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NewsBeat

Second Belfast cafe prosecuted in a month for allowing hookah shisha smoking

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Belfast Live

Botanic Avenue prosecution follows one for Lisburn Road cafe earlier this month

A second cafe in a month has been fined in Belfast for allowing hookah smoking on its premises.

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The owner of Sahara Shisha, a café on Botanic Avenue, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a failure to prevent people smoking shisha within his premises.

Mr Mesut Savcun was fined a total of £1350 plus costs of £79 for breaching smoke-free legislation under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Belfast City Council brought the prosecution following repeated visits to the cafe by Tobacco Control Officers. On five occasions, officers witnessed people smoking shisha within the enclosed premises.

READ MORE: Sinn Féin and DUP give rare show of unity on dual language street signs

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READ MORE: Belfast reaches 300,000 milestone with one million trees

Earlier in May, the owners of Lova Coffee, a Middle Eastern café on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, were also fined for breaching smoke-free legislation under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Mayar Coffee Limited, registered at 133 Lisburn Road, were fined a total of £1100 plus costs of £128 at Belfast Magistrates Court on May 5 after pleading guilty to the charge of failure to prevent people smoking shisha within their premises.

Shisha is a form of flavoured tobacco heated by charcoal and smoked through a water pipe or hookah. Originating in the Middle East, it is a popular social activity involving a bowl, hose, and water-filled base that cools the smoke before inhalation. It is covered by smoking legislation and is allowed in areas which are open air, or in which at least 50 percent of the building or structure is permanently open.

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A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said, “Under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, it is against the law to smoke in enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and in public places such as bars and offices, as well as work vehicles and public transport.”

“This legislation was introduced to protect workers and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke. It is enforced across the city by our Tobacco Control Officers, who seek to support businesses to operate good practice and to comply with the law. However, we will take action against illegal practice which puts people at risk.”

The council said: “The Belfast Agenda lays out Belfast City Council’s vision for all residents to experience improved health and wellbeing by 2035. Affirmative action to reduce smoking, and the danger of second-hand smoke inhalation, feeds into this strategy, and helps to create a healthier Belfast for everyone. Our Tobacco Control work is supported by the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.”

Also on Tuesday, in a second prosecution success for the council, landlord Patrick Brady was fined £250 for illegally evicting a tenant from his rented accommodation. He was also ordered to pay £78 costs at Belfast Magistrates’ Court after unlawfully evicting his tenant from accommodation at Oranmore Street, West Belfast.

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Local councils can investigate complaints about landlord harassment or illegal eviction of tenants and have powers to prosecute landlords for these offences.

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

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FBI says San Diego mosque shooters bonded online over white supremacist hate

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FBI says San Diego mosque shooters bonded online over white supremacist hate

Two teens consumed by hate allegedly turned a California mosque into a scene of terror — after authorities say they were radicalized online and bonded over extremist white supremacist beliefs.

Investigators say Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, met online before discovering they both lived in the San Diego area.

From there, officials believe the pair spiraled deeper into violent extremism, embracing racist and hateful ideologies that targeted Muslims, Jews, Black people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and even both sides of the political spectrum.

“They didn’t discriminate on who they hated,” FBI agent Mark Remily said Tuesday.

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Investigators say Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, met online before discovering they both lived in the San Diego area
Investigators say Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, met online before discovering they both lived in the San Diego area (AFP/Getty)

The writings allegedly linked to the teens paint a chilling picture of rage and paranoia. The documents reportedly included neo-Nazi symbols, anti-Muslim rhetoric and claims that white people were being “eliminated.” One of the teens also wrote about mental health struggles and rejection by women.

Authorities say the pair referred to themselves as the “Sons of Tarrant” — an apparent nod to the Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand that left 51 worshippers dead in 2019.

After Monday’s massacre at the Islamic Center of San Diego, investigators uncovered a disturbing arsenal: at least 30 guns, ammunition and a crossbow spread across two homes. Officials are now scrambling to determine whether the teens were planning even more attacks.

