Police say the calls targeted businesses in the Belfast, Co Antrim and Co Down areas

Two men will appear in court on Saturday charged with making hoax bomb threats and intimidation, the PSNI have said.

Both men, aged 46 and 33, are charged with four counts of communicating false information causing a bomb hoax and four counts of intimidation – causing a person to leave employment.

PSNI Detective Inspector Keon said the calls targeted businesses in the Belfast, Co Antrim and Co Down areas.

READ MORE: Men re-arrested after number of ‘hoax bomb calls’READ MORE: Six arrested during property searches as police target drug dealing

The men were arrested in East Belfast on Wednesday, February 4 on suspicion of offences including communicating false information causing a bomb hoax, intimidation and drug-related crimes. They were released on bail pending further enquiries.

On Friday February 20, they were re-arrested and were “assisting officers with their enquiries”.

In a statement, the force said detectives are continuing to investigate “a number of hoax bomb calls”.

They say the 46-year-old is also charged with “possessing criminal property” and “being concerned in the supply” of Class A and B drugs.

The 33-year-old has also been charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

They are both due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court on Saturday.

A 37-year-old woman who was also arrested has been released on bail while the police carry out more enquiries.

The PSNI spokesperson said: “As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

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In a statement, a spokesperson for OpenAI said: “In June 2025, we proactively identified an account associated with this individual [Jesse Van Rootselaar] via our abuse detection and enforcement efforts, which include automated tools and human investigations to identify misuses of our models in furtherance of violent activities.”

Standing on the hills looking out across flat green fields, linked by a network of hedgerows, copses and small settlements, the Somerset Levels looks like quintessential English countryside.

But this region’s rivers, drains, waterways and wetlands are integral to the levels’ history – an inhospitable, and at times perilously flooded, watery world, centuries ago only habitable during the summer months.

Right now, the levels are experiencing extensive flooding, stretching for miles on all sides of any roads that are still open to vehicles. Communities are trying to cope with a relentlessly wet winter halting transport, closing schools and leaving homes underwater, underpinned by a longer-term cycle of climate and sea-level change.

This part of south-west England, much of which is currently under water, used to be known as the “land of the summer people”. Historically, frequent flooding was the main reason for purely seasonal occupation in this area bordered by the Bristol Channel and the Mendip, Quantock and Blackdown Hills. Drier summers provided valuable grazing land and plentiful resources such as fish, peat, wildfowl and reeds, while the winter months brought heavy rain and floods, forcing communities to retreat to higher ground.

The climate here, although often wet, remained broadly similar to the rest of south-west England where year-round living was commonplace. So what exactly makes the Somerset Levels so prone to flooding and why does that matter now? The answer lies in its physical geography and how water from the sea, rivers, ice and rainfall has shaped the land over time.

Let’s go back to the end of the last ice age around 10,000 years ago. Although not under ice sheets directly, the river valleys of the Somerset Levels were inundated as the glaciers melted and sea levels rose. Dry land was only found on the nearby Polden Hills and on odd humps and mounds that rose as islands amid the sea – Glastonbury Tor is perhaps the most famous in today’s landscape.

It is these hills and islands that provided safe winter havens for local people. Over the following thousands of years, the sea retreated and advanced periodically, first exposing, then flooding, the low-lying land. Wetter periods were driven by a cooler and rainier climate, increased river flows, rising sea levels and overall slow sinking of the land as a result of “isostatic readjustment” – the balancing of southern England after the weight of ice lifted at the end of the last ice age.

In response to the changes, the environment shifted from marine to brackish and freshwater conditions, initiating the formation of peat bogs as plants died in oxygen-less underwater conditions.

By the Neolithic period (4000BC-2300BC) the Somerset Levels were a vast area of freshwater wetlands and reed swamps. Human-made wooden trackways crossed the impassable reed swamps, linking the drier hills and islands upon which hunters and farmers set up base. The tracks, preserved today in the peat, point to organised use of the wetlands likely during the drier months.

Through the iron age, encroachment of the sea made much of the landscape wet again, yet evidence of semi-permanent occupation is present in the preserved lake villages, constructed on artificial foundations of timber, clay, and rubble.

Romans exploited the Somerset Levels for salt production by evaporating salt from the salt water using clay ponds (salterns) heated by peat fires.

