The brutal killing was described as a “callous and totally unnecessary attack on a defenceless elderly woman” who police believe opened the door to her killer. 

There were no signs of forced entry at the widow’s three-bedroom semi-detached home on Hartburn Avenue, which was cordoned off and guarded by police following the incident. 

It was a neighbour who was taking shopping to the 94-year-old that found her in a pool of blood on the floor, having been stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife.

Mrs Simpson was described by neighbours at the time as “not having an enemy in the world” and as someone who kept herself and her house “fastidious tidy”.

The scene of the killing of Kate Simpson (Image: NORTHERN ECHO ARCHIVE)

Three men were convicted of killing Mrs Simpson – but in 1992, all three of them were freed after their convictions were quashed by appeal court judges in London. 

At the time, The Northern Echo reported how there had been reports of bogus salesmen visiting pensioners’ homes in the nearby area.

And police initially believed that the killer was a burglar and theft was the motive. 

Detectives said neighbours’ descriptions of her tidiness had led them to believe household items had been disturbed in the room where she was found and about the house. 

65 police officers combed through Stockton to find evidence following the incident, searching nearby gardens and land and carrying out door-to-door enquiries. 

In the March 9, 1988 edition of the Echo, Cleveland Police’ Chief Superintendent John Ferguson said Mrs Simpson was “an ideal example of the elderly at risk”.

An excerpt from The Northern Echo on the death of Kate Simpson (Image: NORTHERN ECHO ARCHIVE)

He said: “She lived alone in an attractive, large house which was well furnished and maintained through hard work in earlier life. 

“It presented an element of affluence to the outside world which tends to feed upon rumour and general gossip. 

“The circumstances of her death raise a more sinister note. Did she recognise someone? Were injuries inflicted to persuade her to disclose some non-existent fortune? 

“Or are we simply looking for someone so evil and depraved that the killing was motivated not by logic but an uncontrollable lust to kill?” 

Decades later and Mrs Simpson’s killer remains unknown.

Mrs Simpson’s death is one of the many unsolved deaths or disappearances across the region that the Echo will be reporting on as part of our new ‘North East cold cases’ series.

North Landing at Flamborough Head became a perfect double for wartime Britain in the 2016 film Dad’s Army, and formed the backdrop for Walmington Beach.

But that’s not all this East Yorkshire beach and cove that “looks like something out of a postcard” (just over an hour’s drive from York), is known for.

Over the years, visitors have often highlighted how it’s the ideal location to see puffins, seals, dolphins, stunning sunsets, and even the Northern Lights.

Plus, in summer, it’s said to transform into a “tropical” beach, while one explorer has revealed “nowhere else compares” to North Landing.

The beach, which is also situated close to Bridlington, is a mixture of pebbles, sand, and clear blue sea, with a car park, toilets (closed in winter), cafes, and a shop (Boathouse Burger and Grill, North Landing Cafe & Beachside Shop) found at the top.

Yorkshire beach seen in Dad’s Army film where ‘nowhere else compares’

East Riding Coast and Countryside shares: “A sandy bay, rock pools, caves and chalk cliffs. In the summer boat trips are available.”

It adds: “Site of the old Lifeboat Station (now moved to South Landing), North Landing is still famous for its smugglers’ caves and panoramic views north along the coast to Filey and Scarborough.

“Once the hub of Flamborough’s small but active fishing industry, now a few cobles are all that remain.”

Additionally, UK Beach Guide details: “This small, picturesque beach of North Landing is flanked by stunning chalk cliffs, which are backed by grassy hills.

“It is situated in a natural cove on the north side of the Flamborough headland, about 7 miles south-east of Reighton. 

“The beach here is a mix of soft sand and pebbles. 

“At low tide this can be a good place to hunt for marine wildlife in the rockpools, although care must be taken as the rocks can get very slippery.”

It continues: “The bird life here can be amazing. Cormorants, kittiwakes, razorbills and even puffins can be spotted by those who know what to look for.”

Meanwhile, hiking, paddleboarding, and waterfall enthusiast @mimelleadventures1 on TikTok revealed about North Landing: “If you’re looking for tropical vibes check out North Landing in Flamborough, Yorkshire.

‘Peaceful, beautiful, untouched… just how nature should be’ (Image: Getty Images)

“You can park at the cliff top and eat at the Caravel pub or at The Boathouse Burger & Grill.”

Another TikTok account known as @glamnanax shared: “Crystal clear waters shifting between deep blues and vibrant greens.

“Sunlight dancing across the sea like pure magic.

“Towering chalk cliffs and hidden caves waiting to be explored.

“Peaceful, beautiful, untouched… just how nature should be.

“With local fishing boats adding that perfect coastal charm.

“This little cove is something special…

“A place to slow down, breathe, and just take it all in.