Authorities say the pair referred to themselves as the “Sons of Tarrant” — an apparent nod to the Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand that left 51 worshippers dead in 2019
Authorities say the pair referred to themselves as the “Sons of Tarrant” — an apparent nod to the Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand that left 51 worshippers dead in 2019 (AFP/Getty)

Police say the two gunmen ultimately killed themselves after murdering three men at the mosque.

But authorities say the death toll could have been far worse if not for the bravery of the victims — especially beloved security guard Amin Abdullah, who reportedly confronted the attackers head-on and helped stop them from reaching 140 schoolchildren nearby.

“He sacrificed his life to stop them from getting inside the classrooms,” Imam Taha Hassane said.

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According to police, Abdullah exchanged gunfire with the attackers after they forced their way into the mosque lobby. Even after being wounded, he kept firing, driving them back outside before they fatally shot him.

A gas canister marked with an “SS” symbol was found at the scene of a shooting at a San Diego mosque
A gas canister marked with an “SS” symbol was found at the scene of a shooting at a San Diego mosque (AP)

The gunmen then stormed through empty rooms during a lockdown before heading to the parking lot, where police say they killed Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad. Officials say the two men drew the shooters farther away from the building, potentially saving more lives.

Kaziha — affectionately known as Abu Ezz — was described as the heart of the mosque community.

“He was the handyman. He was the cook. He was the caretaker,” Hassane said through tears.

The attack has sent shockwaves through San Diego’s Muslim community and reignited fears over rising hate crimes against Muslims and Jews nationwide amid tensions tied to the Middle East conflict.

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The Islamic Center of San Diego — the city’s largest mosque — also houses Al Rashid School, where children as young as 5 study Arabic, Islamic studies and the Quran.

Community members described the mosque as a welcoming place that opens its doors to everyone, including non-Muslims who attend Ramadan dinners.

“Every person at that masjid will smile at you,” said worshipper Josie-Ana Edenshaw.

Still, mosque leaders admitted they had long dealt with harassment and threats.

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“We are used to receiving hate mails, hate messages, people driving by and cursing,” Hassane said. “But such horrible crime, we have never expected this.”

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Scotland news LIVE as firefighters still battling blaze at Fife landfill site

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Daily Record

Firefighters remain at the scene of a blaze at a waste facility that started more than a week ago, with operations expected to continue for some time.

Crews have been at the scene at the landfill site near Ladybank in Fife since the alarm was raised at about 1.35pm on May 12.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it remains a “complex and protracted incident” due to the “deep-seated nature” of the fire and the volume of material involved.

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SFRS said that operations at the site are expected to continue for some time.

At the height of the incident, 12 appliances and specialist resources were dealing with the blaze.

Three fire engines were still at the scene as of 6.30am on Wednesday.

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Brave dog rescues owner after ‘XL Bully’ attack in Cambridge left her bitten

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Cambridgeshire Live

Bianca was pulled to the ground and bitten by a dog which she believed to be an XL Bully breed – before her miniature dachshund Socks distracted the dog and drew it away

A woman who was attacked by a large dog in Cambridge said she feels “very lucky to have walked away from it”. Bianca Mclean, 26, was walking her miniature dachshund Socks, in the North Cambridge area on the evening of Friday, May 15, when she was attacked.

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She said a large dog, which she thought looked like an XL Bully breed, escaped from its garden and began to chase her just metres away from her front door. Socks, who is two years old, growled at the dog to go away, which provoked it further.

Bianca started to pick Socks up but the large dog continued trying to grab him. Bianca said she had “started screaming ‘help help, someone help’”, as the large dog pulled her to the ground.

Bianca said she threw herself between the dogs to protect Socks and was bitten by the large dog. Socks’ owner Bianca claims that she overheard the large dog’s owner from afar, saying that it was their dog which had got out.

Bianca said that the owner “never showed [their] face” and hadn’t come out to help. During the attack, Socks managed to escape his harness. Instead of running away, Socks ran “directly at the much larger dog and drew it away“ from Bianca.

