Omed Pirot, 31, Sardam Ebrahimi, 28, and Shahab Husseini, 25, are accused of taking part in violent disorder

A brawl between two rival barber shops spilled out into the street in front of stunned onlookers as punches and kicks were reigned down on the participants, a court has heard. Some of the men allegedly involved in the brawl are accused of using weapons including a wrench.

Omed Pirot, 31, Sardam Ebrahimi, 28, and Shahab Husseini, 25, are alleged to have become involved in an incident of violent disorder between two barbershops, Marmaris Barbers in Blackwood and Kurds Barbers in Newbridge. The three defendants are accused of taking part in the melee along with 13 others in Blackwood High Street in front of innocent bystanders including children.

A trial at Newport Crown Court on Monday heard Pirot, from Marmaris Barbers, was planning on opening a new shop in Newbridge which was “not received well” by staff at Kurds Barbers. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The court heard at around 2.30pm on February 13 last year four cars were driven from Newbridge to Blackwood and pulled up outside Absolutely Fabulous hairdressers on the High Street. In his opening to the court, prosecutor Nuhu Gobir said: “The two factions then meet up on the street and a large-scale fight erupts.”

Customers at Absolutely Fabulous described seeing a group of men involved in a scuffle outside. Staff at the hairdressers were “frantic and scared” the men would get in as they pushed up against the windows of the salon.

Tracey Baker, a Gwent Police station enquiry officer, was driving through the high street when she saw a group of men fighting. She said: “There was no individual that stood out to me as being the main aggressor and all the males present were acting aggressively towards each other.”

Mair Bradshaw was a passenger in a car driving past when she saw what she described as “two gangs fighting one another” and said they were “all as bad as one another”.

Reading a statement on Ms Bradshaw’s behalf, Mr Gobir said: “There was no individual that stood out to me as being the main aggressor and all the males present were acting aggressively towards each other.”

After multiple 999 calls were made and reports that “five people had been stabbed”, police officers attended Marmaris Barbers and spoke to five people allegedly involved in the incident, three of which had visible injuries.

CCTV footage was obtained from Blackwood High Street as well as footage filmed by witnesses and posted on social media. Several pairs of scissors were also retrieved from the street.

Pirot was taken to hospital with a serious head injury and was found to have suffered a fractured skull. When interviewed Pirot denied using unlawful violence and said he was acting in self defence.

Ebrahimi confirmed he worked at Marmaris Barbershop in Blackwood and said a lot of people came to the shop but he was not involved in the argument or the fighting. He said he went outside and picked up a spanner and put it in his pocket to stop anyone using it. The defendant said he put this in the shop and denied unlawfully assaulting anyone.

Mr Gobir said: “However, after being shown CCTV footage of him punching someone who was looking away, he gave a ‘no comment’ interview. The prosecution says that was not self defence but unlawful violence.”

Husseini told officers his friend had bought a shop in Newbridge and had problems with people threatening him. He said he had just finished with a customer when his boss walked outside and when he next looked a brawl was taking place. The defendant said he was “fearful for his friends” and his actions were in self defence. He denies stabbing anyone.

Concluding his opening, Mr Gobir said: “The prosecution case is that this was a disturbance in which all the defendants have played a part in the fighting that took place or in continuing and escalating the nature of the violence.”

Identifying the defendants’ alleged involvement in the brawl, the prosecutor said Ebrahimi threw a punch at another man and was seen to pick up an object from the floor.

Husseini was said to have been seen taking a weapon to an unknown male and making “overhead slashing movements” at him.

Pirot was said to have been involved in fighting with another man before being hit to the head and falling to the floor. It was then said he threw a punch towards another man and took part in “brawling” across the street.

Mr Gobir added: “The prosecution case is unlawful violence was carried out. No one is acting in self defence, the defendants could have easily removed themselves from that situation but instead they stayed there and enthusiastically got involved in the fighting.”

