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The Kurdish fighters who could join fight against Iran – and inspire uprising following air strikes | World News

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A biker proudly displays a Kurdistan flag

The spotlight is once again on the Kurds in the Middle East.

The US and Israel launched a crippling air campaign on Saturday, devastating Iran‘s security forces across the country, particularly in the Kurdish areas bordering Iraq.

In recent days, Kurds inside Iran say even small outposts belonging to Iranian security forces have been flattened.

Could this ultimately pave the way for a cross-border operation by a coalition of Iranian Kurdish groups?

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For security reasons, none of the groups can reveal how many active members they have, but it is estimated that all the parties together have around 5,000-10,000 fighters.

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Smoke plumes in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province, Iran, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Pic: Social media via Reuters

This number does not include Iraqi-Kurdish fighters, who would not necessarily take part.

Iranian-Kurdish groups have extensive secret coordination cells inside the Kurdish region in Iran, and even in Tehran itself.

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Residents inspect damage to nearby houses in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Pic: AP
Image:
Residents inspect damage to nearby houses in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Pic: AP

Potential to inspire uprising

Sources within the groups say that if Peshmerga fighters – security forces in the Kurdistan region – cross the border from northern Iraq into Iran, these networks and their supporters would join the fighters in securing the Kurdish region.

Some even believe that this could inspire an uprising by non-Kurdish Iranians.

“If the Peshmerga secure the Kurdish region, thousands of non-Kurdish Iranians will join them to finally free Iran,” one resident in Tehran said.


Kurdish uprising will further ‘destabilise’ region

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The Iraqi Kurds have been put in a difficult position. The US is a critical partner for the Kurdish authorities in Iraq, providing political as well as military support in terms of training, equipment and funding to the Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces.

But the Iraqi Kurdish authorities also have cordial diplomatic and commercial relations with Iran. Indeed, Kurdish officials, including President Nechirvan Barzani, say they will not allow their territory to be used to launch an attack on their neighbour.

Tehran said that it will not tolerate any incursion from Iraqi Kurdistan, and will target the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) if this happens.


The Kurdish fighters mobilising for freedom

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Who are these Iranian Kurdish groups that could act as boots on the ground inside Iran?

Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI)

Established in 1945, KDPI is the oldest party, and has widespread support across the Kurdish area in Iran.

The party’s manifesto, which called for autonomy for Kurdistan and democracy for Iran, has championed an autonomous region for the Kurds inside a united Iran that is secular and democratic.

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The KDPI and another leftist group, Komala, tried to negotiate with the regime in Tehran after 1979 to secure equal rights for the Kurds.

But the negotiation broke down, and KDPI and Komala launched an insurgency which lasted from 1980 to 1988, when the Kurdish groups were forced out of Iran into Iraqi Kurdistan, where they have been ever since.

A member of the PDKI stands at a checkpoint leading to their base in Koya, Iraq. Pic: AP
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A member of the PDKI stands at a checkpoint leading to their base in Koya, Iraq. Pic: AP

The leader of the group, a professor of economics called Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou, was assassinated by Iranian agents posing as peace negotiators in Vienna in 1989.

In recent years, the IRGC has fired several barrages of ballistic missiles and suicide drones at the camps of the KDPI and other Kurdish opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, killing dozens of fighters and their family members.

Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK)

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PAK is a radical Kurdish party established in the early 1990s in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The founder, Saeed Yazdanpanah, was killed by Iranian intelligence operatives in the 1990s as part of an assassination campaign by the IRGC and Iran’s intelligence ministry in Iraq.

Khalil Naderi, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Freedom Party with Peshmerga fighters. File pic: AP
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Khalil Naderi, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Freedom Party with Peshmerga fighters. File pic: AP

The group is a strong ally of the Iraqi Kurdistan’s ruling party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by President Masoud Barzani.

The PAK Peshmerga have a reputation as fierce warriors, and were a part of the international coalition against Islamic State. They received training and weapons from the American-led coalition.

Komala Party (Komala)

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The party, which operates under three branches, is a leftist-nationalist party established in 1979 in the aftermath of the Iranian revolution.

