A woman and three children have died in a house fire on Merseyside.

Six fire engines were at the scene at the height of the blaze at the semi-detached property in Stone Square in Bootle, Sefton, at 03:45 BST.

Eight firefighters searched the house where they discovered four people in an upstairs bedroom who were showing no signs of life, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said.

Another casualty, who was outside the property when crews arrived, was taken to hospital.

Officers from Merseyside Police are also at the scene and a joint investigation with the fire service into the cause of the blaze is under way.

The North West Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team also attended the scene of the fire and confirmed the four fatalities.

Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle confirmed the “intense fire [had] spread very rapidly”.

The street was cordoned off by police and, earlier, fire officers could be seen knocking on neighbours’ doors.

One said: “I heard shouting in the early hours but I just thought someone was having an argument, then I came downstairs and saw all the fire engines.”

Another local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We all came out on the front and we could see smoke coming over from the houses.

“The sirens woke me up and there were fire engines in the street.”

The fire service said the main blaze had been extinguished with crews damping down the area.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon joined fellow Liberal Democrat MPs Victoria Collins, Sarah Olney and Lisa Smart in urging the Prime Minister to fast-track the AI Bill promised in the 2024 King’s Speech and convene an emergency AI summit.

In a letter, the MPs said the government should build on the King’s previous warnings about the “existential” risks posed by AI if the technology falls into the wrong hands.

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“This technology isn’t going to wait for Whitehall’s usual timetable, and neither should we” (Image: Supplied)

Mr Gordon said: “Lib Dem colleagues are right to push for this, and I back them wholeheartedly.

“The government promised an AI Bill in the King’s Speech back in 2024. We’re still waiting.

“An Emergency AI Summit would force the pace. This technology isn’t going to wait for Whitehall’s usual timetable, and neither should we.

“I’d urge the Prime Minister to act on this without further delay.”

A government spokesperson said the UK recognised the need to ensure its approach keeps pace with “rapidly evolving” AI technology.

They said: “These risks cross borders, so we are working closely with the companies developing the most advanced systems, and with our allies and international partners.

“That includes building a rigorous, scientific understanding of the capabilities of the most advanced AI systems and the risks they pose through our AI Security Institute.”

‘The government must take action’

The AI Security Institute is a government research body responsible for evaluating safeguards for advanced AI models.

Concerns intensified after leaders of xAI, Anthropic and OpenAI called for greater global co-operation, including between the US and China, as well as independent oversight to ensure AI models remain aligned with human values and were kept under human control.

The MPs have called on the Prime Minister to fast-track an AI Bill promised in the King’s Speech in 2024 and convene an emergency AI summit in response to calls from AI leaders about the risks associated without regulation (Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins said in the letter: “When the people building this technology, who have every commercial incentive to press ahead, tell us they are afraid of what they are building, the government must take action.”

They argued that the UK was in a “unique position” to bring together nations as a global technology leader and trusted international partner.

Mr Gordon said: “I’ve just spent months sitting on the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into AI regulation, hearing evidence on exactly this.

“The picture that emerged was stark: AI is already being used to profile people, screen job applications and scan people’s faces in public without consent – and when it goes wrong, people have no real way to challenge it or get redress.”

In response, a government spokesperson said: “We should not assume that the existing framework will always be sufficient as AI capabilities develop.

“Any future measures will be evidence-based and focused on whether they will make the British people safer, and as the AI Minister has set out: nothing is off the table.”

Subway’s first town centre store will finally open its doors this week, on Thursday, September 24, after months of work on the new unit.

The store has been fitted out at 43 Dalton Way, in the former Carver Residential estate agents.

Dalton Way in Newton Aycliffe where Subway is opening (Image: GOOGLE)

Work on the new Subway progressed in July, with electrical work completed and the unit being fitted out.

The Northern Echo previously reported the store was expected to open by the end of July, after plans initially targeted a May 2026 opening at the beginning.

Newton Aycliffe town-centre bosses confirmed the opening date on Facebook.

In its latest Facebook update, town-centre bosses wrote: “That unmistakable Subway smell…

“That’s right… The bread is baking, the toppings are waiting, and we’re getting very close!

