Put 150g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 30g good-quality cocoa powder, 150g soft light-brown sugar, 2 tsp instant espresso powder, 175g room-temperature butter, 3 lightly beaten large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 50g melted and cooled dark chocolate into a mixer or a food processor with a pinch of salt (or use an electric hand whisk – just make sure the bowl is big enough otherwise the ingredients will fly everywhere when you start to beat them). Beat or whizz everything together until combined. The mixture should drop softly off a spoon. If it’s too stiff, add 2 tbsp milk.

Lance Corporal Joe Spencer died after a fatal gunshot to the head at the Tain Air Weapons Range.

A “misfire” by a sniper rifle could have caused the death of a tragic soldier who died after a fatal gunshot to the head while waiting to go on a firing range in the Highlands, an inquest has heard.

Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, 24, from Hampshire, was killed on November 1, 2016 when an L115A3 sniper rifle fired a round while he was taking shelter from the rain at the Tain Air Weapons Range.

Colour Sergeant Gordon Smart, of 2 Scots The Royal Regiment of Scotland, told the Winchester inquest that he was a safety supervisor on the day of the horror incident.

He said L/Cpl Spencer was sheltering from the rain in an Iso shipping container with colleagues as they waited to go back on to the firing range.

Sgt Smart explained that he heard shouts of “man down” and ran to the shelter where he found L/Cpl Spencer’s body lying on the floor with a rifle underneath him.

He said one of the soldiers, Christopher Leveridge, told him it was his “fault” because he had bumped into him.

He said: “Everyone came out of the Iso, one of the students came out saying ‘That was my fault’, sounds harsh but I kind of grabbed him and he said ‘I bumped into him and then it went off’.

“He was really white, shaking, just shock, I told him it wasn’t his fault.”

Sgt Smart said that he had “speculated” to police at the time that a rifle could discharge a round when knocked if a round had “misfired” earlier.

He explained that a “misfire” meant that the firing pin had not struck the round properly, leaving the round in the chamber, and said that if the rifle was knocked in these circumstances a round could be fired without the trigger being pulled.

He said that a “misfire” where a round had not been discharged had happened “six or seven times” on the range but the round was then ejected from the chamber by the soldier before carrying on with the exercise.

Sgt Smart added that any misfired round should have been ejected from the chamber by a soldier coming off the range as they should carry out an “unload drill” twice to ensure no bullets remained in the rifle.

Sheriff Gary Aitken ruled in a fatal accident inquiry released in December 2024 that the incident was partly due to L/Cpl Spencer’s “utterly inexplicable failure” to unload his rifle properly following a live fire exercise.

The sheriff added that his death could have been avoided if he had not been “holding his rifle vertically in close proximity to his body during the undemanded discharge”.

Sheriff Aitken also pointed to failures in the way the training course had been delivered, saying that if the “correct words of command to carry out the unload drill” had been given, the incident could have been avoided.

The inquest, being heard by a jury of five women and six men, continues.

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Talking to kids about sensitive subjects like war can be difficult but it’s worth doing so if they are at risk of hearing about it elsewhere

As tensions in the Middle East intensify, so too do concerns about the situation. The US and Israel have conducted airstrikes in Iran, and the conflict is spreading into neighbouring nations, with missiles launched at a British airbase in Cyprus.

For those caught up in the violence and attacks, it’s unimaginable – and for those watching from a distance, the feelings of fear and helplessness can be overpowering. For children, who have a more limited understanding of what’s happening, this can be even more frightening.

Hearing terms like ‘bombing’ and ‘World War Three’ without fully grasping what’s occurring is concerning for everyone, and it doesn’t pass our little ones by. An expert has offered her input on the situation and how to speak about it with youngsters.

Hypnotherapist, psychotherapist and mentor, Tania Taylor said: “Children are like sponges; they’re absorbing everything. Whether it’s on the news, someone talking to the shop checkout lady, parents chatting in the playground, or a TikTok video, much of what they are hearing, especially once at school, is out of your control.

“And sometimes, external factors (for example, Kevin in the playground telling everyone that World War Three is starting and we’re all going to die) can provoke more of a fear response.” Even very young children may be more conscious of what war is than we might realise.

