Symptoms of meningitis include high temperature, severe headache, vomiting and confusion

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A junior school pupil has become the fourth person to contract meningitis in Reading, following the tragic death of a child last week. The child is among a group of students who contracted Meningitis B (MenB), including teenager Lewis Waters, from The Henley College in Oxfordshire, who died last week.

The Mirror reports two further patients being treated for the infection are pupils at separate schools in the area. They are Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre.

Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading.

“This fourth case has links with the same wider social network as the other cases, where measures, including antibiotic prophylaxis, have already been implemented.”

The individual, whose age has not been revealed, is a pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School and is recovering well, Dr Mearkle added.

“The risk to the wider public remains low and this case is not linked to the incidents in Kent or Dorset,” she said.

Sixth form pupil Lewis Waters “fought hard” after catching meningitis but developed sepsis and tragically died last week “within a few hours of feeling a bit ill,” his father Sean said.

In a social media post on Sean Waters paid tribute to his son and wrote: “Words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we’re going through.” He added: “[Sean] fought hard and was really taken care of by the ICU [Intensive Care Unit] team, but they just couldn’t save him.”

He said his son was “funny, sociable and kind-hearted”, and “loved his sisters, friends and family dearly”, adding: “Life won’t be the same for many of us now that he’s gone.”

The latest cases of meningitis in Reading follow a major outbreak in Kent that killed two people and left more than a dozen others needing hospital treatment in March.

Eighteen-year-old student Juliette Kenny tragically died on March 14 following the outbreak in Kent – just a day after she first started showing symptoms of meningitis.

Juliette was a year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, and was described by her father Michael Kenny as “fit, healthy and strong” before her death.

An unnamed 21-year-old University of Kent student also died in the outbreak in March.

Meningitis can affect anyone but babies, young children, teenagers and university students are considered among the groups most at risk due to close contact in schools, nurseries and shared accommodation.

Symptoms can appear suddenly and in any order, according to the NHS, but some symptoms may not appear at all.

They include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain and a rash that does not fade under pressure.

Police have cordoned off an area in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens following reports of a suspected stabbing, with witnesses reporting multiple people allegedly injured

A major armed police operation has descended on Manchester City Centre following reports of a ‘suspected stabbing’.

Greater Manchester Police sealed off an area near Superdrug in Piccadilly Gardens on Tuesday evening, May 19.

A police helicopter was also hovering overhead for at least forty minutes, reportedly hunting for those involved.

Witnesses have claimed that multiple people had been stabbed, though this has yet to be confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.

A male was spotted being rushed into an ambulance as the city centre saw a massive emergency services presence.

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With roads shut and cordons established, medical debris can be spotted scattered on the ground with bloodied bandages visible inside the blue tape.

CID officers also arrived at the scene.

Manchester Evening News have contacted Greater Manchester Police for further comment.

Lee Andrews’ mum Trisha has issued a heartbreaking plea to the ‘kidnapper’ for his return

Lee Andrews’ mum has made a heartbreaking appeal to the “kidnappers” she believes may be holding her son captive. The Dubai-based businessman married former glamour model Katie Price in January, just a fortnight after the pair first met, and the couple have rarely been out of the spotlight since.

Late last week, Katie and Lee were scheduled to appear together on Good Morning Britain for what would have been their first joint TV interview, however Katie was left to face the cameras alone after Lee failed to board a flight from The UAE.

Katie has had no contact with her husband since Thursday, and his location has remained a mystery ever since. As the days passed, she insisted he had been kidnapped, and a missing persons report was subsequently filed.

Now his mother, Trisha, has spoken out, pleading: “Please bring my son back.” Katie had initially claimed in a video shared on social media that Lee was in a van with “ties around his hand when she last spoken to him.

When asked whether she believed her son had been kidnapped, Trisha told The Sun: “I don’t know, he could have been. I’ve not seen the video. I don’t know the laws out there but I wouldn’t have thought they’d use cables. Wouldn’t they put handcuffs on?”

Trisha, who works as a travelling medium performing readings, also suggested her daughter-in-law shares “too much” on social media. She added: “I think she’s exploiting in general, that’s what I meant She’s always putting things on [social media] isn’t she? As I said, I get on with Katie. She puts too much on [social media].”

