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Tory MP Patrick Spencer who was accused of groping breasts of two women at London’s Groucho club weeps as he’s found not guilty of sexual assault

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Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was cleared of two counts of sexual assault

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A Tory MP wept as he was cleared of sexually assaulting two women at London‘s exclusive Groucho club today.  

Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was accused of touching the breasts of the women on August 12, 2023, at the private members club.

He told a jury his behaviour on the night in question had been ‘wildly misjudged’ and ‘ultimately inappropriate’ but insisted he never intended to touch either woman sexually.

Giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court, the father-of-two, 38, said he had spent the day watching rugby before arriving late at the Soho private members’ club, where he admitted he was drunk but ‘not out of control’.

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He denied deliberately touching either complainant’s breasts, while his wife, Anna told jurors he is a ‘kind’, ‘gentle’ and ‘compassionate’ husband. 

After seven hours and six minutes of deliberations the jury cleared Spencer of two counts of sexual assault. 

He wept in the dock as he was told by Mr Justice Garnham: ‘You have been found not guilty on both counts. You are free to go.’ 

He then embraced his wife and left the court room with her. 

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Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was cleared of two counts of sexual assault

In a statement delivered outside of the court, the MP said: ‘Our shared nightmare is now over. 

‘I have always maintained my innocence, and today’s not guilty verdict draws a very long and challenging period in my life to a close. 

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‘I would like to thank the jury, the court, my legal team and most importantly, my incredible wife, children, family, friends and colleagues – whose support has been unwavering throughout.

‘I would also like to thank my constituents in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, many of whom have reached out to offer their reassuring support.

‘For the time being, I’m looking forward to getting home to see my kids and getting back to work representing my constituents.’

During the trial he was asked by his barrister Eleanor Laws KC whether he had deliberately placed his hands on either woman’s breasts, he replied: ‘No.’

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When asked if he had intended to sexually touch anyone, he again answered: ‘No.’

Anna Spencer (pictured right) described her husband as 'kind', 'gentle' and 'compassionate'

Anna Spencer (pictured right) described her husband as ‘kind’, ‘gentle’ and ‘compassionate’

Mrs Spencer, a teacher, said she had watched CCTV of the alleged incidents at the club and was fully aware of the allegations against her husband. 

She said she had never known him to inappropriately touch, look or make sexual remarks about ‘any woman ever’ in 20 years.  

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‘As a husband Patrick is kind, he’s gentle, he’s compassionate,’ she said.

‘He’s thoughtful, he supports every hobby, phase, whatever it is I choose to do. He makes me feel braver than I really am.

‘He is the most wonderful father, they adore him.’

Asked to describe his personal qualities, Mrs Spencer replied: ‘The first word that comes into my head is kind. He’s kind, he’s honest.’

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BBC to air Bonnie Tyler tribute as family confirms Swansea ‘celebration’

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Wales Online

The BBC is set to air a one-off special tribute to the late Welsh icon Bonnie Tyler who died earlier this month.

Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75 after suffering a medical emergency

The BBC is preparing a one-off special dedicated to the legendary Total Eclipse of the Heart singer Bonnie Tyler.

Recognised as an iconic 1980s powerhouse, the Welsh vocalist died at the age of 75 earlier this month following emergency intestinal surgery.

The star succumbed to complications arising from the procedure carried out in Faro, Portugal, in May, with her death occurring several weeks afterwards.

A tribute is now set to honour the icon with the special titled Bonnie Tyler at the BBC, broadcasting next Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm on BBC Two.

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It has been described as a “celebration” of the artist’s “incredible 50-year career as fans come to terms with the sad news of her death”.

The official description adds: “The only Welsh performer to have a US Number 1, Bonnie’s distinctive husky vocals and powerful performances made her one of Britain’s best-loved and most enduring artists.

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“This collection from the BBC archive showcases some of her biggest and very best moments from over the decades.”, reports the Express.

