Six fire engines are at the scene

Firefighters are battling a significant blaze which has broken out in the sand dunes at Formby Beach this evening (August 12).

The Liverpool Echo reports that six fire engines are currently at the scene on Albert Road near the coastal beauty spot.

Crews have been tackling a gorse fire ‘measuring around 300m by 300m’ since 8pm this evening.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Dramatic footage taken from a distance shows flames spreading across the dunes as thick black smoke rises into the sky.

In a statement, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said that the fire had grown in size after being ‘driven by wind’.

They said: “Firefighters continued to fight the fire in difficult conditions as the fire was being driven by wind and grew to 500 by 200 metres with multiple seats of fire in thick gorse bush and dunes.

“Firefighters are using beaters and extended hose reels to fight the fire and the service drone has been requested to gain situational awareness from height.

“A fire engine from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is also in attendance as part of mutual cross-border support arrangements. An MFRS off-road vehicle is in attendance to access the fire from the beach side of the incident.

“The main body of fire has now been extinguished and crews are checking for hot spots.”

One person who witnessed the fire in its early stages said: “The fire originally appeared to be burning in three or four separate areas, spaced apart from one another.

“We’re at Formby Point Caravan Park, and the park owners are here checking on what’s happening. We think the fire may now be moving away from us, but it has been blazing for hours.

“We were out only last night clearing rubbish from this whole area. Rage Against Rubbish is campaigning for greater awareness around BBQ and firework restrictions, as well as encouraging people to take their rubbish home with them.”

The shocking incident has happened in Pantside, Newbridge, where pictures show all five homes decimated

Five homes have been completely destroyed in a devastating fire in Caerphilly borough on Wednesday. The shocking incident has happened in Pantside, Newbridge, where pictures show all five homes decimated.

Firefighters remain at the scene late Wednesday evening, where 12 crews are battling the blaze with water bowsers and an aerial ladder platform.

It is believed there have been no casualties as a result of the fire which happened at five terraced bungalows at Hazelwood Road.

Crews were called to the scene just before 4pm on Wednesday and are urging people to stay away from the area and keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.

A statement shared by Newbridge RFC reads: “We are absolutely heartbroken to have seen the horrendous fire earlier this evening at Pantside and the devastation caused in such a short space of time.

“We cannot begin to imagine what the people affected are going through right now and our hearts go out to everyone that has been affected by such a frightening and horrendous event, and we hope that everyone is safe and well.

“Our clubhouse will be open at 8am in the morning and we can offer hot and cold drinks along with changing and shower facilities for anyone who needs it, no need to contact us or make a booking, just drop in.

“This is our community and we are only happy to be able to offer some sort of help where we possibly can.”

A fundraising page has been set up by resident Demi Stredwick to support the relief effort. She said: “There are a number of families at Pantside who have lost everything due to a massive fire that has spread through their homes and gardens.

“As a community I am praying we can get some sort of funds together to go towards anything they might need.”

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice

The Prime Minister is being warned that the plans could force young people into less regulated parts of the internet.

Young Scots have called on Andy Burnham to rethink the social media ban for under-16s in the UK. More than 150 youth organisations and young people have written to the Prime Minister about the proposed ban.

Their letter warns that the plans could force young people into less regulated parts of the internet. The letter, led by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), has been signed by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Children in Scotland, Together (Scotland) and Forces Children Scotland, among others.

The proposals were outlined by Sir Keir Starmer in June, with the former PM saying a ban could be implemented by spring 2027. Youth groups warned that if the current Labour leader moves ahead with a ban, he should work with young people to implement the change.

SYP campaigners said young people should be allowed “meaningful participation” to share their views with politicians. The letter also asks the UK Government to commit to carrying out a children’s rights impact assessment on the proposed ban before it is introduced.

Ellie Craig, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Young people know the risks that exist online and want safer online spaces just as much as anyone else, but legislation affecting millions of young people cannot be developed without properly listening to those who will live with its consequences.

“We are asking the Prime Minister to work with young people, not simply make decisions on our behalf. Our message is straightforward – we want safer social media, but we also want policies that are based on evidence, that respect children’s rights and genuinely make young people safer rather than unintentionally pushing them towards greater risks.”

The letter points to concerns that a similar ban in Australia may have led to children accessing less regulated online platforms.

Ms Craig said: “If the Government is determined to proceed with these proposals, then young people must have a seat at the table and not be an afterthought.