Tania says: “Many children have been exposed to adults or older siblings playing war-type computer games or watching YouTube influencers play such games on their own or a friend’s mobile phone or tablet. So, terms such as ‘bombing’ might not be as unfamiliar to our children as we might think.”

So, it’s worth contemplating your choice of words around younger children. But what’s the best way to explain the current situation to the children in your life? And how can you alleviate any worries whilst also handling your own?

How to approach the subject

As parents and carers, we might feel our role is to provide them with all the information and keep them up to date. However, this method can occasionally leave youngsters feeling overwhelmed, Tania explains.

She says: “Children tend to be really good at spontaneous questioning. If they want to know something, they’ll ask.”

But if they do enquire, or you believe they require some explanation or comfort, it’s crucial to consider how you’re feeling first.

Tania advises: “First of all, you need to consider your own state of mind in relation to what is going on and how much information you would personally like to give your child.

“This is important as even if you are led by your child’s questioning, you begin with at least some self-awareness of how you are feeling and where you want to go with it.

“If you are particularly anxious about it all, it may be that you choose to wait until a time when you’re feeling less anxious to talk about it. Or perhaps having a discussion with another important adult in your child’s life, who can talk to your child instead, like a teacher or grandparent.”

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Tania proposes that you might want to begin with a general question, such as ‘have you learned about wars at school?’, and then pay attention to your child’s answer.

She added: “What you’re doing here is enabling your child an opportunity to talk about something which they may not realise they can talk about.

“If your child isn’t interested, they’ll tell you so, and there’s no need to push the conversation. If they go on to hear something at school, they’ll know you know about it, and be more likely to approach you with any questions.”

It’s always wise to let children know that if they have any queries, they can come to you.

What can parents do and say to explain but not frighten?

Discussing the distance between the UK and ongoing events can be useful, Tania suggests.

She explains: “As much as we don’t want to normalise war, it is something that has been happening at varying points across the globe for the whole of your child’s life. Knowing this can help to reassure your child that the chance they will be directly impacted is quite minimal.

“Although they may want to talk to you about the people who are directly impacted. Keep language age-appropriate and be led by your child.

“Taking action, such as getting in touch with a charity organisation that may accept shoebox-type gifts, is a really good way of showing your child that although this is happening far away, there are still small actions we can take to give our support.”

Active listening

Tania also recommends a technique called ‘active listening’, which parents can use if their child is interested and wants to know more.

She says: “What you are doing here is paying full attention to your child throughout the entire conversation, disregarding distractions, and concentrating solely on listening to your child’s words.

“Listen to their queries, and don’t provide more information than they’re asking for. We humans have a tendency to overshare, which isn’t necessarily beneficial in this situation.”

And if you’re unsure of all the answers to their questions, don’t hesitate to admit that you don’t know.

Tania further advises: “Perhaps you can spend time searching for information together, or maybe you feel more at ease saying you’ll find out and inform them later.”

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin has been rebuked online after he appeared on Fox News Monday and mused on the “smell of war,” despite never having served in the military himself.

Mullin, a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee, was discussing the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran when he channelled his inner Lt. Col. Kilgore from Apocalypse Now (1979), who famously relished “the smell of napalm in the morning.”

“War is ugly,” the senator declared authoritatively. “It smells bad. If anybody has ever been there and been able to smell the war that’s happening around you and taste it and fill it in your nostrils and hear it, it’s something that you’ll never forget.

“And it’s ugly. And fortunately, you have President [Pete] Hegseth. Sorry, Secretary Hegseth… That has got a great relationship with President [Donald] Trump and President Hegseth’s been there and he’s done that.”

Despite accidentally elevating the defense secretary to the presidency twice, it was Mullin presuming to speak for U.S. soldiers that sparked uproar.

open image in gallery

Veteran and activist Charlotte Clymer reposted a clip of his comments on X (Twitter) and told the senator, “Sir, you were 24 on 9/11. You were 25 when the U.S. illegally invaded Iraq. You were 28 when I enlisted after high school.

“You didn’t serve. You were an able-bodied young man who chose to inherit your daddy’s business instead of serving. You need to shut your f***ing mouth.”

The Angry Staffer account responded to the same clip with the comment: “Periodic reminder that Mullin was a rancher before he was elected to the Senate. He has no idea what war looks, smells, or tastes like. But he’s fine with sending your kids to die for it.”