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Socks continued to lead the dog away from Bianca and into a nearby park. “I genuinely believe [this] stopped the attack from becoming worse”, she stated. “I feel very lucky to have walked away from it the way that we did. This could have been a very different story.”

A man nearby then heard the screams and ran after them into the park to separate the two dogs. “He repeatedly punched the larger dog until it released Socks, likely saving his life,” she said. “When I got Socks back he was covered in slobber, was only a bit bruised and I immediately rushed him to the vet.”

Socks was given an injection to ease any pain and seems to be completely fine. Bianca was also given antibiotics to treat her dog bite.

The 26-year-old said she was “just so concerned about this dog getting hold of Socks because it really was a David and Goliath situation”. Since then, Bianca said she is now experiencing “a lot of anxiety taking Socks for a walk “.

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Although she feels okay going for a walk by herself, the incident has left her feeling “really shaken” about taking Socks out. She said she “a lot of unease” and “any slight noises” make her “feel spooked”.

He is my little hero,” Bianca said. She continued: “If anyone, dog or human, puts their life on the line to try and help you, it’s just an immense eye opener. It goes to show the absolute love and bond between human and dog. A dog may only be with you for part of your life but for that dog, you are their whole life.

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson confirmed that a dog attack was reported to them that day. A crime has been raised for having a dangerous dog out of control and an investigation is ongoing. There had been no arrests at the time of writing.

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Ofgem energy price cap sees inflation fall – but cost of living could spike in coming months

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Daily Mirror

A fall in Ofgem’s energy price cap saw the rate of inflation drop in April – but experts warn it will be a temporary reprieve

Inflation eased to 2.8% in April thanks to a fall in Ofgem’s energy price cap for millions of households.

The consumer price index dropped from 3.3%, the Office for National Statistics said, which also revealed a welcome drop in food price inflation too.

However, it is expected to be a temporary reprieve as the Middle East war is set to drive living costs back up in the coming months. Before the Middle East war began, economists predicted inflation would ease back to the Bank of England’s 2% target.

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Ofgem’s price cap fell to £1,641 a year in April thanks to measures announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to remove certain policy costs from bills. Industry experts Cornwall Insight this week predicted that Ofgem’s price cap could jump by more than £200 a year in July.

Ms Reeves is expected to unveil further measures this week to ease the pressure on households, which could involve further targeted help with energy costs.

READ MORE: ‘We got £4,000 energy bill refund after following Martin Lewis tip’READ MORE: Energy bills set to rise by £209 with Ofgem announcement due next week

It comes amid reports that supermarkets may be asked to freeze the prices of essential goods such as eggs, bread and milk in an attempt to ease the impact of the Iran war.

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According to the Financial Times, the Treasury has said it would in return offer supermarkets “incentives” which may include easing packaging policies and delay potentially costly changes to healthy food rules. This would be agreed to by retailers on a voluntary basis, and would not emulate the strict price controls brought in during the inflation crisis of the 1970s.

The ONS said food and soft drink prices rose by 3% in the 12 months to April, down from 3.7% in March.

Suren Thiru, chief economist at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said: “These figures will feel bittersweet for rate-setters as inflation would have almost certainly fallen back to the Bank of England’s 2% target in April had the Iran conflict not dramatically flipped the UK’s outlook from disinflation to stagflation.

“This decline could be the final fall in inflation this year, with surging fuel and food costs set to push it to 4% this summer, particularly as July’s Ofgem price cap reset will mean eyewatering increases in household energy bills.”

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Last month’s drop in inflation was more than expected, with economists saying it makes it even less likely the Bank of England will raise interest rates when it meets next month. A hike would have piled more pressure on borrowers.

Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG, said: “This effectively closes the door on a potential rate hike at the June meeting, with the BoE likely to wait for clearer evidence of a renewed pickup in domestic inflation.”

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s welcome that government action on energy bills has brought down inflation – and today’s data suggest that before the war wider prices were also on track to fall more sharply than many expected. But the longer Trump’s illegal war goes on, the greater the threat to households and firms.”