“What is happening in Australia can be avoided by consulting with the people who will be most affected.”

Advertisement

A study by Australia’s University of Newcastle suggested more than 80 per cent of under-16s in the country were still using social media three months after the legislation came into force in December 2025.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We ran one of the largest consultations this government has undertaken, hearing from 116,000 people, including young people, and their views have directly shaped these policies.

“Two thirds of young people responding told us they supported a minimum age of 16 for at least some social media.

“We’re continuing to listen as we finalise details, which will be published by the end of the year. We’ll keep working with young people as we implement these changes to make the online world safer.”

Advertisement

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Born in Wolverhampton, Hudson-Smith said before the championships that it would “mean the world” to land gold not only home soil, but where he first began working towards his dreams.

With his achievements since those early training sessions recognised in writing on the north stand, to Hudson-Smith’s mind there could be only one possible outcome.

He did not make it easy for himself, however.

Entering the championships as the fastest European this year, the Briton admitted he “misjudged” his semi-final after fading to second place in his heat – an error which meant he had to pursue gold from the outside lane.

Unable to monitor the early progress of his rivals, Hudson-Smith went out hard and had established enough of a gap entering the home straight to reassure the home fans that all was under control.

The European record holder over 400m, and the sixth-fastest man of all time in the one-lap event, missed out on successive global titles by mere fractions of a second at both the World Championships in 2023 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

Those stunning silvers followed the toughest period of his life, but he put three years of “absolute hell” behind him to win world bronze in 2022 as he re-established himself among the world’s best.

On the European stage, there has been no shortage of golden moments – but none will come close to this emotional full-circle moment.

Gold was secured in 44.17 seconds, with Frenchman Muhammad Abdallah Kounta next to cross the line in 44.40.

Speaking on BBC TV, three-time world heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill said: “What a moment. This will stay with Matthew Hudson-Smith forever.

“It means so much and the pressure was piled on him. Anything but a gold medal here for him would have been a disappointment.”

Police are treating the fire as arson

A fire broke out at a caravan park after police were called to “reports of violence”. Cambridgeshire Police were called to an incident at the Parkfield Caravan Park in Sandbank, Wisbech St Mary just after midday on Wednesday (August 12).

Officers were responding to “reports of violence”. The fire service also attended a fire at two caravans and two outbuildings.

A police spokesperson said: “A crime has been raised for arson and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.”

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue attended the fire at around 12.04pm. A fire spokesperson said: “At 12.04pm on Wednesday crews from Wisbech and Manea were called to a caravan fire on Sandbank in Wisbech St Mary.

“Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used hose reels to extinguish a fire involving two caravans, three outbuildings and fences. Crews returned to their stations by 2.20pm.”

The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for more information.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

Two people have died in a military helicopter crash in central Texas, officials have confirmed.

The two were pronounced dead at the scene after police responded to an emergency call at around 13:33 local time (18:33 GMT) about the wreckage in fields south of the village of Salado.

The aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at nearby Fort Hood, a major US Army base, the military said.

When officers arrived, they discovered the crash as well as a large fire that was “getting out of control very quickly”, Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and emergency response efforts are underway, the US Army said.

“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig Gen Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division.

“Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”

The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter capable of conducting armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike, and vertical maneuver missions, according to the US Army.

It seats two service members – a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position, the Army says.

Over 60 MPs have written to Andy Burnham calling on him to introduce an 18-week NHS dementia diagnosis target.

The health service is required to diagnose patients with cancer or heart disease within strict time frames but there is no such measure for dementia despite it claiming 76,000 lives a year as Britain’s biggest killer.

One in three people living with dementia in England do not have a formal diagnosis and the remainder waited an average of three and a half years before getting one.

Meanwhile, the time dementia patients must wait between being referred to a memory clinic by their GP and getting a diagnosis has increased by almost 70 per cent since 2019, soaring from 13 weeks to 22 weeks, according to the latest figures.

The cross-party group of MPs, which includes former secretaries of state, warn the prime minister risks sending ‘entirely the wrong signal’ if he fails to act.

The lack of a firm target means services could be cut back, with more patients left waiting months or years while their condition worsens, charities warn.

In some instances this could mean they become too far progressed to benefit from breakthrough drugs, which must be taken in the early stages of disease.

The MPs’ letter, seen by the Daily Mail, says: ‘With the possible advent of transformative drugs, a timely and accurate diagnosis is essential.

