DRONES are making illegal incursions over the UK’s military and civilian nuclear sites at a rate of three a week amid escalating tensions with Russia. 

Sightings of unmanned craft above critical infrastructure and sensitive security sites since January are already higher than the previous two years.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) told The Mail on Sunday 100 sightings were made over nuclear facilities or nuclear objects, such as submarines, between January and August of this year.

In comparison, it dealt with 69 similar incidents in the whole of 2025 and 47 the year before that. Going back further, the numbers recorded in 2020 stood at just 18.

Professor Anthony Glees, a security expert at the University of Buckingham, said it is ‘common sense’ to assume Russia is behind the rise. 

He added: ‘The obvious explanation for the increase in drone spying of our nuclear facilities is to gain intelligence useful to an enemy planning an attack on the UK, which would be the harbinger of a general war in Europe against Nato.’

While he believes Russia is the main antagonist behind the rise, he also said China and Iran could be involved in a bid to determine the UK’s ability to defend itself.

The scale of incursions comes after a report earlier this year claimed Russia was spying on Britain’s nuclear weapons.

The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) reported that drones targeted the Lakenheath and Mildenhall bases in Suffolk, RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk over four days in 2024.

The devices were launched from a Kremlin spy ship, the HAV Dolphin, sighted off the coast of Humberside at the time.

The security crisis resulted in specialist British troops being deployed to the bases to intercept the Russian spy drones.

Professor Glees said that while some drones are launched from ships, there are suspicions Russia and Iran are using ‘human agents’ to launch the devices as well.

He said this could even include Brits being paid to betray their own country. He added: ‘We don’t think they have any ideological attachment to Putin’s regime.’

The nuclear-specific incursions are among 340 security incidents involving drones at or near Ministry of Defence sites in the UK in the year up to August 2026.

However, military chiefs have refused to reveal the number recorded over each type of site or object and also withheld information over how many related specifically to Scotland – home to the Faslane naval base where Britain’s nuclear deterrent is housed. It said providing this information could pose a national security risk.

Launching the IISS report earlier this year, the think tank’s security expert, Charlie Edwards, said: ‘Russia has demonstrated, repeatedly, that it can penetrate the airspace of NATO members – including over nuclear sites – without triggering a collective allied response.

‘That gap between capability and political will is now a strategic vulnerability.’

The lack of any action in the face of Russia’s probes comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces criticism over plans to invite Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Manchester. Ministers do not believe Putin will attend in person for fear that the British courts will uphold an International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

But critics warned that the presence of a high-level Russian delegation in the UK would send a signal that relations are being normalised, handing a propaganda coup to the Kremlin.

Russia is known to use a variety of drones in its surveillance operations

A UK Government spokesman said Russian participation in G20 meetings is ‘regrettable’ but added that it is a matter for member states who represents them at summits.

Last month, it emerged Mr Burnham was warned that Britain faces Russian retaliation over its support for Ukraine.

Security experts have told the PM to be prepared for a ‘direct response’ from Putin.

Discussing what steps the UK should take to counter the threat, Professor Glees said: ‘Andy Burnham should say, loud and clear, that from now on, any Russian ship launching drones to overfly sensitive UK military and defence industry sites will be destroyed.’

He suggested tactics such as anti-drone nets, which Russia is using over its refineries, could also be used as well as jamming them electronically.

He added: ‘We are facing a real and present national security threat and it is time Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stopped talking nice. He needs to call these incursions out for what they are, hostile spy operations, and act hard and fast to stop them.’

An MOD spokesperson said: ‘We take the rising threat posed by hostile drones extremely seriously.

‘We are committing £790 million to strengthen protection from drone and missile threats and have established new restricted airspace areas over 44 critical defence sites, extending to over 160 further sites in the autumn.’

In spite of the news, three current City players – Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson – started for England as they were beaten 3-2 by Spain. James Trafford also started between the sticks after leaving the Etihad to join Leeds in the summer, while another summer exit in Rodri, now of Barcelona, got the nod in midfield for Spain.