Pirot, of High Street Pentwynmawr, Ebrahimi, of Raglan Court, Newport, and Husseini, of Clarence Street, Pontypool, have all pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and affray. The trial continues.

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Conan O’Brien says there was a pivotal moment that made him realize the drastic changes coming to the talk show industry — and it came with a side of hot sauce.

The legendary comedian and former talk show host recounted his 2024 appearance on Hot Ones — the viral YouTube show hosted by Sean Evans where celebrities are interviewed while eating spicy chicken — in a feature published Monday by The Hollywood Reporter.

After learning that his Hot Ones episode had logged more than 15 million views since its release, O’Brien realised how the industry was changing.

“That was the moment the scales fell from my eyes,” he told THR. “If a guy can do World Series numbers with overhead that looked, to me, to be about $600, and you have every big star lining up to do his show or Chicken Shop Date … that’s when I profoundly understood that late night shows are in trouble.”

O’Brien’s 28-year career in late night TV included hosting Late Night with Conan O’Brien from 1993 to 2009, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien from 2009 to 2010, and Conan from 2010 until he decided to step away from the TBS show in 2021 in favor of a streaming series on HBO Max.

Late night talk shows have undergone massive changes and controversy over the past few years — in part due to the changing media landscape that often highlights influencers and video content over journalists and broadcasting, and also in part due to fears about the government’s interference with free speech on major networks.

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O’Brien continued, “I’m of the mind that yes, these shows are going away and will become something else. But I don’t like when other malign forces intervene, because they’re trying to curry favor. That pisses me off.”

In September, after Disney pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off air following comments that Kimmel made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, O’Brien spoke out to defend Kimmel, saying: “The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and the promise to silence other late night hosts for criticizing the administration should disturb everyone on the right, left, and center. It’s wrong and anyone with a conscience knows it’s wrong.”

The statement came as a rare venture for O’Brien, who has long said he prefers to leave political commentary to other comedians, even criticizing comedians who centered their acts around anti-Trump barbs.

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The former Saturday Night Live writer is next scheduled to host the Academy Awards for the second year in a row Sunday after his debut was received well by critics and viewers.

Chloe, assistant to her father, Michael, arrived back at Denton Hall stables, near Darlington, this afternoon (Monday) after managing to get on a flight out of Bahrain with a dozen staff from other racing yards.

Chloe left the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club mid-afternoon on Sunday but when she got to the airport, the air space was closed to all flights due to a missile attack.

She told how she watched drones being intercepted and blown up in the sky overhead.

Her flight was eventually cleared for take-off and she landed at Heathrow this morning after a six-and-a-half hour flight before catching a train back to Darlington.

“I’m just glad to be back home after such a long journey and a scary couple of weeks since the conflict started,” she said.

Chloe’s father, Michael, praised the Bahrain racing authorities for their care of the British contingent, and for keeping everyone informed about what was happening.

“It’s a huge relief to have Chloe home and we thank them for doing a great job in difficult circumstances,” said Michael.

Chloe had flown out to Bahrain to manage two of the yards best known horses, Commanche Falls and Northern Express, who travelled to the Middle East in December.

Both horses ran three times in Bahrain, with Commanche Falls finishing runner-up twice, and Northern Express being third.

The horses – both multiple winners in England – had been scheduled to run again at the end of the last week but were withdrawn in the interests of safety.

The horses are now being cared for by a Bahraini groom until flights can be arranged to get them back to England.

“The authorities over there are working on it and they’ll hopefully be home soon,” added Michael.

Chloe had to hurriedly vacate her apartment in Seef last week after a nearby residential area was struck by a missile. She initially moved into a jockeys’ house 20 minutes out of the city before the Bahrain authorities arranged more permanent accommodation in a safer area for the British staff.

Despite the ordeal, Chloe hopes to go back to Bahrain in the future. “Obviously, it wasn’t the way I wanted it to end but, up to the conflict starting, it was a great experience. I was with a great bunch of people and I’ve made new friends.

