be offered treatment, although accepting it would remain voluntary.

The announcement has reignited debate about testosterone, masculinity and performance. Here’s what testosterone can – and can’t – tell us about men’s health.

Testosterone is one of the most useful indicators of men’s health, but it is not routinely checked during health screening. Although it is best known for its role in reproduction, testosterone also helps keep muscles and bones healthy and plays an important role in metabolism. Large studies have found that men with lower testosterone levels are more likely to develop obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They are also more likely to become frail, report a poorer quality of life and die earlier than men with “normal” testosterone levels.

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Testosterone: why defining a ‘normal’ level is hard to do

Testosterone also declines gradually with age. However, this natural decline is usually small and, in otherwise healthy men, often does not cause medical problems until much later in life.

Far greater reductions are typically seen in men with obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, meaning testosterone deficiency often reflects unhealthy ageing rather than ageing alone – and the relationship runs both ways. Chronic disease can lower testosterone, while testosterone deficiency may itself contribute to poorer metabolic and physical health.

This is why testosterone is such a valuable biomarker. A low result may be a sign that something has changed in the body. But deciding what counts as a “normal” level is not simple. One man’s normal testosterone level may be much lower than another’s. So comparing a man’s current level with his previous results could be more useful than comparing it with a standard population range. This is one reason why checking testosterone more often could be useful.

The blood test itself is straightforward. The challenge is deciding what the result actually means. A testosterone test can provide useful information about a man’s health. But on its own, it cannot show how capable someone is as a soldier, who needs treatment or whether raising testosterone above an idividual’s natural level would improve their performance.

Any screening programme would also need to consider female service personnel. Testosterone is important in women too, but levels are around tenfold lower than in men and cannot simply be interpreted using the same approach. Women’s testosterone levels need to be assessed differently, using their own reference ranges and medical guidelines.

The military – a different population

Active-duty military personnel are generally healthier than the wider population, with lower rates of obesity and metabolic disease. However, testosterone concentrations in this group may be influenced by factors specific to military life, including prolonged physical training, inadequate recovery, disrupted sleep and psychological stress. The important question is not simply whether testosterone is low, but why it is low.

Crucially, testosterone should not be viewed as a simple measure of military capability. A soldier’s performance depends on many factors, including physical fitness, decision-making, resilience, mental health and the conditions they are working in. Testosterone is only part of the picture.

This does not mean testosterone has no role in performance. In men with genuine testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy can improve lean muscle mass and bone density, and may improve aspects of muscle strength, physical function and quality of life.

However, evidence that raising testosterone above an individual’s natural range improves performance in otherwise healthy men remains weak. Treating a medical deficiency is very different from trying to boost performance.

One of the most important distinctions in this debate is the difference between identifying low testosterone and treating it. Hegseth says any treatment would remain voluntary.

Some experts worry that testing soldiers could encourage the belief that a lower result requires correction – particularly in younger and otherwise healthy men. In an environment where physical capability and resilience are highly valued, simply being told they have lower testosterone could make some soldiers feel they should seek treatment, even when there is no clear medical reason.

Hegseth’s announcement also reflects a wider change in how people talk about testosterone, moving beyond its traditional medical role and into broader conversations around ageing, masculinity, performance and optimisation. This comes as regulatory views on testosterone therapy have also evolved.

Following a landmark study, the US Food and Drug Administration removed previous warnings on testosterone drugs about the risk of heart disease and stroke, while more recent proposed label updates have focused on updating advice about age-related testosterone decline and prostate health.

These changes should reassure men who genuinely need testosterone treatment. But they do not mean testosterone is a cure-all for better health or improved performance. Safe treatment is not the same as appropriate treatment. If low testosterone reflects poor sleep, excessive training, psychological stress or an underlying health problem, addressing those causes may be more beneficial than simply increasing testosterone levels.

Ultimately, Hegseth’s proposal highlights an important scientific question. Testosterone is a valuable indicator of men’s health and may deserve a bigger role in routine health checks. But it is only one piece of a much bigger picture. A blood test can show that something has changed, but it cannot explain why. It cannot, on its own, show how well someone will perform or whether they will need treatment. Those decisions require expert doctors to look at the whole person, not just a single test result.

Lee Andrews has reportedly been released from prison in Dubai after his second stint behind bars in a matter of weeks.

It was claimed that the so-called millionaire businessman was arrested 10 days ago and taken to Lahab police station in the desert.