The group set a precedent in 1979 for recruiting thousands of young Kurdish women into its ranks, and fought bloody battles against the IRGC.

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Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK)

The PJAK was established in 2004 by Iranian Kurdish members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Kurdish students from inside Iran. The PKK had fought the Turkish state for over four decades.

At least 300 members of the group had just returned from Syria, where they fought against ISIS as part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) affiliated with the US-led coalition.

The PJAK has operated small units deep inside the Kurdish areas for years, living in the rugged Kurdish mountains.

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Peshmerga forces stand on a military vehicle in Bashiqa during an offensive against the Islamic State. File pic: Reuters
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Peshmerga forces stand on a military vehicle in Bashiqa during an offensive against the Islamic State. File pic: Reuters

In 2011, PJAK fighters clashed with the special forces of the IRGC known as Saberin Units in the Qandil mountains straddling the Iran-Iraq border and inflicted heavy casualties on the IRGC.

The group is based in the border areas in Sulaymaniyah province in a network of sophisticated tunnels in the mountains, which has protected them from Iranian missiles and drones.

“It would take us less than three hours to take, for instance, Marivan city,” one official from PJAK said, referring to a border city in the Kurdish region.

“But we need to make sure that our people will be safe once we take the cities, and that means US air cover for Kurdish fighters.”

Read more from Sky News:
Kurdish fighters desperate to join battle
What satellite images reveal about war in Iran

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Veteran fighters returning to region

Several hundred fighters said to be ready to cross the border are Iranian-Kurdish veterans of the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, who fought closely alongside US, British and French special forces.

And Kurdish sources say that hundreds of former Peshmerga fighters have returned from Europe, the UK and even North America to take part in any potential operation.

Thousands of light arms have been smuggled into the Kurdish areas in Iran in recent years, a Kurdish intelligence official noted.

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Iran regime change unlikely through strikes alone

When asked about whether the CIA and Mossad have provided weapons to the Kurds, the official added that they are not a proxy of any country, and are fighting for equal rights in Iran.

“The most important thing right now is close air support for the Peshmerga once they cross back into Iran,” they said.

Another official from one of the other Iranian-Kurdish groups said the short-range ballistic missiles that Iran still retains could rain fire on Kurdish areas if the US does not provide air support, making any mission into Iran suicidal without that agreement.

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Virgil van Dijk stuns Everton with stoppage-time winner for Liverpool

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Virgil van Dijk stuns Everton with stoppage-time winner for Liverpool

Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up this afternoon:

Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall; McNeil, Ndiaye, Beto.
Substitutes: Travers, Patterson, Keane, Barry, George, Dibling, Alcaraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Substitutes: Woodman, Pesci, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha.

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Kerry Katona ‘can never appear’ on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa again 22 years after winning

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Kerry Katona ‘can never appear’ on I'm A Celebrity... South Africa again 22 years after winning
Kerry Katona hasn’t been invited back to I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! for a specific reason (Pictures: ITV/ Getty)

Kerry Katona was reportedly snubbed from being asked to appear on the latest season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Earlier this month the latest season of the ITV reality series returned to screens – this time seeing celebrities who previously took part returning to compete in South Africa.

Those currently in the running to be crowned Legend of the Jungle include Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sinitta, Adam Thomas and Sir Mo Farah.

However, one past star of the show whose been noticeably absent in All Star versions in recent years has been former Atomic Kitten member Kerry.

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In 2004 she won her season of the show – which also saw Peter Andre and Katie Price take part.

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Although Kerry’s win drew in an estimated 14 million viewers – a stark contrast to last year’s season which only pulled half that figure – she’s not been invited back for either of the two All Stars series’, despite her desire to take part again.