“Subway Newton Aycliffe is nearly ready to open its doors!

“And because we know you’re curious (we are too), keep your eyes peeled tomorrow for a little sneak peek behind the scenes.

“We’ll be showing you what’s been going on behind the scenes as they get everything ready for opening day on Thursday!

“Not long now… the countdown is on.”

File image of a Subway (Image: UGC)

Subway is known for its made-to-order sandwiches, salads and freshly baked bread, with customers able to choose from a range of fillings and toppings.

The new store is the first Subway to open in Newton Aycliffe town centre.

Subway was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca teamed up with family friend Dr Peter Buck, who invested $1,000 to launch a submarine sandwich shop.

Before the Newton Aycliffe launch, the nearest Subway branches were in Darlington and Ferryhill.

A Co Down road has been closed in both directions following a suspected chemical leak.

Emergency services are currently at the scene on the Steps Road in Magheralin.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The Steps Road in Magheralin is currently closed in both directions due to a suspected chemical leak. Please seek an alternative route for your journey at this time.”

The NIFRS said: “We are currently dealing with a hazardous incident involving gas on Steps Road, Magheralin, Lurgan. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.”

Follow our live blog below for updates and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

“Whether you’re commuting, meeting friends or exploring the city, cycling is often one of the quickest, most convenient and most affordable ways to get around. By offering a 50 per cent discount on a Santander Cycles Monthly Pass, we’re making it even easier for more people to experience the benefits of cycling.

As Microsoft confirms almost 300 new job losses across Xbox, the chances of Ninja Theory surviving the bloodbath have decreased dramatically.

Just as the rumours suggested, Microsoft has announced another new round of layoffs across all of its Xbox studios, with Rare and Halo being put under the control of Activision, and Bethesda taking responsibility for Obsidian Entertainment.

All of that will entail job cuts of various amounts, but at least the studios will continue in some fashion. British studio Ninja Theory may well not be so lucky though, as Microsoft has not been able to find a buyer for the company, which is best known for the likes of Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey To The West, DmC: Devil May Cry, and Hellblade.

According to Microsoft, two separate attempts to sell off Ninja Theory have fallen through and they will now, ‘begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward.’ That leaves a sliver of hope that they could be saved but it doesn’t look good.

Although Hellblade has never been a big seller, a third entry in the series was recently announced, with analysts suggesting the early announcement, without a release date, was done specifically to make the company seem more desirable to potential buyers.

Ninja Theory was also thought to be an attractive purchase because of their high quality motion capture studio, but it may be that the asking price was too much.

There’s no indication of who was interested in buying them, or why the deals fell through, but Microsoft’s statement makes it sound like they’ve all but given up now.

This is all part of the big ‘reset’ of Xbox, initiated by new boss Asha Sharma, that will see 3,200 staff laid off before July 2027. 1,600 went this July, so with 268 losses today that still means 1,332 more people at Xbox are going to lose their jobs sooner rather than later.

The only positive to come from the mass layoffs is that studios Compulsion and Double Fine have successfully returned to being independent companies, although the latter, at least, has had to lay off staff itself, in order to keep going.

As part of today’s announcements, Undead Labs was also announced as having gone independent, having apparently secured a publishing deal with an unnamed party. It’s unclear if that means State Of Decay 3 will now be a multiformat release, but Microsoft is boasting that it will be a day one Game Pass title.

Meanwhile, the fate of Dishonored and Deathloop Arkane Studios, who are supposed to be working on Marvel’s Blade, remains uncertain. Since they’re based in France, they have stronger labour laws protecting them and Microsoft states only that ‘consultation’ is expected to ‘continue through the end of the year.’

It’s unclear what will result from that but the chances of them continuing on as before, without either being shut down or folded into another company (most likely Bethesda) seems remote.

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GBBO presenter Alison Hammond reportedly lost 11 stone over five years. She has described how a pre-diabetes diagnosis and advice from her late mother motivated changes to her diet and exercise routine

The Great British Bake Off fans are excited that the Channel 4 show is back tonight (September 22) for series 17. Nigella Lawson is joining the tent as a permanent judge, with a fresh group of amateur bakers preparing to put their skills to the test.