A total of 24 people have been issued with fines

More than 20 people have been fined after they were caught fly-tipping next to charity donation banks. The rubbish was found in the recycling bank area in the Cambourne Morrisons car park, outside Home Bargains.

The site has been a hotspot for repeated dumping involving bag of unwanted items being left next to the banks when they were full. Other items including vacuum cleaners, TVs, mattresses, furniture, and child seats have been chucked next to the recycling bank, none of which could be recycled there. The charity banks have now been removed.

Now, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Envirocrimes Enforcement Team has taken action, issuing 24 Fixed Penalty notices for fly-tipping, littering, and ‘duty of care.’ Eleven cases are continuing to be investigated.

The Council’s Envirocrimes Enforcement Team is now carrying out visits to charity and recycling bank sites across South Cambridgeshire – speaking with people using them and giving advice. The aim is to help keep these areas clean and tidy, identify any emerging problems early, and work with site operators to reduce the risk of waste being left beside the banks.

The council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Laurence Damary-Homan, said: “We know people in Cambourne were frustrated by rubbish being left beside these bring banks and it is an issue nationally. Most residents use them responsibly, they provide income for good causes, and they’re a convenient recycling option.

“But leaving items next to full bring banks or dumping unwanted goods is fly-tipping and is simply not acceptable. If there is no room in a container, please take your items home and return another day or use a Household Recycling Centre. If they get misused, they’ll be removed as we’ve seen in Cambourne.

“Our officers investigate to identify those responsible wherever possible, and we will continue to issue fines and pursue prosecutions where we can. At the same time, our Envirocrimes Enforcement Team is carrying out visits to recycling and charity bank sites across South Cambridgeshire to help keep them clean and tidy.

“Fly-tipping harms communities and the environment. We will continue to investigate incidents and take action against offenders to protect South Cambridgeshire.”

In a joint statement, District Councillors for Cambourne, Cllr Michael Booth, Cllr Helene Leeming and Cllr Amber Thomas saidd: “Most people in Cambourne take pride in our town and are thoroughly sick of seeing fly-tipping. Not only is it an eyesore and a public health issue, it also comes at a cost to local taxpayers and businesses, who ultimately have to pay for the waste to be cleared up. Fly-tipping wastes people’s time and money and takes resources away from other priorities.

“That’s why the Council is taking action against those who fly-tip, including issuing fines where offenders are identified. As Cambourne’s local representatives we hope this sends a clear message that fly-tipping has a real cost to our community. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste properly and keep Cambourne clean.”

The family of three-year-old Noah Woods has received an apology after NHS staff members attempted to access his medical records without authorisation.

On September 15, the toddler went missing, prompting a major 24-hour search comprising 1,300 people, helicopters, and dog units in the village of Brantham, Suffolk.

His body was discovered in the pond by police divers the next day, with an inquest later hearing that he had left a play area ‘through a gap in the fence’.

Noah’s family paid tribute to the ‘happy, cheeky, playful’ boy, with his mother, Charlie, urging people to ‘hold their children a little tighter’.

But as his family grieves, an internal probe has been launched by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust after concerns were flagged about employees trying to access Noah’s private patient data.

This led to 10 employees reportedly being removed from duty.

It’s believed that the ‘breach of trust’ began on September 17 and stemmed from the high-profile nature of the case.

As reported by The Sun on Sunday, an information governance team audited the main electronic patient record system from 5.30pm on the evening Noah’s disappearance was announced on the night of September 16, when his death was confirmed.

The publication understands that the Trust is also investigating other possible violations on systems where Noah was previously treated.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Martin Mansfield called the acts ‘completely unacceptable’.

‘We have apologised unreservedly to Noah’s family for the extra anguish this breach of trust has caused them at an already devastating time,’ his statement read.

‘As soon as we became aware of concerns that Noah’s medical records may have been viewed inappropriately, we launched an urgent internal investigation.