“No place better.”

Over on Tripadvisor, North Landing has a “very good” rating of 4.5/5 based on 404 reviews – 266 of which are rated as “excellent”.

This visitor commented: “Beautiful beach, stunning views really does look like something out of a postcard. A little walk along and you can see the seals sunbathing!
Stunning!”

Another posted: “Fantastic spot. Small secluded beach with a fabulous Boathouse burger and grill cafe. Lobster and chips £15. Buses available from Bridlington. Well worth the trip.”

One person put: “I love this place, it was a red hot day and I walked down to the bay and sat and watched the seals bobbing up and down, I then walked to the other areas then had a drink in the cafe and had a look in the gift shop to finish.”

Elsewhere, this profile praised: “Lovely scenic beach some lovely caves to walk into brilliant for families and couples just wanting to relax has a shop and eatery onsite and a lovely coastal walking pathway.”

Someone else who was impressed after their visit to North Landing said: “This little beach is absolutely stunning. From white cliffs to the blue sea! The water is so clear you have to put your feet in it to believe it.

“There is so much history to this little beach, its so interesting. Who knew the vikings landed through here?

“You can actually witness the Aurora borealis here during the Aurora season. Amazing!

“Very clean. Definitely recommend!”

Also impressed about the glorious blue water, this account wrote: “Beautiful beach, blue water! Beautiful caves to explore. Really happy we visited this beach.”

It’s important to note that the descent to the beach from the car park is quite steep, and visitors with mobility issues may find access difficult.

Always make sure you are aware of the tide times before visiting and pay attention to the latest weather forecast.

Have you been to North Landing? Let us know what you thought of this film star beach in the comments below.

A lipreader has revealed how Vice President JD Vance reacted as an apparent would-be assassin stormed a dinner event in Washington DC.

Gunshots rang out at the hotel where the formal White House Correspondents’ Dinner where Donald Trump was preparing to address top US journalists on Saturday evening.

Dramatic footage from the scene shows personnel rushing on stage to pullTrump, his wife, Melania, and several other top administration officials.

Secret Service members clutched onto the Vice President and yanked him out of his seat as the chaos unfolded.

Forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling revealed that a bodyguard apparently went up to Vance shouting: ‘Run, f***ing run.’

The Vice President responded ‘What’s happening? I’m going’ before he left the stage in a hurry.

Officials said the attacker was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives when he charged at a security checkpoint by the ballroom.

Trump later posted pictures of the suspect in the shooting lying face down on the carpeted floor, topless.

US outlets identified him as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California.

Another guest seen escorted away from the scene was Erika Kirk, wife of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on a college campus in September.

Erika could be seen in tears leaving the venue, saying to a bodyguard: ‘I just wanna go home’.

Donald Trump also revealed what his wife told him after bullets were fired in the Washington Hilton Hotel.

At a press conference in the West Wing after the shooting, Trump said: ‘It’s always shocking when something like this happens.

‘The fact that we were sitting next to each other, the first lady on my right, and I heard a noise,’ Trump said, adding they thought ‘it was either a tray or a bullet.

‘I heard a noise and kinda thought it was a tray going down.’

He said Melania instantly recognised the sound as a ‘bad noise,’ adding that ‘it was a rather traumatic experience for her.’ 

‘Melania was very cognizant,’ he continued.

Within seconds of the shots, the President, First Lady, and Vice President ducked for cover under their table on stage at the front of the room. 

Secret Service agents then escorted them off the stage and combed through the banquet hall to secure top Cabinet figures.

An officer was shot during the exchange, Trump confirmed.

‘One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing an – obviously – a very good bulletproof vest. He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job.’

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

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Trump ‘was still focused on optics even as gunman tried to barge into ballroom’

MORE: Security for King’s US state visit under review after Washington shooting

MORE: Correspondents’ Dinner attendee goes viral for refusing to let gunman ruin meal

The agents praised one village for its atmosphere and ease of travelling into the city

Estate agents in and around Cambridge have named their favourite village in Cambridgeshire. Histon, a village of just under 5,000 residents around five miles north of Cambridge city centre, was named as the estate agents’ top pick.

The village has long been sought after for its mix of close-knit village atmosphere, nearby green spaces and walking routes, and strong transport links into Cambridge. The village sits on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway – the longest of its kind in the world – which offers frequent and direct journeys into the city centre.

Estate agent Isabel Hastie named the village as her personal favourite, citing the “strong sense of community” as well as the “easy access into Cambridge via the guided Busway” and great “selection of shops, lovely cafés and pubs.” Agency Tucker Gardner also chose the village due to its proximity to Cambridge and vibrant high street.