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP.

‘The forthcoming Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty (MSF) is the ideal place to enshrine a universal diagnosis target to bring dementia in line with other killers like cancer and heart disease.

‘While progress has been made in reducing elective care waiting times through the Government’s commitment that 92 per cent of referral-to-treatment pathways are completed within 18 weeks, dementia remains without a comparable standard.

‘Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Michelle Dyson has warned that the MSF is ‘not going to be worth the paper it is written on’ if an 18-week diagnosis target is not included.

‘We are concerned that silence on the 18-week diagnosis target would send entirely the wrong signal and leave dementia services fragmented across the country.’

Mr Burnham has tragically told how his dad is unaware he has become prime minister because he is living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ms Dyson, formerly a senior official at the Department of Health and Social Care, warned the dementia plan will not be ‘worth the paper it is written on’ after the target was removed from a recent draft despite appearing in an earlier versions.

She said the framework was supposed to be a ten-year plan to transform care for the 1million people in the UK living with the disease but she now has ‘very little confidence’ in the document because the ambition appears to be ‘extremely low’.

Ms Dyson, who made her remarks in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail last month, also accused the NHS of treating dementia patients like ‘second-class citizens’ who are simply ‘cast aside’ and typically sent home with little more than a leaflet.

Ms Dyson, formerly a senior official at the Department of Health and Social Care, warned the dementia plan will not be ‘worth the paper it is written on’ after the target was removed from a recent draft despite appearing in an earlier versions.

Advertisement

The letter to Mr Burnham was co-ordinated by Tory MP Joe Robertson, who sits on the Commons health and social care committee and is co-chair of the parliamentary all party group for dementia.

Signatories include Commons select committee chairs Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Dame Caroline Dinenage, Bob Blackman and Layla Moran plus former Secretaries of State Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Sir Andrew Mitchell, Dame Karen Bradley, and Kit Malthouse.

The Daily Mail and Alzheimer’s Society have partnered in a drive to defeat dementia.

The Defeating Dementia campaign aims to raise awareness of the disease, in an effort to increase early diagnosis, boost research and improve care.

The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged dementia has a ‘devastating impact’ on people living with the condition and on the families who care for them.

It added: ‘We want everyone affected to be able to access high-quality, personalised support.’

The dress was £35.99 but is now £21 in the retailer’s sale

New Look has slashed the price of a midi dress praised by fashion fans as ‘ideal for summer evenings’ and ‘cool to wear’.

The Blue Striped V-Neck Midi Dress was £35.99 at the retailer but has been discounted to £21 – a saving of 42%. The dress is made from 45% viscose, 40% cotton, and 15% linen.

The product description on the retailers website reads: “For elevated casual style, opt for this blue striped midi dress. With a V-neck and side slip pockets, it fastens with a row of pearlescent buttons down the front.”

Features of the dress:

• Material: woven
• Fit: slim
• Length: midi
• Colour: blue/cream
• Neckline: V-neck
• Sleeves: short sleeves
• Pockets: side slip
• Fastening: pearlescent button front
• Design: stripes, elasticated back

For an alternative option, you might want to check out the Sleeveless Textured Jersey Midi Summer Dress from Next. It’s available in ecru white for £30, or pink stripe for £32. The retailer states it’s ‘designed with bra-friendly straps’.

Meanwhile, M&S’s Linen Rich Lace Insert Strappy Midi Shift Dress is £50 and is marked as ‘popular’ online. This option is cut in a regular fit, with a scoop neck and a button-through front.

The Blue Striped V-Neck Midi Dress from New Look has received an overall rating of 4.1 out of five based on 10 customer reviews.

One happy shopper said: “Lovely quality cotton summer dress that fits well and is super flattering. Size is spot on and it washes well. A lovely classic piece that won’t date and looks great with neutral coloured sandals and bags.”

Another buyer added: “Gorgeous feel to the fabric which is very cool to wear. Excellent quality and finish. Fit perfectly and the length is just right.”

“Washed and ironed well even though some linen content. Quite roomy. I normally wear size 14 but with this dress the size 12 was a much nicer fit”, a third stated.

However, someone else noted: “The body of the dress is far too big and long compared to the skirt of the dress. Shame as I really liked it.”

Another added: “Too long. I need to have it shortened by 10cm.”

But on a more positive note, a different shopper said: “Beautiful dress. Very smart. Ideal for the summer evenings.”