Kerry Katona on 'Good Morning Britain' - wearing white shirt with black spots
She previously said she’d love to return to the ITV series (Picture: Ken McKay/ ITV/ Shutterstock)
TELEVISION PROGRAMME: I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA / 10-FEB-2004 Kerry McFadden (Katona), winner of "I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of Here" PHOTO: CAMERON LAIRD / PH: +61 (0)418 238811 Kerry Katona
She won the 2004 season (Picture: Cameron Laird)

It’s now been reported that her highly publicised private life – which has included drug admissions, bankruptcies and divorces – could be affecting her casting chances.

‘Everyone at I’m a Celeb loves Kerry and they’ll always back her as one of the most popular winners of the show,’ a source explained to The Sun.

‘But times have changed and bosses have such a fine line to tread when it comes to keeping the audience happy. Kerry will tell you herself she’s like marmite, you either love her or you hate her!

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‘There are also big hoops to jump through when it comes to who can cope in such an environment.’

They went on to share: ‘She was actually considered for the current All Stars series but not everyone was on board. Sadly, it looks like – despite her being synonymous with the show – she’ll never get a chance to do it again.’

The source said Kerry ‘had a big mouth and won’t be filtered’, a trait that was ‘something everyone loves her for’.

However, they said bosses ‘can’t take the risk of not knowing what she’ll say after the show is filmed, especially as the series is shot so far in advance’.

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TELEVISION PROGRAMMES... I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!; Kerry McFadden - who was later was declared the show's winner - pictured during a Bushtucker trial on the ITV gameshow. Kerry Katona
Millions tuned in to watch her take out the show (Picture: ITV/ Rex/ Shutterstock)

Kerry – who went on to appear on other reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice and Celebs on the Farm – recently revealed she’d spoken to producers about returning to I’m A Celebrity…but they never replied.

‘I keep getting turned down for some reason,’ she also told The Sun.

‘I think it’d be amazing. I’ve been to the interviews for both series.

‘And they said, “Definitely, Kerry. You were the first queen and had the highest ratings”, but then they never came back. I’d do it in a heartbeat, not even to win it. Just for me.’

The last time Kerry appeared in a reality show was for her own ITV2 series The Next Chapter, which wrapped up in 2011.

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She also last performed with Atomic Kitten in 2017. Although she reunited with Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton in 2013, she left the group again after getting drunk and hitting Natasha following a performance in Australia.

Last month her former bandmate shut down speculation they could ever work together again.

(L-R) Kerry Katona, Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon of English girl group Atomic Kitten, 2000. (Photo by Roberta Parkin/Redferns/Getty Images)
Kerry rose to fame as part of Atomic Kitten with Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon (Picture: Roberta Parkin/ Redferns/ Getty Images)

Speaking to The Mirror, Natasha shared: ‘I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She’s a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl.

‘There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.’

Last year she also told The Daily Mail: ‘I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I’ve spent a lot of time with Jenny [Frost] this summer.’

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Jenny joined the band after Kerry’s exit. They released three albums, going on hiatus in 2004 before their official split four years later.

Metro has contacted ITV and representatives for Kerry Katona for comment.

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UK police investigating Iranian link in arson attacks on Jewish sites

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UK police investigating Iranian link in arson attacks on Jewish sites

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.”

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Spennymoor man pleads guilty to causing GBH with intent

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Spennymoor man pleads guilty to causing GBH with intent

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.

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“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.”

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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.

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Tyldesley – Businesses targeted in late night break-ins

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Tyldesley - Businesses targeted in late night break-ins

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”.

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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.

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8 children dead after a mass shooting in Louisiana, police say

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Shootings at school and home in northeastern British Columbia leave 10 dead, including shooter

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.

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“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.”

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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.

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Sweet Trap in Shotton Colliery loses licence to sell alcohol

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Sweet Trap in Shotton Colliery loses licence to sell alcohol

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.

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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 

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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.”

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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.”

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Celtic beat St Mirren 6-2 to reach Scottish Cup final after extra time drama

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Belfast Live

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Five-try Noah Caluori inspires Saracens to record victory against Sale

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Five-try Noah Caluori inspires Saracens to record victory against Sale

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.

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

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Trump says ‘no more Mr nice guy’ as he threatens to ‘blow up Iran’

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Belfast Live

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

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.

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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.

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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!”

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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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