Medieval settlers diverted the main rivers to create canal systems that helped to reduce winter flooding and reclaim agricultural land as described by in the authoritative book The Lost Islands of Somerset: Exploring A Unique Wetland Heritage. Throughout history, seasonal adaptation was the key to successful living.

Draining of the levels

Large-scale and coordinated drainage of the Somerset Levels began around the 12th century and brought about a gradual end to seasonal occupation. River embankments were constructed to reduce tidal flooding and sluices were built to manage water flow.

A criss-crossing network of drainage ditches (known as locally as rhynes) was created to carry water off the fields and into the rivers – many of these are still visible today and play a critical role in flood risk management. From the mid-18th century and into modern times, engineering such as pumps and dredging (the removal of silt, mud and vegetation from river channels) were introduced to maintain a balance between water levels and productive agricultural land.

Today, pumping remains essential to manage flood risk. Dredging, however, remains a politically contentious issue and is only used as a carefully considered method in certain places. While dredging can benefit local flood risk in the short term, the longer-term implications for nature, water quality, downstream flood risk and economic cost are now widely known.

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Today, communities have settled permanently across the Somerset Levels but the risks of living here are ever present. Rivers, many of which remain artificially modified, drain from the surrounding hills into the flat, low-lying bowl of the levels where the peat and clay soils are highly water retentive.

At times of high tide and heavy rain, tide lock, where the sea rises higher than the river level, prevents inland floodwaters from draining into the sea. This causes water to back up, overwhelming pumps and exacerbating flooding. The climate is changing – for every 1°C of warming the atmosphere can hold around 7% more moisture, increasing the risk of extreme rainfall and flooding.

Future flood risk management will continue to combine traditional engineering with more natural processes. Measures such as developing flood storage areas, wetland creation, leaky barriers, woodland planting and changing how land is farmed help intercept and slow water flow, alongside the use of pumps, drains and sluices.

However, the devastating floods of 2013-14, were a stark reminder that not so long ago, the levels were the land of the summer people. As flooding takes hold again in February 2026, it’s not clear how long year-round occupation will remain viable on the Somerset Levels.

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The men’s ice hockey final at the 2026 Winter Olympics takes place this weekend between the USA and Canada.

The past three winners of the gold medal have been Finland, Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) and Canada, in 2014. Four years before that, in 2010, Canada took home the gold once more, after beating the US in the final in Vancouver.

The USA has 11 medals in total for competition in ice hockey but has not taken home the gold medal since 1980, over 45 years ago. Their only other gold medal came in 1960.

But 2026 will mark the first time since 2014 where NHL players have participated in Olympic ice hockey. Historically the NHL and International Olympic Committee have failed to reach an agreement on allowing NHL players to participate. In both 2018 and 2022 this was the case, affecting the USA, Canada and many other countries.

With the inclusion of the NHL once more, Canada are the favourites for the gold medal in Milan. The USA are behind Canada as the second favourites but the USA are touted as the team to beat in the women’s ice hockey.

Men’s Winter Olympics ice hockey schedule and results

Final

February 22

Canada vs USA (8.10am ET/1.10pm GMT)

Bronze medal match

February 21

Finland vs Slovakia (3.40pm ET/7.40pm GMT)

Semi-finals

February 20

USA 6-2 Slovakia

February 21

Canada 3-2 Finland

Quarter-finals

February 18

Czech Republic 3-4 Canada

Sweden 1-2 USA

Germany 2-6 Slovakia

Switzerland 2-3 Finland

Play-off round

February 17

Czech Republic 3-2 Denmark

Sweden 5-1 Latvia

Germany 5-1 France

Switzerland 3-0 Italy

USA Group C results

February 12: Latvia 1-5 USA

February 14: USA 6-3 Denmark

February 15: USA 5-1 Germany

Canada Group A results

February 12: Czech Republic 0-5 Canada

February 13: Switzerland 1-5 Canada

February 15: Canada 10-2 France

All games will either be played at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena or the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Man Utd are set to play Everton in the Premier League on Monday and Mason Mount could return to the squad.

After Ruben Amorim’s sacking, Mason Mount was seen as the biggest ‘loser’ in Manchester United’s dressing room. Amorim did not hide his affection for Mount, saying that he “loved” the midfielder’s determination.