Reports said he was frantically trying to raise £120,000 to pay off a fine, having previously even allegedly suggested selling a sex tape featuring himself and wife Katie Price for a ‘pretty penny’, which she later said does not exist.

But now, after another brief period in Dubai’s Al Awir prison, he is out.

‘Lee Andrews has today been released from Al Awir prison,’ a source told The Sun.

‘He was set free this afternoon following a short stint behind bars.’

However, Lee’s father, Peter, whom he met while in jail, still has time to do.

‘His dad Pete, who has been caught up in Lee’s misdemeanours, remains behind bars.’

Katie’s father-in-law was allegedly arrested on his own fraud charges after being reported by a third party.

Now, despite his travel ban, it’s said that Lee hopes to fly to the UK to be with his wife, whom he married in January after days of knowing her. He has not yet met her family or her children.

Although it’s also claimed that Katie is ‘at the end of her tether’ with her fourth husband’s legal woes.

‘Whether poor Katie will be there to greet him on the other side remains to be seen,’ added the insider.

‘Right now, she is furious with it all and fed up with all the drama and white noise her husband is bringing.’

It’s said that Lee first did time in jail last autumn after allegedly taking out a £200k mortgage in his ex-girlfriend’s name without her knowledge.

After this, he was slapped with a travel ban, which Lee repeatedly denied having until Katie confirmed he did, indeed, have one. She did not reveal the conditions.

Then, in May, the internet was sent into a frenzy when Lee vanished and ghosted his wife, leaving her to fear he’d been kidnapped.

She liaised with authorities in the UAE and publicly pleaded for her husband’s safe return.

It wasn’t until weeks later that it emerged Lee was actually in jail, with court documents revealing two outstanding legal cases against him. This included an alleged £54k debt linked to a rental car company and a separate claim for approximately £15k in unpaid legal fees.

While he has been accused of scamming his exes and branded a ‘love-bomber’ and ‘narcissist’ by them, Lee has always denied any wrongdoing or criminal activity.

He also maintains that his May 2026 arrest was on spying charges after he was ‘abducted’ and ‘held at gunpoint’ before being taken to a ‘black site’.

Reps for Katie Price have been contacted for comment.

MORE: Lee Andrews ‘had been touting sex tape with Katie Price for £250,000 for months’

MORE: Katie Price’s £2,000 dog ‘rescued’ after Lee Andrews ex claims pet was abandoned

MORE: Princess and Junior reveal matching tattoos for dad after Katie Price’s ‘narcissist’ swipe

Selby Railway Social Club will be torn down under the £32 million Selby Station Gateway scheme, which aims to transform the area surrounding the town’s railway station.

Founded in the 1950s as a social hub for railway workers, the club evolved over the decades while retaining its rich heritage, with its walls displaying artwork, memorabilia and treasured mementoes from its past.

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Now, that chapter is drawing to a close, with contractors Galliford Try preparing to demolish the building and clear the site for redevelopment.

Selby Railway Social Club will be torn down under the £32 million Selby Station Gateway scheme this week (Image: Newsquest)

It comes before the company is due to demolish Selby Business Centre, following the removal of asbestos from the building.

It will see the creation of additional parking and a new station access at Cowie Drive, as well as new and upgraded walking and cycling routes on Station Road and Ousegate.

The project also includes proposals to create a new Station Plaza – thanks to funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – linking the railway station to Selby Park.

Speaking about this, Selby MP Keir Mather said: “The Gateway project will transform our town.

“It’s fantastic to finally see visible progress.

“I know that there’s been disruption in town with car park closures.

“As part of the visit, I put some potential solutions to Cllr Malcom Taylor which he’s agreed to look into.”

Cowie Drive car park has been excavated to make way for an improved facility – set to be complete in early 2027 (Image: Newsquest)

The project is set to be complete in 2029.

In Cowie Drive, contractors have already excavated an area of concrete for a brand-new carpark.

Selby East Councillor Jack Proud said that the Station Road facility is expected to remain open until the new station car park in Cowie Drive is ready to open in early 2027.

He said: “Constructive discussions were held at Selby Station last week with Cllr Taylor, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation.

Alongside Cllr Shaw-Wright, I was able to raise concerns from residents regarding parking arrangements during the important Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) works taking place around the station.”

The two councillors discussed the suitability of directing station users to Back Micklegate car park as an alternative, and a request was made for the Portholme Road facility to be changed for short-stay to long-stay parking to support commuters and residents during the works.