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Southampton kicked out of play-offs: Justice or harsh decision?

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A man in a dark jacket and blue jeans stands partially concealed by a tree trunk and holds a phone up in two hands as if filming and has a white earphone in his right ear

Some Southampton fans hoped the actual details of the spying incident involving Middlesbrough might help ensure there was some leniency in their punishment.

The spy, Southampton analyst intern William Salt, is said to have parked at the golf club, then walked a couple of hundred yards down a road which leads to a raised area of ground.

Sources told the BBC that the accused simply stood pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphones.

Middlesbrough staff believe he may have been live-streaming the session via a video call.

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Southampton fan Cameron said he expected expulsion from the play-offs was a strong possibility, but felt the four point deduction for next season in addition was too much.

“I am shocked, to be honest,” he told BBC Radio Solent.

“I mean, from everything that was going on, we knew the punishment was going to be harsh.

“After seeing the picture come out of what it was actually like with just an iPhone AirPods, we thought, okay, might not be that bad, but to be expelled from the play-offs and a four-point deduction seems way too harsh.”

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Fellow Saints fans Chris Jewell added: “I think it’s a bit unfair.

“I know we have done wrong but how they can stop it when they have sold all these tickets, people have booked coaches. I am absolutely gutted about this.”

Middlesbrough supporters speaking to the BBC outside the club’s Riverside Stadium on Tuesday were understandably delighted.

Supporter and podcaster Jimmy Lees said: “It would have been massively unfair to the ethics of game of football.

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“If Southampton were able to play in the final on Saturday, what example would that set for everyone else in football? Is it worth cheating to try and get that unfair advantage?

“Thankfully the EFL stood firm, gave their punishment and kicked Southampton out of the final. Now it is Middlesbrough’s opportunity to play Hull and hopefully get Premier League promotion.”

Fellow fan Chris Saunders added: “I am stunned. Stuff like this doesn’t happen to Boro – we are used to our hopes being dashed and bitter disappointment. I was expecting them to get away with it and a big fine.”

For Hull there will be some frustration that the team has been preparing to face one opponent but will now be taking on a different one with just three more days to train.

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Prior to the decision being announced, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden said on the Monday Night Club that the club would be prepared for whatever eventuality.

“If anything changes in the next few days then we’ll have to adapt to that,” he said.

“There’s obviously going to be a lot of emotion, a lot of nervous energy, going into such a big occasion and for us it’s about the players going out there and not overthinking.

“We’ve adapted well to teams we’re playing against, to injuries and we’ve found ways to win.”

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For BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White, there still remains too much uncertainty given Southampton’s appeal.

“There will be questions about whether Hull City consider their legal position in all of it, because they have been put in a position where they have had a couple of days notice to prepare for Middlebsrough,” he said.

“But I think there’s too many good professionals at Hull City. I would be amazed if they hadn’t done some sort of work, prep or plan for Middlesbrough being the opponent. Ultimately, in the public eye they have been given three days notice to prepare for Middlesbrough. So would they consider their legal standing?

“The hope is they go into the final, win the final, and justice has been done in that sense. It’s mucky, it’s horrible and not a nice position for anyone to be in. Southampton made their bed and have to lie in it.”

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BBC Belfast-based crime drama fans are calling ‘excellent’ – as good as Line of Duty

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Belfast Live

The BBC’s Northern Ireland police drama has been a massive hit with viewers who have awarded it a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes

Three series of the police drama are now available to stream in their entirety, and viewers appear to have nothing but praise for yet another BBC triumph.

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When the third series arrived, audiences were delighted to have even more content to immerse themselves in, and it appears with justification, as they awarded it an impressive 100% flawless rating on the review platform Rotten Tomatoes.

Blue Lights is a police drama centred at a fictional station called Blackthorn in Northern Ireland, positioned against the landscape of considerable grit and emotional turbulence.

It tracks the daily experiences of a police force in Belfast as they interact with various members of the community.