Among the footage scheduled to appear are performances from numerous programmes including Top of the Pops, The Late, Late Breakfast Show and Saturday Night at the Mill.

The tribute will also feature “the song frequently voted the greatest power ballad in pop history, Total Eclipse of the Heart”, taken from her Tim Rice TV Special performance in 1983.

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It has been announced that the star’s coffin will arrive at her Mumbles residence on Saturday, August 15, at 3.30pm, with supporters encouraged to “pay their respects” by gathering along Newton Road from 3.15pm.

A celebration of her life will take place at St Mary’s Church, Swansea, on Monday, August 17, at 12pm, before she will “return to her hometown” of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot for a private family service.

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was among the first to pay tribute, writing: “A one of a kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.

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“Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady.”

Shakin’ Stevens described her as “a true professional, and a bright, shining light”, posting on X: “She loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same.”

Meanwhile, Sir Cliff Richard said he was mourning “another wonderful friend gone too soon”.

Bonnie Tyler at the BBC premieres on Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm, on BBC Two.

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Family tribute to mum, 24, killed in her home as man charged with her murder

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Daily Mirror

Kirandeep Kaur came to London looking for a better job so she could support her family, her sister has said

The family of a 24-year-old woman killed in her home have paid an emotional tribute to the young mum. Kirandeep Kaur, who was originally from India, was fatally attacked at her home in Hayes.

A man has been charged with Kaur’s murder. Speaking through a translator from the Majha region of Punjab, India, her sister Gursharan told the BBC her sibling was ‘everything’ to her.

Gursharan, who is 21, said her sister came to London looking for a better job so she could support her family.

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A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral arrangements.

It reads: “Kirandeep Kaur was a 24-year-old student from Punjab, India, who came to the UK with hopes of building a better future for herself and the family she had left behind.

“Kirandeep’s sudden death has left her young baby without a mother and her family in India devastated, burdened by grief and the significant debts incurred to support her future.

“Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall is bringing the local community together to offer practical and financial assistance during this unimaginable time.”

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Daniel Sean James, 46, allegedly attacked 24-year-old Kirandeep Kaur in her own home in Hayes, west London, on the morning of July 12, reports The Mirror.

He then allegedly jumped out of a window and broke both ankles before being detained by police nearby, the Old Bailey was told.

Before the incident, James allegedly walked through a playing field in Hayes dressed all in black and carrying a large knife.

He was caught on CCTV and doorbell cameras approaching three different addresses before coming up behind a man in his 20s in the street and stabbing him in the back, it is claimed.

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Minutes later, at around 7.51am, he allegedly kicked at the door of the home Mrs Kaur shared with her husband and three-month-old baby, and broke in while they were asleep in bed.

The husband awoke to the sound of a scream from his wife and saw a figure leaving the bedroom, prosecutor Charlene Sumnall said.

Two minutes later, James exited the property on Uxbridge Road by jumping out of a window from the kitchen-living room area, the court heard.

Having broken both ankles, he allegedly tried to flee but collapsed after 10 metres.

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From the first alleged sighting of the defendant, the arrival of police at the scene took around 24 minutes, the court was told.

Mrs Kaur suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 8.26am.

The Old Bailey was told that both victims were complete strangers to the defendant, who was treated in hospital before being taken into custody.

He was subsequently charged with the murder of Mrs Kaur, attempted murder and having a blade.

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On Thursday, James, of Mercer Place, Pinner, west London, appeared in Court One of the Old Bailey by videolink from Wormwood Scrubs.

Judge Nigel Lickley KC set a plea hearing for October 1 and a provisional three-week trial from April 5 next year.

James spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody.

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Battle against two major moorland fires rages on, and it isn’t expected to end soon

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Manchester Evening News

It is a week since the moorland fire began at Dovestone, while crews have been battling the Tintwistle fire for three weeks

Firefighters are set to remain at the scene of moorland fires into next week.

