The man originally told police he was one of the children’s uncles after officers arrived in the city centre last night (March 13).

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said it was called to reports of children misbehaving and when officers arrived, a group of more than 20 nine to 13-year-olds were running through the city centre.

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The spokesperson said: “These were children with their friends behaving as children behave.

“The concern is that York city centre on a Friday night is no place for large groups of unsupervised young children.

“This was emphasised to us when a gentleman who actually identified himself as the uncle to one of the children, raised his concern about them to us.

“He then walked up to the group swearing loudly and bitterly at all of them and had to be taken to one side and dealt with appropriately.”

Petrol prices in the UK have now shot up by over 10p a litre since the start of the Iran war, according to the latest figures released, showing no let-up in the alarming spike in the cost of fuel.

Retailer data published by the government reveals the average price a litre of unleaded petrol today passed the 140p mark – but the impact on fuel costs depends largely on which area of the UK you are filling up your car.

In two areas of the country – Cherwell and Great Yarmouth – motorists are paying more than 12p a litre extra for a litre of unleaded compared with the price a week before the US and Israel started bombarding Iran.

But in other places such as Dover, Slough, Elmbridge and the Scottish Borders, the price has gone up by less than 6p on average.

Our interactive map shows the latest average price for a litre of unleaded petrol in every area of the UK reported by retailers on Thursday (12th March) – and also how much it has increased since a week before the conflict began on 28th February.

Here are the 20 local authority areas where prices have increased the most since the start of the Iran war, including the latest average cost of E10 unleaded (excluding motorway service stations)

• Cherwell – 138.3p. Up 12.9p per litre
• Great Yarmouth – 138.7p. Up 12.3p per litre
• Hartlepool – 135.9p. Up 11.9p per litre
• Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon – 134.6p. Up 11.7p per litre
• Causeway Coast and Glens – 134.5p. Up 11.7p per litre
• Ribble Valley – 140.9p. Up 11.5p per litre
• Ceredigion – 137.6p. Up 11.4p per litre
• Fermanagh and Omagh – 134.7p. Up 11.4p per litre
• Lisburn and Castlereagh – 132.7p. Up 11.3p per litre
• Stevenage – 139.6p. Up 11.2p per litre
• Erewash – 137.7p. Up 11.0p per litre
• Rossendale – 134.9p. Up 11.0p per litre
• Mid and East Antrim – 134.9p. Up 10.8p per litre
• York – 136.4p. Up 10.7p per litre
• Dacorum – 138.6p. Up 10.6p per litre
• Belfast – 132.7p. Up 10.5p per litre
• Antrim and Newtownabbey – 134.7p. Up 10.5p per litre
• Hastings – 137.8p. Up 10.5p per litre
• Rotherham – 138.0p. Up 10.4p per litre
• Carmarthenshire – 139.7p. Up 10.4p per litre

Motorists in North Warwickshire face the highest prices at the pumps, with average prices just short of the 145p mark for E10 unleaded. In more than 130 local authority districts, the average price has gone over 140p.

The 20 most expensive areas to buy petrol are:

• North Warwickshire – 144.9p. Up 9.0p per litre
• Westminster – 144.1p. Up 6.5p per litre
• Breckland – 143.7p. Up 8.6p per litre
• Wyre Forest – 143.7p. Up 7.1p per litre
• Harlow – 143.6p. Up 7.8p per litre
• Fareham – 143.4p. Up 8.7p per litre
• Cheshire East – 143.2p. Up 8.9p per litre
• Cambridge – 143.2p. Up 6.5p per litre
• West Lancashire – 143.1p. Up 8.8p per litre
• Epping Forest – 143.1p. Up 8.2p per litre
• Sevenoaks – 142.9p. Up 8.3p per litre
• Rochford – 142.9p. Up 8.0p per litre
• Brentwood – 142.9p. Up 7.0p per litre
• Windsor and Maidenhead – 142.8p. Up 9.0p per litre
• North Hertfordshire – 142.8p. Up 7.0p per litre
• Wychavon – 142.7p. Up 9.6p per litre
• Tandridge – 142.6p. Up 7.0p per litre
• Ashford – 142.5p. Up 6.6p per litre
• Chichester – 142.4p. Up 8.0p per litre
• West Lothian – 142.4p. Up 8.0p per litre

Prices quoted on Thursday 12th March, average price for E10 unleaded, excluding motorway service stations

It is estimated that the Iran war is set to cost UK motorists £15m A DAY in extra fuel costs as prices continue to spike upwards at petrol forecourts around the country.

The impact of the price hikes means that the average cost of all the fuel bought each day in the UK is already costing motorists £12.9m more than it did before the Iran war began on 28 February, and that figure is set to pass £15m on current trends.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has put fuel retailers “on notice” that it is stepping up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices in light of the Middle East conflict.

The CMA’s executive director for markets, Juliette Enser, said: “Whilst price increases might be inevitable because of rising wholesale costs, it is important that those increases reflect genuine cost pressures.

“We will be closely scrutinising and reporting on what’s happening with fuel prices and call out any concerning behaviour.”