Throughout we encounter hardened criminals and ordinary residents, and unlike other programmes in the genre, it opts to focus on the internal dynamics of the police rather than the investigations themselves.

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The ensemble comprises Sian Brooke, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Martin McCann and Richard Dormer, all of whom have garnered significant acclaim for their authentic portrayal of the police force.

Commenting on the cast, one fan posted: “Absolutely brilliant acting. One of the best series I’ve ever watched. Characters and plots are brilliant. Totally believable, and the tension at times is almost palpable. If you’ve not watched it yet, what are you waiting for?”

Another review reads: “Just. WOW. Better than anything we’ve watched that I can remember. Great writing, good character development, and what a plot! I figured seasons 2 and 3 would probably be a let-down, but I see they get even higher tomato ratings.”

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Spanning what are now three series, Blue Lights portrays the immense pressures faced by the force, particularly across the Belfast area, while shining a light on the extent of organised crime in the region, including corruption from within the ranks.

Each episode unravels the intricate conspiracies officers must untangle, the loyalist tensions they navigate, and their ongoing battle against an established criminal dynasty.

One reviewer said: “EXCELLENT show. Well-paced and well-written, believable characters and tense storylines set this show apart in the best way in the crowded field of policing dramas.”

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One viewer proclaimed the third series to be “Outstandingly excellent on all counts!”. They added: “I love it when you feel the creators love their characters! Even most of the bad guys have a touching, loveable side. Line of Duty excellence + so much human warmth and authenticity = what else could I hope for?”

Blue Lights has reportedly been commissioned for a fourth series following the triumph of its predecessors, though precisely when it will land on screens remains unclear. Fans are anticipating its arrival at some point during 2026.

To remain fixed to your settee, all episodes of Blue Lights are accessible to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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Netflix war film dubbed ‘military masterpiece’ fans say is as good as Saving Private Ryan

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Wales Online

Fans who fell in love with Andrew Garfield’s performance in the WWII war drama have been urging others to give it a watch, with viewers calling it a ‘military masterpiece’ and claiming it’s simply “perfect”

Frequently compared to films such as Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line, this war drama is regarded as a contemporary classic, boasting a celebrated director, star-studded cast and deeply moving narrative.

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Audiences cannot help but laud Andrew Garfield’s performance in this biographical war film, with some declaring it simply “perfect”. Following his portrayal of Spider-Man, this represented a significant shift in his career, prompting viewers to regard him seriously beyond family-oriented productions.

Hacksaw Ridge is a true war story based on a 2004 documentary titled The Conscientious Objector. It recounts the poignant tale of how Desmond Doss became the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honour for his service during the Second World War.

He took a principled stance as an American combat medic who declined to carry any weapon, adhering to his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, during the battle of Okinawa.

His account inspired countless people, and the dramatised screen adaptation went on to make an even greater impression, garnering multiple awards.

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The review platform Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film a strong overall score of 84%, with hundreds of reviews praising the drama highly since its 2016 release.

One review states: “Great movie. Doesn’t shy away from the blood and depicts war more accurately than most movies, in my opinion. Shows the horrors Doss had to go through in real life. One of the few movies based on a real war hero that does them justice, in my opinion.”

Another admirer said: “A true military masterpiece. The kind of story that can change you. It’s awe-inspiring to think that it actually happened.”

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The Oscar-winning picture is helmed by Mel Gibson, renowned for his cherished performances in films such as Mad Max and the Lethal Weapon franchise, alongside his production, direction and starring role in the legendary film Braveheart.

He assembled a cast featuring Garfield, Luke Bracey, Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer and Sam Worthington, all of whom garnered widespread acclaim from critics and cinema enthusiasts.

Another viewer notes: “A truly fantastic film! Screenplay, cast, direction, everything is top-notch. And to make it even more perfect, it’s based on real events. In other words, it’s among the best cinematic productions. It’s a powerful film that, regardless of your beliefs, deserves your time and respect.”