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Crews have been tackling blazes near Dovestone reservoir in Oldham and at Tintwistle in Derbyshire. Despite the huge emergency services response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said people had been seen visiting Dovestone and lighting barbeques.

GMFRS said: “Our firefighters continue to tackle two major moorland fires at Swineshaw and Dovestone. This weekend, we have already seen people visiting the area and lighting BBQs.

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“People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames.”

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It is more than a week since the moorland fire began at Dovestone, while crews have been battling the Tintwistle fire for three weeks.

Meanwhile, police said that two people who had been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire at Dovestone have been released on bail. A 19-year-old woman and a man in his 20s had been held.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said that crews are expected to remain at the scene in Tintwistle into next week.

“Firefighters and partner agencies are expected to remain at the scene of the Tintwistle Moor wildfire into next week,” they said. “They continue to work tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

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“Our efforts are currently focused on four key areas: Didsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor and Crowden. The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed so responders and vehicles can get to and from the scene safely.

“Two helicopters are dropping water on both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and a separate wildfire across the border in Greater Manchester at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw Moor. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service continue to lead their own operations while working closely together and sharing specialist resources.

“The current wind direction is carrying smoke from both incidents towards Manchester. However, forecast changes in wind direction early next week could mean smoke affects more communities on the Derbyshire side of the border, including Padfield and Hadfield.

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“Residents and visitors are advised to avoid areas affected by smoke where possible. If you live nearby, please stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

“If you must travel through an area affected by smoke, keep your windows closed and use the recirculation setting in your vehicle to reduce the amount of smoke entering from outside.

“We would like to thank the public for their continued support and cooperation. We also remind anyone planning to visit the High Peak this weekend to avoid the wildfire-affected areas around Tintwistle and nearby communities.”

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Why Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are on the bench for England vs France | Football

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Why Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are on the bench for England vs France | Football

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In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

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Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on ‘helping with cost of living’

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Andy Burnham in a suit and glasses. A close up of his face.

“This reprioritisation of public resource shows a change in direction towards improving everyday life and strengthening local economies over expensive national government schemes.”

Plans for a digital ID scheme had initially been introduced by Sir Keir ahead of Labour’s conference last year.

At the time, Starmer argued that mandatory digital ID for workers would make it easier to clamp down on immigrants working illegally and modernise the state.

As well as tackling illegal immigration, Starmer said a digital ID system would enable citizens to prove identity to access key services quickly instead of having to hunt for utility bills.

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The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated last November that the programme would cost £1.8 billion over three years, but Downing Street rejected this figure.

In January, after nearly three million people signed a parliamentary petition opposing the introduction of digital IDs, the government changed its approach.

Instead, Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones unveiled a voluntary scheme, which he said could eventually allow people to do everything from managing their childcare to filling in tax returns on a “one stop” app.

Soon after, Home Affairs Committee Chair Dame Karen Bradley said the government was right to introduce digital ID but had botched the launch.

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In a report setting out the committee’s investigation into the launch and subsequent changes to the digital ID policy, Dame Karen called attempts to set out the plans “nothing short of a fiasco” which “raised fears of government over-reach into people’s lives”.

Burnham will become prime minister after meeting with King Charles III on Monday, and his office said “one of the first things this government will do is put its focus where people need it right now”.

Scrapping digital ID, the spokesperson said, will mean “redirecting the resources earmarked for the scheme towards people’s everyday priorities”.

Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart said people would be “hugely relieved to know they are no longer set to be forced to hand over their data just to go about their daily lives”.

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“We have long said the obscene sums earmarked for digital ID would be a huge waste of taxpayers’ money, and it’s a relief that Burnham has woken up to that” she said in a statement.

The update on digital IDs follows news that Burnham will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea after he becomes prime minister.

The Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto – which the new leader said he would follow – had pledged to not issue new licences but to honour existing ones.

While details of the oil and gas plans are not clear, the incoming prime minister is expected to uphold the manifesto commitment.

