Emergency services were called to Longstone Street after the alarm was raised at around 7am on Saturday, April 26.

Armed police have surrounded a block of flats in Edinburgh following reports of a “disturbance”. Emergency services were called to Longstone Street after the alarm was raised at around 7am on Sunday, April 26.

Officers were responding to reports of a concern for a man at a property on the street. Pictures taken this morning showed armed cops in attendance holding guns.

Wearing their all-black get-up, some were also seen holding riot shields as they stood outside the building. A large number of uniformed police could be seen at the scene with a cordon placed near the home.

A line of police vehicles were parked on the street with several cops stood outside the flat. Officers could be seen talking to a man through a ground-floor window.

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Ambulance crews have also been called to assist, and emergency crews remain on the scene. It’s not yet clear if anyone has been injured as a result.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7am on Sunday, April 26, police received a report of a disturbance and concern for a man at a property on Longstone Street, Edinburgh. Officers remain at the scene.”

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The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene

Two people have died, and one has been taken to hospital following a collision in Co Antrim on Saturday night.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a collision involving a car and a motorcycle on the Glenavy Road in Upper Ballinderry shortly before 6pm on 25th April. The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene, while another person was taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Detective Inspector Dave Stewart, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report shortly before 6pm on Saturday of a collision involving a motorcycle and a car in the Glenavy Road area of Upper Ballinderry.

“Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended, however, sadly, two people – the drivers of both vehicles – were pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Another person was taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries. The road, which was closed for a time between the junctions of Soldierstown Road and Hammonds Road, has since reopened.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1142 of 25/06/26.

“You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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The funeral home was run by couple Jon and Carie Hallford and offered affordable, eco-friendly services for the community.

Local officials started to receive complaints of an “abhorrent” smell coming from a building that belonged to the Return to Nature funeral home in October 2023. It was run by couple Jon and Carie Hallford in Penrose, Colorado, and offered affordable, eco-friendly services for the community.

It specialised in “green burials”, as well as standard cremations and burials, which skipped the embalming stage and avoided the use of harsh chemicals. It was a modern, ethical option – and, as reported by the Mirror, the funeral home became a trusted choice for bereaved families.

Carie was the face of the business and guided clients through the emotional process and did the paperwork, with clients recalling her compassion and warmth as she promised dignified care. Jon, who was more behind the scenes and managed the technical side of the business, described himself as a “third generation funeral home director” with 19 years of experience.

Cremations started at $1,200 and were “outsourced” to a local crematory. The couple would then provide loved ones with the ashes. It appeared that running a funeral business was lucrative as the Hallfords drove luxury cars, went on expensive holidays and shopped in designer stores.

Return to Nature had an office where the Hallfords met with families, and a 2,500sqft building nearby that was run down and appeared to be used for storage.

Officers went to that building on October 3, 2023, after the reports of a terrible smell were made. At the time there were no legal requirements in Colorado for funeral directors to be licensed or even trained, so there had never been a routine inspection.

Police noticed the smell instantly, but they couldn’t see inside because the windows were blacked out. They spoke with Jon about the stench and he said it was connected to his taxidermy hobby. Officers were suspicious of liquid that appeared to be seeping under the door. They got a search warrant and returned the next day.

Jon and Carie were nowhere to be seen. Dressed in protective suits, gloves, boots and respirators, the police entered the building. The scene inside was horrific. There were bodies stacked up on top of each other in nearly a dozen rooms.

The piles were so high they blocked doorways. Some had been there a few months, while others had been there since 2019. There were 189 bodies, with many in body bags while others were just wrapped in sheets.

Adults, children and foetuses were in the advanced stages of decomposition due to the lack of refrigeration. The floor was covered in bodily fluids, and the building was infested with insects and maggots. Buckets were scattered around to catch leaking fluids.

The Hallfords had been assuring families that they had given their dead loved ones a dignified cremation, but they had just taken the money and thrown the bodies on a pile to rot. They must have known that they would be caught eventually.

Officers discovered the crematory that Return to Nature told families they used had stopped working with the business the year before due to unpaid bills. The couple had also missed tax payments and had been evicted from one of their properties.

Inside the building was a sack of concrete mix. That was what Carie and Jon had given families in urns, pretending it was the ashes of their cremated loved ones. Some had scattered it in meaningful places while others had carried it with them for years – unaware it was concrete mix.

Some families had thought the ashes felt heavier than they should or were a strange texture before the discovery. Some even contained foreign objects like bolts. News quickly spread about the horrific discovery and the Hallfords went on the run. Jon turned his phone off so he couldn’t be tracked but the FBI tracked Carie’s phone and they were found hiding with Jon’s parents in Oklahoma. The pair were arrested.