Cllr Proud added: “I, along with colleagues, will continue to keep pushing for practical solutions that minimise disruption while these major improvements are delivered for Selby.”

Alan Shearer has led the tributes to football legend Kevin Keegan after he passed away at the age of 75 following a short battle with illness. 

Keegan was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.

In a statement, his family said: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

‘Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’

And following the tragic news, figures from across the footballing world were quick to pay their respects to Keegan, who represented Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle and later managed the Magpies (twice), Fulham, England and Manchester City.

Newcastle legend Shearer said: ‘My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.’ 

Keegan is one of the best ever English players and enjoyed a successful managerial career

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: ‘RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game. 

‘One of the most important men in making @LFC what it is today.’

Prince William, the official patron of The FA, said: ‘Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. 

‘A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game. 

‘Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. W.’

Former England captain David Beckham posted: ‘Such a sad day to hear the passing of Kevin Keegan.

‘A man that was very kind to me and my family xx. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends.’ 

Several of Keegan’s former clubs also shared their own tribute, including Newcastle. 

Taking to social media, they said: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history. 

‘Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.’ 

Liverpool shared their own heartfelt post which read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. 

‘His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026.’

Former Reds star John Aldridge said: ‘I’ve just been passed the really sad news.

‘The great Kevin Keegan has passed away! He gave me great joy in my teens as a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes? 

‘Well I did!! Roger Hunt and KK and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family. God bless Kevin YNWA.’

Keegan, a forward in his playing days, won 63 caps for England before he later managed the Three Lions.

And they also posted a tribute which said: ‘We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away. 

‘Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000. 

‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.’

Shearer pictured with then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan after signing for the club in 1996

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Heartfelt tributes poured in for Keegan from figures and clubs across the footballing world

Former Newcastle owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi added: ‘Devastated to hear about Kevin Keegan. Growing up watching football, he was one of the names that defined an era, a double Ballon d’Or winner, European Cup champion, England captain, and one of the most exciting players the game has seen. 

‘But what he did at Newcastle was different. He turned belief into something you could feel in the stadium. 

‘King Kev wasn’t just admired, he was loved, because everything he did came from the heart. Rest in peace, Kevin. Thank you for everything you gave the game.’ 

During his managerial career, Keegan also took Fulham from the Second Division (now League One) to the First Division (now Championship).

And the Cottagers shared some words for the footballing legend as they said: ‘We’re incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away. 

‘A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999. He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager. 

‘Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.’

Manchester City, another of the teams Keegan managed, added: ‘Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75. 

‘Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge. 

‘The promotion campaign in 2001-02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.’ 

John Healey has been appointed as Andy Burnham’s new chancellor, just over a month after dramatically quitting as defence secretary amid an argument about defence funding.

Mr Healey, a stalwart of Labour’s front bench, had held the defence brief since Sir Keir won the party leadership in 2020, first in the shadow cabinet, then retaining the job after Labour’s 2024 general election landslide.

His shock resignation in early June came amid a row over defence spending. Mr Healey did not believe the defence investment plan (Dip) provided enough cash to prepare the armed forces for the future.

He laid the blame at the Treasury’s door for not stumping up the amount military chiefs believed were needed for the Dip and has now returned to government to run the department he publicly clashed with.

In his resignation letter, he said he was left with “no other option” than to resign as he could not accept settlement for the long-awaited Dip “that would reduce the readiness of our forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe”.

He said he was leaving with “great regret and reluctance” because the Prime Minister had been “unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats”.

Sources within Mr Burnham’s new Government billed Mr Healey as an experienced and trusted figure who shares the same outlook as new the PM, and is respected on the international stage.

Mr Healey served in the Blair and Brown governments as well as the shadow cabinets of Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn.

Family, friends, supporters and residents gathered in Hebburn on July 17 to remember comedian and TV actor Terry Joyce during a day of tribute and laughter.

A commemorative Blue Plaque was unveiled on Station Road, followed by heartfelt celebrations at Hebburn Iona Social Club.

Terry Joyce (Image: Supplied via Goffy Media)

Terry Joyce Jnr, the comedian’s son, said: “To see so many people line Station Road for Dad’s plaque unveiling and then walk into a packed Iona was incredibly emotional.

“Dad loved Hebburn and the people of Hebburn clearly loved him back.

“People remember him for so many things – his comedy, his acting, and most importantly the way he made people feel.