‘Immediate steps were also taken to secure the records and prevent further access that was not for a legitimate, clinical reason.’

He added that the matter has also been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office, and Noah’s family will be kept updated.

‘We will take disciplinary action where needed,’ he declared.

Noah’s parents previously shared that their little boy was being assessed for autism. He also had mild hearing loss and had delayed speech.

Despite the ‘challenges he faced’, they said, he continued ‘learning every day’ and had begun ‘saying new words’ and ‘using his little voice’.

His mother identified his body at Ipswich Hospital on the night he was found by Decoy Pond.

Police said Noah’s body had been five metres from the edge, within submerged tree roots around 1.8m deep.

Suffolk Coroner’s Court heard from officers how the boy had walked from the park to a memorial garden, which he left through the gate before running down a path on a housing estate towards the pond.

CCTV from the area showed he had been supervised by a relative that day, which was ‘part of a normal routine’. The family also described them as a ‘treasured relative’.

While the family member was seen to be following him, they lost sight of Noah from East Bergholt, after which the police were called.

They are not treating his death as suspicious.

Assistant coroner Jyoti Gill also called the situation ‘very sad and tragic’ while opening the inquest.

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While few people now rely on the moonlight to work late into the evening, it remains a special night for stargazers, with the dazzling full moon also drawing photographers keen to capture its beauty.

The Bolton News reported on September 23, the autumn equinox, the moon looked incredibly bright. That is because it was in its waxing gibbous phase.

The phase gets its name from the increasing amount of the Moon’s surface lit up by the Sun. During this stage, the bright section continues to grow until the Moon reaches its fully illuminated state.

It acts as a countdown to the full moon, with the lunar surface becoming increasingly bright night after night.

The Harvest Moon or corn moon is so called because this is when crops are gathered at the end of the summer season. At this time, the moon appears particularly bright and rises early, letting farmers continue harvesting into the night. This moon is also sometimes named the barley moon, and it is often the nearest full moon to the autumnal equinox, earning the title of harvest moon.

Danny Dyer made an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing to support his daughter Dani

Danny Dyer looked like a proud dad after his daughter Dani’s first live Strictly Come Dancing performance.

The Love Island star is one of many famous faces taking part in this year’s series of the glitzy BBC One show. Dani has joined the likes of Lacey Turner, Lawrence Robb and Jamie Winstone to show off their best moves.

The daughter of Danny Dyer was confirmed as a contestant for the 2025 series but was forced to withdraw from last year’s competition just before the launch show was filmed following a shock exit due to a fractured ankle.

And on Saturday (September 26), the first live Strictly episode aired, in which the celebs took to the dance floor for the first time. As for Dani, she and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin performed a Samba to Lush Life by Zara Larsson.

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The performance went down a treat with the audience and her famous actor dad Danny, who was sat in the crowd with her sister, standing up to give Dani a standing ovation while her sister Sunnie wiped away proud tears. Dani bagged a total score of 22 from the judges.

Reacting to Danny’s appearance, one person on X said: “That was a wonderful dance from Dani Dyer. Danny Dyer looks like a proud father…” Another added: “Danny Dyer in the audience klaxon!”

Meanwhile, another show watcher joked: “Danny Dyer in the audience. Can’t wait for Ray Winston’s joining him. The judges will be terrified! #strictly.”

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It comes after Dani opened up about her Strictly return and how she has changed rehearsals to make sure she doesn’t get another injury.

Dani’s dance partner Nikita explained: “Oh, we are doing a lot of strapping. We are strapping everything. Absolutely everything.”

To which Dani added: “I’ve got, like, my tape and everything, haven’t I?” with Nikita continuing: “We have tape, then we have an ankle brace, then we have a shoe, we do exercises. We are going full out.”

With Dani admitting: “Yeah, we really do. I had a wedding on Saturday and I taped my feet… Yeah, because I had to wear heels and I was like, I’m taping my feet. So, yeah, a little bit OTT.”

Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Ryan Cowie was last seen in the town centre area on Friday morning.

Cops have launched a frantic search in an effort to trace a man who vanished in the early hours of the morning in Dunfermline.

Ryan Cowie is missing from Cardenden and was last seen around 3am on Friday, September, 25, in the town centre. Officers describe the 29-year-old as white, around 6ft and of slim build with brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a blue and white Ralph Lauren shirt, cream trousers and brown shoes when he was last seen.

Police Scotland urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.

Inspector Stuart Hay said: “It is completely out of character for Ryan not to keep in contact with his family and friends, and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his wellbeing. “Searches and enquiries are ongoing throughout the west Fife area to trace him. We would urge anyone who has seen Ryan since Friday morning, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0154 of 26 September.”

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It was great fun while it lasted. But probably summed up England. So near and yet so far.

They were undone by world champions Spain in a five-goal thriller at Wembley in what turned out to be a case of another missed opportunity. Thomas Tuchel’s nearly men were 2-1 up when Harry Kane smashed a penalty against the crossbar and with it the chance to put the game out of sight. If there was one player you would bank on to score, it would be Kane. Sadly, Spain came back and turned this brilliant rollercoaster game on its head again.

Spain ended up victorious because they have just a little bit more quality than England despite a battling, gritty and entertaining performance from Tuchel’s men.

It was not the victory which Tuchel wanted to kickstart England’s Nations League campaign but it was still enough to get the Wembley crowd back onside after the World Cup. You could not help but be entertained and yet it did again highlight the gap between the world and European champions and Tuchel’s brave battlers.

It was a nightmare start for England. Nico O’Reilly passed the ball to Manchester City teammate Marc Guehi who was guilty of a shocking mistake completely out of character.

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Blimey, City might be facing the possibility of relegation after being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules but they are not playing in League Two just yet.

Guehi turned into trouble, clearly did not see Lamine Yamal behind him and just ran the ball straight into the Spain teenager’s path. Yamal raced free, fired the ball past England keeper James Trafford and it went in off the far post to give the world champions the lead inside two minutes.

It was also an unhappy introduction for Leeds keeper James Trafford as this was his big audition and a chance to show Thomas Tuchel what he can do. Tuchel is giving Trafford and Jordan Pickford two games each in these four Nations League games.

England’s sloppiness continued. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pass across his own box – unforgivable at Sunday League level – set up Spain’s Marc Cucurella who could not take full advantage.

Ferran Torres went clean through as England’s defence was sliced wide open again. This time, Trafford came out and made a great block. The offside flag went up but Torres was clearly onside and it would have counted. Torres missed another one-on-one.

Tuchel was getting angry on the touchline – and it was easy to see why. In trying to play a bit more like Spain, they were guilty of playing their way into trouble. Spain could have been out of sight.

Then came the most remarkable turnaround. The game turned on its head in the space of four minutes. First, Spain winger Nico Williams lost possession, Elliot Anderson led the break, Anthony Gordon’s flick found Jude Bellingham.

It was Bellingham’s perfectly timed pass which released Gordon and the England winger buried a low shot past Spain keeper Unai Simon. That was more like it for England. Pace, speed and English cut and thrust.

England were ahead after 40 minutes. Gordon’s pass set up O’Reilly and his cross reached Harry Kane and the England captain’s header was deflected in off Cucurella.

From being given the runaround, England were ahead. This felt like they were back at the World Cup, the game slipping away against DR Congo or Norway and then suddenly they showed incredible spirit to haul themselves back into it.

England then wasted a glorious chance to put the game to bed. They were awarded a penalty after VAR ruled Rodri tripped Bellingham.

But inexplicably, Kane smashed the spot kick against the crossbar. Kane’s standing foot slipped in the run-up and that explained his miss. Kane looked crestfallen – and his despair quickly got worse.