“Hopefully, things will settle down as soon as possible and I’d do it again given the opportunity,” she said.

In the meantime, Chloe has been getting reacquainted with the horses at Denton Hall, especially her personal favourite, Roaring Ralph, who has won twice while she’s been away.

And the she’ll be straight back to work – riding out first thing in the morning!

The latest comes as hundreds of Brits are desperate to get back home amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East

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Several major airlines have issued new travel advice for people in Dubai as the Iran war rages into another week.

Since February 28, parts of the Middle East have been plunged into a war zone as Iran launched retaliatory attacks in the wake of US-Israel’s joint missile strike on the country.

Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain have been targeted by Iranian drones, forcing flights to stay grounded due to security risks and the threat of drones in the airspace. Thousands of Brits have since been stranded and eager to get home as the war escalates while Dubai has shot up the ranks on the UK government’s ‘no travel’ list – unless it is essential.

Airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have now issued fresh travel advice. While some services are gradually resuming, many routes will remain suspended or at least operating on reduced schedules, reports The Express.

The Foreign Office said: “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).” The UK government also warned: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.”

Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways – latest

Dubai-based airline Emirates said it has begun operating a reduced flight schedule after parts of regional airspace reopened.

A spokesperson said: “Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.”

Meanwhile Etihad Airways, is operating limited flights to London Heathrow and Manchester from Abu Dhabi, but also warned that “all other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended.”

Qatar Airways is operating one flight a day to and from London Heathrow to Doha, however “scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace”.

European airlines response

Virgin Atlantic did restart its flights from both Dubai to the UK. However, a recent 16-hour flight, dubbed the ‘flight to nowhere’, was forced to return to London Heathrow which led to the airline scrapping flights until the end of the season (March 28).

Meanwhile, British Airways is currently unable to operate services to Dubai and has instead been running limited flights from Oman to London.

Passengers booked on British Airways flights to Dubai before March 15 have been offered the option to change travel dates free of charge or request a full refund.

Air France has cancelled flights between Paris and Dubai until March 10, saying operations will resume only after a new safety assessment.

KLM has suspended flights to Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until March 10 and is avoiding several Middle Eastern airspace corridors due to security concerns.

Lufthansa has paused flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 10, with several other Middle East routes also temporarily suspended.

Most tour operators are allowing Brits to cancel Dubai holidays for a full refund after the destination was placed on the UK’s “all but essential travel” list.

Travel firm Loveholidays has cancelled all trips departing to Dubai, or via Dubai, up to March 15 and is issuing full refunds.

Customers with Emirates flights until March 31 can also cancel for a refund, while holidays using Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled until the same date.

The company has also paused selling Dubai holidays until May, although June departures remain on sale.

Meanwhile TUI said customers due to travel to the UAE within the next week will be contacted to discuss their options.

On the Beach has also cancelled UAE holidays temporarily and is offering affected travellers a full refund.

It was the end of an era on Sunday (March 8) as the High Row department store closed its doors to shoppers after more than a century in the town. 

The store was due to shut in April – but earlier last week it emerged that the final day had been brought forward to Sunday with just days’ notice. 

Yesterday, sad pictures from inside of the Binns building – which is also now up for sale – showed empty shelves, storage boxes and unclothed mannequins as bargain hunters tried to find a last minute deal before the deadline. 

And while the store is now closed to the public, pictures taken today show how the store’s interior has already been gutted. 

Removal vans can be seen parked on High Row while teams in high-vis jackets work inside, with the ground floor now largely empty and metal containers full of rubbish visible. 

The reason for the closure still remains unknown – with Frasers Group refusing to comment on the news despite numerous attempts from The Northern Echo. 

When the closure date was confirmed as Sunday, John Taylor, director of Parker Barras and agent of the owner, said: “I have had no further contact with House of Fraser to confirm what they are doing. Our thoughts go out to the staff”. 