“He was the kind of man that made the world a brighter by his very presence.

“The number of people he helped during difficult is immeasurable.

The Blue Plaque to remember Terry Joyce (Image: Supplied via Goffy Media)

“Hearing all the stories and seeing so many faces there was very special for our family.”

Mr Joyce was a familiar face across the North East entertainment scene, with national audiences recognising him from TV appearances in Byker Grove, Super Gran, Spender, and Hebburn.

Known for his generosity off-stage as well as on, he was celebrated as an after-dinner speaker, sharing evenings with sports icons such as Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Charlton, Kevin Keegan, and Bryan Robson.

The event at Iona Social Club included visual tributes and stories, giving attendees a chance to relive memorable moments from his life and career.

Mr Joyce Jnr said: “Our Dad touched so many lives.

“It’s a regular thing for people to tell us about a touching memory or telling us about the joy he brought.

“Friday was a wonderful celebration of his life and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along.”

The blue plaque now stands as a lasting symbol of Terry Joyce’s impact on entertainment and his deep roots in the community.

South Tyneside Deputy Mayor Alan Rice and Deputy Mayoress Margaret Rice attended the unveiling.

Best friend John Burke delivered a tribute speech.

Anne Fountain, South Tyneside culture programme officer, led the project to commemorate Joyce’s life.

She said: “Terry brought so much joy to people across the North East and beyond, not just through his comedy, but through his kindness and generosity.

“Remembering him in this way feels so important.”

The blue plaque serves as a permanent reminder of Mr Joyce’s contribution to the cultural life of Hebburn and the wider North East.

For many, the day was not only a look back at a beloved entertainer’s achievements, but also a reminder of the community spirit he embodied and inspired.

Mr Swinney said: “What I want to do is engage in a constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister about making sure that the mandate I’ve received from the people of Scotland can be turned into reality, and the people of Scotland can have an opportunity to decide their constitutional future through a referendum on independence.”

The common marmoset was discovered on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise shortly before 11.45am on Friday morning (July 17) and was given the name ‘Oyster’ in honour of her discovery on a London bus

A London bus driver was left with no choice but to return to the depot after finding a frightened monkey that had been left behind by its owner. The common marmoset was spotted on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise just before 11.45am on Friday morning (July 17).

According to the RSPCA, a mother reportedly boarded the bus with her pushchair but was unable to navigate down the aisle as a laundry bag was protruding from the luggage bay. When the driver stepped in to help and began moving the bag aside, the monkey started chirping and leaping about.

The driver then peered inside the bag to discover an abandoned monkey, prompting their decision to head back to the depot in Willesden and contact the RSPCA.

Claire Dew, RSPCA London chief inspector, said: “The monkey – a female common marmoset – was inside a small, white, metal bird cage which had been wrapped inside a plastic, chequered laundry bag, with handles, so was well concealed. She’d been left with some apple but was, understandably, very stressed and dehydrated.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the bus driver and the team at Metroline who stayed calm, took the monkey back to their station, put her somewhere dark and cool, to keep her calm, and contacted us for help. They’ve been incredibly helpful and are now assisting with our enquiries so we can trace the person responsible for dumping her.

“No one noticed anything unusual on the bus before the monkey was discovered but we’ll be looking at CCTV and the logs for scanning on and off the bus to see if we can locate the person who left her onboard.”

Wildlife campaigners believe the abandonment is a direct response to new legislation requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. The marmoset was examined by a specialist exotic animal vet, and thankfully received a clean bill of health, reports MyLondon.

She has since been affectionately named ‘Oyster’, in tribute to her discovery aboard a London bus, and is now settling into her new home at a primate sanctuary equipped with specialist facilities. She will soon be introduced to a male companion who had been seeking a friend.

Chief Inspector Dew added: “In a twist of fate, a sanctuary had been working with us to find a suitable female marmoset to introduce to a lone male they were caring for. We were hoping to transfer one from the north of England but, when that fell through just a few hours before Oyster was rescued, it looked like destiny that Oyster was supposed to go there.

“She’s settled in really well over the weekend, and is eating well, so hopefully she’ll be able to meet her new friend soon. If she isn’t claimed then she’ll remain there with experienced keepers, a wonderful enclosure and company.”

The RSPCA has launched an investigation and is urging anyone who may have witnessed somebody boarding the bus carrying the laundry bag to come forward by calling their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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