Spain drew level on the hour mark. O’Reilly gave the ball away, Dani Olmo set up Spain substitute Alex Baena who steered his low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

And how Spain made England pay. Baena’s lovely through ball played in Spain substitute Mikel Oyarzabal who dinked the ball past Trafford. The rollercoaster ride was complete.

Bellingham, as ever, was terrific and never stopped trying and even weren’t close in injury time. But it was a case of what might have been.

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“Great quality, perfect for a bedroom. Lots of storage space”

Shoppers are in luck as Dusk has an item of furniture up for grabs that doubles up as storage and an extra ‘comfortable’ chair. The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe in berry is now available for £118, down from £189, at Dusk, saving buyers £71.

If this isn’t the colour scheme everyone is after, the Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe comes in three other colours too: light grey (£95), olive (£118) and sand (£127). Its main features are its button-tufted design and the fact it can be used to store things away like blankets, books and toys.

Not only this, but it can then be closed and used as a footrest or an extra seat in the living room. Dusk advises to choose the olive, berry or sand colours for a rich and luxurious feel or the light grey for a more understated, neutral look.

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Other options include the Stockton Boucle Round Storage Pouffe in off white for £114, down from £189, at Dusk. This one is upholstered in a premium fabric and finished with soft, rounded edges and a removable lid for storage.

Dunelm then has its Fulton Blanket Box for £104.30, down from £149, offering savings of £44.70. Slightly different to the others, this one has a warm wood‑effect finish and is designed with a large storage space inside.

Also at Dunelm is the Zoe Pinstripe Fabric Square Storage Footstool for £99.50, down from £139.30. This one comes in a variety of colours but the price here is for the blue option, which is upholstered in a pinstripe fabric.

The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe is available from Dusk

The pouffe is designed with hidden storage options to stash away blankets, books and toys.

Lastly at Dunelm is the Holland Woven Stripe Square Tray Table Ottoman for £74.50, down from £149. This one is upholstered in a woven stripe fabric and has a soft, cushioned top for added comfort.

The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe in berry has been rated highly over at Dusk, however, as one person said: “Great quality, perfect for a bedroom. Lots of storage space.

“I would definitely recommend it.” Another added: “Love the large round pouffe.

“I bought it for my dressing room and it adds that little bit of luxury, plus it’s great for storage like my hair drier and bits.” A third person commented: “Really pleased with this purchase.

“It’s a lovely colour and good quality.” Another wrote: “Ottoman is as described.

“No assembly required. Good size and looks amazing.

“Great service from Dusk!” This shopper said: “This item is better than expected, lovely, comfortable and very sturdy.

“Would highly recommend purchasing.” Another said: “Absolutely love the pouffe.

“My living room was missing something and it really ties the room together – gorgeous colour, too, and the quality is amazing. Storage is a bonus.”

Another said: “Very good quality and good for storage. As seen in the picture online.”

This buyer wrote: “Really pleased as the quality is great and the button round storage pouffe looks so good, so I will definitely shop again at Dusk.” There are no negative reviews, however it’s worth noting that the colour might not suit all decors and the shape of the pouffe may not be suitable for tighter spaces.

The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe in berry is available from Dusk.

Welcome along to our live coverage of the opening Saturday night of the new rugby season. We start with a cracker of a Welsh derby as the Scarlets host Cardiff.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and Steffan Thomas will be bringing you live updates from Parc y Scarlets.

A reminder of the teams…

Scarlets: Murray; Mee, J Roberts, E James, Page; Anscombe, Blacker; S O’Connor, Elias, Henry Thomas, W Evans, Cuckson, Lousi, Macleod (capt), O Williams.

Replacements: McKee, J Morse, Hawley, Groves, T Davies, Hughes, Hawkins, I Jones.

Cardiff: Winnett; Beetham, Malan, B Thomas, Grady; Sheedy, Mulder; Sio, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, T Williams, Mann, D Thomas, Basham.

Replacements: E Lloyd, Barratt, Wainwright, Thornton, Botham, Bevan, J Evans, Millard.