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This means the Labour leader could pledge to speed up existing plans to drill more in the North Sea, where many oil and gas licences already approved in recent years remain largely undeveloped due to a variety of reasons.

As Burnham prepares to take office on Monday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned his plans for government are “airy fairy” in an interview for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

She accused Burnham of not being aware of “what the country’s priorities are” and stressed the country needs a leader ready to “take tough decisions”.

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Christopher Nolan’s ‘most underrated’ film added to Netflix as The Odyssey hits cinemas

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Manchester Evening News

Nolan’s latest films stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland

Christopher Nolan’s ‘most underrated’ film has been added to Netflix as The Odyssey wows fans in cinemas across the world.

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Nolan is one of the UK’s most successful directors of recent years. In 2024 he won both Best Picture and Best Director at the 96th Academy Awards for Oppenheimer.

Famously released on the same day as Barbie in an event branded Barbenheimer, the Cillian Murphy film followed the man who created the atomic bomb. Nolan was finally recognised at the Oscars after being nominated five times in the past.

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Outside of Oppenheimer, Nolan is known for delivering the iconic Dark Knight Trilogy, mind-bending Inception, thundering war film Dunkirk and sci-fi epic Interstellar. Simply put, there is no one navigating genres like him.

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On Friday (July 15) The Odyssey finally hit cinemas almost a full year after tickets went on sale. Starring Matt Damon, the film follows King Odysseus as sets sail for Ithaca, eager to reunite with his beloved.

However, his journey home is far more treacherous than the battlefield, as he must face deadly monsters and vengeful gods to survive. A host of Nolan’s most popular collaborators are taking part in the project, including Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Himesh Patel.

The latter is a former EastEnders star who made his debut in a Nolan film that came out at the height of the pandemic. Thankfully, it’s now been added to Netflix and is well worth a watch.

Released in 2020, Tenet is a science fiction action thriller unlike any other you’ve seen before. The film follows a CIA officer who is recruited into a secret organization.

Once there, he’s tasked with tracing the origin of objects that are traveling backward through time and their connection to an attack by the future. No this isn’t a time travel movie, it’s something much more complex.

Leading the cast is none other than John David Washington, the son of acting legend Denzel Washington. The creator star is slick and composed as a protagonist whose suitable named ‘The Protagonist’.

Filling out the rest of the cast is Pattinson, The Crown’s Elizabeth Debicki, Hindi film star Dimple Kapadia, The Italian Job’s Michael Caine and Harry Potter’s Kenneth Branagh. If that wasn’t enough star power, 28 Years Later’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins late on into the film.

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Tenet was the first Hollywood tent-pole to open in theaters during the pandemic and grossed $366 million worldwide on a $205 million budget. While that number is very far off from what Nolan’s films tend to make, it was still the fifth-highest-grossing film of the year.

Critics were unsure what to make of Tenet, presumably due to how far-fetched it is, giving it a harsh score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. It remains his worst reviewed movie.

Its critical consensus reads: “A visually dazzling puzzle for film lovers to unlock, Tenet serves up all the cerebral spectacle audiences expect from a Christopher Nolan production.”

Thankfully, the past six years have seen people finally realising that Tenet is an underrated gem. Many of them have taken to Reddit to explain why it’s a film better than its reception suggests.

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@HippieWizard said: “I LOVED IT! i understand the confusion because most people are oblivious to normal things let alone this very detailed movie.” @fullsendit added: “This Is such a unique raw film and I loved It. Did I understand exactly the time mechanics and what’s going on more than 80% of the time? Of course not far from It.”

@KlassicLoL wrote: ”Destined to be Nolan’s cult film. Don’t try to understand it, feel it.” @himzidimzi joked: “I just got done watching it. All I have to say is this. I really liked what I saw but I have no idea what exactly is that I saw.”