Among the major retailers, Asda Express is charging the highest average price for unleaded petrol. The firm, which operates Asda service stations rather than supermarket forecourts, has an average price of 142.9p per litre – which is 12.1 p more than before the Iran war.

Esso, BP, Shell, Murco and Texaco are all charging motorists an average of over 140p a litre at their petrol stations.

Of the big four supermarkets, Tesco is charging the highest price at 138.2p a litre, slightly more than Morrisons (137.7p), Sainsbury’s (137.6p) and Asda (137.1p).

A petrol industry trade group today pulled out of a meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves after accusing minister of using “inflammatory language” that has led to abuse against forecourt workers.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said executive director Gordon Balmer had been invited to take part in the Downing Street meeting with Ms Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on fuel prices, set to take place later on Friday.

But it said Mr Balmer had withdrawn over concerns that recent language being used by ministers was inciting abuse against fuel retail staff by members of the public.

The PRA said “following several days in which ministers have suggested that forecourts may be ‘price gouging’ and ‘ripping off’ the motorist”, it had looked to get assurances from Ms Reeves’s office that the meeting would be held in private, but that this was not provided.

The PRA said it made the decision not to attend the meeting to “protect retail staff”.

On Thursday, the Competition and Markets Authority warned it was putting fuel retailers “on notice” of plans to step up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices in light of the Middle East uncertainty.

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The horse chestnut tree stands within a conservation area and has a large cavity in a limb hanging over the A684, which was found to be “deep and holds water, indicating advanced internal decay.”

The tree is part of a line of five horse chestnuts.

It is protected, but was put forward for the removal of a structurally compromised limb under a five-day notice for Dangerous Dead or Dying Tree Works.

The application has been made at the Swalestones property, part of Ainderby Hall, in Ainderby Steeple.

An officer at North Yorkshire Council concluded the works should proceed as a matter of urgency to reduce the risk in this location.

The case officer’s conclusion states: “The officer concludes the works should proceed as a matter of urgency to reduce the risk in this location, and recommends that permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Plans were given the nod by the local authority on Thursday, March 12.

John Terry has compared Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side endured a nervy game at the Emirates Stadium but the introduction of Dowman with 16 minutes to go gave the Gunners a boost as his cross sparked Viktor Gyokeres’ goal in the 89th minute.

Dowman then became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with a brilliant solo effort to secure the win for Arsenal in injury time.

The 16-year-old countered from Everton’s corner as he nodded the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko before leaving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on the ground with a brilliant change of direction.

In a video on TikTok shortly after the full-time whistle, Terry said he was blown away by Dowman’s ability having already watched the Arsenal midfielder in action against Chelsea’s academy side last year.

‘Max Dowman, what a player by the way, 16 years of age, absolutely incredible,’ Terry said.

‘I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago and I’ve not seen anyone glide past people like this man does, other than Messi.

‘That’s a big, big comparison but this man is a proper talent and will play a big part in Arsenal’s future and also England as well.

‘Super, super talent. Big, big win for them [Arsenal] today.’

Speaking about Dowman’s excellent display after Arsenal’s win, Arteta said: ‘Yesterday he was training and in the last few days and I had a gut feeling that it was a moment for him. Probably because he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the occasion or the moment or the context or the opponent. He just plays so naturally. He makes decisions to make things happen and what he delivered was incredible.

‘I think his character, his personality and the fact that he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the pressure or his teammates or the opponent.

‘I’ve seen a lot of players with talent but at 16, very few that can cope with that level of demand.’

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MORE: Anthony Gordon blasts ‘nonsense’ claims from Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney after Newcastle beat Chelsea

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In 2023 following a break up, he began to research looksmaxxing on his socials and developed a routine. In addition to going to the gym five times a week, he also has regular ice-cold face baths to “reduce puffiness”, tries to sleep on his back, and, while he says masturbation is OK, he’s cut out all pornography.

Speaking at the SNP conference in Edinburgh today, the First Minister said a newly-independent Scotland would enshrine in its constitution a ban on foreign militaries involved in illegal conflicts abroad.

An independent Scotland would ban the militaries of countries involved in “illegal conflicts” from the country, John Swinney has said.

In a swipe at the US and Israeli governments over their attacks on Iran, the First Minister said a newly-independent Scotland would enshrine in its constitution a ban on foreign militaries involved in illegal conflicts abroad.

The US military regularly uses Prestwick Airport – which is owned by the Scottish Government and operated by an arms-length company – which has drawn criticism for Mr Swinney and his ministers.

Speaking at his party’s conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, the First Minister said: “We will always speak up for the protection of innocent civilians and international law.

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“But as an independent country we could do more. We will demonstrate not just with words but with actions how Scotland can be a voice for peace.

“We will use the powers of independence to enshrine into our constitution a legally binding ban on nuclear weapons on our soil and in our seas. And we will go further – with independence, we will ban any foreign military power engaged in illegal conflicts from our shores.

“Two statements will be written directly into the very foundational document of our new nation – not in our name, not in our country.”

The First Minister told delegates the action in Iran has “no basis in international law”, saying: “Right now, once again, the world is watching as war rages in the Middle East.