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Garfield’s portrayal in Hacksaw Ridge earned him his maiden Oscar nomination for Best Actor, while the picture itself secured victories for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. It garnered six nominations altogether and was hailed as ‘the return of Mel Gibson’ following a period of diminished Hollywood success, amassing over $180 million globally.

One captivated viewer shared: “I was sceptical at first about watching this movie and then was overwhelmed by how good of a movie this was. My hats off to Mel Gibson for putting together such an emotionally gripping and compelling story.

“I liked it so much that I watched it a second time the very next day. Do yourself a favour and watch this movie.”

Hacksaw Ridge is currently available to stream on both Amazon Prime and Netflix, making it perfect for a cosy film night at home.

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Women describes how firefighters burst through front door after arson attack in East Belfast

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Belfast Live

Two women and a man were in the property at the time

A woman has spoken of how the door of her East Belfast apartment was set on fire during an alleged arson attack.

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Olivia Hayes said she was awoken by the fire service breaking through her door after it had been set on fire in the early hours of Monday, May 18.

It happened in the Finmore Court area and the door was left badly damaged. She says she has been told she will have to wait a number of days before her door can be repaired or move into temporary accommodation.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Olivia said she is now living in an unsecure property while she tries to get her door replaced and described the moment firefighters arrived at her apartment.

The resident explained: “I was sleeping when I was woke up by my dog barking and firefighters suddenly breaking through my front door.

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“Thankfully there has not been too much smoke damage done to the inside of my flat, but the door has been completely destroyed and I have been told by the Housing Executive that it will be a few days before I am able to get it replaced and I have the option of going into temporary accommodation.

“I have overcome some difficult issues in my life and I have told them going into a hostel would be the last thing that I want to do, but I am just hoping that something can be done sooner to replace my door. I have had to have friends come over in order to get some sleep because the flat is wide open.”

Police are investigating the incident which took place at 3am on Monday, May 18, at an apartment in the Finmore Court area of the city when the front door was set on fire using an accelerant.

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Two women and a man were in the property at the time of the fire but were not injured with the fire service extinguishing the blaze. A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Sergeant Andrews said: “At around 3am, it was reported that the front door of a flat located at the Finmore Court area had been set alight with accelerant used. Two women, one aged in her 40s and one in her 30s and a man in his 30s were inside the upstairs flat during the incident, but were not injured. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

“One man in his 20s was arrested in relation to the incident.

“We would continue to appeal for information or who saw anything suspicious in the Finmore Court area of East Belfast between 12am and 3am, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 104 18/05/26. You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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Piccadilly Gardens LIVE updates as armed police descend after ‘stabbing’

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Manchester Evening News

A section of Piccadilly has been taped off following reports of a ‘stabbing’.

Officers descended on the area late on Tuesday night.

The Manchester Evening News understands officers are investigating a suspected stabbing.

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Armed police were seen in attendance following the incident.

Paramedics were also pictured at the scene, with medical debris on the ground.

Further details about the incident are yet to be confirmed.

Updates will be posted in this blog when they are available.

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the painful condition too often dismissed as obesity

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the painful condition too often dismissed as obesity

For many women with lipodoema, the diagnosis comes after years of being told the same thing: eat less, more more. The problem is that the fat accumulating around their hips and legs isn’t responding to diet or exercise, because it was never caused by them in the first place.

Lipoedema is a long-term condition that affects the way fat is stored in the body. It mainly affects women and usually develops or worsens at times of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. The link with these life stages is one reason researchers think hormones may play a role, although the exact cause is still not fully understood.

Lipoedema may also run in families, which suggests that genetic factors could be involved.

It usually appears as a symmetrical build-up of fatty tissue around the hips, buttocks and legs. In some people, it also affects the arms. The upper body may remain much smaller, which can make the body look noticeably out of proportion. A common feature is that the hands and feet are usually unaffected, so there may be a clear difference between the affected limbs and the unaffected hands or feet.

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Lipoedema is often mistaken for general weight gain, obesity or lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid when the lymphatic system is not draining properly.