Also reacting angrily was the campaign group VoteVets, which said: “Sen. Mullin probably thinks war smells like Mountain Dew, couch cushions, and control sweat because Call of Duty is the closest he’s ever been to war.”

A number of other commentators unkindly shared a photograph of Mullin allegedly attempting to hide from the would-be insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, mocking his record of “brave service.”

Trump also angered some veterans over the weekend over his apparently flippant attitude towards the first U.S. troops killed in the skirmishes, which he described as “the way it is,” leading to criticism from Democrats like Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Reps. Jason Crew and Pat Ryan, who found the phrase callous.

In a separate appearance on Fox Business Monday, Mullin fumbled again when he confused Iran with Iraq.

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“It’s up to the Iraqi people or, I’m sorry, the Iranian people to choose their next go… their next leader,” he said.

“It’s up to them to rise up and kick this regime out of place. If they do not, then they will be with a different leader, but the same regime.”

The senator was echoing Trump’s call for the Iranian public to rise up and overthrow their oppressive government, saying the airstrikes represented a unique opportunity that might not come again.

Mullin has previously offered a somewhat inconsistent stance on Iran, telling CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in January: “Even though we’re not into regime change… If that leadership is going to kill their own people, the president said we’ll come to your rescue.”

A month later, he told the same network: “If it takes us removing the ayatollah from keeping the nuclear program from moving forward, then that’s not off the table, but we would prefer diplomacy.”

Mullin last week attracted attention for sparring with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders at a confirmation hearing for Trump’s nominee for surgeon-general, Dr. Casey Means.

The GOP member was incensed when the veteran leftist teased him for making long-winded remarks about the importance of scientific inquiry.

A number of services between Manchester and destinations across the Middle East have been affected as airlines respond to the developing situation in the region.

Passengers are being urged to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.

In a statement on its website, Manchester Airport said: “We advise passengers to check the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

“Passengers currently abroad who are unable to travel home should contact their airline for guidance on the support and assistance available.

“Passengers travelling to the Middle East area are advised to regularly check with their airline before leaving for the airport.”

The airport said many passengers travelling between the UK and the Middle East are currently facing disruption and stressed that airlines are expected to minimise the impact by keeping customers informed and providing appropriate support.

What are your rights if your flight is cancelled?

According to Manchester Airport, under UK passenger rights legislation, different rules apply depending on where you are travelling from and which airline is operating the flight.

All flights leaving the UK are covered by UK passenger rights laws.

This means airlines must either, get you to your destination, including arranging an alternative flight (known as re-routing), or provide a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

If you choose not to travel after your flight is cancelled, the airline must provide a refund within seven days.

If you still wish to travel, your airline is legally required to arrange an alternative flight at the earliest opportunity or at a later date that suits you, subject to availability.

While you wait, the airline must provide care appropriate to the delay, including meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation if necessary.

However, the airport warned that during periods of major disruption, particularly if airports close at short notice, re-routing may be challenging and delays in getting passengers home are possible.

If an airline fails to offer suitable care or replacement flights, passengers are advised to keep receipts for reasonable expenses and seek reimbursement.

Passengers flying into the UK on UK or EU carriers are also covered by similar protections. However, different rights may apply if the flight is operated by a non-UK or non-EU airline, such as some services from Dubai or Doha.

Travellers are advised to check directly with their airline.

Passengers who booked a package holiday may have additional protections.

If cancellations or major changes mean the original package cannot be provided, travel companies must offer a suitable alternative or a full refund.

Will passengers receive compensation?

Although airlines can be required to pay fixed compensation in some cases, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has indicated that disruption directly caused by the situation in the Middle East is likely to be classed as “extraordinary circumstances”.

In such cases, passengers are unlikely to be entitled to fixed sum compensation.

However, this does not affect their right to refunds, re-routing or care.

The CAA said its interpretation of “extraordinary circumstances” is guidance only and that individual cases depend on specific facts.

Passengers who disagree with an airline’s decision can still pursue a claim, including through the courts.

Manchester Airport is continuing to advise passengers to check Foreign Office travel guidance and confirm their flight status with their airline before travelling.

Travellers can view the latest government advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Robert Cruickshank, 41, was left with life-changing injuries after George Paterson, 66, smashed into his vehicle during a botched overtake in Aberdeenshire.