“We all know the Iranian regime is brutal and illegitimate. It has brought untold suffering on its own citizens, and on people across the region.

“But that does not justify what we are seeing on our television screens every night. Tehran in flames, whole streets on fire, schools bombed, thousands killed.

“The Iranian regime have terrorised their own population. Now, those self-same civilians are dying at the hands of American and Israeli bombs.

“So let me be clear – the unjustifiable actions of the United States and Israel have no basis under international law.

“They must stop. For the sake of the innocent children of Iran, for the sake of peace, our call is for diplomacy, for de-escalation, and an end to this war.”

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The application deadline is March 25, and interviews will be held in April

Four farms in Cambridgeshire are offering 10-year leases for developing rural businesses. Cambridgeshire County Council’s Farms Estate, one of the largest publicly owned estates in England and Wales, is offering the leases starting from October 2026.

The four farms offering leases this year are Roswells Farm in Warboys, Flegcroft Farm in Whittlesey, Red House Farm near March, and Whitehall Farm in Littleport. Each of the farms also comes with a house and various outbuildings. The properties are being offered on a 10-year farm business tenancy.

Roswells Farm is the largest of the available farms with just under 345 acres of land along with a four-bedroom detached house, and five general-purpose storage buildings.

Flegcroft Farm is set in over 300 acres of land including a reservoir of approximately 12,000m3. The tenancy includes a four-bedroom bungalow with solar panels along with additional buildings, such as an office and meeting room.

Red House Farm is also available with just under 170-acres of land. The farm comes with a three-bedroom detached bungalow and a general-purpose building.

Continually, Whitehall Farm in Littleport is just under 50-acres and has been run as a market garden for many years, growing a wide range of vegetables for sale at Cambridgeshire markets. The farm comes with a three-bedroom detached bungalow and a general-purpose building.

The application deadline is March 25, and interviews will be held in April.

Chair of the Assets and Procurement Committee, Cllr Karen Young, said: “We’re very lucky in Cambridgeshire to have access to vast amounts of rural land. With this, comes opportunity and we’re pleased to be able to offer some of this land to those with ambitions to start, or develop a business.”

Cllr Young added: “We’re open to all sorts of suggestions that help to support our vison of creating a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire, so if you have a business idea, we’d encourage you to enquire before the deadline.”

Further details about the farms and the application process can be found here.

The former star had been jailed for sexually abusing two underage girls.

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Convicted paedophile and former Grange Hill actor John Alford has been found dead in prison, only weeks after being jailed for sexually abusing two underage girls.

The 54‑year‑old was discovered unresponsive in his cell at HMP Bure, a Category C prison in Norfolk, when staff carried out morning checks on Friday (March 13). His death came shortly after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14‑year‑old and a 15‑year‑old during a sleepover at a friend’s home over the Easter holidays.

A jury at St Albans Crown Court found Alford, who appeared in court under his real name, John Shannon, guilty on all counts following a week‑long trial and more than 13 hours of deliberation, reports the Daily Star.

As the verdicts were delivered, the disgraced actor, who also appeared in London’s Burning, placed his head in his hands and shouted from the dock: “Wrong, I didn’t do this.” He found fame portraying Fireman Billy Ray in London’s Burning throughout most of the 1990s.

Speaking to the Sun, a source elaborated on the unresponsive state Alford was found in, saying: “He didn’t wake up in the morning. He was in his bed and they thought he was just asleep.

“But when they tried to wake him there was no response and they realised he was dead.” Alford landed the role of rebel Robbie Wright on BBC’s Grange Hill when he was 13 years old.

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John Alford, known for his roles in London’s Burning and Grange Hill, has died in prison weeks after being convicted of sexually assaulting two underage girls

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The former London’s Burning actor and convicted sex offender John Alford has been discovered dead in prison just weeks after being given his sentence for abusing two underage girls.

Alford, who was born in Glasgow, was discovered lifeless in his bed on Friday (March 13) when prison officers unlocked his cell at Category C HMP Bure in Norfolk. Before his passing, the 54 year old had been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl at a sleepover in a friend’s residence over the Easter break, reports the Daily Star.

Following a week-long trial and more than 13 hours of jury deliberations at St Albans Crown Court, Alford was found guilty on all counts. The actor, charged under his birth name John Shannon, buried his face in his hands and cried out “wrong, I didn’t do this” from the dock as the guilty verdicts were delivered.

Alford, recognised for his role in the BBC school drama Grange Hill during the 1980s, would later achieve prominence portraying Fireman Billy Ray in London’s Burning throughout the 1990s.

A source speaking to the Sun said: “He didn’t wake up in the morning. He was in his bed and they thought he was just asleep.

“But when they tried to wake him there was no response and they realised he was dead.”

Alford secured the part of rebel Robbie Wright on BBC’s Grange Hill aged just 13. During his stint on the 80s BBC programme, Alford was part of the cast that participated in its anti-drugs campaign.

However, towards the end of his time on Grange Hill, Alford confessed to consuming up to 18 bottles of beer and nine shots of spirits each night.

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