The closure comes weeks after the Binns building was put up for sale for an undisclosed fee as an “incredible investment opportunity”. 

Last November, plans were approved to split the building into six individual shops in a bid to “keep options open” for the future. 

There are indicative drawings for the upper floors to be transformed into 73 apartments with a gym and remote working space, or alternatively office space.

John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London, Jonathan Ganesh, a 1996 London Docklands bombing victim, and Barry Laycock, a victim of the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester, all allege that Mr Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA on those dates, including of its Army Council.

The latest edition of Rightmove’s Most Expensive Streets report reveals currently the most expensive roads to reside in Wales based on average asking price.

The analysis is based on Rightmove’s market leading data, with the UK’s largest choice of homes for sale and rent, and includes streets where at least five homes have been available for sale across January this year.

The address that is top of the list of Welsh streets has an average asking price of over double the next road on the list; Hollybush Road in the leafy and considered exclusive Cardiff suburb of Cyncoed. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

The average asking price on Hollybush Road, according to the property website, is £1,237,500 with the next road placed at number two, Llanrwst Street in Conwy, recording a £583,745 average price.

According to Rightmove Hollybush Road is the most expensive street in Wales based on Rightmove’s criteria and data.

Along the winding, tree-lined road there are massive detached properties – a mix of period and modern – hiding behind huge gates. But anyone wanting to add the Cyncoed section of the street to their address details will need a budget just as big as the houses.

The road sits at the centre of Cyncoed and features numerous substantial properties set within extensive grounds on the hilly terrain behind imposing electric gates, though the area also provides more affordable family homes and flats.

The suburb, which lies within walking distance of Roath’s lively shopping and dining streets, falls within the catchment area of some of the capital’s finest schools and offers convenient access to the city centre and the M4.

Perhaps the most significant factor driving up property prices in Cyncoed is the area’s prestigious reputation within the capital and its varied housing stock spanning period properties to modern builds.

Mike Watkins, from Mr and Mrs Clarke estate agency, highlights that the street boasts a “wonderful mix of older homes with character alongside some impressive newer builds – many of which have swimming pools and are in the catchment area for Cardiff High School“.

He adds: “The street has a lovely leafy feel, with mainly detached houses that give you plenty of privacy.”

The area also includes the beloved Roath Park pleasure gardens, lake and parkland – an iconic destination in the capital that attracts regular visits from local residents as well as people from across the city.

James Thomas, from Savills Cardiff, also highlights the proximity of Cardiff golf club, which he describes as “one of the finest golf courses in south Wales”, and the nearby Lisvane and Llanishen reservoir offering additional options for outdoor activities.

Considering the UK as a whole, Winnington Road in Barnet, London, retains its top-spot position as 2026’s most expensive street in the UK with an average asking price of £12,538,095.

East Road in Elmbridge, Surrey, is the most expensive street outside of London and is the only street outside of London in the top 20. Drumsheugh Gardens in Edinburgh (£560,000) is the most expensive street in Scotland.

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Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert says: “Britain’s most expensive streets always capture the nation’s attention and this year we see the return of Winnington Road in north London as Britain’s most expensive street based on asking prices.

“In fact, this year’s top 20 is taken up almost entirely by London addresses, showing the city still reigns supreme when it comes to ultra-prime property.

“For buyers looking for prestigious roads outside of the hustle and bustle of London, Elmbridge in Surrey is flying the flag for the rest of the country as the only area outside the capital to make the top 20 list.”

For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.

The arrests include three men charged in connection with a serious assault of a man following the match.

Nine people have been arrested following disorder connected with the Scottish Cup quarter final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.

There was mayhem at Ibrox on Sunday when fans from both teams invaded the pitch.

Sickening scenes saw flares fired into the midst of fans, while supporters, police officers and those working at the stadium came under attack.

A steward was seen being carried from the pitch, believed to have been injured in the chaos, and a number of people were pictured receiving medical treatment.