The chef and food writer succeeds Dame Prue Leith, whose nine-series stint ended when she stepped down earlier this year. Fans also have a brand-new spin-off show to look forward to alongside the main competition.

However, a familiar face that is returning is presenter Alison Hammond, who has co-hosted alongside Noel Fielding on GBBO for three years. Observant viewers may have noticed that the 51 year old This Morning star appears considerably slimmer these days, having dropped an impressive 11 stone over the past five years.

Here we examine Alison’s remarkable weight loss journey in detail – from her approach to her reasons.

Weight loss transformation

Alison has shed between 11 and 13.5 stone over a five-year period, reducing her weight from 28 stone at her peak to approximately 15–17 stone.

She accomplished this impressive transformation through sustainable lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular personal training sessions, rather than turning to drastic measures or weight-loss medication.

Heartbreaking reason she lost weight

The popular TV presenter was motivated to begin her health transformation after receiving a concerning pre-diabetes diagnosis. Her late mother, Maria, who lived with type 2 diabetes, also urged Alison to address her weight shortly before she died in 2020.

“I’ll never forget when my mum was really ill in hospital,” Alison shared during a segment on This Morning. “She looked at me – she’s never commented on my weight my whole life-and she said, ‘Alison, don’t end up like me; try and sort out your weight.’”.

Methods she used to shed the pounds

Alison has been vocal about avoiding weight loss injections such as Ozempic or Wegovy, stating she preferred a more traditional approach.

The presenter focused on sensible eating habits. Rather than cutting out whole food groups, she embraced a “cutting back, not cutting out” approach.

She dramatically reduced her sugar intake and made portion control a priority.

She also kept up regular strength and personal training sessions. The broadcaster began working out up to four times each week with a personal trainer.

Rather than forcing herself through gruelling cardio sessions she loathed, she focused on achievable, short strength-training workouts and Reformer Pilates.

Alison also stressed lifestyle modifications over the bathroom scales. She emphasised that her biggest success was bringing her blood sugar back to normal levels and reversing her pre-diabetes, rather than hitting a specific number on the scales.

Boost to her online confidence

Followers have noticed that Alison now posts content with a renewed sense of self-assurance on Instagram. While she has always been cherished for her bubbly and captivating personality, her recent social media presence demonstrates a notable shift towards celebrating her strength, wellness accomplishments, and fashion sense.

The presenter’s posts have garnered tremendous praise from fans and celebrity friends alike, who say her refreshed look is “oozing confidence.”

Rather than hiding her health and fitness journey, Alison regularly posts videos of herself working up a sweat, lifting heavy weights, boxing, and taking part in Reformer Pilates sessions. She uses her platform to openly credit her personal trainers and wellness coaches for the profound impact they have had on her life.

Her social media feeds are equally packed with striking “glow-up” photographs. Her styling team consistently shares collections of images capturing her looking utterly radiant at red carpet events, dressed in towering heels and sophisticated gowns or sleek black mini-dresses that beautifully highlight her 11-to-13-stone transformation.

Mirror Political Editor Lizzy Buchan writes in from New York…

Andy Burnham is gearing up for his biggest test yet on the world stage – a prime time sit down with Donald Trump.

But the Prime Minister seemed relaxed and ready last night for his foray into the lions den with the US President.

On the plane from London last night, he endured a 40-minute grilling from journalists on everything from the US relationship to the Budget but still joked that he was disappointed no one had asked him about TV star’s Danny Dyer’s rant about him.

This trip is a marked contrast from the last time I watched a PM meet the mercurial US President.

Tensions were sky high when Keir Starmer travelled to meet Trump in the Oval Office last year.

The PM and his team were calm but steely, using all their time to prepare for every possible grenade the US President could lob their way. In the end, Starmer pulled off his charm offensive but the whole trip felt extremely high stakes.

Burnham is a different kind of politician. He seems to enjoy the job of PM in a way that Starmer never did, taking this sort of test in his stride.

He will be well prepared for whatever Trump throws at him – but his team seem quietly confident that he can charm Trump enough to get through it unscathed.

We’ll know soon enough if his strategy works.