Trisha went on to claim Lee has been living in Dubai for over 20 years, with her last visit to him being approximately six years ago, and she hasn’t seen him since he was last in the UK around 2022.

Throughout the ordeal, Katie has been swift to hit back at those suggesting the entire situation is nothing more than a publicity stunt, the Mirror reports.

In a recent video, Katie faced the camera and opened up about how difficult she was finding things. She said: “Hey everyone, I’m here to do an update about Lee. This is a really difficult time for me at the moment. It’s been five days since I’ve heard anything from Lee. None of his family have heard anything, his dad is out in Dubai and he’s heard nothing.”

She revealed Lee had been reported missing to the British Embassy – with the Foreign Office confirming they are “supporting the family of a British man” – and her “anxiety levels are sky high”.

Katie then made a heartfelt plea to her followers, continuing: “If there’s anyone in Dubai or you know anyone in Dubai and you spot him or see him… I don’t know because I don’t know where he is. Because the last thing I know, his hands were tied and he had a hood over his head and he was in the back of a van.”

The star also expressed her gratitude to those who have shown their support, including fans, family and friends. “All I can do is look after myself and my head and get on with each day as I can,” she said.

“Because I still have to get on with life. I want to thank everyone for their kind messages. I’m a tough girl. I’m a survivor but I’ve never been in a situation like this.

“No one needs to worry about me, I always keep my head mind body and soul in check as I have done for a long time but it’s just the unknown and the anxiety because I just don’t know where he is. It is distressing.”

Massie, who has been in office since 2012, broke with Trump by voting against his “big, beautiful” tax and spending legislation last year over concerns about the national debt. He has also voted to curtail Trump’s attacks on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and his ongoing war in Iran.

However, Arsenal have since won four Premier League games in a row to fight back from that wobble and celebrate a title triumph for the first time since the famous ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003/04 under Arsene Wenger, with the Champions League final against holders Paris Saint-Germain to come in Budapest on May 30.

Police rushed to the scene to alleged reports of a ‘stabbing’

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A huge armed police response has rushed to Manchester City Centre after reports of a ‘suspected stabbing’.

Greater Manchester Police cordoned off an area near Superdrug in Piccadilly Gardens on Tuesday night, May 19.

A police helicopter was also circling for at least forty minutes, reportedly searching for those involved.

Witnesses have reported that multiple people had been stabbed, however this is yet to be confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.

A male was seen being rushed into an ambulance as the city centre gained a huge emergency services presence.

As the roads are closed and cordons are in place, medical debris can be seen left lying on the floor with bloodied bandages inside the blue tape.

CID officers also attended the scene.

Manchester Evening News have approached Greater Manchester Police for further comment.

The market is free to attend and open to all ages

Work is underway ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend for the return of the Belfast Spring Market.

On the grounds of Belfast City Hall, over 70 traders will once again be offering a great selection of products from across the globe during the five-day market event.

The market will once again offer food enthusiasts, families, and everyday explorers the very best international cuisine, artisanal products, and handmade goods, operated by the team behind the famous Belfast Christmas Market.

READ MORE: Belfast Spring Market to bring over 70 traders to grounds of City Hall this Bank Holiday weekendREAD MORE: Bouncy castles, face painting, mud kitchens and more on offer at free family fun day in South Belfast

The market is free to attend and open to all ages.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “Traders sell a vibrant mix of global street food, artisan crafts and unique gifts.

“Visitors can enjoy a delicious range of international flavours, including spicy Mexican burritos, mini Dutch pancakes, freshly cooked paella and savoury continental pastries.

“The market also has a wide selection of arts, crafts and handcrafted goods. Browse original artwork, colourful flowers and artisan products, including handmade soaps and locally produced items.”

When is the Spring Continental Market in Belfast?

Traders will be showcasing an array of tantalising flavours from across the globe and unique handcrafted gifts, during the five-day event, which will open to customers from Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25.

What are the Spring Continental Market Belfast opening hours?

The Spring Continental Market at City Hall runs from Thursday 21 to Monday 25 May and will be open from:

• Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
• Sunday 12noon – 6pm
• Monday 10am – 6pm

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter

He allegedly told police outside the gates to 10 Downing Street that he had a bomb in his rucksack

A man charged over an alleged bomb hoax outside the gates to 10 Downing Street has denied the offence in court.