@Kep0a commented: “Excellent film, easily hits the same exact chords as Inception for me. Honestly they totally achieved the suspension of disbelief. I don’t care even if you hate the film a fucking car chase in reverse is the coolest thing I have ever seen.”

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France vs England – World Cup third-place play-off LIVE: Declan Rice captains Three Lions as Ivan Toney and Dean Henderson start as part of seven changes for the game that no player wants to be a part of

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France vs England - World Cup third-place play-off LIVE: Declan Rice captains Three Lions as Ivan Toney and Dean Henderson start as part of seven changes for the game that no player wants to be a part of

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Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage for the latest updates as England take on France in the World Cup third-place play-off at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

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Thomas Tuchel called out for ‘talking nonsense’ before England vs France World Cup clash

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Daily Mirror

Croatia great Davor Suker has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel for his World Cup comments ahead of kick-off against France

Croatia icon Davor Suker has taken aim at England manager Thomas Tuchel. The German head coach has received criticism following his comments ahead of the Three Lions’ third-place play-off against France.

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England take on fellow beaten semi-finalists in Miami on Saturday (10pm kick-off) looking to bounce back from their devastating exit to Argentina. Tuchel came under fire for his tactics after his side squandered a one-goal lead against the reigning champions.

Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring midway through the second-half before late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the tie on its head. A demoralised England will have to lick their wounds against a France side who were brushed aside by Spain.

However, Tuchel’s comments about the battle for the wooden spoon haven’t gone down well with Croatia as the 58-year-old took aim at the head coach.

Suker inspired the Vatreni to third-place in 1998, taking home the golden boot with six efforts.

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He said: “I think the rich don’t want to play when they lose. After 1998, when we played the Netherlands for third place, we fought for that bronze medal, and today I can still speak about it with pride.

“Some people have won so many trophies and are so wealthy that this match means nothing to them.

“My message to them is: be quiet, respect all 211 participants, and understand that the world doesn’t belong only to them. It belongs to the middle-sized nations, the smaller ones, and to everyone who loves football.

“Whoever wins third place tomorrow, I assure you that in 20 years, when they’re older, they’ll still remember that bronze medal. That’s why, in this whole story, coach Tuchel doesn’t matter. He’s talking nonsense.”

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The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich head coach caused a stir during his pre-match duties with his comments surrounding the third-place playoff.

He said: “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match. They want to play the final.

“We gave everything to achieve that. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but that’s how it is. We have one less day of recovery than France, but we will do it with professionalism.”

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Tuchel faces immense scrutiny over his future in the Three Lions hot-seat after coming in for severe criticism for their collapse against Argentina.

England were within 10 minutes of their second ever World Cup final but regressed and opted to move into a defensive shape that allowed the defending champions to capitalise and keep their hopes of retaining alive.

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Popular Cambridgeshire lido closed for second time this month due to ‘issue’

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Cambridgeshire Live

The lido will stay closed for the weekend

A popular Cambridgeshire lido has closed for the second time in just over a fortnight due to an “issue”. The Vivacity Peterborough Lido is closed on Saturday (July 18) and Sunday (July 19) due to an “issue” in the pool’s plant room.

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In a social media post, a Lido spokesperson said: “Due to an issue in the plant room, we will unfortunately be closed this weekend. We are working to rectify the situation as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have a booking this weekend, we’ll be in touch to rearrange.”

This is the second time in just over two weeks that the Lido has had to close due to an issue. On July 1, it closed for two days as an issue was identified following essential maintenance being carried out.

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Lotto winning numbers live: National Lottery results and Thunderball on July 18

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Daily Mirror

No one managed to match all six numbers in Wednesday’s Lotto draw, unfortunately.

However, two players, one in each round, matched five numbers and the Bonus Ball, bringing them £1,00,000 each.

A total of 136 players matched five numbers, bagging £1,000 each, while the 7,424 who matched four numbers won £50 each.

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More than 134,000 matched three numbers, winning £10 each, while a whopping 1,109,486 matched two numbers, winning £1 each.

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