LONDON (AP) — U.K. police said Sunday they are investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies, as the country’s chief rabbi said British Jews are facing a campaign of violence and intimidation.

The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing fires at synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.

No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue on Saturday night.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.

“We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” she said.

“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London,” she added.

Israel’s government has described Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, whose name means the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, as a recently founded group with suspected links to “an Iranian proxy” that has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The police force has deployed extra uniformed and plainclothes officers to northwest London after attacks in the past month on synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and a Persian-language media organization critical of Iran’s government.

In the most serious incident, four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were torched on March 23 in the Golders Green neighborhood,

No one has been injured in any of the incidents, which all happened within a few miles of each other. Several people, ranging in age from teens to people in their 40s, have been arrested and charged.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attacks, and pledged that “those responsible will be found and brought to justice.

“This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” Starmer said.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia also posted a video claiming Israel’s London embassy was going to be attacked with drones carrying dangerous substances. Police said the embassy was not attacked, but the force shut the nearby Kensington Gardens park on Friday as officers examined discarded items including two jars containing powder. Police said nothing harmful was found.

The U.K. has accused Iran of using criminal proxies to conduct attacks on European soil targeting opposition media outlets and the Jewish community. Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence service says that more than 20 “potentially lethal” Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year to October.

Some security experts say Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said any “thugs for hire” who carried out such attacks would face justice.

“Let’s be really clear — it’s a mug’s game,” he said. “That’s what people who are now serving long prison sentences have found out, and the same fate awaits those responsible for these recent crimes.”

Shay Holmes was initially charged with attempted murder but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his plea to the lesser charge.

The 23-year-old also pleaded guilty to a count of dangerous driving following the alleged ‘hit-and-run’ on January 8 this year.

He entered a not guilty plea to the charge of attempted murder but guilty to GBH with intent.

Paul Abrahams, prosecuting, said: “The Crown has reviewed this case very carefully and I have had a case conference with the police and we are content with the offer of the pleas.

“Therefore, in due course we will offer no evidence on count one (the attempted murder charge).”

Judge Jonathan Carroll remanded Holmes in custody to allow time for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.

“You will be sentenced in due course,” he said. “You should understand that a custodial sentence is inevitable.

“I will adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report so the question of dangerousness can be assessed.”

Carr Lane in Spennymoor (Image: ANNA BARNES)

His arrest was made after a 44-year-old man was left with critical injuries after being hit by a car on Carr Lane shortly after 1am.

The surrounding area was taped off following the incident, with pictures showing police cars at the scene while a number of items lay in the road.

At the time Durham Police later launched an appeal for any residents with CCTV to get in touch.

Holmes, of Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor, will return to court on June 19 to be sentenced.

The spate of burglaries occurred on Elliott Street, in Tyldesley, on the night of Wednesday, April 15, between 11.45pm and 3am.

Greater Manchester Police say they have been patrolling these areas and securing evidence to identify those responsible.

GMP are also urging business owners in the area to “ensure that they are extra vigilant with safety measures by securing their premises with locks, shutters and alarms”.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “We are patrolling these areas and want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to secure evidence.”

• If you have any information that would assist police in their enquiries, please report this online or call 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, if offenders are on site, ensure your safety and call 999 immediately.

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in domestic-related shootings at different homes early Sunday, police in Shreveport said.

The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were people shot.

The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes, which extended across three locations. Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.

___

This story has been corrected to attribute the statements about the shooting to police spokesperson Chris Bordelon, not Police Chief Wayne Smith.

The Sweet Trap, on Potto Street in Shotton Colliery, had its licence revoked by Durham County Council following significant concerns from the police and residents. 

It comes after the store received a three-month closure order in March due to several incidents and repeated complaints. 

But the owner of the Sweet Trap said he “strongly disagrees” with the closure notice and will be appealing the decision. 

A licensing committee was told that there has been a “significant and sustained increase” in anti-social behaviour since it opened in October 2025.

The Sweet Trap in Shotton Colliery received a three-month closure order from the police. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Sergeant Caroline Dickenson said: “The premises has become a focal point for large groups of youths, resulting in ongoing disorder, intimidation, and nuisance to the local community. 

“Despite engagement from police and partner agencies, there has been a persistent failure by management to exercise effective control of the premises.”

The meeting heard that incidents, including a police car’s windows being smashed and off-road motorcycles causing a nuisance in the community, have been reported near the store. 