Stephen Abbott, 59, allegedly told police he carried a bomb in his rucksack while he stood in Whitehall outside the gates to No 10 on October 15 last year, a court has heard.

Abbott pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to a single charge of communicating to police information which he knew or believed to be false, with the intention of inducing in that person or any other person a false belief.

Prosecutor Rizwan Amin told the hearing: “The agreed facts are that Mr Abbott attended the gates at Downing Street, shouting, protesting. In short, he was alleged to make comments about Tony Blair and subsequently claimed to have a bomb in his rucksack.”

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring told the hearing the case was “clearly not suitable for summary trial”. “It should go to the Bailey given its profile,” he added.

Abbott, of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is to appear at the Old Bailey on June 16. He was granted bail on condition that he does not go within 100 metres of Downing Street.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced legislation Tuesday that seeks to force President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iran war, as a growing number of Republicans defied the president’s direction on a conflict that has spanned well over two months.

Since Trump ordered the attack on Iran at the end of February, Democrats have forced repeated votes on war powers resolutions that would require him either to gain congressional approval or withdraw U.S. troops. Republicans had been able to muster the votes to reject those proposals, but Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy — fresh off a primary election loss in which Trump endorsed his opponent — switched sides.

The 50-47 vote tally showed that a small but growing number of Republicans are willing to challenge Trump on the Iran war, even though the effort may not advance much further. Three Republicans were absent Tuesday and their votes would be enough to defeat the measure, if they maintain their stance on the war.

Still, the vote showed how Republicans are increasingly uneasy with a conflict that shows no signs of ending, is stuck in a fragile ceasefire and is causing rising gas prices in the U.S.

“Republicans are starting to crack, and momentum is building to check him,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement after the vote. “We are not letting up.”

Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska had all previously voted for similar war powers resolutions and did so again Tuesday. Cassidy supported the legislation for the first time, while Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was again the only Democrat to vote against it.

After his primary election loss last week, Cassidy returned to Washington defiant. He said he was proud of his work to uphold the Constitution and would carefully consider how he would vote on several priorities of the Trump administration going forward.

Trump’s grip on the Senate Republican Conference is potentially slipping after Cassidy’s primary loss, as well as the president’s decision Tuesday to endorse Republican Sen. John Cornyn’s primary opponent.

“While I support the administration’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury,” Cassidy said on social media.

“Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified.”

House will also vote on war powers

Across the Capitol, the House is expected to vote on a similar war powers resolution Wednesday, and Democrats are bullish about their chances of passing it. Another war powers resolution barely failed in the House last week, the vote ending in a tie.

Even if Congress eventually passes legislation to compel Trump to withdraw from the conflict, it’s not clear that he would comply. To circumvent requirements of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the White House has claimed that it has technically ceased “hostilities” with Iran because there is a ceasefire.

Trump this week said he ordered preparations for an attack on Iran on Tuesday, only to call it off to give allies in the Gulf more time to work out an agreement with Iran.

“Peace negotiations are stuck and so day after day after day grocery prices climb, gas prices climb,” Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said in a floor speech.

Lawmakers want more information on Iran war

On Capitol Hill, patience is clearly running out for a war that Trump launched without congressional approval.

Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota said he is supportive of Trump’s decision to go to war, but that more Republicans are growing concerned about a long-term plan. The administration may have to go into more detail about that, Rounds said.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 “does provide an avenue for that discussion and debate to occur,” Rounds said.

He said he believes it’s not the right time to do that, and he would rather “stand strong with the president” at this point. “But I think a number of our members maybe just feel like it’s time to have the debate.”

Earlier this year, Republican senators voted to advance a war powers resolution on the conflict with Venezuela and compelled the Trump administration to make its case to Congress for the military campaign.

A handful of GOP senators forced a final vote on legislation to withdraw from the conflict. Two of the Republicans — Sens. Todd Young of Indiana and Josh Hawley of Missouri — ultimately flipped after Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to a public hearing about the administration’s Venezuela strategy.

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Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

Here’s everything that the EFL have had to say:

“An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.

“In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges.

“The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.

“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.

“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.

“Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.

“The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course. The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.”