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Identifying the bodies was a huge task. Investigators used fingerprints, dental records and even hospital bracelets that were still on the wrist of some victims. The building was condemned and demolished. The police also exhumed two bodies that the Hallfords had overseen the burials for and found the wrong people in the graves. One was supposed to be a male former army sergeant but inside the coffin was a female. The number of victims rose to 191.

The evidence got worse, with surveillance footage capturing Jon entering the building at night and heartlessly flipping a body off a gurney to the floor so he could use it to bring more bodies in from a van. That night he sent a text to Carie saying, “While I was making the transfer, I got people juice on me.” There was footage of Carie entering the building too – they both knew.

They had taken more than $130,000 from families for cremations that didn’t happen and nearly $900,000 in federal pandemic relief funds, which was supposed to be for struggling businesses. Text messages between the pair showed that Jon was trying to come up with ways to get rid of the bodies. In October 2020, he discussed four options. “Build a new machine ASAP [likely a crematory]. Dig a big hole and use lye. Dig a small hole and build a large fire. I go to prison, which is probably what’s going to happen.”

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The Hallfords got divorced behind bars. They both made plea deals. Jon pleaded guilty to wire fraud and abuse of 191 corpses. He said, “I had so many chances to put a stop to everything and walk away, but I did not. My mistakes will echo for a generation. Everything I did was wrong.”

Family members told the court about recurring nightmares about decomposing flesh and maggots. They called Jon “a monster”. The judge said he had caused “unspeakable and incomprehensible” harm. “It is my personal belief that every one of us, every human being, is basically good at the core, but we live in a world that tests that belief every day, and, Mr Hallford, your crimes are testing that belief,” he said.

Jon, 46, received 40 years for abuse of corpses and 20 years for wire fraud. Carie, 49, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and abuse of corpses. She asked for leniency, claiming that she was a “scared and desperate mother” who was manipulated by her husband. Carie was sentenced to 18 years for wire fraud and awaits further sentencing for the abuse of corpses.

Families of the victims have spoken out about the guilt they felt for trusting that the couple were looking after their loved ones. A new law was introduced in Colorado in May 2024 to overhaul the funeral business industry and add strict legislation.

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When Sir Jim Ratcliffe singled out the United academy as having “slipped” with some of his customary direct feedback in October, he highlighted the appointment of Stephen Torpey as evidence of change.

Torpey is the latest Old Trafford recruit from the Manchester City blueprint Ratcliffe so admires, and that introduction from the United co-owner was pretty clear.

“The academy has really slipped at Manchester United,” Ratcliffe said. “You need the academy to be producing talent all the time. It helps you financially. That’s not a light switch. You don’t solve the academy problem overnight. It takes time.”

United’s first team will play just 40 games this season. An unusually sparse schedule at first team level has led to heightened interest in the club’s academy, as has the emergence of young talents like JJ Gabriel.

Torpey wants to develop some of the country’s best young players at Carrington. Gabriel, who has scored 23 goals in 25 appearances for the U18s this season, fits that billing.

Read the interview here.

Leeds, meanwhile, are in fine fettle. They are unbeaten in seven and are riding high, with victories over Manchester United and Wolves fresh in the memory. They have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 1987, and could confirm a first final berth since they finished as runners-up in 1973.

The brutal killing was described as a “callous and totally unnecessary attack on a defenceless elderly woman” who police believe opened the door to her killer. 

There were no signs of forced entry at the widow’s three-bedroom semi-detached home on Hartburn Avenue, which was cordoned off and guarded by police following the incident. 

It was a neighbour who was taking shopping to the 94-year-old that found her in a pool of blood on the floor, having been stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife.

Mrs Simpson was described by neighbours at the time as “not having an enemy in the world” and as someone who kept herself and her house “fastidious tidy”.

The scene of the killing of Kate Simpson (Image: NORTHERN ECHO ARCHIVE)

Three men were convicted of killing Mrs Simpson – but in 1992, all three of them were freed after their convictions were quashed by appeal court judges in London. 

At the time, The Northern Echo reported how there had been reports of bogus salesmen visiting pensioners’ homes in the nearby area.

And police initially believed that the killer was a burglar and theft was the motive. 

Detectives said neighbours’ descriptions of her tidiness had led them to believe household items had been disturbed in the room where she was found and about the house. 