A dad who was left in a coma after a driver ploughed into him in a catastrophic collision has slammed his “cushy” sentence.

Robert Cruickshank, 41, was left with life-threatening injuries after the horror incident in Peterhead in Aberdeenshire on October 26, 2024.

George Paterson, the driver of the other car involved, collided with Cruickshank following a botched overtake on the A950 Mintlaw to Longside road.

Paterson, 66, who may be suffering from early signs of dementia, escaped a jail term when he was sentenced at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Tuesday. Instead he received a 167-hour community payback order and was banned from driving for 14 months.

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Former car mechanic Robert was placed into an induced coma for five days. He lost four teeth and suffered a broken right leg, two broken knees, a broken nose, a broken jaw, a broken cleft palate, multiple skin lacerations, and had teeth fragments embedded into his skull.

The father-of-three, from Peterhead slammed the “lenient” sentence and said his life has been changed forever.

He said: “This man has forever changed the course of my life. My physical injuries have been so severe that I can’t do things I used to – my body literally doesn’t work properly anymore.

“I have not been able to return to work since the crash. I had to alter the layout of my home due to mobility issues – my friends even had to build me a make-shift ramp to get in and out of my house.

“I even still have a pieces of my own teeth embedded in my skull. I can feel the painful shards each time I chew and I’ll likely need more surgery to remove them. So Paterson getting a ban for a year or so and a few hours of cushy community service – what is that?

“I think there really needs to be further discussion about considering the rights and reflections of the victims of these incidents, and not simply debate what to do with the offenders.”

The court heard Paterson’s defence agent claimed his client did not drink alcohol before the collision but revealed it was possible that he may be suffering from early signs of dementia.

Paterson had pledged never to drive again as a result of the collision. The two injured women who were passengers in Paterson’s car also reportedly cut ties with him since the crash.

Digby Brown Solicitors is now helping Robert with a road traffic accident claim against Paterson. It is understood a six-figure legal action will help Robert recover lost earnings while securing access to enhanced medical treatment to improve his future recovery.

A spokesman for Digby Brown said: “What happened to Mr Cruickshank was truly life-altering but as with many road collision cases it was also completely avoidable. We will therefore continue to fully support our client and ensure he gets the recognition he deserves and the means to a more positive future.”

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The health service issued advice for families with young children on its official website

Parents are advised to follow a ‘rule’ at certain times of the day, according to the latest NHS guidance on its website. The health authority’s website includes advice on sunscreen and sun safety for people living in the UK, including guidance for families to follow from March onwards.

The month marks the beginning of spring, with the Met Office explaining that meteorological spring begins on March 1 and astronomical spring begins around March 20 in the UK. The change of seasons marks longer days and warming temperatures.

As such, NHS advice to ‘spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest’ comes into force. The NHS says: “In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Make sure you spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.”

Parents are also advised to ‘take extra care with children’. Emphasising the importance of protecting children from the sun, the NHS shares specific guidance for families with babies and children.

What does the NHS say about sun protection for children?

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The NHS website states: “Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life. Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.”

The advice continues: “From March to October in the UK, children should:

• cover up with suitable clothing
• spend time in the shade, particularly from 11am to 3pm
• wear at least SPF30 sunscreen

“Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.” If children go swimming, the NHS adds that it’s important to use water-resistant sunscreen and reapply it straight after getting out of the water, as water washes sunscreen off.

How can parents protect children’s skin?

Cancer Research UK says parents can help look after children and teenagers in several ways. Advice on the charity website explains: “Sun safety is important at all ages. The best way to protect adult or children’s skin is to use a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen.

“Remember, sunscreen doesn’t give complete protection from the sun. It always needs to be used together with shade, clothing, a hat and UV protection sunglasses. Apply sunscreen regularly and generously, using a minimum of SPF 30 and a 4 or 5 star rating.”

The guidance continues: “Sunscreen should not be used on babies under 6 months old, so think about shade and covering them up with clothing. The NHS recommends that babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.

“Children and teenagers might need a reminder or a helping hand when it comes to sun safety. But setting a good example yourself is a great way to help them learn how to be safe in the sun.”

Mexican gang boss “El Mencho” was buried in a shiny gold coffin as heavily armed soldiers guarded his funeral.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a shoot-out with the Mexican army as government forces raided his mountain compound.