Celtic striker Tomáš Čvančara, who scored the winning penalty for his side, was interviewed for TV wearing a blood-stained shirt. He had been photographed intervening in an incident on field.

A member of Celtic’s coaching staff was also reportedly attacked.

There was also violence outside of the stadium following the game.

Three men, aged 54, 23 and 20, have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match. The men are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

A number of officers and members of the public were injured during the scenes which took place on the pitch at the end of the match. Items, including pyrotechnics, were thrown and a 10-year-old child was struck by a coin.

A 54-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a police assault. He was released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on a coach and player at the end of the match. He was also released to appear at a later date.

There were also other arrests in relation to a number of offences including abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct. Vandalism and graffiti within the stadium are also being investigated.

Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander said: “These were utterly disgraceful scenes and must be condemned by everyone involved in football and the wider society.

“No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences.

“Several officers and members of the public, including a child, were injured as a result of what unfolded. This is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour.

“It begs the question, does someone need to be critically injured or worse before this behaviour is treated with the seriousness it deserves?

“Policing will play its role in addressing these issues but it requires collective action by a number of organisations with whom we are currently engaging.

“Crucially, however, I would also call out the need for individuals who see fit to behave in such a despicable manner to take personal accountability. No game of football should be overshadowed by the behaviours of a few.”

Police Scotland say a “robust” investigation is ongoing and the force is working with both clubs as well as the Scottish Football Association as enquiries continue.

Chief Superintendent Croft added: “A policing enquiry team has been established today to investigate all incidents pertaining to the quarter final fixture and I would appeal to any member of the public who has information which may assist those enquiries to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.

“I want to give my assurance that our investigation will be very thorough, and further arrests will be made in due course. For those involved in this kind of disorder, the message is simple: it is not a question of if, but when we will identify and come looking for you.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team. The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) can be accessed here.

Improvised explosive devices thrown during protests outside New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home are being investigated as an act of “ISIS-inspired terrorism”, police said.

The city’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, said the explosives could have caused serious injury or death, and were hurled during clashes between two rival groups on Saturday near Gracie Mansion.

Two men were arrested in relation to the homemade devices that were thrown during an anti-Muslim demonstration led by the far-right activist Jake Lang, which also attracted a larger group of counter-protesters.

In a statement to reporters on Monday, Mr Mamdani named the two suspects as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, and said they had travelled from Pennsylvania.

“They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism. There is video of these two individuals throwing two devices towards the protest,” he added.

Ms Tisch said there was no apparent link to Iran or the war, but her officers were working with federal prosecutors and the FBI and “this is being investigated as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism”.

She declined to say more about why authorities believe the suspects were motivated by the Islamic State terrorist group.

Two homemade devices, which did not explode, were thrown during the “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” protest, and a third suspicious device tested negative for explosive material, she said.

At least one of the devices contained TATP, a dangerous and highly volatile homemade explosive.

Police have also been searching two locations in northeastern Pennsylvania in relation to the two suspects.

Four other people were arrested in connection with the disturbances on Saturday, including a suspect who deployed pepper spray and three others for disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.

Later the next day, investigators found another suspicious package in a car a few streets from the mayor’s Gracie Mansion in Manhattan’s East End Avenue, and a Honda Civic was towed away.

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Mr Mamdani, a Democrat and the first Muslim to become New York mayor, and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not at Gracie Mansion at the time of the protest.

On Sunday, Mr Mamdani condemned Mr Lang’s demonstration but said the violence ​that followed it was more disturbing.

A person linked with Mr Lang’s protest was one of the arrested suspects and charged with reckless endangerment, assault and unlawful possession of a noxious matter after allegedly macing counter-demonstrators, police said.

Mr Lang was previously charged with assaulting an officer with a baseball bat, civil disorder and other crimes before being pardoned as part of Donald Trump’s sweeping act of clemency for defendants connected to the January 6 riots in Washington DC.