65 police officers combed through Stockton to find evidence following the incident, searching nearby gardens and land and carrying out door-to-door enquiries. 

In the March 9, 1988 edition of the Echo, Cleveland Police’ Chief Superintendent John Ferguson said Mrs Simpson was “an ideal example of the elderly at risk”.

An excerpt from The Northern Echo on the death of Kate Simpson (Image: NORTHERN ECHO ARCHIVE)

He said: “She lived alone in an attractive, large house which was well furnished and maintained through hard work in earlier life. 

“It presented an element of affluence to the outside world which tends to feed upon rumour and general gossip. 

“The circumstances of her death raise a more sinister note. Did she recognise someone? Were injuries inflicted to persuade her to disclose some non-existent fortune? 

“Or are we simply looking for someone so evil and depraved that the killing was motivated not by logic but an uncontrollable lust to kill?” 

Decades later and Mrs Simpson’s killer remains unknown.

Mrs Simpson’s death is one of the many unsolved deaths or disappearances across the region that the Echo will be reporting on as part of our new ‘North East cold cases’ series.

North Landing at Flamborough Head became a perfect double for wartime Britain in the 2016 film Dad’s Army, and formed the backdrop for Walmington Beach.

But that’s not all this East Yorkshire beach and cove that “looks like something out of a postcard” (just over an hour’s drive from York), is known for.

Over the years, visitors have often highlighted how it’s the ideal location to see puffins, seals, dolphins, stunning sunsets, and even the Northern Lights.

Plus, in summer, it’s said to transform into a “tropical” beach, while one explorer has revealed “nowhere else compares” to North Landing.

The beach, which is also situated close to Bridlington, is a mixture of pebbles, sand, and clear blue sea, with a car park, toilets (closed in winter), cafes, and a shop (Boathouse Burger and Grill, North Landing Cafe & Beachside Shop) found at the top.

Yorkshire beach seen in Dad’s Army film where ‘nowhere else compares’

East Riding Coast and Countryside shares: “A sandy bay, rock pools, caves and chalk cliffs. In the summer boat trips are available.”

It adds: “Site of the old Lifeboat Station (now moved to South Landing), North Landing is still famous for its smugglers’ caves and panoramic views north along the coast to Filey and Scarborough.

“Once the hub of Flamborough’s small but active fishing industry, now a few cobles are all that remain.”

Additionally, UK Beach Guide details: “This small, picturesque beach of North Landing is flanked by stunning chalk cliffs, which are backed by grassy hills.

“It is situated in a natural cove on the north side of the Flamborough headland, about 7 miles south-east of Reighton. 

“The beach here is a mix of soft sand and pebbles. 

“At low tide this can be a good place to hunt for marine wildlife in the rockpools, although care must be taken as the rocks can get very slippery.”

It continues: “The bird life here can be amazing. Cormorants, kittiwakes, razorbills and even puffins can be spotted by those who know what to look for.”

Meanwhile, hiking, paddleboarding, and waterfall enthusiast @mimelleadventures1 on TikTok revealed about North Landing: “If you’re looking for tropical vibes check out North Landing in Flamborough, Yorkshire.

‘Peaceful, beautiful, untouched… just how nature should be’ (Image: Getty Images)

“You can park at the cliff top and eat at the Caravel pub or at The Boathouse Burger & Grill.”

Another TikTok account known as @glamnanax shared: “Crystal clear waters shifting between deep blues and vibrant greens.

“Sunlight dancing across the sea like pure magic.

“Towering chalk cliffs and hidden caves waiting to be explored.

“Peaceful, beautiful, untouched… just how nature should be.

“With local fishing boats adding that perfect coastal charm.

“This little cove is something special…

“A place to slow down, breathe, and just take it all in.

“No place better.”

Over on Tripadvisor, North Landing has a “very good” rating of 4.5/5 based on 404 reviews – 266 of which are rated as “excellent”.

This visitor commented: “Beautiful beach, stunning views really does look like something out of a postcard. A little walk along and you can see the seals sunbathing!
Stunning!”

Another posted: “Fantastic spot. Small secluded beach with a fabulous Boathouse burger and grill cafe. Lobster and chips £15. Buses available from Bridlington. Well worth the trip.”

One person put: “I love this place, it was a red hot day and I walked down to the bay and sat and watched the seals bobbing up and down, I then walked to the other areas then had a drink in the cafe and had a look in the gift shop to finish.”

Elsewhere, this profile praised: “Lovely scenic beach some lovely caves to walk into brilliant for families and couples just wanting to relax has a shop and eatery onsite and a lovely coastal walking pathway.”