Lipoedema primarily involves abnormal fat distribution. This is why the name can be confusing: although “oedema” usually refers to fluid swelling, lipoedema is not caused by fluid build-up. Some people may develop swelling or lymphatic problems alongside lipoedema, particularly in very advanced cases, but these are not the defining feature.

Misunderstanding lipoedema can delay diagnosis and leave people feeling blamed for symptoms that are not simply a result of lifestyle. Many people with lipoedema describe pain, tenderness, heaviness in the affected areas and a tendency to bruise easily. In more severe cases, the size and weight of the affected limbs can make walking, exercising and everyday movement more difficult.

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Lipoedema can also overlap with obesity. Someone can have lipoedema and obesity at the same time, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complicated. Obesity may increase strain on the body, worsen mobility and overload the lymphatic system. Where lipoedema is advanced, especially if body weight is also very high, this can contribute to secondary lymphoedema.

Because lipoedema is not a fluid condition, treatments designed for lymphoedema may not have the same effect. Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialist massage technique intended to encourage fluid to move through the lymphatic system, but evidence for its usefulness in lipoedema itself remains limited.




À lire aussi :
What are lymph nodes? And can a massage really improve lymphatic drainage?

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Lipoedema is usually diagnosed through a person’s medical history and a physical examination. There is no single blood test or scan that can confirm it. A healthcare professional will look for typical signs, such as symmetrical fat distribution, tenderness, easy bruising and the sparing of the hands and feet.

They may also use a simple clinical check called Stemmer’s sign. This involves trying to pinch and lift the skin at the base of a toe or finger. If the skin cannot be lifted easily, this can suggest lymphoedema. In lipoedema, Stemmer’s sign is negative, meaning the skin can still be pinched.

Myths and management

There are still myths around lipoedema, partly because research is developing and because the condition has historically been under-recognised.

One common claim is that lipoedema fat never responds to diet or exercise. The reality is more nuanced. Healthy eating, physical activity and weight management can still improve health, pain, mobility and quality of life, particularly for people who also have obesity. The aim should be to support strength, movement, comfort and long-term health, without encouraging crash dieting or blaming the patient.

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Low-impact exercise can be particularly helpful. Walking, cycling and water-based exercise can support mobility without placing too much strain on painful joints or heavy limbs.

Compression garments also help some people by reducing heaviness, discomfort and swelling. These are close-fitting medical garments that apply controlled pressure to the affected area. Good skin care is important too. This includes keeping the skin clean and moisturised, drying carefully between skin folds and treating cuts promptly, especially if swelling or reduced mobility makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation or infection.

Lipoedema can affect a person’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life. This does not mean it directly causes mental health disorders. But living with chronic pain, changes in body shape, reduced mobility and repeated medical dismissal can take a toll.

People may feel self-conscious, frustrated or isolated, especially if they have spent years being told their symptoms are simply a matter of weight. Some research suggests that many patients diagnosed with lipoedema report significant psychological distress before lipoedema-related symptoms begin. Psychological and social support is therefore an important part of care.

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There is no cure for lipoedema, but symptoms can be managed. The best approach is usually holistic, meaning it looks at the whole person rather than treating one symptom in isolation. This may include movement, compression, pain management, weight support where appropriate, skin care and emotional support.

In some cases, surgery may be considered. Special liposuction techniques, designed to be gentler on the lymphatic system, may reduce pain and improve mobility for some people, although the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence notes that evidence is still developing.

For people with severe obesity, bariatric surgery, an umbrella term for procedures that modify the digestive system to help people lose weight, may also improve symptoms and daily functioning.

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Because knowledge about lipoedema varies, it is important to seek advice from healthcare professionals who understand the condition. Organisations such as The International Lipoedema Association provide further information and support.

Good care should recognise both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact, without reducing lipoedema to either a cosmetic concern or a simple weight issue. Better recognition can help people get support earlier, manage symptoms more effectively and move away from years of confusion, blame and delayed care.

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