United were statistically a better team when Mount started in the first half of the campaign, which backed up the eye test. The 27-year-old scored goals against Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Wolves to finally build genuine momentum for the first time since his move to Manchester.

Unfortunately for Mount, he’s been unable to impress Michael Carrick as he did Amorim because he picked up a knock in training just as Carrick was getting his feet under the table at Carrington.

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Mount made a small cameo with an offside goal to his name in the Manchester derby victory, and was an unused substitute at the Emirates Stadium. He then picked up the training injury during the team’s preparation to face Fulham.

Earlier in the month, Carrick suggested Mount should be back in the squad to face Everton, but he did confirm the midfielder would return at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when he spoke on Friday.

Speaking at Carrington, Carrick explained: “Mason is getting closer, we have been patient with him. We don’t want to push anything. We want him back and fit. He is getting closer, which is good for us.”

Carrick did not outright commit to Mount returning to the squad in Merseyside, but it appears he has a strong chance of being available for selection again for the first time since Arsenal.

Mount will go from facing the challenge of regaining fitness to regaining a starting role, though. The change of formation poses questions about where he best fits into Carrick’s system.

The Portsmouth-born lad was perfectly suited to playing in one of the No.10 roles in Amoirm’s system, and perhaps his ideal position in Carrick’s shape would be the central attacking midfield role.

Bruno Fernandes has that position nailed down. You only need to look at Kobbie Mainoo, who was pitted against Fernandes by Amorim, meaning he did not make a start in the Premier League this season until Carrick was appointed, to see that Mount would face an impossible task to usurp the United captain.

The silver lining is that Mount is adaptable and versatile. He could play on either of the flanks or down the middle, where Bryan Mbeumo has played, so it’s certainly not all doom and gloom.

And Mount can take comfort from the fact that his position in the United squad looked weaker last summer when Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were signed. He still found a way to force his way into the team and become a key player, which shows he’s got the mettle to rise to another challenge.

Mbeumo and Cunha were signed to be the first choice in the No.10 roles, but Mount backed himself. Speaking in pre-season, he reflected: “Any opportunity you get, you’ve got to try and take it. And, yeah, I mean, I’ll always back myself. I know what I can do. But we’re a team and we’re all working together in that.

“Obviously, with the new signings coming in, they (Cunha and Mbeumo) are going to elevate us to another level, and we all need to be at that level to really perform.”

Mount will need to show the kind of determination that endeared him to Amorim in the second half of the campaign. He has missed some time to impress Carrick, who could land the job permanently in the summer, but he’s got form for bouncing back from setbacks and proving people wrong.

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Wendy Lee, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy, says any sore throat lasting more than a few days could indicate a more severe issue.

A sore throat is one of seven conditions that can be treated by a pharmacist using the service available to anyone five or older.

Pharmacists have a variety of options on how to treat patients including general advice, over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and lozenges.

In the most severe cases antibiotics can be signed off and dispensed by the pharmacist.

Below are some of the most common issues that a sore throat could be the first indicator of a more pressing issue.

Cold or flu

The most common issue that will see patients suffer with a sore throat is that of a cold or flu that can last for a few weeks.

Patients will also experience blocked sinuses, a cough, and a high temperature as well as headaches and general aches and pains.

Most colds and flu can be treated with over-the-counter medicines like lozenges, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Patients should also remember to stay hydrated.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, which can leave patients with a raspy voice or at times no voice at all.

Many patients experience a dry cough alongside a sore throat or a constant need to clear their throat.

It is crucial they remain hydrated throughout the infection, which lasts between one to two weeks.

Often, laryngitis is caused by a cold or flu so the same advice applies to dealing with a bout of laryngitis as with both of those ailments.

If patients go into a third week – known as chronic laryngitis – they should visit a pharmacy or GP again to discuss how best to treat the issue.

Tonsilitis

Many patients who suffer from tonsillitis will have recurring bouts of the infection, which can often be treated by a tonsillectomy.

Each year, there are around 37,000 tonsillectomies in the UK, however not all bouts of tonsillitis will result in surgery being required.

As well as a sore throat, patients might notice their tonsils are inflamed or spotty as well as experiencing discomfort when swallowing.