A service was held for the 59-year-old on Monday on the outskirts of the country’s second city of Guadalajara, with enormous floral wreaths and a huge military presence seen at the cemetery.

Dozens of mourners followed the procession, many carrying black umbrellas despite it being a sunny day, and a band played ‘banda’ music, which is popular in the Sinaloa region.

Cervantes and two of his bodyguards died after they were wounded in a military operation by Mexican special forces ‌with “intelligence” from the US used to track him to his hillside villa hideout.

He later died while being flown to a hospital in Mexico City for treatment. The death certificate said Cervantes suffered bullet wounds to his chest, stomach and legs.

After an autopsy was performed, his body was returned to his family on Saturday, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Mexican authorities have not officially revealed the location of Cervantes’s burial for “security reasons”, but an official confirmed his final resting place to The Associated Press.

Security around a nearby funeral home had been stepped up in recent days, with flower arrangements seen arriving without a name. Some were in the shape of a rooster, a possible reference to Cervantes’s nickname – the “Lord of the Roosters”.

Cervantes death on 22 February sparked violence across 20 states in Mexico, which left more than 70 people dead.

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‘El Mencho’ killing triggers violence

Cartel henchmen blockaded highways by burning cars and torched businesses, with tourists in Jalisco’s popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta told to shelter.

The military operation was launched following mounting pressure on Mexico from Washington to intensify an offensive ‌against drug gangs blamed for producing and smuggling fentanyl into the US.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the Trump administration earlier last month.

Read more from Sky News:
Cuba’s days ‘are numbered’, Republican warns
Inside Mexican drug lord’s final hideout

The burials of drug lords in Mexico have historically been surrounded by mystery and legend.

Within hours of Cervantes’s death, there were already ballads, known as narcocorridos, circulating about his killing.

In the neighbouring state of Sinaloa in Culiacan, there is a cemetery known for its luxury crypts and mausoleums for one-time kingpins like Ignacio Coronel – an old associate of Cervantes’s – and Arturo Beltrán Leyva.

Another drug lord was famously killed twice – Nazario Moreno, leader of the Knights Templar cartel – who authorities claimed died in 2010, only for him to be gunned down in reality during a shoot-out with police in 2014.

Sometimes the bodies disappear, like in the case of Heriberto Lazcano, a leader of the Zetas, whose body was stolen in 2012.

Earl’s Day & Night Deli, on the corner of Chorley Old Road and Whitecroft Road in Heaton, appears to have been attacked on the evening of Sunday March 1.

CCTV footage shows what looks like a masked man pulling up outside the deli on an e-bike before throwing three bricks through the window.

Co-owner Jonny Eckersley said: “If anyone has any information as to his whereabouts, where his bike could be, or if you’ve seen a kid without their usual school bag today, give us a shout.”

The deli released CCTV footage of the attack and images appearing to show the man in the act of throwing the bricks.

It also appeared to show him reaching down onto the ground to pick up the bricks before throwing them again, which Jonny jokingly described as the man’s “dance moves”.

He said: “It sort of looks like your uncle trying to get a pound coin off the dance floor at a wedding.”

The images released by the deli show the extent of the damage done, with a glass door window and two others having been smashed and glass strewn across the floor.

The attacker appearing to pick up a brick (Image: Earl’s Day & Night Deli)

The attack happened after the deli was closed and fortunately no injuries were reported because of it.

The CCTV and still images of the attacker show what appears to be a young man with his face fully covered and a mask on.

He is shown wearing a black jacket with the hood up, with dark grey trousers and black trainers while sat on an e-bike.

Glass was left strewn on the floor (Image: Earl’s Day & Night Deli)

More distinctively he also appears to have been wearing a Marvel Avengers branded rucksack turned round to the front of his body.

A bright green Incredible Hulk and a blue Captain America are displayed prominently on the bag.

Anyone who thinks they may recognise the attacker or who may have any information about the incident can message Earl’s Day & Night Deli privately through their Facebook page.

Witnesses can also call Greater Manchester Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“We are also working with airlines on increasing capacity out of Muscat for British nationals, with priority for vulnerable nationals, and a Government charter flight will fly from Muscat in the coming days, prioritising vulnerable nationals, but British nationals in Oman must wait to be contacted by the foreign office regarding these options, and we will continue to work 24/7 on supporting British nationals in the region.”