Another major attraction of the village is its closest school, Impington Village College, located in the neighbouring village of Impington. In 2025, Impington Village college was ranked as the UK Comprehensive School of the Year by the Sunday Times and was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all areas in its most recent OFSTED inspection.

According to RightMove, the average house price in Histon sits at £505,250 which is a 10% rise on the previous year. However, this is well below the average house price for the city of Cambridge which RightMove currently calculates to be £561,066 over the last year.

According to property website Zoopla’s most recent price index, Cambridge is the most expensive major city outside of London, making Histon attractive to prospective buyers who have been priced out of the city. Like many commuter towns on the outskirts of Cambridge, demand for houses is high meaning properties in Histon are usually not on the market for long.

Other villages that got a mention from the estate agents were Bourn, Linton, and Impington.

Fitness and calorie tracking devices can induce feelings of “shame” in users who fail to meet their set targets, according to research.

Experts from University College London (UCL) and Loughborough University employed artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse tens of thousands of social media posts on X.

Their study identified 58,881 posts discussing the five most profitable fitness applications, revealing the potential negative psychological impact of these popular tools.

These were then filtered to see whether users posted a “negative sentiment”, resulting in 13,799 posts.

Researchers found that users felt “shame” when they logged unhealthy foods, “irritation” by notifications sent by the apps and disappointment when people were not able to meet their goals.

The study also highlighted concerns with algorithm-generated targets, based on a person’s weight loss goals.

“These apps rely on algorithms that do not reflect the flexibility and messiness of real life, or account for individual circumstances and differences,” they wrote in the British Journal of Health Psychology.

They highlight how one user wrote: “If I want to reach my goal weight I need to consume −700 (negative 700) calories a day.”

In some cases, these experiences led to “demotivation”, with users seemingly giving up on their goals, they found.

The researchers called for fitness apps to move away from “rigid” calorie counting and exercise regimes to a more holistic approach.

“Few studies have looked at the potential detrimental effects of these apps,” said Dr Paulina Bondaronek, from UCL Institute of Health Informatics and senior author of the paper.

“Social media provides a huge amount of data that could help us understand these effects. By using AI, we were able to analyse this data more quickly.

“In these posts, we found a lot of blame and shame, with people feeling they were not doing as well as they should be. These emotional effects may end up harming people’s motivation and their health.

“Instead of very narrow, rigid measures of success relating to amount of weight lost, health apps should prioritise overall wellbeing and focus on intrinsic motivation – ie, the inherent enjoyment or satisfaction in activities.”

She added: “We need to learn to be kinder to ourselves. We are good at blaming and shaming because we think it will help us to do better but actually it has the opposite effect.

“It is important to note, too, that we only looked at negative posts, so we cannot assess the overall effect of these apps in terms of our wellbeing. The apps may have a negative side, but they likely also provide benefits to many people.”

Co-author Dr Lucy Porter, from the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, added: “Listening to users’ reports on social media has shown that fitness apps can sometimes leave users feeling demoralised and ready to give up – which is the exact opposite of what these tools are supposed to do.

“We know from previous research that feeling ashamed and miserable about yourself is not going to support healthy, long-term behaviour change – what we need to know now is how pervasive these effects on morale and emotional wellbeing are, and whether there is anything that can be done to adapt fitness apps so that they better meet people’s needs.”

Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel was not involved with the U18s as they suffered a blow in the hunt for the league title.

Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel trained with the first-team again on Saturday. Gabriel was not involved with the Under-18s in their league game against Sunderland because he featured in senior training.

The U18s have been locked in a battle with Manchester City for the league title this season, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland this weekend, while City comfortably won 5-0 against Middlesbrough.

The results meant City were crowned league champions with a game to play. United’s rivals have won the U18 Premier League North four times in the last five seasons. The Reds last won the U18 title in 2023/2024.

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Gabriel has scored 20 goals in 21 league appearances for the U18s this season. The youngster could still win a trophy with United this term, though, as the U18s have reached the FA Youth Cup final.

United and City will clash in the first all-Manchester Youth Cup final for 40 years. The game is expected to be played at the Etihad, but a decision on the final venue, along with the fixture date, is yet to be confirmed.

Gabriel has been the U18s’ star of the campaign. United provided the youngster with a chance to train with the first-team on the same day as an important youth fixture because that was seen as the best choice for his development.

United are planning to include Gabriel in their pre-season plans this summer and are keen to show Gabriel there is a pathway to the first-team. Involving him in pre-season would be another show of faith in his huge potential.

Gabriel has not stepped up to Under-21 level this season because he was 14 when the campaign began. United could have been fined for playing Gabriel in the U21 team due to his age at the start of the season, so it was agreed that he would exclusively play U18 football this term.

Speaking about Gabriel in January, Darren Fletcher said: “He’s a young lad with a massive sort of hype, you know there’s a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he’s a really talented kid.