Police said numerous requests to the business owner for CCTV footage have not been complied with. “This has significantly hindered criminal investigations and demonstrates non-compliance with licence expectations,” Sgt Dickenson said 

In a statement to the council, she added: “The premises is now widely regarded as a hub for disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

A total of 32 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported in Shotton Colliery throughout March, but just 10 occurred after the store closed. Since the start of April, just eight incidents have been reported, the meeting was told. 

A local police officer said: “Shotton still has issues with youths but people now feel safe. They don’t have to cross roads away from youths. 

“We have had a massive reduction – it’s definitely improved – and it’s a better place to be and live.”

Despite the disorder concerns, there is no evidence of alcohol being sold to underage customers. 

Mr Sproat did not attend Friday’s hearing at County Hall in Durham. 

Revoking the premises licence, committee chair Stephen Franklin said: “We cannot be satisfied that the continuation of the licence will not undermine the licensing objectives, and the licence is revoked.”

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic scored four goals in extra time to overcome St Mirren 6-2 at Hampden and reach the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline

St Mirren were forced to put their faith in a teenage goalkeeper who had only just got his driving licence.

However, it was Celtic who successfully manoeuvred their way back to Hampden.

Martin O’Neill is set for a Scottish Cup Final clash – facing his old protégé Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline.

The final 6-2 scoreline shouldn’t deceive you – this match was far from simple.

The comprehensive victory felt unjust on the brave Buddies, who battled back from being two goals behind to push the game into extra time before ultimately being defeated, the Daily Record reports, reports the Irish Mirror.

Celtic appeared exhausted at that stage but surged forward with an extraordinary spell at the start of extra time that decided the outcome.

Craig McLeish’s team suffered major setbacks. Stand-in goalkeeper Ryan Mullen gifted Celtic an early advantage within 55 seconds before limping off with an injury, bringing on 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius – who had only recently acquired his driving licence.

The youngster performed admirably under immense pressure but his side agonisingly fell apart after staging a valiant fightback at the National Stadium.

Celtic looked comfortable when Tony Ralston struck a powerful second goal, but Mikel Mandron pulled one back before levelling matters in stoppage time.

Saints had momentum while the Bhoys were faltering. Nevertheless, the Hoops found another gear with replacement Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace, while Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren also found the net in a superb extra time display to keep O’Neill’s quest for more trophies alive.

It was devastating for a Saints side whose game plan fell apart in just 60 seconds after Mullen’s disastrous mistake.

The substitute keeper should have been aware of Maeda’s positioning and dealt with the ball more assertively.

Yet the Japanese forward’s tireless harrying exposed him, with Mullen left fishing the ball out of his own goal.

Celtic endured some nervy passages of play – but Ralston connected with Yang’s clever back heel and crashed a stunning strike in off the woodwork with the last kick of the first half.

Saints were hurt but returned with fresh determination after the break to deservedly reduce the deficit on 53 minutes when Mandron muscled past Kieran Tierney to thump his header into the bottom corner.

The Paisley side kept up their pressure and eventually drew level as the clock hit 90 minutes, with Mandron latching onto Jake Young’s touch to blast past Sinisalo.

Celtic were becoming rattled – but the tie took yet another remarkable turn in extra time with a succession of goals.

Iheanacho put them back in front when he expertly steered home James Forrest’s cracking cross, and moments later McCowan remained calm to tuck away the fourth.

The Nigerian striker superbly dispatched the fifth with his left boot at the near post before Nygren coolly slotted a sixth to finally enable Celtic to cruise through to victory.

Here are five talking points from a Hampden thriller:

FAIRYTALE FINAL

Things haven’t quite gone to plan for O’Neill during his remarkable return this season, but a Hampden final in May seems a fitting way to sign off.

The Northern Irishman is still in the hunt for the league title, although the Scottish Cup looks like the best chance of lifting silverware this term.

The added intrigue of taking on his former protégé Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline outfit only adds to the theatre of what has already been an astonishingly unpredictable season.

TOMBOLA TRUMPS

O’Neill will have plenty of time to ponder his Final starting eleven – although anticipating it remains nearly impossible.

Record Sport’s Chris Sutton called it the tombola, and yet again the Hoops’ boss’s team selection was filled with surprising picks.

Tomas Cvancara was left out completely, Sebastian Tounetki made an unexpected comeback while Arne Engels was brought back into the first team.

The strategy worked in spells – although ultimately not enough.

Celtic looked exposed, sloppy in possession and lacking real cohesion or control.

Iheanacho’s arrival changed the game, but with the forward unable to last 90 minutes, the tombola will keep on turning.