Many patients also develop a fever when in the early stages of tonsillitis, so it is important to ensure that plenty of rest is taken.

Pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol should also be given alongside staying hydrated.

Some cases of tonsillitis will require antibiotics and if the issue continues to reoccur then it may be that a tonsillectomy is required.

Glandular Fever

Glandular Fever is a viral infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus spread through the sharing of saliva.

The most common ways of being passed from person-to-person comes from exchanging kisses, sharing drinks or coughing.

Most often glandular fever or mono as it can also be known will affect teenagers and young adults and leaves them with symptoms including fatigue, a fever and swollen glands.

The infection usually lasts between a fortnight and a month and it is often noticed that patients lose weight during a bout.

During the infection, it is common for patients to have a very sore throat – though antibiotics are unable to cure this particular viral infection.

Instead, patients should focus on rest, ensuring they are drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter pain relief to stay comfortable.

Well Pharmacy’s Wendy Lee believes it’s important that if patients have a sore throat they utilise the Pharmacy First service at their local pharmacy.

She said: “Pharmacy First has allowed for patients to get quick, effective treatment and solutions all under one roof.

“Our expertly trained pharmacists are able to privately discuss and diagnose key issues revolving around a sore throat and make sure that patients leave with pain medication or a dispensed prescription to begin treatment immediately.

“While some people may wait to go to a GP appointment, pharmacy can now issue treatments with some prescription-only-medications.

“We believe that this ensures that patients get the fast, effective service they deserve while also allowing for GPs to be able to see those who may require treatments for other life-altering diseases.”

Flu

A sore throat is one of a number of symptoms of flu, cases of which are now on the decline after a busy Christmas period for the NHS.

A high temperature, aches and pains, feeling exhausted, a dry cough and headache are among the most common symptoms. Diarrhoea and stomach pain can also be expected.

The best advice for anyone suffering a bout of flu is bed rest, over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are recommended and plenty of fluids is advised.

Strep throat

More common in children than adults, strep throat is a symptom of the strep A infection – most are mild, but some can be serious.

The bacterial infection generally causes flu-like symptoms of swollen glands, high temperature, pain, nausea and feeling generally lousy, but can present a series of other conditions.

The rapid onset of a sore throat combined with difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils and high fever are tell-tale signs of a Streptococcus pyogenes infection.

In rare cases the infection can become serious, known as invasive group A strep (iGAP).

Medics urge parents to trust their instincts when it comes to their child, a pharmacist will be able to provide advice on this. Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen are appropriate here.

If the child is not getting better after a few days,  parents are recommended to speak to their pharmacists,  GP or dial 111. If the child is having difficulty breathing, then call 999.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux can affect anyone from time to time – often after eating or bending down.

Symptoms include heartburn and an unpleasant or sour taste in your mouth, caused by acid rising from the stomach.

Combined with these classic symptoms, patients may also experience a cough or hiccups that refuse to go, a hoarse voice, sore throat, bad breath, bloating and feeling sick.

Certain foods and drinks are known to trigger acid reflux. Smoking and being overweight are also contributors, along with stress, anxiety and pregnancy.

Anti-inflammatory drugs – like ibuprofen – increase the acid in the stomach, and a pharmacist can advise patients and advise use of antacids if these drugs are being taken long term.

Stomach ulcers will also likely contribute to acid reflux.

The road has been closed for over a month for repairs

Concerns have been raised about safety barriers on a road that has been closed for over a month. Work has been underway on Forty Foot Bank in Chatteris since mid-January to repair subsidence.

The road has been closed to motorists and is expected to reopen by the end of Monday (February 23). However, there will be two-way temporary traffic lights put in place due to “concerns with safety barriers”.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “Work is currently underway to reconstruct and resurface a 1km section of Forty Foot Bank. This is a soil affected road and the road has deteriorated significantly.

“The road will remain closed over the weekend and is due to re-open by close of play on Monday (23 February).

“Although we plan to re-open the road to reduce disruption, there will be two-way temporary traffic lights along the route, due to concerns with the safety barriers. The temporary lights will need to remain in place until we’ve assessed what needs to happen next with the barriers. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

In November, the road was the site of four crashes in one day. At the time, Cambridgeshire Police described the road as ‘treacherous’.

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