A further happy buyer stated: “Great fit and length. Dress up with heels and accessories, looks good.”

You can check out the Blue Striped V-Neck Midi Dress on the New Look website here.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Where can you score 12 points for killing a Russian soldier in a drone attack, 20 for damaging a tank and up to 50 for destroying a mobile rocket system? Not on the latest video game, but rather through Ukraine’s Army of Drones Bonus (ADB) programme.

Launched shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, before being revamped in 2025, the ADB programme is where points win prizes. Military units can use the points and virtual tokens they have accrued to buy drones and other frontline equipment to use in the conflict from the Ukrainian government’s Brave1 website.

By August 2025, military equipment worth over US$5 million (£3.7 million) had been delivered via this marketplace as digital rewards for “playing” ADB. The scheme has since extended to reconnaissance and logistics operations, while capturing a Russian soldier now grants ten times more points than killing one.

The ADB programme is an example of what researchers call the “gamification” of war – where video game-like features are integrated into military training and combat operations. Ukraine’s former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who was removed from his post in July, has said “motivation” is a key rationale for the ADB programme.

“When we change the point values, we can see how motivation changes,” he stated in 2025. Ukraine’s government has described the ADB programme as “delivering results”, with submitted video evidence confirming nearly 820,000 Russian targets were hit in 2025. Increased numbers of Ukrainian military units are also now participating in the competition.

Other schemes in this conflict have also used elements of video game design. These include Play for Ukraine. Developed by Ukrainian IT specialists in 2022, this scheme is designed in the form of a numerical puzzle game where every move a player makes helps stage a cyberattack against Russian government and media websites.

As players make moves in the game, Play for Ukraine sends requests to targeted Russian servers. They eventually become overwhelmed, causing websites to slow down or crash. Play for Ukraine’s developers say 2,048 players had helped attack more than 200 Russian websites in the first month of the scheme alone.

Gamification is neither exclusive to Ukraine or war. Our own research on the gamification of citizenship shows how mobile apps use digital rewards, points and leaderboards to incentivise good civic behaviour, such as picking up litter, recycling and community volunteering.

For example, since launching in the UK in 2021, over 10 million items of litter have been logged as binned through the LitterLotto app. Every time a person takes a photo of themselves binning litter, they earn entries into cash prize draws. The Equiwatt app also encourages UK citizens to reduce their energy usage at peak times in exchange for gift vouchers and points while competing on leaderboards.

Gamification is a popular feature of many other mobile apps too, such as Duolingo and other digital learning platforms. These apps commonly use streaks to maintain user consistency, as well as points to help users climb weekly leaderboards and progress to higher levels. The point scoring used in modern digitised warfare is a darker side to this trend.

Whose lives count?

As well as helping entrench video game features on the battlefield, the ADB programme highlights the role of foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict and the complexities of whose lives “count”. It is well known that both Russia and Ukraine have been recruiting foreign nationals to fight in the war.

This has sometimes been state sponsored. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, recently warned that the North Korean government was sending as many as 50,000 soldiers to fight with Russian forces in Ukraine. Foreign fighters have also been recruited by more unofficial means.

Russia has set up a global network for recruiting foreign nationals, targeting economically, socially, legally vulnerable people from countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Cuba and Kenya. The means used to recruit these people have ranged from enticement through high salaries to deceit and coercion.

So the “Russian” personnel worth 12 points for Ukrainian troops are not always Russian. Foreign fighters are also often the ones who are used as human shields, as one Bangladeshi recruit described it in a 2026 interview with DW, a German broadcaster, or pushed to the front while the Russian troops stay behind. Even in a warzone where lives are not valued, some remain less valued than others and are therefore more likely to be killed.

The theme of gamification has continued despite these extreme conditions. Some Bangladeshi soldiers fighting in Ukraine have created huge online followings, ranging from several hundred thousand people to around 1 million, by vlogging from the frontlines. They share live videos of combat from a first-person point of view, narrating everyday life in battle and providing often dramatic footage of drone attacks and near misses.

Warfare itself is clearly changing. But whether gamified or not, the lives that are lost are very much real.

Millions of people across Europe and the UK witnessed the most significant solar eclipse since 1999 on Wednesday.

For the UK, more than 90% of the Sun was covered by the Moon, whereas in some parts of Europe, a rare total eclipse could be seen.

BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh was in Burgos, Spain, and said he got goosebumps from the spectacle.