HAPPY DAIZ

Celtic’s opening goal was perhaps the most characteristic Daizen Maeda strike you could imagine. The early effort brought an end to a barren run of 17 games without scoring, and while Maeda was prolific last season, his form in front of goal has been poor this time around and he continued to struggle.

Iheanacho showed the difference a composed finisher makes, and O’Neill will be hoping Maeda’s goal can kickstart his goalscoring form.

KID’S A KEEPER

The loss of Shamal George in goal was already a blow – but it turned out to be just the start of Saints’ goalkeeping nightmare.

Replacement Ryan Mullen suffered a torrid 14-minute period, shipping a goal to Celtic inside 60 seconds before picking up a thigh injury moments later.

The ex-Hoops academy player tried to carry on but was eventually forced off, meaning teenage goalkeeper Grant Tamosevicius was thrust into action.

The youngster responded superbly with a number of fine saves and looked far more comfortable with the ball at his feet than either of the other two keepers on show.

The Buddies didn’t allow the goalkeeping mayhem to knock them off course and Tamosevicius acquitted himself well and didn’t deserve to ship six goals.

SAINTS IN A SCRAP

The dream cup double might be beyond Saints but there’s still much to fight for this season.

Lifting the League Cup back in December will live long in the memory, but the Buddies are intent on ensuring the campaign’s successes aren’t undermined by becoming caught up in a fight against the drop.

Judging by their latest displays, there should be little cause for concern. Form has genuinely picked up in recent weeks, and while the back-to-back defeat to Celtic was harsh, particularly given the severity of this scoreline, it ought to reinforce rather than shake the side’s determination.

Maintain this level of performance and Saints should have enough about them to avoid any play-off worries.

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Sale: Roebuck; O’Flaherty, R. Du Preez, Ma’asi-White, Wills; Ford, Warr; Opoku-Fordjour, Caine, Harper; Van Rhyn (c), Bamber, Vermeulen, Gilmore, Dugdale.

Replacements: Longstaff, McEachran, Raymont, Hodkinson, Logan, Hanson, Louw, Woodman.

Saracens: Malins; Caluori, Tompkins, Hartley, Segun; Burke, Bracken; Carre, George, Street; Itoje (c), Tizard, McFarland, Earl, Willis.

Replacements: Dan, Mawi, Riccioni, Wilson, Michelow, Van Zyl, Farrell, Hall.

Trump has once again threatened to blow up power plants in Iran

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Donald Trump posted ‘no more Mr nice guy’ as he threatens to ‘blow up Iran’ if a peace deal is not agreed. The United States President also pulled Vice President JD Vance away from peace deal negotiations with the Middle East nation.

Trump told The Weekend that Vance will not be attending the negotiations in Islamabad for “security reasons”. The delegation will instead be led by Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner, The Mirror reports.

The president told Fox News the delegation will be heading to Islamabad for meetings on Tuesday, which could stretch into Wednesday. Trump also told the news channel that next week’s negotiations will be the “last chance” for Iran.

He said: “If Iran does not sign this deal, the whole country is getting blown up.”

It follows Trump threatening to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran in his latest Truth Social post. Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire agreement after Iranian gun boats reportedly opened fire on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.

It came after Iran announced it was closing the critical waterway while the US continues to blockade Iranian ports. In his latest post, Trump urged the Iranians to agree to a deal when peace talks resume in Islamabad.

If they don’t, the president says the US will destroy “every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran”.

“NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!,” he declared in capitals, “They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL.”

This is not the first time Trump has threatened to blow up power plants in Iran. He did so in his infamously foul-mouthed Truth Social post on April 5, prior to the ceasefire agreement, when he declared: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran.”

He went on: “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**kin’ Strait, you crazy b*stards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!”

That post came two days before another in which Trump said “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” prior to the ceasefire.

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The officer was dealing with a broken-down vehicle when another car hit his vehicle, which then struck him.

A police officer has been rushed to hospital after being hit by his own car on the M8

The cop was dealing with a broken-down vehicle on the slip road at junction 27, near Renfrew, around 7.40pm on Saturday.

A Ford Kuga hit the police car, which then hit the officer. The officer and the driver of the Ford have been rushed to hospital.

Their conditions have not yet been confirmed.

According to Traffic Scotland, the slip road was closed until 9.45pm following the incident.

A Police spokesperson said: “Around 7.40pm on Saturday, 18 April, 2026, a Ford Kuga collided with a stationary police vehicle on the slip road of J.27 of the M8 westbound.

“The police car struck a male officer who was dealing with a broken-down vehicle at the time.

“The officer and the male driver of the Ford Kuga, who also sustained injuries in the crash, were taken to hospital.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

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