Someone else who was impressed after their visit to North Landing said: “This little beach is absolutely stunning. From white cliffs to the blue sea! The water is so clear you have to put your feet in it to believe it.

“There is so much history to this little beach, its so interesting. Who knew the vikings landed through here?

“You can actually witness the Aurora borealis here during the Aurora season. Amazing!

“Very clean. Definitely recommend!”

Also impressed about the glorious blue water, this account wrote: “Beautiful beach, blue water! Beautiful caves to explore. Really happy we visited this beach.”

It’s important to note that the descent to the beach from the car park is quite steep, and visitors with mobility issues may find access difficult.

Always make sure you are aware of the tide times before visiting and pay attention to the latest weather forecast.

Have you been to North Landing? Let us know what you thought of this film star beach in the comments below.

A lipreader has revealed how Vice President JD Vance reacted as an apparent would-be assassin stormed a dinner event in Washington DC.

Gunshots rang out at the hotel where the formal White House Correspondents’ Dinner where Donald Trump was preparing to address top US journalists on Saturday evening.

Dramatic footage from the scene shows personnel rushing on stage to pullTrump, his wife, Melania, and several other top administration officials.

Secret Service members clutched onto the Vice President and yanked him out of his seat as the chaos unfolded.

Forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling revealed that a bodyguard apparently went up to Vance shouting: ‘Run, f***ing run.’

The Vice President responded ‘What’s happening? I’m going’ before he left the stage in a hurry.

Officials said the attacker was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives when he charged at a security checkpoint by the ballroom.

Trump later posted pictures of the suspect in the shooting lying face down on the carpeted floor, topless.

US outlets identified him as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California.

Another guest seen escorted away from the scene was Erika Kirk, wife of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on a college campus in September.

Erika could be seen in tears leaving the venue, saying to a bodyguard: ‘I just wanna go home’.

Donald Trump also revealed what his wife told him after bullets were fired in the Washington Hilton Hotel.

At a press conference in the West Wing after the shooting, Trump said: ‘It’s always shocking when something like this happens.

‘The fact that we were sitting next to each other, the first lady on my right, and I heard a noise,’ Trump said, adding they thought ‘it was either a tray or a bullet.

‘I heard a noise and kinda thought it was a tray going down.’

He said Melania instantly recognised the sound as a ‘bad noise,’ adding that ‘it was a rather traumatic experience for her.’ 

‘Melania was very cognizant,’ he continued.

Within seconds of the shots, the President, First Lady, and Vice President ducked for cover under their table on stage at the front of the room. 

Secret Service agents then escorted them off the stage and combed through the banquet hall to secure top Cabinet figures.

An officer was shot during the exchange, Trump confirmed.

‘One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing an – obviously – a very good bulletproof vest. He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Trump ‘was still focused on optics even as gunman tried to barge into ballroom’

MORE: Security for King’s US state visit under review after Washington shooting

MORE: Correspondents’ Dinner attendee goes viral for refusing to let gunman ruin meal

The agents praised one village for its atmosphere and ease of travelling into the city

Estate agents in and around Cambridge have named their favourite village in Cambridgeshire. Histon, a village of just under 5,000 residents around five miles north of Cambridge city centre, was named as the estate agents’ top pick.

The village has long been sought after for its mix of close-knit village atmosphere, nearby green spaces and walking routes, and strong transport links into Cambridge. The village sits on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway – the longest of its kind in the world – which offers frequent and direct journeys into the city centre.

Estate agent Isabel Hastie named the village as her personal favourite, citing the “strong sense of community” as well as the “easy access into Cambridge via the guided Busway” and great “selection of shops, lovely cafés and pubs.” Agency Tucker Gardner also chose the village due to its proximity to Cambridge and vibrant high street.

Another major attraction of the village is its closest school, Impington Village College, located in the neighbouring village of Impington. In 2025, Impington Village college was ranked as the UK Comprehensive School of the Year by the Sunday Times and was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all areas in its most recent OFSTED inspection.

According to RightMove, the average house price in Histon sits at £505,250 which is a 10% rise on the previous year. However, this is well below the average house price for the city of Cambridge which RightMove currently calculates to be £561,066 over the last year.

According to property website Zoopla’s most recent price index, Cambridge is the most expensive major city outside of London, making Histon attractive to prospective buyers who have been priced out of the city. Like many commuter towns on the outskirts of Cambridge, demand for houses is high meaning properties in Histon are usually not on the market for long.

Other villages that got a mention from the estate agents were Bourn, Linton, and Impington.