“He works hard. First thing I’d say is he loves football. He loves training, he loves playing, he loves having the ball, he loves expressing himself. He makes fantastic decisions.

“He’s just got an enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing. 15-year-old, a bright future ahead of him. I’m super excited by his talent, but the most important thing is that he keeps developing, and he’s in the U18 team, and he’s doing fantastically well, but he’s still got lots to learn.

“The world is his oyster and he just needs to go on his journey and his time will come in due course.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Joe Swift, presenter of Gardeners’ World, shared his top tips for pruning lilacs and highlighted nine of the “finest” varieties for gardens this season

Gardening expert Joe Swift has revealed a straightforward technique to ensure your lilacs bloom beautifully again next year. A lilac is a flowering shrub, or occasionally a small tree, celebrated for its fragrant purple, pink, white, or blue blossoms that typically appear during spring.

Drawing on his extensive gardening experience, the Gardeners’ World presenter named the plant as one of his personal favourites.

“There is something rather wonderful about capturing a plant in all its brief glory, a precious week or two before it’s over for another year,” he shared.

“This is how I feel about lilacs, which tend to flower for about two to three weeks, although their backdrop-forming heart-shaped foliage is certainly an asset in the summer and autumn months.”

Offering his pruning guidance, he wrote in The Times Weekend Magazine: “Once your lilac gets to about 6ft tall, prune it lightly every year after flowering to develop a nicely balanced framework of stems.

“Thin it out a little by taking off any weak twiggy growth, non-productive and rubbing stems and any suckers from the base. Cut long (what you think is too long, that is) and thin stems back to a pair of leaves so that you are left with branches about the thickness of a pencil, and it should flower nicely the next year.”

He further pointed out that lilacs “cope well” with extreme temperatures, thrive in most soil types, with the exception of highly acidic ones, and can tolerate pollution with ease.

Detailing the “nine fine lilacs”, he identified:

• Syringa vulgaris ‘Andenken an Ludwig Späth’
• ‘Bellicent’ (Syringa × josiflexa)
• ‘Charles Joly’ (Syringa vulgaris)
• ‘Madame Lemoine’ (Syringa vulgaris)
• ‘Firmament’ (Syringa vulgaris)
• Syringa microphylla subsp. pubescens ‘Superba’
• ‘Red Pixie’ (Syringa hybrid group)
• Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (Korean lilac)
• Syringa meyeri Flowerfesta Series (White, Pink, Purple)

Should any of your lilacs be aged, misshapen, excessively large, overly dense, or struggling to flower properly, Joe suggested it might require some “significant pruning”.

In these situations, he recommends cutting the plant down to within 15-20cm (6-8in) of ground level during spring, although earlier in the season is better.

“Yes, you’ll lose flowers that year. This severe pruning will throw up many shoots. At roughly the same time next year, select and retain several strong, healthy shoots to form the new framework, prune back to pencil thickness and remove all the others at ground level,” he added.

Joe’s guidance follows Alan Titchmarsh revealing his five essential gardening tasks to tackle before April ends.

According to him, the present moment is ideal for addressing the lawn, especially as it may have been impacted by moss following winter.

He also suggests pricking out young seedlings, sowing seeds in the vegetable patch, planting hardy perennials, and introducing cherry trees to the garden.

The church stands central as a prominent landmark in a Cambridgeshire town

Across Cambridgeshire, there are many buildings that are suffering from deterioration and decay. As a result, these buildings have been placed on the Historic England “at risk” register. One building at risk is St Mary’s with St Benedict Church in Huntingdon. This church is said to be the “mother church of Huntingdon”.

The Grade I listed building dates back as far as 972 AD. It’s thought the church at this time would have been a wooden structure and existed in the Saxon times.

The founding of the present stone church was not until 1109 AD. At this time, there was a bishop and 12 monks that created a monastic foundation on the north west side of the churchyard.

Over its history, the church has had its “ups and downs”, according to A Church Near You. During the 13th century, a clerestory was added to the church. Stained glass was then added to the south side of the church, and this is the same stained glass seen in the church today.

In 1609, the church faced a dilemma. Part of the tower fell into the nave of the church, but it’s unsure how it fell down. It was rebuilt between 1609 and 1620. Around 100 years later, another part of the church fell. Part of the south aisle fell in and had to be rebuilt.

The church had to undergo a bit more work in the early 19th century, when the roof supports were replaced with iron ones. This was to make sure the roof didn’t collapse into the church.

Today, the church stands as an important landmark in Huntingdon’s town centre. Unfortunately, it’s an at-risk building as emergency roof repairs had to take place in 2020. In 2025, Historic England deemed the building to be in “poor condition”. It also said it was in “slow decay”.